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Chemistry Description and Guide
Lactate dehydrogenase/LDH
The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase is present in large amounts in all organs and
tissues (including red blood cells) of dogs and cats. It is found in the cell cytoplasm
and is released into the blood during changes in cell membrane permeability or
necrosis. The test is not a specific or sensitive indicator of damage to any organ or
tissue. (See EnzymesQBHF)
Note: The normal range of lactate dehydrogenase in the dog and cat is wide, as can
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due to minimal organ damage are difficult to identify. The measurement of lactate
dehydrogenase is a somewhat traditional test whose diagnostic value is limited in
practice.
Principal reason for performing the test:
To investigate damage to liver, cardiac, or skeletal muscle.
Most common abnormality indicated by the test:
Increased activity is usually associated with hepatic parenchymal lesions.
Special precautions in sample collection:
Fluoride/oxalate and EDTA should not be used as anticoagulants. Remove plasma or
serum promptly from the clot or cells and analyze as soon as possible.
Hemolyzed specimens should not be used because LDH contamination from red blood
cells will occur.
Complementary tests:
Lactate dehydrogenase activity is usually determined in conjunction with other tests of
liver, cardiac, or skeletal muscle damage or function.
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