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Low ag ratio blood test9/5/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Red blood cells (RBCs) use a protein called hemoglobin (HGB) to transport oxygen to cells. Your pet’s blood cell countsīlood counts on the CBC provide important clues about possible infection and immune status, and can detect some types of blood cancers. Hematocrit (HCT) measures the percentage of red blood cell volume in the blood compared with the liquid portion-an elevated HCT usually indicates dehydration. When electrolytes are out of balance from metabolic or hormonal disease or dehydration, problems with heart rhythm, seizures, weakness, or death may occur.Įlectrolyte imbalance is detected on the blood chemistry and may indicate dehydration, which the CBC can also support. Your pet’s hydration and electrolyte statusĬalcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl) are electrolytes- charged molecules that the body tightly regulates. Globulins may be elevated because of infection or chronic disease. Low albumin can cause leaky blood vessels and edema, and may be caused by kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease. ![]() Your pet’s protein statusĪlbumin (ALB) and globulin (GLOB) are proteins in the blood measured with the chemistry. High blood lipids can lead to eye problems in some susceptible pets. Your pet’s lipid statusĬholesterol (CHOL) and triglycerides are measured on the chemistry, and while pets do not experience heart disease from high cholesterol like humans, high blood lipids may be linked to breed, metabolic disease, or liver disease. Glucose is also measured on a chemistry profile-an elevated glucose may indicate diabetes, a disorder in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin, or the body has become resistant to insulin’s effects. Your pet’s pancreatic functionĪmylase (AMYL) and lipase (LIP) are blood chemistry enzymes that indicate general pancreatic function-elevations can indicate inflammation, such as pancreatitis. Often, elevated liver enzymes are secondary to disease elsewhere in the body. Elevated levels indicate dysfunction, damage, or red blood cell destruction. ![]() Your pet’s liver functionĪspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) are liver enzymes measured on the blood chemistry. A urinalysis is often performed at the same time as BUN and CREA, to gain more information about kidney health. Elevated levels indicate kidney damage or dehydration, and the ratio can tell your veterinarian more about the damage location and whether the problem could be reversible. Your pet’s kidney functionīlood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) are part of the blood chemistry. Using all the information, here’s what your veterinarian can assess with blood work. Using a standard CBC and chemistry, your veterinarian must also take into account your pet’s clinical status, health condition, age, and other clues to interpret the numbers presented in a blood panel result. Some senior or yearly profiles may also include a thyroid level test, heartworm and tick disease screening for dogs, and a feline viral panel for cats. Many specialized blood tests exist for specific health conditions, but general blood panels contain two parts - a complete blood count (CBC) and a serum chemistry panel (chemistry). For pet owners, blood work can appear as a confusing sea of numbers, so let your Scripps Ranch Veterinary Hospital team help you understand what your pet’s blood work means. A blood panel can quickly give your veterinarian important clues about what’s happening inside your pet’s body, to guide treatment decisions, catch potential problems early, and find illness causes in sick pets. Blood work in pets is a non-invasive, essential part of pre-anesthetic workups, senior pet exams, and wellness visits. ![]()
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