Evaluation of a manual technique for detection of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in dogs receiving chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine accuracy of a manual technique for detection of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in dogs receiving chemotherapy.


METHODS
Masked prospective study.


METHODS
11 dogs treated with chemotherapy for neoplasia.


METHODS
124 blood samples from dogs being treated with chemotherapy for various neoplasms were processed through an automated cell counter, and results were compared with those obtained by use of a rapid manual technique for estimating neutrophil and platelet concentrations to determine whether the manual technique could accurately detect dogs with neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.


RESULTS
By use of automated techniques, neutropenia (< 3,000 cells/microl) was detected in 17 of 124 blood samples, and thrombocytopenia (< 100,000 platelets/microl) was detected in 3 of 124 blood samples. The manual technique correctly identified 16 of 17 (94%) blood samples with neutropenia, with a specificity of 92% (98/107). The manual technique correctly identified 3 of 3 (100%) blood samples with thrombocytopenia, with specificity of 94% (114/121).


CONCLUSIONS
Manual estimates of neutrophil and platelet counts are sensitive and specific; however, a full differential cell count is still preferable.
Wyatt
Kenneth M
KM
Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
Wyatt
Gemma L
GL
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents