Oh SNAP
What does a pro-BNP screen for?
The presence of underlying heart disease/damage.
What does LYM stand for?
Lymphocytes
What values help us estimate kidney function?
BUN and creatinine
Do x-rays show us organ function?
Nope!
True or false: a urinalysis only helps detect the presence of a UTI.
False, it also helps with kidney function screening, looking for crystals or cells which may be from bladder tumors, looks for infection/inflammation, helps screen for things like diabetes or DKA, etc.
Early in disease. Perform a CBC - may have low WBC count already!
What is the function of WBCs?
Act as our immune system to clear infection or inflammation.
True or false: azotemia always means kidney disease.
False, this may just be dehydration!
Which may be better to visualize the lungs: x-rays or ultrasound? Why?
X-rays because ultrasounds do not see through air well
Why does a urine culture take 1-3 days??
The urine needs to be left to grow bacteria. This can take time!
Why would your doctor ask for a parvo test on a kitten?
It may be able to detect panleukopenia virus!
What does panleukopenia mean? Why is this a concern?
All WBCs are low. Your patient is immuno-compromised :(
What does a high ALT mean?
Potentially damage to liver and/or muscle. Can be toxin, trauma, infection, etc.
What imaging would be best for a patient with peritoneal effusion? (free fluid in the abdomen)
Ultrasound! Can see through fluid very well
Why would your doctor ask for a manual platelet count?
To confirm if a low platelet count on a CBC is accurate or due to platelet clumping.
True or false: a positive Lyme result on a 4DX always confirms an active Lyme infection.
False - it MAY detect infection but it could just be from previous exposure.
If your patient has a HCT of 72% (normal 35-55%), what can you say about their hydration level?
They are dehydrated - hemoconcentration
Your patient has very high kidney values and a low urine specific gravity. The HCT is 14%. Did this just happen?
No, anemia is seen with chronic kidney disease
What test do we need to look for a brain tumor?
An MRI or CT scan
Which test is the best of them all?
Trick question - your physical exam :)
What information does an FPL or CPL provide? What does it not tell us?
It detects the presence of inflammation in the pancreas. It does NOT tell us the source, severity, prognosis, treatments needed, etc.
What does a stress leukogram mean?
A pattern of changes on the CBC that indicate the patient's response to stress or excitement
What test do we need to see if a patient's azotemia is from dehydration or kidney disease? How?
USG! A high USG = concentrated urine and working kidneys. Low USG = dilute urine, kidney function decreased
What test do we need to take measurements of the layers of the intestines? Bonus points: what diseases may need this test to find it?
Ultrasound - chronic GI diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphoma, etc.
What is the purpose of a urine culture and sensitivity?
Help determine the type of bacteria found in the urine along with what antibiotic is needed.