Objectives
In dogs, normal platelet values lie between 150-400x103/µL1. However, healthy animals from some breeds (Greyhounds5, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels2,4, Shiba Inus3) are pointed out as having subnormal values. However, in our clinical practice, we have observed that frequently healthy Poodles also show values for platelets lower than the reference values. The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence of thrombocytopenia in healthy Poodles.
Materials & Methods
The present study was carried out in 91 healthy Poodles, 29 females and 62 males, presented to our practice during 2000 to 2002. The admission criteria for our study were. (i) absence of clinical signs of disease, (ii) absence of vaccination or medical treatment for at least 3 months, (iii) normal hemogram values, except for platelets, (iv) absence of platelet aggregation. To determine platelet values, a Counter AC-920-Swelab was used.
Results
Among the 91 animals studied, 32 (35%) showed values for platelets below 150x103/µL (mean 98.375, SD 25.260). From these 32 animals, 17 (53%) had values below 100x103/µL (mean 79.235, SD 15.982). The sex, age or coat colour failed to show any significant relation with platelet values.
Conclusion
The results obtained suggest that a considerable percentage of healthy Poodles have a physiological thrombocytopenia. Therefore, care should be taken when interpreting platelet values in Poodles.