Peritoneal fluid values and collection technique in young,normal calves

Peritoneal fluid from 10 healthy young male Holstein calves was analyzed three times (2 to 3 days, 12 to 15 days and 27 to 30 days) during the first month of life. A new technique for collection of peritoneal fluid from calves positioned in left lateral recumbency was developed. The technique was found to be reliable and without noticeable complications. Mean peritoneal fluid nucleated cell counts, red blood cell counts, and absolute counts for mononuclear cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils did not change significantly (P 相似文献   

Cerebrospinal fluid constituents collected at the atlanto-occipital site of xylazine hydrochloride sedated, healthy 8-week-old Holstein calves.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected at the atlanto-occipital site and serum were obtained from 10 male, 8-week-old, Holstein calves after sedation with xylazine hydrochloride. Glucose, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin were determined in serum and CSF. Optical characteristics, specific gravity, total red blood cell and nucleated cell counts and differentials were also evaluated in the CSF. Additionally, CSF protein electrophoresis and immunoglobulin concentrations were determined. Then, albumin quotients (AQ) were derived. Erythrocytes were observed in 9 of 10 CSF samples. Total nucleated cell counts ranged from 0-10 cells x 10(6)/L with a mean of 3 cells x 10(6)/L. Differential nucleated cell count in the CSF consisted primarily of lymphocytes/small mononuclear cells (57%), fewer monocytes/ large mononuclear cells (38%), and scant neutrophils (4%) and eosinophils (0.05%). The concentration of sodium (134 to 139 mEq/L) was similar to that of serum, but the concentration of potassium (2.8 to 3 mEq/L) was lower than that of serum. Creatine kinase activity (0 to 4 U/L) of CSF was markedly lower than serum activity. The CSF glucose concentration was approximately 80% of the serum value. Cerebrospinal fluid total protein concentration determined by electrophoresis ranged from 110 to 330 mg/L with a mean of 159 mg/L. Cerebrospinal fluid albumin ranged from 48 to 209 mg/L with a mean of 86 mg/L. In all CSF samples, radial immunodiffusion of unaltered CSF and concentrated CSF (four-fold concentration) revealed quantities undetectable by the present techniques in which the lowest standard values for IgG1, IgG, and IgM determinations was 70 mg/L and IgG2 was 30 mg/L. The albumin quotient ranged from 0.15 to 0.65 with a mean of 0.25. Based on the results of this study, CSF may be collected at the atlanto-occipital site safely and efficiently in calves, and reported values for CSF from adult cattle may not be suitable for evaluation of CSF collected from immature cattle.     

Collection and analysis of peritoneal fluid from healthy llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for abdominocentesis in camelids and report peritoneal fluid biochemical and cytologic findings from healthy llamas and alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective study. Animals-17 adult llamas and 5 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Right paracostal abdominocentesis was performed. Peritoneal fluid was collected by gravity flow into tubes containing potassium-EDTA for cell count and cytologic evaluation and lithium heparin for biochemical analysis. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into heparinized tubes at the same time. Cytologic components were quantified. Fluid pH and concentrations of total carbon dioxide, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, and glucose were compared between peritoneal fluid and venous blood. RESULTS: All but 3 camelids had peritoneal fluid cell counts of < 3,000 nucleated cells/microL, with < 2,000 neutrophils/microL and < 1,040 large mononuclear cells/microL. All but 1 had peritoneal fluid protein concentrations of > or = 2.5 g/dL. Peritoneal fluid of camelids generally contained slightly less glucose, lactate, and sodium and roughly equal concentrations of potassium and chloride as venous blood. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peritoneal fluid was collected safely from healthy camelids. Compared with blood, peritoneal fluid usually had a low cell count and protein concentration, but some individuals had higher values. Electrolyte concentrations resembled those found in blood. High cell counts and protein concentrations found in peritoneal fluid of some healthy camelids may overlap with values found in diseased camelids, complicating interpretation of peritoneal fluid values.     

Enzyme activities, protein content and cellular variables in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid in selected healthy pigs

Reference values of cellular and non-cellular components in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were established from the BALF specimens obtained from 52 healthy pigs. Using urea as an endogenous marker of dilution, the reference values in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were calculated: total cell count 2.71 x 10(9) - 56.49 x 10(9) litre(-1) ELF, alveolar macrophages 2.02 x 10(9) - 49.91 x 10(9) litre(-1) ELF, lymphocytes 0.10 x 10(9) - 4.74 x 10(9) litre(-1) ELF, polymorphonuclear neutrophils 0.01 x 10(9) - 3.48 x 10(9) litre(-1) ELF, protein 0.10 - 13.13 g litre(-1) ELF, lactate dehydrogenase 127-1843 Units litre(-1) ELF, and alkaline phosphatase 86-994 Units litre(-1) ELF. The problems of quantification of BALF components are discussed and a standardized lavage protocol in swine is described, which is essential for the interpretation of diagnostic findings and for the comparison of different BALF specimens.     

Effect of age and abomasal puncture on peritoneal fluid, hematology, and serum biochemical analyses in young calves

The goals of this study were to evaluate techniques for collection of peritoneal fluid from calves, establish reference ranges for fibrinogen in peritoneal fluid during the 1st month of life, and determine if abomasal puncture would alter peritoneal fluid or hematologic variables. Twenty-two healthy Holstein calves underwent 3 peritoneal fluid collections on day 1, day 15, and day 30 of age. Fibrinogen concentration in peritoneal fluid was 0.20 g/dL and 0.10 g/dL (P < .05) for day 1 and day 30, respectively, and 0.10 at day 15 (P > .05) for calves without abomasal puncture. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was 0.60 g/dL and 0.70 g/ dL (P < .05) for days 15 and 30, respectively, in calves without abomasal puncture. There were no significant differences (P < or = .05) in peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood total protein and fibrinogen concentrations, specific gravity, total and differential cell count, or erythrocyte counts between calves with or without abomasal puncture. We concluded that the reference ranges established for fibrinogen and total protein concentration are important for accurate evaluation of peritoneal fluid in calves for further comparison with similar-aged animals with gastrointestinal-tract or abdominal-cavity disease. Additionally, accidental abomasal puncture does not alter values of fibrinogen, total protein, and nucleated cell count in peritoneal fluid and does not cause apparent clinical abnormalities.     

A study of bovine and equine immunoglobulin levels in pony foals fed bovine colostrum

As part of a project to raise specific pathogen free (SPF) Welsh Mountain Pony foals, free from exposure to Equid herpesvirus type 1, foals were removed from their dams at birth and fed bovine colostrum. This study characterises the uptake of bovine colostral immunoglobulin and production of endogenous immunoglobulin, in 10 SPF foals. An enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay was developed to measure serum concentrations of bovine IgG1 (boIgG1) to assess the efficiency of transfer, and rate of elimination of boIgG1 by the foal. The endogenous production of equine IgG was studied using a single radial immunodiffusion test. Foals were given 1.2 to 2 litres of bovine colostrum achieving peak serum boIgG1 concentrations of 18.9 to 34.2 g/litre (mean 28.0). The mean half-life of boIgG1 in the foals was 7.4 days. Endogenous immunoglobulin production resulted in equine IgG concentrations greater than 2 g/litre in six of 10 foals by 14 to 19 days of age, and greater than 7 g/litre in eight of 10 foals by 37 to 50 days of age. All foals had equine IgG serum concentrations greater than 10 g/litre by 102 to 135 days of age.     

Effects of Castration on Peritoneal Fluid in the Horse

Twenty-four clinically normal horses were castrated by routine methods. Peritoneal fluid was collected prior to castration and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postcastration. Peritoneal fluid was collected on days 9 and 11 if nucleated cell (NC) counts were still markedly elevated on day 7. Peritonitis, defined as NC counts greater than 10,000/microliters, was evident in 15 horses following castration. Mean NC counts peaked on day 5 but were less than 10,000/microliters for 74% of the horses by day 7, and 90% of the horses by day 9. One horse had a NC count greater than 60,000/microliters on day 11 when sampling ended. Postcastration peritoneal fluid was obviously blood-tinged in 21 horses. Peak RBC counts occurred on day 3 but markedly decreased by day 5. Elevated peritoneal RBC counts correlated well with elevated NC counts (P less than 0.001). Horses with peritonitis tended to have fever (P less than 0.05). Other clinical signs of peritonitis were not apparent.     

Septic arthritis in 15 standardbred racehorses after intra-articular injection.

Case histories, results of synovial fluid analyses, treatment regimens and outcome are described for 15 adult Standardbred horses with confirmed post-injection septic arthritis. Joint sepsis followed injection of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, polysulphated glycosaminoglycan, or local anaesthetic. The median interval from injection to appearance of clinical signs was 2.5 days, and median interval from injection to referral was 9 days. The median initial synovial leucocyte count on admission was 57 x 10(9)/litre, but there was a wide range of values (18-258 x 10(9)/litre). The median synovial neutrophil percentage was 95% (77-99%). All bacterial isolates were Gram-positive cocci, 86% of which were staphylococci. All treated horses (12/15) initially received broad-spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy, and the articulations of all horses except one were lavaged, either with non-surgical through-and-through techniques only (N = 3), or surgically with arthrotomy (N = 1) or arthroscopy (N = 7). The owners of all treated horses were contacted and racing records were consulted. Eleven of 12 horses returned to racing. Outcome was judged as either satisfactory (3/12) if the horse had returned to racing levels similar to or better than before treatment, or unsatisfactory (9/12) if the horse had poorer performance or could not return to racing. The 3 horses with satisfactory follow-up had been treated with arthroscopy and post-surgical closed suction drainage. The results of bacterial cultures suggest that the initial antimicrobial agents used should be effective against penicillin-resistant staphylococci.     

Peritoneal fluid analysis in adult, nonpregnant Awassi sheep

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, there is no information in the literature about normal peritoneal fluid values in ovine species. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study reported here was to establish reference intervals for peritoneal fluid from clinically normal Awassi sheep and to compare the values to those in blood. METHODS: Peritoneal fluid and blood samples were collected into tubes containing EDTA, from 40 clinically healthy, nonpregnant, female Awassi sheep, aged 2 to 7 years. Total nucleated cell count (TNCC) was determined using an electronic cell counter. Total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and glucose concentrations and aspartate transaminase activity were analyzed using commercially available kits. RESULTS: TNCC (mean +/- SD) of peritoneal fluid was 1.1 +/- 0.87 X 10(3)/microl, with neutrophils (3.9%), lymphocytes (33.5%), macrophages/monocytes (61.2%), and eosinophils (1.4%). Biochemical results in peritoneal fluid were: total protein, 1.7 +/- 0.74 g/dL; albumin, 1.0 +/- 0.04 g/dL; urea, 12.6 +/- 3.95 mg/dL; creatinine, 0.6 +/- 0.19 mg/dL; glucose, 54.8 +/- 6.11 mg/dL; and aspartate transaminase, 23.5 +/- 8.82 U/L. Eosinophil percentage and creatinine concentration did not differ significantly from blood values. CONCLUSION: Baseline values for cytologic and biochemical parameters in peritoneal fluid of Awassi sheep, with comparison to blood, have been generated. Such data may be applicable to other ovine species and can be used in the clinical investigation of ovine abdominal disorders.     

Review of 30 cases of peritonitis in the horse

Thirty cases of peritonitis, in which the diagnosis was based on a peritoneal fluid white blood cell count in excess of 10 x 10(9)/litre, are described. Colic, ileus, pyrexia, weight loss and diarrhoea were common presenting signs. Treatments included intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory analgesics, broad spectrum antibiotics and anthelmintics. Duration of treatment was determined by the clinical condition of the horse and sequential analyses of the peritoneal fluid and the haemogram. In the majority of cases the primary cause of peritonitis was not accurately determined, but 21 horses (70 per cent) recovered. All the horses with diarrhoea were killed after marked deterioration in their clinical condition despite intensive treatment. No individual laboratory parameter was of value in determining prognosis, although of the eight (27 per cent) horses from which bacteria were identified in the initial peritoneal fluid by Gram stain, four (50 per cent) were subsequently killed.     

Thrombocytopenia in the cavalier King Charles spaniel

Blood samples were collected for the determination of platelet counts from 102 cavalier King Charles spaniels which had no history of bleeding disorders. Thrombocytopenia was found in 31 per cent of the samples when the lower reference limit was set at 100 X 10⁹/litre. The platelet count of the males (mean ± SD, 147 X 10⁹/litre ± 15 X 10⁹/litre) was found to be significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of the females (mean ± SD, 202 X 10⁹/litre ± 13 X 10⁹/litre). The platelet counts from a reference group of 16 normal beagles, analysed identically, were not lower than 189 X 10⁹/litre and no significant difference was found between males (mean ± SD, 249 X 10⁹/litre ± 14 X 10⁹/litre) and females (mean ± SD, 282 X 10⁹/litre ± 20 X 10⁹/litre).     

Preliminary investigation of the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG in horses: fecal recovery following oral administration and safety

This study was designed to evaluate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG), an extensively studied probiotic organism in humans, can colonize the intestines of adult horses and foals. Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG was administered to adult horses at doses of 1 x 10(9) CFU/50kg bodyweight (BW)/day (group 1, 7 horses), 1 x 10(10) colony forming units/ 50kg BW/day (group 2, 7 horses) and 5 x 10(10) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 3, 7 horses) for 5 d. Foals received 2 x 10(10) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 1, 7 foals) or 1 x 10(11) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 2, 7 foals) for 5 d. Fecal levels of L. rhamnosus strain GG in adult horses were low and variable in the 2 lower dose groups. Even in the high dose group, colonization was relatively low. In contrast, more consistent intestinal colonization was present in foals, and colonization persisted for up to 9 d following cessation of administration. No adverse effects were observed in any animal. Clinical studies evaluating this probiotic are indicated in foals. The presence of this organism in the feces of adult horses may only represent passive movement through the intestinal tract, not actual colonization. Consistent intestinal colonization in adults was only achieved with a prohibitively high dose.     

Hematological and clinical responses to combined mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide administration to normal cats.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a combination chemotherapy protocol ("CYCLONE") in cats, utilizing mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide. Three normal adult cats were administered mitoxantrone (6.5 mg/m2 intravenously) and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/m2 intravenously) every 21 days for a total of three doses. Individual white blood cell count nadirs (range, 2.0-9.5 x 10(9)/L) and neutrophil count nadirs (range, 0.3 to 5.0 x 10(9)/L) occurred between days 2 and 10 after each dose of chemotherapy. Mean white blood cell count nadirs (range of mean, 5.5 to 8.4 x 10(9)/L) occurred between days 6 and 8, as did the mean neutrophil count nadir (range of mean, 1.7-4.0 x 10(9)/L). Side effects were limited to transient appetite suppression in one cat and loose stools in two cats. Myelosuppression and gastrointestinal side effects were comparable to those observed with single-agent mitoxantrone protocols. Further investigation of this protocol is warranted.     

Haematological values of young male rusa deer (Cervus timorensis)

OBJECTIVE: To measure haematological values of clinical significance for rusa deer and provide reference data for farmed animals. DESIGN: Blood samples were collected regularly from eight male rusa deer from 14 days to 27 months old. PROCEDURE: Blood samples, collected by venipuncture, were analysed within 6 hours of collection for red cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma glucose, white cell count and differentials. RESULTS: Haemoglobin concentrations appeared to increase with age and ranged from 6.0 to 20.9 g/dL. Packed cell volume and plasma glucose concentration did not appear to vary with age. White cell counts ranged from 6.3 to 7.0 x 10(9)/L and differential counts indicated neutrophils > lymphocytes > monocytes > eosinophils > basophils. In general, the values for packed cell volume, red cell count, mean cell volumes and mean cell haemoglobin concentrations were within ranges previously reported for captive or sedated rusa deer. CONCLUSIONS: Physical restraint and resultant stress was sufficient to generate some of the effects previously reported for physically immobilised or agitated deer. The values reported here do not differ greatly from those previously reported for rusa deer and can be used as reference values for clinically healthy young farmed male rusa deer.     

Evaluation of peritoneal fluid following intestinal resection and anastomosis in horses.

Postoperative abdominal fluid changes were compared in 2 groups of horses; those undergoing double small-colon resection and anastomosis (n = 10) and those undergoing exploratory celiotomy alone (n = 5). Peritoneal fluid was collected before surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Total and differential nucleated cell counts, RBC numbers, and total protein and fibrinogen concentrations were evaluated. In both groups, all values were significantly higher than normal on the first postoperative day (after small-colon resection and anastomoses, WBC = 130,350 +/- 23,310 cells/microliters, RBC = 7,389,000 +/- 6,234,000 cells/microliters, total protein = 3.63 +/- 0.16 g/dl; after exploratory celiotomy alone, WBC = 166,620 +/- 34,340 cells/microliters, RBC = 295,000 +/- 86,070 cells/microliters, total protein 4.38 +/- 0.54 g/dl). The number of total peritoneal nucleated cells and RBC significantly decreased after the first postoperative day, whereas total protein and fibrinogen concentrations, percent neutrophils, and percent mononuclear cells remained unchanged. None of the values had returned to normal by postoperative day 7 (after small-colon resection and anastomoses, WBC = 45,600 +/- 8,765 cells/microliters, RBC = 95,390 +/- 53,380 cells/microliters, total protein = 4.39 +/- 0.23 g/dl; after exploratory celiotomy alone, WBC = 43,340 +/- 7,746 cells/microliters, RBC = 12,860 +/- 11,790 cells/microliters, total protein = 3.92 +/- 2.20 g/dl.) The resection and anastomosis group had a significantly lower total protein concentration on the first postoperative day and a significantly higher mean total RBC count over the entire 7-day postoperative evaluation than did horses that underwent celiotomy alone. Other values in the 2 groups of horses did not differ significantly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of enterocentesis on peritoneal fluid constituents in the horse

Peritoneal fluid was collected from 15 clinically normal horses and was analyzed for nucleated cell (NC) counts and specific gravity. Six horses (controls, group 1) were subjected to abdominocentesis only, with a teat cannula, every 24 hours for 5 days. There were no marked changes in the peritoneal fluid of these horses over the 5-day period. Peritoneal fluid was collected from 6 other horses (group 2) with an 8.89-cm 18-gauge needle. The needle was then advanced until intestinal fluid was obtained. Peritoneal fluid was then collected with teat cannulas at 24-hour intervals for an additional 4 days. Peritoneal fluid NC counts from group 2 horses were significantly increased (P less than 0.05) at peak values 2 days after enterocentesis. Specific gravities of peritoneal fluid from group 2 horses were increased on days 1 and 2 after enterocentesis (P greater than 0.05). Peritoneal fluid from 3 other horses (group 3) was collected before enterocentesis (base line) and again at 4-hour intervals after enterocentesis. Peritoneal fluid NC counts of group 3 horses were markedly increased above base-line values 4 hours after enterocentesis and continued to increase for up to 12 hours after enterocentesis when the experiment was terminated. All horses that underwent enterocentesis remained clinically normal except 1 group 3 horse that had a fever (39.6 C) 24 hours after enterocentesis.     

Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in foals with neonatal Equine herpesvirus-1 infection compared with septic and premature foals.

A retrospective multicentre study comparing historical, clinical, haematological, acid-base and biochemical findings of foals with Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection, septicaemia or prematurity was performed to determine if early diagnosis of EHV-1 foals was possible. Fifty-three foals were studied and were assigned to one of 2 groups: herpes positive (n = 14) or herpes negative (n = 39). The latter group included 20 septic, 11 premature, and 8 premature and septic foals. The presence of herpes antigen was confirmed by immunoperoxidase histochemical staining of tissues from necropsied foals. A nonparametric statistical analysis followed by a backwards elimination logistic regression was performed to establish a model at a P value of <0.05. All herpes positive foals died, while 47% (9/19) of the septic foals survived. Based upon our analysis, herpes positive foals were more likely to have total white blood cell counts less than 3 x 10(9)/l and to be icteric as compared to the septic and premature foals. Despite profound hepatic necrosis in the herpes positive foals, liver enzymes were not elevated and were not significantly different from the controls.     

Peritoneal fluid analysis in the diagnosis of abdominal disorders in cattle: a retrospective study

A retrospective study of bovine peritoneal fluids collected over a two year period was conducted. Of a total of 66 cattle studied, 31 had a nonseptic peritonitis, 11 acute bacterial peritonitis, eight ascites and 16 miscellaneous disorders such as abomasal impaction, enteritis and lymphosarcoma. Peritoneal fluid analysis was a useful aid in the diagnosis of abdominal disorders of cattle, especially as hematological changes were absent in many cases. Due to relatively low nucleated cell counts in bovine peritonitis, all parameters (i.e. nucleated cell count, total protein and differential cell counts) must be evaluated before interpretation. A nucleated cell count of greater than 6000 cells/μL and total protein content of greater than 3 g/dL was consistent with the diagnosis of peritoneal inflammation in 80% of the cases studied. An atlas of cell types common to bovine peritoneal fluid is presented.     

Reference intervals and age-related changes for platelet count, mean platelet volume and plateletcrit in healthy pre-weaning piglets in Italy

Platelet count (PLT) mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT) were determined for 117 Landrace x Large White piglets aged 3-21 days; counts were performed with an automated blood cell counter (ABX Pentra 120). Reference values were estimated following the guidelines of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) and the International Committee for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). The calculated central 95% reference limits for PLT was 49.9-516.2 x 10(9)/1, for MPV 6.71-9.91 fl and for PCT 0.009-0.395%. When observations are divided into three age groups (about 1 week each) there is an increase in mean PLT count and PCT in 2-week piglets, and a decrease in MPV from the first to the third week of life. These reference values provide guidelines for interpreting for experimental and clinical observations, as well as for monitoring of the health status of similar aged piglets determined using automated impedance-light focusing methodology.     

Thrombocytopaenia in canine babesiosis and its clinical usefulness

Canine babesiosis is a common cause of thrombocytopaenia but there are few formal studies that have investigated this haematological finding in dogs. Thrombocyte counts from full blood counts were retrospectively analysed for the years 1996-2002. Thrombocyte counts and mean platelet volumes of dogs with babesiosis were compared with those of dogs, seen over the same period of time, that did not have babesiosis. There were 1162 cases in the Babesiosis group and 10 808 in the Non-babesiosis group. A frequency distribution of the thrombocyte counts showed a trimodal distribution in the Non-babesiosis group compared to a bimodal distribution in the Babesiosis group, with a strong positive skewness. The modes for the frequency distributions were 10, 40, 300 and 10, 35 x 10(9)/l thrombocytes, respectively. The median thrombocyte count in the Babesiosis group was 14 x 10(9)/l and 282 x 10(9)/l in the Non-babesiosis group. There was a statistically significant difference in the median thrombocyte count between the Babesiosis group and the Non-babesiosis group. In the Babesiosis group, 99% of the thrombocyte counts were below the lower reference range value (250 x 10(9)/l) and 62% of thrombocyte counts were below 25 x 10(9)/l. The mean platelet volume (11.1 fl) for the Babesiosis group was greater than the reference range (6-10 fl) and significantly larger than in the Non-babesiosis group (median 9.7 fl). Thrombocyte counts greater than 110 and 250 x 10(9)/l had a predictive value that the dog was not suffering from babesiosis of 99.3% and 99.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the thrombocyte counts of dogs with babesiosis when grouped by parasitaemia scores. The mechanisms of the thrombocytopaenia are not fully understood, and multiple mechanisms, including concomitant thrombocytopaenia-inducing diseases such as ehrlichiosis, probably result in this haematological finding. Babesiosis in the South African canine population is associated with thrombocytopaenia in nearly all patients and is severe in the majority of them. In the absence of thrombocytopaenia, babesiosis is an unlikely diagnosis.