What is the primary purpose of a complete blood count (CBC)?

The primary purpose of a complete blood count (CBC) is to evaluate the overall health of an animal. A CBC provides essential information about the different components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This information helps veterinarians assess various health aspects, such as the presence of infections, anemia, clotting issues, and immune status. By analyzing these components, a CBC can indicate whether an animal is healthy or if there are underlying health concerns that may need further investigation or treatment.

While assessing liver function is important for overall clinical evaluations, it is typically done through specific liver enzyme tests rather than solely relying on a CBC. Similarly, diagnosing cancer may involve a CBC as part of a broader diagnostic work-up, but it is not the primary purpose. Measuring blood pressure is a separate clinical assessment entirely and does not relate directly to the information provided by a CBC. Therefore, evaluating overall health encompasses the broader utility of a CBC, making it the correct answer.