The influence of age and gender on haematological parameters in Lipizzan horses

Haematological parameters [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] in resting Lipizzan horses were determined for 143 stallions, 104 mares and 25 foals. The mean RBC and WBC values in Lipizzans were in the lower part of the normal range for warm-blooded horses. The mean PCV, MCV and MCH values were higher, but the mean haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were lower than reported for other warm-blooded horses. In foals, the mean RBC, WBC, PCV, haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were higher, whereas MCV and MCH were lower than in older animals. Results indicating a significant decrease in WBC (P < 0.01) and an increase in MCV, MCH and MCHC (P < 0.05) with increasing age are consistent with some other reports on warm-blooded horses. The age-related variations in RBC and PCV were less marked. Contrary to some reports, RBC (P < 0.01), WBC and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001) were higher in Lipizzan stallions than in mares, but differences in MCHC, MCH and MCV were insignificant. The specific haematological values determined in Lipizzans are presumably a result of selection and should be taken into consideration when dealing with this race of horses.     

Evaluation of an in-house centrifugal hematology analyzer for use in veterinary practice

OBJECTIVE: To compare CBC results obtained by use of an in-house centrifugal analyzer with results of a reference method. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Blood samples from 147 dogs, 42 cats, and 60 horses admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital and from 24 cows in a commercial dairy herd. PROCEDURE: Results obtained with the centrifugal analyzer were compared with results obtained with an electrical-impedance light-scatter hematology analyzer and manual differential cell counting (reference method). RESULTS: The centrifugal analyzer yielded error messages for 50 of 273 (18%) samples. Error messages were most common for samples with values outside established reference ranges. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.99 for Hct, 0.55 to 0.90 for platelet count, 0.76 to 0.95 for total WBC count, and 0.63 (cattle) to 0.82 (cats) to 0.95 (dogs and horses) for granulocyte count. Coefficients for mononuclear cell (combined lymphocyte and monocyte) counts were 0.56, 0.65, 0.68, and 0.92 for cats, horses, dogs, and cattle, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that there was an excellent correlation between results of the centrifugal analyzer and results of the reference method only for Hct in feline, canine, and equine samples; WBC count in canine and equine samples; granulocyte count in canine and equine samples; and reticulocyte count in canine samples. However, an inability to identify abnormal cells, the high percentage of error messages, particularly for samples with abnormal WBC counts, and the wide confidence intervals precluded reliance on differential cell counts obtained with the centrifugal analyzer.     

Clinical evaluation of the CA530-VET hematology analyzer for use in veterinary practice

BACKGROUND: The CA530-VET is a completely automated impedance cell hematology analyzer, which yields a 16-parameter blood count including a 3-part leukocyte differential. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the operational potential of the CA530-VET and its value for use in veterinary practice. METHODS: The analyzer was tested for blood carry-over, precision, and accuracy. Comparison methods included the CELL-DYN 3500, microhematocrit centrifugation, manual platelet (PLT) counting for feline and equine species, and a 100-cell manual WBC differential. Blood samples for comparison of the methods were obtained from 242 dogs, 166 cats, and 144 horses. RESULTS: The carry-over ratio (K) was 0.28% for RBC, 0.59% for PLT, 0.32% for WBC, and 0.18% for hemoglobin (HGB) concentration. Coefficients of variation (CVs) for within-batch precision and duplicate measurement of blood samples were clearly within the required limits, except for duplicate platelet counts in cats (8.7%) and horses (9.5%). The WBC count was in excellent agreement for dogs and horses and RBC count was in excellent agreement for horses. The accuracy of feline WBC counts was not acceptable, with the exception of values at the high end of the range. RBC counts in dogs and cats, and HGB concentration and MCV in all 3 species were sufficiently accurate. The CA530-VET HCT results were in excellent agreement with microhematocrit results in horses but exceeded the maximum allowed inaccuracy for cats and dogs. In all species, PLT counts established mechanically and manually were not in adequate agreement. Large differences were found between the CA530-VET and the manual differential percentage for lymphocytes and "mid-sized cells" (monocytes and basophilic granulocytes). CONCLUSIONS: The CA530-VET can be considered useful for routine canine, feline, and equine blood cell analyses. It should not be considered accurate, however, for PLT counts, feline total WBC counts in the subnormal and normal range, and leukocyte differentials, except for granulocytes.     

Validation of the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology system for dogs,cats, and horses. I. Erythrocytes,platelets, and total leukocyte counts

Background: The Sysmex XT‐2000iV is a laser‐based, flow cytometric hematology system that has been introduced for use in large and referral veterinary laboratories. Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate the Sysmex XT‐2000iV for counting erythrocytes, reticulocytes, platelets, and total leukocytes in blood from ill dogs, cats, and horses. Methods: Blood samples from diseased animals (133 dogs, 65 cats, and 73 horses) were analyzed with the Sysmex XT‐2000iV and the CELL‐DYN 3500. Manual reticulocyte counts were done on an additional 98 canine and 14 feline samples and manual platelet counts were done on an additional 73 feline and 55 canine samples, and compared with automated Sysmex results. Results: Hemoglobin concentration, RBC counts, and total WBC counts on the Sysmex were highly correlated with those from the CELL‐DYN (r≥0.98). Systematic differences occurred for MCV and HCT. MCHC was poorly correlated in all species (r=0.33–0.67). The Sysmex impedance platelet count in dogs was highly correlated with both the impedance count from the CELL‐DYN (r=0.99) and the optical platelet count from the Sysmex (r=0.98). The Sysmex optical platelet count included large platelets, such that in samples from cats, the results agreed better with manual platelet counts than with impedance platelet counts on the Sysmex. Canine reticulocyte counts on the Sysmex correlated well (r=0.90) with manual reticulocyte counts. Feline reticulocyte counts on the Sysmex correlated well with aggregate (r=0.86) but not punctate (r=0.50) reticulocyte counts. Conclusion: The Sysmex XT‐2000iV performed as well as the CELL‐DYN on blood samples from dogs, cats, and horses with a variety of hematologic abnormalities. In addition, the Sysmex detected large platelets and provided accurate reticulocyte counts.     

Evaluation of an automated system for hemoglobin measurement in animals.

In veterinary medicine, PCV determined by centrifugation of blood in a microhematocrit tube is the most common clinical test used to initially assess and monitor anemic and polycythemic animals. In contrast, blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, rather than PCV, is generally determined in human patients. One automated system photometrically measures blood Hb concentration after conversion of Hb to azide methemoglobin without dilution and was found to be a simple and accurate instrument for use in human medicine. We evaluated the system for its accuracy in measuring blood Hb concentration in animals by comparing it with standard techniques and for its suitability in veterinary practice. Blood samples, anticoagulated with potassium EDTA, from 78 healthy animals (33 dogs, 17 cats, 13 horses, and 15 cows) and 58 dogs and 4 cats with various blood abnormalities (10 anemia, 11 polycythemia, 21 lipemia, 16 leukocytosis, and 6 icterus) were analyzed. In all species, blood Hb concentration of healthy animals determined by the system was comparable to that measured by standard cyanmethemoglobin methods (ie, an automated counter; rI = 0.987 to 0.998 and a hemoglobin kit, rI = 0.946 to 0.993). The aforementioned system also yielded similar values to those obtained by use of standard methods in anemic, polycythemic, and icteric dogs and cats. Moreover, the system reads the absorbance at 2 wavelengths to correct for turbidity, and therefore, accurately measured Hb concentration in blood samples with severe lipemia (triglycerides concentration > 500 mg/dl) and marked leukocytosis (> 50,000 WBC/microliter), whereas other standard Hb techniques are known to give falsely high results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Analysis of canine and feline haemograms using the VetScan HMT analyser

The VetScan HMT is an impedance counter haematology analyser which produces a full blood count and three-part white blood cell differential. The aim of this study was to compare the results generated by the analyser with those obtained by standard methods used routinely in the authors' laboratory. Blood samples from 68 dogs and 59 cats were run on the VetScan HMT analyser and also subjected to reference methods, and the results obtained were compared. Correlation coefficients (feline/canine) were: 0.97/0.99 for haematocrit (Hct), 0.98/0.99 for haemoglobin (Hb), 0.81/0.98 for total white blood cells (WBC), and 0.89/0.97 for granulocyte and 0.65/0.93 for platelet counts. Coefficients for lymphocyte counts were 0.25/0.28 and for monocyte counts were 0.12/0.79. In conclusion, the VetScan HMT performed well on canine samples, showing excellent correlation for canine Hct, Hb, RBC, WBC, granulocyte and platelet counts. For feline samples, although there was excellent correlation for Hct, Hb and RBC, the WBC and three-part white blood cell differential and platelet count should be interpreted with caution as they can be unreliable.     

Quantitative buffy coat analysis of blood collected from dogs, cats, and horses

Using quantitative buffy coat analysis (QBCA), rapid and accurate measurements can be made of the erythrocyte PCV, total WBC count, and platelet count, and the leukocyte population can be differentiated into total granulocytes (including quantitation of eosinophils), and lymphocytes and monocytes. The QBCA is performed by placing a blood sample (50 to 111 microliters) into a high-precision-bore microhematocrit tube that contains a freely moving, closely fitting, cylindrical plastic float. After centrifugation for 5 minutes, the buffy coat components separate by density. The plastic cylinder floats in the buffy coat, thereby expanding the lengths of the buffy coat layers. The layers are measured in a manner that is similar to that used for measuring PCV. Results of QBCA of blood samples from dogs, cats, and horses indicated that the hematologic values obtained correlated with results obtained by use of conventional methods. The accuracy and ease of use of QBCA and the availability of results while the animal is still being examined make QBCA a useful tool for hematologic evaluation of animals.     

果寡糖对固始鸡血液生理指标的影响

本试验旨在研究不同添加剂量的果寡糖对固始鸡血液生理指标的影响,并确定果寡糖的最佳添加剂量。选用1日龄固始鸡公雏150只,随机分成5个处理组,1个为对照组,其余4个为试验组,对照组不加果寡糖,其他4个组的果寡糖添加水平分别为3、5、7mg/kg和9mg/kg。测定红细胞压积(PCV)、血红蛋白(Hb)含量、红细胞数量、白细胞数量、平均红细胞体积(MCV)、平均红细胞血红蛋白含量(MCH)和平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)等指标。试验结果表明:1)21和42日龄时,果寡糖试验组的红细胞压积、血红蛋白含量、红细胞数量和白细胞数量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);与对照组相比,试验组的MCH和MCHC均略有升高,并且可以显著提高MCHC(P<0.05);2)日粮中添加5mg/kg果寡糖对提高红细胞压积、血红蛋白含量、红细胞数量、白细胞数量、MCH和MCHC具有最佳效果。     

Hematology in sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis Heude, 1884)

Blood samples were taken from 78 wild and 21 farmed sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) using ketamine-xylazine sedation during their excited (82 deer) and resting (17 deer) states. Red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was lower in excited deer than in resting deer. There was no significant difference in total leukocyte count (WBC) between excited and resting wild males, while a marked increase of WBC with neutrophilia was observed in excited wild females. RBC and PCV were significantly higher and MCH was lower in excited males than in excited females. In wild deer, WBC was significantly higher in females than in males, but there was no significant difference in WBC between farmed males and females. Sex differences in the hematological parameters were not observed in fawns (10 months).     

Disturbance of oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium in horses naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium disturbance has already been reported in trypanosome infections by several authors. The present study was aimed to explore the possible oxidant/antioxidant disturbance in surra of naturally infected horses before and after treatment. Fifteen naturally infected horses were chosen to analyse erythrocytic indices, platelet counts, lipid peroxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) while six healthy animals acted as control. There was a highly significant (P<0.001) reduction in red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and platelet levels and a significant reduction in mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P<0.05) was noticed. A highly significant increase in NO (P<0.001), a significant increase in LPO (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in GSH, SOD and CAT (P<0.05) were found. A negative correlation of RBC count with LPO (r=-0.844) and nitrate (r=-0.702) while a positive correlation with GSH (r=0.489), SOD (r=0.580) and CAT (r=0.689) was observed. All the animals were treated with Quinapyramine sulphate (3mg/kg s.c.) only once. Nine animals recovered completely without any side effects. The recovered animals were monitored and samples were collected every seven days for up to 21 days and parameters were analysed. After treatment, a significant increase in haematological parameters was noticed whereas the oxidative indices varied without any statistical significance. To conclude, the increase in oxidant parameters and decrease in antioxidant enzymes in infected horses indicates the disturbance of oxidant/antioxidant indices. There was a significant increase in post therapy haematological values, while the oxidant/antioxidant indices changed insignificantly indicating that antioxidants might be supplemented in the therapeutic regimen.     

Quantitative buffy coat analysis for hematologic measurements of canine, feline, and equine blood samples and for detection of microfilaremia in dogs

A quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis was evaluated for 175 canine, 125 feline, and 125 equine blood samples. The method used centrifuged whole blood and yielded rapid results expressed as respective band lengths for RBC, granulocytes, nongranulocytes, and platelets. Simple regression analysis of band lengths and reference laboratory methods yielded correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.72 to 0.99. The PCV, granulocyte count, and total WBC count, as determined by the 2 methods, correlated well (r greater than or equal to 0.93 in all cases). Platelet and nongranulocyte counts were less well correlated. The QBC system provided a means of performing rapid hematologic screening. The principal problem encountered was poor separation of the RBC-granulocyte interface in 17% of canine samples, which interfered with measurement of band lengths. Evaluation of the QBC tube for detection of Dirofilaria immitis microfilaremia revealed 100% sensitivity to counts as low as 160 microfilariae/ml of whole blood.     

Cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations in horses competing in cross-country events

The cardiovascular and metabolic response to two cross-country events (CC*: preliminary level and CC*** advanced level) were analysed in 8 male eventing horses (4 Anglo-Hunter and 4 Anglo-Arabian). This study focused on the establishment of the main metabolic pathways involved in the muscle energy resynthesis during the competitions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the CC events. Jugular venous blood samples were withdrawn before the warm-up period, immediately after the competitions and at 5 and 10 min in the recuperation period. The following haematological parameters were studied: red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBC), and number and percentages of lymphocytes (LYM) and granulocytes and monocytes (GRAN). One fraction of blood was centrifuged and, in plasma, lactate (LA), total plasma protein (TPP) and the rate of LA disappearance were determined. The competitions induced significant increases in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV and TPP. Plasma LA response exceeded the anaerobic threshold of 4 mmol/l, reaching a maximum level of 13.3 mmol/l. HR ranged from 140 to more than 200 bpm, peaking at 230 bpm, revealing a limitation in the oxygen supply to the working muscles. It was concluded that muscle energy resynthesis during a CC event is provided both through oxidative processes and glycolysis with LA formation. Therefore, both stamina and power exercises are required for eventing horses.     

HAEMATOLOGY OF THE RACEHORSE: A Recent Study of Thoroughbreds in Victoria

ab>The study was based on 216 blood samples collected from 136 Thoroughbred racehorses in 17 stables. Lower variability in the population studied and lower means than in previous studies were attributed in part to measures taken to reduce excitement of the horses during blood collection. The demeanour of the animals during collection was assessed subjectively as placid, timid, apprehensive or excited. The five horses which became excited had significantly higher RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, total eosinophil count, serum total protein and probably lower ESR. Timid and apprehensive horses did not show these responses. Because of the location of eight stables, samples from them were stored overnight at 4°C before analysis. These samples had higher mean MCV, PCV, MCH, and serum total protein and lower mean MCHC. The likelihood of this arising from swelling and perhaps rupture of some erythrocytes during transportation and storage was discussed. Serum total protein estimates were within the range determined from other reports from horses of various breeds. However albumin and the A/G ratio determined by electrophoresis were higher, but comparable with two other reports from Thoroughbreds. In comparative studies on the estimation of A/G ratios it appeared that equine serum albumin determination was higher using the bromcresol green reagent than by electrophoresis. After eliminating 14 cases with abnormalities of the total and/or differential leucocyte count, parameters were calculated from 202 samples for the definition of normal ranges. The absence of skewness and kurtosis indicated that the individual estimates of RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, MCV and MCH followed the normal distribution and that the means and standard deviations were appropriate for defining normal ranges. With only ESR and TEC were the coefficients of variation, skewness and kurtosis so great as to cast doubt on the practical use of these estimates.     

Evaluation of methods of platelet counting in the cat

Platelet counts were performed in 50 cats presented for diagnostic investigation. For each cat, counts were obtained using a manual haemocytometer method and compared with counts obtained by estimation from a stained blood smear, a QBC VetAutoread analyser, a Zynocyte VS/2000 analyser, impedance automated counts on a Baker System using both EDTA and citrated anticoagulated blood, and use of a Zynostain modified counting chamber kit. None of the methods gave high correlation with the haemocytometer counts. The blood smear estimation of platelet counts had the highest correlation (r = 0.776) and was the only method to have reasonable values for both sensitivity and specificity. With the impedance automated counts, citrated anticoagulated blood had marginally higher correlation than EDTA anticoagulated blood, and the time between blood sampling and platelet count determination had no effect on the count obtained. When in-house analyser or impedance automated platelet counts are abnormal or not consistent with clinical findings, the authors recommend that a manual platelet count using either haemocytometry or examination of a blood smear is performed.     

The haematological examination of canine blood samples received by post: the influence of delay in examination on red cell parameters

The mean packed cell volume (PCV) for canine blood samples received by post was significantly higher than that for fresh samples, at each haemoglobin value over the range 9 to 19 g/dl. As a consequence the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) also differed. Apart from one Hb value there was no significant difference in the mean red blood cell (rbc) count over the Hb range 6 to 14 g/dl. It is suggested that the normal values for the PCV and MCV should be 3 to 5% and 5 to 7 f 1 higher respectively for postal samples as compared to fresh samples while the MCHC should be about 3 to 4 g/dl lower.     

Evaluation of a point-of-care hematology analyzer for use in dogs and cats receiving chemotherapeutic treatment

OBJECTIVE: To compare WBC, neutrophil, and platelet counts and Hct values obtained with a point-of-care hematology analyzer with values obtained by a reference method for dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS:105 dogs and 25 cats undergoing chemotherapy. PROCEDURES:Blood samples were analyzed with a point-of-care hematology analyzer and with an impedance- and laser-based analyzer with manual differential WBC counts. Results for WBC, neutrophil, and platelet counts and Hct were compared. Sensitivity and specificity of the point-of-care analyzer to detect leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia were calculated. RESULTS: 554 canine and 96 feline blood samples were evaluated. Correlation coefficients for dogs and cats, respectively, were 0.92 and 0.95 for total WBC count, 0.91 and 0.88 for neutrophil count, 0.95 and 0.92 for Hct, and 0.93 and 0.71 for platelet count. Sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of the point-of-care analyzer to detect leukopenia were 100% and 75% for dogs and 100% and 68% for cats; to detect neutropenia were 80% and 97% for dogs and 100% and 80% for cats; to detect anemia were 100% and 80% for dogs and 100% and 66% for cats; and to detect thrombocytopenia were 86% and 95% for dogs and 50% and 87% for cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The point-of-care analyzer was reliable for monitoring CBCs of dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy. It had good to excellent correlation for WBC and neutrophil counts and Hct and accurately detected leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia. Sensitivity of the analyzer for detecting thrombocytopenia was lower but acceptable.     

Comparative clinical study of canine and feline total blood cell count results with seven in‐clinic and two commercial laboratory hematology analyzers

Background: A CBC is an integral part of the assessment of health and disease in companion animals. While in the past newer technologies for CBC analysis were limited to large clinical pathology laboratories, several smaller and affordable automated hematology analyzers have been developed for in‐clinic use. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare CBC results generated by 7 in‐clinic laser‐ and impedance‐based hematology instruments and 2 commercial laboratory analyzers. Methods: Over a 3‐month period, fresh EDTA‐anticoagulated blood samples from healthy and diseased dogs (n=260) and cats (n=110) were analyzed on the LaserCyte, ForCyte, MS45, Heska CBC, Scil Vet ABC, VetScan HMT, QBC Vet Autoread, CELL‐DYN 3500, and ADVIA 120 analyzers. Results were compared by regression correlation (linear, Deming, Passing‐Bablok) and Bland–Altman bias plots using the ADVIA as the criterion standard for all analytes except HCT, which was compared with manual PCV. Precision, linearity, and carryover also were evaluated. Results: For most analytes, the in‐clinic analyzers and the CELL‐DYN performed similarly and correlated well with the ADVIA. The biases ranged from ?0.6 to 2.4 × 10⁹/L for WBC count, 0 to 0.9 × 10¹²/L for RBC count, ?1.5 to 0.7 g/dL for hemoglobin concentration, ?4.3 to 8.3 fL for MCV, and ?69.3 to 77.2 × 10⁹/L for platelet count. Compared with PCV, the HCT on most analyzers had a bias from 0.1% to 7.2%. Canine reticulocyte counts on the LaserCyte and ForCyte correlated but had a negative bias compared with those on the ADVIA. Precision, linearity, and carryover results were excellent for most analyzers. Conclusions: Total WBC and RBC counts were acceptable on all in‐clinic hematology instruments studied, with limitations for some RBC parameters and platelet counts. Together with evaluation of a blood film, these in‐clinic instruments can provide useful information on canine and feline patients in veterinary practices.     

Experiences with the QBC-V hematology system at the veterinary hospitals of Zurich and Bern

The QBC V hematology system was tested with respect to its application in veterinary medicine. PCV's and counts of total leukocytes, granulocytes, lympho/monocytes and platelets collected from 435 horses, dogs and cats were determined and compared with conventionally measured values. Precision and accuracy were found to be good for the majority of parameters. In the authors' opinion the QBC V hematology system is well suited for use in veterinary practice.     

Stomatocytosis in 7 related Standard Schnauzers

BACKGROUND: Hereditary canine stomatocytosis has been described in purebred Alaskan Malamutes, Drentse Patrijshonds, and Miniature Schnauzers. In humans, hereditary stomatocytosis is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by the presence of stomatocytes in blood, increased osmotic fragility, and frequently, hemolytic anemia. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe hematologic findings and RBC characteristics in 7 closely related Standard Schnauzers with stomatocytosis. METHODS: The following parameters were measured using an automated analyzer: HCT, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, red cell distribution width (RDW), WBC, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), thrombocrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Differential leukocyte count, platelet estimate, reticulocyte count, and the percentage of stomatocytes in blood films were microscopically evaluated. An osmotic fragility test of RBCs and measurement of intracellular Na+, K+, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were also performed. RESULTS: The affected dogs had macrocytosis (80.0 +/- 4.2 fL, reference interval 60-76 fL), decreased MCHC (29.3 +/- 0.8 g/dL, reference interval 32-39 g/dL), slightly increased RDW (17.3 +/- 0.4%, reference interval 12-16%), and an increased reticulocyte count (1.55 +/- 0.77%, reference interval <1%). The percentage of stomatocytes in blood films varied from 0.6 to 18.9% of all RBCs. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and intracellular Na+ (138.1 +/- 3.2 mmol/L; controls 99 +/- 6.1 mmol/L), K+ (8.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/L; controls 6.1 +/- 0.5 mmol/L), and 2,3-DPG (21.9 +/- 2.0 micromol/g Hb; controls: 14.6 +/- 3.3 micromol/g Hb) concentrations were increased in dogs with stomatocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic findings and the metabolic defects in RBCs in these Standard Schnauzers were consistent with a diagnosis of stomatocytosis. Parentage analysis suggests that stomatocytosis in Standard Schnauzers may have a hereditary component.     

Evaluation of equine hemograms using the ADVIA 120 as compared with an impedance counter and manual differential count

BACKGROUND: The ADVIA 120 is an automated laser cell counter widely used in veterinary medicine. Although specific software for equine samples is available and validated, only a few reports have been published comparing the ADVIA 120 with other methods for equine hemogram evaluation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the hematologic values and reference intervals obtained on the ADVIA 120 with those obtained on an impedance cell counter and manual differential counts in healthy horses. METHODS: EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were obtained from 114 clinically healthy horses of various breeds, both sexes, and 2-6 years of age. Samples were stored for up to 12 hours at 4 degrees C and then analyzed on the ADVIA 120 and the Hemat 8. A 100-cell to 200-cell differential leukocyte count was performed by 3 independent observers on May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained smears. Intra-assay precision of the ADVIA 120 was determined by analyzing 5 replicates each of 10 of the blood samples. RESULTS: Results from the ADVIA were significantly higher than those from the impedance counter for RBC count, total WBC count, hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, MCH, and MCHC, and significantly lower for HCT and platelet count. Significantly higher neutrophil and basophil counts and significantly lower lymphocyte counts were obtained with the ADVIA 120 compared with manual counts. Based on Passing-Bablok regression analysis, RBC and platelet counts were in good agreement between the 2 analyzers; a constant and proportional bias was present for other values. Coefficients of variation for erythrocyte parameters on the ADVIA were <1%, but were higher for platelet (6%), total WBC (2%), differential WBC (4%-30%), and reticulocyte (75%) counts. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained with equine samples on the ADVIA 120 were comparable with those obtained on an impedance counter; reference intervals differed statistically but overlapped. The ADVIA had poor precision for reticulocyte and differential leukocyte counts such that the latter should always be verified on smears.