Blood biochemistry: aspartate aminotransferase in Ferrets | Vetlexicon
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Blood biochemistry: aspartate aminotransferase

ISSN 2398-2985


Synonym(s): AST, Serum AST, SAST, Glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase, GOT, Serum GOT, SGOT

Overview

  • Highest activity levels are in liver, cardiac muscle, red blood cells and skeletal muscle.
  • Less specific than ALT for liver damage in ferrets.

Uses

Alone

  • Little use on its own.

In combination

  • Skeletal muscle damage.
  • Liver damage (hepatocellular necrosis).
  • Cardiac ischemia.
  • Always combine with CK, ALT, AP and bilirubin.

Sampling

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Tests

Methodologies

  • Method and normal range may vary between laboratories.

Availability

  • Widely available.

Validity

Sensitivity

  • Significant less sensitivity for liver damage in ferrets when compared to ALT.

Specificity

  • Little specificity, as it is also found in skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle.

Technique intrinsic limitations

  • Results only significant when interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical findings.

Result Data

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Li T, Yoshizaki S, Kataoka M et al (2017) Genetic and physicochemical analyses of a novel ferret hepatitis E virus, and clinical signs of infection after birth. Infection Genetics and Evolution 51, 153-159 PubMed.
  • Hein J, Spreyer F, Sauter-Louis C et al (2012) Reference ranges for laboratory parameters in ferrets. Vet Rec 171, 218 PubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Fox J G & Marini R P (2014) Eds. Biology and Diseases of the Ferret. 3rd edn. Wiley Blackwell, USA. pp 835.
  • Mayer J & Donnelly T M (2013) Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. Elsevier, USA. pp 752.
  • Hoefer H L & Bell J A (2004) Gastrointestinal diseases. In: Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Eds: K E Quesenberry & J W Carpenter. Elsevier. pp 25-40.