YOUR PET’S BLOOD WORK – WHAT DOES IT MEAN? At one time or another, I am sure that you all have had blood work done on one of your pets. The question is, were the results explained to you in terms that you could understand. Hopefully this article will explain things in terms that the average person can understand. The next time blood is drawn on one of your pets, take a copy of this article to your veterinarian and go down the list item by item and check off the abnormal values. This will help both you and your veterinarian. You will better understand their their thought process and how treatment will proceed. When blood is drawn, 2 tubes are taken. One tube, which does not clot due to an anticoagulant in the tube, checks the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A blood smear is also made to check individual cells under a microscope. The tube of unclotted blood is the most common test run and is called a CBC (Complete Blood Count) A CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, blood parasites, the blood’s clotting ability, and the immune system’s ability to respond. This test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect unseen abnormalities. HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia or dehydration. Hb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying pigment of red blood cells (corpuscles). WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body’s immune cells. Increases and decreases indicate certain diseases or infections. GRANS and L/M (granulocytes 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. The second tube which clots and then is spun in a centrifuge, separates the liquid from the cells in the blood. This portion of the blood work is termed a profile or blood chemistries. These common tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels, and more. They are important in evaluating health of older pets, pets with vomiting and diarrhea or toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications, and preanesthetic patients. 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. This test is especially significant for cats. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active liver damage but does not 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 is called azotemia and can be caused by kidney, liver, and heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock, and dehydration. Ca (calcium) deviations can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease and low albumin are just a few conditions that can 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). CRERA (creatinine) revels kidney function. This test helps distinguish between kidney and nonkidney causes of elevated BUN. GGT (gamma glutamyl tranferase) 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, or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison’s disease, dehydration, and urethral obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest. LIP (lipase) is an enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis. Na (sodium) is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea or Addison’s disease. This test helps indicate hydration status. PHOS (phosphorus) elevations are often associated with kidney disease, dypothyroidism, and bleeding disorders. TBIL (total protein) indicates hydration status and provides information about he 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. Ongoing disease can also cause temporary low levels. Dale A. Heisler D.V.M. | 
