Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

578 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
RBC DATA
With the red blood cells (RBC), an actual count is made by estimating from the
number of cells spread on a slide and examined under a microscope. The
amount of hemoglobin present and the age and size of the red blood cells are
also measured. MCV is mean corpuscular volume, which is the average size
of the red blood cells. MCH is mean corpuscular hemoglobin (the substance in
the red blood cells that transports oxygen), which is the average amount of
hemoglobin inside a red blood cell. MCHC is the mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration, which is the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red
blood cells, expressed as a percentage. Your veterinarian or the laboratory technician
will also examine cells for maturity and for any blood-borne parasites.
WBC DATA
An estimate will also be made of the total number of white blood cells (WBC)
in the sample. White blood cells include eosinophils (cells that fight parasite
infestations and are involved in allergies), and cells that fight infections or cellular
invaders, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and monocytes.
The number of white blood cells such as lymphocytes may be increased in dogs
with certain cancers, as well. Normally, white blood cell counts rise with bacterial
infections, but if the infection is winning the battle, counts may be lower
than expected. Viruses may also lower the white blood cell count.
PLATELETS
Platelets are cells that assist in clotting and coagulation. An estimate of their
numbers is also made from a blood sample on a slide examined under a
microscope. Platelets can be low in number in dogs with certain immune disorders,
some cancers, and bleeding disorders. Some breeds, such as Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels, can have platelet anomalies that cause their numbers
to be low.
Blood Chemistry Panel
A blood chemistry panel evaluates the enzymes that are important to many
organ functions, and also looks at certain proteins and minerals that are
important for normal body functions. Important tests include:
Albumin. This is an important protein made by the liver. It decreases
in dogs with certain types of liver and kidney damage or intestinal
problems, and can increase in dehydrated dogs.