Understanding Your Pet's Test Results

Your pet thanks you for prioritizing their health. They may not be able to actually say it, but we know they’re thinking it!

So, now that you’ve got the results from your pet’s tests, what does it all mean?

Below you’ll find some definitions and explanations that you may have seen in your cat or dog’s lab report.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC is a routine test used for both general wellness checks and throughout a course of treatment. By analyzing a small blood sample, we can gather information about the different components of the blood (red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets) and can indicate the presence of diseases, including:

• Anemia (low red blood cell levels)
• Bleeding problems
• Inability to fight infection
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Hydration status
• Infection

Biochemistry Blood Panel

This blood test measures the levels of chemicals and enzymes in your dog or cat’s body and can reveal a lot about the health and function of various organs, especially of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It also shows your pet’s blood sugar levels, the quantities of important electrolytes in the blood, and is used to screen:

• Kidneys for early renal disease/failure, infection, stones, and abnormalities.
• Liver for disease, Cushing’s disease, dehydration, obstruction of bile ducts, and abnormalities.
• Pancreas for Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetes mellitus, and abnormalities.
• Glucose fluctuations may indicate a variety of metabolic diseases and various organ abnormalities.
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) are critical to body function

Urinalysis

This test is performed on a urine sample and provides insight into kidney functions as well as the hydration status of the pet. This valuable test may also be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring various diseases and metabolic disturbances throughout the body.