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Comparison of methods for determining platelet numbers and volume in Cavalier King Charles spaniels
W Bertazzolo1, S Comazzi, L Sesso
1Pronto Soccorso Veterinario, via Defendente, 29/a, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
Insights
Platelet counts in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) vary significantly by measurement method. Quantitative buffy coat analysis may offer a more accurate assessment of platelet mass in CKCS with macrothrombocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Hematology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Accurate platelet quantification is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions in dogs.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) may exhibit unique hematological characteristics, necessitating method-specific interpretation of platelet counts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare platelet concentration measurements in CKCS using common veterinary diagnostic methods.
- To evaluate the agreement and discrepancies between impedance cell counters, laser cell counters, microscopic estimation, and quantitative buffy coat analysis for platelet counts in CKCS.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 41 CKCS were analyzed using impedance and laser cell counters, and microscopic estimation.
- Quantitative buffy coat analysis was performed on a subset of samples with low platelet counts.
- Platelet counts and parameters were compared across all methods.
Main Results:
- Impedance cell counters yielded significantly lower median platelet counts compared to laser cell counters, microscopic estimation, and quantitative buffy coat analysis.
- While positive correlations existed, no acceptable agreement was found among impedance, laser, and microscopic methods.
- CKCS with macrothrombocytes showed lower counts on impedance, laser, and microscopic methods, but potentially normal platelet crit on quantitative buffy coat analysis.
Conclusions:
- Standard platelet counting methods may underestimate platelet mass in CKCS with macrothrombocytosis.
- Quantitative buffy coat analysis may provide a more reliable assessment of circulating platelet mass in CKCS, particularly those with larger platelets.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to compare platelet concentration in cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS) measured by different methods commonly used in veterinary hospitals and commercial laboratories.
Methods:
Blood samples obtained from 41 CKCS [corrected] were analysed by impedance cell counter, laser cell counter and microscopic estimation. Quantitative buffy coat analysis was performed only on 17 samples, selected from CKCS [corrected] that had low platelet counts detected by cell counters. Platelet counts, platelet estimations and platelet parameters using these different methods were compared.
Results:
The median platelet number was lower when estimated using impedance cell counter (1363x10(9)/I) with respect to laser cell counter (1723x10(9)/I), microscopic estimation (238x10(9)/I) [corrected] or quantitative buffy coat analyser (292x10(9)/I) [corrected] (P<0.01). Although impedance cell counter, laser cell counter and microscopic estimation were positively correlated, there was no acceptable agreement among methods. CKCS [corrected] with macrothrombocytes in blood smears had significantly lower counts on impedance cell counter, laser cell counter and microscopic estimation. The percentages of CKCS [corrected] with platelet count < 100x10(9)/I [corrected] were 34.1 per cent (impedance cell counter), 26.8 per cent (laser cell counter), 22.0 per cent (microscopic estimation) (not statistically different) and 5.8 per cent (quantitative buffy coat analyser) (P<0.05).
Clinical Significance:
CKCS [corrected] with macrothrombocytosis have low platelet counts on impedance cell counters, laser cell counters and microscopic estimation. CKCS [corrected] with low platelet counts may have a normal platelet crit detected by a quantitative buffy coat analyser and thus a normal circulating platelet mass.
