VTNE Normal Lab Values: Complete Reference Chart for Dogs, Cats, and Common Species
Quick-reference tables of normal CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, and coagulation values for dogs and cats - the most-tested lab numbers on the VTNE.
VTNE normal lab values are pure memorization points - and they appear often. If you know the canine and feline reference ranges for the CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, and coagulation tests, you can quickly flag an abnormal result and answer the interpretation questions that follow.
Quick Reference
- Reference ranges vary slightly by analyzer; learn the typical textbook ranges.
- Cats normally have a higher heart rate and a different PCV range than dogs.
- PCV and total protein together are a fast bedside assessment.
- Know what direction an abnormal value points clinically, not just the number.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
| Test | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| WBC (x10^3/uL) | 6.0-17.0 | 5.5-19.5 |
| RBC (x10^6/uL) | 5.5-8.5 | 5.0-10.0 |
| HCT / PCV (%) | 37-55 | 30-45 |
| Hemoglobin (g/dL) | 12-18 | 8-15 |
| Platelets (x10^3/uL) | 200-500 | 300-700 |
| MCV (fL) | 60-77 | 39-55 |
| MCHC (g/dL) | 32-36 | 30-36 |
Chemistry Panel
| Test | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| BUN (mg/dL) | 7-27 | 16-36 |
| Creatinine (mg/dL) | 0.5-1.8 | 0.8-2.4 |
| ALT (U/L) | 10-100 | 20-100 |
| AST (U/L) | 15-65 | 10-50 |
| ALP (U/L) | 20-150 | 10-90 |
| Total protein (g/dL) | 5.4-7.5 | 5.7-8.0 |
| Albumin (g/dL) | 2.5-4.0 | 2.5-3.9 |
| Glucose (mg/dL) | 70-120 | 70-150 |
| Calcium (mg/dL) | 9.0-11.5 | 8.5-11.0 |
Urinalysis
| Test | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 1.015-1.045 | 1.020-1.060 |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 | 5.5-7.0 |
| Protein | Negative to trace | Negative to trace |
| Glucose | Negative | Negative |
Coagulation
- PT (prothrombin time): roughly 6-12 seconds; prolonged with extrinsic pathway defects and early in anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity.
- APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time): roughly 10-25 seconds; prolonged with intrinsic pathway defects.
How to Interpret Abnormal Values
- Elevated BUN and creatinine (azotemia): suggests reduced kidney function or dehydration.
- Low PCV with low total protein: points toward blood loss; low PCV with normal protein suggests destruction or decreased production.
- Elevated ALT: a liver-specific enzyme indicating hepatocellular injury.
- Elevated glucose: diabetes mellitus, or stress hyperglycemia which is common in cats.
- Glucosuria: glucose in urine usually appears once blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold.
Common Species Notes
- Horses: normal PCV is roughly 32-48% and can rise sharply with excitement due to splenic contraction. Resting heart rate is about 28-44 bpm.
- Rabbits: normally have high-normal calcium because they absorb dietary calcium efficiently and excrete the excess in urine, giving naturally cloudy urine.
VTNE Exam Tips for This Topic
- Memorize the dog versus cat differences, especially PCV and MCV.
- Learn what each abnormal value means clinically, not just the cutoff number.
- BUN and creatinine together signal kidney status; pair them.
- Stress hyperglycemia in cats is a classic distractor for diabetes.
- Remember that ALT is liver-specific while ALP is less specific.
Critical Values: When to Alert the Veterinarian Immediately
Critical values are results so far outside normal range that immediate patient intervention is required. Knowing these thresholds is essential for the VTNE and clinical practice.
Related Resources: VTNE Laboratory Procedures Complete Study Guide · 20 Free Lab Practice Questions
Key Takeaways
- Know canine and feline CBC and chemistry reference ranges cold.
- Normal urine specific gravity differs between dogs and cats.
- PT assesses the extrinsic pathway; APTT assesses the intrinsic pathway.
- Azotemia means elevated BUN and creatinine.
- Glucosuria appears when blood glucose passes the renal threshold.
- Horses and rabbits have a few unique normal values worth remembering.
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