Veterinary Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

• Uric acid is produced by the breakdown of purines. Purines are chemicals that come from nucleic acids (DNA). They enter the circulation from digestion of foods or from normal breakdown and turnover of cells in the body. Most uric acid is removed by the kidneys and disposed of in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the feces. If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted, it can accumulate. The presence of excess uric acid can cause the condition called gout  an inflammation that occurs in joints when crystals derived from uric acid form in the joint fluids.