Understanding your pet’s test results Blood testing can frequently detect illness in your pet before we see any outward signs of disease. Testing gives us immediate insights that we might not otherwise discover. And, treating your pet early can lead to a better outcome and possibly lower treatment costs.
Pets can’t say how they’re feeling—it’s usually how they look or act that tells you something is wrong. You play a key role in helping your pet combat illness and stay as healthy as possible. Awareness of the warning signs and regular preventive health screens, including a physical exam and blood work, are the best ways to ensure that your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life.
When is blood work necessary?
• Sick and emergency situations- Blood work provides you with a valuable picture of your pet’s health and is often the first step
when pets are brought in to a clinic because they are sick or in an emergency situation. It helps the veterinary staff make immediate
decisions, so they can quickly help your pet.
• Preanesthetic testing- Blood work is routinely done prior to your pet’s surgery, dentistry or other procedures that require anesthesia.
It lets the veterinary staff know if anesthesia is safe for your pet and allows them to make adjustments if they see anything abnormal.
This blood work is often performed the same day as anesthesia is scheduled, making it easy for you and your pet because it eliminates
the need to have your pet fast more than once and reduces the number of trips you need to make to the hospital.
• Preventive care screening- Because the signs that your pet is sick are not always obvious, preventive care testing is often recommended
as part of your pet’s annual exam. Preventive care screening not only uncovers disease before it’s too late, but can also help you avoid
significant medical expenses and risks to your pet’s health.
• Medication monitoring- Some medications have side effects.
Periodic blood work while your pet is being treated can find these
problems early and allow your veterinarian to make necessary
changes. With other medications, blood tests are needed to ensure
that the dosage is appropriate.
What tests might my veterinarian run?
There are tests that are routinely performed when blood work is recommended.
They include:
• A complete blood count (CBC) tells you if your pet has an infection,
if inflammation is present or if your pet is anemic.
• A complete blood chemistry panel including electrolytes provides
information about your pet’s liver, kidneys and pancreas; as well as
other functions of the body, such as blood sugar and hydration.
• A urinalysis identifies an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
• A thyroid function test detects whether or not your pet’s thyroid
gland is functioning properly. Thyroid disease is very common in
older cats and dogs.
When can I expect results?
Many of the tests routinely recommended can be performed in-clinic, providing results quickly and allowing for immediate treatment of your pet. In-clinic blood testing also lets you be more involved in your pet’s care, since you can discuss test results with your veterinarian while you’re still at the clinic. Normal results can rule out certain diseases immediately, so you can worry less. If results are abnormal, your veterinarian can make fast decisions about next steps, including treatment and additional tests. This saves you time as well as trips back and forth to your veterinarian, and gives you answers that will help your pet right away.
Understanding your pet’s test results
Blood testing can frequently detect illness in your pet before we see any outward signs of disease. Testing gives us immediate insights that
we might not otherwise discover. And, treating your pet early can lead to a better outcome and possibly lower treatment costs.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most numerous and longest-living of the different types of blood cells; they typically make
up almost half of the blood’s volume. RBCs contain a special protein called hemoglobin (HGB) that binds to the oxygen in the lungs and
enables the RBCs to transport oxygen as it travels through the rest of the body.
CBC is used to screen for:
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Stress
• Leukemia
• Bleeding problem
• Inability to fight infection
• Hydration status
Reticulocytes: These are immature RBCs increased during times of increased red cell production, such as blood loss or immune-mediated
anemia.
White blood cells: White blood cells are primarily responsible for fighting infections. There are five different types of white blood
cells and each one performs specific functions to keep the body healthy.
Platelets: Platelets play a critical role in preventing bleeding.
Chemistry
Kidneys: Kidneys are responsible for filtering metabolic waste products, excess sodium and water from the blood stream, which are
then transferred to the bladder for excretion.
Blood and urine tests can indicate:
• Early renal disease
• Renal failure
• Infection
• Stones
• Cancer
• Abnormalities resulting from longterm medications
Liver: The liver is a large organ with many different functions.
It processes the blood by removing both bacteria and toxins as well
as further breaking down many of the complex nutrients absorbed
during the digestion of food into much smaller components for use
by the rest of the body.
Biochemistry tests can indicate:
• Liver disease
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Certain cancers
• Dehydration
• Obstruction of the bile ducts
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications
Pancreas: The pancreas is a small organ located near the small intestines and is responsible for producing several digestive enzymes
and hormones that help regulate metabolism.
Biochemistry tests can indicate:
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications
• Cancer
Glucose: Glucose is the basic nutrient for the body. It is highly regulated in the bloodstream, but does fluctuate for a few hours after
eating. Glucose changes may be seen with a variety of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, and various organ system abnormalities.
Electrolytes: Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, tCO2, Anion Gap) are critical to body function and must be maintained in very narrow limits.
Dehydration is a common cause of electrolyte imbalance, despite how effective the body is at regulating the concentration levels.
Urine
Urinalysis: Although not a blood test, a urinalysis is essential for a
comprehensive evaluation of kidney function. A urinalysis includes
physical, chemical and microscopic evaluation of urine. This evaluation
provides additional information about the kidney and liver, as well as
the general well-being of your pet.
Thyroid
Thyroid: Thyroxine (T4), a hormone produced by the thyroid gland,
is essential for growth and metabolism. As your pet ages, thyroid
function can become abnormal and cause signs of illness.
Endocrine tests can indicate:
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism