Low blood albumin in dogs, also known as hypoalbuminemia, occurs when levels of albumin, a protein that regulates blood volume, drop abnormally low. This is usually due to an underlying condition that affects the liver, kidneys, or intestines.
If you see the signs of low blood albumin in your dog, then you must consult your veterinarian right away so they can find the underlying cause and begin proper treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for low blood albumin in dogs.
Symptoms of low blood albumin in dogs
Symptoms of low blood albumin in dogs often appear alongside the symptoms of the underlying condition that’s causing hypoalbuminemia. These conditions can include liver or kidney damage or intestinal problems among other medical issues.
If you see the following symptoms of low blood albumin in your dog, then get to your vet right away:
- Swelling in the extremities (legs and paws)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Distended abdomen (ascites)
- Generalized swelling (all over the body)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the chest)
Causes of low blood albumin in dogs
Hypoalbuminemia can happen when the liver fails to synthesize enough protein, or it can happen when protein is lost through urine or blood. Low blood albumin in dogs can be chronic and appear gradually, or it can come on very quickly and result in severe symptoms. It can also affect dogs of any breed, age, or sex.
Low blood albumin can happen when dogs don’t take in enough protein, when protein is lost through bleeding in the gut or through urine from the kidneys, or when the liver fails to produce enough protein. Additionally, it can happen due to diseased intestines causing nutrients not to be absorbed properly. Many conditions can cause low blood albumin in dogs, but the three most common causes are inflammatory bowel disease, lymphoma, and lymphangiectasia.
Here are several possible causes for a drop in blood albumin levels in dogs:
- Malnutrition
- Malabsorption of nutrients
- Heavy bleeding
- Oozing sores on the skin
- Severe burns
- Protein-losing enteropathy (caused by parasites, gastritis, colitis, and other conditions)
- Parvovirus
- Liver disease
- Renal (kidney) disease
- Pancreatitis
- Peritonitis
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Lymphoma
- Sepsis
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Fungal infection
- Amyloidosis
- Lymphangiectasis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Treatments for low blood albumin in dogs
For dogs in a crisis state, hospitalization may be the first course of action. In an emergency, dogs are given intravenous fluids to restore hydration and electrolytes, and if there’s a dangerous build-up of fluid in the chest or abdomen, a tube may be inserted to drain it.
Medications may also be prescribed to treat the underlying condition. Some of these conditions, such as gastritis or colitis, are fairly easy to manage, and the prognosis is good. Other conditions, such as liver or renal failure, are more difficult to treat.
While recovering, a vet may prescribe diet changes to help boost albumin and treat the underlying cause. They may also recommend physical therapy or more walks to drain fluid and reduce swelling in the limbs.
Several follow-up vet visits should be made to ensure the heart is functioning properly and the fluid isn’t building up to unsafe levels.