How can dehydration be evaluated through a clinical pathology report?

Evaluating dehydration through a clinical pathology report often involves examining elevated levels of total protein and electrolytes in the blood. When an animal is dehydrated, the concentration of these substances in the blood can increase due to a reduction in plasma volume, leading to a relative increase in total protein and electrolyte levels.

Total protein comprises various proteins that can indicate hydration status and overall health. In cases of dehydration, proteins such as albumin and globulins can be elevated. Electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are also critical indicators, as their concentrations can reflect fluid imbalances within the body.

In contrast, examining hormone levels may not directly indicate dehydration. While certain hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone relate to fluid regulation, they are not routinely measured in standard pathology reports for evaluating dehydration. Observing changes in blood pH can offer insights into metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis but is not a direct measurement of dehydration. Lastly, the number of white blood cells is more indicative of infection or inflammation rather than hydration status. Thus, the combination of elevated total protein and electrolytes provides a clearer picture of an animal’s hydration state.