Hadwin Blanton
Cats are experts at hiding illness, so a blood panel can be a useful way to detect underlying health issues before they become serious problems. A cat blood panel can include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. These tests can reveal important information about your cat's health, such as red and white blood cell count, organ function, and the presence of any abnormalities or infections. Blood panels are often recommended for cats of all ages, from kittens to geriatric cats, as part of their routine wellness exams. They can also be useful for pre-surgical risk assessments and for cats that are acting abnormally.
What You'll Learn
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is a group of blood tests that measure and evaluate the number and size of the different cells in a cat's blood. It is a simple, routine test that provides a significant amount of information about a cat's health and can be used in all stages of health and illness.
The CBC measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and their number, size, and shape can indicate the presence of certain diseases. For example, larger red blood cells can indicate vitamin deficiency or bone marrow disease, while smaller red blood cells can be a sign of iron deficiency or immune system problems. White blood cells fight infections and other diseases, and their number can indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer. Platelets are responsible for stopping bleeding by helping blood to clot, and their number can indicate the body's ability to stop minor bleeding.
In addition to these, a CBC also measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, anemia, or iron deficiency. Hematocrit is the amount of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells, and abnormal levels can indicate dehydration or anemia. MCV is the average size of red blood cells, and abnormal levels can indicate vitamin deficiencies or iron deficiency.
A CBC is often part of a routine checkup and can be used to monitor a cat's overall health, help diagnose blood diseases, and check for changes in existing blood disorders. It is also useful as a screening test for underlying infections, anemia, and illness, and can help determine the underlying cause of anemia or infection.
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Blood Serum Chemistry
Through blood serum chemistry, veterinarians can assess the health of a cat's organs, including the liver and kidneys. For example, albumin (ALB) levels can indicate dehydration, hemorrhage, or issues with the intestines, liver, or kidneys. Another substance, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), can indicate liver disease, gall bladder disease, or pancreatic disease.
By analysing the various substances in the blood serum, veterinarians can gain valuable insights into a cat's health and make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.
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Total Thyroid Level
The thyroid gland is located near the trachea (windpipe), just below the larynx (voice box). It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones, which govern the body's metabolic rate. The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), secreted by the pituitary gland, controls the function of the thyroid gland.
The most common thyroid disorder in cats is hyperthyroidism, caused by an excessive production of thyroid hormones. This is usually due to a benign increase in the size and function of one or both thyroid glands. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is uncommon in cats and is often related to previous therapy for hyperthyroidism or a congenital condition.
Hyperthyroidism in cats can usually be diagnosed with a single blood test that measures the total thyroxine (T4) concentration. T4 is the major thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland, and its excess production is what defines hyperthyroidism. In most cases, hyperthyroidism is relatively easy to diagnose, but some cases may require a more comprehensive workup, including a complete thyroid hormone panel.
The T4 test is a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism and can also be used to screen for hypothyroidism. T4 levels can be influenced by medication, disease states, and nutrition. In hyperthyroid cats, T4 levels are usually elevated, but they may occasionally dip into the normal range due to the natural daily variability of T4 levels or the presence of other illnesses.
If a cat exhibits clinical signs of hyperthyroidism but has normal T4 levels, additional tests may be recommended. These could include the T3-suppression test or advanced imaging studies of the thyroid gland (thyroid scintigraphy).
The Feline Thyroid Panel, which includes T4, T3, free T4, and TSH, is the most comprehensive panel offered by laboratories and is especially useful for assessing cats with multiple health problems.
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Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a common and important infectious disease in cats, affecting 2-3% of cats in the US and Canada. It is caused by a retrovirus, which can be incorporated into a cat's genome and may not be cleared over time. The virus is spread through cat-to-cat contact, including bite wounds, mutual grooming, mating, and sharing food/water/litter boxes. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother cat to her kittens before or after birth. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat's body and transmission through the environment is unlikely.
The virus attacks a cat's white blood cells, compromising their immune system and leaving them susceptible to infections and cancer. A cat infected with FeLV may initially show few signs of infection, but over time, they may develop cancers secondary to the leukemia virus. Common clinical signs of FeLV include an unthrifty coat, inflamed gums and mouth (gingivitis and stomatitis), enlarged lymph nodes, and chronic skin, eye, respiratory, or urinary tract infections.
Feline Leukemia is usually diagnosed through a blood test called an ELISA test, which detects a protein component of the virus. This test is quick and routinely performed in veterinary clinics. If the result is positive, veterinarians may recommend repeating the test, especially in young cats and kittens, to confirm if the infection is persistent.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for FeLV. Treatment focuses on managing the disease by treating secondary infections that can result from the compromised immune system. Affected cats may require antibiotics, appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory medications, or blood transfusions. Keeping infected cats indoors and preventing exposure to other cats is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is another common virus infecting cats, similar to the human HIV virus. It is spread through saliva, usually passed to other cats through bite wounds, and is more commonly found in male cats that are not neutered and engage in fighting. FIV affects around 4-5% of at-risk cats tested in North America. Like FeLV, FIV targets a cat's immune system, making them susceptible to various illnesses. There is also no cure for FIV, and infected cats must be kept away from other cats to prevent transmission.
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
If your cat has high BUN levels, it is important to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, collect medical history, and perform relevant tests such as a urinalysis, complete blood count, and chemistry profile to diagnose the cause of the high BUN levels.
High BUN levels can be treated through rehydration fluids, temporary feeding tubes, and catheters to promote the excretion of nitrogenous waste. For end-stage chronic kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be recommended. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and limiting fluid intake, can also help manage the condition.
It is important to monitor your cat's BUN levels through regular blood tests, especially if they are mature, senior, or geriatric, as it can help detect and treat potential health issues early on.
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Frequently asked questions
A blood panel test is often recommended as part of a cat's annual wellness check, especially if they are showing signs of illness. It can also be used to establish healthy baselines for future reference.
A blood panel test provides important information about your cat's health and body. It can give insight into roughly 25 of your cat's bodily processes, including organ function, kidney function, and the presence of certain diseases or abnormalities.
Common blood tests include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests, which indicate kidney function; and glucose tests, which can determine if your cat has diabetes.
