DIAGNOSTIC BLOOD WORK
Depending on the age, physical exam and medical history of your pet, your veterinarian will recommend some or all of the following tests.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A more complete panel of tests, a CBC provides detailed information on red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. These tests can indicate anemia, leukemia, stress, the presence of inflammation or inabiity to fight infection. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and if low can indicate a bleeding problem.
Blood Chemistry
Albumin (ALB)
A protein which is produced by the liver. Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver, kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites such as hookworm infection.
Alanine Aminotranserase (ALT)
An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.
Alkaline Phosphate (ALKP)
An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease.
Amylase (AMYL)
An enzyme produced by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated blood levels can indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, liver, and kidney abnormalities.
Calcium (Ca2+)
Increased levels can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys or as an indicator of certain types of tumors.
Cholesterol(CHOL)
Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders including genetic disease, liver and kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism.
Creatinine(CREA)
Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.
Blood Glucose (GLU)
This value is blood sugar levels. Elevated levels can indicate diabetes, whereas low levels may indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.
Total Bilirubin (TBIL)
Bilirubin is the product of the breakdown of hemoglobin and is a component of bile. It is secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. Blood bilirubin levels are useful in diagnosing anemia and issues in bile ducts.
Total Protein (TP)
The level of TP can dect a variety of conditions including dehydration and disease of the liver, kidneys or gastrointestinal tract.
T4 Profile
Thyroxine is a hormone synthesized in and secreted by the thyroid gland. The T4 profile measures the level of thyroxine circulating in the blood. Hyperthryoidism occurs primarily in cats and typically develops in older cats. Serious complications can occur if an unrecognized hyperthyroid pet is placed under anesthesia.