In this study the reference intervals were derived from a large sample size. The results are in general agreement with previous reports, although higher values for low reference limits have been noted for the erythroid parameters, and lower values for upper reference limits have been observed for the total and different leucocyte counts. Breed-specific reference intervals provide a useful clinical tool for haematological evaluations.

Total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine reference intervals differed from generic reference intervals used for dogs. The reference intervals for greyhounds in this study are similar to those obtained by other studies of greyhounds, but often had a narrower range of values, likely reflecting more accurate estimation associated with larger numbers of reference individuals. Recommended methods for assessment of partitioning do not indicate a need to partition according to gender.

During the period of 8 years, 120 dogs affected by lymphoma were referred to the veterinary teaching hospital of the University. Canine lymphoma was classified and staged using a standardised diagnostic approach that involved the acquisition of detailed clinical history, phys- ical examination and extended laboratory workup including lymph node cytology. Additionally, immunophenotyping was available in 22 cases. Multicentric lymphoma was the most common form of disease identified clinically, while the cytological classification revealed the B-cell poly- morphic centroblastic subtype as the most frequent type of lymphoma in the study. Furthermore, the influence of several prognostic factors in relation to remission rate, relapsing rate and survival time were evaluated for 16 patients treated with a specific chemotherapy protocol and for which a complete follow-up was available. The results of our study suggest that chronic inflammation may represent a negative prognostic factor shortening both the relapsing and the survival times, while pre-treatment with steroids may have a negative effect on the survival time

Our study suggests that Lurchers share many hematologic characteristics with Greyhounds, but had higher reference limits for RBC and eosinophil counts.

Canine RIs for the Sysmex hematology analyzer were established using an indirect sampling method with reference individuals selected from a large database of client-owned clinically healthy blood donor dogs. For specimens included in this study, time from collection to analysis was similar to what veterinary commercial laboratories experience.