Breed-Specific Hematological Phenotypes in the Dog: A Natural Resource for the Genetic Dissection of Hematological Parameters in a Mammalian Species

Abstract

Remarkably little has been published on hematological phenotypes of the domestic dog, the most polymorphic species on the planet. Information on the signalment and complete blood cell count of all dogs with normal red and white blood cell parameters judged by existing reference intervals was extracted from a veterinary database. Normal hematological profiles were available for 6046 dogs, 5447 of which also had machine platelet concentrations within the reference interval. Seventy-five pure breeds plus a mixed breed control group were represented by 10 or more dogs. All measured parameters except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) varied with age. Concentrations of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelets, but not red blood cell parameters, all varied with sex. Neutering status had an impact on hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCHC, and concentrations of WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and platelets. Principal component analysis of hematological data revealed 37 pure breeds with distinctive phenotypes. Furthermore, all hematological parameters except MCHC showed significant differences between specific individual breeds and the mixed breed group. Twenty-nine breeds had distinctive phenotypes when assessed in this way, of which 19 had already been identified by principal component analysis. Tentative breed-specific reference intervals were generated for breeds with a distinctive phenotype identified by comparative analysis. This study represents the first large-scale analysis of hematological phenotypes in the dog and underlines the important potential of this species in the elucidation of genetic determinants of hematological traits, triangulating phenotype, breed and genetic predisposition.

Hematocrit changes in healthy periparturient bitches that underwent elective cesarean section

“…Controlling for litter size, Boerboel and bull terrier bitches are expected to have 1.7% higher and German shepherd bitches 3.7% higher mean haematocrits before caesarean section than the mean (43.2%) of English bulldog bitches. Breed specific changes in haematological variables have been reported and related to genetic phenotypes [23]. Our data support this contention.…”

Abnormal platelet activity in dogs and cats – impact and measurement

“…) but with variation also between dog breeds (Lawrence et al . ). Most notable is the syndrome of macrothrombocytopaenia in cavalier King Charles spaniels and Akitas and the relative thrombocytopenia in greyhounds (Pedersen et al .…”

Hematologic RIs for healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Mexico

“…Previous studies have shown that hematologic variables are influenced by geography . Alternatively, the differences could be attributed to the age of the animals as age is another factor that influences hematologic variables . Additionally, the different reference populations did not necessarily contain animals of the same breed or lactation status.…”