Neutrophil depletion of calves with hydroxyurea: methods and clinical and pathologic effects

Twenty-six Holstein calves were treated with hydroxyurea in order to induce neutropenia. Calves were given a daily dosage of hydroxyurea (70 mg/kg of body weight) for 4 consecutive days, and clinical signs, blood leukograms, hemograms, and platelet counts were monitored daily until the calves became neutropenic. Once a neutropenic state was induced, the calves were anesthetized and pulmonary function tests were performed. Subsequently, calves were euthanatized and complete necropsies were performed. Hydroxyurea treatment induced profound neutropenia in all calves by 8 days after initiating treatment, with mild decreases in circulating numbers of lymphocytes. Treatment did not cause clinical or pulmonary functional abnormalities. Severe pathologic changes were restricted to the bone marrow and consisted of partial to complete destruction of myeloid elements, with less severe effects on erythrocytic precursors and megakaryocytes. Hydroxyurea was useful for the induction of neutropenic states in calves and did not induce major toxic effects on other cells when given at 70 mg/kg.