Turquoise Animal Hospital – San Diego Veterinarian

At Turquoise Animal Hospital, we have in-house blood testing machines so our doctors can assess your pet quickly and accurately. We also have the ability to send blood to a lab to get more complete results.

Here are explanations of four basic wellness tests your veterinarian may use to diagnose the health of your pet:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This tests for anemia, infection, inflammation and the healthiness of blood cells. A Complete Blood Count is a series of tests that evaluate the number of cells in circulation. WBC, or white blood cells, help fight infection or inflammation. RBC, or red blood cells, carry oxygen to the tissues.

Chemistry Tests

These panels survey many of the organ systems of the body to make sure they are working properly.

Liver (AST, ALT, Alk Phos, Total Bilirubin, GGT, Cholesterol, Proteins)
This group of tests helps evaluate various functions and health of the liver. Decreased liver function, inflammation, infection, or neoplasia of the liver and gall bladder may be detected by one or all of these tests.

Kidney (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus, Amylase, Albumin)
These tests monitor the function and health of the kidneys. They are most helpful and sensitive for detecting kidney disease when combined with a urinalysis.

Pancreas (Glucose, Amylase, Lipase, Triglyceride)
These tests are abnormal when there is something wrong with the pancreas or carbohydrate metabolism (examples are diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis).

Muscle and Bone
Calcium and Phosphorus are helpful in determining the health of bone metabolism. CPK and AST are abnormal with muscle damage, trauma or inflammation (mytosis).

Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorous)
These tests are important in monitoring the electrical, water balance and cellular health of the body. Deficiencies or excesses of these electrolytes are harmful to an animal’s physical and mental well-being.

Thyroid Function Tests

These tests are useful in diagnosing increased (hyper) or decreased (hypo) functions of the thyroid gland.

As the name implies, thyroid tests evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) is common in dogs whereas too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) is common in older cats. Because there is no single thyroid test that can diagnose all thyroid diseases in animals, several different thyroid tests are used to assure proper results (T4, T3, Free T4, etc.).

Urinalysis

This test assesses the health and function of the urinary system. This is especially important in older animals to help with the early detection of kidney disease.

Note: All content provided is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.