Background: Reference intervals (RI) are pivotal in clinical pathology. The influence of breed on RI has been poorly documented in cats.
Hypothesis/objectives: RI for plasma biochemistry variables are breed-dependent in cats.
Animals: Five hundred and thirty-six clinically healthy, fasted, client-owned cats from 4 breeds: Holly Birman (n=132), Chartreux (n=129), Maine Coon (n=139), and Persian (n=136).
Methods: Prospective observational study: Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein into capillary tubes containing lithium heparin. Plasma glucose, urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO2 concentrations and the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were assayed with a dry slide biochemical analyzer. RI were defined as central 95% intervals bounded by the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Data were analyzed by a linear mixed effects model with type I error rate of 0.05.
Results: A significant (P<.05) breed effect was observed for 9/13 variables. The magnitude of the differences between breeds could be clinically relevant for creatinine, glucose, and total protein. Age, body weight, sex, and housing conditions had significant (P<.05) breed-related effects on different variables.
Conclusions and clinical importance: Breed-specific RI should be considered for cats.