In a dehydrated animal, what change would you typically see in total protein levels?

In a dehydrated animal, what change would you typically see in total protein levels?

• A. Unaffected
• B. Decreased
• C. Increased
• D. Variable

Answer: (C)

When a patient is dehydrated, there is less free water in the blood, so the concentration of all solutes, including proteins, increases. Total protein measures the amount of albumin and globulins per volume of serum, so as plasma volume decreases due to fluid loss, the protein concentration rises even though the actual amount of protein may not have changed. This effect is called hemoconcentration. So, you’d expect total protein to be increased in a dehydrated animal, and it typically returns toward normal once fluids are rehydrated.

When a patient is dehydrated, there is less free water in the blood, so the concentration of all solutes, including proteins, increases. Total protein measures the amount of albumin and globulins per volume of serum, so as plasma volume decreases due to fluid loss, the protein concentration rises even though the actual amount of protein may not have changed. This effect is called hemoconcentration. So, you’d expect total protein to be increased in a dehydrated animal, and it typically returns toward normal once fluids are rehydrated.