Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Flow cytometry: clinical applications in equine medicine.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Davis, Elizabeth G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Flow cytometry is a technique that helps veterinarians examine the characteristics of cells in horses, which can be really useful for diagnosing various health issues. It works by using lasers to measure how light interacts with cells, and special dyes can highlight specific parts of the cells. This method is particularly helpful for understanding conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (where the immune system attacks red blood cells), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (where it attacks platelets), chronic inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer. Overall, flow cytometry is becoming an important tool in equine medicine for better diagnosing and managing these conditions.
Abstract
The use of flow cytometry in veterinary diagnostics is becoming a valuable clinical tool with a broad range of applications. Physical characteristics of cells can be determined by the flow cytometer laser and electronics through the measurement of changes in light scatter properties. Other components and functions of cells can be defined through the application of fluorochrome dyes that have an affinity for cellular components. Traditionally, common clinical applications are immunophenotyping of cells of the hematopoietic system with fluorescent-labeled antibodies raised against specific cell surface proteins. Other approaches have been used to elucidate changes in cell function and DNA content. This review is intended to provide the reader with the fundamental uses of flow cytometry. Examples of clinical applications in equine patients include immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12141301/