Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Western stock horse breeds.

BACKGROUND: Hematology is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the health status of horses. However, breed differences are often not considered. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to compare complete blood count variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses (SH). METHODS: Ninety-six healthy horses were grouped by breed (Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and SH). Samples were collected through venipuncture for complete blood count analysis. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's tests or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests were used to compare hematologic variables among groups. RESULTS: Warmbloods had a significantly lower total white blood cell (WBC) count (6.08 ± 1.11 × 109/L) and lymphocyte count (1.76 ± 0.41 × 109/L) than Thoroughbreds (7.28 ± 1.45; 2.28 ± 5.16 × 109/L, respectively; P < .001) and SH (7.21 ± 1.18 × 109/L, P < .01; 2.10 ± 5.17 × 109/L; P < .05). Warmbloods had a significantly lower red blood cell count (7.7 ± 0.8 × 1012/L) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 49.4 ± 2.2 fL) than Thoroughbreds (8.42 ± 1.2 × 1012/L, P < .01; 47.3 ± 3.0 fL). Warmbloods had lower MCVs than SH (49.4 ± 2.2 vs 51.2 ± 2.6 fL). The mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher in Warmbloods (35.0, 33.8-36.2 g/dL) and Thoroughbreds (34.9, 33.4-35.7 g/dL) than in SH breeds (34.0, 33.4-35.4 g/dL; P < .001, both). Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in Thoroughbreds (67, 59-80 g/L) compared with SH (71, 64-83 g/dL) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Warmbloods had decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts compared with Thoroughbreds and SH, and Thoroughbreds had increased red blood cell counts. Thoroughbreds had lower total protein concentrations than SH. Clinicians should consider breed differences when interpreting hematologic values.

Photoperiod manipulation improves growth performance, haematological indices and economic returns of Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794).

Photoperiod manipulation is emerging as an effective approach for regulating physiological functions in fish. This study aimed to assess the impact of photoperiod on the growth performance, haematological responses, and economic returns of the endangered and highly valued Indian butter catfish, Ompok bimaculatus. Fish with an average body weight of 28.60 ± 4.78 g were randomly placed in six FRP tanks, each measuring 120 × 45 × 60 cm3. Each tank contained 20 fish exposed to a light intensity of 1500 lx under different photoperiods [24:0 light: dark (L: D), 15 L: 9D, 12 L: 12D, 9 L: 15D, 0 L: 24D and a natural photoperiod (control)], and fed at a daily rate of 2% of their body weight twice daily for 60 days. The fish in the 15 L: 9D photoperiod exhibited the highest final weight (g), percentage weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate, while the lowest was displayed in 24 L: 0D photoperiod group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was at its lowest in the catfish subjected to the 15 L: 9D photoperiod. Regarding haematological parameters, the 15 L: 9D photoperiod group showed higher total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin levels, and haematocrit values compared to the other groups. Conversely, the 0 L: 24D group, which experienced prolonged darkness, exhibited the lowest values in these parameters. Moreover, the 24 L: 0D, 9 L: 15D, and 0 L: 24D groups displayed a lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) but higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) when compared to the control group. The economic analysis revealed that O. bimaculatus reared in a moderate photoperiod (15 L: 9D) displayed better growth, feed utilization, and overall health. This finding suggests that adopting a 15 L: 9D photoperiod can lead to enhanced production and improved economic returns for farmers culturing this high-value catfish in the future.

Development of reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a Thai rehabilitation centre.

No reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of sea turtles in Thailand exists to assist veterinarians who are responsible for sea turtle health management and treatment. This study determined serum biochemistry and basic haematology of healthy juvenile green sea turtles (n = 92) in captivity in Thailand following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP), Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee (QALS) guidelines for the determination of reference intervals in veterinary species. Biochemistry tests, including blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were analysed using an IDEXX VetTest Chemistry Analyzer. Haematology parameters were measured manually using a microhaematocrit for packed cell volume (PCV), Neubauer counting chamber for red blood cell count and cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration. mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were calculated using the PCV, red blood cell count and haemoglobin. Turtles in this study were found to have higher mean values for PCV (28.70%), haemoglobin (92.13 g/L), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (327.03 g/L), uric acid (247.15 µmol/L), alanine aminotransferase (16.53 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (209.44 IU/L), and alkaline phosphatase (245.08 IU/L) compared to sea turtles in Brazil. The reference intervals established using high numbers of healthy turtles in this study will assist veterinarians with diagnostic and treatment decisions when evaluating laboratory results for juvenile green sea turtles.

Platelet count and MCHC as independent prognostic markers for feline mammary carcinomas.

Mammary neoplasms are common in felines species and represent a significant disease for its unfavorable prognosis. Changes in the blood count and serum biochemical profile of these patients have potential as non-invasive prognostic markers prior to mastectomy, however, they are poorly described in literature. In this study univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using these factors to determine the effect of each parameter on the one-year survival time after the surgical procedure in these animals. The median overall survival (OS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) were 365 and 242 days, respectively. In univariate analysis, values within the reference range of monocyte, platelet and creatinine counts were identified as significant prognostic factors for OS and only creatinine was significant for DFS (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, platelets and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) remained independent prognostic factors for OS. The results presented suggest that monocytes, platelets and creatinine may be important non-invasive pre-surgical prognostic markers, and that platelet count and MCHC are independent prognostic markers for feline mammary carcinomas (FMC). The correlation between such alterations is of important relevance for veterinary oncology, and prospective studies are needed to validate their clinical use and that platelet count and MCHC are independent prognostic markers for FMC. The results found in this study can also be studied in human medicine, regarding blood markers in human breast cancer (HBC).

Reference intervals for reticulocyte indices, immature reticulocyte fraction, and the percentage of hypochromic red blood cells in adult large breed dogs using the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer.

Reticulocyte indices are used to characterize anemia, including the identification of regeneration. In people, the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%HYPO-RBC), and other reticulocyte indices have been used as earlier indicators of erythropoiesis and as valuable monitoring tools in the assessment of various therapies. The reference intervals (RI) of the IRF and %HYPO-RBC have not been reported in dogs. The objective of this study was to establish RIs for novel variables (IRF, %HYPO-RBC, and CH-delta) and assess RIs for more commonly reported reticulocyte indices in healthy dogs. RIs were calculated from blood results retrospectively collected from 106 client-owned healthy dogs at the time of induction into a blood donor program using the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics). For the calculation of RIs, appropriate tests were applied for outlier detection and normality assessment. For variables normally distributed, RIs and their respective 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using parametric methods, while for variables not normally distributed, robust methods were used and bootstrapping for calculating the 90% CIs. The following RIs were established: reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) 24.5-28 pg, mean reticulocyte volume (MCVr) 85.9-99.3 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of reticulocytes (CHCMr) 271.0-306.3 g/L, IRF 10.4%-43.5%, CH-delta 0.5-4.3 pg, and percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%HYPO-RBC) 0.10%-0.80%. The results of this study provide RIs for novel reticulocyte variables. Further studies are required to determine the clinical utility of IRF, %HYPO-RBC, and CH delta as early indicators of erythropoietic activity in canine patients.

Haematological values in cattle reared in humid and subhumid tropics of Mexico.

The objective of this study was to determine some factors that influence the haematological values of cattle reared in the humid and subhumid tropics of Mexico. Whole blood samples were taken from 1355 crossbred cattle in the years 2017 to 2019. Haematocrit (HTC, %), total plasma protein (TPP, g/dL) and peripheral eosinophils count (PEOS, × 103/µL) were determined manually, and the main haematological variables were recorded with an automatic analyser. The statistical analysis considered as classification variables age, sex, season (cold, dry and rainy), year (2017, 2018 and 2019) and origin of the cattle. The mean of the haematological parameters was determined along with the confidence limits (CL) of the different categories of animals according to age. Calves younger than 1-year-old presented higher levels of HTC, red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelet number (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC) and lymphocyte count (LYMF) than animals older than 2 years of age. However, they showed the lowest mean cell volume (MCV) and TPP values. In cows, the highest levels of PEOS, granulocytes (GRAN), MCV and medium cells (MID) were observed and the lowest HTC, RBC, RDW and WBC levels. Intervals were determined with the 1st quartile (Q1) or lower confidence interval (90% CI) as the minimum values and the 3rd quartile (Q3) or upper confidence interval (90% CI) as the maximum values. The haematological parameters of cattle reared in the Southeast of Mexico are significantly affected by age, sex and environmental conditions.

Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio in neonatal foals with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate markers to aid diagnosis of sepsis are needed in neonatal foals. The CBC variable red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) is associated with inflammatory response and linked to poor outcomes of sepsis in human patients. HYPOTHESIS: Explore the correlation of RPR with sepsis in neonatal foals and evaluate RPR predictive and prognostic value. ANIMALS: Three hundred seventeen hospitalized neonatal foals ≤7 days of age that had a CBC and physical exam performed at admission between 2012 and 2021. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Clinical records were used to calculate sepsis scores and define groups. Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was calculated and compared between groups (septic vs nonseptic) based on Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. A multivariate logistic regression model to predict sepsis was created. The cutoff for RPR was obtained based on the maximal Youden Index. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to estimate survival curves and compare survival rates based on RPR. RESULTS: Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was significantly higher in septic foals (Median = 0.099, confidence interval [CI] [0.093; 0.108]) than in sick nonseptic (0.085, CI [0.083; 0.089]) and healthy foals (0.081, CI [0.077; 0.086]; P < .0001). Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was able to predict sepsis with high accuracy (AUC = 82.1%). The optimal RPR cutoff for sepsis was 0.09. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio calculation is practical, inexpensive, and based on CBC-derived data. Calculation of RPR along with CBC can aid in the diagnosis of sepsis and estimation of outcome.

Red cell distribution width values and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio in Thoroughbred foals in the first 24 hours of life.

OBJECTIVES: To report red cell distribution width (RDW) values, to calculate RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR), and to investigate a possible correlation of RDW and RPR index values in neonatal foals classified as healthy or at risk based on clinical information from a population of foals up to 24 hours of life. DESIGN: Retrospective study conducted from records and CBCs of foals born between June and November from 2018 to 2020 foaling seasons. SETTING: Breeding farm. ANIMALS: Three hundred and nine neonatal full-term Thoroughbred foals. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Foals were evaluated by a veterinarian within 15 minutes after birth, and a blood sample was collected within 24 hours of life. Based on clinical information, 88 of 309 foals (28.4%) were considered at risk of perinatal disease, and 201 were healthy. Mean gestational age for the foals was 346.3 ± 9.7 days. RDW values did not differ between groups. Gestational length demonstrated to have a negative correlation with RDW (r = -0.156, P = 0.005) and mean corpuscular volume (r = -0.135, P = 0.01), indicating a link of these variables to foal maturity. RPR index was higher for at-risk (0.073 ± 0.018) than for healthy foals (0.068 ± 0.014, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: RPR might be a promising early indicator of disease for the field triage of neonatal foals.

Effect of myostatin gene mutation on erythrocyte osmotic fragility, hematological parameters and fatty acid composition of serum and erythrocyte membranes in piglets.

Fatty acid composition of serum and erythrocyte membrane, erythrocyte osmotic fragility and hematological parameters were estimated with the objective of determining effects of the gene mutation in one-week-old MSTN homozygous mutant (KO, MSTN-/-), heterozygous mutant (MSTN-/+) and wild type (WT, MSTN+/+) piglets (n = 4 each). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility, complete blood count (CBC), and fatty acid composition of serum and erythrocyte membrane were determined by flow cytometric analysis, automated hematology analyzer system, and liquid chromatography, respectively. Mean of median corpuscular fragility (MCF) was lower (P < 0.05, 0.001) in KO than MSTN-/+ and WT piglets. KO piglets had decreased (P < 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte (LYM) count, platelet (PLT) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), red cell distribution width-coefficient volume (RDW-CV), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR), and an increased red blood cell (RBC) count when compared with MSTN-/+ and WT piglets. The ratios of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) to saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations in serum and erythrocyte membranes of MSTN KO piglets were 2-fold and 4-fold higher compared to WT piglets (P < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, MSTN KO piglets had a decreased erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and altered hematological profile and fatty acid composition of serum and erythrocyte membranes, as characteristic phenotype.

Effects of embryonic cadmium exposure on erythrocyte indices and morphology in newly hatched Gallus gallus domesticus chicks.

The aim of the current study was to assess the influence of embryonic exposure to cadmium on basic and derived erythrocyte indices, the morphology and morphometric properties of erythrocytes, as well as erythrocyte spectrin distribution in newly hatched Gallus gallus domesticus chicks. The eggs were injected with cadmium (Cd) at a dose of 2 µg, 4 µg, 6 µg, or 8 µg per egg on the sixth day of incubation. Blood samples were collected on the first day after hatching. Exposure to cadmium resulted in higher levels of red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit value, while derived erythrocyte indices were lower (mean corpuscular volume) or higher (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) in comparison to the control. These changes occurred in animals exposed to higher doses of this toxic agent. In cadmium-treated individuals (2 and 8 µg of Cd), the percentage of erythrocytes which exhibited changed shape increased. Increases in the length (6 and 8 µg) and width (2, 6, and 8 µg) of erythrocytes and the length and width of the nucleus (2-8 µg) of red blood cells were observed. Changes in spectrin distribution were also observed, which indicate alterations at structural and molecular levels.

Alterações no VCM e suas correlações com os valores de RDW-SD e RDW-CV em caninos e felinos / Variation in MCV and its correlation with RDW-SD and RDW-CV values in dogs and cats

A anemia é uma síndrome caracterizada pela diminuição do número de hemácias, hematócrito e/ou concentração de hemoglobina. Conforme o Volume Corpuscular Médio (VCM), as anemias podem ser classificadas em microcíticas, normocíticas ou macrocíticas. O RDW (Amplitude de Distribuição dos Eritrócitos) também é utilizado para ajudar na classificação das anemias, refletindo a anisocitose da população eritrocitária. Neste estudo retrospectivo objetivou-se determinar a correlação entre o RDW-SD (Desvio Padrão), RDW-CV (Coeficiente de Variação), macrocitose e microcitose em caninos e felinos atendidos na rotina clínica do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Luterana do Brasil. Para a realização deste estudo, selecionou-se 662 laudos de hemogramas realizados (434 caninos e 228 felinos), com faixa etária de seis meses até 10 anos, foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1 ­ Anemia microcítica (255 caninos e 61 felinos); Grupo 2 ­ Anemia macrocítica (179 caninos e 167 felinos). Posteriormente, correlacionou-se os grupos com os valores de RDW-SD e RDW-CV. As análises de correlação foram realizadas utilizando o teste Spearman, para a análise de significância foi utilizado o T Student, no programa IBM SPSS®Statistics. Na análise estatística do grupo canino, não houve correlação da microcitose com o RDW-SD, enquanto o RDW-CV apresentou uma correlação inversamente proporcional, razoável. No grupo macrocítico canino, a análise de correlação com o RDW-SD foi moderada e diretamente proporcional, e com o RDW-CV foi moderada e diretamente proporcional. No grupo felino, não houve correlação entre microcitose e RDW-SD, e com o RDW-CV houve uma correlação razoável e inversamente proporcional. Entre macrocitose em felinos e o RDW-SD houve uma correlação moderada e diretamente proporcional, já o RDW-CV apresentou uma correlação razoável e diretamente proporcional. Conclui-se que os caninos e felinos do grupo microcítico apresentam uma correlação com o RDW-CV. Contudo, os caninos com macrocitose apresentaram correlação tanto para o RDW-CV quanto para o RDW-SD, e os felinos apresentaram uma maior correlação com o RDW-SD.

Anemia is a syndrome characterized by a low red blood cell count, hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration. According to the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), anemias can be classified as microcytic, normocytic or macrocytic. The RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) is also used to help classify anemias, reflecting the anisocytosis of the erythrocyte population. This retrospective study aimed to determine the correlation between RDW-SD (Standard Deviation), RDW-CV (Coefficient of Variation), macrocytosis and microcytosis in canines and felines treated in the clinical routine of the Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Luterana do Brasil. To carry out this study, 662 blood count reports were selected (434 canines and 228 felines), aged between six months and 10 years, divided into two groups: Group 1 ­ Microcytic anemia (255 canines and 61 felines); Group 2 ­ Macrocytic anemia (179 canines and 167 felines). Subsequently, the groups were correlated with the values of RDW-SD and RDW-CV. Correlation analyzes were performed using the Spearman test, for the analysis of significance the T Student was used, in the IBM SPSS® Statistics program. In the statistical analysis of the canine group, there was no correlation between microcytosis and the RDW-SD, while the RDW-CV showed a reasonable, inversely proportional correlation. In the canine macrocytic group, correlation analysis with RDW-SD was moderate and directly proportional, and with RDW-CV it was moderate and directly proportional. In the feline group, there was no correlation between microcytosis and RDW-SD, and with RDW-CV there was a reasonable and inversely proportional correlation. There was a moderate and directly proportional correlation between macrocytosis in felines and RDW-SD, whereas RDW-CV presented a reasonable and directly proportional correlation. It is concluded that the canines and felines of the microcytic group present a correlation with the RDW-CV. However, canines with macrocytosis showed a correlation for both RDW-CV and RDW-SD, and felines showed a greater correlation with RDW-SD.

Stability of hematologic analytes in New Zealand white rabbits using an impedance-based analyzer.

BACKGROUND: The validity of hematologic data is crucial for correctly diagnosing certain conditions and providing accurate research results. However, delays in blood testing are inevitable. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether prolonged storage at different temperatures affects CBC measurand stability in rabbit whole blood using the impedance-based Scil Vet ABC hematology analyzer. METHODS: Hematologic tests were performed on whole blood samples collected from 20 New Zealand white rabbits at <1 hour post-blood collection as the baseline and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-blood collection, with aliquots stored at 21 and 4°C. CBC measurand stability was determined by comparing the obtained values at each time point to the baseline value. Statistically significant variations were compared with current quality specifications to determine if a meaningful bias existed. RESULTS: Hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration remained stable for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C. No meaningful bias was observed for mean corpuscular volume after 48 and 72 hours of storage at 4°C. Only the white blood cell count was stable for 72 hours at 21°C. The platelet count, hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume were not stable at 6 hours post-blood collection at either temperature. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the hematocrit can be tested for 72 hours in blood stored at 4°C, without a significant change from the baseline value. However, if all hematologic measurands are of interest, the immediate testing of blood samples, namely <1 hour post-blood collection, remains highly recommended.

Diagnostic value of reticulocyte indices for the assessment of the iron status of cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Reticulocyte indices have been suggested as alternatives to transferrin saturation (TSAT) for iron status assessment in humans and dogs but they have not been evaluated thoroughly in cats. OBJECTIVES: To assess the value of the reticulocyte indices for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic hematuria associated with subcutaneous ureteral bypasses (SUBs). ANIMALS: Sixty-four cats: 16 healthy, 14 CKD without SUB, and 34 CKD with SUB. METHODS: Prospective observational cross-sectional study of cats presented for routine nephrology visits. Primary outcomes included assessment of the diagnostic values of erythrocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration: MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and reticulocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume, MCVr; corpuscular hemoglobin, CHr), using TSAT as reference. RESULTS: Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 9/64 cats (14%). A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a moderate discriminatory value for CHr in this diagnosis: area under the curve [AUC] = .75 (95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.89); P = .006; sensitivity 67%, specificity 82% for a cutoff of 15.9 pg. This compared favorably to MCVr (AUC = .63; P = .29), MCV (AUC = .58; P = .45), MCH (AUC = .64; P = .19), and MCHC (AUC = .7; P = .03). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CHr added moderate value to the diagnosis of iron deficiency in cats with CKD.

Red cell distribution width, illness severity, and all-cause mortality in dogs admitted to the ICU.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict illness severity and mortality risk in a heterogenous population of dogs admitted to the ICU. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Large, urban, private teaching hospital. ANIMALS: One hundred eleven dogs consecutively admitted to the ICU between September 2017 and December 2018. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Abbreviated Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEfast ) score and RDW were measured within 6 h of ICU admission. This study did not demonstrate a significant difference in illness severity across patients stratified by RDW. There was no difference in RDW between survivors and nonsurvivors at hospital discharge or at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, RDW did not correspond with illness severity as measured by APPLEfast . Moreover, RDW did not predict in-hospital or 30-day mortality.

Retrospective evaluation of red blood cell distribution width as a prognostic factor in critically ill dogs (December 2016 to April 2017): 127 cas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between RBC distribution width (RDW) and in-hospital mortality, length of hospitalization, and leukocyte count in critically ill dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: One hundred and twenty-seven dogs admitted to the ICU from December 2016 to April 2017. Patients were included if they had a CBC performed within the first 24 h of admission. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 29% (37/127), and median length of hospital stay was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR], 5). The median RDW value was 13.8% (IQR, 1.6%; reference interval, 11.9%-14.5 %). The canine Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) fast score was calculated in 81 of 127 (64%) patients; the median score was 24/50 (IQR, 9). There was no significant correlation between RDW and APPLE fast score (P = 0.163). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the following diagnostic categories: abdominal (36%; 46/127), hematological (13%; 16/127), respiratory (13%; 16/127), neurological (12%; 15/127), cardiovascular (11%; 14/127), integument (3%; 4/127), trauma (3%; 4/127), musculoskeletal (2%; 3/127), and others (7%; 9/127). Increased RDW was not associated with in-hospital mortality overall (P = 0.381) or in any individual subgroup analysis. No association was found between length of hospitalization and RDW values in either survivors (P = 0.548) or nonsurvivors (P = 0.083). The correlation between RDW and leukocyte count was nonsignificant (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, admission RDW was not associated with in-hospital mortality or length of hospitalization in critically ill dogs. The correlation between RDW and leukocyte count was nonsignificant.

Hematological and serum biochemical profiles of a natural African swine fever virus infection in pigs.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs of all ages, inducing hemorrhagic fever with high mortality and severe threat to pig production. This study investigated the hematological and serum biochemical abnormalities associated with a natural ASF infection in pigs. A total of 100 serum samples of pigs from piggery suspected of ASFV infection were screened for antibodies by ELISA. Thirty­two blood samples from serologically positive pigs and 32 negative pigs were undergo to hematological and serum biochemical analyses following standard procedures. The results showed that the mean values of the red blood cell (RBC) count, total white blood cell (TWBC) count, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, serum total protein (TP) and globulin were significantly (p < 0.05) lower while the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), absolute neutrophil count and serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the infected than the healthy pigs. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the mean values of the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, absolute eosinophil count, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities between the infected and healthy pigs. Hence, natural ASFV infection may have caused alterations in the hematological and serum biochemical parameters in the infected pigs. The generated data could complement the existing laboratory diagnostic techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, direct fluorescence antibody test, indirect fluorescent antibody test and ELISA in the diagnosis of ASF in pigs.

Red cell distribution width is a predictor of all-cause mortality in hospitalized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether RBC distribution width (RDW) is associated with an increased odds of mortality in hospitalized dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center study; data collected from 2007 to 2017. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Six thousand six hundred and sixty-one animals (5183 dogs and 1478 cats). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were identified from animals presented to the emergency service and admitted to the ICU with a CBC and serum biochemistry performed on admission. Patients were stratified into quintiles based upon presenting RDW, and logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the relationship between RDW and in-hospital mortality. Canine patients with a presenting RDW in the upper fourth and fifth quintiles had an increased odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001). Specifically, dogs in the upper fifth quintile had a 2.1-fold greater odds of death compared to dogs in the first quintile, and dogs in the upper fourth quintile had a 1.9-fold greater odds of death compared to dogs in the first quintile. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, key laboratory values excluding HCT, medical versus surgical disease, and diagnosis category. This relationship was no longer significant with the inclusion of HCT. No significant association was identified between presenting RDW and in-hospital mortality in cats. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized dogs with higher RDW on presentation to the emergency service have greater odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality compared to dogs with a lower RDW. A similar association between RDW and mortality was not found in cats. Further studies are warranted to assess the usefulness of this biomarker for specific diseases in dogs and to better understand the mechanisms driving the association between increased RDW and mortality in canine patients.

Stomatocytosis in a Beagle and Australian Cattle Dog.

BACKGROUND: Canine stomatocytosis is a well-recognized rare erythrocyte disorder characterized by nonsyndromic forms with selective erythroid involvement, syndromic forms with extra-hematologic disease, and acquired forms. OBJECTIVES: We describe serial clinicopathologic changes in two dogs with stomatocytosis of breeds that are different from those previously reported. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from a 12-year-old female neutered Australian Cattle Dog and a 12-year-old male neutered Beagle for hematologic and biochemical analyses, including a morphologic examination of peripheral blood films. Serial clinicopathologic data were reviewed, including CBCs performed by the referring veterinary surgeons. RESULTS: Serial CBC data in both cases reported a variable decrease in RBC numbers commonly associated with a normal hematocrit, macrocytosis, hypochromasia, changes in red cell distribution width parameters including marked histogram abnormalities in volume distribution of the RBC population, and mildly increased or normal reticulocyte counts. Morphologic examination of peripheral blood films identified variable numbers of stomatocytes, knizocytes (Case 1, Day 1, Day 4), mild anisocytosis, mild macrocytosis, and mild polychromasia. CONCLUSIONS: In both cases, the changes exhibited in the erythrogram raise suspicion for an RBC membrane disorder with cell volume dysregulation and stomatocytosis, although they did not appear to cause clinically relevant hemolysis.

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration as haematological marker to detect changes in red blood cells in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Haemonchus contortus is a nematode parasite that causes anaemia and affects the health of sheep. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is an excellent indicator to detect anaemia that could help to characterize resistant or susceptible lambs to gastrointestinal nematodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of MCHC in detecting changes in red blood cells and their relation to anaemia in lambs re-infected with H. contortus. An analysis of information was performed using 24 Pelibuey lambs previously infected in grazing, dewormed and experimentally re-infected with H. contortus. At the first haematological sampling (admission) the lambs were classified based on MCHC quartiles (Q). Subsequently, the lambs were housed for 56 days. Blood samples were taken every seven days to determine the haematological parameters using an impedance haematological instrument. Confidence limits were constructed with the records of the lambs that recovered their haematological parameters. Each quartile was analysed as a treatment in a repeated measures design over time. To know the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity of MCHC to detect anaemia a curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the cut-off values were evaluated. In quartile 4 (Q4), lambs showed the highest faecal egg count (FEC, 764 eggs/g of faeces), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (17.0 pg) and MCHC (54.6 g/dL). This group also presented the lowest RBC values (5.8 × 106/mL), haematocrit (HCT, 18.3%), total plasma protein (5.7 g/dL), and HGB (9.7 g/dL). The optimal point of MCHC with ROC curve was 42.4 (sensitivity 88.2% and specificity 86.5%); the area under the curve was 0.91 (CI 95%, 0.86-0.96). These results are related to the haematological effects caused by H. contortus in susceptible lambs. In conclusion, the highest FEC and lower HCT in Q4 are important elements of the haematological damage caused by H. contortus and could identify susceptible lambs.

Longitudinal study of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) hematology.

Although the causes have not been specified yet, wild populations of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) have been decreasing, which is why conservation techniques such as captive breeding and health maintenance should be established. Hematological parameters can be used to maintain the health status of northern fur seals kept in captivity for artificial reproduction and public education. Year-round fluctuations of blood parameters have not been examined for northern fur seals due to the difficulties in obtaining serial blood samples from wild animals during the oceanic migration period from late autumn to spring. In this study, blood samples were collected from four captive northern fur seals and analyzed monthly for more than three years to clarify the seasonal fluctuation patterns in 14 hematological parameters. Many hematological parameters seemed to be seasonal patterns: summer-autumn and winter-spring; leukocyte-related parameters were higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring; erythrocyte-related parameters were lower in summer and autumn than in winter and spring. Significant seasonal differences in nine of the 14 parameters were observed using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis. These results have improved our understanding of the seasonal patterns of hematological characteristics in the northern fur seal and can contribute to the health care of protected or captive northern fur seals.