Interpretation of the bovine CBC and chemistry

Abstract

The complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry can be an important extension of the physical examination and may be used to suggest certain disease processes when exam find­ings are vague and can be useful for establishing a prognosis in many cases. The CBC is of greatest value in ruminants for char­acterizing anemia and in cases where inflammatory processes are suspected. The serum chemistry may be used to provide a direct diagnosis of organ dysfunction, but is also useful in help­ing to determine supportive care, prognosis and progression of a case over time.