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The Role of Canine Blood test in Diagnosis of Disease:Understanding Canine Blood Tests

June 29, 2022

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The Role of Canine Blood test in Diagnosis of Disease:Understanding Canine Blood Tests

Blood and urine tests can help your veterinarian get crucial information about the health of your pet.Blood tests are often performed as a biochemistry profile, or chemistry panel, which is a collection of blood tests to screen several organs at one time. Some blood tests are very specific for a single organ, whereas other tests are affected by several organs.A urinalysis can provide information about several organ systems. The concentration, color, clarity, and microscopic examination of the urine sample can provide diagnostic information.

A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog’s health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.

A CBC for dogs identifies and quantifies white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in a given amount of blood. This includes analyzing the shape and condition of the cells for health and functionality. This information is helpful in learning more about your dog’s immune system (white blood cells) and oxygen carrying capacity (red blood cell count).

Additionally, blood tests for dogs can also identify:

Glucose
Proteins
Electrolytes
Cholesterol
Endocrine Levels
Digestive Enzymes

Because chemicals found in the blood stream can also correlate with specific organs, lab work for dogs can help determine more than just blood count. For example, if dog blood tests show a deficiency in albumin levels, then a veterinarian knows to examine a dog’s liver because albumin is produced in the liver

Lab work for dogs also can detect and help identify complex problems with body systems. For example, blood tests for dogs can detect abnormal hormonal-chemical responses to environmental and internal stimuli, which alerts a veterinarian to a potential issue with the patient’s endocrine system

What is a complete blood count (CBC) test?

The complete blood count measures the number of cells of different types circulating in the bloodstream. There are three major types of blood cells in circulation – red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets.

What are red blood cells?

Red blood cells, which are produced in bone marrow, pick up oxygen brought into the body by the lungs and distribute it to cells throughout the body. Red blood cells live in the bloodstream for about 100 days and are removed from the bloodstream by the spleen and liver.

Red blood cell numbers can be decreased (anemia) if they are not produced in adequate numbers by the bone marrow, if their life span is shortened (a condition called hemolysis), or if they are lost due to bleeding. Numbers can be increased (polycythemia), usually due to concentration of the blood due to dehydration.

A complete blood count also includes a measure of hemoglobin, which is the actual substance in the red blood cell that carries oxygen.

What are white blood cells?

There are several types of white blood cells in blood, including neutrophils (PMNs), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Lymphocytes are produced in lymph nodes throughout the body. The other white blood cell types are produced in the bone marrow.

Most white blood cells in circulation are neutrophils, which help fight infections. Neutrophils can be decreased in pets with bone marrow disease, some viral diseases, and in those receiving cancer chemotherapy drugs. Neutrophils are increased in pets with inflammation or infection of any part of the body and in pets receiving prednisone or other cortisone-type drugs.

Lymphocytes also help fight infection and produce antibodies against infectious agents. Lymphocytes may be increased in puppies and kittens with an infection, and they can be decreased in severely stressed pets. Lymphocytes can be lost in some types of diarrhea. Certain drugs, such as prednisone, will decrease the number of lymphocytes in the bloodstream.

Monocytes may be increased in pets with chronic infections. Eosinophils and basophils are increased in pets with allergic diseases, or parasitic infections.

What are platelets?

Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and are involved in the process of making a blood clot. Platelets live a few weeks and are constantly produced by the bone marrow.

Low platelet counts occur if the bone marrow is damaged and doesn’t produce them, or if the platelets are destroyed faster than normal. The two primary causes of platelet destruction are immune-mediated destruction (ITP or IMT) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia happens when the animal’s immune system destroys platelets. DIC is a complex problem in which blood clots form in the body using the platelets faster than the bone marrow can produce new ones. Animals with a low platelet count bruise easily and may have blood in their urine or stool.

What is a packed cell volume (PCV) test?

Packed cell volume (PCV) is another measure of red blood cells. A small amount of blood is placed in a tiny glass tube and spun in a centrifuge. The blood cells pack to the bottom of the tube and the fluid floats on top. The PCV is the percent of blood that is cells compared to the total volume of blood. In normal dogs and cats, 40-50% of the blood is made up of blood cells and the remainder is fluid.

What are some of the other common tests in pets?

Albumin is a small protein produced by the liver. Albumin acts as a sponge to hold water in the blood vessels. When blood albumin is decreased, the pressure created by the heart forcing blood through the blood vessels causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and accumulate in body cavities or in tissues as edema. Albumin is decreased if the liver is damaged and cannot produce an adequate amount of albumin or if albumin is lost through damaged intestine or in the urine due to kidney disease. The only cause of increased albumin is dehydration.
Alkaline phosphatase originates from many tissues in the body. When alkaline phosphatase is increased in the bloodstream of a dog, the most common causes are liver disease, bone disease, or increased blood cortisol from specific drugs or because the animal has Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism). In cats, the most common causes of increased alkaline phosphatase are liver and bone disease.
ALT is an enzyme produced by liver cells. Liver damage causes ALT to increase in the bloodstream.
Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and the intestinal tract that helps the body break down sugars. Amylase may be increased in the blood in animals with inflammation (pancreatitis) or cancer of the pancreas.
Bile acids are produced by the liver and are involved in fat breakdown. A bile acid test is used to evaluate the function of the liver and the blood flow to the liver. Patients with abnormal blood flow to the liver, a condition known as portosystemic shunt, will have abnormal levels of bile acids. The bile acid test measures a fasting blood sample and a blood sample two hours after eating.
Bilirubin is produced by the liver from old red blood cells. Bilirubin is further broken down and eliminated in both the urine and stool. Bilirubin is increased in the blood in patients with some types of liver disease, gallbladder disease, or when red blood cells are being destroyed at a faster than normal rate (hemolysis). Large amounts of bilirubin in the bloodstream will give a yellow color to non-furred parts of the body, which is called icterus or jaundice.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is influenced by the liver, kidneys, and dehydration. Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product produced by the liver from proteins from the diet and is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. A low BUN can be seen with liver disease and an increased BUN is seen in pets with kidney disease. The kidneys must be damaged to the point that 75% are nonfunctional before BUN will increase. Pets that are severely dehydrated will have an increased BUN.
Calcium in the bloodstream originates from the bones. The body has hormones that cause bone to release calcium into the blood and to remove calcium from the blood and place it back into bone. Abnormally high calcium in the blood occurs much more commonly than low calcium. High blood calcium is commonly associated with cancer. Less common causes are bone disease, poisoning with certain types of rodent bait, chronic kidney failure, and primary hyperparathyroidism, which is over-function of the parathyroid gland.
Low blood calcium may occur in dogs and cats just before giving birth or while they are nursing their young. This is called eclampsia and occurs more commonly in small breed dogs. Eclampsia causes the animal to have rigid muscles, which is called tetany. Another cause of low blood calcium is the malfunction of the parathyroid glands that produce a hormone (PTH) that controls blood calcium levels. Animals poisoned with antifreeze may have a very low blood calcium.
Cholesterol is a form of fat. Cholesterol can be increased in the bloodstream for many reasons in dogs. It is much less common for cats to have increased cholesterol. Some of the diseases that cause elevated cholesterol are hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and kidney diseases that cause protein to be lost in the urine. High cholesterol does not predispose dogs and cats to heart and blood vessel disease as it does in people.
Creatinine is a waste product that originates from muscles and is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. An elevation of creatinine is due to kidney disease or dehydration. Both creatinine and BUN increase in the bloodstream at the same time in patients with kidney disease.
Creatinine kinase (CK) is released into the blood from damaged muscle. Elevation of creatinine kinase suggests damage to muscle, including heart muscle.
Glucose is blood sugar. Glucose is increased in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. It may be mildly increased in dogs with Cushing’s disease. Glucose can temporarily increase in the blood if the dog or cat is excited by having a blood sample drawn. This is especially true of cats. A quick test to determine whether a glucose elevation is transient or permanent is to look at the urine. If the glucose is chronically elevated there will be an increased amount of glucose in the urine as well. Low blood sugar occurs less commonly and can be a sign of pancreatic cancer or overwhelming infection (sepsis). Low blood sugar can cause depression or seizures.
Lipase is another pancreatic enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of fats. It can be increased in patients with pancreatic inflammation or cancer.
Phosphorus in the bloodstream originates from bones and is controlled by the same hormone, PTH (parathyroid hormone), that controls blood calcium. Phosphorus is increased in the bloodstream in patients with chronic kidney disease. Phosphorus increases in these patients when about 75% of both kidneys are damaged.
Potassium is increased in the bloodstream in the pet with acute kidney failure. Potassium is lost from the body in vomit, diarrhea, and urine. Pets that are not eating may have a low blood potassium, which can cause the pet to feel weak. Cats with low potassium may develop painful muscles.
Sodium may be slightly increased in the blood if the patient is dehydrated, although many dehydrated dogs and cats have a normal blood sodium. Low blood sodium is commonly seen with Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism).
Total protein includes albumin and larger proteins called globulins, which include antibodies. Total protein can be increased if the dog or cat is dehydrated or if the pet’s immune system is being stimulated to produce large amounts of antibody. Total protein is decreased in the same situations that reduce albumin or if the pet has an abnormal immune system and cannot produce antibodies.

Understanding Canine Blood Tests

The complete blood count, or CBC, gives the veterinarian information about your dog’s hydration status, anemia, infection, blood clotting ability, and immune system response. A CBC is essential for dogs that have symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your dog needs surgery, a CBC can also detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities. Specifically, a CBC provides detailed information including:

Hematocrit (HCT):This test measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and hydration.
Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (Hb and MCHC):These are the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood cells.
White blood cell count (WBC):This test measures the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases in the WBC indicate certain diseases or infections.
Granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes (GRANS and L/M):These are specific types of white blood cells.
Eosinophils (EOS):These are a specific type of white blood cells that may indicate allergic or parasitic conditions.
Platelet count (PLT):This test measures cells that form blood clots.
Reticulocytes (RETICS):These are immature red blood cells. High levels indicate regenerative anemia.
Fibrinogen (FIBR):This test provides important information about blood clotting. High levels may indicate that a dog is 30 to 40 days pregnant.

Blood chemistries, or blood serum tests, evaluate a dog’s organ function, electrolyte status, hormone levels, and more. These tests are important for evaluating the health of older dogs, dogs with signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or toxin exposure, as well as dogs receiving long-term medications and general health before anesthesia.

Albumin (ALB):This is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney disease.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP):Elevations in this test may indicate liver damage, Cushing’s disease, or active bone growth in a young dog.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT):This test may determine active liver damage, although it does not indicate the cause.
Amylase (AMYL):Elevations in this test indicate pancreatitis or kidney disease.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST):Increases in this test may indicate liver, heart, or skeletal muscle damage.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN):This test determines kidney function. An increased level is called azotemia and can be caused by kidney, liver, and heart disease as well as urethral obstruction, shock, or dehydration.
Calcium (Ca):Changes in the normal level of this test can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that alter serum calcium.
Cholesterol (CHOL):This test is used to supplement diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Chloride (Cl):Chloride is an electrolyte that is typically lost, with symptoms like vomiting or illnesses such as Addison’s disease. Elevated levels often indicate dehydration.
Cortisol (CORT):Cortisol is a hormone that is measured in tests for Cushing’s disease (the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test) and Addison’s disease (ACTH stimulation test).
Creatinine (CREA):This test reveals kidney function and helps distinguish between kidney and non-kidney causes of elevated BUN.
Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT):This is an enzyme that indicates liver disease or corticosteroid excess.
Globulin (GLOB):This is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and certain disease states.
Glucose (GLU):Glucose is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures, or coma.
Potassium (K):This is an electrolyte. Low levels may lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison’s disease, dehydration or urethral obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest.
Lipase (LIP):Lipase is an enzyme that may indicate pancreatitis.
Sodium (Na):Sodium is an electrolyte. Low levels may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, and Addison’s disease. This test helps indicate hydration status.
Phosphorus (PHOS):Elevations in this test are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and bleeding disorders.
Total bilirubin (TBIL):Elevations in this test may indicate liver or hemolytic disease. This test helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anemia.
Total protein:This test indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver, kidneys and infectious diseases.
Thyroxine (T4):Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels often signal hypothyroidism in dogs.