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.