Haematology in the early diagnosis of cattle diseases - a review

Abstract

Laboratory blood tests are not only an important element of the assessment of the general condition of animals, but they are also important for the early diagnosis of many diseases. In modern buiatrics laboratory tests are most frequently limited to the analysis of metabolic profiles, using selected biochemical tests. This reductionist approach results from economic reasons and ignores the possibility of using haematological tests, often limiting the possibility of a certain diagnosis. Haematology (Greek αιµα [ema] -blood) concerns the issues related to blood and the haematopoietic system, which is the first to respond to any disruptions in intrabody homeostasis. These changes guide the veterinarian in the search for a diagnosis and are indispensable in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Haematology can also be useful in managing a herd of cattle. In this article, the most recent data regarding the use of blood screening in livestock and the prophylaxis and treatment of dairy cattle are presented. The article presents the possibilities of using haematology in diagnostics, therapy and in the raising of dairy cattle. The most common causes of changes in haematological parameters in cattle are also discussed.

Comparison between the Mission Plus device and gold standard methods for measuring hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes in cattle

“…Findings from this study showed that the MP device, which monitors human blood erythrocyte parameters, 7 can be used in large animal veterinary practice to assist in diagnosing cattle diseases by examining variations in Hb concentrations and PCVs. 4 Comparison testing is mandatory when a portable human diagnostic device is used in other species for which the device has not been factory-calibrated. 11 The Hb and PCV values of cattle obtained with the MP device using blood collected with and without K 2 EDTA were positively correlated with the respective GS methods.…”

“…Multiple factors affect cattle hematologic parameters, including hemoparasites, such as those which cause bovine sadness complex, toxic plant and metal intoxications, and infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis. 4 The pathogenesis of these diseases leads to hemolytic anemia that must be monitored by hematologic analyses, principally PCVs and Hb concentrations, especially in the cases with hemoparasites. 4 In addition to their importance for the early diagnosis of health conditions, these blood analyses are important when considering treatment options, such as measuring the difference between the initial and final PCV values (delta PCV), 5 which reinforces the need for accessible techniques in the field.…”

“…4 The pathogenesis of these diseases leads to hemolytic anemia that must be monitored by hematologic analyses, principally PCVs and Hb concentrations, especially in the cases with hemoparasites. 4 In addition to their importance for the early diagnosis of health conditions, these blood analyses are important when considering treatment options, such as measuring the difference between the initial and final PCV values (delta PCV), 5 which reinforces the need for accessible techniques in the field. 4 In the field, PCVs can be assessed using microcentrifuge and microhematocrit tubes.…”

“…4 In addition to their importance for the early diagnosis of health conditions, these blood analyses are important when considering treatment options, such as measuring the difference between the initial and final PCV values (delta PCV), 5 which reinforces the need for accessible techniques in the field. 4 In the field, PCVs can be assessed using microcentrifuge and microhematocrit tubes. However, a laboratory is needed to obtain Hb concentrations.…”

“…However, a laboratory is needed to obtain Hb concentrations. 4,6 The Mission Plus (MP; ACON Labs) meter is a handheld device that can provide immediate and reliable Hb concentration and PCV results 7 and could be used in veterinary medicine.…”