A CBC examines the red and white blood cells. It can indicate how well the body’s immune defense system is working and if inflammation is present. A CBC can also aid in the diagnosis of diseases such as, anemia, clotting problems, immune mediated diseases or certain types of cancers. A CBC will look at several parameters in the blood including:

Packed Cell Volume (PCV)/Hematocrit

• measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration

Hemoglobin

• determines the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells

White Blood Cells (WBC)

• measure the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases, infections or inflammation

Neutrophils/Monocytes

• specific types of WBC that can indicate inflammation or infection when values are elevated. Low number may indicate an immune suppressed animal.

Eosinophils

• specific type of WBC that may indicate allergic or parasitic conditions

Platelets

• measures cells that form blood clots. Low values may indicate a clotting disorder

Clinical signs of illness:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Anorexia

These tests measure certain chemical levels in the blood. The chemicals are typically enzymes produced by different organs and therefore help indicate organ health. Increases or decreases in these levels may indicate disease.

Liver Chemistries

Includes: AST, ALT, Alk Phos, Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Proteins, Bile Acids

• decreased liver function, inflammation, tissue damage, and bile blockage can all be detected
• The liver removes toxins from the blood and is involved in most aspects of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism

Clinical Signs of illness:

• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Lethargy

Kidney Chemistries

Includes: BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorous, Potassium, Albumin

• Increases in BUN and Creatinine may indicate kidney disease. Kidney function tests are even more helpful when combined with a urinalysis
• Kidneys are responsible for filtering metabolic waste products, excess sodium and water from the blood stream, as well as conserving vital electyrolytes

Clinical signs of illness:

• Increased drinking and urinating
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Bad breath

Pancreas Chemistries

Includes: AST, CPK, Calcium, Phosphorus

• AST & CPK are frequently elevated when there is inflammation, trauma, or damage to skeletal muscle
• Calcium & Phosphorous levels are indicators of bone health
• The pancreas is responsible for producing several digestive enzymes as well as insulin

Clinical Signs of illness:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inappetance
• Diabetes- increased drinking and urinating

Includes: Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride

• these elements form the “electrical” system of the body and help cells communicate with each other
• electrolytes are needed for muscle contraction including the heart and nerve impulses

• provide information on how the thyroid gland is working
• too little thyroid hormone is common in dogs, which leads to sluggishness and weight gain
• too much thyroid hormone is common in older cats and causes hyperactivity and weight loss
• low thyroid levels can affect any breed of dog, however certain breeds are at an increased risk
• Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy

List of breeds in decreasing order of relative risk for thyroid disease:

Chinese Shar Pei	Chow Chow
Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Boxer	English Bulldog
Dachshund	Afghan Hound
Newfoundland	Malamute
Doberman Pinscher	Brittany Spaniel
Poodle	Golden Retriever
Miniature Schnauzer	Airedale Terrier
Cocker Spaniel	Irish Setter
Shetland Sheepdog	English Sheepdog
Pomeranian	German Shorthaired Pointers

Clinical Signs of illness:

• Mental dullness
• Lethargy
• Exercise intolerance
• Weight gain
• Poor coat quality and hair loss

Includes: Crystals/stones, pH, specific gravity, blood, casts, bacteria and glucose

• Helps to assess the health of your pet’s kidneys and urinary bladder

Clinical signs of illness:

• Urine accidents in house
• Increased frequency of urination
• Straining to urinate
• Blood in urine
• Inability to urinate

Ticks and mosquitoes, could they be secretly infecting your dog? Your dog can become infected with heartworm by a simple mosquito bite, or become infected with ehrlichiosis, Lyme or anaplasmosis if bitten by an infected tick. That’s why it is important to screen your dog annually for a blood parasite infection.

Learn if your dog is being exposed to these diseases and if a preventative strategy is needed.

If your dog is infected, the earlier we test, the earlier we can take action to avoid chronic disease state.

FIV and FeLV are major causes of illness and death in cats. Even healthy cats may harbour infection and spread it to others. Only a small blood sample is needed to test for both viruses. Your cat should be tested: 1) if your cat is ill, 2) newly adopted, 3) has been exposed to an infected cat, 4) is an outdoor cat, or 5) before receiving a FeLV vaccine.

FIV: Usually spread by cat bites (fighting). Cats often do not show signs of illness when young. Symptoms include gum infections, frequent illnesses, inability to fight infections, immune suppression, and organ failure.

FeLV: Usually spread through catfights, but also through sharing food/water bowls, cats grooming each other, and kittens born to infected mothers. FeLV can cause leukemia (cancer of white blood cells), anemia, and immune suppression leading to susceptibility to other diseases.