Evaluation of clinicopathologic features, response to treatment, and risk factors associated with idiopathic neutropenia in dogs: 11 cases (1990-2002).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinicopathologic features, response to treatment, and risk factors associated with idiopathic neutropenia in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
11 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with idiopathic neutropenia were reviewed. Signalment, history, clinical signs, and response to treatment were recorded and compared with that in dogs with neutropenia attributable to known causes and to dogs without neutropenia (controls).


RESULTS
Compared with dogs with neutropenia attributable to known causes, dogs with idiopathic neutropenia had lower neutrophil counts and were younger. When compared with control dogs, age < 4 years was identified as a risk factor for developing idiopathic neutropenia. In all dogs with idiopathic neutropenia, remission of neutropenia occurred within 18 days after administration of prednisone (2 to 4 mg/kg [0.9 to 1.8 mg/lb], PO, daily) and no serious complications or infections developed.


CONCLUSIONS
An immune-mediated pathogenesis should be considered for dogs with idiopathic neutropenia in which the cause is not known. Severe neutropenia and young age were significantly associated with idiopathic neutropenia in dogs. Prognosis appeared to be excellent with prednisone treatment.
Brown
Cory D
CD
Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Parnell
Nolie K
NK
Schulman
Rhonda L
RL
Brown
Cassandra G
CG
Glickman
Nita W
NW
Glickman
Larry
L
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone