Myopathy and alterations in serum 3-methylhistidine in dogs with liver disease

Liver disease can influence the metabolism of various other organs. Regarding the influence of liver diseases on muscles, only a few studies done on people exist. The goal of our study was to investigate the influence of liver diseases on muscles in dogs. Twenty-eight dogs with different liver diseases were investigated in this study. The diagnosis of muscle alteration was based on electromyography (EMG), creatine kinase serum activity, 3-methylhistidine serum concentration and a muscle biopsy in some cases. Our results suggest that liver diseases in dogs can be accompanied with muscle alteration. 3-Methylhistidine serum concentration as a new parameter for muscle destruction in dogs was significantly increased compared to clinical healthy dogs and was comparable to those concentrations in dogs with histologically confirmed myopathy of different types. The differentiation of the liver diseases into severe hepatitis, moderate hepatitis and liver tumours showed a significant elevation of 3-methylhistidine serum concentration in cases of liver tumours (P=0.03) and a tendency in cases of severe hepatitis (P=0.07). Based on our study we can conclude that liver diseases have an influence on muscles in dogs and 3-methylhistidine could be a useful parameter for muscle destruction.     

Factitious Hyperkalemia in Dogs With Thrombocytosis

To determine the effect of platelet count on the accurate assessment of serum electrolyte concentrations, simultaneous platelet counts and electrolyte determinations were performed on serum and plasma from 40 dogs. Dogs were grouped according to platelet count as follows: thrombocytopenic (less than 150,000/microliters), normal (150,000 to 600,000/microliters), or thrombocytotic (greater than 600,000/microliters). Serum potassium concentration was significantly higher than plasma potassium concentration in normal dogs (mean difference, 0.63 +/- 0.17 mEq/l) and in dogs with thrombocytosis (mean difference, 1.55 +/- 0.73 mEq/l). This difference in potassium concentration between serum and plasma was positively correlated with platelet count (r2 = 0.86). In the blood of dogs with thrombocytosis, the serum-plasma potassium difference was further increased when the time period between blood collection and separation of serum or plasma from cells was lengthened. Differences between serum and plasma concentrations of sodium or chloride were not seen in any platelet group. These results suggest that a portion of the measured serum potassium concentration is released from platelets during the clotting process. In fact, profound elevations in serum potassium concentrations can occur factitiously in dogs with thrombocytosis. Therefore, the actual concentration of potassium in blood is determined more accurately by measuring the plasma concentration rather than the serum concentration of this electrolyte.     

Circulating autoantibodies in dogs with chronic liver disease

Circulating autoantibodies are important diagnostic markers in human liver disease. Antinuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies and liver membrane antibodies are characteristic of human autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, while antimitochondrial antibodies are most frequently found in primary biliary cirrhosis. The role of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis and course of these diseases is not known, but they are routinely measured in order to discriminate between different liver diseases. This, in turn, helps to predict the response to different kinds of treatment. The present study reports the occurrence of circulating autoantibodies in sera of dogs with different forms of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, and in dogs with other liver diseases, such as acute hepatitis, liver degeneration and tumours. The results indicate several differences compared to the autoantibody patterns in human liver disease.     

Thrombocytosis in 24 Horses (1989–1994)

The records of horses presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1, 1989 and April 30, 1994 were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytosis. Of the 2,346 horses for which a CBC was performed, 24 (1.0%) had a platelet count > 400,000/μL. Demographic, diagnostic, physical examination, and clinicopathologic variables from these cases were compared with a reference population consisting of 189 horses with a normal platelet count presenting during the same period. Infectious/inflammatory disorders were observed more commonly in horses with high platelet counts than in horses with normal platelet counts. Initial independent evaluation of demographic variables revealed that horses more than 3 years of age, females, and geldings were less likely to have thrombocytosis than were younger horses or stallions. Independent analysis of clinicopathologic variables revealed that horses with thrombocytosis were more likely to have hyper-fibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and anemia than were horses with normal platelet counts. Physical examination parameters associated with thrombocytosis included tachycardia and pyrexia. In the final multivariable model, the variables with the strongest association with thrombocytosis included leukocytosis, anemia, and hyper-fibrinogenemia. Thrombocytosis rarely causes clinical problems in horses and is not likely to require specific antiplatelet therapy. The strong association of thrombocytosis with infectious/inflammatory disorders, however, should lead clinicians to suspect these types of conditions in horses with high platelet counts.     

Comparison of manual and automated methods for determining platelet counts in dogs with macrothrombocytopenia.

Platelet counts were performed in 43 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS, a breed predisposed to macrothrombocytopenia) and in 10 control dogs using 3 automated systems and 3 manual methods (erythrocyte-lysing agents + counting chamber or evaluation of blood smear). Good correlations were found between platelet counts using all methods (all P < 0.0001; R2 = 0.71-0.85). Best correlations were found between the manual methods. Significantly larger platelets were found in CKCS with platelet count < or = 100,000/microl when compared with control dogs and CKCS with platelet count > 100,000/microl (both P < 0.0001). All platelet counts--except when made with the 2 counting chamber methods--were underestimated at platelet counts < or = 100,000/microl.     

Correlation of spurious potassium elevation and platelet count in dogs

Paired serum and plasma electrolyte determinations were measured on 26 dogs. The difference between plasma and serum electrolyte concentrations was compared to the platelet and leukocyte counts. An increase in serum potassium concentration over plasma potassium concentration was found which correlated linearly with the platelet count. No correlation with white cell count was found. A statistically significant increase in serum sodium concentration over plasma sodium concentration was also noted, however, this change did not correlate with the number of platelets or white cells. It is concluded that thrombocytosis, previously known to cause spurious elevation in serum potassium concentration in humans, can also do so in dogs and, presumably, other species.     

Detection of Antiplatelet Antibody With a Platelet Immunofluorescence Assay

An indirect platelet immunofluorescence assay (PIFA) was developed for detection of circulating antiplatelet antibody in dogs with suspected immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). The PIFA was performed on 10 healthy dogs with normal platelet counts; 76 thrombocytopenic dogs, 20 of which were suspected of having ITP; and 18 dogs with other diseases and normal platelet counts. All normal dogs had negative test results. Fourteen (70%) of 20 dogs suspected of having ITP had positive test results. Fifteen of the remaining 56 thrombocytopenic dogs had positive test results, 9 had cancer and 6 had other immune-mediated diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, the PIFA assay seemed to be more sensitive (70%) than the megakaryocyte immunofluorescence assay (41 %) in the diagnosis of ITP. Of the 9 PIFA-positive dogs with neoplasia, 6 had lymphoproliferative disorders. The PI FA was positive in 5 of 18 diseased dogs with normal platelet counts. There was an inverse relationship between the platelet count and the intensity of fluorescence in the PIFA-positive dogs. We conclude that the PIFA is a sensitive screening method for detecting circulating antiplatelet antibody.     

Influence of a cyclic combination chemotherapeutic protocol on primary haemostasis in dogs suffering from malignant lymphoma

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cyclic combination chemotherapy on primary haemostasis in dogs with malignant lymphoma. Seventeen dogs receiving cytostatic treatment for high-grade lymphoma were included in the study. The dogs were treated with a Madison–Wisconsin derived protocol, which included asparaginase, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone. At different time points during the first 4 weeks of induction, platelet count, capillary bleeding time, analysis of the platelet function using the platelet function analyser PFA-100, and platelet aggregation by the Born-method were measured.The most obvious changes were found for median values of the platelet count, which increased significantly from 210,000/μL before induction to 349,000/μL during the second week of induction (P = 0.0010). Median platelet count subsequently decreased by the fourth week of treatment (Friedman-test: P < 0.0001). None of the parameters of platelet function (capillary bleeding time, automatic platelet function analysis, aggregation maximum) showed significant changes with time (P > 0.05, Friedman-test). The results did not suggest that significant platelet dysfunction was induced by the chemotherapeutic protocol used in the study.     

Plateletcrit is superior to platelet count for assessing platelet status in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Background: Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs are affected by an autosomal recessive dysplasia of platelets resulting in fewer but larger platelets. The IDEXX Vet Autoread (QBC) hematology analyzer directly measures the relative volume of platelets in a blood sample (plateletcrit). We hypothesized that CKCS both with and without hereditary macrothrombocytosis would have a normal plateletcrit and that the QBC results would better identify the total circulating volume of platelets in CKSC than methods directly enumerating platelet numbers.
Objectives: The major purpose of this study was to compare the QBC platelet results with platelet counts from other automated and manual methods for evaluating platelet status in CKCS dogs.
Methods: Platelet counts were determined in fresh EDTA blood from 27 adult CKCS dogs using the QBC, Sysmex XT-2000iV (optical and impedance), CELL-DYN 3500, blood smear estimate, and manual methods. Sysmex optical platelet counts were reanalyzed following gating to determine the number and percentage of normal- and large-sized platelets in each blood sample.
Results: None of the 27 CKCS dogs had thrombocytopenia (defined as <164 × 10⁹ platelets/L) based on the QBC platelet count. Fourteen (52%) to 18 (66%) of the dogs had thrombocytopenia with other methods. The percentage of large platelets, as determined by regating the Sysmex optical platelet counts, ranged from 1% to 75%, in a gradual continuum.
Conclusions: The QBC may be the best analyzer for assessing clinically relevant thrombocytopenia in CKCS dogs, because its platelet count is based on the plateletcrit, a measurement of platelet mass.     

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.     

A comparison of platelet parameters in EDTA- and citrate-anticoagulated blood in dogs

BACKGROUND: Platelet aggregates are a common artifact in canine blood. Aggregates may affect the accuracy of platelet counts, with important consequences for patient care. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if platelet counts in dogs were more accurate if blood was collected into citrate instead of EDTA as an anticoagulant. METHODS: Blood was collected from 50 dogs with neoplasia admitted to the oncology service at Cornell University. EDTA and citrate Vacutainer tubes were filled with blood in random order. Platelet counts and parameters (mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet distribution width [PDW], mean platelet component concentration [MPC], platelet component distribution width [PCDW], and automated platelet clump count [APCC]) were determined using an optical-based hematology analyzer (ADVIA 120). Blood smears from each anticoagulated sample were scored visually for platelet aggregates. RESULTS: The median platelet count was significantly lower (median decrease, 27 x 10(9)/L) in citrate-anticoagulated blood compared with EDTA-anticoagulated blood. This was attributed to platelet activation and aggregation: significantly more aggregates were seen in smears of citrate- than of EDTA-anticoagulated blood. Aggregates were typically small and not detected by the analyzer. Also, the MPV and MPC (or density) were significantly higher (median increase, 3 fL) and lower (median decrease, 33 g/L) in citrate-anticoagulated samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Platelets aggregate, likely from activation, when blood from dogs with neoplasia is anticoagulated with citrate for hematology testing, resulting in lower platelet counts. Citrate also yields inaccurate results for MPV and MPC, likely because of inadequate sphering of platelets. Thus, we recommend that citrate not be used as an anticoagulant when accurate platelet counts are desired in dogs.     

Clinical differentiation between dogs with benign and malignant spirocercosis

Spirocerca lupi is a nematode infesting the canine oesophagus, where it induces the formation of a nodule that may transform into a malignant sarcoma. The current, retrospective study compared the clinical presentation, haematology, serum albumin and globulin and radiology of benign cases (n=31) and malignant cases (n=31) of spirocercosis. Dogs with spirocercosis-induced sarcoma were significantly older (6.4+/-1.91 years) than benign cases (4.93+/-2.87). In the malignant cases there were significantly (p=0.03) more sterilized females (10/31) and fewer intact males (4/31) compared to 2/31 and 13/31, respectively, in the benign cases. Hypertrophic osteopathy was observed in 38.7% of malignant cases and in none of the benign cases (p=0.0002). Common clinical signs included weight loss, regurgitation, anorexia, pyrexia (T>or=39.5 degrees ), respiratory complications and salivation but did not differ in prevalence between groups. On haematology, the malignant group had significantly (p<0.05) lower haematocrit (0.34+/-0.08 vs. 0.41+/-0.07) and higher white cell count (31.6+/-27.83 vs. 17.71+/-13.18 x 10(3)microl(-1)), mature neutrophil count (26.06+/-26.08 vs. 12.23+/-9.96 x 10(3)microl(-1)) and thrombocyte count (493.15+/-151.61 vs. 313.27+/-128.54 x 10(9)microl(-1)). There were no differences in the mean corpuscular volume and immature neutrophil count. On radiology, the mass length was not significantly different, but the height and the width of the malignant masses were significantly larger (62.59+/-15.15 mm and 73.93+/-20.94 mm) compared to the benign group (46.43+/-23.62 and 49.29+/-25.56, respectively). Spondylitis was more prevalent in the malignant group (67.86% vs. 38.46%, p=0.03). Examining secondary pulmonary changes revealed significantly higher prevalence of bronchial displacement in the malignant group (52% vs. 17%, p=0.008). Hypertrophic osteopathy appeared to be a very specific but relatively rare (poor sensitivity) marker of malignancy. Female gender, anaemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, spondylitis and bronchial displacement are significantly more common in malignant cases, but appear in benign cases as well. However, if found together in a specific case, they should increase the index of suspicion for malignancy in a diagnosed spirocercosis case.     

A case-controlled retrospective study of the causes and implications of moderate to severe leukocytosis in dogs in South Africa

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that dogs with extreme leukocytosis had specific types of diseases, long hospitalization times, and high mortality rates. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether dogs with moderate to severe leukocytosis are likely to have similar results compared with age-matched control dogs. METHODS: Records at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, were examined retrospectively from dogs with > or =35 x 10(9) WBC/L (Leukocytosis Group) and dogs with < or =30 x 10(9) WBC/L and < or =0.5 x 10(9) band neutrophils/L (Control Group). Hematologic and serum protein data, final diagnosis, and effect of glucocorticoid treatment were compared between groups. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two dogs were included in the Leukocytosis Group and 179 in the Control Group. Compared with dogs in the Control Group, significantly more dogs in the Leukocytosis Group had infections, babesiosis, immune-mediated hematologic disease, and necrosis. Hospitalization time and neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were significantly higher and HCT, eosinophil count, platelet count, and serum albumin concentration were lower in dogs in the Leukocytosis Group (P<.0001). There was no difference in leukocyte counts between glucocorticoid-treated and non-glucocorticoid-treated dogs. Survival did not differ between Leukocytosis and Control Groups; however, a significant relationship was found between total neutrophil (mature+band) count and survival (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with leukocytosis of > or =35 x 10(9)/L are more likely to have bacterial and fungal infections, complicated babesiosis, immune-mediated hematologic disease, and necrosis. The total neutrophil count has a significant impact on outcome.     

Effects of DDAVP administrated subcutaneously in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and hemostatic impairment due to chronic liver diseases

To evaluate the hemostatic effects of desmopressin (DDAVP) in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and hemostatic impairment in chronic liver diseases, 3 microg/kg DDAVP was administrated subcutaneously. In aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction dogs (n=5), prolonged BMBT (buccal mucosal bleeding time) was shortened significantly after DDAVP injection (2.2 +/- 1.2 min, P<0.05). In dogs with chronic liver diseases (n=4), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tended to shorten by 0.9 to 3.0 sec, and prolonged BMBT was shortened in two cases for 4.2 and 1.7 min after DDAVP injection. Therefore, the present results indicated that DDAVP shortened the prolonged BMBT in dogs with aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction and chronic liver disease. DDAVP might be helpful in hemostasis under invasive procedures such as biopsy or surgery for dogs with hemostatic impairment.     

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour: Asessment of Mast Cell Numbers as Indicators of the Growth Phase

Mast cells are immune cells that are involved mainly in type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, and they have been implicated in tumour angiogenesis. In this study we assessed the presence of mast cell numbers and microvessel density during the progression and regression stages of natural spontaneous canine transmissible venereal tumours (CTVT). Mast cells were demonstrated by histochemical staining with toluidine blue, alcian blue and safranin O. Microvessel counts were demonstrated by immunohistochemical labelling with an antibody against the endothelial cell marker factor VIII. Mitotic cells, apoptotic cells and tumour infiltrating lymphocytes were counted from haematoxylin–eosin-stained sections. Tumour fibrosis was evaluated on Masson's trichome-stained sections. The results showed that progressing tumours had significantly higher mast cell counts and microvessel counts at the invasive edges of the tumours than did regressing tumours. In both the progressing and regressing tumours, microvessel counts were significantly positively correlated with mast cell counts. Regressing tumours had significantly higher mast cell counts of the whole tumour than progressing tumours. The results also showed that progressing tumours had significantly higher mitotic rate than regressing tumours, and fibrosis and apoptosis were significantly higher in regressing tumours than progressing tumours. There were no significant differences between the biochemical and haematological values of dogs with progressing and regressing tumours. These results suggests that mast cells play a role in CTVT progression probably by promoting vascularization at the invasion front during the progression phase, and that mast cell count could be used as one of the histological factors to indicate growth stage of CTVT.     

Radiophosphorus (32P) treatment of bone marrow disorders in dogs: 11 cases (1970-1987)

Between March 1970 and February 1987, radiophosphorus (32P) was used to treat bone marrow disorders in 6 dogs; 4 had polycythemia vera and 2 had essential thrombocythemia. Activities of 32P given initially ranged from 2.4 to 3.3 mCi/m2. Four dogs responded well to 32P treatment, with gradual resolution of high RBC or platelet counts. Two of these dogs died of intercurrent disease unrelated to their bone marrow disorder, before blood counts could be stabilized. Two dogs did not respond to the initial 32P treatment nor to additional treatments with 32P, and had clinical signs and blood counts stabilized by use of phlebotomy or chemotherapeutic agents. We reviewed and analyzed 5 other cases of bone marrow disorders in dogs treated with 32P and included the findings from their records with the records of our 6 dogs in this retrospective analysis. Of the 8 dogs with polycythemia vera treated with 32P, 5 were given a single treatment that controlled clinical signs and blood counts for the remainder of the follow-up period. Of the 3 dogs treated for thrombocytosis with 32P, 2 had blood counts that responded to a single treatment.     

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic idiopathic macrothrombocytopenia in the population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) in New South Wales (NSW) and to determine if it exhibits an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. We also aimed to determine if significant differences existed when counting platelets manually, by auto analyser or by blood smear estimation in CKCS and mixed breed dogs. METHODS: Blood was collected from 172 dogs (152 CKCS and 20 mixed breed) and placed into sodium-citrate anticoagulant. Platelet counts were performed manually, by auto analyser and by blood smear estimates in CKCS and mixed breed dogs. Blood smears were also examined for platelet clumping and erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet morphology. Pedigree analysis was performed to determine if an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern was supported. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in platelet counts between CKCS and mixed breed dogs (P < 0.0001). CKCS had a platelet count that was 32% that of the controls (95% confidence interval, 28 to 37%). There was no significant difference between methods used to count platelets. Thirty percent of CKCS had macrothrombocytes. Pedigree analysis and examination of obtained and expected segregation ratios from 17 CKCS families supported an autosomal recessive pattern of Mendelian inheritance. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of idiopathic macrothrombocytopenia exists in CKCS in NSW and automated or blood smear estimates are sufficient to count platelet numbers. Data supports an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.     

Coagulation profiles in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts before and after surgical attenuation

BACKGROUND: Serious postoperative hemorrhage has been reported in dogs after closure of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPS). HYPOTHESIS: In dogs with portosystemic shunting, low coagulation factor activity is responsible for coagulopathy, which can cause complications after surgery. ANIMALS: Thirty-four dogs with CPS and 39 healthy dogs. METHODS: In a prospective study, coagulation times, platelet count, and the activity of 8 coagulation factors were measured in dogs before and after surgical shunt attenuation and in 31 healthy dogs. The effect of abdominal surgery on hemostasis was determined at ovariectomy in 8 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Dogs with CPS had lower platelet counts, lower activity of factors II, V, VII, and X, and increased factor VIII and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) compared to healthy dogs. After surgical attenuation, dogs with CPS had decreased platelet counts and activity of factors I, II, V, VII, IX, X, and XI and a prolonged prothrombin time (PT). Ovariectomy resulted in decreased activity of factors VII and X. Six weeks after surgery, portosystemic shunting persisted in 9 of 30 dogs, with no improvement of hemostatic values. CPS dogs without shunting had improved coagulation times and increased activity of factors II, V, VII, and X. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with CPS have lower activity of clotting factors compared to healthy dogs, resulting in a prolonged APTT. Surgical attenuation of the shunt results in increased abnormalities in coagulation times and factors immediately after surgery. Hemostasis is normalized after complete recovery of shunting after attenuation, in contrast to dogs with persistent shunting.     

Insulin-like growth factor I concentration in dogs with inflammatory and neoplastic liver diseases

Liver diseases are known to influence the serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in humans, but such an effect has rarely been investigated in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate serum IGF-I concentrations in dogs with primary liver diseases, in comparison with levels in healthy dogs and dogs with non-hepatic diseases. For this purpose, IGF-I serum concentrations were measured (DSL-5600 kit) in 36 dogs with various liver diseases and compared with 22 healthy controls and 20 dogs with non-hepatic diseases. The results showed that dogs with liver diseases had significantly lower IGF-I serum concentrations (P < 0.001) than clinical healthy dogs or dogs with non-hepatic diseases. But the results also indicate that the aetiology of liver disease has no influence on IGF-I serum concentration.     

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.