Understanding Your Pet’s Labwork

A core laboratory panel that quantifies and evaluates the three primary cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A panel of blood biochemical tests that evaluates organ function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and metabolic status.

A physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine to evaluate kidney function and the lower urinary tract.

A liver enzyme found inside liver cells that leaks into the bloodstream when hepatocytes are damaged or inflamed.

An inducible enzyme found on the biliary membranes of the liver, bone cells, and (in dogs) induced by steroid hormones.

A metabolic waste product of dietary protein digestion and liver metabolism, excreted primarily by the kidneys.

A waste byproduct of normal muscle breakdown excreted exclusively by the kidneys; the primary blood biomarker for renal filtration and IRIS staging.

A sensitive renal biomarker produced by cellular metabolism and excreted by the kidneys, detecting kidney function loss earlier than traditional creatinine.

A quantitative laboratory test measuring the ratio of protein to creatinine in urine to diagnose and quantify renal glomerular protein loss.

The percentage of whole blood volume made up of red blood cells, providing the primary measure of anemia and hydration status.

A quantitative count of circulating thrombocyte cell fragments essential for primary blood clotting and plugging vascular leaks.