CBC – Complete Blood Count

Description

CBC – Complete Blood Count for Dogs & Cats | At Home Petcare, Hyderabad

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most commonly ordered blood test in veterinary medicine. It evaluates the three major components of blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets — to screen for infections, anemia, clotting disorders, immune disease, and cancer. At Home Petcare provides doorstep CBC collection in Hyderabad, with results in 24–48 hours.

What Does the CBC Test Include?

• RBC (Red Blood Cells): Detects anemia or polycythemia
• Hemoglobin (Hb): Oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
• Hematocrit (PCV): Percentage of red cells in blood volume
• MCV, MCH, MCHC: Red cell size and hemoglobin content (helps classify anemia type)
• WBC (White Blood Cells): Total immune cell count
• WBC Differential: Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils
• Platelets (Thrombocytes): Assess clotting ability
• Reticulocytes: Immature red cells indicating bone marrow response (in cats)

Why Is CBC Ordered?

Indications for Dogs

• Lethargy, weakness, or pale gums (suspected anemia)
• Fever, infection, or suspected sepsis
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Tick-borne disease screening (Ehrlichia, Babesia)
• Pre-surgical blood evaluation
• Monitoring chemotherapy or bone marrow disease
• Routine annual wellness panel (all ages)

Indications for Cats

• FeLV/FIV-associated anemia or immunosuppression
• Suspected hemolytic anemia (immune-mediated)
• Chronic infection or inflammatory disease
• Hyperthyroidism monitoring
• Chronic kidney disease monitoring
• Routine senior wellness bloodwork (7+ years)

Normal Reference Ranges (Approximate)

• RBC – Dogs: 5.5–8.5 × 10⁶/μL | Cats: 5.0–8.0 × 10⁶/μL
• WBC – Dogs: 6,000–17,000/μL | Cats: 5,500–19,500/μL
• Platelets – Dogs: 150,000–400,000/μL | Cats: 300,000–700,000/μL
• Hematocrit – Dogs: 37–55% | Cats: 24–45%

Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Results should be interpreted by a veterinarian in the context of clinical signs and history.

What Abnormal CBC Results Mean

Low RBC / Hemoglobin

Indicates anemia from blood loss, bone marrow suppression, immune destruction, or chronic disease.

High WBC (Leukocytosis)

Suggests bacterial infection, inflammation, stress, or leukemia.

Low WBC (Leukopenia)

May indicate viral infection (parvovirus, FIV), bone marrow failure, or severe sepsis.

Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia)

Risk of spontaneous bleeding; seen in tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia), immune-mediated disorders, or DIC.

Sample Requirements

• Sample type: EDTA whole blood (purple-top tube)
• Fasting: Not required
• Volume: 1–2 mL
• Handling: Must be processed within a few hours; kept at room temperature

Turnaround Time

Results are delivered within 24–48 hours. Our trained veterinary professionals collect the blood sample at your home in Hyderabad and dispatch it to an accredited diagnostic laboratory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBC test in pets?

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is the cornerstone of any blood workup and gives your vet a rapid overview of your pet’s overall health.

Is fasting required for CBC?

No. Unlike chemistry panels, fasting is not required for a CBC. The sample can be collected at any time of day.

Can CBC detect cancer in dogs or cats?

Certain abnormalities — such as very high or very low WBC counts, abnormal cell morphology, or unusual blast cells — can suggest leukemia or lymphoma, requiring further testing such as bone marrow biopsy or cytology.

Is home blood collection available in Hyderabad?

Yes. At Home Petcare covers all major areas of Hyderabad. Our trained veterinary staff perform gentle blood collection at your doorstep, avoiding the stress of a clinic visit for your pet.

How often should my dog or cat have a CBC?

Annually for adult pets, every 6 months for senior pets (7+ years), or as recommended by your vet during illness or ongoing treatment monitoring.