Evaluation of reticulated platelets in dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of reticulated platelets in healthy dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia. Seventy two dogs, clinically healthy, were enrolled in the study. Blood was collected from the patients and anticoagulated with tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K3-EDTA) and sodium citrate. Platelet count was obtained by an impedance haematology analyser and platelet morphology was evaluated by examination of blood smears. Patients were allocated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 dogs with normal platelet count, whereas group 2 was composed of 42 dogs with thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was present in both K3-EDTA and citrate blood samples. Patients with thrombocytopenia were divided into two subgroups: the first subgroup included dogs with platelet count in K3-EDTA anticoagulated blood from 100 to 200 x10(9)/L, patients in the second subgroup had a platelet count of less than 100 x10(9)/L. The percentage of young reticulated platelets (RPs) labelled with thiazole orange, and the percentage of platelets coated with platelet surface-associated IgG, were determined in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by a flow cytometer. The mean percentage of RPs in K3-EDTA and citrate PRP was significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia than in dogs with normal platelet count. The mean percentage of RPs was significantly higher in citrate PRP than in K3-EDTA PRP in all groups. The results suggest that idiopathic, asymptomatic thrombocytopenia is not caused by platelet surface-associated IgG. Dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia have a competent bone marrow.