What does the blood work really mean?

Doctors and veterinary staff may say words like, "CBC, Chem profile"!  These words may sound familiar if you watch any medical television shows, but what do they really mean?  Blood tests help veterinarians determine the cause of illnesses and monitor the progress of medical treatments.  If your pet has recently had blood work performed by your primary veterinarian, it is valuable to bring those records to the emergency should your pet need "after-hours" care.  

Do not hesitate to ask the veterinarians what the blood work means, if you do not fully understand.  Here is a simple check off list because we want you to understand our recommendations and help us in your pet's care.  

Complete blood count (CBC)