Diagnosis of Canine Leukemia

When a veterinarian suspects that your dog has leukemia, there are several different diagnostic procedures that need to be performed. Each of these procedures provides a veterinarian with a better understanding of your dog's overall health, and may lead to a definitive diagnosis. In dogs with leukemia, it is very important to perform a diagnosis as soon as possible, so that the proper treatment can be prescribed by a veterinarian.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

A complete blood count (also known as a "full blood count", "blood panel" or "full blood exam") is a test that is especially important when diagnosing a dog for leukemia. A veterinarian will most likely order this test to be performed as soon as your dog is suspected to have leukemia, or a similar disorder involving the blood. A complete blood count measures the levels of three types of cells in the bloodstream: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets (thrombocytes). In this test, a veterinarian will be able to analyze the levels of each of these cells in order to help with a diagnosis. In dogs with leukemia, there are usually less platelets and red blood cells, while there are a surplus of white blood cells.

Urinalysis

In this diagnostic test, a veterinarian will use a sample of your dog's urine for a laboratory analysis. This analysis will help a veterinarian gain a better understanding of your dog's current state of health. The Urinalysis test will measure elements such as pH, protein, nitrites, glucose, and urobilinogen.

With a microscopic examination of the sample, a veterinary technicial may also be able to identify the number and type of cells present in a dog's urine. This test is very important, since it is non-invasive, and usually produces results that may aid a veterinarian with diagnosing a dog for leukemia.

Biochemical Profile

A veterinarian will sometimes perform a biochemical profile for a dog that is suspected to have leukemia. A biochemical profile is a blood test, but is targeted to analyze specific aspects of your dog's blood. This specialized test is designed to analyze how well your dog's internal organs are functioning. In addition to this, a biochemical profile also helps to measure certain electrolyte levels in your dog's blood, such as potassium.

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