Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
can have high neutrophil cell (another type of white blood cell) counts.
These are a few examples of information a CBC can provide.
Blood Chemistries
There are numerous blood chemistry tests available, and those used
most frequently are typically packaged together as a panel to evaluate a
patient.Although each test has individual significance, it is important to
look at the whole panel, since some tests are best understood in rela-
tion to others. I will touch on the most common tests.
Tests that relate to the liver are ALT (alanine aminotransferase) also
known as SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase),AST (aspartate
aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. ALT and
AST are “leakage enzymes,” released when the liver is infected,
inflamed or diseased. The values do not necessarily correlate to the
amount of liver damage. Alkaline phosphatase becomes elevated when
there is liver disease, especially when bile flow is impaired. Bilirubin
becomes elevated with liver disease and when red blood cells break
apart within the body (hemolysis). Increased circulating bilirubin is
responsible for jaundice. GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is another
enzyme linked to bile flow obstruction or administration of cortisone
in some cats. These tests all tell a vet that the problem is the liver, but
do not show the specific cause of liver disease.
Proteins are synthesized within the body and are present in the
blood.When blood protein levels are low, this indicates lack of protein
production or a loss through the GI or urinary tracts. Protein is sepa-
rated into two components: albumin and globulin.Albumin is necessary
to keep fluid within the blood vessels and to carry other compounds
within the blood. Globulins are antibodies produced by white blood
cells. High globulin levels are seen in dehydrated patients and those
with infections.
Kidney function is assessed through BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and
creatinine values. These values rise when more than two-thirds of kid-
ney function is compromised. BUN and creatinine are also affected by
the hydration status of the patient, blood flow through the kidneys and
urinary tract blockages. Osmolality is a value based on electrolyte values
in the blood and also relates to the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine.
Blood glucose is important in assessing starvation, stress and diabetes
mellitus. In healthy cats the value varies but remains within the refer-
ence ranges, depending on what and when the animal eats.
Electrolytes are minerals present within the blood.They are neces-
sary for some body functions. Calcium is needed to relax and contract
