I don’t know what’s going on with my kitty and it’s making me nervous. He’s my sweet floof and he’s been positive for FeLV for a while now, so I’m always on edge about his health. Just got back from the vet, and his blood test showed that his albumin is a bit high and his globulin is a little low. I’m not even sure what that really means, but the vet seemed a bit concerned. He’s been acting more lethargic than usual lately, hanging out in his favorite sunspot but not wanting to play or cuddle as much. Does anyone have experience with this? It’s so hard not knowing exactly what’s going on — any advice or similar stories would really help ease my mind.
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. Seeing slightly high albumin and slightly low globulin levels in your FeLV+ cat can indeed be concerning, but let's break it down.
Albumin is a type of protein in the blood that helps maintain fluid balance and transport hormones and nutrients. Globulins are another type of protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. In the context of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, these abnormal values might suggest several things. High albumin could sometimes be a sign of dehydration, but since it's only slightly elevated, it might not be too alarming. On the other hand, low globulin might indicate an impaired immune response, which can be common in FeLV+ cats.
At home, ensure your cat is well-hydrated. Encourage drinking by offering fresh water daily or incorporating wet food into their diet. Keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, which can signify a more serious underlying issue.
Since laboratory values only tell part of the story, it would be wise to discuss these results in detail with a professional. Please consider scheduling a video consult with Dial A Vet to explore what these results mean specifically for your cat's overall health and management plan.
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