Understanding your pet’s blood work

Complete blood count (CBC)

The most common test, a CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood’s clotting ability, and the immune system’s ability to respond.

> HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration.

> Hb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) measure hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells (corpuscles).

> GRANS and L/M (granulocytes and lymphocytes/ monocytes) are specific types of white blood cells

 > WBC (white blood cell) count classifies and measures the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections.

> EOS (eosinophils) are a specific type of white blood cells that, if elevated, may indicate allergic or parasitic conditions.

> PLT (platelet count) measures cells that help stop bleeding by forming blood clots.

> RETICS (reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. high or low levels help classify anemias.

Serum chemistry profile

These common tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels, and more.

> ALB (albumin) is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney health.

> ALKP or ALP (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) reflects 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 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) reflects kidney function. This test helps distinguish between kidney and nonkidney causes of elevated BUN.

> GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is an enzyme that, when elevated, 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 blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus or stress. 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. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

> LIP (lipase) is an enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis when elevated.

> Na (sodium) is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney or Addison’s diseases. This test also helps indicate hydration status.

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

> TBIL (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 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.