Special Issue "Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Arianna Miglio
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
Interests: clinical pathology; hematology; onco-hematology; transfusion medicine
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals
Dr. Alessandra Gavazza
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica (MC), Italy
Interests: clinical pathology; hematology; transfusion medicine; immunology
Prof. Maria Teresa Antognoni
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
Interests: hematology; onco-hematology; transfusion medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The theme of this Special Issue of Animals is “Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals”.

The study of veterinary transfusion medicine has undergone substantial changes in recent years in every aspect. Both the methods of sampling and transfusion of whole blood and blood products have been studied in depth. Furthermore, the methods of preservation of whole blood and blood product such as erythrocyte and plasma concentrates have been studied in order to increase the safety of this practice. Each step, i.e., donors and blood collection, screening, preparation, storage, and transfusion, has been considered and the improvements are beneficial to transfusion medicine in animals. These topics have been studied and described for dogs, cats, and horses, but little is known about this for with regard to other species, especially relatively exotic species.

Another interesting aspect of transfusion medicine is the epidemiology of blood transfusion in all countries and the identification of new blood group antigens in different animal species.

This topic cannot be separated from the knowledge of hematology in all animals, as well as information about the characteristics of the three blood populations (RBC, WBC, and PLT) and clotting factors. Alterations related to erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets (i.e., anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplasia, congenital and acquired coagulopathy) can provide important information relating to the most suitable products to transfuse in clinical cases.

Constant work by experts is important so that knowledge can be extended both in terms of early and accurate hematologic diagnoses and in terms of new transfusion therapies.

Prof. Maria Teresa Antognoni
Dr. Arianna Miglio
Dr. Alessandra Gavazza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hematology and onco-hematology
  • leukemia
  • lymphoma
  • transfusion medicine
  • blood
  • plasma
  • blood products
  • blood donors
  • blood groups
  • leukodepletion
  • all animal species
  • acquired and congenital coagulopathies

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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Article
The Physical Activity-Dependent Hematological and Biochemical Changes in School Horses in Comparison to Blood Profiles in Endurance and Race Horses
Animals 2021, 11(4), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041128 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 574
Abstract
Blood testing is one of the most important ways to improve performance, facilitate recovery and monitor the training of endurance and race horses. However, little is known about the physical activity-dependent changes of blood parameters in horses used for pleasure and in riding [...] Read more.
Blood testing is one of the most important ways to improve performance, facilitate recovery and monitor the training of endurance and race horses. However, little is known about the physical activity-dependent changes of blood parameters in horses used for pleasure and in riding schools. This study aimed to perform routine blood tests for training monitoring of sport horses in three different horse types of use. Then the values of blood indicators were compared between school, endurance and race horses to find similarities in the physical activity-dependent profile. The study was carried out on 15 endurance, 15 race and 15 school healthy horses who underwent the typical effort for their disciplines. The hemogram parameters, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood lactate (LAC), and total serum protein (TSP) concentrations were measured using the same protocol and equipment. Measurements of main hematological and biochemical physical activity-dependent parameters were conducted before, immediately after and 30 min after training. In school horses, the physical activity-dependent increase of WBC (40.9%) and CPK (76.4%) was similar to endurance horses, whereas an increase of RBC (19.1%), HGB (18.6%) and HCT (19.4%) were more similar to race horses. The moderate effort-dependent increase of LAC concentration (2775%) was lower than in race horses (7526%) and higher than in endurance horses (390%). Limiting the training or work monitoring assessment of school horses to only the endurance or racing blood profile may result in the omission of significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Article
Effect of Leukoreduction on Hematobiochemical Parameters and Storage Hemolysis in Canine Whole Blood Units
Animals 2021, 11(4), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11040925 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 445
Abstract
Storage lesions (SLs) occur when the red blood cell quality is altered during the preservation of blood units. Pre-storage leukoreduction would limit the number of SLs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a leukoreduction filter for human use [...] Read more.
Storage lesions (SLs) occur when the red blood cell quality is altered during the preservation of blood units. Pre-storage leukoreduction would limit the number of SLs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a leukoreduction filter for human use and the effect of pre-storage leukoreduction on some ematobiochemical parameters in stored canine whole blood. Seven canine blood units were tested. Each one was divided into two units—one leukoreduced (LRWB) and one non-leukoreduced (nLRWB). On each unit, we determined the complete blood count (CBC), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl), morphological index (MI) and hemolysis, on storage days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. Leukoreduction allowed a 98.30% recovery of the RBC count, retaining 99.69% and 94.91% of WBCs and PLTs, respectively. We detected a significant increase of LDH and MI with strongly higher values in nLRWB compared to LRWB. A progressive increase in electrolytes and LDH concentrations was observed as indices of stored hemolysis. LDH showed significantly lower values in LRWB units compared to nLRWB, suggesting its release from leukocytes. In the majority of units, hemolysis reached 1% on the 42nd day of storage. We assert the human leukoreduction filter effectiveness on canine whole blood, and we recommend using nLRWB before day 14, especially for critically ill patients. The difference of the basal hemolysis (day 0) percentages observed between subjects suggests that more studies should be performed to confirm a possible inter-individual donor biological variability of RBC membrane resistance, as happens in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Article
Red Cell Distribution Width Has a Negative Prognostic Role in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Animals 2021, 11(3), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030778 - 11 Mar 2021
Viewed by 480
Abstract
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a quantitative measurement of anisocytosis. This hematological parameter is an important prognostic biomarker for different cardiovascular disorders in humans but its influence on survival has been poorly investigated in dogs with cardiovascular disease. The RDW and various [...] Read more.
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a quantitative measurement of anisocytosis. This hematological parameter is an important prognostic biomarker for different cardiovascular disorders in humans but its influence on survival has been poorly investigated in dogs with cardiovascular disease. The RDW and various clinical, complete blood count, serum biochemical and echocardiographic variables were retrospectively investigated in 146 client-owned dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) at various disease stages, with or without concurrent diseases and treatment. Laboratory variables, including RDW, urea, and white blood cell (WBC), in addition to the echocardiographic variable left atrium to aorta ratio were found to be independent predictors of all-cause mortality at six months in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. In particular, the hazard ratio of RDW was 1.203 (95% confidence interval = 1.045–1.384; p = 0.010). The negative effect of increased RDW on outcome was confirmed using Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. The results of this study indicate that RDW acted as an independent predictor of negative outcome in dogs with MMVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Article
Effect of First Long-Term Training on Whole Blood Count and Blood Clotting Parameters in Thoroughbreds
Animals 2021, 11(2), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020447 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 744
Abstract
Training has a strong effect on the physiology of hematological parameters and blood coagulation, both in humans and in horses. Several blood changes have been reported after exercise in horses but available data differ. We aimed to investigate modifications in complete blood count [...] Read more.
Training has a strong effect on the physiology of hematological parameters and blood coagulation, both in humans and in horses. Several blood changes have been reported after exercise in horses but available data differ. We aimed to investigate modifications in complete blood count and some hemostatic parameters induced by the first training period in young untrained Thoroughbred racehorses to detect a possible labile blood coagulability in racehorses. Twenty-nine untrained 2-year-old Thoroughbreds were followed during their incremental 4-month sprint exercise schedule. Blood collection was performed once a month, five times (T-30, T0, T30, T60 and T90), before and during the training period for measurement of complete blood count (CBC) and blood clotting parameters (prothrombin time—PT, activated partial prothrombin time—APTT, thrombin clotting time—TCT, fibrinogen—Fb, thrombin–antithrombin complex—TAT). Differences among the time points for each parameter were analyzed (ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.05). In Thoroughbreds, the first long-term exercise workout period was found to induce a statistical increase in red blood cell indexes and lymphocytes, eosinophils and platelet counts, as well as a hypercoagulability state evident at 30 days of training, which returned to basal levels after 90 days. Regular physical exercise seems to blunt the negative effects of acute efforts on hematological and clotting parameters, an effect that may be attributed to the training condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Communication
Frequency of Blood Types A, B and AB in a Population of Non-Pedigree Domestic Cats from Central Italy
Animals 2020, 10(10), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101937 - 21 Oct 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 657
Abstract
Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and [...] Read more.
Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and breed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy and estimate the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction and neonatal isoerythrolysis, caused by mismatched transfusion or incompatible random mating, respectively. The AB blood group was determined on non-pedigree domestic feline patients and potential blood donors submitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Teramo (Abruzzo Region, Teramo, Italy) and Perugia (Umbria Region, Teramo, Italy), and visited at veterinary practitioners in Rome (Lazio Region, Teramo, Italy) using commercial immunochromatographic cartridges and commercial agglutination cards. There were four hundred and eighty-three cats included in the study. The frequencies of the blood types were: 89.9% type A, 7.0% type B, and 3.1% type AB. The probability of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction or a neonatal isoerythrolysis was 6.5%. Although the frequency of type B in non-pedigree domestic cats living in Central Italy was relatively low, to reduce the risk of fatal transfusion reactions, blood group typing is recommended before each transfusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
Article
Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Post-Extraction Alveolar Sockets: A Randomized, Controlled Split-Mouth Trial in Dogs with Spontaneous Periodontal Disease
Animals 2020, 10(8), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081343 - 04 Aug 2020
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Periodontal disease (PD) is a common inflammatory condition in dogs; in severe stages, dental extraction is frequently required. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in human oral surgical procedures and has been experimentally tested on post-extraction sockets in healthy dogs. This is the [...] Read more.
Periodontal disease (PD) is a common inflammatory condition in dogs; in severe stages, dental extraction is frequently required. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in human oral surgical procedures and has been experimentally tested on post-extraction sockets in healthy dogs. This is the first split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial designed to compare post-extractive alveolar socket healing with and without topical application of PRF in canine spontaneous PD. Clinical evaluation, radiographic density, and histological scores for inflammation and regeneration were assessed at recruitment (T0) and after a three-week follow up (T1) on 12 dogs, for a total of 31 pairs of sockets. No complications or clinically evident differences between the treated sites and the control sites were observed. Comparing the radiographic densities of the extraction sites measured at T0 and T1, a significant enhancement was observed within the PRF group, but not within control group. The histological score decreased significantly from T0 to T1 within group PRF, but not within the control group; at T1, the PRF group showed a significantly lower histological score than the control group. These findings suggest that PRF could be able to stimulate the natural process of tissue healing and regeneration of post-extraction sites in dogs with spontaneous periodontal disease (PD). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Article
Hematological and Biochemical Reference Intervals for 5 Adult Hunting Dog Breeds Using a Blood Donor Database
Animals 2020, 10(7), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071212 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 828
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown the importance of breed-related differences between hematological and biochemical results in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to determine hematologic and biochemical Reference Intervals (RIs) for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database, adopting an [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have shown the importance of breed-related differences between hematological and biochemical results in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to determine hematologic and biochemical Reference Intervals (RIs) for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database, adopting an indirect sampling method, and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. The study analyzed the blood parameters of 445 adults (222 females and 223 male, with age ranging from 2 to 8 years, mean age 5.3 years), client-owned, clinically healthy blood donor dogs of 5 breeds: 156 Ariégeois, 52 Bleu de Gascogne, 64 Bracco italiano, 123 Segugio italiano, and 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen. Statistical analysis was performed as recommended by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. RIs for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB), main corpuscular volume (MCV), main corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), main corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red distribution widht (RDW), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leukocytes count, PLT, Albumin, Total Protein, Urea, Creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for each of the 5 breeds were performed, and significant differences with the established RIs were detected. We found significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. New RIs for HCT, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine, AST, and ALT are provided for at least 1 breed. Breed-specific RIs for adult hunting dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in these breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Review

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Review
Canine Blood Group Prevalence and Geographical Distribution around the World: An Updated Systematic Review
Animals 2021, 11(2), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020342 - 29 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 749
Abstract
In recent years, blood transfusions have been more commonly given to pets. The importance of determining blood groups in dogs and cats is, therefore, well-known for reducing the risk of adverse reactions in the recipient blood caused by a “non-compatible” donor. This systematic [...] Read more.
In recent years, blood transfusions have been more commonly given to pets. The importance of determining blood groups in dogs and cats is, therefore, well-known for reducing the risk of adverse reactions in the recipient blood caused by a “non-compatible” donor. This systematic review summarizes data from previously published reports and follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 41 eligible studies using different states and blood-typing methods to determine blood groups in dogs. The dog blood groups that were identified between 1999 and 2020 in 17 different countries were combined to yield the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), Kai, and Dal groups. These studies were conducted in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia but not in all the countries of these continents. The methods used to determine blood types have also changed over the years. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and should advance future studies synthesizing data with methodological rigor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematology and Transfusion Medicine in Animals)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Author:  Arianna Miglio

Title: HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR 5 ADULT HUNTING DOG BREEDS USING A BLOOD DONOR DATA BASE

Author: Maria Teresa Antognoni

Title: Effect of leukoreduction on some hemato-biochemical parameters and hemolysis in stored canine whole blood units

Author: Marta Vascellari

Title: Looking for safe cat blood donors: prevalence of haemoparasistes in owned cats from north and central Italy

Author: Gioia Capelli

Title: Looking for dog blood donors in an endemic area for vector-borne infections of Central Italy

Author: Ambra Lisa Misia

Title: Effect of leukodepletion on the oxidant stress and in vitro hemolysis in stored canine whole blood units

Author: Arianna Miglio

Title: Changes in blood coagulation and platelet aggregation induced by incremental long-term training in young Thoroughbred racehorse during first workout season 

Author: Gavazza Alessandra

Title: Canine Blood groups: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Author: Sara mangiaterra

Title: Feline Blood groups: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Author: UNITY JEFFERY

Title: WBC and platelet ratios in Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

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