Correlation between leukocytosis and necropsy findings in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 34 cases (1994–1999)

• DOI: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.1308
• Publication Date: 2006-01-23T18:39:47Z
• Authors: Patricia M. McManus; Linden E. Craig
• Keywords: Leukocytosis; Hypoxia

To determine whether severity of leukocytosis correlates with postmortem lesions in dogs immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).Retrospective study.34 IMHA that had CBC performed within 48 hours prior to death and complete necropsy examinations.Dogs were independently assigned 4 groups (within reference range; mild leukocytosis, moderate marked leukocytosis) 3 lesion (mild lesions, severe lesions).Moderate correlated lesions. Ischemic necrosis liver, kidney, heart, lung, spleen attributable thromboembolic disease or anemic hypoxia the most common important found at necropsy. None leukocytosis. Four 14 severely affected WBC counts range, but all neutrophilic left shifts. Three these toxic change neutrophils.Moderate shift, neutrophils should alert clinicians potential for tissue injury, which could complicate treatment worsen prognosis. Lesions appear be secondary hypoxia, disease, both; therefore, objectives focus on improving blood oxygen-carrying capacity monitoring disease.