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LABORATORY
VALUES
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The following information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice
of
a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with
your
own veterinary physician for confirmation of any
diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
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Once you become
more familiar with the type of cancer you are dealing with, you
are
possibly going to want to be involved in your
dog's care. Bloodwork is as important for our dogs on chemo as it is
in humans receiving therapy. Below is an alphabetical listing
and definition of normal veterinary ranges in both blood
chemistry and hematology values. Please keep in mind that
normal ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory.
Also included in this list is information pertaining to normal body
temperature in your dog.
(Click
on the awareness ribbon to easily navigate to the lab
value you are interested in)
  
  
 
 
   
   
   
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP): 23 - 212 U/L (units
per liter)
Definition: An enzyme
predominantly produced in the liver and bone. Levels are
elevated in liver disease.
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Alanine transaminase (ALT): 10 -
100 U/L
Definition: An enzyme found in the blood which can be found in
many tissues of the body but more highly concentrated in the
liver.High levels can be an indicator of liver
disease.
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Albumin (ALB): 2.70 - 3.80
g/dl
Definition: Synthesized
in the liver, Albumin contains the highest concentration of protein
in plasma. It's prime function is to keep fluid from leaking into
the tissues and is also a good indicator of kidney and liver
disease.
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Amylase (AMYL): 500 - 1500 U/L
Definition: An enzyme released
in the pancreas. Useful in diagnosing pancreatic
disorders.
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Bilirubin (TBIL): 0.00 - 0.90
mg/dl
Definition: Bilirubin is the
product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin in the red
blood cells. Abnormal bilirubin can be a sign of liver
problems.
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Calcium (Ca): 7.90 - 12.00 mg/dl (milligrams per
deciliter)
Definition: Tests calcium levels in the blood to detect any
disorders in the bones or kidneys.
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Cloride (Cl): 109.0 - 122.0
mmol/1
Definition: Linked with Sodium, changes in this level often
accompany the changes in the sodium
level.
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Cholesterol (CHOL): 110.0 - 320.0
mg/dl
Definition: A
steroid made in the liver, it's function is to form cell membranes
that are utilized in all parts of
the body.
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Creatinine (CREA): 0.50 - 1.80
mg/dl
Definition: Part of muscle make up, creatinine levels can
determine kidney function.
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Globulin (GLOB): 2.50 - 4.50
g/dl
Definition: A measurement of this protein in the
blood.
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Glucose (GLU): 77.0 - 125.0
mg/dl
Definition: The source of energy for red blood cells, brain and
most parts of the body.
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Granulocytes (GRANS): 3.3 -
12.0
Definition: Produced in the
bone marrow, they comprise 70% of all white blood cells as they
include neutrophils, eosinophils and
basophils.
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Hematocrit (HCT) normal range:
37 - 55%
Definition: The hematocrit is the percent of whole blood that
is made up of red blood cells. The hematocrit is the
compound measure of Red Blood count
number and size.
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Hemoglobin (HGB) normal range:
12.0 - 18.0 g/dl (grams per
deciliter)
Definition: Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein in the
red blood cells.
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Lipase (LIPA): 200 - 1800
U/L
Definition: Secreted
by the pancreas, lipase values can be an indicator of the
function of the pancreas.
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Lymphocytes/Monocytes (L/M): 1.1-6.3
Definition: Lymphocytes are produced in the lymph nodes through the body
and are responsible for the activity of the immune system by
producing antibodies. Monocytes make up about 5% of the white
cell count and act as scavengers for the removal of debris from dead
tissue and areas of
inflammation.
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Mean
Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 30.0 - 36.9
g/dl
Definition: Hemoglobin concentration per red blood
cell.
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Phosphate (PHOS): 2.50 - 6.80
mg/dl
Definition: An
indicator on how the body uses calcium and can be an indicator of
kidney problems.
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Platelets (PLT): 175 -
500
Definition: Also
called a Thrombocyte their function is to halt bleeding (form blood
clots).
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Potassium (K): 3.50 - 5.80
mmol/l
Definition: Found in
cells, it's main responsibility is to carry different products into
and out of the cells.
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Reticuloctyes (Retics): 0 -
0.2%
Definition: These are
slightly immature red blood cells.
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Sodium (Na): 144.0 - 160.0
mmol/1
Definition: Measures the
amount of sodium in the body and is a indicator of
dehydration.
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Total Protein (TP): 5.20 - 8.20
g/dl
Definition: Consisting
of Albumin and Globulin, this result can also be an indicator
of liver and kidney disease as well as malnutrition and other
conditions.
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White Blood Count (WBC) : 6.0 -
16.9
Definition: Measures the white
blood cells. White blood cells are the major
infection fighting cells in the blood.
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Normal Body
Temperature:
The normal body temperature of
your dog should range from 101 to 102.5 F. The best way to
determine body temperature is rectally. You may also obtain axillary
(between the front leg and the body - e.g.: armpit) body
temperature readings, but this method is not recommended when an
accurate reading is required.
You may use a glass mercury or a
digital thermometer. A digital thermometer may be more easily read,
it's safer, and they are relatively inexpensive to
purchase.
If the body temperature has
exceeded 103 F, contact your vet immediately. This
is especially important if your dog is receiving chemotherapy
as some chemo drugs can lower immunity and leave them susceptible to
infection.
METHOD OF
TAKING TEMPERATURE:
When using either a glass or
digital thermometer, lubricate the thermometer with a good
water-soluble lubricant such as KY. Slowly and gently insert
the thermometer into the rectum about 1-2 inches. When using glass,
hold in place for 2 minutes; a digital will signal when the reading
is complete.
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REFERENCES: Labtests
Online, MEDLINE plus
If you
would like more detailed, professional information about any of
these tests, please use this link which will bring you to Medline's
website. From there, click on Medical Encyclopedia and type in
the name for the particular test you are seeking information on.
Though geared for humans, it will give you a greater understanding
to why these tests are being done on your pet.
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