COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC):

A CBC gives information on hydration status, anaemia, infection, the blood’s clotting process and the ability of the immune system to respond. This test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, pale gums or loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities.

HCT (haematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anaemia and dehydration.

Hb & MCHC (haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin 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 (granulocytes and lymphocytes/ monocytes) are specific types of white blood cell.

EOS (eosinophils) are a specific type of white blood cell 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 anaemia.

BLOOD CHEMISTRIES:

These common blood serum tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels and more. They are especially important in evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting and diarrhoea or toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications, and health prior to anaesthesia.

ALB (albumin) is a protein that helps evaluate hydration, haemorrhage 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 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.

UREA (blood urea nitrogen) indicates kidney function. An increased blood level is called azotaemia and can be caused by kidney, liver and heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock and dehydration.

Ca (calcium) deviations can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumours, 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 UREA.

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 although slight elevations may be a result of stress. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures or coma.

K (potassium) is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhoea 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, diarrhoea, and kidney and Addison’s disease. This test also helps indicate hydration status.

PHOS (phosphorus) elevations are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and bleeding disorders.

TBIL (total bilirubin) elevations may indicate liver or haemolytic disease. This test helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anaemia.

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 can often signify hypothyroidism in dogs, whilst high levels indicate hyperthyroidism in cats.