BLOOD TESTING

There are many situations when veterinarians find it necessary to sample and test blood. By analyzing the many components of blood, we are able to better determine the health status of your pet. Because your pet cannot describe symptoms to let us know what might be wrong, we recommend blood tests to give us the answers that we need, especially before surgery.

Serum chemistry profiles allow us to evaluate the status of your pet’s major organs. The kidneys and liver are especially important because these organs process and rid the body of medications used during anesthesia. Most major organs affect the chemical make up of blood. By measuring the levels of specific enzymes in the blood, we are able to better determine if your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

The complete blood count (CBC) determines the relative and exact numbers of all of the cells found in the blood. Red blood cells (RBC’s) are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells (WBC’s) are the body’s primary means of fighting infection. There are several types of white blood cells and each type has a specific function. Platelets play an important role in blood clotting and are critical in helping the body stop bleeding.

Depending on the results of your pet’s blood test, we may adjust the dose or type of anesthetic drug used or advise that surgery be delayed. Often we are able to make specific diagnosis based upon blood test results. This enables us to fine-tune the treatment and better advise you as to the prognosis of your pet’s illness.

The following are some of our specific tests and the information that they provide:

• Albumin (ALB): Produced by the liver, reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver or kidney disease, or parasitic infections such as hookworm.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme produced by the biliary tract (liver). Elevated levels can indicate liver disease, blockage of the bile duct, Cushing’s disease and some toxicities.
• Amylase (AMYL): the pancreas produces and secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is produced by the liver and secreted by the kidneys. Testing for it helps detect liver and kidney abnormalities.
• Calcium (Ca2+): Increased levels of this mineral indicate certain types of tumors, parathyroid or kidney disease.
• Cholesterol (CHOL): Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of conditions, including hypothyroidism and liver disease.
• Creatinine (CREA): Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, urinary tract obstruction and dehydration.
• Globulins (GLOB): Proteins that help fight infection. High levels may indicate infection or some types of cancer.
• Blood Glucose (GLUC): High levels help diagnose diabetes and can indicate stress – especially in cats. Low levels can indicate liver disease.
• Phosphorus (PHOS): Can be an indicator of kidney disease when elevated.
• Total Bilirubin (TBIL): A breakdown product of RBC’s and a component of bile. Blood bilirubin levels are useful in diagnosing problems in the bile ducts and abnormal destruction of RBC’s.
• Total Protein (TP): The level of TP can suggest a variety of conditions including dehydration and diseases of the liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tract.
• Electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, and K+): The balance of these ions is vital to your pet’s health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening. Electrolyte tests are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea and cardiac symptoms.
• Hematocrit (HCT): Provides information on the amount of red blood cells (RBC’s) present in the blood. This test is used to diagnose anemia.
• Granulocytes (GRAN): Include neutrophils and eosinophils. Elevated levels of these white blood cells may indicate bacterial or parasitic infection.
• Lymphocytes and Monocytes (L/M): These are types of white blood cells necessary for antibody production and removal of bacteria from inside the body.

These blood tests and many others are quickly performed within Animal Health Hospital. We are happy to explain the results of your pet’s blood test to you.