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Whole Blood Viscosity Reference Intervals and Its Correlation with Hematology and Serum Chemistry in Cats Using
Chae-Yeong Lee1, Sung-Lim Lee1, Eunju Kim2
1Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea.
Insights
This study establishes reference intervals for whole blood viscosity in healthy cats, a key hemorheological factor. These findings aid in diagnosing vascular diseases and understanding feline health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Hemorheology
- Companion Animal Health
Background:
- Whole blood viscosity is a hemorheological factor linked to vascular diseases.
- Early diagnosis of vascular conditions in cats is challenging with general blood tests.
- Establishing reference intervals for feline whole blood viscosity is crucial for further research and clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference intervals for whole blood viscosity in healthy cats across a wide shear rate range.
- To investigate the correlation between whole blood viscosity and complete blood count (CBC) parameters.
- To explore the relationship between whole blood viscosity and serum chemistry profiles in cats.
Main Methods:
- Fifty healthy cats were enrolled in the study.
- Whole blood viscosity was measured at shear rates of 1 s⁻¹ (diastole) and 300 s⁻¹ (systole).
- Complete blood count and serum chemistry tests were performed concurrently.
Main Results:
- Reference intervals for whole blood viscosity were established: 15.169–43.684 cP at 1 s⁻¹ and 3.524–5.544 cP at 300 s⁻¹.
- Significant correlations were found between whole blood viscosity and red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, neutrophils, total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol.
- These correlations provide insights into the factors influencing blood viscosity in cats.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully established comprehensive reference intervals for feline whole blood viscosity.
- The identified correlations highlight the interplay between hemorheology and other physiological indicators in cats.
- These findings provide a foundation for utilizing whole blood viscosity in feline diagnostics and research.
Abstract:
Whole blood viscosity, a hemorheological factor, is currently used for diagnosis, as it is correlated with various vascular diseases that are difficult to diagnose early with a general blood test. It was determined that it was necessary to set reference intervals for further studies and utilization of whole blood viscosity in cats, a representative companion animal, and this study was conducted. Fifty healthy cats were recruited for the study, and whole blood viscosity, complete blood count, and serum chemistry tests were performed. The reference intervals of whole blood viscosity were 15.169 to 43.684 cP at a shear rate of 1 s-1 reflecting diastole, and 3.524 to 5.544 cP at a shear rate of 300 s-1 reflecting systole. Red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and neutrophils in the complete blood count, and total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol in the serum chemistry were significantly correlated with whole blood viscosity. The results of this study set the reference intervals of whole blood viscosity for healthy cats in a wide shear rate range that has not yet been fully established, and its correlation with other blood indicators investigated.
