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Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.

Cost: Under $100

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

YOUR VET MAY PERFORM

Complete Blood Count, CBC

Cost: Under $100

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

Summary

A CBC is a diagnostic test that counts the numbers of red and white blood cells and platelets in blood collected from a vein. The CBC is commonly used in veterinary and human medicine. It is also a routine screening test that is used before surgery to assess general health.

Since this diagnostic is a study of the cells and not the liquid constituent of blood, a blood sample is collected and placed into a tube with an anticoagulant in it. The anticoagulant prevents the blood from clotting and preserves the cells for analysis. Red cell and white cell numbers are counted either manually from a blood smear on a slide, or automatically in a cell counter.

Red blood cell numbers change in various disease states including dehydration and anemia, among many others. White blood cell counts are commonly analyzed to assess inflammation or infection.

Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic

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Related Observations

Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider

This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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BENEFITS
The CBC is a cornerstone diagnostic that is used initially to help determine overall health, and may be repeated throughout a treatment course to determine the efficacy of treatment or the progression of a disease. It is usually performed in-clinic. Results are determined within minutes in most cases.

LIMITATIONS

If this test cannot be performed in-house, there will be a time delay of days due to offsite processing. This can make the test result of less value.

Some of the detailed results that are helpful in small animal practice are not helpful in assessing the health of horses. Red blood cell counts and packed cell volume can be complicated by dehydration.

your role

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Questions To Ask Your Vet:
  • Will the CBC change the course of treatment?
  • Will the results aid in reaching a diagnosis?
  • Will I get a result now or does the blood have to go out to a lab?

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP