Evaluation of microcytosis in 18 Shibas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether microcytosis is a typical finding in Shibas.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
18 Shibas.


METHODS
Blood and serum samples were obtained for automated hematologic analyses (18 dogs) and for determination of ferritin concentration, using ELISA (14 dogs). Blood samples from 30 clinically normal dogs of various other breeds was analyzed to establish a reference range for ferritin concentration.


RESULTS
Erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume in Shibas ranged from 55.6 to 69.1 fl (mean+/-SD, 61.2+/-4.3 fl; median, 60.6 fl; reference range, 63 to 73 fl). Microcytosis was identified in 12 of 18 dogs. Males and females were affected equally. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was slightly low (range, 32.0 to 33.9%; reference range, 34 to 38%) in 6 dogs, 4 of which had microcytic RBC. Serum ferritin concentrations ranged from 61.2 to 277.0 ng/ml (mean+/-SD, 110.6+/-51.4 ng/ml; median, 106 ng/ml). Reference range for serum ferritin concentration was 50.7 to 440.0 ng/ml (mean+/-SD, 121.2+/-67.1 ng/ml; median, 111.5 ng/ml). Thrombocytopenia (range, 110,000 to 196,000 platelets; reference range, 200,000 to 450,000 platelets) was found in 7 dogs, 6 of which also had microcytic RBC.


CONCLUSIONS
Microcytosis can be a typical finding in Shibas. Common origin of Shibas and Akitas, a breed predisposed to microcytosis, suggests a hereditary basis for this finding.
Gookin
J L
JL
Department of Companion Animal and Special Species Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606, USA.
Bunch
S E
SE
Rush
L J
LJ
Grindem
C B
CB
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D004285:Dogs; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices / Q000662:veterinary*; D004913:Erythrocytes, Abnormal; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006454:Hemoglobins; D005293:Ferritins