Pet Lab Results Glossary

A protein made by the liver that keeps fluid in the bloodstream. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or intestinal problems.

An enzyme from the liver and bile ducts (and bone in growing pets). High levels often signal liver, gallbladder, or hormonal issues.

A liver enzyme that spills into the blood when liver cells are damaged, making it one of the most specific signs of liver injury.

The nitrogen contained in blood urea, a waste product formed during protein metabolism and cleared mainly by the kidneys.

A waste product of muscle metabolism, cleared mainly by the kidneys. Increased levels can reflect reduced kidney filtration or dehydration.

The sugar in the blood that powers the body's cells. High levels can point to diabetes; very low levels can be an emergency.

A mineral tied to bones and kidney balance. High levels commonly show up with kidney disease.

A sensitive kidney marker that can rise earlier than creatinine, catching kidney changes sooner.

A pigment from recycled red blood cells. High levels can cause jaundice and point to liver, gallbladder, or red-cell problems.

Protein found in the urine. Small amounts can be normal, but ongoing protein can signal kidney disease.

A sensitive liver enzyme that flags bile duct and liver problems, especially useful in cats.

A mineral that supports bones, muscles, nerves, and blood clotting. Both high and low levels need investigation.

The sum of all proteins in the blood. It reflects hydration, liver function, and immune activity.

A diverse group of blood proteins, including antibodies and transport proteins. Changes can accompany inflammation, immune stimulation, or protein loss.

The main electrolyte controlling fluid balance. Abnormal levels can signal kidney, adrenal, or hydration problems.

An electrolyte critical for heart and muscle function. Both high and low levels can be dangerous.

An electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base status.

A measure of circulating thyroxine used to assess thyroid status. Abnormal values need interpretation with species, symptoms, medications, and other tests.

A marker of average blood glucose over approximately the preceding two to three weeks, interpreted with protein levels and other findings.

A blood fat needed for hormones and cells. High levels usually point to an underlying condition like thyroid disease or diabetes.

A type of fat in the blood used for energy. High levels can signal diabetes, thyroid disease, or a recent meal.

A digestive enzyme from the pancreas. High levels can accompany pancreatitis, kidney disease, or intestinal problems.

An enzyme activity measurement related to fat digestion. Its diagnostic value depends on the assay, and conventional lipase is not pancreas-specific.

The number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. Low counts mean anemia.

The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells. The most direct measure of anemia.

The oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It usually mirrors the red blood cell count.

The number of immune cells fighting infection and inflammation. High can mean infection; low can mean higher infection risk.

The cells that help blood clot. Low counts raise bleeding risk; clumping can make the number look falsely low.

How concentrated the urine is. It shows how well the kidneys conserve water, often before blood work changes.

A ratio used to quantify urinary protein relative to creatinine. The source of the protein must be assessed separately.

How acidic or alkaline the urine is. It is influenced by diet and can relate to stone risk or infection.

Sugar in the urine, normally absent. It most often appears when blood sugar is high, as in diabetes.

Chemicals made when the body burns fat for energy. In a sick diabetic pet they can signal an emergency.

A pigment from broken-down red blood cells. Any amount in cat urine is abnormal; small amounts can be normal in dogs.

A urine dipstick reaction to red blood cells, hemoglobin, or myoglobin. A positive result requires interpretation with the urine sediment and clinical findings.

The color of the urine as seen by the lab, from pale straw to dark yellow. A first impression the rest of the test explains.

Whether the urine looks clear or cloudy. Cloudiness points to cells, crystals, bacteria, or mucus.

How the urine was obtained. It changes how every other urine result is interpreted.

Red blood cells counted under the microscope in urine. Increased numbers can mean infection, stones, or inflammation.

White blood cells in the urine sediment, a marker of inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.

Crystals in the urine sediment. The type determines whether they matter for stones or metabolic conditions.

Bacteria seen under the microscope. It can mean infection, but contamination during collection is also possible.

Dense casts that form when material sits in the kidney tubules. Any number is considered significant.

Fat globules in the urine sediment. A common and usually unremarkable finding.

Casts containing granular material or lipid. Their significance depends on the cast type and appearance, not only the number.

Cylinders formed from protein within kidney tubules. Small numbers can occur in otherwise healthy dogs and cats.

Casts made of cells from the kidney tubules or blood cells. Any number can point to active kidney injury.

Flat surface cells from the lower urinary tract. They usually reflect how the sample was collected, not disease.

Cells shed from the bladder and upper urinary tract lining. Larger numbers can signal inflammation or irritation.