An increase in BUN, total protein, and PCV with a high urine specific gravity indicates which condition?

An increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, and packed cell volume (PCV), along with a high urine specific gravity, strongly indicates dehydration. In a dehydrated state, the body experiences a relative increase in concentration of various substances in the blood due to a decrease in plasma volume.

BUN levels can rise as the kidneys are unable to excrete urea effectively while the body conserves water. High total protein can also occur as a result of hemoconcentration; this means that the concentration of proteins in the blood increases because there is less plasma volume to dilute them. A high PCV indicates that there is a greater proportion of red blood cells in the blood, which correlates with dehydration and the subsequent hemoconcentration.

The high urine specific gravity reflects concentrated urine, which is a typical response to dehydration, as the kidneys attempt to conserve water by concentrating the urine.

In contrast, renal failure would typically result in a different set of laboratory values, including altered electrolytes and possibly lower BUN depending on the type of renal issue. Iron toxicity and increased protein intake do not directly explain this specific combination of symptoms and lab results related to hydration status.