Biochemical blood test - Veterinary Clinic of Nephrology VeraVet. Home veterinarian. The use of a biochemical blood test in the diagnosis

A biochemical blood test is necessary to get an idea of ​​​​the work of the internal organs of the animal's body, to determine the content of trace elements and vitamins in the blood. This is one of the methods of laboratory diagnostics, which is informative for a veterinarian and has a high degree of reliability.

Biochemical analysis involves a laboratory study of the following blood parameters:

Squirrels

• total protein
• Albumins
• Alpha globulins
• beta globulins
• Gamma globulins

Enzymes

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Amylase
• Phosphatase alkaline

Lipids

• total cholesterol

Carbohydrates

• Glucose

Pigments

• Bilirubin total

low molecular weight nitrogenous substances

Creatinine

Urea nitrogen

Residual nitrogen

Urea

Inorganic substances and vitamins

Calcium

There are certain norms for a biochemical blood test. Deviation from these indicators is a sign of various disorders in the activity of the body.

The results of a biochemical blood test can indicate diseases that are completely independent of each other. Only a professional - an experienced and qualified doctor can correctly assess the state of health of an animal, give a correct, reliable decoding of a biochemical blood test.

total protein

Total protein is an organic polymer made up of amino acids.

The term "total protein" means the total concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood serum. In the body, a common protein performs the following functions: it participates in blood clotting, maintains a constant blood pH, performs a transport function, participates in immune reactions, and many other functions.

Norms of total protein in the blood of cats and dogs: 60.0-80.0 g / l

1.Protein boost may be seen with:

a) acute and chronic infectious diseases,

b) oncological diseases,

c) dehydration of the body.

2. Reduced protein may be with:

a) pancreatitis

b) liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver cancer, toxic liver damage)

c) intestinal disease (gastroenterocolitis) dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract

d) acute and chronic bleeding

e) kidney disease, accompanied by a significant loss of protein in the urine (glomerulonephritis, etc.)

f) decrease in protein synthesis in the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis)

g) increased protein loss during blood loss, extensive burns, trauma, tumors, ascites, chronic and acute inflammation

h) oncological disease.

i) during fasting, strong physical exertion.

Albumen

Albumin is the main blood protein produced in the liver of an animal. Albumins are isolated into a separate group of proteins - the so-called protein fractions. Changes in the ratio of individual protein fractions in the blood often give the doctor more significant information than just the total protein.

Albumins 45.0-67.0% in the blood of cats and dogs.

1. Increase albumin in the blood occurs with dehydration, loss of fluid by the body,

2.Downgrade content albumin in the blood:

a) chronic liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver tumors)

b) bowel disease

c) sepsis, infectious diseases, purulent processes

f) malignant tumors

g) heart failure

h) drug overdose

i) is a consequence of starvation, insufficient intake of proteins with food.

Globulin fractions:

Alpha globulins are normal 10.0-12.0%

Beta globulins 8.0-10.0%

Gamma globulins 15.0-17.0%

beta globulins: 1. Fraction increase - with hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver damage.

Gamma globulins: 1. Fraction increase with cirrhosis, hepatitis, infectious diseases.

2.Faction reduction - 14 days after vaccination, with kidney disease, with immunodeficiency states.

Types of proteinograms:

1. Type of acute inflammatory processes

A pronounced decrease in the content of albumins and an increased content of alpha globulins, an increase in gamma globulins.

It is observed at the initial stage of pneumonia, pleurisy, acute polyarthritis, acute infectious diseases and sepsis.

2. Type of subacute and chronic inflammation

Decreased albumin content, increased alpha and gamma globulins

Observed in the late stage of pneumonia, chronic endocarditis, cholecystitis, urocystitis, pyelonephritis

3. Type of nephrotic symptom complex

Decrease in albumins, increase in alpha and beta globulins, moderate decrease in gamma globulins.

Lipoid and amyloid nephrosis, nephritis, nephrosclerosis, cachexia.

4. Type of malignant neoplasms

A sharp decrease in albumin with a significant increase in all globulin fractions, especially beta globulins.

Primary neoplasms of various localization, metastases of neoplasms.

5. Type of hepatitis

A moderate decrease in albumin, an increase in gamma globulins, a sharp increase in beta globulins.

With hepatitis, the consequences of toxic damage to the liver (improper feeding, improper use of drugs), some forms of polyarthritis, dermatosis, malignant neoplasms of the hematopoietic and lymphoid apparatus.

6. Type of cirrhosis

A significant decrease in albumin with a strong increase in gamma globulins

7. Type of mechanical (subhepatic) jaundice

Decrease in albumins and moderate increase in alpha, beta and gamma albumins.

Abturative jaundice, cancer of the biliary tract and head of the pancreas.

ALT

AlAT (ALT) or alanine aminotransferase is a liver enzyme that is involved in amino acid metabolism. Contains ALT in the liver, kidneys, heart muscle, skeletal muscles.

With the destruction of the cells of these organs, caused by various pathological processes, ALT is released into the blood of the animal's body. Norm of ALT in the blood of cats and dogs: 1.6-7.6 IU

1. Increase ALT - a sign of serious illness:

a) liver toxicity

b) cirrhosis of the liver

c) neoplasm of the liver

d) toxic effect on the liver of drugs (antibiotics, etc.)

e) heart failure

f) pancreatitis

i) skeletal muscle injury and necrosis

2.Decrease in the level of ALT seen with:

a) severe liver diseases - necrosis, cirrhosis (with a decrease in the number of cells synthesizing ALT)

b) vitamin B6 deficiency.

AST

AST (AST) or aspartate aminotransferase is a cellular enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. AST is found in the tissues of the heart, liver, kidneys, nervous tissue, skeletal muscles and other organs.

The norm of AST in the blood is 1.6-6.7 IU

1. Increase in AST in the blood observed if there is a disease in the body:

a) viral, toxic hepatitis

b) acute pancreatitis

c) liver neoplasms

e) heart failure.

f) skeletal muscle injuries, burns, heat stroke.

2. Lowering the level of AST in the blood due to severe diseases, liver rupture and vitamin B6 deficiency.

Alkaline phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase is involved in the exchange of phosphoric acid, splitting it from organic compounds and promotes the transport of phosphorus in the body. The highest level of alkaline phosphatase is in bone tissue, intestinal mucosa, in the placenta and mammary gland during lactation.

The rate of alkaline phosphatase in the blood of dogs and cats is 8.0-28.0 IU / l. Alkaline phosphatase affects bone growth, therefore, in growing organisms, its content is higher than in adults.

1. Increased alkaline phosphatase in the blood may be

a) bone disease, including bone tumors (sarcoma), cancer metastases in the bone

b) hyperparathyroidism

c) lymphogranulomatosis with bone lesions

d) osteodystrophy

e) liver diseases (cirrhosis, cancer, infectious hepatitis)

f) tumors of the biliary tract

g) lung infarction, kidney infarction.

h) lack of calcium and phosphates in food, from an overdose of vitamin C and as a result of taking certain medications.

2. Decreased level of alkaline phosphatase

a) with hypothyroidism,

b) bone growth disorders,

c) lack of zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 or C in food,

d) anemia (anemia).

e) taking medications can also cause a decrease in alkaline phosphatase in the blood.

Pancreatic amylase

Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of starch and other carbohydrates in the duodenal lumen.

Norms of pancreatic amylase - 35.0-70.0 G \ hour * l

1. Increased amylase - a symptom of the following diseases:

a) acute, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

b) pancreatic cyst,

c) tumor in the pancreatic duct

d) acute peritonitis

e) diseases of the biliary tract (cholecystitis)

f) renal insufficiency.

2. Reducing the content of amylase may be with pancreatic insufficiency, acute and chronic hepatitis.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellow-red pigment, a breakdown product of hemoglobin and some other blood components. Bilirubin is found in bile. Bilirubin analysis shows how the animal's liver works. In the blood serum, bilirubin occurs in the following forms: direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin. Together, these forms form the total blood bilirubin.

Norms of total bilirubin: 0.02-0.4 mg%

1. Increased bilirubin - a symptom of the following disorders in the activity of the body:

a) lack of vitamin B 12

b) liver neoplasms

c) hepatitis

d) primary cirrhosis of the liver

e) toxic, drug poisoning of the liver

Calcium

Calcium (Ca, Calcium) is an inorganic element in the animal body.

The biological role of calcium in the body is great:

Calcium maintains a normal heart rhythm, just like magnesium, calcium contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system in general,

Participates in the metabolism of iron in the body, regulates enzyme activity,

Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, the transmission of nerve impulses,

Phosphorus and calcium in balance make bones strong,

Participates in blood coagulation, regulates the permeability of cell membranes,

Normalizes the work of some endocrine glands,

Participates in muscle contraction.

The rate of calcium in the blood of dogs and cats: 9.5-12.0 mg%

Calcium enters the body of the animal with food, the absorption of calcium occurs in the intestines, the exchange in the bones. Calcium is excreted from the body by the kidneys. The balance of these processes ensures the constancy of the calcium content in the blood.

The excretion and absorption of calcium is under the control of hormones (parathyroid hormone, etc.) and calcitriol - vitamin D3. In order for calcium to be absorbed, there must be enough vitamin D in the body.

1. Too much calcium or hypercalcemia can be caused by the following disorders in the body:

a) increased function of the parathyroid glands (primary hyperparathyroidism)

b) malignant tumors with bone lesions (metastases, myeloma, leukemia)

c) excess vitamin D

d) dehydration

e) acute renal failure.

2. Lack of calcium or hypocalcemia - a symptom of the following diseases:

a) rickets (vitamin D deficiency)

b) osteodystrophy

c) decreased thyroid function

d) chronic renal failure

e) magnesium deficiency

f) pancreatitis

g) obstructive jaundice, liver failure

cachexia.

The lack of calcium can also be associated with the use of medications - anticancer and anticonvulsants.

Calcium deficiency in the body is manifested by muscle cramps, nervousness.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus (P) - necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system.

Phosphorus compounds are present in every cell of the body and are involved in almost all physiological chemical reactions. The norm in the body of dogs and cats is 6.0-7.0 mg%.

Phosphorus is a part of nucleic acids that take part in the processes of growth, cell division, storage and use of genetic information,

phosphorus is contained in the bones of the skeleton (about 85% of the total amount of phosphorus in the body), it is necessary for the formation of a normal structure of teeth and gums, ensures the proper functioning of the heart and kidneys,

participates in the processes of accumulation and release of energy in cells,

participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, helps the metabolism of fats and starches.

1. Excess phosphorus in the blood, or hyperphosphatemia, can cause the following processes:

a) destruction of bone tissue (tumors, leukemia)

b) excess vitamin D

c) healing of bone fractures

d) decreased function of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism)

e) acute and chronic renal failure

f) osteodystrophy

h) cirrhosis.

Usually, phosphorus is higher than normal due to the intake of anticancer drugs, while phosphate is released into the blood.

2.Lack of phosphorus should be replenished regularly by eating foods containing phosphorus.

A significant decrease in the level of phosphorus in the blood - hypophosphatemia - a symptom of the following diseases:

a) lack of growth hormone

b) vitamin D deficiency (rickets)

c) periodontal disease

d) malabsorption of phosphorus, severe diarrhea, vomiting

e) hypercalcemia

f) increased function of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)

g) hyperinsulinemia (in the treatment of diabetes mellitus).

Glucose

Glucose is the main indicator of carbohydrate metabolism. More than half of the energy our body uses comes from the oxidation of glucose.

The concentration of glucose in the blood is regulated by the hormone insulin, which is the main hormone of the pancreas. With its deficiency, the level of glucose in the blood rises.

The norm of glucose in animals is 4.2-9.0 mmol / l

1. Increased glucose (hyperglycemia) with:

a) diabetes mellitus

b) endocrine disorders

c) acute and chronic pancreatitis

d) pancreatic tumors

e) chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys

f) cerebral hemorrhage

2. Reduced glucose (hypoglycemia) - a characteristic symptom for:

a) diseases of the pancreas (hyperplasia, adenoma or cancer)

hypothyroidism,

b) liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer),

c) adrenal cancer, stomach cancer,

d) arsenic poisoning or overdose of certain medications.

Glucose analysis will show a decrease or increase in glucose levels after exercise.

Potassium

Potassium is contained in the cells, regulates the water balance in the body and normalizes the rhythm of the heart. Potassium affects the functioning of many cells in the body, especially nerve and muscle cells.

1. Excess potassium in the blood - hyperkalemia is a sign of the following disorders in the body of the animal:

a) cell damage (hemolysis - destruction of blood cells, severe starvation, convulsions, severe injuries, deep burns),

b) dehydration,

d) acidosis,

e) acute renal failure,

f) adrenal insufficiency,

g) increase in the intake of potassium salts.

Usually, potassium is elevated due to the intake of anticancer, anti-inflammatory drugs and some other drugs.

2. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) - a symptom of disorders such as:

a) hypoglycemia

b) dropsy

c) chronic fasting

d) prolonged vomiting and diarrhea

e) impaired renal function, acidosis, renal failure

f) an excess of hormones of the adrenal cortex

g) magnesium deficiency.

Urea

Urea is an active substance, the main product of protein breakdown. Urea is produced by the liver from ammonia and is involved in the process of concentrating urine.

In the process of synthesis of urea, ammonia is neutralized - a very toxic substance for the body. Urea is excreted from the body by the kidneys. The rate of urea in the blood of cats and dogs is 30.0-45.0 mg%

1. Increased urea in the blood - a symptom of serious disorders in the body:

a) kidney disease (glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease),

b) heart failure,

c) violation of the outflow of urine (bladder tumor, prostate adenoma, bladder stones),

d) leukemia, malignant tumors,

e) severe bleeding,

f) intestinal obstruction,

g) shock, fever,

An increase in urea occurs after exercise, due to the intake of androgens, glucocorticoids.

2. Urea analysis in the blood will show a decrease in the level of urea with such disorders of the liver as hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic coma. A decrease in urea in the blood occurs during pregnancy, phosphorus or arsenic poisoning.

Creatinine

Creatinine is the end product of protein metabolism. Creatinine is formed in the liver and then released into the blood, is involved in the energy metabolism of muscle and other tissues. Creatinine is excreted from the body by the kidneys with urine, so creatinine is an important indicator of kidney activity.

1. Increasing creatinine - a symptom of acute and chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism. The level of creatinine increases after taking certain medications, with dehydration, after mechanical, surgical muscle lesions.

2.Decrease in creatinine in the blood, which occurs during fasting, a decrease in muscle mass, during pregnancy, after taking corticosteroids.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol or cholesterol is an organic compound, the most important component of fat metabolism.

The role of cholesterol in the body:

cholesterol is used to build cell membranes,

in the liver, cholesterol is a precursor of bile,

cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, in the synthesis of vitamin D.

Norms of cholesterol in dogs and cats: 3.5-6.0 mol / l

1. High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques: cholesterol attaches to the walls of blood vessels, narrowing the lumen inside them. Formed on cholesterol plaques blood clots that can break off and enter the bloodstream, causing blockage of blood vessels in various organs and tissues, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other diseases.

Hypercholesterolemia is a symptom of the following diseases:

a) ischemic heart disease,

b) atherosclerosis

c) liver disease (primary cirrhosis)

d) kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome)

e) chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer

f) diabetes mellitus

g) hypothyroidism

h) obesity

i) somatotropic hormone (GH) deficiency

2.Cholesterol lowering occurs when there is a violation of the absorption of fats, starvation, extensive burns.

Lowering cholesterol can be a symptom of the following diseases:

a) hyperthyroidism,

b) chronic heart failure,

c) megaloblastic anemia,

d) sepsis,

e) acute infectious diseases,

f) end-stage liver cirrhosis, liver cancer,

g) chronic lung diseases.

Biochemical and clinical blood tests will be taken by our specialists from the patient to make and clarify the diagnosis at your home. Analyzes are done on the basis of the Veterinary Academy, the deadline is the next day after 19-00 hours.

A blood test in dogs is an important element of regular examinations and diagnosis of diseases in a pet. With its help, you can find deviations in health in time, track the nature of the development of the body, the general state of immunity of your four-legged friend.

For many owners, the results of the analysis, complex tables and indicators, are a secret behind seven seals. And even obvious deviations from the norm in one direction or another, indicated in the results, often do not say anything. Let's figure out what the studied indicators mean, and what to prepare for, noticing deviations. Today we will study a biochemical blood test.

What does a biochemical blood test of dogs investigate?

Biochemical analysis allows you to study the quality of the functioning of organs and tissues in the body, determines violations in the work of certain systems. Biochemistry is indispensable in determining complex diseases, including disorders of the liver, kidneys, endocrine system, and heart.

Prescribes biochemistry, as a rule, a doctor. But the owner of the dog can go to the clinic for a preventive study. Under normal conditions, this analysis is required no more than once a year.

Norm - one for all!?

When studying the results of the analysis, it is important to understand that the norm of the content of certain substances is an average indicator for all healthy individuals. But, like humans, each animal has individual physiological characteristics. It may turn out that it is for your pet that the norm is a slightly overestimated or underestimated indicator for one or another parameter.

To accurately determine this, long-term observation of the dog during the period of illness and in a healthy state is required. Only a veterinarian can give a final opinion on whether a deviation according to the documents is a life norm or not.

As for the theory, it will be useful for each owner to find out what specific indicators the biochemical analysis of the dog’s blood examines, and what may be meant by certain deviations.

Let's try to decipher

Glucose (normal: 4.3 - 7.3 mmol / l)

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of an increase in glucose. However, often its exit beyond the upper frame can happen with increased physical exertion. Glucose jumps against the background of diseases of the kidneys, liver or pancreas.

A low level can indicate starvation, tumors of a different nature, insulin overdoses, or severe food poisoning.

Protein (59 - 73 g/l)

• kidney failure;
• intestinal damage;
• prolonged fasting.

Protein also drops as a result of burns, internal inflammation, and large blood loss when the body has an increased consumption of this substance. The same is true for albumin (the norm is 22-39 g / l).

Bilirubin (0 - 7.5 µmol/l)

Bilirubin quite often rises against the background of damage to the liver cells (in other words, with hepatitis), as well as due to obstruction of the bile ducts.

Urea (3 - 8.5 mmol/l)

An increase in the amount of urea most often signals problems in the urinary organs. In particular, its level rises with violations of the kidneys and inflammation of the urinary tract. It can “grow up” against the background of an excess of protein foods in the pet’s diet.

Urea deficiency in the body, on the contrary, is associated with protein starvation, as well as dog pregnancy. A sign of pregnancy, by the way, is also a low content of creatinine (normally 30-170 µmol/l).

Alanine aminotransferase (0 - 65 units)

It almost always rises against the background of destructive processes in the liver (including due to the intake of strong drugs that affect this organ).

Aspartate aminotransferase (10 - 42 units)

This substance also increases with the destruction of liver cells. Other reasons for increasing the level of AST: physical processing of the dog, heart failure.

It is worth alerting if this substance is contained in the blood in small quantities. As a rule, a low content of AsAT indicates the beginning of necrotic processes in the body, i.e. tissue death. It is also possible against the background of a liver rupture or an acute lack of vitamin B6.

Alpha-amylase (550 - 1700 units)

Increases with pancreatitis, peritonitis, parotitis, and also against the background of diabetes. Can talk about torsion of the intestines and stomach.

The lack of alpha-amylase indicates pancreatic dysfunction, thyrotoxicosis.

Potassium (3.6 - 5.5 mmol/l)

The transition of the upper limit on the content of potassium in the blood indicates acute renal failure, destruction of cells in a particular organ, as well as dehydration. Potassium deficiency often indicates prolonged starvation of the animal, poisoning, or impaired renal function. It is possible to decrease with an excess of the hormone of the adrenal cortex.

Calcium (2.25 - 3 mmol/l)

An increase in the proportion of calcium should alert the owner of the dog. After all, it is this indicator that often becomes a signal for an additional examination for oncological diseases. Calcium increases against the background of malignant tumors, with an excess of vitamin D, dehydration.

A decrease in the level of calcium often indicates a deficiency of vitamin D and magnesium, chronic renal failure.

Cholesterol (2.9 - 8.3 mmol/l)

An increase in blood cholesterol levels signals liver disease, hypothyroidism and coronary heart disease. But a deficiency of total cholesterol, on the contrary, makes it clear that your pet is likely to develop enteropathy, hepatopathy, or a malignant tumor grows. Possible deviation from the norm in a smaller direction against the background of poor nutrition.

At the end of the article, I would like to add only one thing. Despite the fact that now you know exactly how to read the results of the analysis, do not undertake to make a diagnosis yourself. Only a doctor can definitively establish the disease. Don't forget to visit the vet.

For the accurate diagnosis of diseases often require research tests. Most often, blood and urine tests are taken from dogs.

Complete blood count in dogs

It determines the composition of the blood, that is, the amount of hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets and many other indicators in it. The norm depends on the age and state of health of the dog, that is, its medical history.

• The norm of hemoglobin in the blood of a dog is 74-180 g / l. An increase in its level indicates dehydration and thickening of the blood, and a decrease indicates anemia.
• The norm of erythrocytes is 3.3-8.5 million / μl, their increased number may be due to bronchopulmonary pathology, polycystic disease, heart defects, neoplasms of the liver or kidneys, as well as dehydration. A decrease in the number of red blood cells can be caused by large blood loss, anemia, and chronic inflammatory processes.
• ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In a dog, it should be up to 13 mm / h. An increased ESR value is characteristic of various inflammatory processes and infectious diseases, and is also observed.
• The number of leukocytes should be in the range of 6-18.6 thousand / μl. Exceeding this norm can be caused by infectious and inflammatory processes, leukemia, and allergic reactions. A decrease - infectious pathologies of the bone marrow, genetic abnormalities, hyperfunction of the spleen.
• An increased content of platelets in the blood (more than 500 thousand / μl) can be caused by myeloid leukemia, polycythemia, and a low content is characteristic of anemia and systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus.

Biochemical blood test in dogs

Determines the biochemical parameters of blood. Changes in the main ones indicate very serious diseases.

• Glucose should be within 4 - 6 mmol / l. Their excess indicates hyperthyroidism, stress, pancreatic necrosis, and a decrease in insulin overdose, insulinoma, hypoadrenocorticism.
• The total protein in a healthy dog ​​is at the level of 50-77 g/l. Elevated indicates chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, dehydration. Reduced - about enteritis, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, blood loss, starvation, heart failure, hypovitaminosis, malignant neoplasms.
• Urea nitrogen should be at the level of 4.3-8.9 mmol / l. Its increase indicates a violation of the function of the kidneys and excretion of urine, acute liver dystrophy, absorption of a large amount of protein in the intestine. Decrease - about cirrhosis of the liver.
• Total bilirubin (a component of bile) should not exceed 7.5 µmol / l, otherwise cirrhosis or liver tumors should be suspected. An increase in creatinine by more than 133 µmol / l indicates a violation of kidney function.

General urinalysis in dogs

It includes both a visual assessment of transparency and color, and its chemical composition.

• The urine of a healthy dog ​​should be yellow. A significant change in its color can indicate serious diseases: bilirubinemia (beer color), hematuria (red-brown), leukocyturia (milky white), myoglobinuria (black urine).
• Cloudy urine may indicate the presence of bacteria or a large amount of salts in it.
• In a chemical analysis of urine, the level of glucose, protein, ketone bodies, urobilinogen and bilirubin in it is assessed.
• Glucose in the urine of a healthy dog ​​should not be. Its presence can be explained either by a violation of the processes of glucose filtration and reabsorption in the kidneys, or by a high concentration of glucose in the blood. This indicates acute renal failure or diabetes mellitus.
• The norm of protein content in the urine is its amount up to 0.3 g / l. The reasons for its increase may be destructive processes or chronic infections in the kidneys, in the urinary tract, hemolytic anemia or

Laboratory studies are often prescribed by veterinarians to diagnose various diseases in dogs. It is difficult to figure out on your own what the numbers in the table with analyzes mean. In this article, you will find out how many blood types dogs have, and what are the normal values ​​in a blood test.

Neutrophils and eosinophils are white bodies that are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. They, like all leukocytes, perform a protective function. Their differences are as follows:

1. Neutrophils. Granulocytic leukocytes, the main function of which is phagocytosis. They are the first to react to the ingress of a foreign agent into the body. Moving towards the source of inflammation, they capture and destroy foreign cells. There are several types of neutrophils: young, stab and segmented.
2. Eosinophils. Granulocytic leukocytes, which are also capable of phagocytosis. However, their main function is to participate in allergic reactions. Eosinophils are able to absorb and release inflammatory mediators (histamine), thus acting on foreign agents.

Video "We take the dog's blood for biochemistry"

In this video, the veterinarian will share tips on how to take a blood test from a dog.

Reasons for the increase in performance

Since both eosinophils and neutrophils are leukocytes, the main reason for the increase in their level is inflammation.

An elevated level of neutrophils (neutrophilia, neutrophilic leukocytosis) most often indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. Moreover, it is impossible to assume the localization of infection only by the level of cells. Neutrophilia is just a marker that there is an infection somewhere in the body and, most likely, it is of a bacterial nature.

If the dog has elevated segmented neutrophils, and the young and stab forms are normal, then this indicates the presence of a chronic infection. Causes of an increase in stab neutrophils in dogs (leukocyte formula shift to the left):

• inflammatory process;
• acute infectious diseases;
• overexcitation;
• intoxication.

If a dog has elevated eosinophils, then most often this indicates the presence of an allergic reaction or helminthic invasion. Again, the number of eosinophils does not indicate the localization of the allergy or its type.

Another reason why eosinophils can increase is oncological pathology.

A biochemical blood test in dogs is aimed at identifying the location of the lesion and is more specific than a complete blood count. The material for research is venous blood. The decoding of blood biochemistry is as follows:

1. Glucose (norm - 3.4-6.0 mmol / l). Indicates the state of carbohydrate metabolism. The indicator can increase with the pathology of the pancreas and the development of diabetes mellitus. A decrease in glucose levels may indicate a tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma). In addition, hypoglycemia can be the result of increased physical activity of the pet.
2. Total protein and its fractions (55.1-75.2 g/l). Characterizes the state of protein metabolism. The level of protein increases with kidney failure or an excess of the meat component in the diet.
3. Cytolytic enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - 8.2-57.3; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - 8.9-57.3. In a dog, elevated ALT occurs with liver diseases, very often with hepatitis in the cytolysis phase. AST in dogs is elevated in lesions of the heart and skeletal muscles. For example, if the dog has myocarditis, myocardial infarction or myositis.
4. Creatinine (44.3-138.4), urea (3.1-9.2) - indicators of the renal complex. Their level rises when the kidneys are damaged, if they do not cope with the filtering function. In this case, there is an accumulation of products of nitrogen metabolism.
5. Bilirubin (0.9-10.6). Increased level of direct bilirubin in case of obstructive jaundice. For example, with cholecystitis, the presence of a stone in the biliary tract. Indirect bilirubin may increase as a consequence of hemolytic anemia.
6. Cholesterol, triglycerides (CS - 3.3-7.0, TG - 0.56). They are indicators of lipid metabolism. Their increased content indicates the risk of atherosclerosis in dogs.
7. Alkaline phosphatase (10-150). An increase in the level of this enzyme may indicate damage to the bones, liver, and in males, the prostate gland.

A complete blood count is a type of laboratory test, the results of which show the state of the body as a whole. The material for research is venous blood. All indicators can be grouped into 4 categories:

1. Indicators of red blood. They indicate the level of blood filling and how much oxygen the body receives:

• hemoglobin (normal - 120-180 g / l). A decrease in hemoglobin indicates anemia of varying severity. This means that the red blood cells do not carry enough oxygen, and the cells of the body suffer from hypoxia;
• erythrocytes (norm - 5.5-8.5 million / μl). A decrease in the number of red blood cells also indicates the presence of anemia. The level of red blood cells can rise for several reasons: dehydration, burns, increased hematopoiesis. In addition, erythrocytosis can be observed with kidney damage, since it is this organ that synthesizes erythropoietin;
• hematocrit (37-55%). It is an indicator of the ratio of blood cells to plasma. Increases with dehydration (blood loss, diarrhea, vomiting), and decreases with anemia, pregnancy.

The materials posted in this section are of an exclusively educational nature, and in no way can serve as a basis for self-diagnosis and treatment of an animal.

If your animal is ill, you should first contact your veterinarian. Remember - it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis and cure an animal solely with the help of the Internet. Any amateur activity on the part of the owner of the animal can cause irreparable harm to the health of the animal!

Indicators of blood and urine tests in dogs (with explanations)

Blood and urine tests

Normal hematological parameters of dogs

Possible causes of deviations from normal hematological parameters.

Hemoglobin. Increase: some forms of hemoblastosis, in particular erythremia, dehydration. Decrease (anemia): various types of anemia, incl. due to blood loss.

Erythrocytes. Increase: erythremia, heart failure, chronic lung disease, dehydration. Decrease: various types of anemia, incl. hemolytic and due to blood loss.

Hematocrit. Increase: erythremia, heart and lung failure, dehydration. Decrease: various types of anemia, incl. hemolytic.

ESR. Increase: inflammatory processes, poisoning, infections, invasions, tumors, hemoblastoses, blood loss, injuries, surgical interventions.

Leukocytes. Increase: inflammatory processes, poisoning, viral infections, invasions, blood loss, trauma, allergic reactions, tumors, myeloid leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia. Decrease: acute and chronic infections (rarely), liver diseases, autoimmune diseases, exposure to certain antibiotics, toxic substances and cytostatics, radiation sickness, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis.

Neutrophils. Increase: inflammatory processes, poisoning, shock, blood loss, hemolytic anemia. Decrease: viral infections, exposure to certain antibiotics, toxic substances and cytostatics, radiation sickness, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis. An increase in the number of stab neutrophils, the appearance of myelocytes: sepsis, malignant tumors, myeloid leukemia.

Eosinophils. Increase: allergic reactions, sensitization, invasions, tumors, hemoblastoses.

Basophils. Increase: hemoblastosis.

Lymphocytes. Increase: infections, neutropenia (relative increase), lymphocytic leukemia.

Monocytes. Increase: chronic infections, tumors, chronic monocytic leukemia.

Myelocytes. Detection: chronic myeloid leukemia, acute and chronic inflammatory processes, sepsis, bleeding, shock.

Reticulocytes. Increase: blood loss, hemolytic anemia Decrease: hypoplastic anemia.

RBC diameter. Increase: B12 and folate deficiency anemia, liver disease. Decrease: iron deficiency and hemolytic anemia.

platelets. Increase: myeloproliferative diseases. Lowering: acute and chronic leukemia, cirrhosis of the liver, aplastic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, intoxication, chronic infections.

Normal urine values

Possible causes of deviations from normal urine values

Color. Normal urine is yellow in color. The decrease or disappearance of the yellow color indicates a decrease in the concentration of urine as a result of increased excretion of water (polyuria). An intense yellow color indicates an increase in the concentration of urine, for example due to dehydration (oliguria). The green color of the urine is due to the release of bilirubin. The color of urine changes after taking certain vitamins.

Transparency. Normal urine is clear. Turbid urine occurs when bacteria, leukocytes, erythrocytes, epithelial cells, salts, fat and mucus are excreted. Turbidity that disappears when urine is heated in a test tube may be caused by urates. If the turbidity does not disappear after heating, then a few drops of acetic acid are added to the test tube. The disappearance of turbidity indicates the presence of phosphates. If the haze disappears after adding a few drops of hydrochloric acid, this may indicate the presence of calcium oxalate. The turbidity caused by droplets of fat disappears after agitation of the urine with a mixture of alcohol and ether.

Density. Increase: oliguria, glucosuria, proteinuria. Decrease: polyuria.

Protein. Increase: kidney disease, hemolysis, meat diet, cystitis.

Glucose. Detection: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, kidney disease, administration of glucocorticoids, cystitis.

Ketone bodies(acetone, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid). Finding: diabetic ketonuria, fever, fasting, low carbohydrate diet.

Creatinine Decrease: renal failure.

Amylase. Increase: acute pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, hepatitis.

Bilirubin. Detection in a significant amount: hemolysis (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis), liver disease, violation of the outflow of bile into the intestine, fever, starvation.

Urobilinogen. Detection in a significant amount: hemolysis, liver disease, increased activity of intestinal microflora. Absence: violation of the outflow of bile into the intestines.

pH. Normally, dog urine has a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. Alkalinity in urine may indicate a plant-based diet, alkaline supplementation, chronic urinary tract infection, and metabolic and respiratory alkalosis. The acidity of urine increases with a meat diet, increased protein breakdown, giving acidic drugs, metabolic and respiratory acidosis.

Hemoglobin. Detection (hemoglobinuria): autoimmune hemolytic anemia, sepsis, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis, poisoning with hemolytic poisons (phenothiazine, methylene blue, copper and lead preparations), infusion of incompatible blood. Hemoglobinuria is distinguished from hematuria by microscopy of the urine sediment. With hematuria, a large number of red blood cells are found in the urine sediment. False hemoglobinuria may occur with hemolysis of erythrocytes in weakly concentrated and old urine.

Erythrocytes. Detection in a significant amount (hematuria): pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, hemorrhagic diathesis, thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant poisoning, kidney infarction, inflammatory diseases, injuries and tumors of the urogenital organs, urolithiasis, dioctophymosis.

Leukocytes. Detection in significant numbers: inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract.

Cylinders. Detection in a significant amount: damage to the kidney parenchyma, proteinuria (hyaline casts), hematuria (erythrocyte casts), hemoglobinuria (pigmented casts), pyelonephritis (leukocyte casts).

Normal biochemical parameters of blood

Possible causes of deviations from normal biochemical parameters.

Glucose. Increase: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, administration of glucocorticoids, stress, pancreatic necrosis. Decrease: insulinoma, insulin overdose, hypoadrenocorticism.

total protein. Increase: chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, paraproteinemic hemoblastoses, dehydration. Decrease: nephrotic syndrome, enteritis, pancreatitis, burns, blood loss, starvation, hypovitaminosis, heart failure, edema, malignant neoplasms.

Albumins: see Total protein.

Globulins. Increase: acute and chronic inflammatory processes, malignant neoplasms, autoimmune diseases, trauma, myocardial infarction. Decrease: malignant neoplasms, chronic inflammatory processes, allergies.

pH. Not only the pH of the blood matters, but also the alkaline reserve. An increase in blood pH and an increase in alkaline reserve are indicative of alkalemia and metabolic alkalosis, for example due to loss of chlorides in vomiting and diarrhea. Hyperventilation of the lungs, due to the accelerated excretion of CO2, causes respiratory alkalosis. A decrease in blood pH and a decrease in alkaline reserve indicate acidemia and metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis can occur due to diarrhea, kidney failure, the accumulation of ketone bodies (acetonemia), the administration of certain medications (calcium chloride, methionine, salicylates), the formation of excess lactic acid during heavy and prolonged physical exertion. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation of the lungs due to an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the blood.

Lipids. Increased: hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, hypoproteinemia as a result of renal failure and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the introduction of glucocorticoids, liver disease, high lipid diet.

Cholesterol. See lipids.

Creatinine Increase: impaired renal function.

Urea nitrogen. Increase: impaired renal function, impaired urinary excretion, digestion and absorption of large amounts of protein in the intestine, fever, dehydration, acute liver dystrophy. Decrease: cirrhosis of the liver.

Bilirubin direct(passed through the liver). Increase: hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver tumors, liver dystrophy.

Bilirubin indirect(not passed through the liver, unbound). Increase: hemolysis, B12 hypovitaminosis.

Amylase. Increase: pancreatitis, renal failure, hyperadrenocorticism.

Calcium. Increase: hyperparathyroidism, increased intake of calcium in the body, hypoadrenocorticism, thyroid dysfunction, renal failure, tumors, periostitis, overdose of vitamin D and some diuretics. Down: hypoparathyroidism, azotemia