The Complete Blood Count

Laboratory of Advanced Pet Clinic Khobar

Veterinarians cannot diagnose disease conditions alone by physical examination alone.  They have to utilize other diagnostic tools to narrow down the possible disease conditions and arrive at specific diagnosis.

     When your pet is not feeling well for more than a day, lethargic and inappetent, your doctor will recommend to you a screening test, known as CBC or a Complete Blood Count. 

    This test is performed to see the number and appearance of blood cells. This blood cells are categorized into three groups, known as the: 

White blood cells - known as the leukocytes, they are the first line of defense. Let's say they are the security forces of the body against invaders.

Red blood cells - known as the erythrocytes, these cells are the oxygen carrying cells of the body. 

 Platelets - known as the thrombocytes, these cells are the ones that perform clot formation.  

Below is  an example of a dog CBC result.  Test results are correlated with the clinical signs and with other diagnostic modalities to  confirm suspected infection.  

Below are sample actual CBC results.  Identities are withheld and CBC results are mainly for information purposes to help clients what to look out for.  These tests are owned by the Clinic and not by the author.

Viral Infection.

This is the CBC of a cat diagnosed with Feline Panleucopenia or Feline Parvovirus.  Observe the WBC count of the image below.  The result is way below the normal value of 5.5 - 19.50 range.  Kittens having this kind of blood result and with the clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea highly suggests parvoviral infection.

Bacterial Infection.

This is the CBC of a patient diagnosed with Pyometra (kindly see other articles about this disease condition on this blog) below.  Note the WBC count. Elevated increase in WBC parameter plus other diagnostic modality like radiographs can help in identifying this reproductive condition.

Anemia

The Red blood Cell (RBC) count and the Hematocrit (HCT) going down below the lower limit.  Decrease in value be due to the following:  active bleeding, viral infections, blood parasite infection, parasitism and deficiencies. 

Platelet Count

These cells are responsible for clotting activities.  The lower the platelet count means more bleeding tendencies.  Clotting time will be delayed and this is not a good idea when a pet will undergo surgery.

Below is an example where Platelet count is observed to be very low.   

The aforementioned CBC results are just some of the common read outs of diseases frequently seen at the practice.  This diagnostic tool will help your veterinarian to treat your pet's underlying condition and provide current over all health information.

DISCLAIMER

CBC tests are fully owned by Advanced Pet Clinic.  Patient information withheld. Information for education purposes only.