Diagnostics Explained

At Erindale Animal Hospital we have advanced diagnostic machines to help understand and diagnose your companion's symptoms and conditions. The below are some common diagnostic tests, which are a few we are able to perform in our in house diagnostic laboratory. Once a test is performed our care teams will explain the results to you, and develop a specific health plan for your pet. 

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Complete Blood Count (CBC):

 

• WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body’s immune system. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections.

• RBC (red blood cell count) measures hydration level, low results may indicate anemia.

• HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to help detect anemia and dehydration.

• HBG and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) are the oxygen carrying pigments of red bloods cells.

• PLT (platelet count) measures cells that form blood clots.

• MCV (mean corpuscular volume) measures the average size of red blood cells. It aids in the diagnosis of anemia.

• MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) measures average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell. It also helps in the diagnosis of anemia.

• RETICS (reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. High levels indicate regenerative anemia.

• EOS (eosinophils) are specific types of white blood cells that may indicate allergic or parasitic conditions.

• LYM, MON, and GRA (lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes) are specific types of white blood cells. Increase in these numbers may indicate an infection, inflammation or certain diseases.

• NEUT (neutrophils) a type of white blood cell which help heal damaged tissues and resolve infections.  Levels increase naturally in response to infections, injuries and other types of stress. Decreased levels can be a sign of severe or chronic infection.

 

Blood Chemistries:

 

• ALB (albumin) is a serum protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney disease.

• ALKP (alkaline phosphatase) evaluation may indicate liver damage, Cushing’s disease, and active bone growth in young pets. This test is especially significant in cats.

• ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active liver damage but does not necessarily indicate the cause.

• AMYL (amylase) elevations show pancreatitis or kidney disease

• BUN/UREA (blood urea nitrogen) indicates kidney function. An increased blood level is called azotemia and can be caused by kidney, liver, and heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock, and dehydration.

• Ca (Calcium) deviations can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that altar serum calcium,

• CREA (creatinine) reveals kidney function. This test helps distinguish kidney from non-kidney causes of elevated BUN.

• GLU (glucose) is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate stress or diabetes mellitus. Low levels can cause collapse, seizures, or coma.

• PHOS (phosphorus) elevations are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and bleeding disorders.

• K (potassium) is an electrolyte. It is lost with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison’s disease, dehydration, and urethral obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest.

• Na (sodium) is an electrolyte. It is lost with vomiting, diarrhea, kidney and Addison’s disease. This test helps indicate hydration status.

• TBIL (total bilirubin) elevations may indicate liver or hemolytic disease. This test helps identify bile duct problems and certain types of anemia.

• TP (total protein) indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver, kidneys, and infectious disease.

• GLOB (globulin) is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and certain disease states.

• Cholestrol is used to supplement diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, liver disease, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes mellitus.

• Chloride is an electrolyte often lost with vomiting and Addison’s disease. Elevations often indicate dehydration.

• GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme that indicates liver disease or corticosteroid excess.

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Urinalysis:

Urinalysis is a diagnostic test that evaluates the physical and chemical properties of urine. It can be used to assess the health of the kidneys and urinary tract system. A urinalysis allows us to examine specific components of urine, which help us understand a pet's overall health. The following are some of things we look at when we perform a urinalysis: 

• Urine Color

• Turbidity

• Protein

• Glucose (sugar)

• Ketones

• Blood

• Urobilinogen

• Bilirubin

• PH

• Specific Gravity

• Urine Sediment: Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, Crystals, and Bacteria

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Urine can be collected through a cystocentesis, catheterization, or free catch from the midstream of urine. If the urinalysis does detect areas of concern, we will discuss the next steps which can include a follow up sample and repeat urinalysis or further diagnostic testing for specific causes such as a urine culture.When a urinalysis is combined with other laboratory testing the urinalysis completes the total body assessment of your pet.

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If you have questions or concerns about your pet's urinary health, please reach out to us today so we can.