*Complete Blood Count: Also known as a CBC, it is a common blood test used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and bleeding disorders. This test measures the following: Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells; Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to plasma in the blood (measuring hydration); White Blood Cells, which fight infection; and Platelets, which help with blood clotting.
*Blood Chemistries: These tests evaluate organ function, electrolyte status and hormone levels, amongst other things.They are important in evaluating older pets, pets with vomiting, diarrhea or toxin exposure, pets receiving long-term medications and overall health before anesthesia.
Descriptions of common chemistry screenings:
ALKP: Alkaline Phosphatase elevations may indicate liver damage, Cushing's disease and active bone growth.
ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase is an enzyme important in liver function BUT it does not indicate the cause.
BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen indicates kidney function. An increased level can be caused by kidney, liver or heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock and dehydration.
CREA: Creatinine is used to measure the filtration rate of the kidneys.
GLU: Glucose is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures or coma.
TBIL: Total Bilirubin elevations may indicate liver or hemolytic disease and may identify bile duct problems and anemia.
TP: Total Protein levels indicate hydration status and provides additional information about liver, kidneys and infectious diseases.
T4: Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels signal HYPOthyroidism, while high levels indicate HYPERthyroidism.
