Animal Care and Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing 2

Question 1

What does a complete blood count (CBC) measure in veterinary patients?

Accepted Answer

The number and types of blood cells including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes

Answer

A CBC quantifies and characterizes red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes) in a blood sample.

Question 2

Which CBC value represents the percentage of red blood cells in a whole blood sample?

Accepted Answer

Packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit

Answer

The PCV (packed cell volume), also called hematocrit, is the percentage of total blood volume occupied by red blood cells after centrifugation.

Question 3

What is the approximate normal packed cell volume (PCV) range for a healthy adult dog?

Accepted Answer

37–55%

Answer

Normal canine PCV ranges from 37–55%; values below this range indicate anemia, and values above suggest polycythemia or dehydration.

Question 4

An elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in a dog most specifically suggests:

Accepted Answer

Hepatocellular damage or liver cell injury

Answer

ALT is released from damaged liver cells (hepatocytes) and is the most liver-specific enzyme in dogs, making it a key marker of hepatocellular injury.

Question 5

What does the finding of thrombocytopenia on a CBC indicate?

Accepted Answer

A platelet count below the normal reference range, which may impair clotting and increase bleeding risk

Answer

Thrombocytopenia means 'too few platelets' (thrombocytes); the suffix '-penia' always indicates a deficiency, which can lead to spontaneous bleeding.

Animal Care and Veterinary Practice Test

Animal Care and Veterinary Practice Test

Animal Care and Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing 2