Interpreting a Blood Test

While our veterinarians explain fully the meaning of your pet’s blood test result, it may interest you what the actual enzymes and chemicals we measure say about the internal health of your pet.

Glucose

Glucose is the basic nutrient for the body. It is highly regulated in the blood stream but does fluctuate for a few hours after eating. Glucose changes may be seen with a variety of metabolic diseases and various organ system abnormalities.

Kidneys

Kidneys are responsible for filtering metabolic waste products, excess sodium and water from the blood stream which is then transferred to the bladder for excretion.

BUN, CREA

metabolic waste products that the kidneys remove from the blood stream

Na, K, Cl, TCO2, Anion Gap

potential electrolyte imbalances

PHOS, Ca

potentially impacted by decreased renal function

ALB

protein potentially decreased with loss through malfunctioning kidneys

Liver

The liver is a large organ with many different functions. It processes the blood by removing both bacteria and toxins as well as further breaking down many of the complex nutrients absorbed during the digestion of food into much smaller components for use by the rest of the body.

ALT

liver-cell enzyme indicating liver cell injury

ALKP, GGT

liver enzymes that may support bile obstruction

ALB

A protein produced in liver potentially decreased with impaired liver function

BUN, GLU, GLOB

potential indicators of decreased function

TBIL, CHOL

potential support for bile obstruction

TRIG

potential indicator of lipid metabolism dysfunction

Electrolytes

Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, TCO2, Anion Gap) are critical to body function and must be maintained in very narrow limits. Dehydration is a common cause of electrolyte imbalances, despite how effective the body is at regulating the concentration levels.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a small organ located near the small intestines and is responsible for producing several digestive enzymes and hormones that help regulate metabolism.

AMYL, LIPA

pancreatic enzymes potentially represents cell injury/inflammation if increased

BUN, CREA

if increased, may interfere with AMYL interpretation

GLU

potential indication of diabetes related to pancreatic disease

Ca, ALB

potential decrease associated with pancreatic inflammation

ALT, ALKP, GGT, TBIL, CHOL, TRIG

potential secondary liver disease