CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Question 1

RBC (Red Blood Cell Count)
HCT (Hematocrit)
HGB (Hemoglobin)

Answer 1

Increases: Support the idea of dehydration, or a disease that increases production of RBCs

Decreases: Anemia and decreased oxygen-carrying capabilities of blood.

Question 2

MCV (Mean Cell Volume)

Answer 2

Increases: Indicate the presence of larger than normal cells, which may be related to young cells during the response to anemia.

Decreases: indicate the presence of smaller than normal cells, which may be associated to chronic blood loss/iron deficiency.

Question 3

MCH ( Mean Cell Hemoglobin)
and
MCHC (Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration)

Answer 3

Increases: suggest the presence of hemolysis or an interference in the production of Hemoglobin measurement.

Decreases: suggest a decreased hemoglobin concentration, which can be seen during response to anemia and chronic blood loss/iron deficiency.

Question 4

RDW ( Red Cell distribution Width)

Answer 4

Increases: in this objective measures of variability of RBC size indicates increased variability in size that can aid the veterinarian in identifying the cause of an RBC issue.

Question 5

RETIC ( Reticulocytes)

Answer 5

Increases: indicate growing numbers of immature RBCs, indicating a response to a peripheral demand for RBCs.

Decreases: indicate few or no immature RBCs, indicating the body is unable to respond to a demand for RBCs (non-regenerative anemia)