Canine Blood Work
Comprehensive Plus Chemistry Panel
Biochemistry tests assess the function of key organs like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. These tests are crucial because these organs play vital roles in your pet's overall health, including metabolizing medications and maintaining essential bodily functions. Understanding how well these organs are working helps us ensure your pet's well-being and can guide any necessary adjustments to their care plan.
What do these values mean?
Kidney function (Values BUN, Creatinine, and Phosphorus)
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Function: BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, a waste product from the breakdown of protein.
High BUN: Can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Low BUN: May suggest liver disease, over hydration, a low-protein diet, or could be normal.
Creatinine
Function: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is filtered out by the kidneys.
High Creatinine: Typically indicates impaired kidney function or severe dehydration.
Low Creatinine: Could be seen in cases of low muscle mass, in dogs on a protein-restricted diet, or could be normal.
Phosphorus
Function: Phosphorus is essential for bone health and energy production.
High Phosphorus: Common in kidney disease, especially in advanced stages. This can also be seen in younger dogs.
Low Phosphorus: May be due to malnutrition, overuse of phosphate binders, or certain endocrine disorders.
BUN, Creatinine, and Phosphorus are crucial for assessing kidney function and overall metabolic health in dogs. Elevated BUN and Creatinine levels commonly signal kidney issues or dehydration, whereas abnormal phosphorus levels can point to kidney disease or dietary problems.
Metabolic functions (Values Calcium, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Glucose, and Cholesterol)
Calcium
Function: Calcium is vital for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
High Calcium (Hypercalcemia): May indicate certain non-specific cancers, kidney disease, or hyperparathyroidism.
Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia): Could suggest malnutrition, pancreatitis, or hypoparathyroidism.
Total Protein
Function: Measures the total amount of proteins in the blood, including albumin and globulin.
High Total Protein: Could indicate dehydration, inflammation, or certain blood cancers.
Low Total Protein: May suggest liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
Albumin
Function: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and pressure.
High Albumin: Often a sign of dehydration.
Low Albumin: Can indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or chronic inflammation.
Globulin
Function: Globulins are a group of proteins involved in immune function and blood clotting.
High Globulin: May be associated with chronic infections, inflammation, or certain cancers.
Low Globulin: Could be due to immune deficiencies, liver disease, or protein-losing conditions.
Glucose
Function: Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.
High Glucose (Hyperglycemia): Often seen in diabetes, stress, or hyperthyroidism.
Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia): Could indicate insulin overdose, severe liver disease, or prolonged fasting.
Cholesterol
Function: Cholesterol is a type of fat in the blood that is important for cell membrane structure and hormone production.
High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia): May indicate hypothyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease.
Low Cholesterol (Hypocholesterolemia): Can be associated with liver disease or malabsorption syndromes.
This group of values helps evaluate various aspects of health, including metabolic function, protein levels, and energy balance. Abnormalities in calcium, total protein, albumin, and globulin can reflect liver or kidney issues, chronic disease, or nutritional imbalances. Glucose and cholesterol levels provide additional insights into metabolic health and endocrine function.
Liver (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and Total Bilirubin)
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
Function: ALT is an enzyme found in the liver that helps in protein metabolism.
High ALT: Typically indicates liver damage or inflammation.
Low ALT: Not usually significant, as ALT is generally expected to be low.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
Function: AST is an enzyme found in the liver and muscles.
High AST: May suggest liver damage, muscle injury, or hemolysis.
Low AST: Generally not a cause for concern.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
Function: ALP is an enzyme related to bile ducts and is found in the liver and bone.
High ALP: Can indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or stress.
Low ALP: Often not clinically significant
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
Function: GGT is an enzyme that helps in the metabolism of glutathione and is found in the liver.
High GGT: Suggests liver disease or bile duct issues.
Low GGT: Typically not a concern.
Total Bilirubin
Function: Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown and is processed by the liver.
High Bilirubin: Indicates liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolysis.
Low Bilirubin: Not usually significant.
These liver-related values help assess liver function and detect liver disease or bile duct problems. Elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT typically indicate liver issues or muscle damage, while high total bilirubin levels suggest liver dysfunction or hemolysis.
Pancreatic Enzymes (Amylase, Lipase, Magnesium, Triglycerides)
Amylase
Function: Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates and is produced by the pancreas.
High Amylase: Can suggest pancreatitis or kidney disease.
Low Amylase: Not typically a concern.
Lipase
Function: Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest fats, also produced by the pancreas.
High Lipase: Often indicates pancreatitis.
Low Lipase: Usually not significant.
Magnesium
Function: Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.
High Magnesium (Hypermagnesemia): Can occur with kidney disease or excessive supplementation.
Low Magnesium (Hypomagnesemia): May be seen with malnutrition, diarrhea, or certain diseases.
Triglycerides
Function: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and are used for energy storage.
High Triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia): Can be related to obesity, diabetes, or certain endocrine disorders.
Low Triglycerides: Usually not significant but can be associated with malnutrition.
These values provide insights into pancreatic function and metabolic health. Elevated amylase and lipase levels are often associated with pancreatitis, while abnormal magnesium and triglyceride levels can indicate metabolic or nutritional imbalances.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Na/K Ratio)
Sodium (Na)
Function: Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function.
High Sodium (Hypernatremia): Often indicates dehydration or kidney disease.
Low Sodium (Hyponatremia): May suggest kidney disease, overhydration, or certain endocrine disorders.
Potassium (K)
Function: Potassium is essential for normal muscle and nerve function.
High Potassium (Hyperkalemia): Can occur with kidney disease, Addison’s disease, or severe cell damage.
Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): May be due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications.
Chloride (Cl)
Function: Chloride is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and acid-base balance.
High Chloride (Hyperchloremia): Often seen with dehydration or kidney disease.
Low Chloride (Hypochloremia): May be due to vomiting, diarrhea, or over hydration.
Na/K Ratio (Sodium to Potassium Ratio)
Function: The Na/K ratio helps assess the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood.
Low Na/K Ratio: Often indicates Addison’s disease or severe kidney disease.
High Na/K Ratio: Can suggest dehydration or other electrolyte imbalances.
Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels are crucial for fluid and electrolyte balance. Abnormalities in these values, along with the Na/K ratio, can help diagnose conditions related to hydration status, kidney function, and endocrine disorders.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a vital diagnostic test for dogs that provides detailed information about their blood health. It measures the levels of red blood cells (RBCs), which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells (WBCs), which are crucial for immune function, and platelets, which are important for blood clotting. The CBC can help identify conditions like anemia, infections, inflammation, dehydration, and blood-clotting disorders. It also provides insights into how well a dog’s immune system is functioning and can detect early signs of illness, making it an essential tool in both routine check-ups and urgent care situations.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial components of a dog’s immune system, and each type plays a specific role in defending the body against infections and diseases. In a Complete Blood Count (CBC), the following values are often reported to help veterinarians assess the dog’s immune health:
NEU (Neutrophils)
Function: Neutrophils are the primary white blood cells responsible for fighting bacterial infections. They act as first responders by engulfing and destroying harmful bacteria.
NEU%: This represents the percentage of neutrophils out of the total white blood cell count.
High NEU/NEU%: (Neutrophilia): May indicate bacterial infections, inflammation, stress, or even certain cancers.
Low NEU/NEU%: (Neutropenia): Can suggest a severe infection where neutrophils are being rapidly used up, bone marrow issues, or immune-mediated diseases.
LYM (Lymphocytes)
Function: Lymphocytes are involved in the body's adaptive immune response. They include T cells, which destroy infected or cancerous cells, and B cells, which produce antibodies.
LYM%: This represents the percentage of lymphocytes out of the total WBC count.
High LYM/LYM%: (Lymphocytosis): Can be a sign of chronic infections, certain viral infections, or diseases like lymphoma.
Low LYM/LYM%: (Lymphopenia): May occur due to stress, corticosteroid use, or severe infections.
MONO (Monocytes)
Function: Monocytes help in the cleanup of dead cells and bacteria, and they migrate to tissues to become macrophages, continuing their protective roles.
MONO%: This is the percentage of monocytes out of the total WBC count.
High MONO/MONO%: (Monocytosis): Often associated with chronic inflammation, infections, or stress responses.
Low MONO/MONO%: (Monocytopenia): Low levels are less common and usually not clinically significant, though they may occur in certain bone marrow conditions.
EOS (Eosinophils)
Function: Eosinophils are important for combating parasitic infections and are active in allergic reactions.
EOS%: This is the percentage of eosinophils out of the total WBC count.
High EOS/EOS%: (Eosinophilia): Commonly seen with parasitic infections, allergies, or certain types of cancer.
Low EOS/EOS%: (Eosinopenia): Often not a cause for concern and can occur due to stress or steroid treatment.
BAS (Basophils)
Function: Basophils play a role in allergic and inflammatory responses by releasing histamine and other chemicals.
BAS%: This is the percentage of basophils out of the total WBC count.
High BAS/BAS%: (Basophilia): Rare, but can occur in allergic reactions, parasitic infections, or certain types of leukemia.
Low BAS/BAS%: (Basopenia): Basophils are often low or absent in healthy animals, so low levels are usually not significant.
Summary
NEU, LYM, MONO, EOS, BAS: These values represent the absolute counts of each type of white blood cell, indicating the actual number present in the blood.
NEU%, LYM%, MONO%, EOS%, BAS%: These percentages show the proportion of each WBC type relative to the total white blood cell count, providing insight into the balance of the immune response.
Understanding these values helps veterinarians determine how a dog’s immune system is functioning, whether there is an ongoing infection, inflammation, or an allergic response, and guides decisions on further diagnostics or treatment plans.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. In a Complete Blood Count (CBC), several values related to red blood cells are measured to assess a dog's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall blood health:
HGB (Hemoglobin)
Function: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body..
High HGB: May indicate dehydration, polycythemia (an increase in RBCs), or living at high altitudes.
Low HGB: Often suggests anemia, which can result from blood loss, chronic disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
HCT (Hematocrit)
Function: Hematocrit measures the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
High HCT: Can indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Low HCT: Typically indicates anemia, which could be due to blood loss, bone marrow issues, or chronic diseases.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
Function: MCV measures the average size of the red blood cells.
High MCV (Macrocytic): May be seen in regenerative anemias, certain vitamin deficiencies, or liver disease.
Low MCV (Microcytic): Often associated with iron deficiency anemia or chronic diseases.
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)
Function: MCH measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
High MCH: Typically occurs when cells are larger and contain more hemoglobin, often seen in macrocytic anemias.
Low MCH: Commonly associated with microcytic anemia, where the cells are smaller and contain less hemoglobin.
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)
Function: MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.
High MCHC: Rare but can indicate hereditary spherocytosis or other hemolytic anemias.
Low MCHC: Often seen in iron deficiency anemia, indicating that the cells are paler (hypochromic) and less dense in hemoglobin.
RDW% (Red Cell Distribution Width)
Function: RDW% measures the variation in size of the red blood cells.
High RDW%: Suggests a variation in RBC size, which can be seen in regenerative anemia or iron deficiency anemia.
Low RDW%: Typically indicates a more uniform cell size, which can be normal or seen in non-regenerative anemia.
Summary
HGB and HCT: Measure the oxygen-carrying capacity and volume of RBCs in the blood, essential for diagnosing anemia and hydration status.
MCV, MCH, and MCHC: Provide details on the size and hemoglobin content of RBCs, helping to classify and understand different types of anemia.
RDW%: Assesses the variation in RBC size, which can indicate active bone marrow response or underlying conditions affecting RBC production.
Understanding these values helps veterinarians diagnose conditions like anemia, dehydration, and other blood disorders, guiding appropriate treatment and management for the dog’s overall health.
Platelets
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing in dogs. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets gather at the site and form a plug to stop bleeding. In a Complete Blood Count (CBC), the following values related to platelets are measured:
PLT (Platelet Count)
Function: PLT measures the total number of platelets in the blood.
High PLT: (Thrombocytosis): May indicate inflammation, infection, certain cancers, or other conditions that stimulate increased platelet production. It can also be a response to trauma or stress.
Low PLT: (Thrombocytopenia): Can be caused by conditions such as immune-mediated diseases, bone marrow disorders, certain infections, or exposure to toxins. Low platelets increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume)
Function: MPV measures the average size of the platelets.
High MPV: Typically indicates that the bone marrow is producing larger, younger platelets, often in response to increased platelet turnover or destruction. This can be seen in conditions like immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or recovery from bone marrow suppression.
Low MPV: Suggests that the platelets are smaller and may be associated with conditions that affect platelet production, such as certain bone marrow disorders or chronic disease states.
Summary
PLT (Platelet Count): Reflects the number of platelets available for blood clotting. Abnormal levels can indicate a risk of bleeding or clotting disorders.
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume): Indicates the average size of platelets, providing insights into bone marrow activity and platelet production.
Together, these values help veterinarians assess a dog's ability to clot blood effectively and diagnose potential issues related to platelet production or destruction. This information is critical for managing conditions that affect bleeding and clotting, especially in cases of injury, surgery, or disease.
