Results of hematologic analyses and prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren

Objective-To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses fo r healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, a nd to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren. Design-Cohort study. Animals-180 healthy Belgian Tervuren and 63 healthy dogs of other breeds. Procedure-Blood samples were analyzed by use of an automated device. Refere nce ranges were calculated for Belgian Tervuren by use of standard methods. Results-Total WBC counts of Belgian Tervuren ranged from 2.61 to 16.90 x 10 (3)/mu l. Mean WBC count of Belgian Tervuren (mean +/- SEM, 7.04 +/- 0.16 x 10(3)/mu l) was significantly lower than mean count for control dogs. Sign ificantly more Belgian Tervuren (65/180; 36%) than control dogs (2/63; 3%) had WBC counts < 6.00 x 10(3)/mu l. Percentage of Belgian Tervuren with WBC count < 6.00 x 10(3)/mu l was low for dogs less than or equal to 2 years o ld, increased sharply for dogs between 2 and 4 years old, and was approxima tely 65% for dogs > 4 years old. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte count s were significantly lower, and RBC count, hematocrit, and eosinophil fract ion were significantly higher in Belgian Tervuren than in control dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that physiologic leukope nia, resulting from low numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, may be a typical finding in a large percentage of healthy Belgian Tervuren and is not of clinical importance in otherwise healthy dogs. Healthy Belgi an Tervuren may also have RBC counts and hematocrits higher than expected f or healthy dogs.