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Updated: Sep 19, 2025
A Simple Fluorescence Assay for Quantification of Canine Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Release
Published on: November 21, 2016
The Value of Neutrophil Cell Population Data Parameters as Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Dogs and Cats
Dylan S O Toole1, Tim L Williams1, Cassia H Z Hare1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Background:
Neutrophil cell population data (CPD), including fluorescent light intensity (NE-SFL) and side scatter (NE-SSC), are promising inflammatory markers in human sepsis but remain unexplored in dogs and cats.
Objectives:
Determine the diagnostic utility of NE-SSC and NE-SFL for detecting systemic inflammation in dogs and cats.
Methods:
Dogs and cats with archived CPD, blood films, and acute phase protein (APP) measurements were included. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in cats were considered indicative of systemic inflammation. CPD was compared with APPs, white cell count (WCC), neutrophil count, band neutrophil count, and toxic change grade. Optimal cut-offs and associated sensitivities and specificities were calculated using ROC curve analysis. Correlations were assessed using Spearman's coefficient.
Results:
NE-SFL and NE-SSC were significantly increased in dogs and cats with systemic inflammation. The area under the curve (AUC) of NE-SFL was higher than that of NE-SSC, WCC, and band neutrophil count in both dogs (0.82) and cats (0.77). The optimal NE-SFL cut-off for detecting systemic inflammation was > 41.7 ch in dogs (sensitivity 80%; specificity 66%) and > 37.4 ch in cats (sensitivity 75%; specificity 67%). NE-SFL was positively correlated with APPs, WCC, neutrophil count, and band neutrophil count in both species. NE-SSC was positively correlated with APPs in both species and, in dogs, also with WCC, neutrophil count, and band neutrophil count.
Conclusion:
CPD, particularly NE-SFL, is a promising marker of inflammation in dogs and cats and could be especially useful when APP quantification or blood smear examination are unavailable.
