Hypergammaglobulinemia
Also known as: Hypergammaglobulinämie · Elevated gamma globulins · Polyclonal gammopathy · Monoclonal gammopathy · Erhöhte Immunglobuline
Overview
What it is
Hypergammaglobulinaemia is an abnormal buildup of immunoglobulins, which are infection-fighting proteins (antibodies) in the blood's immune system. This condition is typically triggered by underlying chronic inflammation, infections, or bone marrow cancers. Veterinarians use a specialized blood test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the protein increase is uniform or diverse.
How it presents
Owners may notice general signs of illness such as lethargy, unexplained weight loss, recurrent fevers, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms most commonly develop in adult or senior dogs as a response to an underlying chronic disease.
Treatment
While the condition itself is treatable, therapy must target the underlying cause and can range from long-term medication to intensive chemotherapy. Management is often lifelong and typically costs between 1,500 and 7,000 EUR depending on the primary disease.
How it's tested
Serum-Proteinelektrophorese(SPEP)
Primary testClinical examDie Serum-Proteinelektrophorese dient dem Nachweis und der Differenzierung von erhöhten Immunglobulinen (Gammaglobulinen) im Blutserum.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hypergammaglobulinemia?
Hypergammaglobulinaemia is an abnormal buildup of immunoglobulins, which are infection-fighting proteins (antibodies) in the blood's immune system. This condition is typically triggered by underlying chronic inflammation, infections, or bone marrow cancers. Veterinarians use a specialized blood test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the protein increase is uniform or diverse.
How is Hypergammaglobulinemia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Serum-Proteinelektrophorese.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.