Dog CBC (Complete Blood Count) Explained
Your dog's Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides crucial information about their overall health. This guide breaks down what each component means and when you should be concerned about the results.
What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A CBC is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates three main types of blood cells: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. It's one of the most commonly ordered tests in veterinary medicine and provides valuable insights into your dog's health status.
Key CBC Components:
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Measures oxygen-carrying capacity
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Indicates immune system activity
- Platelet Count: Assesses blood clotting ability
- Hematocrit (HCT): Percentage of blood volume made up of red cells
- Hemoglobin (HGB): Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
Normal CBC Ranges for Dogs
Typical Normal Ranges:
- • RBC: 5.5–8.5 million cells/μL
- • WBC: 6,000–17,000 cells/μL
- • Platelets: 200,000–500,000 cells/μL
- • Hematocrit: 37–55%
- • Hemoglobin: 12–18 g/dL
*Ranges may vary slightly between laboratories
Understanding Red Blood Cell Parameters
Low RBC Count (Anemia): May indicate blood loss, bone marrow disease, chronic illness, or nutritional deficiencies. Dogs may appear weak, lethargic, or have pale gums.
High RBC Count (Polycythemia): Less common, may be due to dehydration, heart disease, or bone marrow disorders.
Confused by your dog's CBC results?
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Try VetLens FreeWhite Blood Cell Differential
The WBC differential breaks down the different types of white blood cells:
- Neutrophils: Fight bacterial infections (normal: 60-77%)
- Lymphocytes: Handle viral infections and immunity (normal: 12-30%)
- Monocytes: Clean up debris and fight certain infections (normal: 3-10%)
- Eosinophils: Respond to allergies and parasites (normal: 2-10%)
- Basophils: Involved in allergic reactions (normal: 0-1%)
When to Be Concerned
Significant Changes to Watch For:
- • WBC count above 25,000 or below 4,000
- • Hematocrit below 30% or above 60%
- • Platelet count below 100,000
- • Presence of abnormal cells
Common Reasons for CBC Testing
- • Annual wellness exams and senior screenings
- • Pre-surgical evaluations
- • Investigating symptoms like lethargy, weakness, or pale gums
- • Monitoring chronic conditions or medication effects
- • Following up on previous abnormal results
Key Takeaway:
A CBC is like a snapshot of your dog's internal health. While individual values matter, your veterinarian will interpret results in context with your dog's symptoms, physical exam, and medical history.
Need Your Dog's CBC Results Explained?
Upload your dog's bloodwork into VetLens and get:
- ✓ Plain-English explanations of every CBC component
- ✓ Context on what high or low values mean for your dog
- ✓ Guidance on when to follow up with your vet
- ✓ Historical tracking to spot trends over time
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my dog have a CBC?
Annual CBCs are recommended for healthy adult dogs, while senior dogs (7+ years) should have them every 6 months. Dogs with health conditions may need more frequent monitoring.
What can cause temporary changes in CBC results?
Stress, excitement, recent exercise, medications, and even the time of day can affect some CBC values. This is why your vet may recommend repeat testing for borderline results.
Should I fast my dog before a CBC?
No, fasting is not required for a CBC. However, if other blood tests are being done simultaneously (like chemistry panels), fasting may be recommended.
What does it mean if my dog has a "left shift"?
A left shift means there are more immature neutrophils (bands) in the blood, typically indicating the body is fighting an infection and rapidly producing white blood cells.