Biochemistry assesses organ function, muscle health, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Here are some commonly measured values:

Protein: Total protein level in the blood. Normal range: 55-60 g/l. Elevated levels may indicate dehydration or inflammation, while low levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or protein loss.

Albumin: A major protein in the blood produced by the liver that helps to maintain blood pressure. Normal range: 29-40 g/l. High levels can indicate dehydration. Low albumin can be associated with liver or kidney disease or protein loss.

Globulin: Another type of protein in the blood involved in the immune response. Normal range: 17-42 g/l. High globulin levels may indicate inflammation or infection, while low levels may indicate immune suppression.

Fibrinogen: A protein involved in blood clotting and a marker of inflammation in the body. Normal range: <4 g/l. Elevated levels may suggest inflammation and infections, while low levels are rarely concerning.

AAT (Alpha-1-antitrypsin): A muscle and liver enzyme. Normal range: 183-497 iu/l. Elevated levels suggest muscle damage, liver stress, and inflammation. Low levels are uncommon.

CPK (Creatine Kinase): An enzyme found in muscle and an indicator of muscle function. Normal range: 113-333 iu/l. Elevated levels may indicate muscle damage or overexertion, while low levels may be associated with muscle disease.

AP (Alkaline Phosphatase): An enzyme found in various tissues, including liver and bone. Normal range: <200 iu/l. Elevated levels can suggest liver disease or bone growth. Low levels are rarely significant.

IAP (Isoenzyme of Alkaline Phosphatase): An enzyme specific to intestinal health. Normal range: <20 iu/l. Elevated levels suggest intestinal disease. Low levels are rarely significant.

GLDH (Glutamate Dehydrogenase): An enzyme primarily found in the liver. Normal range: 3-12 iu/l. Elevated levels indicate liver damage, while low levels are rarely significant.

YGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): An enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts and is used as a marker for liver function. Normal range: <50 iu/l. Elevated levels may suggest liver or bile duct disease or obstructions. Low levels are rarely significant.

Urea: A waste product from protein breakdown by the kidneys. It is a marker of kidney function and protein metabolism. Normal range: 3.5-9.5 mmol/l. Elevated levels may indicate kidney disease or dehydration. Low levels could be seen in horses who have poor diets/protein intake or liver disease.

Creatinine: Another waste product from muscle metabolism, an indicator of kidney filtration and function. Normal range: <167 µmol/l. Elevated levels suggest kidney disease, while low levels could indicate kidney loss.

Bilirubin: A breakdown product of red blood cells. Normal range: 1.3-3.9 µmol/l. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or red blood cell destruction and are also seen in horses that fast or go a long period without feed. Low levels are rarely significant.

Bile Acids: Produced in the liver and aid in digestion and are a marker of liver function. Normal range: <8 µmol/l. Elevated levels suggest liver disease or bile duct obstruction. Low levels are rarely significant.

SAA (Serum Amyloid A): An acute-phase protein that increases dramatically with inflammation and is therefore a marker of acute inflammation. Normal range: <20 mg/l. Elevated levels indicate acute inflammation and infection. Low levels are rarely significant.

T Bil (Total Bilirubin): The total amount of bilirubin in the blood. Normal range: 13-30 µmol/l. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease or red blood cell destruction.

Iron: Normal range: >119 µg/dL. Iron levels in the blood are essential for good RBC function and are therefore a marker of RBC function and health. Elevated levels may indicate iron overload or liver disease, while low levels suggest iron deficiency anemia.