Effects of racing on hematologic and serum biochemical values in greyhounds

Blood samples were collected on nonracing days from 57 racing Greyhounds at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks, and 16 weeks after the beginning of the racing season. Hematologic and biochemical tests were performed to detect marked changes induced by stress of racing. In general, these Greyhounds were healthy. Rhabdomyolysis was detected in one dog. In several other dogs, possible subclinical muscle injury was identified by increased serum creatine kinase activities. Mean serum Ca concentrations tended to decrease during the racing season. None of the tests was a good predictor of racing performance. Mean values for several hematologic and biochemical tests were different from those of other breeds of dogs.     

Quantitative analysis of acid-base balance in show jumpers before and after exercise

The acid-base status of venous blood was studied in 17 show jumpers before and after exercise using both a traditional and a quantitative approach. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO(2)), pH, haemoglobin, and plasma concentrations of sodium (Na(+)), chloride (Cl(-)), potasium (K(+)), ionized calcium (Ca(2+)), total proteins, albumin, lactate and phosphorus were measured in jugular venous blood samples obtained before and immediately after finishing a show jumping competition. Bicarbonate, anion gap and globulin concentration were calculated from the measured parameters. 'Quantitative analysis' of acid-base balance was performed utilising values for three independent variables: PCO(2), strong ion difference [SID = (Na(+)+ K(+)+ Ca(2+)) - (Cl(-)+ Lact)] and total concentration of weak acids [A(T)= Alb (1 paragraph sign23 pH - 6 paragraph sign31) + Pi (0 paragraph sign309 pH - 0 paragraph sign469) 10/30 paragraph sign97]; plasma concentrations of hydrogen ion ([H(+)]) were also calculated from these variables using Stewart's equation. No significant changes in blood pH were detected after the show jumping competition. Exercise resulted in a significant increase in lactate, Na(+), K(+), haemoglobin, total proteins, albumin, globulin and anion gap, and a decrease in bicarbonate, Cl(-)and Ca(2+). PCO(2)decreased after exercise while SID and A(T)increased. A significant correlation between measured and calculated [H(+)] was found both before and after exercise. However, individual [H(+)] values were not accurately predicted from Stewart's equation. In conclusion, even though pH did not change, significant modifications in the acid-base balance of horses have been found after a show jumping competition. In addition, quantitative analysis has been shown to provide an adequate interpretation of acid-base status in show jumpers before and after exercise.     

Hematologic, biochemical, and protein electrophoretic values in captive tawny owls (Strix aluco)

BACKGROUND: The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a protected species in Italy. Orphaned, injured, and ill owls often are sheltered and treated in rehabilitation centers, where hematologic and biochemical analyses would be helpful to evaluate and monitor the status of their health. OBJECTIVES: The major aim of this work was to assess hematologic and biochemical constituents together with protein electrophoretic fractions in healthy tawny owls. In addition, we compared laboratory methods for determining hemoglobin (Hgb), total protein, and albumin concentrations. METHODS: Heparinized blood samples were collected from 10 clinically healthy adult captive tawny owls between March 2001 and November 2003 for CBC, routine biochemical analysis, and protein electrophoresis. Alternate methods for Hgb (estimation as HCT/3 vs spectrophotometry), total protein (biuret vs refractometry), and albumin (bromcresol green vs electrophoresis) concentrations were compared in 34 samples from 16 unhealthy adult owls and 8 nestlings. RESULTS: Results were reported as mean, median, and range (minimum-maximum). Significant differences and poor concordance were observed between methods for Hgb, total protein, and albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic and plasma biochemical values in captive tawny owls may be useful in evaluating and monitoring the health of this species in captivity.     

Hematologic and plasma biochemical values for Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana).

Hematologic and serum biochemical parameters were measured in 29 captive Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) to provide normative reference values for the species. Mean normal values and ranges were close to those reported in other species of macaques. Some significant variations related to age and sex were found.     

Clinical, biochemical, acid-base, and electrolyte abnormalities in cats after hypertonic sodium phosphate enema administration

Ten clinically healthy cats were allotted into 2 groups. Group A was given the low (60 ml), and group B was given the high (120 ml) recommended dose of a commercial hypertonic sodium phosphate enema. Enema retention was enforced. All cats developed clinical and/or laboratory abnormalities, with group B cats being more severely affected. Clinical signs that occurred rapidly included depression, ataxia, vomition, bloody diarrhea, mucous membrane pallor, and stupor; tetany was not seen. One cat in group B died. Laboratory abnormalities included hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, calculated hyperosmolality, and metabolic acidosis with high anion gap probably due to hyperlacticacidemia. There were no significant gross or microscopic lesions associated with enema administration. Therefore, the use of hypertonic sodium phosphate enema at recommended doses is potentially dangerous to cats.     

Hematologic values in normal pygmy goats

Pygmy goat blood was analyzed to determine hematologic base-line values. Male, female, and castrated male goats were used in this investigation. Influence of age on these variables was also studied. Most of the hematologic values of pygmy goats were similar to the reference values reported for several other ruminant species and for man. Values significantly different from reference values in man were as follows: Erythrocyte counts were slightly higher than for human beings. The relative lymphocyte count was comparable to that in infants, but significantly greater than values in adult human beings. Also, although not of statistical significance, hemoglobin levels in goats were slightly lower than in both infants and adult human beings, and the leukocyte count was just slightly higher than the usual values for infants and adult human beings. Thus, of 9 hematologic variables, only 1 was significantly different from those in man, and 2 were slightly different. The fact that pygmy goats have hematologic responses similar to those of man, and the similarity of hematologic values to reference values in man, further enhances the pygmy goat for use as an experimental animal.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values for the wild Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, from the Venezuelan plains

Background: Commercial farming of Caiman crocodilus crocodilus has had an impact on the use of this species for meat consumption and the leather industry. Spectacled Caimans comprise part of the South American plains biodiversity. Misinterpretation of laboratory data is a risk owing to the limited hematologic and serum biochemical values available for this species. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine hematologic and serum biochemical values for wild Spectacled Caimans from the Venezuelan plains. Methods: Blood samples were collected form the caudal tail vein of 100 Spectacled Caimans (40 males and 60 females) from the plains located in the State of Apure. Values for RBC count, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, WBC absolute and differential counts, and thrombocyte counts were obtained using manual methods, and RBC indices were calculated. Serum biochemical analysis included measurement of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase activities and concentrations of total protein and albumin. Comparisons between sexes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: Reference values for wild Spectacled Caimans were determined. Minor differences in hematologic values, particularly for RBC counts, were found compared with previously published values for this species. Serum biochemical values were similar to those available for other crocodilians. There were no significant differences between males and females. Conclusions: Minor differences between the values obtained for wild Spectacled Caimans and those previously published for this species may be related to differences in methodology and environmental conditions. Availability of hematologic and serum biochemical reference values will be useful for accurate diagnosis and management of disease in this species.     

Changes in haematology and plasma biochemistry during maximal exercise in greyhounds

The haematological and biochemical changes associated with racing over 235 and 420 metres were studied in 23 greyhounds. Blood samples were collected while the dogs were resting and immediately after and 30 minutes after racing. Significant increases in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit occurred. The increase in haematocrit was accompanied by increases in total plasma protein and creatinine concentrations. Blood lactate increased to 11.4 and 13.2 mmol/litre over 235 and 420 metres, respectively, and plasma glucose increased to 7.9 and 8.2 mmol/litre. After the 420 metres, the mean plasma ammonia concentration was 256 mumol/litre. Plasma free fatty acid concentrations also increased after dogs had run both distances. The highest concentrations of glycerol and uric acid were found 30 minutes after exercise.     

Hematologic values in young pretraining healthy Greyhounds

BACKGROUND: Greyhound dogs have numerous clinicopathologic differences compared with other dog breeds, most notably in their hematologic profiles. The hematologic differences are likely related to breed; however, the influence of other factors, including age, sex, and training, has not been fully determined. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess hematologic values in young, healthy, pretraining Greyhounds and to determine the effects of age and sex on these findings. METHODS: Jugular venous EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were collected from 43 healthy, pretraining Greyhounds between 5 and 13 months of age. Samples were analyzed within 24 hours of collection on an Abbott CELL-DYN 3500R hematology analyzer. Mean hematologic results for different age groups, and correlation with age and sex were determined for each analyte. Results were compared with adult canine, nonbreed-specific reference intervals. RESULTS: From the age of 9 to 10 months, Greyhounds had higher HCT, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC counts compared with adult canine reference intervals. Younger Greyhounds (5-6 months) had values comparable with reference intervals. Mean total WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts tended to be toward the lower end or below the reference intervals. HCT, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC counts were correlated positively with age, and platelet count was correlated negatively with age. No differences were found based on sex. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that significant hematologic differences exist in pretraining Greyhounds by 9 to 10 months of age, when compared with adult canine, nonbreed-specific reference intervals; however, these differences are less marked in Greyhounds 5 to 6 months old. Given these findings, it is unlikely that factors such as training or racing are responsible for differences in hematologic values between adult Greyhounds and other breeds.     

Hematologic responses to exercise and training

Hematology has been widely used in attempts to provide information about disease states, performance problems, and fitness in performance horses. However, owing to factors such as the temperament of the horse and time of collection and feeding, considerable variation in the hemograms can be found. This article reviews some of the hematologic responses to exercise and training.     

Hematologic values in newborn beef calves.

Hematologic values were determined in 35 beef calves at birth, at 24 and 48 hours, and in 22 of these calves at 3 weeks after birth. Thirty calves did not have clinical signs of disease throughout the 3-week period. Variables that changed significantly over time in these healthy calves included hematocrit, RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, WBC count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and plasma total protein and serum immunoglobulin concentrations. Of the 35 calves, 5 had clinical signs of disease at 3 weeks. Comparison of hematologic values from these calves with values for healthy calves revealed significant differences at each sample collection time, although disease was not evident at the 3 early sample times. The band neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio differed between the 2 groups at birth. At 24 hours, the monocyte count was higher in the 5 ill calves. At 48 hours, total leukocyte, mature neutrophil, and monocyte counts, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio also were higher in the 5 calves. At 3 weeks when clinical signs of disease were detectable in the 5 calves, the total leukocyte, band neutrophil, and mature neutrophil counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and plasma total protein and fibrinogen concentrations were higher.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hematologic values in horses and interpretation of hematologic data

Normal reference ranges and pertinent background information on equine hematology are presented and briefly discussed. Diagnostic interpretation of hematologic data is discussed and three diagnostic algorithms and two diagnostic tables are provided to facilitate the use of the presented information for diagnosis. Two cases are presented and the information presented in the article is used to interpret the case data.     

Normal blood-gas values in lambs during neonatal development and in adult sheep.

Arterial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tensions and pH were determined in 20 lambs during development from two weeks to five months of age and in 34 adult sheep. Throughout the period the lambs' mean PaCO2 (33.1 mm Hg) and pH (7.46) values were similar to those determined in the adult sheep (PaCO232.1 mm Hg; pH 7.48). The lamb's mean PaO2 increased from 63.3 mm Hg at two weeks of age to about 80 mm Hg at eight weeks and by 20 weeks was similar to the mean PaO2 (88.0 mm Hg) of adult sheep.     

Hematologic values in calves infected with Sarcocystis cruzi

Calves were inoculated with 2 X 10(5) Sarcocystis cruzi sporocysts. Red cell mass decreased dramatically between Days 21 and 35 post-infection and plasma volume increased concurrently, so that blood volume did not change significantly. Mild reticulocytosis and increased pyrimidine 5' nucleotidase activity in erythrocytes occurred between Days 35 and 42. Antiglobulin tests with anti-bovine IgG, IgM and C3 were negative, with the exception of a positive test for C3 in 1 of 6 infected calves.     

Hematologic and biochemical changes during canine agility competitions

BACKGROUND: Normal response to different types of exercise needs to be established before performance, training level, or exercise intolerance can be assessed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to describe the hematologic and biochemical changes that dogs undergo during an agility competition. METHODS: Fifteen dogs were subjected to an agility test that covered a distance of 360-400 m with 40 obstacles. Basal venous blood samples were drawn 1 week before the competition, immediately after exercise, and at 5, 15, and 30 minutes of recuperation. A CBC, plasma biochemical profile, and lactate concentration were determined by standard methods using automated analyzers. Serum cortisol concentration was measured by competitive immune-enzyme analysis; insulin was measured by sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Hematologic response to the agility test consisted of significant increases in RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and HCT, with no change in total protein concentration. Serum triglyceride concentrations were increased postexercise, with highest values observed at 30 minutes of recuperation. Postexercise lactate concentrations exceeded the anaerobic threshold of 4 mmol/L. Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly higher after 30 minutes of recuperation. Significant differences were not observed in other analytes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that agility competitions induce mild to moderate changes in hematologic and biochemical results consistent with splenic contraction, increased lipolysis, and utilization of anaerobic pathways involved in energy resynthesis in muscle.     

Thromboelastographic changes after gonadectomy in retired racing greyhounds

Twenty-one healthy greyhounds with no history or clinical signs of bleeding disorders, and no abnormalities on physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry profiles (in dogs more than five years of age), and SNAP-4DX test for vector borne diseases underwent routine gonadectomies at the Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and after surgery by jugular venepuncture for thromboelastography and haemostasis assays (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], fibrinogen concentration). The magnitude of the bleeding in each patient was estimated using a bleeding scoring system recently validated in greyhounds. Eight dogs were classified as bleeders and 13 as non-bleeders. Thromboelastograph (TEG) tracings in bleeders were different to that of non-bleeders. Neither sex (odds ratio [OR]: 0.148, P=0.05), haematocrit (OR: 0.907, P=0.39), platelet count (OR: 0.996, P=0.65) or age (OR: 0.949, P=0.83) were predictors of the outcome. None of the variables that evaluated clot kinetics, and fibrinolysis (that is, aPTT OR: 0.781, P=0.51; PT OR: 1.337, P=0.63; TEG(R) OR: 1.269, P=0.06; TEG(K) OR: 1.696, P=0.05; TEG(LY60) OR: 1.028, P=0.81) were able to predict the bleeding episodes. Only the TEG variables that represent the fibrin cross-linking of the clot (TEG(angle) OR: 0.903, P=0.03); and the strength of the clot (TEG(MA) OR: 0.833, P=0.03) were considered predictors of the outcome.