Electrolytes, which are salts and metallic components dissolved in the blood serum, play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body. They consist of both negatively and positively charged ions.
Electrolytes play a crucial role in the body's daily functions, as they are essential for proper nerve conduction, heart and skeletal muscle contraction, maintaining proper hydration status, and regulating blood pH.
Any fluctuations in electrolyte levels can have significant effects on muscle function, nerve signaling, and overall hydration. Therefore, it's vital to promptly identify and address any changes in electrolyte concentrations to prevent them from reaching severe or life-threatening levels. In some cases, managing electrolyte imbalances may take precedence over treating the underlying medical condition.
Key Electrolytes in Animal Checkups:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
Sample: Blood, Serum
Electrolyte concentrations can change due to various diseases or conditions, but these changes do not necessarily indicate a specific disease.
Inflammation, cancer, or hyperparathyroidism can elevate serum calcium concentrations
Diseased kidneys may lead to an increase in phosphorus and potassium levels.
Diarrhea can cause the loss of sodium and bicarbonate from the gastrointestinal tract
An imbalance in the sodium-to-potassium ratio may suggest hypoadrenocorticism (addison's disease) in dogs.
Elevated serum potassium concentrations can result in abnormal heartbeats, and excessive loss of sodium and chloride may lead to dehydration and shock.
Diabetic patients with depleted phosphorus concentrations may experience red blood cell rupture and anemia.
