BLOOD CHEMISTRY

Albumin (ALB)	Alanine  Aminotransferase  (ALT)	Alkaline  Phosphatase  (ALKP)
A protein which is produced by the liver. Reduced levels of this protein can point to chronic liver or kidney disease, intestinal disease, or intestinal parasites such as hookworm infection.	An enzyme that becomes elevated with liver disease or injury.	An enzyme produced by the cells lining the gall bladder and its associated ducts. Elevated levels can indicate liver disease or Cushing’s syndrome.
Amylase (AMYL)	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Calcium (Ca˛+)
An enzyme produced by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes amylase to aid in digestion. Elevated levels can indicate pancreatic and/or kidney disease.	BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, and liver and kidney abnormalities.	Increased levels can be seen can be seen with diseases of the parathyroid gland and kidneys or as an indicator of certain types of tumors.
Cholesterol (CHOL)	Creatinine (CREA)	Blood Glucose (GLU)
Elevated levels of cholesterol are seen in a variety of disorders including genetic disease, liver and kidney disease and hypothyroidism.	Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary tract obstruction.	High levels can indicate diabetes. In cats, high levels can indicate stress, which can merely be a result of the trip to the veterinary hospital. Low levels can indicate liver disease, infection, or certain tumors.
Phosphorus (PHOS)	Total Bilirubin (TBIL)	Total Protein (TP)
Elevated phosphorus can be an indicator of kidney disease.	Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is a component of bile. Bilirubin is secreted by the liver into the intestinal tract. Blood bilirubin levels are useful in diagnosing anemia and problems in the bile duct.	The levels of TP can detect a variety of conditions including dehydration and disease of the liver, kidney or gastrointestinal tract.

ELECTROLYTES

Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Chloride (Cl-)

The balance of these electrolytes is vital to your pet’s health. Abnormal levels can be life threatening. Electrolyte tests are important in evaluating vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and cardiac (heart) disease

HEMATOLOGY

Hematocrit (HCT)	Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Provides information on the amount of red blood cells present in the blood. This test is used to diagnose anemia.	A more complete panel of tests, a CBC provides detailed information on red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. These tests can indicate anemia, infection, leukemia, stress, the presence of inflammation, or an inability to fight infection. Platelets are involved in blood clotting and if low can indicate a bleeding problem.

URINALYSIS
 
The urine contains by-products from many organs such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Abnormal levels of these by-products can indicate disease including diabetes, liver and kidney disease.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
 
Detects heart rate and electrical rhythm. Certain abnormal rhythms and heart rates can be deleterious to animals undergoing anesthesia.