Blood test in cats: norm, general indicators and interpretation of the results. Leukopenia - Decreased levels of white blood cells in cats

Color
Normally, the color of urine is yellow and depends on the concentration of substances dissolved in the urine. With polyuria, the dilution is greater, so the urine is lighter in color, with a decrease in diuresis - a rich yellow hue. Color changes upon admission medicines(salicylates, etc.) Pathologically altered urine color occurs with hematuria (a type of meat slop), bilirubinemia (the color of beer), with hemoglobin- or myoglobinuria (black), with leukocyturia (milky white).
Transparency
Normal urine is completely clear. If at the time of excretion the urine turns out to be cloudy, then this is due to the presence in it of a large number of cell formations, salts, mucus, bacteria, and epithelium.
Urine reaction
Fluctuations in the pH of urine are due to the composition of the diet: a meat diet causes an acidic reaction of urine, a vegetable one - alkaline. With a mixed diet, mainly acidic metabolic products are formed, therefore, normally, the reaction of urine is slightly acidic. When standing, urine decomposes, ammonia is released and the pH shifts to the alkaline side. Therefore, the reaction of urine is approximately determined with a litmus test immediately upon delivery to the laboratory, because. when standing, it can change. The alkaline reaction of urine underestimates the indicators of specific gravity; leukocytes are quickly destroyed in alkaline urine.
Relative density of urine(specific gravity)
The density of urine is compared to the density of water. Definition relative density reflects the functional ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine, this value is important for assessing renal function in animals. Normally, the density of urine is on average - 1.020-1.035 The density of urine is measured using a urometer, refractometer. Measurement of density with a test strip in animals is not informative.

Chemical study of urine

1.Protein
The excretion of protein in the urine is called proteinuria. This is usually done with qualitative tests such as a urinary test strip. The content of protein in urine up to 0.3 g/l is considered normal.
Causes of proteinuria:
- chronic infections
- hemolytic anemia
- chronic destructive processes in the kidneys
- urinary tract infections
- urolithiasis disease
2. Glucose
Normally, there should be no glucose in the urine. The appearance of glucose in the urine (glucosuria) depends either on its concentration in the blood or on the processes of filtration and reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys:
- diabetes
stress (especially in cats)

3. Ketone bodies
Ketone bodies - acetone, acetoacetic acid, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, 20-50 mg of ketone bodies are excreted in the urine per day, which are not detected in single portions. Normally, there is no ketonuria in OAM. When ketone bodies are detected in the urine, two options are possible:
1. In the urine, along with ketone bodies, sugar is detected - it is safe to diagnose diabetic acidosis, precoma or coma, depending on the corresponding symptoms.
2. Only acetone is detected in the urine, but there is no sugar - the cause of ketonuria is not diabetes. These can be: fasting-related acidosis (due to reduced sugar burning and fat mobilization); diet, fat rich(ketogenic diet); reflection of acidosis associated with gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea), with severe toxicosis, with poisoning and feverish conditions.
Bile pigments (bilirubin). From bile pigments in the urine, bilirubin and urobilinogen can appear:
4.Bilirubin
The urine of healthy animals contains a minimum amount of bilirubin that cannot be detected by conventional qualitative tests using practical medicine. Therefore, it is believed that normally there should be no bile pigments in the OAM. Only direct bilirubin is excreted in the urine, the concentration of which is normally insignificant in the blood (from 0 to 6 µmol / l), because indirect bilirubin does not pass through the renal filter. Therefore, bilirubinuria is observed mainly with liver damage (hepatic jaundice) and violations of the outflow of bile (subhepatic jaundice), when direct (bound) bilirubin rises in the blood. For hemolytic jaundice(prehepatic jaundice) bilirubinemia is uncharacteristic.
5.Urobilinogen
Urobilinogen is formed from direct bilirubin in small intestine from bilirubin excreted in bile. By her own positive reaction for urobilinogen is not very suitable for the purposes of differential diagnosis, because can be observed in a variety of liver lesions (hepatitis, cirrhosis) and in diseases of organs adjacent to the liver (with an attack of bile or renal colic, cholecystitis, with enteritis, constipation, etc.).

Microscopy of urine sediment
The urine sediment is divided into organized (elements of organic origin - erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells and cylinders) and unorganized (elements of inorganic origin - crystalline and amorphous salts).
1. Hematuria - the presence of erythrocytes in the urine. There are gross hematuria (when the color of urine is changed) and microhematuria (when the color of urine is not changed, and red blood cells are found only under a microscope). Fresh unchanged erythrocytes are more typical for urinary tract lesions (ICD, cystitis, urethritis).
2. Hemoglobinuria - detection of hemoglobin in the urine, due to intravascular hemolysis. Clinically manifested by the excretion of coffee-colored urine. Unlike hematuria, with hemoglobinuria, erythrocytes are absent in the urine sediment.
3.Leukocytes
Leukocytes in the urine of a healthy animal are found in a small amount- up to 1-2 in the field of view of the microscope. An increase in the number of white blood cells in the urine (pyuria) indicates inflammation in the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or urinary tract(cystitis, urethritis).
4. Epithelial cells
Epithelial cells are almost always found in the urinary sediment. Normally, OAM has no more than 5 pieces in the field of view. Epithelial cells have a different origin. Cells squamous epithelium enter the urine from the vagina, urethra and special diagnostic value Dont Have. Transitional epithelial cells line the mucous membrane of the bladder, ureters, pelvis, large ducts of the prostate gland. The appearance in the urine of a large number of cells of this epithelium can be observed with inflammation of these organs, with KSD and neoplasms of the urinary tract.
5.Cylinders
A cylinder is a protein coiled in the lumen of the renal tubules and includes any contents of the lumen of the tubules in its matrix. The cylinders take the shape of the tubules themselves (cylindrical impression). In the urine of a healthy animal, single cylinders can be detected per day in the field of view of the microscope. Normally, there are no cylinders in OAM. Cylindruria is a symptom of kidney damage.
6.Unorganized sediment
Unorganized urine sediment consists of salts precipitated in the form of crystals and amorphous masses. The nature of the salts depends on the pH of the urine and other properties. For example, with an acid reaction of urine, uric acid, urates, oxalates. At alkaline reaction urine - calcium, phosphates (struvites). Detection of salts in fresh urine is a sign of KSD.
7. Bacteriuria
Normal urine is bladder sterile. When urinating, microbes from the lower urethra enter it, but their number is not > 10,000 per 1 ml. Bacteriuria refers to the detection of more than one bacterium in the field of view (qualitative method), which implies the growth of colonies in culture in excess of 100,000 bacteria per 1 ml (quantitative method). It is clear that urine culture is the gold standard for diagnosing infections. urinary system.

CLINICAL (GENERAL) blood test of cats

Hemoglobin- The blood pigment of erythrocytes that carries oxygen, carbon dioxide.
Boost:
- polycythemia (an increase in the number of red blood cells)
- stay at high altitudes
- excessive exercise
- dehydration, blood clots
Reduction:
- anemia

red blood cells- non-nuclear blood cells containing hemoglobin. Make up the bulk shaped elements blood. The average for a dog is 4-6.5 thousand * 10 ^ 6 / l. Cats - 5-10 thousand * 10 ^ 6 / l.
Increase (erythrocytosis):
- bronchopulmonary pathology,
- heart defects
-polycystic kidney disease
- neoplasms of the kidneys, liver,
-dehydration.
Decreased: - anemia,
- acute blood loss, - chronic inflammatory process,
- hyperhydration.

ESR- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the form of a column during blood sedimentation. It depends on the number of red blood cells, their "weight" and shape, and on the properties of plasma - the amount of proteins (mainly fibrinogen), viscosity. Norm 0-10 mm/h.
Boost:
- infections
- inflammatory process
- malignant tumors
- anemia
- pregnancy
Lack of magnification for the reasons listed above:
- polycythemia
- Decreased plasma fibrinogen levels.

platelets- Platelets formed from giant cells bone marrow. Responsible for blood clotting. The normal content in the blood is 190-550 * 10 ^ 9 liters.
Boost:
- polycythemia
- myeloid leukemia
- inflammatory process
- condition after removal of the spleen, surgical operations.
Reduction:
- systemic autoimmune diseases(systemic lupus erythematosus)
- aplastic anemia
- hemolytic anemia

Leukocytes- white blood cells. Produced in red bone marrow. Function - protection from foreign substances and microbes (immunity). The average for dogs is 6.0-16.0 * 10 ^ 9 / l. For cats - 5.5-18.0*10^9/l. There are different types of leukocytes with specific functions (see leukocyte formula), so a change in the number is of diagnostic importance certain types and not all leukocytes in general.
Raise
- leukocytosis
- leukemia
- infection, inflammation
- condition after acute bleeding, hemolysis
- allergy
- with a long course of corticosteroids
Decrease - leukopenia
- some infections pathology of the bone marrow (aplastic anemia)
- increased function spleen
- genetic abnormalities of the immune system
- anaphylactic shock

Leukocyte formula - percentage different types leukocytes.

3. Basophils - participate in immediate type hypersensitivity reactions. Rarely encountered. The norm is 0-1% of the total number of leukocytes.
Increase - basophilia:
- allergic reactions to the introduction of a foreign protein, including food allergy
- chronic inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract
- hypothyroidism
- blood diseases (acute leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis)

4. Lymphocytes - the main cells immune system. Fight viral infections. They destroy foreign cells and altered own cells (recognize foreign proteins - antigens and selectively destroy cells containing them - specific immunity), secrete antibodies (immunoglobulins) into the blood - substances that block antigen molecules and remove them from the body. The norm is 18-25% of the total number of leukocytes.
Increase - lymphocytosis:
- hyperthyroidism
- viral infections
- lymphocytic leukemia
Decrease - lymphopenia:
- the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants

- kidney failure
- chronic diseases liver
- immunodeficiency states
- circulatory failure

BIOCHEMICAL analysis of blood of cats

1. Glucose- a universal source of energy for cells - the main substance from which any cell of the body receives energy for life. The body's need for energy, and therefore - for glucose - increases in parallel with physical and psychological stress under the influence of the stress hormone - adrenaline, during growth, development, recovery (growth hormones, thyroid gland, adrenal glands).
The average value for dogs is 4.3-7.3 mmol / l, cats - 3.3-6.3 mmol / l.
For the absorption of glucose by cells, a normal content of insulin, a hormone of the pancreas, is necessary. With its deficiency (diabetes mellitus), glucose cannot pass into the cells, its level in the blood is increased, and the cells starve.
Increase (hyperglycemia):
- diabetes mellitus (insufficient insulin)
- physical or emotional load(adrenaline rush)
- thyrotoxicosis (increased thyroid function)
- Cushing's syndrome (increased levels of the adrenal hormone - cortisol)
- diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis, tumor, cystic fibrosis)
- chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys
Decrease (hypoglycemia):
- starvation
- insulin overdose
- diseases of the pancreas (a tumor from cells that synthesize insulin)
- tumors (excess consumption of glucose as an energy material by tumor cells)
- lack of function endocrine glands(adrenal, thyroid, pituitary (growth hormone))
- severe poisoning with liver damage (alcohol, arsenic, chlorine, phosphorus compounds, salicylates, antihistamines)

2.Total protein
"Life is a way of existence of protein bodies." Proteins are the main biochemical criterion of life. They are part of all anatomical structures (muscles, cell membranes), transport substances through the blood and into cells, accelerate the course of biochemical reactions in the body, recognize substances - their own or others and protect from strangers, regulate metabolism, retain fluid in the blood vessels and do not let it go into the fabric. Proteins are synthesized in the liver from food amino acids. Total blood protein consists of two fractions: albumins and globulins.
Average for dogs - 59-73 g/l, cats - 54-77 g/l.
Increase (hyperproteinemia):
- dehydration (burns, diarrhea, vomiting - a relative increase in protein concentration due to a decrease in fluid volume)
- myeloma(excess production of gamma globulins)
Decrease (hypoproteinemia):
- starvation (full or protein - strict vegetarianism, anorexia nervosa)
- bowel disease (malabsorption)
- nephrotic syndrome (kidney failure)
- increased consumption (blood loss, burns, tumors, ascites, chronic and acute inflammation)
- chronic liver failure (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

3.Albumin- one of two factions total protein- transport.
The norm for dogs is 22-39 g / l, cats - 25-37 g / l.
Increase (hyperalbuminemia):
There is no true (absolute) hyperalbuminemia. Relative occurs when the total volume of fluid decreases (dehydration)
Decrease (hypoalbuminemia):
Same as for general hypoproteinemia.

4. Bilirubin total- a component of bile, consists of two fractions - indirect (unbound), formed during the breakdown of blood cells (erythrocytes), and direct (bound), formed from indirect in the liver and excreted through the bile ducts into the intestine. It is a coloring matter (pigment), therefore, when it increases in the blood, the color of the skin changes - jaundice.
Increase (hyperbilirubinemia):
- damage to liver cells (hepatitis, hepatosis - parenchymal jaundice)
- obstruction bile ducts(mechanical jaundice

5. Urea- a product of protein metabolism, excreted by the kidneys. Some remain in the blood.
The norm for a dog is 3-8.5 mmol / l, for a cat - 4-10.5 mmol / l.
Boost:
- impaired renal function
- obstruction of the urinary tract
- high protein content in food
- increased protein breakdown (burns, acute myocardial infarction)
Reduction:
- protein starvation
- excessive protein intake (pregnancy, acromegaly)
- malabsorption

6. Creatinine- the end product of the metabolism of creatine, synthesized in the kidneys and liver from three amino acids (arginine, glycine, methionine). It is completely excreted from the body by the kidneys by glomerular filtration, without being reabsorbed in the renal tubules.
The norm for a dog is 30-170 µmol/l., for a cat - 55-180 µmol/l.
Enhanced:
- impaired kidney function (renal failure)
- hyperthyroidism
Downgraded:
- pregnancy
- age-related decrease in muscle mass

7. Alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) - An enzyme produced by the cells of the liver, skeletal muscle and heart.
The norm for a dog is 0-65 units, for a cat - 0-75 units.
Boost:
- destruction of liver cells (necrosis, cirrhosis, jaundice, tumors)
- destruction muscle tissue(trauma, myositis, muscular dystrophy)
- burns
- toxic effect on the liver of drugs (antibiotics, etc.)

8.Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)- An enzyme produced by heart, liver, skeletal muscle cells and red blood cells.
The average content in dogs is 10-42 units, in cats - 9-30 units.
Boost:
- damage to liver cells (hepatitis, toxic drug damage, liver metastases)
- heavy physical activity
- heart failure
- burns, heat stroke

9.Gamma-glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT)- An enzyme produced by the cells of the liver, pancreas, thyroid gland.
dogs - 0-8 units, cats - 0-3 units.
Boost:
- liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer)
- diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus)
- hyperthyroidism (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland)

10. Alpha Amylase
- An enzyme produced by the cells of the pancreas and parotid salivary glands.
The norm for a dog is 550-1700 IU, for a cat - 450-1550 IU.
Boost:
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Parotitis (inflammation of the parotid salivary gland)
- diabetes
- volvulus of the stomach and intestines
- peritonitis
Reduction:
- pancreatic insufficiency
- thyrotoxicosis

11. Potassium, sodium, chlorides-Provides electrical properties of cell membranes. On different sides of the cell membrane, the difference in concentration and charge is specially maintained: there is more sodium and chlorides outside the cell, and potassium inside, but less than sodium outside - this creates a potential difference between the sides of the cell membrane - a rest charge that allows the cell to be alive and respond to nerve impulses, participating in the systemic activities of the body. Losing charge, the cell leaves the system, because. cannot accept brain commands. Thus, sodium and chlorides are extracellular ions, potassium is intracellular. In addition to maintaining the resting potential, these ions are involved in the generation and conduction nerve impulse- action potential. Regulation mineral metabolism in the body (hormones of the adrenal cortex) is aimed at retaining sodium, which is not enough in natural food(without salt) and the removal of potassium from the blood, where it enters when cells are destroyed. Ions, together with other solutes, hold fluid: cytoplasm inside cells, extracellular fluid in tissues, blood in blood vessels, regulating blood pressure, preventing the development of edema. Chlorides are part of the gastric juice.

12.Potassium:
dogs - 3.6-5.5, cats - 3.5-5.3 mmol / l.
Increased potassium (hyperkalemia):
- cell damage (hemolysis - destruction of blood cells, severe starvation, convulsions, severe injuries)
- dehydration
- acute renal failure (impaired excretion by the kidneys)
- hyperadrenocorticosis
Decreased potassium (hypokalemia)
- chronic starvation (failure to eat)
- prolonged vomiting, diarrhea (loss with intestinal juice)
- impaired renal function
- excess of hormones of the adrenal cortex (including taking dosage forms of cortisone)
- hypoadrenocorticosis

13. Sodium
dogs - 140-155, cats - 150-160 mmol / l.
Increased sodium (hypernatremia):
- excessive salt intake
loss of extracellular fluid (severe vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination(diabetes insipidus)
- excessive retention (increased function of the adrenal cortex)
- violation of the central regulation of water-salt metabolism (pathology of the hypothalamus, coma)
Decreased sodium (hyponatremia):
loss (diuretic abuse, kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency)
- decrease in concentration due to an increase in fluid volume (diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, edema)

14. Chlorides
dogs - 105-122, cats - 114-128 mmol / l.
Increase in chlorides:
- dehydration
- acute renal failure
- diabetes insipidus
- poisoning with salicylates
- increased function of the adrenal cortex
Decrease in chlorides:
- profuse diarrhea, vomiting,
- increase in fluid volume

15. Calcium
Dogs - 2.25-3 mmol / l, cats - 2.1-2.8 mmol / l.
Participates in the conduction of a nerve impulse, especially in the heart muscle. Like all ions, it retains fluid in the vascular bed, preventing the development of edema. Essential for muscle contraction and blood clotting. It is part of the bone tissue and tooth enamel. Blood levels are regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium levels by flushing out of the bones, increasing intestinal absorption, and delaying excretion by the kidneys.
Increase (hypercalcemia):
- increased function of the parathyroid gland
- malignant tumors with bone lesions (metastases, myeloma, leukemia)
- excess vitamin D
- dehydration
Decrease (hypocalcemia):
- Decreased thyroid function
- vitamin D deficiency
- chronic renal failure
- magnesium deficiency

16. Phosphorus inorganic
Dogs - 0.8-2.3, cats - 0.9-2.3 mmol / l.
The element included in nucleic acids, bone tissue and the main energy supply systems of the cell - ATP. Regulated in parallel with the level of calcium.
Boost:
- destruction of bone tissue (tumors, leukemia)
- excess vitamin D
- fracture healing
- endocrine disorders
- kidney failure
Reduction:
- lack of growth hormone
- vitamin D deficiency
- malabsorption, severe diarrhea, vomiting
- hypercalcemia

17. Phosphatase alkaline

Dogs - 0-100, cats - 4-85 units.
Enzyme formed in bone tissue, liver, intestines, placenta, lungs.
Boost:
- pregnancy
- increased metabolism in bone tissue (rapid growth, fracture healing, rickets, hyperparathyroidism)
- bone diseases (osteogenic sarcoma, bone metastases of cancer)
- liver disease
Reduction:
- hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism)
- anemia (anemia)
- lack of vitamin C, B12, zinc, magnesium

LIPIDS

Lipids (fats) are substances necessary for a living organism. The main lipid that a person receives from food, and from which their own lipids are then formed, is cholesterol. It is part of cell membranes, maintains their strength. So-called. steroid hormones: hormones of the adrenal cortex that regulate water-salt and carbohydrate metabolism, adapting the body to new conditions; sex hormones. Bile acids are formed from cholesterol, which are involved in the absorption of fats in the intestines. From cholesterol in the skin under the influence of sunlight, vitamin D is synthesized, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. In case of integrity damage vascular wall and / or excess cholesterol in the blood, it is deposited on the wall and forms a cholesterol plaque. This condition is called vascular atherosclerosis: plaques narrow the lumen, interfere with blood flow, disturb the smoothness of the blood flow, increase blood clotting, and contribute to the formation of blood clots. Various complexes of lipids with proteins circulating in the blood are formed in the liver: high, low and very low density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL, VLDL); total cholesterol is divided between them. Low and very low density lipoproteins are deposited in plaques and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Lipoproteins high density due to the presence of a special protein in them - apoprotein A1 - they contribute to the "pulling" of cholesterol from plaques and play a protective role, stop atherosclerosis. To assess the risk of a condition, it is not the total level of total cholesterol that is important, but the ratio of its fractions.

18.Total cholesterol
Dogs - 2.9-8.3, cats - 2-5.9 mmol / l.
Boost:
- liver disease
- hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- ischemic disease heart (atherosclerosis)
- hyperadrenocorticism
Reduction:
- enteropathies accompanied by protein loss
- hepatopathy (portocaval anastomosis, cirrhosis)
- malignant neoplasms
- poor nutrition

Clinical blood test.

Test material: venous, capillary blood

Taking: When taking blood, it is necessary to follow the rules of asepsis and antisepsis in accordance with the instructions. Blood is taken on an empty stomach, if possible, into a clean (preferably disposable) tube with an anticoagulant (K3EDTA, K2EDTA, Na2EDTA, rarely sodium citrate, sodium oxalate) (tube with a green or lilac cap). Heparin must not be used! It is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of anticoagulant. After taking blood, the tube should be gently mixed.
When taking blood into a syringe, it should be transferred into the test tube immediately and slowly, preventing foaming. DO NOT SHAKE!!!

Storage: Blood is stored no more than 6-8 hours at room temperature, 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Shipping: Blood tubes must be labeled and tightly closed. During transportation, the material should be protected from the harmful effects of the environment and weather conditions. DO NOT SHAKE!!!

- Exceeding the concentration of the anticoagulant causes wrinkling and hemolysis of erythrocytes, as well as a decrease in ESR;
- heparin affects the color and color of blood cells, the count of leukocytes;
- high concentration of EDTA overstates the number of platelets;
- intensive shaking of blood leads to hemolysis;
- a decrease in hemoglobin and red blood cells can occur due to the action of drugs that can cause the development of aplastic anemia (antitumor, anticonvulsant, heavy metals, antibiotics, analgesics).
- biseptol, vitamin A, corticotropin, cortisol - increase ESR.

Hemogram.

Leukocyte formula.

Leukocyte formula - percentage various forms leukocytes in the blood (in a stained smear). Changes leukocyte formula may be typical for a particular disease.

Biochemical study of blood.

Test material: serum, rarely plasma.

Taking: On an empty stomach, always before carrying out diagnostic or medical procedures. Blood is taken into a dry, clean test tube (preferably disposable) (tube with a red cap). Use a needle with a large lumen (no syringe, except for difficult veins). The blood should flow down the side of the tube. Mix gently, close tightly. DO NOT SHAKE! DO NOT FOAM!
Squeezing of the vessel during blood sampling should be minimal.

Storage: Serum or plasma should be separated as soon as possible. The material is stored, depending on the indicators required for the study, from 30 minutes (at room temperature) to several weeks in frozen form (the sample can be thawed only once).

Delivery: Tubes must be signed. Blood should be delivered as soon as possible in a cooler bag. DO NOT SHAKE!
DO NOT deliver blood in a syringe.

Factors affecting the results:
- with prolonged squeezing of the vessel, they increase in the study of the concentration of proteins, lipids, bilirubin, calcium, potassium, enzyme activity,
- plasma cannot be used to determine potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.,
- it should be borne in mind that the concentration of some indicators in serum and plasma is different
Serum concentration greater than plasma: albumin, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, uric acid, sodium, OB, TG, amylase
Serum concentration equal to plasma: ALT, bilirubin, calcium, CPK, urea
Serum concentration less than plasma: AST, potassium, LDH, phosphorus
- hemolyzed serum and plasma are not suitable for the determination of LDH, Iron, AST, ALT, potassium, magnesium, creatinine, bilirubin, etc.
- at room temperature after 10 minutes there is a tendency to decrease in glucose concentration,
- high concentrations of bilirubin, lipemia and turbidity of samples overestimate cholesterol values,
- bilirubin of all fractions is reduced by 30-50% if serum or plasma is exposed to direct daylight for 1-2 hours,
- physical activity, starvation, obesity, food intake, injuries, operations, intramuscular injections cause an increase in a number of enzymes (AST, ALT, LDH, CPK),
- it should be taken into account that in young animals the activity of LDH, alkaline phosphatase, amylase is higher than in adults.

Blood chemistry

Hormone research.

Test material: blood serum (not less than 0.5 ml for the study of one hormone), do not use PLASMA!

Taking: On an empty stomach, take blood into a clean, dry test tube (tube with a red cap). That hour to separate the serum, to prevent hemolysis!
In repeated studies, take blood only under the same conditions as before.

Storage, delivery: freeze serum immediately! Re-freezing is excluded. Deliver on the day the material is taken.

Factors affecting the results:
- concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) fluctuate during the day (max - early in the morning, min - the second half of the day),
- estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, thyrotropin (TSH) - stable in serum at room temperature for 1 day, frozen for 3 days,
- for the study of sex hormones, it is necessary to exclude the use of estrogens before donating blood for 3 days,
- for the study of T4 (thyroxine), exclude preparations with iodine for a month, thyroid gland preparations for 2-3 days,
- before the analysis, physical activity and stress should be excluded,
- lower hormone levels anabolic steroid, progesterone, glucocorticoids, dexamethasone, ampicillin, etc.,
- increase the level of hormones: ketoconazole, furosemide, acetylsalicylic acid.

Research of system of a hemostasis.

Test material: venous blood (serum, plasma), capillary blood. Anticoagulant - sodium citrate 3.8% in a ratio of 1/9 (tube with a blue cap).

Taking: blood is taken on an empty stomach, with a needle with a wide lumen without a syringe. The time of squeezing the vein with a tourniquet should be minimal. The first 2-3 drops merge, because. they may contain tissue thromboplastin. Blood is taken by gravity, slowly mixing in a test tube, DO NOT SHAKE!

Storage, delivery: the study is carried out immediately. Before centrifugation, the tubes are placed in an ice bath.

Factors affecting the results:
- The exact ratio of blood to anticoagulant (9:1) is critical. If the volume of anticoagulant does not match high value hematocrit, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) increases,
- heparin, carbenicillin and the ingress of tissue fluid into the sample (with venipuncture) - increase the clotting time,
- prothrombin time is increased by anabolic steroids, antibiotics, anticoagulants, high doses of acetylsalicylic acid, laxatives, nicotinic acid, thiazide diuretics.

Hemogram of cats different ages and sex (R.W. Kirk)

Biochemical analysis of blood in units. SI (norm for cats, R.W. Kirk)

A general blood test in cats is one of the mandatory studies to determine the state of the animal's body, timely detection diseases of a different nature. Analyzes are carried out in laboratories at specialized veterinary clinics, the attending physician of your pet is primarily responsible for deciphering. At the same time, you can play it safe and try to understand on your own what the numbers in the summary say. This information will help to build a more productive conversation with the veterinarian and, if necessary, lead him to make the correct diagnosis.

Deciphering the indicators of a clinical blood test

Let us analyze in more detail what each substance is responsible for, what to look for when deciphering tests in cats.

Hematocrit (HCT). Norm - 24-26%

An increased number indicates a likely increase in the level of red blood cells (erythrocytosis), dehydration, the development of diabetes in the animal, and a decrease in plasma volume in the blood.

A decrease in hematocrit indicates anemia, chronic inflammation of one of the organs, starvation of the cat, the presence of cancer or internal infusion.

Hemoglobin (HGB). Norm - 80-150 g/l

An elevated hemoglobin level can signal erythrocytosis or dehydration.

An indicator below 80 g / l is a sign of one of several disorders, such as anemia, overt or hidden blood loss, poisoning, damage to the hematopoietic organs.

Leukocytes (WBC). Norm - 5.5-18.0 * 109 / l

Exceeding the norm: leukemia, development bacterial infections or inflammatory processes, oncology.

Lowering the norm: a virus, damage to the bone marrow, damage to the body due to radioactive radiation.

Red blood cells (RGB). Norm - 5.3-10 * 10 12 / l

An increased level of red blood cells means the development of erythrocytosis in the body, lack of oxygen, and dehydration of the body. In some cases, it indicates diseases of the kidneys and liver.

A reduced content of red blood cells indicates blood loss (hidden or overt), anemia, and the presence of chronic inflammation in the body. It may appear in the last stages of pregnancy.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Norm - 0-13 mm/h

An increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate clearly indicates a heart attack, the development of cancer, diseases of the liver and kidneys, animal poisoning, and a state of shock. In some cases, it may occur during pregnancy.

Decreased rates in this case does not exist.

Neutrophils. The norm for stab - 0-3% of the WBC, for segmented - 35-75% of the WBC

With an increased content, we can talk about the development acute inflammation(including purulent), leukemia, tissue breakdown due to tumors or poisoning.

If the level of neutrophils is lowered, then most likely we are dealing with fungal diseases, damage to bone marrow tissues, anaphylactic shock in an animal.

Important: the first step to diagnosing diseases is tests.

Eosinophils. Norm - 0-4% of WBC

Take a closer look at your pet: if he has food allergies or intolerances medical preparations? That's what he's talking about elevated level eosinophils. Given that the minimum threshold for this substance is 0% of the WBC, there is no reduced amount.

Monocytes. Norm - 1-4% of WBC

An increase in monocytes in the blood often occurs against the background of the development of a fungus in the body (including a viral one), as well as with protozoal diseases, tuberculosis, and enteritis.

The indicator below the norm is manifested against the background of aplastic anemia or when taking corticosteroid drugs.

Lymphocytes. Norm - 20-55% of WBC

Increase: leukemia, toxoplasmosis, viral infection.

Downgrade: Availability malignant tumor, immunodeficiency of the body, pancytopenia, kidney and / or liver damage.

Platelets (PLT). Norm - 300-630 * 10 9 / l

Exceeding the norm often indicates bleeding, a tumor (benign or malignant), the presence of chronic inflammation. It is not uncommon for platelet levels to rise after surgery or on the background of corticosteroids.

A low platelet count indicates infection or bone marrow disease. However, in veterinary practice there are cases when a small number of platelets in the blood is normal.

Biochemical blood test: decoding

With the help of a biochemical blood test, you can determine the quality of the functioning of internal organs. The objects of study are enzymes and substrates.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Norm - 19-79 units.

An increased content may indicate the destruction of liver cells, hepatitis, liver tumors, burns and poisoning, as well as a deterioration in the elasticity of muscle tissue in the animal's body.

Decrease in ALT level, as a rule, has no diagnostic value. That is, if you see an indicator below 19 in the analysis, do not rush to panic.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Norm - 9-30 units.

Often the norm is exceeded in case of liver disease, damage to the heart muscle or stroke. However, this can be seen not only from the testimonies of the analysis, but also during a visual examination. If outwardly everything is fine with the cat, then most likely it has damaged muscles. A low rate usually does not play a role in diagnosing the disease.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Norma - 150-798 units.

It increases due to a heart attack or stroke, as well as against the background of muscle injuries, poisoning or coma. The reduced indicator does not affect the diagnostic alignment.

Alkaline phosphatase (AP). The norm for adults is 39-55 units.

Increased levels of phosphatase normal condition animal may indicate pregnancy or healing of previous fractures. In the presence of related symptoms, it often signals tumors in bone tissue, blockage of the bile ducts or diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A reduced indicator indicates the development of anemia, hypothyroidism, an acute lack of vitamin C.

Alpha amylase. Norm - 580-1600 units.

Alpha-amylase tends to rise against the background of diabetes, as well as with lesions of the pancreas, kidney failure or intestinal volvulus. If the indicator is below normal, then the cat is likely to develop pancreatic insufficiency, which also does not bode well.

Glucose. Norm - 3.3-6.3 mmol / l

Almost always, an increase in glucose levels indicates diabetes in a cat or diseases of the pancreas. Often, glucose rises against the background of stress or shock. In rare cases, it is one of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome.

A decrease in glucose indicates malnutrition, poisoning or tumors.

Bilirubin total. Norm - 3.0-12 mmol / l

In 99% of cases, bilirubin rises against the background of liver disease (most often hepatitis) and blockage of the bile ducts. It is also possible the destruction of blood cells, which is also indicated by an increase in bilirubin.

If the level of this substance in the blood is reduced, then your pet may have anemia or a disease of the bone marrow.

Urea. Norm - 5.4-12.0 mmol / l

Did you see the excess of the urea content in the analyzes? Get ready for the fact that the veterinarian will indicate kidney failure or intoxication in the body. However, most often this indicator increases against the background of a diet rich in proteins, as well as stressful condition animal. A low urea content, as a rule, indicates a lack of protein in food.

Cholesterol. 2-6 mmol/l

As in humans, an increase in cholesterol in the blood of an animal occurs against the background of developing atherosclerosis. In some cases, an increased rate is a consequence of liver disease or hypothyroidism. Against, reduced level cholesterol indicates starvation or neoplasms of various nature.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian usually looks at the results in the aggregate. And if the same disease is traced by several indicators at once, it is diagnosed after additional studies (X-ray, ultrasound, palpation, etc.).

A cheerful and frisky pet is a joy for any owner. four-legged friend always in shape, if health is normal. But even a frisky pet can have a hidden disease. Cats are no exception to this list.

A vigilant master to recognize hidden disease a blood test will help. Specifically, a biochemical blood test. Timely decoding of a biochemical blood test in cats is a guarantee of the longevity of a mustachioed friend and the joy of the owner.

Necessity

ATTENTION! Tests are the first step in determining the disease in a pet.

As you know, any analyzes are carried out in laboratories. A blood test in cats is no exception. The responsibility for deciphering the results of the analysis lies largely with the veterinarian. And the owner, who understands the results of the analysis, when talking with the veterinarian, can direct him to the correct diagnosis.

It is important to distinguish between a biochemical blood test and a clinical one. Since each of them shows results for different groups of substances.

A biochemical analysis of the cat's blood makes it possible to establish the degree of functionality of a particular organ. Circulatory system covers all organs, tissues and cells of the body. The changes that take place in them leave an imprint in the blood. That's why more often they donate blood for biochemistry to confirm or refute the alleged diagnosis.

blood sample

Fluffy pets are diverse in nature. And the procedure for taking blood for analysis is not a pleasant process for a pet. A mustachioed friend can become stressed, and the work of a veterinarian will be difficult.

ATTENTION! The cat should be prepared in advance for blood sampling.

What does this mean? It is known that tests are always done in the morning. Therefore, the day before the fence, the cat should not:

• take food 8-12 hours in advance, and also better day; do not feed pets with natural food for a day;
• be in active physical activity;
• administer medications, especially intramuscularly or intravenously;
• carry out physiotherapy procedures, ultrasound, massage, x-rays.

For high-quality and correct blood sampling:

1. stay close to the pet so that the mustachioed friend is calm during the procedure. His restless state may affect the result of the analysis;
2. strictly follow the instructions of the veterinarian. Do not think about how it will hurt your pet. Cooperate with a veterinarian;
3. before the procedure, describe in writing all your observations and concerns that caused the blood test and provide them to the doctor;
4. after blood sampling, reward your pet for his courage and endurance.

So that the suffering of a mustachioed friend was not in vain, the procedure was not repeated, it is necessary to monitor the quality of the blood test for biochemistry. Even if the owner is not a specialist, he can still:

• specify the location of the laboratory. The quality of the analysis result depends on this;
• ensure that an anticoagulant is first placed in the blood collection tube. It prevents pre-clotting of blood components;
• make sure that blood is taken from a vein. Since a qualitative blood test is performed on IDEXX analyzers. He processes blood taken from a vein;
• follow up to venous blood taken from the front or back paws of a cat.

If the pet is too sensitive to pain, it can be relieved of discomfort. For this purpose, anesthetic sprays are used. Fetching by a well-skilled veterinarian is usually painless.

Description of the result

Crucial is the interpretation of the analysis data. Digital indicators of certain blood parameters are the result of the analysis. The attending veterinarian will be able to qualitatively decipher the analysis indicators. Normal blood biochemistry for some indicators in cats is given in the table:

An increase or decrease in the indicator from the norm has great importance for diagnostics. So a protein in the blood of cats reduced from the norm may indicate:

Glucose is one of the main indicators in the description of a biochemical blood test.. Its decrease or increase clearly indicates certain deviations. This can be seen from the table:

A high amount of urea indicates poisoning of the body or kidney failure. But more often a high amount of this substance is the result of a protein diet. The indicator can grow due to the stressful condition too. With a lack of protein in food, its amount is reduced.

To accurately diagnose, the veterinarian considers the results of several indicators. If all results indicate the same disease, then additional indicators are considered. This is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Additional indicators in the description of a biochemical blood test are microelement ions (electrolytes). For example, a small amount of phosphorus indicates:

• rickets;
• lack of vitamin D;
• recurring diarrhea (frequent bowel disorders);
  injection of a large amount of glucose into a vein (with insulin therapy).

An excess of salt in food, a deviation in the water-salt balance, frequent urination in diabetes (not diabetes) - an excess of sodium ions. And their low quantity- edema, heart failure, overdose of diuretics.

Deciphering biochemical analysis is often done by grouping indicators. That is, the results of several indicators are compared with each other. Basically, such a grouping is made between ALT and AST.

The values ​​of these two enzymes should always be opposite. The amount of ALT in the norm should always be low. If the ALT level is elevated, this may indicate:

1. destruction of liver cells. The cause of the destruction is swelling, cirrhosis, jaundice;
2. muscle injury or destruction;
3. liver poisoning;
4. burns

AST is a protein involved in the amino acid metabolism of the body. It is an intracellular enzyme. It is found in the cells of the heart muscle and liver. High concentration of this protein indicator:

• excessive load (physical);
• insufficiency (cardiac);
• heat stroke in an animal;
• the presence of burns;
• malignant oncology;
• hepatitis A;

If the AST index rises simultaneously with the growth of the ALT index, it is definitely infectious hepatitis.

IMPORTANT! When deciphering the result of a blood test (regardless of its type), the individuality of each pet should be taken into account. The norm for one may be increased or reduced rate for a different kind of pet.