Clinical outcome and associated diseases in dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia: 118 cases (1996-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To describe diseases, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 118 dogs with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. PROCEDURE: Medical records from 1996 to 1998 were examined for dogs with WBC > or = 50,000 cells/microliter and neutrophilia > or = 50%. Signalment, absolute and differential WBC counts, body temperature, clinical or pathologic diagnosis, duration and cost of hospitalization, and survival time were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was 7.7 years, WBC count was 65,795 cells/microliter, and absolute neutrophil count was 53,798 cells/microliter. Mean duration of hospitalization was 7.4 days and cost of hospitalization was $2,028.00. Forty (34%) dogs were febrile, and 73 (62%) dogs died. Overall median survival time was 17 days. Dogs with neoplasia or fever were more likely to die than dogs that were hospitalized or had systemic or local infections. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Leukocytosis and neutrophilia were associated with high mortality rate and have prognostic value. Given the mean duration and cost of hospitalization, frank discussion with an owner at first recognition of leukocytosis and neutrophilia may be warranted.     

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.     

Clinical outcome and diseases associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis in cats: 104 cases (1991-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To describe diseases, prognosis, and clinical outcomes associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 104 cats with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis. PROCEDURE: Medical records from 1991 to 1999 were examined to identify cats that had > or =50,000 WBC/microl with > or =50% neutrophils. Signalment, absolute and differential WBC counts, rectal temperature, clinical or pathologic diagnosis, duration and cost of hospitalization, and survival time were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age of cats was 8.3 years, mean WBC count was 73,055 cells/microl, and mean absolute neutrophil count was 59,046 cells/microl. Mean duration of hospitalization was 5.9 days, and mean cost of hospitalization was $2,010. Twenty-nine (28%) cats were febrile, and 63 (61%) cats died. Overall median survival time was 30 days. Cats with neoplasia were nearly 14 times as likely to die unexpectedly as cats with other diseases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis was associated with a high mortality rate. The prognostic importance of extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis should not be overlooked. Cats and dogs have similar diseases, mortality rates, and treatment costs associated with extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis.     

Clinical, biochemical, and hematological characteristics, disease prevalence, and prognosis of dogs presenting with neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity

Neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity is manifested as an abnormality in cell size or the cytoplasmic content upon examination of Romanowsky-stained blood smears, and is traditionally associated with infection and inflammation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of such changes with clinical and clinicopathologic characteristics, diseases, and prognoses in dogs. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity (n = 248) were compared with negative controls (n = 248). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, independent t-tests, nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests, the chi-square trend test, and survival analysis. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity had a significantly higher prevalence of pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, fever, abdominal organomegaly, icterus, melena, and hematuria. Most mean hematologic variables were significantly different between groups. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity had a significantly (P < .05) higher prevalence of leukocytosis, leukopenia, neutrophilia, neutropenia, anemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia. The prevalence of pyometra, parvovirus infection, acute renal failure, peritonitis, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pancreatitis, septicemia, and neoplastic disorders was significantly higher among these dogs. Case fatality, hospitalization length, and treatment cost were significantly (P < .001) higher in dogs with neutrophil toxicity. Neutrophil toxicity severity was significantly (P < .0035) and positively associated with neutropenia, and negatively associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. A significant trend (P = .05) toward increasing case fatality with an increase of neutrophil toxicity was observed. In the neutrophil toxicity group, dogs with leukopenia (<5.0 X 10(3)/mm3) had a significantly (P < .0001) higher case fatality compared to dogs with normal or high leukocyte counts. We conclude that evaluation of blood smears for neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity provides useful clinical information and can serve as a good prognostic predictor.     

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.     

Canine reference intervals for the Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzer

Background: The laser‐based Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzer is increasingly used in veterinary clinical pathology laboratories, and instrument‐specific reference intervals for dogs are not available. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish canine hematologic reference intervals according to International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines using the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzer. Methods: Blood samples from 132 healthy purebred dogs from France, selected to represent the most prevalent canine breeds in France, were analyzed. Blood smears were scored for platelet (PLT) aggregates. Reference intervals were established using the nonparametric method. PLT and RBC counts obtained by impedance and optical methods were compared. Effects of sex and age on reference intervals were determined. Results: The correlation between impedance (I) and optical (O) measurements of RBC and PLT counts was excellent (Pearson r=.99 and .98, respectively); however, there were significant differences between the 2 methods (Student's paired t‐test, P<.0001). Differences between sexes were not significant except for HCT, PLT‐I, and PLT‐O. WBC, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts decreased significantly with age (ANOVA, P<.05). Median eosinophil counts were higher in Brittany Spaniels (1.87 × 10⁹/L), Rottweilers (1.41 × 10⁹/L), and German Shepherd dogs (1.38 × 10⁹/L) than in the overall population (0.9 × 10⁹/L). PLT aggregates were responsible for lower PLT counts by the impedance, but not the optical, method. Conclusion: Reference intervals for hematologic analytes and indices were determined under controlled preanalytical and analytical conditions for a well‐characterized population of dogs according to international recommendations.     

Splenectomy as adjunctive therapy for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in the dog

Splenectomy was done in 9 dogs having immune-mediated hematologic disorders refractory to medical therapy. These disorders were immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (n = 3), immune hemolytic anemia (n = 3), and Evan's syndrome (n = 3). The diagnoses were based on clinical observations, laboratory test data, and differential of other conditions. In the 12 months after splenectomy was done, the dogs reflected clinical improvement and return of platelet and/or erythrocyte counts to clinically acceptable limits; medical treatment was stopped or reduced in 8 of 9 patients. The exceptional patient had shown clinical improvement without change in the platelet count. At the end of 1 year, survival rate was excellent, and postsplenectomy complications, such as hemobartonellosis, did not appear. It is believed that splenectomy may be useful for treating immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, anemia, and Evan's syndrome that seem refractory to medication.     

Leukopenia in six healthy Belgian Tervuren.

A healthy 6.5-year-old sexually intact female Belgian Tervuren was found to be persistently leukopenic during preoperative evaluation for routine ovariohysterectomy. Abnormalities of the erythroid or myeloid series were not detected during bone marrow analysis. Blood samples for CBC were collected from 8 additional healthy Belgian Tervuren of both sexes and of various ages. Six of the 9 dogs were leukopenic, with WBC counts between 2.38 and 5.42 x 10(3) WBC/microl (mean +/- SD, 4.13 +/- 1.04 x 10(3) WBC/microl). Leukopenia was a persistent finding in the 3 dogs from which multiple blood samples were collected. All dogs were otherwise clinically normal. Leukopenia, as defined by a WBC count < 6.00 x 10(3) WBC/microl, may be a common finding in the Belgian Tervuren breed.     

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.     

Correlation between leukocytosis and necropsy findings in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 34 cases (1994-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether severity of leukocytosis correlates with severity of postmortem lesions in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs with IMHA that had CBC performed within 48 hours prior to death and complete necropsy examinations. PROCEDURE: Dogs were independently assigned to 4 leukocytosis groups (within reference range; mild leukocytosis, moderate leukocytosis, marked leukocytosis) and 3 lesion severity groups (mild lesions, moderate lesions, severe lesions). RESULTS: Moderate to marked leukocytosis correlated with moderate to severe postmortem lesions. Ischemic necrosis within liver, kidney, heart, lung, and spleen attributable to thromboembolic disease or anemic hypoxia were the most common important lesions found at necropsy. None of the dogs with mild lesions had moderate or marked leukocytosis. Four of 14 severely affected dogs had WBC counts within reference range, but all 4 had neutrophilic left shifts. Three of these 4 dogs had toxic change in neutrophils. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Moderate to marked leukocytosis, neutrophilic left shift, and toxic change in neutrophils in dogs with IMHA should alert clinicians to the potential for moderate to severe tissue injury, which could complicate treatment and worsen prognosis. Lesions appear to be secondary to anemic hypoxia, thromboembolic disease, or both; therefore, treatment objectives should focus on improving blood oxygen-carrying capacity and monitoring for thromboembolic disease.     

Hematology of the Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) and the southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis)

Turtle populations are decreasing dramatically due to habitat loss and collection for the food and pet market. This study sought to determine hematologic values in two species of turtles to help assess health status of captive and wild populations. Blood samples were collected from 12 individuals of the Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) and seven individuals of the southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) from the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (South Carolina, USA). The hematologic data included hematocrit, total solids, erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, and differential and percentage leukocyte counts. Low hematocrit values and high basophil counts were found in both species. The basophil was the most abundant leukocyte in the Pascagoula map turtle (median = 0.80 x 10(9)/L), whereas in the Southeast Asian box turtle the most abundant leukocyte was the heterophil (median = 2.06 x 10(9)/L).     

Cytosine Arabinoside as a Single Agent for the Induction of Remission in Canine Lymphoma

Cytosine arabinoside (AraC) was administered as a continuous IV infusion to 15 dogs with malignant lymphoma at a dose of 300 mg/m²/d for 2 consecutive days. Dogs were re-examined 7 d after treatment for response to therapy and for hematologic toxicity. Regardless of response, all dogs were started on combination chemotherapy at this time. Other toxicities were reported by owners. No dog responded objectively to Ara-C treatment, although 1 dog with circulating lymphoblasts had partial regression of lymphadenopathy but persistent blastemia. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 200,000/μL) 7 days posttreatment was the most commonly encountered hematologic toxicity, occurring in 10 of 14 dogs. Three of these 10 dogs were also mildly neutropenic (neutrophil counts of 2000 to 3000 cell/μL). Nonhematologic toxicity occurred in 8 of 15 dogs and was principally gastrointestinal in nature and mild in severity. Cytosine arabinoside at a dose of 300 mg/m²/day was not considered an active drug for the induction of remission in dogs with lymphoma.     

Comparison of white blood cell differential percentages determined by the in-house LaserCyte hematology analyzer and a manual method

BACKGROUND: The LaserCyte hematology analyzer (IDEXX Laboratories, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks, UK) is the first in-house laser-based single channel flow cytometer designed specifically for veterinary practice. The instrument provides a full hematologic analysis including a 5-part WBC differential (LC-diff%). We are unaware of published studies comparing LC-diff% results to those determined by other methods used in practice. OBJECTIVE: To compare LC-diff% results to those obtained by a manual differential cell count (M-diff%). METHODS: Eighty-six venous blood samples from 44 dogs and 42 cats were collected into EDTA tubes at the Forest Veterinary Centre (Epping, UK). Samples were analyzed using the LaserCyte within 1 hour of collection. Unstained blood smears were then posted to Langford Veterinary Diagnostics, University of Bristol, and stained with modified Wright's stain. One hundred-cell manual differential counts were performed by 2 technicians and the mean percentage was calculated for each cell type. Data (LC-diff% vs M-diff%) were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Deming regression, and Bland-Altman difference plots. RESULTS: Significant differences between methods were found for neutrophil and monocyte percentages in samples from dogs and cats and for eosinophil percentage in samples from cats. Correlations (r) (canine/feline) were .55/.72 for neutrophils, .76/.69 for lymphocytes, .05/.29 for monocytes and .60/.82 for eosinophils. Agreement between LC-diff% and Mdiff% results was poor in samples from both species. Bland-Altman plots revealed outliers in samples with atypical WBCs (1 cat), leukocytosis (2 dogs, 9 cats), and leukopenia (16 dogs, 11 cats). The LaserCyte generated error flags in 28 of 86 (32.6%) samples, included 7 with leukopenia, 8 with lymphopenia, 7 with leukocytosis, 1 with anemia, and 1 with erythrocytosis. When results from these 28 samples were excluded, correlations from the remaining nonflagged results (canine/feline) were .63/.65 for neutrophils, .67/.65 for lymphocytes, .11/.33 for monocytes, and .63/.82 for eosinophils. CONCLUSION: Although use of a 100-cell (vs 200-cell) M-diff% may be a limitation of our study, good correlation between WBC differentials obtained using the LaserCyte and the manual method was achieved only for feline eosinophils.     

C-reactive protein concentration in dogs with various diseases

To investigate the clinical utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) determination in dogs, its plasma concentration was measured by a laser nephelometric method in 928 dogs with various diseases, and was compared with other inflammatory parameters. CRP concentration was elevated in various inflammatory diseases, this was most frequently observed in cases with neoplastic and immune-mediated diseases. All cases of pyometra, panniculitis, acute pancreatitis, polyarthritis, and hemangiosarcoma showed significantly elevated CRP concentrations. On the other hand, the CRP concentration was elevated only in few cases of neurological diseases such as epilepsy, meningoencephalitis, and hydrocephalus and endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, and diabetes mellitus. Only a weak correlation was observed between the CRP concentration and white blood cell (WBC) counts (r=0.44) but no correlation with band neutrophil counts. There was no correlation between the CRP and albumin concentrations, but a weak negative correlation (r=-0.40) when excluding chronic intestinal diseases and nephrotic syndrome, which can cause protein loss. Thus, CRP can be useful to detect inflammations that cannot be detected by WBC and, or band neutrophil counts, suggesting that the examination of CRP concentration is essential as routine diagnostic test.     

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.     

A retrospective study of canine pancytopenia

To better define the incidence and causes of canine pancytopenia, we retrospectively evaluated the results of complete blood counts submitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a 1-year period. Pancytopenia was defined as packed cell volume < 36%, total leukocyte count < 6,000/microliter or total segmented neutrophil count < 3,000/microliter, and platelet count < 200,000/microliter. Of 4,560 complete blood counts, 110 (2.4%) samples from 51 dogs met the criteria for pancytopenia. Eleven different disease processes were identified. These included chemotherapy-associated pancytopenia (n=22), parvovirus infection (n=5), malignant histiocytosis (n=5), idiopathic aplastic anemia (n=3), sepsis (n=3), myelodysplastic syndrome (n=3), immune-mediated hematologic disease (n=3), lymphoblastic leukemia (n=2), ehrlichiosis (n=2), estrogen toxicity (n=2), and multiple myeloma (n=1). Malignant histiocytosis and idiopathic aplastic anemia occurred more frequently than was expected. Doxoruicin was the chemotherapeutic agent associated with pancytopenia. Hematologic recovery and patient survival time varied with the cause of pancytopenia; therefore, a specific diagnosis was essential for establishing prognosis. Differentiation among causes of pancytopenia requires a systemic approach that includes elimination of infectious and drug-induced causes, and examination of bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy specimens.     

Analysis of risk factors associated with recurrence of canine babesiosis caused by Babesia gibsoni

Canine babesiosis due to Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) displays severe clinical manifestations. Recurrence of babesiosis after anti-babesial treatment is observable in over 10 % of the patients. The present study ascertains the risk factors and cumulative incidence of recurrence of canine babesiosis. For a sample of 145 dogs diagnosed with acute babesiosis, the following parameters were assessed over a period of 16 weeks: haematological parameters, status of anaemia, platelet count, total WBC count, haemoglobin concentration and RBC count, concurrent haemoparasitism, and secondary immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). Patient demographics such as age, breed, sex were also recorded. The potential risk factors were statistically evaluated by the cumulative incidence function and the Kaplan-Meier method. The recurrent infections were observed in 11.8 % of the study sample. The following factors were found to associate with increased risk of recurrence: Rottweiler breed (CIR 21.8 % ± 6.9 %; p < 0.05), secondary IMHA (CIR 28.7 % ± 11.3 %; p < 0.05), RBC counts < 2 × 10⁶/μl on the day of diagnosis (CIR 16 % ± 4.6 %; p < 0.05), and persistent anaemia over 20 days post treatment (CIR 29.14 ± 7.9 %; p < 0.001). Dogs with concurrent haemoparasitic infections were predicted to have a fatal outcome in the survival analysis (disease related mortalities 25 % ± 13 %; p < 0.001). According to the findings, veterinarians need to pay attention to Rottweiler breed, dogs with secondary IMHA, concurrent haemoparasitism, low RBC counts on diagnosis and those with persistent anaemia to reduce the risk of relapse.     

Disease features in horses with induced equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever)

Fifty-five horses were inoculated IV and/or SC with materials containing Ehrlichia risticii, ie, infected whole blood, buffy coat cells, or cell culture, to study clinical and hematologic features of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever). Major clinical and hematologic features of induced E risticii infection were biphasic increase in rectal temperature with peak increases of 38.9 C and 39.3 C on postinoculation days (PID) 5 and 12, respectively; depression; anorexia; decreased WBC count (maximal decrease of 47% on PID 12); and diarrhea from PID 14 to PID 18. Increased WBC count was an inconsistent feature, with a maximal increase of 51.5% on PID 20. During times of decreased and increased WBC counts, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios remained fairly constant. However, not all horses had all clinical and hematologic features, and these features were present in different degrees among horses. Increased rectal temperature, depression, anorexia, and decreased WBC count were more consistent features, whereas diarrhea developed in 73% of the horses. Of 55 horses, 39 (71%) had all clinical and hematologic features of the disease (classic disease), whereas 16 (29%) horses did not have greater than or equal to 1 of these features (nonclassic disease). The E risticii titer in the blood (ehrlichemia) was maximum during the peak increase in rectal temperature. In 55 horses, mortality was 9%. Significant differences (P greater than 0.5) in clinical and hematologic features were not detected between horses that survived and those that died of E risticii infection.     

Investigation of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren dogs

BACKGROUND: Physiologic leukopenia in Tervuren dogs was reported in North America with a higher frequency in aged Tervurens. If not recognized, physiologic leukopenia can provoke unnecessary clinical investigations. HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective was to compare Tervurens and control dogs in Belgium with respect to the numbers of dogs with physiologic leukopenia. The secondary objectives were to compare Tervurens with control dogs and age classes within Tervurens and controls for parameters related to physiologic leukopenia. ANIMALS: Tervurens (n = 94) and control dogs (n = 48, maximum of 5 dogs per breed and 5 mixed breed dogs) were entered into the study. Dogs were 1-11 years old and healthy on routine physical examination. Dogs had no history of disease or drug administration in the previous 2 months. METHODS: Hematologic analyses were performed by an automated device within 30 hours of sampling. Blood smears were evaluated for cellular morphologic anomalies. RESULTS: Only 1 of the 94 Tervuren dogs had physiologic leukopenia (1.06%; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-5.22). Furthermore, the white blood cell (WBC) count in Tervuren dogs (median, 10.00 x 109/L; range, 5.90-20.80) was not significantly different (P = .55) from that of control dogs (median, 9.75 x 109/L; range, 5.20-20.90). The WBC count decreased significantly (P < .001) with age in Tervuren dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Physiologic leukopenia is uncommon in the Belgian Tervuren dog. Differences with earlier data published in North America might be due to genetic or environmental differences.     

Evaluation of the ADVIA 120 for analysis of canine cerebrospinal fluid

BACKGROUND: Conventional techniques for canine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis require large sample volumes and are labor intensive and subject to operator variability. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ADVIA120 CSF assay for analysis of canine CSF samples. METHODS: CSF samples collected from 36 healthy control dogs and 17 dogs with neurologic disease were processed in parallel using the automated assay and established manual methods using a hemocytometer and cytocentrifugation. Results for WBC (total nucleated cell) count, RBC count, and differential nucleated cell percentages were compared using Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman bias plots. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients for WBC and RBC counts were 0.57 and 0.83 for controls, and 0.92 and 0.94 for ill dogs, respectively. Coefficients for the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were 0.53, 0.26, and 0.12 for controls and 0.77, 0.92, and 0.70 for dogs with neurologic disease. When data were combined (n=53), correlation coefficients were 0.86 and 0.91 for WBC and RBC counts, and 0.63, 0.43, and 0.30 for neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte percentages. A 9.5% positive bias and 7.0% negative bias were obtained for the ADVIA 120 CSF assay for lymphocytes and macrophages in dogs with neurologic disease with Bland-Altman analysis. A 12.2% positive bias was found for lymphocyte percentage in dogs with neurologic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Manual and automated CSF assays had moderate to excellent correlation for WBC and RBC concentrations, but results were more variable for differential cell percentages. The ADVIA assay may be more useful for assessment of canine CSF with adjustment of cell differentiation algorithms.