Haematology

(RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, McHc, McH, WBC & Differential leucocyte count, platelets)

In the presence of clinical signs of disease, haematological examinations, performed on sequestrated (EDTA) blood samples, may reveal abnormalities suggesting anaemia, haemoconcentration, bacterial or viral infections, parasitic or allergic conditions. These examinations may also be valuable as part of a preventive medicine programme for groups of horses, when examined on a regular routine basis, and interpreted carefully. This approach may provide useful information which can be used as a basis for advice to trainers of race and performance horses.

Our Bayer Advia 120 automated cytochemical haematology analyser provides accurate differential cell counts which correlate closely with our traditional manual differential counting techniques. These automated differentials are highly repeatable and are more accurate than manual cell counts as they are performed on 10,000 rather than 100 leucocytes. We believe that this system is the 'state of the art' for the routine monitoring of performance horses.

Samples for haematological examinations should be taken from horses at rest with minimal excitement, otherwise, splenic contraction can make the interpretation of red cell parameters impossible.