How to read lab tests 1

When reading the results of laboratory tests it's important to understand that a perfectly healthy dog may have one or two test results outside the so-called "normal" range. The abnormal result may be "normal" for your dog or the results may have been influenced by drugs, intestinal upsets or extreme activity. Many drugs, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies can affect lab results. Please be sure your vet knows about any supplements so that they can be considered when interpreting laboratory results.
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Bile Acid Tests:
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Bile acids are produced by the liver and are involved in fat breakdown. A pre and post meal bile acid test is used to evaluate the function of the liver and the blood flow to the liver. All dogs on Phenobarbital should have a bile acid test done at least every 6 months.
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Your vet will ask you to fast your dog for 12 hours prior to the first blood draw. Your dog is then fed a high fat meal such as canned dog food. Another blood sample is drawn two hours (may vary according to the lab your vet uses) after eating. These two blood tests will measure liver function when the liver is at rest and when the liver is challenged with a fatty meal. Please be careful during the fast as even a small amount of food can affect the fasting blood test. As a general rule medications can be given during the fast, however, they must not be given with food.
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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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The complete blood count measures the number and type of cells circulating in the bloodstream. There are three major types of blood cells in circulation; red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. White blood cells include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Blood cells are produced in bone marrow with the exception of lymphocytes which are produced in the lymph glands throughout the body.
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Red Blood Cells are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. Iron deficiency will lower red blood cell count. If red blood cells are significantly reduced it may indicate hemorrhage, parasites, bone marrow disease, B-12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency or copper deficiency. An increase usually indicates dehydration.
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Neutrophils can be decreased in dogs with bone marrow disease, some viral diseases or from cancer chemotherapy drugs. Neutrophils are increased in dogs with inflammation or infection of any part of the body or from the use of cortisone-type drugs.
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Lymphocytes may be increased when infection is present and decreased from severe stress, diarrhea or the use of certain drugs such as prednisone.
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Monocytes may be increased in dogs with chronic infections.
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Eosinophils and basophils are increased in dogs with allergic diseases or parasitic infections such as worms or fleas.
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Low platelet counts occur if the bone marrow is damaged and can't produce them or if the platelets are destroyed at a rate faster then normal.
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Packed Cell Volume (PCV) is another measure of red blood cells which compares the number of cells to the total volume of blood.
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