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Lymphocyte subpopulations and hematologic variables in dogs with congestive heart failure

Andrew E Farabaugh1, Lisa M Freeman, John E Rush

  • 1Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, USA.

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|August 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs alters key immune cells and blood counts. Dogs with CHF showed lower CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin, but higher leukocytes, neutrophils, and platelets compared to healthy dogs.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Heart failure is associated with immune system changes in humans.
  • Limited data exists on hematologic and immunologic alterations in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare flow cytometric and hematologic variables in dogs with CHF against healthy controls.
  • To identify specific alterations in lymphocyte subpopulations and complete blood count parameters in canine CHF.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD8+ lymphocytes.
  • Complete blood counts determined white blood cell count, platelet count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.
  • Twenty-five dogs with CHF (ISACHC class 2 and 3a) and 13 healthy controls were studied.

Main Results:

  • Dogs with CHF exhibited significantly lower percentages of CD4+ PBMC, CD8+ lymphocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.
  • Leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts were significantly higher in dogs with CHF compared to controls.
  • No significant differences in these variables were observed between dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic valvular disease.

Conclusions:

  • Canine congestive heart failure is associated with significant alterations in CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subpopulations and various blood cell parameters.
  • These hematologic and immunologic changes in dogs with CHF warrant further investigation for clinical implications.

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