Understanding Your Pet's Blood Test Results

Understanding Your Pet's Blood Test Results

Blood tests are essential for understanding your pet's health. They're recommended for healthy pets, those about to undergo anesthesia, and sick pets. By combining multiple tests, vets can quickly assess major organ systems.

Kidney Function:

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Indicates kidney function, dehydration, or other issues.
• CREA (Creatinine): Reflects kidney function, not affected by diet.
• PHOS (Phosphorus): May signal kidney disease or other conditions.
• Ca+ (Calcium): Variations linked to diseases like cancer or kidney issues.

Liver Health:

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Sensitive to liver cell damage.
• ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Can indicate liver or bone abnormalities.
• GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase): Suggests a certain liver issue.
• ALB (Albumin): Reflects hydration, liver, or kidney function.

Pancreas:

• AMYL (Amylase) & LIPA (Lipase): Increased levels may suggest pancreatitis or other conditions.

Protein Profile:

• TP (Total Protein): Can indicate dehydration or inflammation.
• ALB (Albumin) & GLOB (Globulin): Reflect various health conditions.

Electrolytes:

• Na+ (Sodium), K+ (Potassium), Cl- (Chloride): Indicate hydration and kidney function.

Miscellaneous:

• GLU (Glucose): Associated with diabetes mellitus.
• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) & CK (Creatine Kinase): Reflect liver or muscle damage.
• CHOL (Cholesterol) & TRIG (Triglycerides): Linked to metabolic issues.
• Cortisol: Associated with Cushing’s or Addison’s disease.
• T4 (Thyroxine): Indicates thyroid function.
• LACTATE: Reflects blood perfusion, especially in critical patients.

Complete Blood Count (CBC):

• Provides information on red and white blood cells, and platelets.
• Helps monitor health status and response to therapy.

Urinalysis:

• Provides insights into kidney function and hydration status.
• Can help diagnose various diseases and metabolic disturbances.

Additional Tests:

• Include checks for parasites, heartworm, tick-borne diseases, and common viral infections in dogs and cats.

For a more detailed test results list checkout our Understanding Your Pet’s Diagnostic Testing Handout or consult your pet's veterinarian.