Stomatocytosis of Standard Schnauzers is not associated with stomatin deficiency

Stomatocytosis resembles human overhydrated hereditary stomatocytosis (OHSt), a disease characterised by a reduced or absent stomatin expression. The objective of this report was to investigate the expression level of stomatin in erythrocytes from Standard Schnauzers with stomatocytosis. Routine haematology, intraerythrocytic Na(+)/K(+) concentration and stomatin expression were evaluated in blood from twelve Standard Schnauzers and from three controls. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting on isolated integral membrane proteins were used to investigate stomatin expression. Circulating stomatocytes, macrocytosis, anisocytosis, increased erythrocyte fragility and high intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations were found in 10/12 dogs from the same breeding line although stomatin levels were similar to those of controls. In spite of the clinico-pathological similarities between human and canine stomatocytosis, erythrocytes from affected dogs do not lack stomatin and the expression level of this protein cannot therefore be used to diagnose hereditary stomatocytosis in Standard Schnauzers.     

Apparent pseudohyperkalemia in a Chinese Shar Pei dog

Whole blood in a serum clot tube and EDTA-anticoagulated samples from an 8-year-old spayed female Chinese Shar Pei dog were submitted by an external clinic to the diagnostic laboratory at Atlantic Veterinary College for routine biochemical and hematologic analysis prior to entropion surgery. Laboratory abnormalities included mild hyperkalemia (6.3 mmol/L, reference interval 3.6-6.0 mmol/L), mild normocytic, hypochromic, nonregenerative anemia (HCT 0.31 L/L, reference interval 0.37-0.55 L/L; MCHC 290 g/L, reference interval 320-360 g/L), and increased red cell distribution width (RDW; 26.2%, reference interval 11-14%). A small subpopulation of macrocytic, slightly hypochromic erythrocytes was noted on Wright's-Giemsa-stained blood smears. Biochemical and hematologic data obtained from this patient over the previous 7.5 years indicated that serum (and in 1 case, heparinized plasma) potassium concentration was increased (range, 6.3-10.9 mmol/L) in 5 of 8 samples (HCT ranged from 0.31-0.43 L/L, Hgb 91-124 g/L, MCHC 280-312 g/L, and RDW 18.2-26.9%). Clinical signs suggestive of hyperkalemia were not observed at any time, suggesting pseudohyperkalemia as the cause of the increased potassium concentrations. An erythrocyte lysate prepared from a heparinized blood sample had a high potassium concentration (16.8 mmol/L) compared with that of a clinically healthy, non-Shiba control dog (6.7 mmol/L). An osmotic fragility test of the patient's erythrocytes showed 50% hemolysis at 0.57% NaCl, compared with 0.48% NaCl for the control dog, indicating increased fragility. On scanning electron microscopy, a small subpopulation of erythrocytes were large, flattened, and had a tendency to fold. These findings supported the provisional diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia due to increased intracellular RBC potassium concentration. High-potassium erythrocytes have been reported in Akitas, Shibas, Jindos, other East Asian dog breeds, and occasionally, in mixed-breed dogs. Pseudohyperkalemia should also be considered when an otherwise unexplained elevation in serum or plasma potassium concentration is observed in Chinese Shar Pei dogs, and may be accompanied by increased RDW, low MCHC, and increased osmotic fragility with or without mild anemia.     

Analysis of feline,canine and equine hemograms using the QBC VetAutoread

Blood samples form 120 consecutive clinical cases (40 cats, 40 dogs and 40 horses) were analyzed on the QBC VetAutoread analyzer and the results compared with those obtained by a Baker 9000 electronic resistance cell counter and a 100-cell manual differential leukocyte (WBC) count. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet, total WBC, granulocytes, and lymphocyte plus monocyte (L+M) counts were determined. Indistinct separation of red blood cell and granulocytes layers on the QBC VetAutoread was observed in samples from five cats (12.5%), two dogs (5%), and one horse. Significantly different (P=0.002) median values for the two methods were obtained for PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and platelet count in cats; PCV, MCHC, WBC, count and granulocytes count in dogs; and PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and WBC, granulocytes and platelet counts in horses. Results from the QBC VetAutoread should not be interpreted using reference ranges established using other equipment. Results were abnormal on a limited number of samples; however, when correlation coefficients were low, marked discrepancy existed between values within as well as outside of reference ranges. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were excellent (r=0.93) for PCV and Hb concentration in dogs, and Hb concentration and WBC count in horses. Correlation was good (r=0.80-0.92) for PCV and Hb concentration in cats, WBC count in dogs, and PCV, granulocytes count and platelet count in horses. For remaining parameters, correlation was fair to poor (r=0.79). Acceptable correlations (r>0.80) were achieved between the two test systems for all equine values except MCHC and L+M count, but only for PCV and HB concentration in feline and canine blood samples.     

Evaluation of Citrate-Phosphate- Dextrose-Adenine as a Storage Medium for Packed Canine Erythrocytes

Packed canine red blood cells (RBCs) stored in the anticoagulant-preservative solution citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1) were studied at 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 days. The extracellular concentrations of potassium and sodium, erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume, and osmotic fragility increased during storage (P less than 0.05). There was a decrease in the pH, plasma concentration of glucose, and erythrocyte concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (P less than 0.05). Erythrocyte 2,3-DPG concentration decreased by 54% within the first 24 hours of storage (P less than 0.001). Posttransfusion viability (PTV) decreased from 90% on day 1 to 46% on day 40 (P less than 0.05). The PTV of the RBCs stored for 10 and 20 days complied with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard. Although there are marked biochemical and hematologic changes in stored packed red blood cells (pRBCs), 20-day-old units may be expected to be of acceptable quality. The sharp decrease in 2,3-DPG concentration suggests a reduction in oxygen carrying capacity in erythrocytes stored as pRBCs. Hyperkalemia occurs during storage of pRBCs and does not appear to be associated with high intraerythrocytic potassium concentrations.     

A comparative study of the effects of glycerol and hydroxyethyl starch in canine red blood cell cryopreservation

Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a nonpenetrating extracellular cryoprotectant. In contrast to glycerol, it does not require labor-intensive removal from thawed red blood cells (RBCs) prior to transfusion. In this study, we compared glycerol and HES, and assessed HES as a substitute for glycerol in cryopreserved canine RBCs. The RBCs were preserved for 2 months in liquid nitrogen using a 20% (w/v) glycerol solution, and variable concentrations of HES solution. We evaluated the two cryoprotectants by the percentage of post-thaw hemolysis from the total free hemoglobin, saline stability, osmotic fragility, and by observing the erythrocyte morphology using a scanning electron microscope after thawing. The optimal concentration of HES was 12.5% (w/v) for the cryopreservation of canine RBCs. The thaw hemolysis, saline stability, and osmotic fragility index were 25.6 +/- 4.7%, 87.8 +/- 6.9%, and 0.445 +/- 0.024% NaCl respectively. These parameters resemble the results of RBCs frozen in a 20% (w/v) glycerol solution, which are 24.7 +/- 5.2%, 99.2 +/- 0.1%, and 0.485 +/- 0.023% NaCl respectively. From a morphological point of view, 12.5% (w/v) HES showed the best cryoprotection of RBCs compared to the other concentrations of HES. These results suggest that HES could be a possible substitute for glycerol for the cryopreservation of canine RBCs.     

Hematologic values in calves during the first 6 months of life

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in hematologic values are known to occur in many species. Few published studies include repeated measurements of hematologic parameters in calves during the first months of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to monitor hematologic values by sequential measurements from birth to 6 months of age in 15 healthy calves of the Norwegian Red breed, and compare the results to reference intervals for adult, lactating dairy cows. METHODS: Fifteen clinically healthy calves were sampled every week during the first 5 weeks of life and every month thereafter until 6 months of age. Hematologic values were measured using the ADVIA 120 hematology system. Reference intervals were determined for 75 healthy adult cows of the same breed. RESULTS: Compared with adult reference intervals, the MCV was lower and the RBC count was higher in calves throughout the investigation period. Hemoglobin concentration stayed largely within the adult reference interval. Mean MCHC was lower than adult values for 5 weeks, then increased and reached adult values by weeks 10-12. The mean lymphocyte count for calves reached adult reference values at weeks 6-8, and the mean monocyte count increased steadily until weeks 14-16. For most leukocytes, interindividual variation was larger during the first 5-8 weeks of life. The mean platelet count for calves was higher than the adult reference interval until weeks 19-21 of age. CONCLUSIONS: Age-specific reference intervals for calves from birth to 6 month of age are needed for RBC count, MCV, MCHC, red cell distribution width, and platelet and lymphocyte counts.     

Hematology and plasma chemistry reference intervals for cultured shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

BACKGROUND: The shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, is an imperiled species distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Interest in replenishing wild stocks with hatchery-reared fish has created a need for accurate hematologic and biochemical reference intervals to evaluate the health of both fish raised in aquaculture systems and fish in the wild. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to generate hematologic and biochemistry reference intervals for healthy shortnose sturgeon. METHODS: Blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes from 77 shortnose sturgeon raised in flow-through aquaculture systems. Whole blood and plasma samples were analyzed for hematologic and biochemical variables using standard techniques. Reference intervals were calculated as the central 95% (percentile) of data. RESULTS: Hematologic reference intervals (n = 46) were as follows: PCV 26-46%, hemoglobin 5.7-8.7 g/dL, MCV 307-520 fL, MCH 65.9-107.1 pg, MCHC 15-30 g/dL, plasma proteins (refractometry) 2.8-6.0 g/dL, RBC count 0.65-1.09 x 10(6)/microL, total WBC count 28,376-90,789/microL, small lymphocytes 9063-56,656/microL, large lymphocytes 2122-10,435/microL, neutrophils 3758-33,592/microL, monocytes 0-7137/microL, eosinophils 0-1544/microL, thrombocyte-like cells 6863-23,046/microL, thrombocytes 32,205-122,179/microL, and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio 0.068-1.026. Plasma chemistry reference intervals (n = 77) were as follows: total protein 2.7-5.3 g/dL, albumin 0.8-1.7 g/dL, globulins 1.8-3.7 mg/dL, creatinine 0-1.4 mg/dL, total bilirubin 0-0.1 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 47-497 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 90-311 U/L, sodium 124-141 mmol/L, potassium 2.9-3.7 mmol/L, chloride 106-121 mmol/L, calcium 6.6-12.1 mg/dL, magnesium 1.6-2.3 mg/dL, phosphorus 5.1-8.1 mg/dL, glucose 37-74 mg/dL, cholesterol 42-133 mg/dL, and osmolality 232-289 mOsm/kg. CONCLUSION: Reference values reported here will be useful for the early detection, identification, and monitoring of disease and sublethal conditions in cultured shortnose sturgeon.     

Reference values of the red blood profile in beagle, German shepherd and golden retriever puppies

In the present study, blood samples were taken from clinically healthy puppies of the breeds Beagle, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever between days 1 and 3 (n = 146), 8 and 10 (n = 137), 28 and 33 (n = 151), and 50 and 58 (n = 129) post natum. Measurements for red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were performed by a semi-automatic blood cell counter; the normoblast number was counted visually. Between the 1st and 3rd day of life, the erythrocyte number of the puppies was 4.57 +/- 0.68 10(6)/microliter and, as such, was clearly below the reference range for adult animals. It further decreased by the 2nd measurement (8th to 10th day of life) to 3.59 +/- 0.41 10(6)/microliter, and then increased again to 4.75 +/- 0.68 10(6)/microliter (reference range: 3.73-6.25 10(6)/microliter, 2.5% to 97.5% percentile) by the final measurement (50th to 58th day of life). The measurement values of the haemoglobin concentration (13.5 +/- 2.0 g/dl) and haematocrit (41.0 +/- 6.5%) after birth were only insignificantly below or around the lower limit of the reference range for adult animals. Both parameters decreased to a more pronounced extent than did the erythrocyte count. They reached a minimum of 8.4 +/- 1.0 g/dl and 26.8 +/- 3.2%, respectively, between the 28th and 33rd day of life. Even at the end of the examination period (50th to 58th day of life), the values of these parameters (10.1 +/- 1.1 g/dl, reference range: 7.5-11.8 g/dl; 32.1 +/- 4.2%, reference range: 24.8 to 40.8%) were remarkably lower than the minimum of reference range for adult dogs. At the 1st sampling (between 1st and 3rd day of life), MCV (89.8 +/- 6.7 fl) and MCH (29.6 +/- 1.9 pg) were distinctly higher than the reference values for adult dogs. Both parameters decreased with increasing age. Thus, from the 50th-58th day of life, the results were comparable to those of adults. No considerable age dependence was found for MCHC. During the first days of life a relatively high number of normoblasts (8 +/- 7/100 Leukozyten) was found; it decreased rapidly. The study revealed significant differences between the breeds, e.g. German Shepherd dogs had lower initial values of erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit when compared to the other breeds. Puppies of this breed also had higher normoblast numbers than the Beagle and Golden Retriever puppies at the 2nd and 3rd samplings. No clear sex differences in the studied parameters were observed. The results of this study reflect the replacement of fetal erythrocytes by postnatal erythrocytes. Moreover, they illustrate the need to use age as well as breed-specific reference ranges.     

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.     

Hematologic characteristics of captive western barred bandicoots (Perameles bougainville) from Western Australia

BACKGROUND: The western barred bandicoot (Perameles bougainville) is an Australian marsupial species now considered endangered as a consequence of habitat destruction and predation. A recently discovered papillomatosis syndrome is hindering efforts to repopulate this species. Hematology reference intervals have been lacking for P bougainville, preventing optimal interpretation of hematology results from wart-affected and clinically normal animals. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish hematology reference values and describe morphologic characteristics of blood cells of healthy western barred bandicoots. METHODS: Fifty-nine whole blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into EDTA from 47 clinically healthy captive western barred bandicoots at 3 locations on the Western Australian mainland. A CBC was performed using an ADVIA-120 analyzer. Data were compared on the basis of geographic location, sex, age, and lactation status, and reference intervals were calculated. Blood cell morphology was evaluated using light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Significant differences were found based on sex (RBC indices, fibrinogen), age (% polychromatophilic RBCs), and geographic location (RBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, MCHC, % polychromatophilic RBCs, fibrinogen). Combined reference intervals were calculated for hemoglobin concentration (122-165 g/L), HCT (0.36-0.49 L/L), and total WBC (2.9-14.9 x 10(9)/L), monocyte (0-0.6 x 10(9)/L), eosinophil (0-0.9 x 10(9)/L), and total plasma protein (47-63 g/L) concentrations. Leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet morphology were similar to those of other marsupial peramelid species. Nuclei in neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils occasionally had an annular configuration. CONCLUSIONS: Reference intervals and blood cell morphology obtained in this study will be useful for the evaluation of laboratory data from ill animals and assist with population health monitoring of western barred bandicoots.     

The content of Hb in blood and the protein, Fe, Fe-binding capacity, Cu and Zn in blood plasma of low parity sows before and after oral iron administration

In investigations of 51 pregnant sows, blood Hb levels above 7.45 mmol/l (mean value of 8.94 +/- 0.88) were recorded from 43 animals (Group A), while levels below that margin were recorded from eight (Group B) (mean value of 6.73 +/- 0.31). Iron levels in blood plasma of Group A were 36.9 +/- 8.07 and were thus higher (p less than 0.01) than those in Group B (28.9 +/- 5.19 mumol/l). No difference was found to exist between the two groups with regard to iron fixation capacity as well as copper and zinc in blood plasma. Oral uptake of 50, 500 or 2,000 mg of iron in the form of FeSO4.7H2O with cereal shred as morning ration by 17 or 15 sows failed to cause any increase in blood plasma iron levels, within 360 minutes from uptake. Literature data as well as the results of these analyses have supported the recommendation that Hb variations between 4.96 and 9.93 mmol/l (8-16 g/dl) should be rated as physiological in the blood of pregnant sows. The GDR Standard TGL 35,423 on "Monitoring of Metabolism on Pig Breeding and Fattening Units" should be accordingly amended.     

Mean platelet component as an indicator of platelet activation in foals and adult horses

BACKGROUND: Mean platelet component (MPC) is a new platelet variable, measured by modern commercial complete blood count analyzers, that is reduced during platelet activation in humans and small animals. HYPOTHESIS: MPC decreases in horses with clinical conditions that cause platelet activation and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). ANIMALS: We obtained 418 CBCs from 100 sick and 20 healthy neonates and 178 sick and 45 sound adult horses. Sick neonates were classified into septic and nonseptic, and DIC and non-DIC groups. Adults were grouped by diagnoses (systemic inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and thrombocytopenia). METHODS: MPC together with platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet component distribution width were measured with a commercial analyzer and compared between the different disease and control groups in neonates and in adults. RESULTS: MPC values were significantly lower in the septic and nonseptic neonates (24.0 +/- 3.5 g/dL and 26.6 +/- 2.6 g/dL, respectively) than in the control group (28.1 +/- 1.7 g/dL). Neonates with DIC had the lowest MPC values (23.8 +/- 6.3 g/dL). MPC values in adult horses were significantly lower in the inflammatory (23.5 +/- 4.7 g/dL), gastrointestinal obstruction (23.0 +/- 5.0 g/dL), enteritis (23.6 +/- 4.6 g/dL), ischemic (23.9 +/- 5.1 g/dL), and thrombocytopenia (20.2 +/- 5.7 g/dL) groups when compared with control horses (26.2 +/- 3.5 g/dL). Other platelet variables were not different between the control and the disease groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: MPC might be a useful variable for quickly and easily detecting platelet activation in sick neonates and adult horses.     

Antioxidant and haematological biomarkers in different groups of horses supplemented with polyunsaturated oil and vitamin E

Oxidative stress has been correlated with pathologies that impair the performance of athlete horses. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementation with a mixture of polyunsaturated oil and vitamin E on the antioxidant and haematological biomarkers of horses. Horses under maintenance care (n = 6) and horses in training (n = 10) received 100 and 300 ml of the oil mixture respectively. Supplementation was provided for a period of 8 weeks, together with isocaloric inclusion. Blood samples were collected at three time periods (pretest, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks) to analyse the following: the red blood cell count (RBCc); haemoglobin (Hb); haematocrit (HT); leucocytes; lymphocytes; platelets; the mean corpuscular volume (MCV); the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC); the standard deviation of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW‐SD); the coefficient of variation of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW‐CV); glutathione peroxidase (GPx); superoxide dismutase (SOD); uric acid (UrAc); total plasma proteins (TPP); and creatine kinase (CK). After the 8 weeks of supplementation, animals under maintenance care exhibited significant increases in SOD, UrAc, the white blood cell count (WBCc), the RDW‐SD and the RDW‐CV (p < 0.05). The animals in training exhibited increases in GPx, SOD and UrAc (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with polyunsaturated oil and vitamin E increases blood antioxidants among animals under maintenance and in training, with different trends, while contributing to the fight against oxidative stress in each group analysed.     

Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas

Haematological profile-haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte indices-mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were studied in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian x Sahiwal) under various physiological states: non-pregnant heifers (NPH), pregnant heifers (PH), empty dry cows (EDC), pregnant lactating cows (PLC), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC) during summer and winter seasons at 1700 metres altitude from mean sea level in the Central Himalayas. On comparison of annual means, the highest values of Hb and PCV were recorded in PH and of TEC in NPH, whereas the lowest values of these parameters were found in EDC. The Hb and TEC tended to decrease with increasing milk yield. Comparison of annual means of erythrocyte indices revealed the highest MCV and MCH in EDC, which simultaneously showed the lowest MCHC. Significant seasonal variations in haematological profile were recorded. The overall group mean (OGM) of Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.01) during summer whereas the TEC and PCV showed higher OGM (P < 0.01) during the winter season.     

Evaluation of association between body size and large intestinal transit time in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare large intestinal transit time (LITT) in dogs of various body sizes and determine whether fecal quality was correlated with LITT. ANIMALS: 6 Miniature Poodles, 6 Standard Schnauzers, 6 Giant Schnauzers, and 6 Great Danes. PROCEDURE: LITT was calculated as the difference between total (TTT) and orocecal transit time (OCTT). Minimum and mean OCTTs were determined by use of the sulfasalazine-sulfapyridine method. Minimum TTT was estimated by use of chromium and ferric oxide as color markers, and mean TTT was calculated from the recovery from feces of ingested colored plastic beads. Fecal moisture content was determined and fecal consistency was scored during the same period. RESULTS: Large-breed dogs had higher fecal moisture content and more watery fecal consistency. No association between body size and OCTT was detected, but there was a positive correlation between body size and mean TTT. Mean LITT increased significantly with body size, from 9.1 +/- 1.1 hours in Miniature Poodles to 39.4 +/- 1.6 hours for Giant Schnauzers. Significant correlations were detected among mean LITT, mean TTT, and fecal scores, whereas no correlation was observed between fecal moisture content and TTT or LITT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LITT was correlated with fecal consistency in dogs of various body sizes. Mean LITT can be predicted from values for mean TTT in healthy dogs.     

Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and calciotropic hormones in donkeys

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference values for serum biochemical variables that are used for evaluation of mineral metabolism in donkeys and compare values with those in horses. ANIMALS: 18 donkeys and 18 horses. PROCEDURES: Total calcium (tCa), total magnesium (tMg), and inorganic phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in serum samples via spectrophotometry. Ionized calcium (iCa) and magnesium (iMg) concentrations were quantified with selective electrodes. By use of a micropartition system, tCa and tMg were fractionated to separate protein-bound (pCa, pMg) and ultrafiltrable fractions. Complexed calcium (cCa) and magnesium (cMg) concentrations were calculated by substracting ionized fractions from ultrafiltrable fractions. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol (CTR) concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Serum tCa concentration in donkeys (3.37 +/- 0.21 mmol/L) was composed of pCa (1.59 +/- 0.21 mmol/L [47.0 +/- 4.2%]), iCa (1.69 +/- 0.04 mmol/L [50.4 +/- 3.0%]), and cCa (0.09 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [2.6 +/- 2.9%]). Serum tMg concentration (1.00 +/- 0.08 mmol/L) was fractioned in pMg (0.23 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [23.4 +/- 8.1%]), iMg (0.59 +/- 0.04 mmol/L [58.8 +/- 5.1%]), and cMg (0.18 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [17.8 +/- 7.2%]). Serum concentrations of P (1.14 +/- 0.30 mmol/L), PTH (20.4 +/- 21.2 pg/mL), and CTR (13.4 +/- 5.9 pg/mL) were determined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum variables of mineral metabolism in donkeys were within reference ranges for horses. However, when compared with horses, donkeys had higher iCa, cMg, and CTR and lower pMg and PTH concentrations.     

Artifactual changes in canine blood following storage, detected using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer

BACKGROUND: Artifactual changes in blood may occur as a consequence of delayed analysis and may complicate interpretation of CBC data. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize artifactual changes in canine blood, due to storage, using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer. METHODS: Blood samples were collected into EDTA from 5 clinically healthy dogs. Within 1 hour after blood sample collection and at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after storage of the samples at either 4 degrees C or room temperature (approximately 24 degrees C), a CBC was done using the ADVIA 120 and multispecies software. A linear mixed model was used to statistically evaluate significant differences in values over time, compared with initial values. RESULTS: The HCT and MCV were increased significantly after 12 hours of collection at both 4 degrees C and 24 degrees C, and continued to increase through 48 hours. The MCHC initially decreased significantly at 12-24 hours and then continued to decrease through 48 hours at both temperatures. Changes in HCT, MCV, and MCHC were greater at 24 degrees C than at 4 degrees C at all time points. A significant increase in MPV and a decrease in mean platelet component concentration were observed at all time points at 24 degrees C. Samples stored at 24 degrees C for 48 hours had significantly higher percentages of normocytic-hypochromic RBCs, and macrocytic-normochromic RBCs, and lower platelet and total WBC counts. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed analysis of canine blood samples produces artifactual changes in CBC results, mainly in RBC morphology and platelet parameters, that are readily detected using the ADVIA 120. Refrigeration of specimens, even after 24 hours of storage at room temperature, is recommended to improve the accuracy of CBC results for canine blood samples.     

Hematological changes during the course of canine babesiosis caused by large Babesia in domestic dogs in Warsaw (Poland)

In the presented study we evaluated the hematological changes in samples of blood obtained from 248 dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. The evaluation included red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), leucocyte counts, thrombocyte counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), morphology of erythrocytes and leucogram. The most common disorders in affected dogs were thrombocytopenia and anisocytosis. The count of erythrocytes below reference values was detected in 26.2% of dogs and 31.4% of affected animals presented hematocrit below the reference values. Hemoglobin concentration below the reference values was noted in 29% of dogs, an increase of MCHC above normal values was detected in 21% of examinated dogs and MCV below normal values was recognized in 2% of dogs. 60.5% of dogs presented anisocytosis, 25% poikilocytosis, 23.8% polychromasia, 19.7% hypochromia and 4.4% erythroblastosis. Thrombocytopenia was detected in 99.5% of dogs, but only 15.3% of examined animals showed increase of MPV, which suggests a response of the bone marrow. 36.3% of dogs had neutropenia, and 21.8% presented a left shift, 14.9% had the lymphocytosis and 7.2% lymphopenia.     

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.     

Influence of transfusion technique on survival of autologous red blood cells in the dog

Objective – To determine the effect of 3 differing transfusion techniques on survival of autologous canine RBCs. Design – Prospective, blinded study. Setting – University Teaching Hospital. Animals – Nine healthy dogs. Interventions – Three distinct preparations of RBCs, each representing ～1% of red cell mass, were generated for each dog by biotinylation of RBCs at varying biotin densities. Labeled cells were transfused using 3 techniques (gravity, volumetric pump, syringe pump). Serial determinations of red cell survival were carried out by flow‐cytometric analysis of RBCs collected at 7‐day intervals for 49 days. In vitro analysis of the effect of transfusion methods on RBC integrity and osmotic fragility were carried out in 7/9 dogs. Measurements and Main Results – RBCs administered via volumetric and syringe pumps exhibited a marked decrease in short‐term probability of survival compared with RBCs delivered by gravity flow. At 24 hours, only 4/8 and 1/7 dogs had surviving cell populations delivered by volumetric and syringe pump, respectively, compared with 8/8 dogs which had surviving cell populations delivered by gravity flow. Circulating half‐life of cells surviving at 24 hours after delivery by volumetric pump was not significantly different to that delivered by gravity flow. No significant effect on in vitro RBC integrity or osmotic fragility was detected in relation to transfusion technique. Conclusions – Delivery of autologous canine RBCs via mechanical delivery systems was associated with a high risk for early loss of transfused cells.