Interpretations of CBC (Complete Blood Count),LFT & KFT Parameters in Dogs & Cats
RBC, Hb, PCV
Assess oxygen-carrying capacity.
↑ Values: Dehydration, polycythemia.
↓ Values: Anemia (blood loss, hemolysis, marrow issues).
WBC & Differentials
Indicate immune response status.
↑ WBC: Infections, inflammation, stress leukogram.
↓ WBC: Viral infections, bone marrow suppression.
Neutrophils: Bacterial infections, stress.
Lymphocytes: Viral or chronic infections (↑); stress, corticosteroids (↓).
Eosinophils: Parasites or allergies (↑); steroids (↓).
Platelets
Key in clotting.
↓ Platelets: IMTP, DIC, marrow disease.
↑ Platelets: Inflammation, neoplasia.
🔸 Note (Cats): Stress leukogram is common. Platelet clumping may give false thrombocytopenia.
🧫 LFT (Liver Function Tests) Summary
ALT & AST
ALT: Specific for hepatocellular injury (↑ in hepatitis, toxins).
AST: Less specific (also in muscle); interpret with ALT and CK.
ALP & GGT
ALP: Cholestasis, steroid use (marked rise in dogs; mild in cats is significant).
GGT: Biliary damage, more reliable in cats.
Bilirubin
Byproduct of RBC breakdown.
↑ Bilirubin: Hemolysis, liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction.
Albumin
Produced by liver; maintains oncotic pressure.
↓ Albumin: Liver failure, PLE, PLN.
Bile Acids
Evaluate functional liver capacity.
↑ Bile acids: Portosystemic shunt, chronic liver disease.
🔸 Note: ALP is less sensitive in cats—any increase is clinically important.
🧬 RFT (Renal Function Tests) Summary
BUN & Creatinine
Waste products excreted by kidneys.
↑ BUN/Creatinine: Azotemia, renal dysfunction.
↓ BUN: Liver failure, overhydration.
Creatinine is more reliable, but affected by muscle mass.
SDMA
Early marker of kidney dysfunction.
↑ SDMA: Renal disease before creatinine rises. Not influenced by muscle mass.
Phosphorus & Calcium
↑ Phosphorus: Seen in CKD (especially cats).
Calcium may be high or low depending on renal stage and PTH involvement.
Urine Specific Gravity (USG)
Assesses kidney’s concentrating ability.
>1.035: Normal/pre-renal azotemia.
<1.015: Suggests intrinsic renal failure.
🔸 Tip: Always correlate BUN, creatinine, and USG to classify azotemia
