Blood Profiles

Test results explained

This is a guide to help you understand your pet’s test results. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us and speak to one of our technicians.

ALB (Albumin) is a serum protien that may help evaluate hydration or hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney diseases.

ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase) elevations may indicate liver problems, Cushing’s disease, and active bone growth in young pets. Mild elevations can be important in cats.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active liver damage or inflammation.

AMYL (Amulase) elevations may show pancreatitis or kidney disease, especially in the dog.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) relates to kidney function. An increased blood level may also be caused secondarily by liver disease, heart disease, urinary tract obstruction, shock, or dehydration.

CA (Calcium) deviations can indicate a variety of diseases. Tumors, hormonal changes, or kidney disease are just a few of the conditions that can alter serum calcium.

CHOL (Cholesterol) is used primarily to supplement the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs. Liver disease, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes mellitus may also cause changes.

CREA (Creatinine) reflects kidney function. This test helps distinguish between kidney and nonkidney causes of an elevated BUN.

GLOB (Globulin) is a blood protein that may often increase with chronic inflammation and certain disease states.

GLUC (Glucose) is a blood sugar. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes mellitus or great stress. Very low levels can cause collapse, seizures, coma and death.

PHOS (Phosphorous) elevations are often associated with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or bleeding disorders.

TBIL (Total bilirubin) elevations may indicate liver disease or disease that destroys red blood cells.

TP (Total protein) can indicate hydration status and provides information about the liver, kidneys, and infectious diseases.

NA (Sodium) is an electrolyte often lost with vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, and Addison’s disease. This test helps indicate hydration status.

K (Potassium) is an electrolyte often lost with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination. Increased levels may indicate kidney failure, Addison’s disease, dehydration, or urinary obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest and low levels to weakness.

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

CORTISOL is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. This can be measured by specialized tests to indicate Cushing’s disease or Addison’s disease.

T4 (Thyroxine) is a thyroid hormone. Decreased levels often signal hypothyroidism in the dog, while high levels indicate hyperthyroidism in the cat.