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Blood Chemistry Panel in Dogs and Cats

Chemistry Panels & Tests for Pets

Updated On November 4th, 2024

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Reviewed By Petco's Veterinarian Team

A chemistry panel (also termed a biochemical profile), includes tests for multiple chemical constituents within one blood sample. The quantities of these chemicals can reveal many things about the various organs of the body. Most veterinary chemistry panels evaluate the blood for signs of disease in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, blood proteins and electrolytes.

Blood Components

Whole blood is a combination of both blood cells and liquid. The [complete blood count (CBC)](https://www.petcoach.co/article/blood-cells-complete-blood-counts-cbc-in-animals/) deals with the cellular portion and quantifies the different kinds of red and white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin. The chemistry panel deals with the liquid portion of the sample after the cells have been removed. To obtain the liquid, the blood sample is allowed to clot within the tube and then the tube is spun in a centrifuge. This forces the clot to the bottom of the tube and the liquid remains at the top. The fluid left after the clot has been removed is referred to as 'serum,' which is the portion used to run a chemistry panel.

In House or Outside Laboratories

Many veterinarians can perform some small chemistry panels 'in house,' which means within the veterinary facility. The results of these in house panels are typically available within minutes, as opposed to those that must be sent to outside laboratories, which can take a day or two for results. The cost can vary between these two options, which is often a consideration for tests that are not overly urgent. When running the test, a small quantity of the serum is drawn into a single large machine. Tiny samples from that serum are tested for various chemical components. The results of each test are compiled and printed out on a single form. To make it easier for veterinarians and physicians, the form lists the patient's results along with the expected normal values for that species. It is important to remember that each individual laboratory uses slightly different reference ranges for the expected normal values based upon the calibration of their equipment.

Types of Panels

Since the laboratory equipment has the ability to run numerous different tests, there can be many different chemistry panels, depending upon which individual tests are requested and included. Such specialized panels may be listed as a liver, kidney, electrolyte, geriatric or pre-surgical panels with the specific tests selected based upon the focused site in question. A general veterinary chemistry panel typically measures most of the following:

  • Blood Glucose (BG or GLU)
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
  • Creatinine (CREA)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Total Protein (TP)
  • Albumin (ALB)
  • Globulin (GLOB)
  • Total Bilirubin (TBIL)
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALKP)
  • Alanine Transferase (ALT or SGPT)
  • Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
  • Cholesterol (CHOL)
  • Phosphorus (PHOS)
  • Lipase (LIP)
  • Amylase (AMYL)
  • Sodium (N)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Chloride (Cl)

Specific Tests **Blood Glucose**: When the body takes in carbohydrates, some are used for energy and some are stored in the forms of glycogen or converted to fatty acids. As the individual needs energy, glucose may be formed by glycogen degradation or by conversion of other molecules to glucose. Glucose is then released into the bloodstream and is transported throughout the body. An increased blood glucose is known as hyperglycemia. Mild elevations can occur with stress or excitement during the time of the blood draw, particularly in cats. More significant elevations in the blood glucose are most often the result of [diabetes](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-diabetes/). Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose drops too low. Hypoglycemia is a frequent problem in young puppies, especially the toy and smaller breeds. These animals may seem weak, uncoordinated and even have seizures. Certain liver diseases, overproduction or overdosing of insulin or hypothyroidism can also lead to hypoglycemia.

**BUN**: 'BUN' stands for blood urea nitrogen. As protein is broken down by the body, the by-product of this metabolism is nitrogen-containing urea compounds. These are of no use to the body and are excreted by the kidneys. However, if the kidneys are not working correctly and filtering these compounds from the blood, they build up to excessively high levels. When the BUN result is high, it is only an indication that the nitrogen wastes of protein are not being removed from the body or are formed in excess. While kidney disease is the primary reason for studying the BUN level, there can be other causes for its elevation. Significant BUN elevations can also occur as the result of dehydration, heart failure, intestinal bleeding, excessive protein intake, poor muscling, or certain drugs. Lower than normal BUN levels are frequently noted in liver disease, but can also occur with malabsorptive diseases or a poor diet.

**Creatinine**: Creatinine is used to measure the filtration rate of the kidneys. Only the kidneys excrete this substance. If it builds up to higher than normal levels, it is a sign of decreased or impaired function of the kidneys. Low levels of creatinine are less common, but can occur due to a low protein intake, some liver diseases or pregnancy.

**Calcium**: Calcium is a mineral that is found in consistent levels within the bloodstream. While an animal is pregnant or nursing, the calcium level can become seriously depressed in a disease called eclampsia. Additionally, certain medications, tumors or other conditions can affect calcium levels. It is important to detect an abnormal blood level of calcium quickly before it leads to serious heart and muscle disorders.

**Total Protein**: The total protein level is a combined measurement of two blood protein molecules, albumin and globulin. Albumin is normally produced by the liver. Low albumin levels can occur as a result of liver disease, poor quality nutrition, intestinal malabsorption, kidney disease, serious burns, low calcium levels or following chronic infectious. Increases in albumin levels are uncommon and typically are a result of dehydration. The term globulins includes immunoglobulins, which are produced by the immune system as part of the body’s defense against bacteria and viruses. Elevated globulins can occur with [severe dental disease](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/dental-disease/), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), lymphoma, leukemia or multiple myeloma.

**Bilirubin**: Bilirubin is by-product of the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is the molecule within red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues. When the blood cells die or are destroyed, hemoglobin is released, quickly broken down and excreted by the liver as bilirubin. Therefore, bilirubin levels may be higher than normal when excessive numbers of red blood cells are breaking down, or if the liver is diseased and unable to clear the bilirubin from the blood. Levels of bilirubin may also increase if there is an obstruction within the liver or bile duct that prevents the bilirubin from being released into the intestine.

**Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)**: Serum alkaline phosphatase (often abbreviated 'SAP' or ‘ALP’) belongs to a class of compounds called enzymes. These are protein molecules that function to assist various chemical reactions. Alkaline phosphatase can increase during normal conditions, such as growth or pregnancy, as well as with liver disease, bone injuries, corticosteroid administration and dental disease. Low levels of alkaline phosphatase are not thought to be clinically significant in animals.

**Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT)**: Alanine amino transferase is also referred to as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and is an enzyme important in liver function. An elevation usually means that the liver cells are breaking down due to cancer, infection, congestion with blood (as in heart failure), failure due to cirrhosis or many other conditions. Basically, anything that adversely affects the liver or its ability to function correctly will elevate the ALT.

**Cholesterol**: Cholesterol levels in animals do not have the same connotation as they do in human medicine. Hardening and obstruction of the vessels of the heart is not a common problem in canine and feline medicine. Rather, cholesterol deviations are generally secondary signs of other diseases. Animals with [inadequately functioning thyroid glands](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hypothyroidism/) often have elevated cholesterol. Starving animals, those with liver or intestinal disease, or those with poor levels of nourishment may have lower than expected cholesterol.

**Sodium and Potassium**: Sodium and potassium levels are interpreted together. Their levels can be seriously affected in diseases of the adrenal glands, heart, kidneys, by various medications or many other conditions.

The tests listed above provide direct evaluations of the health of the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, immune system and other body systems. Still, as with the CBC, the chemistry panel is just a picture of the patient’s body at one moment in time. The readings may be very different if repeated in one week or even just one day. While a chemistry panel often sheds a considerable amount of light on an animal’s organ function and any existing problems, it is important to remember that this test may not provide the conclusive answer that a pet owner and veterinarian are hoping to obtain. The veterinarian must always take into consideration everything that is affecting the patient and in turn, how that may affect the test results.

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