Veterinary Clinical Medicine-I (General and Systemic)

CLINICAL PATHOLOGY

• The number of laboratory tests utilized depends upon a selection made in the light of the history and physical findings. Some studies should be carried out on all patients; others are indicated only to confirm a provisional diagnosis.
• Studies that should be considered routinely include: the packed cell volume and total solids (PCV/TS), red cell count, total and differential white cell count, creatinine or BUN, glucose, urinalysis and fecal examination. Hypoglycemia may suggest sepsis. A low PCV may indicate hemorrhage, although anemia can result from other disorders. Anemia from hemorrhage may not be immediately evident because of splenic contraction or volume depletion. A low protein suggests decreased production or losses due to gastrointestinal, renal or peritoneal disease. Azotemia may also be due to renal failure, shock or sepsis.
• If available, a full serum chemistry profile can help evaluate abdominal disease, although many abnormal results are non-specific. Hepatic enzyme activities may be increased because of hepatic injury, sepsis, hypoxia or pancreatitis. A complete white blood cell count helps determine if inflammation is present which can be associated with sepsis, or peritonitis. The WBC differential count may suggest an acute, chronic or degenerative response. Urinalysis may provide information about the patient's urine concentrating ability and hydration status, the presence or absence of urogenital hemorrhage or trauma, or the potential source of infection e.g., pyelonephritis.
• Paracentesis and abdominal lavage are valuable diagnostic aids in the evaluation of abdominal disease and should be considered in patients which have had abdominal trauma or have ascites. Cytological evaluation of any fluid obtained often provides valuable clues to diagnosis.