Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nucleated red blood cells predict outcome in dogs with heatstroke
By Aroch, I et al.Ā·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicineĀ·2009Ā·Koret School of Veterinary MedicineĀ·View original on PubMed ā
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research ā every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work ā
Original publication title: Peripheral nucleated red blood cells as a prognostic indicator in heatstroke in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 40 dogs suffering from heatstroke were studied to see how certain blood cells, called nucleated red blood cells (NRBC), could predict their chances of recovery. Most of the dogs (90%) had elevated levels of these cells, and those with higher counts were more likely to have serious complications or not survive. The study found that measuring NRBC levels could help veterinarians assess the severity of heatstroke and the likelihood of recovery, but it should not be the only factor considered in treatment decisions.
People also search for: dog heatstroke symptoms Ā· elevated red blood cells in dogs Ā· heatstroke treatment for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heatstroke in dogs is often fatal and is associated with a high prevalence of secondary complications. Peripheral nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) occur in dogs with heatstroke, but their association with complications and the outcome is unclear. HYPOTHESIS: Peripheral NRBC are common in dogs with heatstroke and have prognostic significance. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned dogs with naturally occurring heatstroke. METHODS: Prospective, observational study. Dogs were followed from presentation to discharge or death. Serum biochemistry and coagulation tests were performed at presentation. CBC and evaluation of peripheral blood smears were performed at presentation and every 12 hours. The relative and the absolute NRBC numbers were calculated. RESULTS: Presence of NRBC was observed in 36/40 (90%) of the dogs at presentation. Median relative and absolute NRBC were 24 cells/100 leukocytes (range 0-124) and 1.48 x 10(3)/microL (range 0.0-19.6 x 10(3)/microL), respectively. Both were significantly higher in nonsurvivors (22) versus survivors (18) and in dogs with secondary renal failure and DIC versus those without these complications. Receiver operator curve analysis of relative NRBC at presentation as a predictor of death had an area under curve of 0.92. A cut-off point of 18 NRBC/100 leukocytes corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 91 and 88% for death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Relative and absolute numbers of peripheral NRBC are clinically useful, correlate with the secondary complications, and are sensitive and specific markers of death in dogs with heatstroke, although they should never be used as a sole prognostic indicator nor should they replace clinical assessment.
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 āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19422468/