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Platelet variables in healthy dogs: reference intervals and influence of age, breed and sex

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Abstract

Platelet parameters are routinely available and might be valuable in veterinary diagnostics. The aim of this study was to assess influences of age, breed and sex on platelet parameters as well as to define reference ranges for dogs. Data of 166 healthy dogs were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred fifty-six dogs aged >1 month to 8.5 years were categorised into five age groups. Reference intervals were determined for 119 adult dogs and for this subpopulation the influence of sex and neuter status was examined. Breeds with n ≥ 5 individuals were statistically compared; these included 11 Havanese dogs, 11 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 9 Labrador Retrievers, 8 Golden Retrievers and 5 German Shepherds. Blood analysis was performed using the ADVIA® 120 haematology analyser. The following parameters were assessed: platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet component (MPC), platelet component distribution width (PCDW), mean platelet mass (MPM), platelet mass distribution width (PMDW), large platelets and platelet clump count. Puppies had significantly higher values for all platelet variables except MPC and PCDW. Significant breed differences were observed for PLT, PDW, PCT, MPC, MPM and PMDW. Significant sex differences were only seen for mean PLT (females, 320 × 103/μl; males, 272 × 103/μl; p = 0.003) as well as median MPV (females, 10.5 fl; males, 11.0 fl; p = 0.043). The influence of age and breed should be considered in clinical interpretation of canine platelet variables. Calculated reference intervals may deliver useful information for an increasing clinical use of examined parameters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany

    Lysann Schneider & Reinhard Mischke

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  1. Lysann Schneider
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  2. Reinhard Mischke
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Correspondence to Reinhard Mischke.

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Schneider, L., Mischke, R. Platelet variables in healthy dogs: reference intervals and influence of age, breed and sex. Comp Clin Pathol 25, 1097–1106 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-016-2305-2

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