The most experienced emergency team in Central Indiana

AIRPORT ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTER
5235 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 26241
Phone: (317) 248-0832 Fax: (317) 248-9190
www.airportanimalemergicenter.com

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This is a common test performed on pets to provide objective information about the general health status of an animal. The objective data obtained from a CBC can be helpful in monitoring ill patients undergoing therapy; therefore, serial CBC requests are common.

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Parameters
RBC (red blood cell count), HCT (hematocrit) and HGB (hemoglobin)—increases in these parameters may support dehydration or a disease of increased production of RBCs; decreases indicate anemia and decreased oxygen-carrying capability of the blood
MCV (mean cell volume)—increases indicate the presence of larger than normal cells, which may be related to young cells during response to an anemia; decreases indicate the presence of smaller than normal cells, which may be associated with chronic blood loss/iron deficiency
MCH (mean cell hemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell hemoglobin concentration)—increases suggest the presence of hemolysis or an interference in hemoglobin measurement; decreases suggest decreased hemoglobin concentration, which can be seen during response to anemia and chronic blood loss/iron deficiency
RDW (red cell distribution width)—increases in this objective measure of variability of RBC size indicates increased variability in size that can aid the veterinarian in identifying the cause of an RBC problem
RETIC (reticulocytes)—increases indicate growing numbers of immature RBCs, indicating a response to a peripheral demand for RBCs; decreases indicate few or no immature RBCs, indicating the body is unable to respond to a demand for RBCs (nonregenerative anemia)

White Blood Cell (WBC) Parameters
WBC (white blood cells)—increases may be due to inflammation, stress, excitement and leukemia; decreases may be due to overwhelming inflammation and bone marrow failure
Leukocyte Differential—Various patterns of change in numbers of NEU (neutrophils), LYM (lymphocytes), MONO (monocytes), EOS (eosinophils), and BASO (basophils) may be seen with different types of inflammation, stress, excitement and leukemia
• NEU—inflammatory cell associated with infectious and noninfectious disease processes
• LYM—immune cell highly responsive to “stress” and potentially increased during chronic infection
• MONO—inflammatory cell associated with repair of tissue injury
• EOS—inflammatory cell associated with parasitic disease, hypersensitivity and allergy
• BASO—inflammatory cell associated with parasitic disease, hypersensitivity and allergy

Platelet (PLT) Parameters
PLT (platelet) and PCT (platelet crit)—increases in these parameters of overall platelet mass are potentially associated with hypercoagulable state; decreases may be seen with decreased production (bone marrow failure), increased consumption (coagulation, inflammation, etc.) and destruction in the blood (infectious, immune-mediated, etc.)
MPV (mean platelet volume)—increases indicate presence of larger than normal platelets commonly associated with response to need for platelets (not significant in the cat)
PDW (platelet distribution width)—increases in this objective measure of variability of platelet size indicates increased variability in size which may be an indicator of response to a need for platelets (not significant in the cat); decreases may be seen with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

BLOOD CHEMISTRIES

These common blood tests allow veterinarians to assess your pet’s overall health. Blood tests are often recommended in healthy pets, in pets about to undergo anesthesia and in sick pets. Interpretation of multiple tests in conjunction with one another (profiling) allows quick and noninvasive assessment of the major organ systems of the body.

Kidney

BUN (blood urea nitrogen) — increases may be seen with decreased kidney function, dehydration, heart disease, shock or urinary obstruction as well as following a high protein diet; decreases may be seen with overhydration
CREA (creatinine) —increases may be seen with decreased kidney function and other conditions as noted with BUN, but is not affected by a recent high protein diet; decreases may be seen with overhydration
PHOS (phosphorus) —elevations are seen with decreased kidney loss through conditions like kidney disease, increased intake through the gastrointestinal tract and increased release from injured tissues; increases in growing puppies and kittens can be normal; decreases may be seen with increased loss or decreased intake
Ca+ (calcium) —increases may be seen as a result of a variety of diseases including kidney disease, certain cancer types, certain toxicities and parathyroid disease; decreases may be seen with certain parathyroid diseases and with low albumin

Liver

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)—increases are a sensitive indicator of liver cell damage
ALKP (alkaline phosphatase)—increases may indicate a liver abnormality (cholestasis), Cushing’s disease, active bone growth in young pets, active bone remodeling after bone injury; may be induced by multiple drugs and nonspecific conditions
GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase)—increases may indicate a certain type of liver abnormality (cholestasis)
ALB (albumin)—increases may indicate dehydration; decreases may be seen with decreased liver function, blood loss, gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease
TBIL (total bilirubin)— increases may be seen with liver disease (cholestasis and insufficiency) and certain types of anemia
Bile acids—increases in this blood component may be an indication of decreased liver function, abnormalities in blood flow to the liver or possible bile duct obstruction

Pancreas

AMYL (amylase)—increases may be seen with pancreatitis, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease or certain drug treatments; degree of change and other laboratory data may help identify pancreatitis specifically
LIPA (lipase)—increases may be seen with pancreatitis, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease and certain drug treatments; degree of change and other laboratory data may help identify pancreatitis specifically

Protein Profile

TP (total protein)— increases may indicate dehydration or an inflammatory condition; decreases may be seen in decreased liver function, blood loss, gastrointestinal loss and kidney loss
ALB (albumin)— increases may indicate dehydration; decreases may be seen with decreased liver function, blood loss, gastrointestinal disease and kidney disease
GLOB (globulin)—increases may be seen with inflammation and potential chronic infection; decreases may be seen with blood loss, gastrointestinal loss and immune deficiencies

Electrolytes

Na+ (sodium)—increases may indicate dehydration; decreases may be seen with loss during
diarrhea and vomiting or with Addison’s and kidney disease
K+ (potassium)—increases may indicate kidney disease due to decreased excretion, with
Addison’s disease, dehydration and kidney obstruction; decreases may be seen with loss during
diarrhea or vomiting
Cl- (chloride)—increases may indicate dehydration; decreases may be seen with loss during
diarrhea or vomiting

Miscellaneous Chemistries

GLU (glucose)—increases may indicate diabetes mellitus; decreases may be due to liver
disease, pancreatic disease and other conditions and could lead to collapse, seizure or coma
AST (aspartate aminotransferase)— increases are associated with liver or muscle damage
CK (creatine kinase)—increases are associated with muscle damage
CHOL (cholesterol)— increases may be seen with a variety of metabolic disturbances including
diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, pancreatitis and some types of kidney
disease; decreases may be seen with liver insufficiency and intestinal disease
TRIG (triglycerides)— increases may be seen in a variety of conditions including non-fasted
samples, in miniature schnauzers, and in patient’s with pancreatitis, diabetes, Cushing’s disease
or hypothyroidism
Cortisol—increases may be seen with Cushing’s disease (measured in different protocols
including ACTH stimulation and Dexamethasone suppression tests); decreases may be seen with
Addison’s disease
T4 (thyroxine)—increases may indicate hyperthyroidism (primarily cats); decreases may indicate
hypothyroidism (primarily dogs)
LACTATE—increases indicate either local or general decreased blood perfusion and can
potentially serve as a prognostic indicator for the critical patient

Other Possible Tests

Canine/Feline Giardia—test for a protozoan parasite that may inhabit the small intestine of
dogs, cats, humans and most domesticated animals often causing diarrhea
Canine/Feline Heartworm—test for deadly parasites that can live in the heart, major blood
vessels and the lungs
Canine Tick-Borne Diseases—tests for commonly seen and serious diseases transmitted by
ticks including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
Canine Parvovirus—test for one of the most common and severe gastrointestinal diseases in
young dogs
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia

URINALYSIS

A urinalysis is performed on a urine sample and provides insight into kidney functions as well as the hydration status of the animal. This valuable test may also be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring various diseases and metabolic disturbances throughout the body.
Specific Gravity—determined by the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine in response to the hydration status
pH—reflect the acid-base status if the animal is well-hydrated
PRO (protein)—small amounts of protein may be normally found in urine, but larger amounts may indicate kidney disease
GLU (glucose)—high levels are usually associated with an elevated blood glucose concentration
KET (ketones)—elevated levels may indicate an increase in breakdown of lipids within the body
UBG (urobilinogen)—abnormally high levels may indicate liver or hemolytic disease
BIL (bilirubin)—abnormally high levels may indicate liver or hemolytic disease; in dogs (especially male dogs) bilirubinuria is common even under normal conditions; bilirubinuria in cats is significant
RBCs and Hemoglobin—the test may be positive due to hematuria, hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria; blood in the urine is often a sign of inflammation, infection and/or trauma
WBCs—excessive numbers of WBC indicate inflammation somewhere in the urinary tract
UPC—(urine protein:creatinine ratio)—an important screening test for early kidney disease and to help monitor treatment of renal disease; increases may indicate significant protein loss through the kidney

AIRPORT ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTER
5235 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 26241
Phone: (317) 248-0832 Fax: (317) 248-9190
www.airportanimalemergicenter.com

1.) Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet’s yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, Easter lily or yew plant material by an animal could be fatal.

2.) When cleaning your house, never allow your pet access to the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach.

3.) When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your animals. Most baits contain sweet smelling, inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter and sugars, which can be very attractive to your pet.

4.) Never give your animal any medications unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a seven-pound cat.

5.) Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins and diet pills are common examples of human medications that could be potentially lethal, even in small dosages. One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.

6.) Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.

7.) Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic, even in low quantities, include pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain naphthaleneor paradichlorobenzene - one or two balls can be life threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents (contain cationic detergents which can cause corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play-dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.

8.) All automotive products such as oil, gasoline and antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from pets. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a seven-pound cat, and less than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.

9.) Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what types of products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL information before using a product on your animal or in your home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is labeled, “for use in dogs only,” this means that the product should NEVER be applied to cats or other pets. Also, when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE use of the product.

10.) When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides, always keep your animals away from the area until it dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the manufacturer before using. Always store such products in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Denise Derrer, Public Information Director, 317-227-0308; dderrer@boah.in.gov

Tuberculosis Case Identified on Indiana Cervid Farm

INDIANAPOLIS (15 May 2009)—The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) is investigating a case of bovine tuberculosis (commonly called “TB,” or more formally known as Mycobacterium bovis) in a farm-raised cervid herd in Southeastern Indiana. “Cervid” is a category of animals that includes elk and various species of deer.

A BOAH veterinarian found the TB infection in a red deer being processed for meat. A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) laboratory test confirmed the disease.

The animals in the cervid herd, which include elk, red deer, fallow deer and Sika deer, are part of an on-going targeted surveillance program. The farm sits in close geographic proximity to a beef cattle herd that was traced to a TB-positive cow in December 2008.

“Since December, BOAH has been working to determine if this disease is present in that region,” explains Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh. “In addition to two whole-herd tests on the initial beef farm, we have tested animals at all adjacent properties. All have yielded negative results.”

With this new finding, BOAH is collaborating with state, federal and industry partners to determine a course of action. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Indiana has held a bovine tuberculosis-free status since 1984 with the USDA. Under federal guidelines, a TB-positive cervid does not affect the status for cattle producers. Before the December 2008 case, the last time a Hoosier herd tested positive for the disease was in the 1970s.

About Bovine TB

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle, but can be transmitted to any warm-blooded animal. TB is difficult to diagnose through clinical signs alone. In the early stages of the disease, clinical signs are not visible. Later, signs may include:  emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low-grade fever and pneumonia with a chronic, moist cough. Lymph node enlargement may also be present. Cattle owners who notice these signs in their livestock should contact their private veterinarian.

More information about the disease and the investigation, as it develops, will be available on the BOAH website at:  www.boah.in.gov.

Denise Derrer

Public Information Director
Indiana State Board of Animal Health
805 Beachway Drive, Ste. 50
Indianapolis, IN  46224-7785
317/227-0308
www.boah.in.gov