Clinical Chemistry

Abstract

The three diagnosis chapters—Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Urinalysis—are intended to be the most informative and most used parts of this handbook. There is a lot of useful information packed into these chapters. Once animal clinical pathology data have been evaluated and anomalous values for several parameters have been identified, these chapters can help one ascertain what these anomalies signify. Next to the name of each parameter are its common abbreviations. For each parameter, there are listings for organs that may be affected, specimen handling information, and supportive tests that may be used to confirm a diagnosis. These are followed by a brief description of the parameter including its strengths and weaknesses and other need-to-know information. Next to up and down arrows are potential diagnoses for when a parameter’s value is increased or decreased. When there is a name for an increase or decrease (e.g., hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia), that is also provided. The Clinical Chemistry Diagnosis chapter contains information for 35 parameters.