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The Significance of Various Common Chemistry Tests
Blood Tests are Seperated into Various Types. A Blood Chemistry tests various proteins, enzymes, and ions in a body or organ. The following is a list of the various types of chemistries that are done, and details of what parts of our pet's bodies/organs they check.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Checks Liver Activity - Increased levels of this enzyme may be a sign of liver disease. The higher this level is, the more advanced liver disease may be at the time of testing.
Albumin (ALB): Serum Protein - Reduced levels of this protein may be an indication of chronic liver or kidney disease or parasitic infection.
Alkaline Phosphate (ALP): Found in major organs such as the kidney and liver, and in the intestines and bones. Elevated levels of this enzyme may indicate various organ disease.
Amylase (AMY): Digestive Enzyme - Amylase is produced and secreted by the pancreas to aid in digestion. Elevated levels may indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.
Aspartane Aminotransferase (AST): This enzyme offers a good indication of muscle and liver health.
Bile Acids (BA): This acid is helpful in identifying and monitoring liver disease. Bile acid is also a measure of liver cell function.
Cholesterol (CHOL): Elevated levels of cholesterol may indicate a variety of disorders including hypothyroidism, liver and kidney disease.
Creatinine (CREA): Tests the Kidney's Activity. High levels of creatinine are an indication of kidney disease or urinary obstruction.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Liver Activity. Tests specifit types of liver disease. Great test for monitoring these specific diseases.
Glucose (GLU): Blood Sugar Level - High levels may indicate diabetes or indicate high stress level. Chronic low levels may indicate liver disease.
Phosphorus (PHOS): High levels may indicate kidney disfunction.
Total Bilirubin (TBIL): A component of bile sectreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. These levels are helpful in evaluating certain types of liver disease and anemias.
Total Protein (TP): Helps diagnose many conditions including kidney and gastrointestinal disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A metabolic waste product produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Testing helps detect liver and kidney abnormalities. (Wastes are excreted by these organs. If either organs have a hard time ridding the body of these wastes, the levels on a test will show a HIGH amount of nitrogen, which means kidney and liver problems)
Thyroxine Test (T4): Thyroid Functions - High/Low levels of the thyroid hormone may indicate thyroid disease or secondary liver disease, kidney or metabolic abnormalities.
Hematology Blood Tests and Complete Blood Counts
Various hematology tests provide information such as measurements of red and white blood cells, and platelets. It is an important way to diagnose or check for the following:
- Infection
- Leukemia
- Anemia
- Blood Disorders
- Stress Levels
- Hydration Levels (If an animal is dehydrated before
a surgery, the kidneys/liver may have difficulty ridding
the body of anaesthetics)
- Inflammation in the body
- Blood clotting capabilities (should be done before a
scheduled surgery to help prevent loss of blood,
and to help determine if the animal will have problems
with clotting/healing)
Your veterinarian will help you determine what test should be done at the time of the appointment. The specifics of a blood test depend on the physical state and age of your pet.
If you have any questions about prices and procedures, or to book an appointment please contact us.
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