Which acute phase protein is associated with cats?

A1 glycoprotein is indeed recognized as an acute phase protein that is notably associated with cats. Acute phase proteins are those that change in concentration in response to inflammation or tissue injury. A1 glycoprotein specifically increases during inflammatory states in cats and serves as a biomarker for acute inflammatory responses. This makes it useful for assessing various conditions, such as infections or inflammatory diseases in feline patients.

In contrast, while C-reactive protein is also an acute phase protein commonly utilized in human medicine, its elevation in cats is not as well documented as A1 glycoprotein. Albumin typically serves as a serum protein involved in maintaining oncotic pressure and is not classified as an acute phase protein since its levels can actually decrease during inflammation. Fibrinogen, although it can be evaluated in cats, is more frequently used as a measure of hemostasis and is less specific as an acute phase reactant compared to A1 glycoprotein in this particular species context. Understanding the specific changes in acute phase proteins like A1 glycoprotein in cats is vital for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of feline health.