In TRP, which laboratory pattern is commonly observed?

• A. Total protein and fibrinogen often elevated due to chronic inflammatory process
• B. Decreased total protein
• C. Hypoglycemia with normal protein
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (A)

Traumatic reticuloperitonitis triggers an inflammatory response that drives an acute-phase reaction. In ruminants, the liver ramps up production of acute-phase proteins, especially fibrinogen, and total protein tends to rise because of increases in globulins and fibrinogen contributing to the protein pool. So the common lab pattern is elevated total protein along with increased fibrinogen, reflecting the chronic inflammatory process. Decreased total protein would suggest protein loss or poor intake, hypoglycemia with normal protein isn’t typical of this inflammatory scenario, and hyperkalemia isn’t a feature of this condition.