Margaritis Ι. DVM, MSc, PhD, Scientific co-worker, Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Pardali D. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Diagnostics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Theodosiadis I. DVM, MRCVS, Vets4pets, Halesowen, UK | Ververidis C. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Surgery & Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Complete blood count (CBC) during canine pregnancy may warrant special interpretation. The study scope was to highlight the differences expected in the pregnant bitch, compared to the diestrus and anestrus stages via CBC in the clinical setting.
Materials and methods
Complete blood count (ADVIA-120, Siemens) parameters were studied in 116 healthy bitches [(26/116 at 18-63 days of pregnancy (Group P), 52/116 in anestrus (Group A) and 38/156 in diestrus (Group D)] brought into the Aristotle University Companion Animal Clinic for examination. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc LSD test on SPSS 25 (p<0.05).
Results
Mean gestation haematocrit values were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those in diestrus and anestrus groups (38,5% vs 46% vs 50%). Platelets counts were significantly higher in Group P compared to Group A (395.103 vs 302.103/μL, p<0.05) and significantly lower in Group A compared to group D (302.103 vs 342.103/μL, p<0.05). Mean white blood cell counts were significantly higher (p<0.001) in Group P compared to Groups A and D (15,9.103 vs 11,5.103 vs 10,1.103/μL).
Conclusions
During canine pregnancy, CBC changes may be expected, including a reduction of haematocrit and an increase of platelet and white blood cell counts compared to diestrus and anestrus.
References
- Orphanou DC (2012) Investigations into the puerperium of Beagle-breed female dogs. PhD thesis, University of Thessaly, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, pp.177-178.
