title: Comparison between microscopic and automated differential leukocyte counts in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the blue fox (Alopex lagopus).
abstract: Differential leukocyte (WBC) counts in blood from clinically healthy silver foxes (n=32) and blue foxes (n=37) obtained from an automated hematology analyzer (Technicon H*1 Hematology System) with canine software were compared with microscopic differential WBC counts (M-diff). There was good agreement between the automated differential cell count (A-diff) and the M-diff for neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages. The correlation was lower for monocyte percentages and variable for eosinophil percentages. There was no significant difference between the A-diff and M-diff in either fox species. The A-diff counts were very precise, and may be a good alternative to the traditional M-diff for screening populations of clinically healthy foxes or for studies on stress and animal welfare. Intercept values, however, indicated a constant bias that must be taken into account before interpreting results based on different methods of analysis
authors.affiliation: Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, Oslo, Norway. Randi.O.Moe@online.no
authors.forename: Randi Oppermann
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Moe
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bakken
authors.forename: Hege
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brun-Hansen
authors.forename: Tormod
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Adnøy
authors.forename: Hanne
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Morberg