Normal values ​​of dog red blood cells. How to read the special red blood cell test sheet

Jul 26,2025
3Min

HGB—Amount of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and is a substance that transports oxygen to provide the necessary oxygen in the body. The reference value is 120-180g/l. The amount of hemoglobin is an important indicator of whether a dog is anemic. Anemia, bleeding, or iron deficiency will cause the amount of hemoglobin to be low.

HCT—Hematocrit

refers to the proportion of red blood cells in whole blood. Its clinical significance is similar to that of red blood cells, but is expressed as a percentage.
The other part of the blood is called serum and contains enzymes, proteins, electrolytes, etc. Increased HCT is a sign of dehydration or an increase in red blood cells caused by a rare bone marrow disorder. A decrease in HCT indicates anemia, bone dysfunction, blood loss, active bleeding, or damage to red blood cells due to poisoning or immune disorders.

MCV—mean red blood cell

refers to the average volume of red blood cells. An elevated MCV usually indicates a vitamin deficiency; a reduced MCV indicates an iron deficiency.

MCH—Mean red blood cell hemoglobin

is the average weight of hemoglobin in each red blood cell, which is different from the whole blood hemoglobin. An elevated MCH means the blood is deprived of oxygen, while a reduced MCH indicates iron deficiency.

MCHC—Mean red blood cell hemoglobin concentration

is the average percentage concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
An increase in MCHC indicates that there is too much hemoglobin in red blood cells, which means there is too much iron in the blood, because the main component of hemoglobin is iron. Blood iron levels that are too high or too low are equally harmful to the body. Decreased MCHC is a sign of anemia.
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