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Post by Ray Jones on Apr 9, 2011 4:20:52 GMT 10
Tom,can you give me your opinion on this blood test result,the test was done about 40 hours after the dog ran. Cheers Ray
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Post by Tom Meulman on Apr 9, 2011 9:16:04 GMT 10
Hi Ray,
The first thing to look at is the Packed Cell Volume which measures the amount of solids in the blood as compared to the blood plasma, which at 65% is too high and indicates dehydration. The preferred level is 58 to 60%.
Because all of the other blood cell measurements are calculated as a percentage of a specific volume of blood, as in g/dl, it has an effect on the interpretation of various other values.
So looking at the Red Blood Cells at 7.95, while this is within the “normal” scale in reality for a racing greyhound the preferred level is around 8.50, and taking into consideration the dehydration, the RBC count is too low and indicates anaemia.
To then see what the likely cause of the anaemia is: With a Haemoglobin count of 20.5 which is around normal for a racing greyhound, it does not appear to be caused by an iron deficiency. Further confirmation of this is provided by the Mean Corpuscular Volume, which at 81.8 is too high. This level is increased with anaemia caused by a Folic Acid and B12 deficiency. The MCV level of 81.8 also indicates the RBC’s are too large, further confirming an anaemia diagnosis.
The MCH which measures the amount of Haemoglobin within a RBC, at 25.8 is normal. Further indicating that the anaemia is caused by a Folic Acid/B12 deficiency, and not an iron deficiency.
Now the White Blood Cell count: 5.7 which is a little high but not high enough to start alarm bells ringing. However when you look at the Neutrophils level of 4.9 in relationship to the Lymphocytes level of 0.7 it is quite obvious that this is way out of balance. With a Lymphocytes level of 0.7 the Neutrophils level should not be higher than 3.0., and because Neutrophils increase as a result of a bacterial infection, this confirms that the greyhound is trying to fight a bacterial infection, as opposed to a Viral infection.
The Biochemistry side of the profile: Total Protein 79.3: This is derived from combined amount of the Albumin and Globulin in the blood. The Albumin side of the total at 46.8 is far too high, indicating both liver damage and reduced kidney function, however Albumin levels also increase due to an infection and dehydration. Total Globulin at 32.5 is also a little high, confirming the infection and dehydration.
Urea 9.7: Urea is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of protein and is removed from the blood by the kidneys. At 9.7 this is too high and again confirms reduced kidney function and dehydration. However excessive urea can also be the result of a diet that is too high in protein, and too low in carbohydrates.
Creatinine 116: Creatinine is also a waste product that is removed from the blood by the kidneys, and at 116 is too high again indicating reduced kidney function.
ALP 16: (alkaline phosphatase) is mainly a measure of correct bile function and at 16 is normal.
ALT 131: (alanine aminotransferase) At 131 this is far too high and while found in other body organs elevated levels are primarily caused by liver damage.
Amylase 502: This tests for digestive enzymes and Pancreatic function and at 502 is normal.
Glucose 3.9: Blood sugar and at 3.9 is normal.
Basic conclusions based on the above blood test results. The greyhound is dehydrated, is anaemic, has an infection most likely in the liver, and has reduced kidney function.
While I can provide some suggestions you will have to be guided by your Veterinarian to overcome the greyhounds current health problems.
Spell the dog immediately, no more running until the various issues have been solved. An appropriate course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Change the diet from a high protein diet to one with higher levels of carbohydrates and fats. Treat dehydration with potassium and electrolytes, and increased fluid in the diet. Treat the anaemia with B12/Folic Acid and B Complex injections. Support the liver function with injections of L-Carnitine and add Methionine to the diet.
Mate I am sorry to give you an interpretation such as this, but the dog has some real health issues that need resolving urgently.
Cheers, Tom
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Post by Ray Jones on Apr 9, 2011 19:08:11 GMT 10
Thanks Tom for taking the time to look at the bloods,its much appreciated,a way below par run from him last time was inevitable then ? The dog looks 100% on the outside,it just goes to show,all is not as it seems Can you email me at raymond.jones144@gmail.com I would like to go over a few more points with you if you have the time. Cheers Ray
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