1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
* Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Measures the number of red blood cells per unit of blood.
* Hemoglobin (Hgb): Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
* Hematocrit (Hct): Represents the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
* Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Indicates the average size of red blood cells.
* Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
* Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Represents the average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells.
2. White Blood Cells (WBCs):
* White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Measures the total number of white blood cells.
* Differential White Blood Cell Count: Determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).
3. Platelets:
* Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are responsible for blood clotting.
What the CBC Results Tell Us:
* Anemia: Low RBC count, Hgb, or Hct can indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, or insufficient production.
* Infection: Elevated WBC count, especially neutrophils, can indicate an infection.
* Inflammation: Changes in the number and types of WBCs can indicate inflammation, which can be caused by various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and allergies.
* Blood clotting disorders: Low platelet count can indicate a problem with blood clotting.
* Parasitic infections: Certain parasitic infections can cause changes in blood cell counts.
* Cancer: Some types of cancer can affect blood cell production.
* Other health conditions: Dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, and other health conditions can also affect blood cell counts.
Why is a CBC Performed?
* Routine health check-ups: CBCs are often included in routine wellness exams.
* Diagnosing illness: CBCs help diagnose various health conditions, including infections, anemia, and blood disorders.
* Monitoring treatment: CBCs are used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for various diseases.
* Pre-surgery evaluation: CBCs are usually performed before surgery to assess the dog's overall health and blood clotting ability.
Important Notes:
* Interpretation: CBC results should always be interpreted by a veterinarian, as they can vary depending on factors such as age, breed, and overall health.
* Individual variations: Normal CBC values can vary slightly between dogs.
* Further testing: If abnormalities are found in the CBC, additional testing may be recommended to determine the underlying cause.
By understanding the components of a CBC and its potential implications, you can better understand your dog's health and work with your veterinarian to provide the best possible care.