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Well prepared blood smears should have an area where the blood cells are in a monolayer. Place a small drop of blood on the slide towards one end. Draw the spreader slide back to contact the drop and then move it forwards before the blood has spread along the width of the spreader slide. This will prevent the smear extending to the extremities of the slide, when cells can be lost over the edges. The smear should terminate before the end of the slide (Fig 1).
 
Well prepared blood smears should have an area where the blood cells are in a monolayer. Place a small drop of blood on the slide towards one end. Draw the spreader slide back to contact the drop and then move it forwards before the blood has spread along the width of the spreader slide. This will prevent the smear extending to the extremities of the slide, when cells can be lost over the edges. The smear should terminate before the end of the slide (Fig 1).
 
The area to be examined is the monolayer where 50% or less of cells are in contact. The differential count is performed, and cell morphology is assessed in the monolayer (Fig 2).
 
The area to be examined is the monolayer where 50% or less of cells are in contact. The differential count is performed, and cell morphology is assessed in the monolayer (Fig 2).
[[File:Nation Wide Laboratories.png|thumb|left|NationWide Laboratories]][[File:NationWide Laboratories Fig2.png|right|thumb|NationWide Laboratories ]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎<br />
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File:Nation Wide Laboratories.png
 +
File:NationWide Laboratories Fig2.png
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</gallery>
    
== The Complete Blood Count ==
 
== The Complete Blood Count ==
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<u>'''Artefacts'''.</u> Stain precipitate, refractile bodies and echinocytes.  
 
<u>'''Artefacts'''.</u> Stain precipitate, refractile bodies and echinocytes.  
 
Echinocytes (crenated red cells). Red cells with many spiny projections which tend to be evenly spaced and uniform. This is often artefact seen in thick smears, which have taken a long time to dry, or due to excess EDTA, if the tube is not filled to the line. Echinocytes can be associated with pathological changes such as uraemia, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia and snake venom.  
 
Echinocytes (crenated red cells). Red cells with many spiny projections which tend to be evenly spaced and uniform. This is often artefact seen in thick smears, which have taken a long time to dry, or due to excess EDTA, if the tube is not filled to the line. Echinocytes can be associated with pathological changes such as uraemia, glomerulonephritis, neoplasia and snake venom.  
[[File:NWL Labfacts .jpg|left|thumb|Stain precipitate NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
[[File:NWL Lab.jpg|thumb|right|Refractile bodies NationWide Laboratories]]
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File:NWL Labfacts .jpg|Stain precipitate NationWide Laboratories
[[File:NWLab .jpg|thumb|center|Echinocytes, a small and large platelet NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]
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File:NWL Lab.jpg|Refractile bodies NationWide Laboratories
 
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File:NWLab .jpg|Echinocytes, a small and large platelet NationWide Laboratories|alt=
 
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<u>'''Anisocytosis.'''</u> Refers to variation in RBC size. Immature cells (reticulocytes) are larger than mature erythrocytes.
 
<u>'''Anisocytosis.'''</u> Refers to variation in RBC size. Immature cells (reticulocytes) are larger than mature erythrocytes.
[[File:NWL 2016 Labfacts inners A.jpg|thumb|Anisocytosis and Polychromasia NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWL 2016 Labfacts inners A.jpg|Anisocytosis and Polychromasia NationWide Laboratories
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</gallery>
 +
 
 
'''<u>Polychromasia</u>.''' Describes the blue-grey colour of immature red cells, noted with Romanowsky stains. These immature cells are equivalent to reticulocytes in the dog and aggregate reticulocytes in cats. Grading them per high power field (hpf) helps to quantify the erythroid response particularly in dogs. They can be graded as shown below.  
 
'''<u>Polychromasia</u>.''' Describes the blue-grey colour of immature red cells, noted with Romanowsky stains. These immature cells are equivalent to reticulocytes in the dog and aggregate reticulocytes in cats. Grading them per high power field (hpf) helps to quantify the erythroid response particularly in dogs. They can be graded as shown below.  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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|}
 
The higher the grade, the more marked the degree of regeneration in response to anaemia. Anisocytosis and polychromasia in non-anaemic patients may reflect poor oxygenation of blood due to cardiac or respiratory disease.
 
The higher the grade, the more marked the degree of regeneration in response to anaemia. Anisocytosis and polychromasia in non-anaemic patients may reflect poor oxygenation of blood due to cardiac or respiratory disease.
 
+
<br/>
[[File:NWL 2016.jpg|thumb|Canine reticulocytes NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]<u>'''Reticulocytes'''</u>. Immature red cells, their residual RNA and mitochondria stain with new methylene blue.
+
<u>'''Reticulocytes'''</u>. Immature red cells, their residual RNA and mitochondria stain with new methylene blue.
[[File:NW laboratories.jpg|thumb|Feline Reticulocytes NationWide Laboratories ]][[File:NationWide Lab 2016.jpg|thumb|Nucleated red blood cell NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300>
 
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File:NWL 2016.jpg|Canine reticulocytes NationWide Laboratories|alt=
 
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File:NW laboratories.jpg|Feline Reticulocytes NationWide Laboratories
 
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</gallery>
 
  −
 
  −
     
      
<u>'''Nucleated red blood cells (metarubricytes)'''.</u> These are immature red cells, which retain a condensed nucleus.  
 
<u>'''Nucleated red blood cells (metarubricytes)'''.</u> These are immature red cells, which retain a condensed nucleus.  
 
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<gallery widths=300px>
 
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File:NationWide Lab 2016.jpg|Nucleated red blood cell NationWide Laboratories
 
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</gallery>
 
  −
 
      
=== Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) ===
 
=== Immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) ===
[[File:NWLLabfacts 1.jpg|thumb|Autoagglutination NationWide Laboratories]]
   
<u>'''Agglutination'''.</u> This describes the random, three dimensional clumping of red cells. Autoagglutination is persistent agglutination, which cannot be dispersed in saline. It is pathognomonic for IMHA but is not seen in all cases. Autoagglutination will affect red cell indices in automated analysers (increased MCV, MCH and MCHC).  
 
<u>'''Agglutination'''.</u> This describes the random, three dimensional clumping of red cells. Autoagglutination is persistent agglutination, which cannot be dispersed in saline. It is pathognomonic for IMHA but is not seen in all cases. Autoagglutination will affect red cell indices in automated analysers (increased MCV, MCH and MCHC).  
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
[[File:NWLLabfacts 2.jpg|thumb|Spherocytes with central polychromatophil NationWide Laboratories]]
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File:NWLLabfacts 1.jpg|Autoagglutination NationWide Laboratories
 
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</gallery>
 
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<u>'''Spherocytes''':</u> These are spherical erythrocytes which appear smaller in diameter, stain more densely and lack central pallor. They are more obvious in canine blood (feline erythrocytes naturally lack central pallor) and are most commonly associated with IMHA. Other causes include snake bite, zinc toxicity and bee stings.
 
<u>'''Spherocytes''':</u> These are spherical erythrocytes which appear smaller in diameter, stain more densely and lack central pallor. They are more obvious in canine blood (feline erythrocytes naturally lack central pallor) and are most commonly associated with IMHA. Other causes include snake bite, zinc toxicity and bee stings.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 2.jpg|Spherocytes with central polychromatophil NationWide Laboratories
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</gallery>
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=== Other morphological changes ===
 
=== Other morphological changes ===
[[File:NWLLabfacts 3.jpg|thumb|Acanthocytes NationWide Laboratories]]
   
<u>'''Acanthocytes'''</u>. Erythrocytes with a few irregular, asymmetrical projections. In dogs acanthocytes may be associated with haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, DIC and altered lipid metabolism (hepatic disease). In cats they may be recognised with liver disease including the cholangitis complex and hepatic lipidosis.  
 
<u>'''Acanthocytes'''</u>. Erythrocytes with a few irregular, asymmetrical projections. In dogs acanthocytes may be associated with haemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, DIC and altered lipid metabolism (hepatic disease). In cats they may be recognised with liver disease including the cholangitis complex and hepatic lipidosis.  
[[File:NWLLabfacts 4.jpg|thumb|Basophilic stippling NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 3.jpg|Acanthocytes NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
 
      
 
      
 
<u>'''Basophilic stippling'''.</u> Reflects the presence of aggregated ribosomal RNA in reticulocytes and is primarily associated with regenerative anaemias. It is also evident with the exaggerated regenerative response seen in many cases of lead poisoning (often in the absence of anaemia), due to the effect of lead on the bone marrow.  
 
<u>'''Basophilic stippling'''.</u> Reflects the presence of aggregated ribosomal RNA in reticulocytes and is primarily associated with regenerative anaemias. It is also evident with the exaggerated regenerative response seen in many cases of lead poisoning (often in the absence of anaemia), due to the effect of lead on the bone marrow.  
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 4.jpg|Basophilic stippling NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
<u>'''Eccentrocytes.'''</u> These are RBCs where, as a result of oxidative injury, the Hb has coalesced, usually at one side of the cell; the remainder of the cell is pale staining.
 
<u>'''Eccentrocytes.'''</u> These are RBCs where, as a result of oxidative injury, the Hb has coalesced, usually at one side of the cell; the remainder of the cell is pale staining.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 5.jpg|thumb|Heinz Bodies NationWide Laboratories |alt=]] 
   
   
 
   
 
<u>'''Heinz bodies'''</u>. Oxidation of sulphydryl groups on the globin chains of haemoglobin results in the formation of Heinz bodies. These are refractile structures which occur along the internal surface of erythrocyte membranes, seen as pale pink-red projections with Romanowsky stains. Normal cats may have up to 5% Heinz bodies in their erythrocytes. Heinz body formation in the absence of anaemia may occur with feline diabetes mellitus, lymphoma and hyperthyroidism. Increased numbers of Heinz bodies, leading to haemolytic anaemia, may be associated with onion or garlic ingestion, kale or other brassica species consumption by ruminants and consumption of red maple leaves by alpacas and horses.  
 
<u>'''Heinz bodies'''</u>. Oxidation of sulphydryl groups on the globin chains of haemoglobin results in the formation of Heinz bodies. These are refractile structures which occur along the internal surface of erythrocyte membranes, seen as pale pink-red projections with Romanowsky stains. Normal cats may have up to 5% Heinz bodies in their erythrocytes. Heinz body formation in the absence of anaemia may occur with feline diabetes mellitus, lymphoma and hyperthyroidism. Increased numbers of Heinz bodies, leading to haemolytic anaemia, may be associated with onion or garlic ingestion, kale or other brassica species consumption by ruminants and consumption of red maple leaves by alpacas and horses.  
[[File:NWLLabfacts 6.jpg|thumb|Howell-Jolly bodies NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 5.jpg|Heinz Bodies NationWide Laboratories |alt=
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
    
<u>'''Howell-Jolly bodies.'''</u> These are remnants of nuclear material . They are present in regenerative anaemias possibly due to inability of macrophages to fully remove the nuclei of maturing RBCs during accelerated production. If present without polychromasia, reduced macrophage function could be considered. They may be a common finding following splenectomy.
 
<u>'''Howell-Jolly bodies.'''</u> These are remnants of nuclear material . They are present in regenerative anaemias possibly due to inability of macrophages to fully remove the nuclei of maturing RBCs during accelerated production. If present without polychromasia, reduced macrophage function could be considered. They may be a common finding following splenectomy.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 6.jpg|Howell-Jolly bodies NationWide Laboratories|alt=
 +
</gallery>
    
'''<u>Hypochromasia.</u>''' Pale erythrocytes with a reduced haemoglobin concentration (decreased MCHC). Seen in regenerative anaemia and with iron deficiency.
 
'''<u>Hypochromasia.</u>''' Pale erythrocytes with a reduced haemoglobin concentration (decreased MCHC). Seen in regenerative anaemia and with iron deficiency.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 8.jpg|thumb|Red Cell fragmentation NationWide Laboratories]]
+
 
    
'''<u>Red cell fragmentation.</u>''' Small fragments are called schistocytes (schizocytes), larger red cell fragments include keratocytes (blister and helmet cells). These reflect metabolic disease or, more commonly, intravascular trauma associated with turbulent blood flow due to cardiac valvular disease, with passage through numerous capillaries in haemangiosarcoma and certain other malignant neoplasms, or fibrin strands cleaving erythrocytes in myelofibrosis or DIC. Severe hepatic disease may also result in red cell fragmentation.
 
'''<u>Red cell fragmentation.</u>''' Small fragments are called schistocytes (schizocytes), larger red cell fragments include keratocytes (blister and helmet cells). These reflect metabolic disease or, more commonly, intravascular trauma associated with turbulent blood flow due to cardiac valvular disease, with passage through numerous capillaries in haemangiosarcoma and certain other malignant neoplasms, or fibrin strands cleaving erythrocytes in myelofibrosis or DIC. Severe hepatic disease may also result in red cell fragmentation.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 9.jpg|thumb|Rouleaux in an equine blood smear NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 8.jpg|Red Cell fragmentation NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 
      
 
      
 
'''<u>Rouleaux.</u>''' These are stacks of erythrocytes resembling a pile of coins, which disperse in saline. Rouleaux are most obvious when examining the body of the blood smear.  
 
'''<u>Rouleaux.</u>''' These are stacks of erythrocytes resembling a pile of coins, which disperse in saline. Rouleaux are most obvious when examining the body of the blood smear.  
   
Rouleaux are prominent in blood smears from normal horses and some cats. Rouleaux are alsoseen in animals with hyperglobulinaemia, particularly h yperfibrinogenaemia and elevated acute phase proteins.
 
Rouleaux are prominent in blood smears from normal horses and some cats. Rouleaux are alsoseen in animals with hyperglobulinaemia, particularly h yperfibrinogenaemia and elevated acute phase proteins.
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
[[File:NWLLabfacts 10.jpg|thumb|Target Cells (codocytes) NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]
+
File:NWLLabfacts 9.jpg|Rouleaux in an equine blood smear NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
 
      
 
      
 
'''<u>Target cells (codocytes)</u>'''. These are bell-shaped in-vivo but resemble a target on a blood smear due to accumulation of haemoglobin around the periphery and centre.  
 
'''<u>Target cells (codocytes)</u>'''. These are bell-shaped in-vivo but resemble a target on a blood smear due to accumulation of haemoglobin around the periphery and centre.  
   
They may be encountered with regenerative anaemia, renal, hepatic or lipid disorders.
 
They may be encountered with regenerative anaemia, renal, hepatic or lipid disorders.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 10.jpg|Target Cells (codocytes) NationWide Laboratories|alt=
 +
</gallery>
    
=== Inclusions ===
 
=== Inclusions ===
 
Mycoplasma haemofelis (see image)
 
Mycoplasma haemofelis (see image)
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 11.jpg|Mycoplasma haemofelis NationWide Laboratories|alt=
 +
</gallery>
   −
Babesia canis (see image)[[File:NWLLabfacts 11.jpg|thumb|Mycoplasma haemofelis NationWide Laboratories|alt=]]
+
Babesia canis (see image)
[[File:NWLLabfacts 12.jpg|thumb|Babesia Canis NationWide Laboratories]]
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<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 12.jpg|Babesia Canis NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
=== Leucocyte evaluation ===
 
=== Leucocyte evaluation ===
 
Normal blood should contain mature leucocyte populations which fall within reference limits for the species under consideration. A blood smear should be examined for abnormal cells prior to performing the differential cell count.
 
Normal blood should contain mature leucocyte populations which fall within reference limits for the species under consideration. A blood smear should be examined for abnormal cells prior to performing the differential cell count.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 13.jpg|thumb|Neutrophil NationWide Laboratories]]
+
 
 
'''<u>Neutrophil.</u>''' A mature neutrophil has a segmented nucleus with condensed chromatin and fine intracytoplasmic azurophilic granules.  
 
'''<u>Neutrophil.</u>''' A mature neutrophil has a segmented nucleus with condensed chromatin and fine intracytoplasmic azurophilic granules.  
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 13.jpg|Neutrophil NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
   −
[[File:NWLLabfacts 14.jpg|thumb|Barr body NationWide Laboratories ]]
   
In females, the nucleus may have a drum-stick shaped appendage known as a Barr body which represents the inactive X chromosome; this is of no clinical significance.
 
In females, the nucleus may have a drum-stick shaped appendage known as a Barr body which represents the inactive X chromosome; this is of no clinical significance.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 14.jpg|Barr body NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
'''<u>Band neutrophil.</u>''' This is an immature cell with an unsegmented nucleus showing parallel sides.The cytoplasm is similar to that of a mature cell.
 
'''<u>Band neutrophil.</u>''' This is an immature cell with an unsegmented nucleus showing parallel sides.The cytoplasm is similar to that of a mature cell.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 16.jpg|thumb|Metamyelocyte NationWide Laboratories]]
   
Sometimes less differentiated myeloid cells (metamyelocytes and myelocytes) are seen in the blood, usually associated with a severe acute inflammatory response. This is called a left shift.
 
Sometimes less differentiated myeloid cells (metamyelocytes and myelocytes) are seen in the blood, usually associated with a severe acute inflammatory response. This is called a left shift.
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
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File:NWLLabfacts 16.jpg|Metamyelocyte NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
'''<u>Toxic neutrophil.</u>''' Toxic change describes the leucocyte morphological abnormalities, seen predominantly in neutrophils, in the face of severe inflammation. The cytoplasm may show increased basophilia (light blue or grey rather than pink) and may contain Dohle bodies, which are small round or angular blue inclusions representing retained RNA (normally degraded during maturation). Dohle bodies are often seen in feline neutrophils and are not clinically significant unless frequent and prominent.
 
'''<u>Toxic neutrophil.</u>''' Toxic change describes the leucocyte morphological abnormalities, seen predominantly in neutrophils, in the face of severe inflammation. The cytoplasm may show increased basophilia (light blue or grey rather than pink) and may contain Dohle bodies, which are small round or angular blue inclusions representing retained RNA (normally degraded during maturation). Dohle bodies are often seen in feline neutrophils and are not clinically significant unless frequent and prominent.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 17.jpg|Dohle bodies in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
Neutrophils may have swollen nuclei which sometimes form doughnuts.
 
Neutrophils may have swollen nuclei which sometimes form doughnuts.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 17.jpg|thumb|Dohle bodies in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil NationWide Laboratories]]
   
Toxic change occurs in the bone marrow and reflects accelerated granulopoiesis, especiallyassociated with bacterial infections and IMHA.  
 
Toxic change occurs in the bone marrow and reflects accelerated granulopoiesis, especiallyassociated with bacterial infections and IMHA.  
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
+
File:NWLLabfacts 18.jpg|thumb|Neutrophil with toxic granulation NationWide Laboratories
 
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</gallery>
[[File:NWLLabfacts 18.jpg|thumb|Neutrophil with toxic granulation NationWide Laboratories]]
  −
 
   
There may be toxic granulation due to staining of primary granules.
 
There may be toxic granulation due to staining of primary granules.
   
In severe toxaemia, neutrophils may show cytoplasmic vacuolation due to degranulation of lysosomes during disturbed maturation.
 
In severe toxaemia, neutrophils may show cytoplasmic vacuolation due to degranulation of lysosomes during disturbed maturation.
   −
  −
  −
[[File:NWLLabfacts 19.jpg|thumb|Hypersegmented neutrophil NationWide Laboratories]]
   
    
 
    
 
'''<u>Hypersegmented neutrophil.</u>''' There are more than 5 nuclear lobes. Found in dogs on corticosteroid therapy (which prolongs the half life of the neutrophil) and may be associated with uraemia. Also seen in Poodles with familial macrocytosis.  
 
'''<u>Hypersegmented neutrophil.</u>''' There are more than 5 nuclear lobes. Found in dogs on corticosteroid therapy (which prolongs the half life of the neutrophil) and may be associated with uraemia. Also seen in Poodles with familial macrocytosis.  
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 19.jpg|Hypersegmented neutrophil NationWide Laboratories
 +
</gallery>
    
Distemper viral inclusions can occasionally be seen in neutrophils of infected dogs (see section on white cell inclusions).
 
Distemper viral inclusions can occasionally be seen in neutrophils of infected dogs (see section on white cell inclusions).
[[File:NWLLabfacts 20.jpg|thumb|Equine eosinophil NationWide Laboratories]]
+
 
    
'''<u>Eosinophil.</u>''' Mature eosinophils have a segmented nucleus and red intracytoplasmic granules. The granules in the dog are round and vary in size. In the cat they are small, uniform in size and rod shaped while in the horse the granules are round and very large. In rabbits, eosinophils have larger red granules than neutrophils although often the two cell types are difficult to differentiate and may be counted together as heterophils. Band eosinophils are immature cells showing less distinct nuclear segmentation.
 
'''<u>Eosinophil.</u>''' Mature eosinophils have a segmented nucleus and red intracytoplasmic granules. The granules in the dog are round and vary in size. In the cat they are small, uniform in size and rod shaped while in the horse the granules are round and very large. In rabbits, eosinophils have larger red granules than neutrophils although often the two cell types are difficult to differentiate and may be counted together as heterophils. Band eosinophils are immature cells showing less distinct nuclear segmentation.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 21.jpg|thumb|Basophil NationWide Laboratories]]
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
+
File:NWLLabfacts 20.jpg|Equine eosinophil NationWide Laboratories
 
+
</gallery>
    
'''<u>Basophil.</u>''' Rare in blood smears from healthy animals. Basophils are similar in size to eosinophils, with a segmented, ribbon-like nucleus and variable numbers of cytoplasmic granules. In dogs these are deep purple and sparse. Cats have more numerous lilac coloured granules with occasional deep purple granules.
 
'''<u>Basophil.</u>''' Rare in blood smears from healthy animals. Basophils are similar in size to eosinophils, with a segmented, ribbon-like nucleus and variable numbers of cytoplasmic granules. In dogs these are deep purple and sparse. Cats have more numerous lilac coloured granules with occasional deep purple granules.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 22.jpg|thumb|Mast cell NationWide Labs]]
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
+
File:NWLLabfacts 21.jpg|Basophil NationWide Laboratories
 
+
</gallery>
 
  −
 
  −
 
  −
 
      
'''<u>Mast cell.</u>''' These are not present in the blood of healthy animals but may be present with severe inflammatory disease or metastatic mast cell tumours (mastocytaemia). They are round cells with a round nucleus surrounded by a moderate volume of cytoplasm containing large numbers of purple granules.  
 
'''<u>Mast cell.</u>''' These are not present in the blood of healthy animals but may be present with severe inflammatory disease or metastatic mast cell tumours (mastocytaemia). They are round cells with a round nucleus surrounded by a moderate volume of cytoplasm containing large numbers of purple granules.  
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
+
File:NWLLabfacts 22.jpg|thumb|Mast cell NationWide Labs
 
+
</gallery>
[[File:NWLLabfacts 23.jpg|thumb|Small, medium and large Lymphocytes NationWide Labs]]
      
<u>'''Lymphocyte'''</u>. Mature lymphocytes are small cells with round, occasionally cleft nuclei which are approximately one red cell width in diameter; they have condensed nuclear chromatin and a narrow rim of pale cytoplasm.
 
<u>'''Lymphocyte'''</u>. Mature lymphocytes are small cells with round, occasionally cleft nuclei which are approximately one red cell width in diameter; they have condensed nuclear chromatin and a narrow rim of pale cytoplasm.
   
'''<u>Reactive lymphocyte.</u>''' Slightly larger than a mature lymphocyte. Cells have round nuclei with condensed nuclear chromatin, surrounded by a rim of pale basophilic cytoplasm.
 
'''<u>Reactive lymphocyte.</u>''' Slightly larger than a mature lymphocyte. Cells have round nuclei with condensed nuclear chromatin, surrounded by a rim of pale basophilic cytoplasm.
[[File:NWLLabfacts 24.jpg|thumb|Lymphoblast NationWide Labs]]
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 23.jpg|Small, medium and large Lymphocytes NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
<u>'''Lymphoblast.'''</u> A large cell with a large nucleus, two to three red cell widths in diameter, with one or more prominent nucleoli. These are rarely seen in blood smears from healthy animals but may be present with lymphoid neoplasia.
 
<u>'''Lymphoblast.'''</u> A large cell with a large nucleus, two to three red cell widths in diameter, with one or more prominent nucleoli. These are rarely seen in blood smears from healthy animals but may be present with lymphoid neoplasia.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 24.jpg|Lymphoblast NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
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  −
  −
[[File:NWLLabfacts 25.jpg|thumb|Large granular Lymphocyte NationWide Labs]]
      
'''<u>Large granular lymphocyte</u>'''. Lymphocyte containing several prominent magenta coloured cytoplasmic granules. Rarely seen in peripheral blood but are numerous in large granular cell leukaemia in the dog
 
'''<u>Large granular lymphocyte</u>'''. Lymphocyte containing several prominent magenta coloured cytoplasmic granules. Rarely seen in peripheral blood but are numerous in large granular cell leukaemia in the dog
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
[[File:NWLLabfacts 26.jpg|thumb|Monocyte NationWide Labs]]
+
File:NWLLabfacts 25.jpg|Large granular Lymphocyte NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
<u>'''Monocyte'''</u>. These are large cells with a deeply indented nucleus showing pale, finely granular nuclear chromatin. They have a moderate amount of blue-grey cytoplasm, which may contain vacuoles.
 
<u>'''Monocyte'''</u>. These are large cells with a deeply indented nucleus showing pale, finely granular nuclear chromatin. They have a moderate amount of blue-grey cytoplasm, which may contain vacuoles.
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 26.jpg|Monocyte NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
=== Leucocyte Inclusions ===
 
=== Leucocyte Inclusions ===
[[File:NWLLabfacts 27.jpg|thumb|Canine distemper intracytoplasmic inclusion in a neutrophil NationWide Labs]]
  −
   
Canine distemper intracytoplasmic inclusion in a neutrophil (See image)
 
Canine distemper intracytoplasmic inclusion in a neutrophil (See image)
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWLLabfacts 27.jpg|Canine distemper intracytoplasmic inclusion in a neutrophil NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
Ehrlichia canis morula in a monocyte (see image)
 
Ehrlichia canis morula in a monocyte (see image)
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWL 1.jpg|Ehrlichia canis morula in a monocyte NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
Leishmania in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil (see image)
 
Leishmania in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil (see image)
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWL 2.jpg|Leishmania in the cytoplasm of neutrophil NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
Anaplasma platys elementary bodies (see image)
 
Anaplasma platys elementary bodies (see image)
 +
<gallery widths=300px>
 +
File:NWL 3.jpg|thumb|Anaplasma platys elementary bodies NationWide Labs
 +
</gallery>
    
Hepatozoon gametocytes and Ehrlichia Morula (see image)
 
Hepatozoon gametocytes and Ehrlichia Morula (see image)
 
+
<gallery widths=300px>
 
+
File:NWL 4.jpg|thumb|Hepatozoon gametocytes and Ehrlichia Morula NationWide Labs
 
+
</gallery>
 
  −
[[File:NWL 1.jpg|thumb|Ehrlichia canis morula in a monocyte NationWide Labs]]
  −
 
  −
 
  −
 
  −
 
  −
 
  −
 
  −
[[File:NWL 2.jpg|thumb|Leishmania in the cytoplasm of neutrophil NationWide Labs]]
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[[File:NWL 3.jpg|thumb|Anaplasma platys elementary bodies NationWide Labs]]
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[[File:NWL 4.jpg|thumb|Hepatozoon gametocytes and Ehrlichia Morula NationWide Labs]]
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=== Platelet Evaluation ===
 
=== Platelet Evaluation ===
[[File:NWL 5.jpg|thumb|Clumps of platelets, often found in the feathered edge NationWide Labs]]
   
Platelet numbers can be estimated from the blood smear as described previously. The smear should be checked for any platelet clumps which are often found in the tail (feathered edge) of the smear. Clumping of platelets is frequently seen in cats and results in a spuriously low platelet count.  
 
Platelet numbers can be estimated from the blood smear as described previously. The smear should be checked for any platelet clumps which are often found in the tail (feathered edge) of the smear. Clumping of platelets is frequently seen in cats and results in a spuriously low platelet count.  
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<gallery widths=300px>
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File:NWL 5.jpg|Clumps of platelets, often found in the feathered edge NationWide Labs
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</gallery>
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[[File:NWL 6.jpg|thumb|Macrothrombocyte Nation Wide Labs (the one in the middle)]]
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'''<u>Macrothrombocyte.</u>''' A large platelet indicating enhanced thrombopoiesis. Larger platelets are more functionally active and this may explain why some dogs with thrombocytopaenia, but largeplatelets, do not bleed.
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<gallery widths=300px>
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File:NWL 6.jpg|Macrothrombocyte Nation Wide Labs (the one in the middle)
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</gallery>
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'''<u>Macrothrombocyte.</u>''' A large platelet indicating enhanced thrombopoiesis. Larger platelets are more functionally active and this may explain why some dogs with thrombocytopaenia, but largeplatelets, do not bleed.
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[[File:NWL 7.jpg|thumb|Inherited macrothrombocytopaenia NationWide Labs]]
   
Primary platelet disorders such as thrombasthenic thrombopathia of otter hounds are rare, producing large and morphologically bizarre platelets. Cavalier King Charles spaniels may have large platelets with decreased platelet counts due to inherited macrothrombocytopaenia.
 
Primary platelet disorders such as thrombasthenic thrombopathia of otter hounds are rare, producing large and morphologically bizarre platelets. Cavalier King Charles spaniels may have large platelets with decreased platelet counts due to inherited macrothrombocytopaenia.
 
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<gallery widths=300px>
 
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File:NWL 7.jpg|Inherited macrothrombocytopaenia NationWide Labs
 
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</gallery>
 
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== Authors and References ==
 
== Authors and References ==
 
[[NationWide Laboratories#In Partnership with NationWide Laboratories]]
 
[[NationWide Laboratories#In Partnership with NationWide Laboratories]]
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[[Category:Pathological Sample Collection|5]]
 
[[Category:Pathological Sample Collection|5]]