KAMC - Blood work and its Uses

Owners are often interested in blood work results. We are always happy to discuss them with you! Here is a synopsis of some of the organs we examine and blood tests relevant to each:

1. Liver: The liver is one of the most frequently tested organs. Among its many functions are detoxification of food byproducts and metabolization of drugs. Any pet on long-term medication needs its liver enzymes checked twice a year. We can test:

a. Enzymes such as ALP, ALT, AST and GGT. Most of these enzymes are found inside liver cells. High elevations of these enzymes in the blood stream may suggest that liver cells are dying at an abnormally rapid rate.

b. Bilirubin: This is a product synthesized by the liver from old red blood cells. Elevations of bilirubin can cause a yellow appearance (jaundice) to the skin, and may be indicative of liver disease.

c. Albumin: This is the largest and most common protein found in the blood stream. It is synthesized by the liver.

2. Kidneys: Older dogs and cats are susceptible to chronic, progressive kidney failure. Young pets can suffer kidney damage from toxins (Tylenol for cats, or antifreeze for any pet, are common examples) or infection.

a. BUN and Creatinine: These are waste products excreted by the kidney. The levels of these products in the blood stream can help us measure kidney function.

b. Urine specific gravity: This measures the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine and keep water in the body.

c. Electrolytes: Kidneys help regulate the levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and chloride in the blood stream.

d. Red blood cell counts: The kidneys instruct the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys fail, red blood cell production slows.

e. Blood pressure: Kidney failure can lead to dangerously high blood pressure.

f. Blood pH: Blood can become too acidic if the kidneys are not functioning properly.

3. Thyroid Gland: The thyroid secretes a hormone that regulates metabolism. Dogs (and people) can suffer from hypothyroidism, where hormone production is insufficient. Hypothyroidism can cause lethargy, weight gain, and a brittle hair coat. Cats, on the other hand, may develop an overactive thyroid that secretes too much hormone. Hyperthyroid cats tend to eat well yet lose weight; can be more anxious or vocal; and can develop high blood pressure that, untreated, may lead to blindness and blood clots.

4. Pancreas: This organ secretes the digestive enzymes amylase and lipase. Elevated enzyme levels, especially lipase, are suggestive of an inflamed pancreas. The pancreas also is responsible for the production of insulin. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar, or glucose, levels. Insufficient insulin production is one cause of diabetes.

5. Immune System: This is not a single organ, but a host of defense mechanisms that protect against infection. We can test white blood cell counts that often will be very high (and occasionally very low) when the body is fighting an infection. Our test allows us to measure specific types of white blood cells to further categorize the illness. We can also check the levels of antibodies, or globulins, in the blood stream.

6. Oxygen Delivery System: This too is not a single organ, but a synthesis of the heart, lungs, vessels, and red blood cells working in concert to deliver oxygen to every part of the body. We can assess the heart and lungs through physical exam, x-ray, ECG and ultrasound. Red blood cells can be counted in blood tests. We can also measure the percentage of red blood cells that are actually carrying oxygen to the body at a given time; this is one of many parameters monitored in every patient under anesthesia at KAMC.

Symptoms of illness are rarely specific for a particular disease. Lethargy and loss of appetite, for example, are the classic signs for several diseases. Diagnostic tests are often required in order to identify the cause of illness in your pet. More importantly, such tests may allow us to detect problems before symptoms arise.