Mar 02 2018

What are We Testing for in Your Pet’s Bloodwork?

Wondering what we are looking for when we draw blood from your pet? Well, here are some of the most important values the doctor is checking in your pet’s bloodwork:

CBC  This provides information on the red and white blood cell counts, as well as platelet counts. A CBC helps us detect such issues as anemia, infection, or potential bleeding disorders.

Blood Chemistry  This checks various enzymes, liver and kidney values, and a blood glucose level. The following are a few of the most significant values in the blood chemistry:

              Albumin (ALB) – A protein produced by the liver. Lowered levels may suggest chronic liver,                   kidney, or intestinal disease.

              Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) – Elevated levels of this enzyme can coexist with liver                       disease or injury.

              Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP) – An enzyme found in liver and bone tissues. Liver disease,                   Cushing’s syndrome, or steroid therapy can be indicated from elevated levels.

              Amylase (AMYL) – A pancreatic enzyme which aids in digestion. Higher levels may point to                   pancreatic disease.

              Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. If elevated,               it can indicate kidney disease or dehydration. If low, it could suggest liver disease.

              Calcium – Elevated levels can be associated with kidney or parathyroid diseases or even be a               sign of certain types of tumors.

              Cholesterol (CHOL) – High levels are seen in a number of disorders, including liver or kidney               disease or hypothyroidism.

              Creatinine (CREA) – A muscle metabolism by-product excreted by the kidneys. If these levels               are high it could indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or urinary tract obstruction.

              Blood Glucose (GLU) – Most often a sign of diabetes when high but could also just be stress.

              Phosphorus (PHOS) – Could indicate kidney disease if elevated.

              Total Bilirubin (TBIL) – These levels are useful in indicating liver disease and may even lend               a hand in characterizing anemia. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is also a               component of bile.

              Total Protein (TP) – This can indicate an assortment of conditions, including dehydration or                   diseases of the kidney, liver, or intestine.

Urinalysis – Urine contains by-products from many organs filtered through the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate diabetes, urinary tract disease, kidney or liver disease.

Fecal Exam – Tests for intestinal parasites that can be transmissible to humans.

T4 – A thyroid profile that is very important since untreated thyroid disease can have a severe impact on your cat or dog’s health.

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