Understanding Your Pet's Lab Tests
This guide explains common lab tests and will help you
understand your pet's test results. If you have questions please
ask a Doctor or Technician. Complete blood count (CBC) This is
the most common blood test performed on pets and people. A CBC
gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, and
the ability of the immune system to respond. This test is
essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness,
pale gums, or loss of appetite. * HCT (hematocrit) measures the
percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration.
* Hgb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration) are the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood
cells. * WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune
cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or
infections. * GRANS and L/M (neutrophils and lymphocytes /
monocytes) are specific types of white blood cells. * EOS
(eosinophils) are a specific type of white blood cells that may
indicate allergic or parasitic conditions. * PLT (platelet
count) measures cells that form blood clots. * RETICS
(reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. High levels
indicate regenerative anemia - an anemia to which the body is
responding.
Blood Chemistries
These common blood serum tests evaluate organ function,
electrolyte status, hormone levels, and more. They are important
in evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting and diarrhea or
toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications, and the
pet's health status before anesthesia. * ALB (albumin) is a
serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and
intestinal, liver, and kidney disease. * AlkP (alkaline
phosphatase) elevations may indicate liver damage, Cushing's
disease, and active bone growth in young pets. * ALT (alanine
aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active
liver-damage but doesn't indicate the cause. * AMYL (amylase)
elevations show pancreatitis or kidney disease.
* AST (aspartate aminotransferase) increases may indicate liver,
heart, or skeletal muscle damage. * BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
indicates kidney function. An increased blood level can be
caused by kidney, liver, and heart disease, urine blockage,
shock and dehydration. * Ca (calcium) deviations can indicate a
variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney
disease, and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that
alter serum calcium.
* CHOL (cholesterol) is used to supplement diagnosis of
hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing's disease,
and diabetes
mellitus. * Cl (chloride) is an electrolyte often lost with
vomiting and Addison's disease. Elevations often indicate
dehydration. * Cortisol is a hormone that is measured in tests
for Cushing's disease (the low-dose dexamethasone suppression
test) and Addison's disease (ACTH stimulation test). * CREA
(creatinine) reveals kidney function. This test helps
distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN.
* GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme that indicates
liver disease or corticosteroid excess. * GLOB (globulin) is a
blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and
certain disease states. * GLU (glucose) is a blood sugar.
Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus. Low levels can
cause collapse, seizures or coma. * K (potassium) is an
electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination.
Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison's disease,
dehydration, and urethral obstruction. * LIP (lipase) is an
enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis. * Na (sodium) is an
electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney and
Addison's disease. This test helps indicate hydration status. *
PHOS (phosphorus) levels that are increased in your pet are
often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and
bleeding disorders. * T.BIL (total bilirubin) elevations may
indicate liver or hemolytic disease. This test helps identify
bile duct problems and certain types of anemia. * TP (total
protein) indicates hydration status and provides additional
information about the liver, kidneys, and infectious diseases. *
T4 (thyroxine) is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels often
signal hypothyroidism in dogs, while high levels indicate
hyperthyroidism in cats. Urinalysis
This test is used to determine whether WBC's (infection), RBC's
(inflammation, etc), or crystals are present, and to check pH
(to test if urine is too acidic or alkaline) and concentration
(to assess kidney function & other conditions.)
The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.
About the author:
Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate,
Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in
Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more
about the vet clinic and our staff,
visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]
Written by: Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital
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