Diagnostic blood biochemistry and haematology in cattle

Abstract

Diagnostic investigation of cattle requires a thorough clinical examination and detailed knowledge of their history, feeding and management. A range of biochemical assays and haematology may be undertaken to provide supportive evidence of a suspected diagnosis, or may give an indication of the disease type and severity. However, confirmation of some diagnoses may only be achieved if such animals are subsequently examined postmortem. Laboratory testing of animals can also be useful for clinicians as a prognostic indicator or for monitoring the progress of disease in animals that are being treated. This article describes the sampling and the interpretation of blood biochemistry and haemotology.