How to interpret a dog's blood test

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 15 February 2021
Update Date: 19 November 2024
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VETERINARY BASICS: How to read a blood test! CBC & Haematology
Video: VETERINARY BASICS: How to read a blood test! CBC & Haematology

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On some occasions, such as when the dog gets sick or when it has a birthday, it is necessary and recommended to carry out different tests, among which the blood count is highlighted. This one blood test allows us to have access to a lot of information in a short time and in an economical way.

In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain how to interpret a dog's blood test. For this, we will have the most important parameters that are valued in this exam, as well as the diseases that may indicate certain alterations.

The importance of a complete blood count in dogs

The collection of blood for analysis is a very common and important technique in all veterinary clinics. Normally the sample is taken from the front leg, but in some cases blood can be taken from the hind legs or even the neck.


Many clinics already have the necessary equipment to analyze the blood in the clinic, thus being able to obtain the results of the basic parameters in a few minutes. One dog blood test will allow the treatment to start quickly. In the following sections, we'll look at the most important elements that are analyzed.

When more information or more specific parameters are needed, such as vitamins or thyroid hormones, the veterinarian will send the sample to a external laboratory. In addition, there are kits on the market that allow, from a drop of blood, to detect the presence of diseases such as canine parvovirus. The dog's blood count is also done before an operation, in case there is any additional risk to be taken into account, especially regarding anesthesia, which will be eliminated by the liver and kidneys.


In a blood count performed on dogs, what are the normal values?

Finally, to evaluate the results, the reference values ​​offered by the laboratory must be taken into account, as there may be some variations between them. In the following sections, we'll explain how to interpret a dog's blood test.

Blood test in dogs: the blood count

If we have access to the dog's blood test, we will see that the analysis will be divided into different sections. The first will be the blood count, where we can find red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets. Below we will explain the canine blood count and its interpretation:

At red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Its lack is indicative of anemia in dogs, which can be regenerative or non-regenerative. In the first case, the bone marrow will produce reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells, trying to compensate for the deficiency, since more red blood cells are lost than they regenerate. This type of anemia will have a better prognosis than non-regenerative anemia, where deficiency occurs because there is no production. The amount of these blood cells is quickly measured in the hematocrit, and the lower the hematocrit, the greater the risk to the animal's life.


You white blood cells or leukocytes they are related to the body's defense against disease. An increase in their values ​​usually indicates that the dog is suffering from an infection. On the other hand, if their values ​​are decreased, the animal could be immunosuppressed.

The blood count also includes the platelet count which, in low numbers, can mean clotting problems and bleeding. On the other hand, a high number favors the appearance of thrombi. In the next section, we'll give you more information on how to interpret a blood test in dogs according to white blood cells.

Blood test in dogs: leukocytes

In the blood we find different types of leukocytes which will also provide information on how to interpret a blood test in dogs. The following stand out:

  • Neutrophils: are blood cells that will act as the body's first line of defense. They are usually activated by bacterial infections, but when the pathogen is a virus, its number decreases.
  • eosinophils: their number increases in cases of allergies or parasitic infestations.
  • Lymphocytes: There are several types of lymphocytes, such as B or T lymphocytes. Sometimes they can appear in large numbers, as in cases of leukemia, but it is more common for their values ​​to decrease, as happens in the early stages of viral diseases.

Blood test in dogs: the biochemistry

This section of the dog's blood test includes counting various substances such as glucose, urea or, most importantly, proteins. To explain how to interpret a blood test in dogs, let's now look at the most important biochemical parameters that will give us information about the functioning of the various organs:

  • Proteins: the proportion of proteins in the blood gives us very valuable information. Immunoglobulins and albumin are measured. High protein can mean dehydration. Its decrease is indicative of several conditions that will be diagnosed taking into account the clinical picture and the rest of the analyses.
  • Glucose: this is the sugar that circulates in the blood. High values ​​may indicate that the dog has diabetes. Glucose can also increase if the animal is very stressed, although this change is more frequent in cats. A decrease in this element is related to weakness, seizures or, less frequently, insulinoma.
  • Creatinine: High values ​​are related to renal failure, both acute and chronic.
  • Urea: this is a waste product of protein degradation and is eliminated via the kidneys. It is another of the values ​​that increase when the body suffers from kidney disorders, which can have different causes.
  • ALT and AST: these are transaminases, parameters that will give us information about the functioning of the liver. Its elevation indicates that a liver problem is occurring.
  • bilirubin: is another parameter that is related to the liver. It is the waste product resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells. If not eliminated properly, a task that corresponds to the liver, it accumulates in the body, so its elevation implies liver problems, but it can also be due to hemolytic anemia in which red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than normal. .

Clinical analysis and its interpretation

Despite all the information provided by a dog's blood test, to know how to interpret its results it is also necessary to observe the clinical condition, that is, to the symptoms presented by the animal. Furthermore, the alteration of a single parameter does not necessarily indicate a pathology in all cases.

The exam, therefore, should be interpreted as a whole and taking into account the dog's particular conditions, such as its age or medical history. You should also know that we have explained the basic parameters, but the veterinarian, in order to reach the most accurate diagnosis, may request laboratory analysis of elements such as calcium, which may appear elevated due to the presence of tumors; phosphorus, which is altered in renal failure, fructosamine, which serves to confirm a diagnosis of hyperglycemia (diabetes) or thyroid hormones, which will inform us whether or not there is hypo or hyperthyroidism.

Observing blood under a microscope can also provide interesting information, being able to interpret the size, shape or number of cells. Finally, although the amount by which normal values ​​appear elevated or decreased tells us the severity of the damage, it does not imply a better prognosis or worst. Therefore, it will always be the veterinarian, valuing all available information, who will arrive at a diagnosis and treatment. Once this is established, analytical tests will be repeated periodically to maintain control.

Now that you know how to interpret a dog's blood test and have seen in detail parts like the canine blood count, you might be interested in our article on dog vomiting blood: causes and treatments.

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