Understanding BUN, Creatinine & Lipase in Dog Blood Panels
Holly WinShare
Regular blood tests are essential in monitoring your dog's health. Among the various parameters evaluated, BUN, Creatinine, and Lipase are critical indicators of kidney and pancreatic function.
🩸 Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea. Elevated BUN levels can suggest:
- Kidney Dysfunction: Impaired filtration leading to waste accumulation.
- Dehydration: Concentrated blood due to fluid loss.
- High Protein Diet: Increased urea production from protein metabolism.
It's important to interpret BUN levels alongside other markers, as factors like diet and hydration can influence results.
🩸 Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered out by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate:
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Reduced filtration efficiency.
- Muscle Disorders: Increased muscle breakdown releasing more creatinine.
Unlike BUN, creatinine levels are less affected by diet, making it a more specific marker for kidney function.
🩸 Lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that helps break down fats in the digestive system. Elevated lipase levels can be associated with:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Kidney Disease: Reduced clearance of enzymes.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Various digestive disorders.
High lipase levels warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
🐶 What This Means for Your Dog
Understanding these markers helps in early detection and management of potential health issues. If your dog's blood tests show abnormalities in BUN, Creatinine, or Lipase levels, consult with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate care plan.
| Test Name | What It Indicates | Reference Range |
|---|---|---|
| BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) | Evaluates kidney function; high levels suggest kidney stress, dehydration, or high-protein diet | 7–27 mg/dL |
| Creatinine (CREA) | Indicates kidney function and helps distinguish kidney vs. non-kidney causes of elevated BUN | 0.5–1.6 mg/dL |
| Lipase (LIP) | Enzyme indicating pancreatic function; elevated levels suggest pancreatitis or GI disturbance | 200–1800 U/L |
| ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) | Measures active liver cell damage | 10–125 U/L |
| AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) | May suggest liver, heart, or muscle damage | 10–55 U/L |
| ALKP (Alkaline Phosphatase) | Elevations may indicate liver disease, Cushing’s disease, or bone growth | 23–212 U/L |
| Albumin (ALB) | Serum protein to assess hydration, hemorrhage, and liver/kidney health | 2.7–4.4 g/dL |
| Amylase (AMYL) | Elevated in cases of pancreatitis or kidney disease | 500–1500 U/L |
| Calcium (Ca) | Used to detect tumors, parathyroid disorders, and kidney disease | 8.9–11.4 mg/dL |
| Cholesterol (CHOL) | Supports diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, diabetes, etc. | 110–320 mg/dL |
| Chloride (Cl) | Electrolyte lost in vomiting/Addison’s; high = dehydration | 102–120 mmol/L |
| Cortisol (CORT) | Hormone checked for Cushing's or Addison’s disease | Varies by test |
| GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) | Enzyme indicating liver or corticosteroid excess | 0–11 U/L |
| Globulin (GLOB) | Protein increased in chronic inflammation or disease | 2.5–4.5 g/dL |
| Glucose (GLU) | Blood sugar; high = diabetes, low = collapse/seizures risk | 75–120 mg/dL |
| Potassium (K) | Electrolyte imbalance can indicate kidney or adrenal disease | 3.6–5.5 mmol/L |
| Sodium (Na) | Electrolyte for hydration, kidney, and adrenal assessment | 140–155 mmol/L |
| Phosphorus (PHOS) | High values suggest kidney disease or thyroid issues | 2.5–6.0 mg/dL |
| Total Bilirubin (TBIL) | Indicates bile duct or liver issues, and hemolytic anemia | 0.1–0.6 mg/dL |
| Total Protein | Supports hydration and assesses liver, kidney, and infection status | 5.2–8.2 g/dL |
| Thyroxine (T4) | Thyroid hormone; low levels signal hypothyroidism | 1.0–4.0 μg/dL |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | Percentage of red blood cells; used to check for anemia | 37–55 % |
| Hemoglobin/MCHC | Oxygen-carrying proteins in red cells | 12–18 g/dL |
| White Blood Cell Count (WBC) | Measures immune response, infection, or inflammation | 5.0–14.0 x10³/μL |
| Granulocytes/Lymphocytes/Monocytes | White cell types that indicate different immune patterns | See WBC differential |
| Eosinophils (EOS) | Specific white cells linked to allergy or parasites | 0–5 % |
| Platelet Count (PLT) | Cells responsible for blood clotting | 175–500 x10³/μL |
| Reticulocytes (RETICS) | Immature red cells; high = regenerative anemia | 0.5–1.5 % |
| Fibrinogen (FIBR) | Key clotting factor | 100–400 mg/dL |