CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
measure albumin on veterinary chemistry analysers
is not accurate in rabbits (falsely high), birds (falsely
low) and some new world monkeys (falsely high).
SPE is necessary to determine albumin concentra-
tions accurately in these species.
2. Clinical suspicion of multiple myeloma, based on the
presence of bone pain, lytic bone lesions, proteinuria
and/or hypercalcaemia. These patients will gener-
ally also have a hyperglobulinaemia (based on rou-
tine clinical chemistry testing) but can present with
normoglobulinaemia. Normal plasma cells produce
a wide variety of immunoglobulins, but neoplastic
plasma cells in multiple myeloma produce only one,
or sometimes two types (or clones). All of these iden-
tical proteins will migrate to the same area on the
electrophoresis gel, resulting in a high narrow-based
peak in either the beta-2 or gamma area (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Electrophoretogram showing the appearance of a
monoclonal peak in the gamma area.
This is called monoclonal gammopathy and is sup-
portive for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
3. Persistent unexplained increase in globulins: the
electrophoretogram will demonstrate an increase in
one of the fractions, which may help to guide further
diagnostics.
4. Unexplained hypogammaglobulinaemia: This is a
rare indication as usually low globulin concentra-
tions can be linked to lack of synthesis due to hepatic
insufficiency, or loss due to haemorrhage or pro-
SPE is not particularly helpful
in diagnosing the cause of
inflammation or confirming FIP
tein-losing enteropathies. Failure of passive transfer
in neonates will also result in hypoglobulinaemia due
to very low concentrations of IgG – this diagnosis is
based on history and direct measurement of IgG, not
SPE.
SPE is not particularly helpful in:
1. Inflammation: an acute phase response, with de-
creased in albumin and increases in alpha globulins,
is expected in acute inflammation. An increase in the
beta and gamma fractions (immunoglobulins) is ex-
pected in chronic inflammation. Other indicators of
inflammation, like fever and an inflammatory leuko-
gram, are much more obvious and accessible in cats
and dogs. If an inflammatory state is suspected in the
absence typical leukogram changes, direct meas-
urement of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein,
serum amyloid A, haptoglobin) is preferred.
2. Feline infectious peritonitis: the SPE pattern in FIP
usually shows an increase in both alpha and gamma
globulins, which is typical of chronic inflammation
with an active component. This pattern may be seen
in immune-mediated and other infectious diseases,
neoplasia and chronic hepatitis, and is not specif-
ic for FIP. The serum albumin: globulin ratio has a
much higher diagnostic value for FIP than SPE.3
References:
1. Stockham SL, Scott MA. Proteins. Fundamentals of
Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 2nd ed. Ames, Iowa:
Blackwell; 2008:369-414.
2. Eckersall PD. Proteins, proteomics and the dyspro-
teinemias. In: Kaneko JJ, Harvey JW, Bruss ML, eds.
Clinical biochemistry of domestic animals. 6th ed.
Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press; 2008:117-
156.
3. Hartmann K, Binder C, Hirschberger J, et al. Compar-
ison of Different Tests to Diagnose Feline Infectious
Peritonitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
2003;17(6):781-790.
The OVAH Clinical Pathology Laboratory offers
Exotic Animal Electrophoresis for R150.00 plus VAT
The electrophoresis is run in duplicate, on serum samples, and a minimum volume of 100
uL (0.1 mL) is needed. Samples are generally only run once weekly, but there is flexibility
for emergency cases.
Please contact the clinical pathology lab on 012 529 8199 or email [email protected].
za for further information.
Issue 03 | JUNE 2017 | 33