PET TALES
Newsletter from Countryside Veterinary Service
August 2007
Animals like humans are starting to live longer lives. This is due to advancing medical care and better diets, as well as several other factors. Animals age at a much faster rate then humans, this is even more apparent in the giant breed dogs. Since we want to do everything to help your pet as he or she ages, lab work or specialized diets may be recommended. Please ask us for information on prescription diets if you have any questions. This newsletter will focus on lab work we often recommend for senior pets. A CBC and Full Chemistry is the most common blood test we recommend. These tests can be done in the hospital so we often have results in 24 hours. There are some additional tests we recommend but they must be sent out to an outside lab. You may request a copy of your pets lab work and have it explained to you if you like. This month we are giving brief explanations on common tests. You are invited to call us with any questions or concerns.
Senior Pet Health Age in Human Years
(Based on Adult Weight of Pet)
Pet's Age <20# 21-50# 51-90# >90#
1 15 15 14 12
2 23 24 22 20
3 28 29 29 28
4 32 34 34 35
5 36 38 40 42
6 40 42 45 49
7 7 44 47 50 56
8 8 48 51 55 64
9 9 52 56 61 71
10 10 56 60 66 78
11 11 60 65 72 86
12 12 64 69 77 93
13 13 68 74 82 101
14 14 72 78 88
15 15 76 83 93
16 16 80 87 99
17 17 84 92 104
18 18 88 96 109
19 19 82 101 115
96 20 96 105 120
*Courtesy of Purina Veterinary Diets
CBC A CBC is a Complete Blood Count.
This test provides a detailed measurement of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets.
RBCs are cells that carry oxygen to the body. A lowered amount of RBCs is called anemia and leads to less oxygen to vital organs. Mild anemia usually causes weakness and lethargy where more severe cases can cause rapid breathing, fast heart rates, seizures and even death. An increase in the amount of RBCs can be signs of dehydration though in some breeds, like the greyhound, it can also be normal.
WBCs are cells that fight off infection in the body. There are several types of these cells that fight in different ways much the same as there are different
kinds of soldiers in the Army. Increases in white blood cells can be
signs of early infection, parasites, or in severe cases can be a sign of
cancer. If the cells are too low this can show long term infection or
again in severity some types of cancer.
Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting after a wound. If these values are low it can be a sign of a chronic wound that is using up the supply or early indications of a bleeding problem. It is rare to see these levels high. Occasionally we can get lab errors with a CBC so we often check a blood smear to check the results with our own
eyes. A blood smear is made by placing a drop of blood on a microscope slide and making a thin coat of blood across the slide. This is done to verify results, check for blood parasites, or to check cell shape and size for abnormalities.
A full chemistry profile measures several things in your pet’s body including: liver function, kidney function, blood sugar, etc.
See below for the list of abbreviations and what they stand for.
ALB-Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Increased amounts are often seen with dehydration while decreased amounts can be due to decreased productions (liver) or increased loss (kidneys/intestines)
ALKP- Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme mostly produced by the liver but can be affected by several other organs as well.
ALT- Alanine Aminotransferase is also a liver value but is only found in the liver so it is more reliable to depend on for liver information. Increased values often mean recent liver damage but lower values can be normal in younger pets but mean severe liver damage in older pets
AMYL-Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreatic. If elevated can be signs of inflammation of the pancreas although these levels do not have to be high to diagnose this problem
BUN- Blood Urea Nitrogen is a chemical produced by the liver but cleared from the body by the kidneys. Decreased levels can be a sign of liver problems or over hydration. High levels can be a sign of dehydration, kidney problems, or blood absorption through the gut such as stomach ulcers.
CA-Calcium is a normal mineral in the blood. Decreased levels can be due to over hydration. Increased levels are seen with hormonal imbalances, kidney problems, and certain cancers.
CHOL-Cholesterol is a fat that can be absorbed through food or made in the liver. Elevated values can be a sign of liver issues.
CREA-Creatinine is a by product of muscle break down and is cleared from the body by the kidneys. Decreased amounts can be a sign of muscle loss. Elevated amounts are signs of kidney issues.
GLU-Blood glucose is a measurement of sugar in the blood. Elevated levels are usually a sign of diabetes although cats can increase this level when under stress. Decreased amounts can be a sign of on decreased absorption (decreased appetite) or increased levels of insulin (cancer).
PHOS-Phosphorus is a mineral found in the bone and removed by the kidneys. Elevations are usually a sign of kidney issues.
TBIL-Total Bilirubin is a component of bile that is made by the liver. Elevated levels can be signs of bile blockage or liver issues.
TP-Total Protein is a measurement of several proteins in the blood. Increased amounts can be a sign of dehydration. Decreased levels can indicate kidney, liver, or increased loss through the intestines.
Electrolytes- This measure levels of NA (sodium), K (potassium) and CL (chloride) in the blood. Elevation or decreases amounts can indicate different things based on other lab work changes.
Additional Test:
Thyroid Hormone Panel: The thyroid gland is found in the throat and makes the hormone that helps with our metabolism and hair growth. High levels are common in older cats and often lead to over eating with weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart murmurs. A low level can be found in older dogs leading to a thin to bald hair coat, lethargy, and weight gain even with a decrease in appetite.
Cats have over 100 vocal sounds, while dogs only have about 10.
Source: www.jayp.net/trivia/animal01.htm