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Evaluating Atlantic bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ) leukocyte differential counts comparing the CellaVision DM 96 and the manual method
Author(s) -
Zaias Julia,
Bradley Christine,
Richardson Jill,
Eskelinen Holli C.,
Ikpatt Frances,
Cray Carolyn
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
veterinary clinical pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-165X
pISSN - 0275-6382
DOI - 10.1111/vcp.12514
Subject(s) - bottlenose dolphin , biology , differential diagnosis , leukocyte counts , blood smear , lymphocyte , monocyte , pathology , veterinary medicine , medicine , immunology , fishery , malaria
Background The leukocyte differential count is an excellent diagnostic tool; however, the manual differential count has several drawbacks, especially for nontraditional species. Automated cell analyzers commonly used in veterinary practices require species‐specific validation for use in nondomestic species other than dogs and cats. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of the CellaVision DM 96 ( DM 96), an automated image analysis system, as a rapid and accurate method for providing a WBC differential count in comparison to the manual WBC differential count in bottlenose dolphins. Methods Ten fresh, EDTA anticoagulated blood samples were collected, blood smears were made and stained, and the differential WBC counts were performed on the DM 96 and compared with manual differential WBC counts. Agreement, means, and errors were compared between the methods. Results There was good agreement between the DM 96 and manual differential WBC counts for neutrophils; however, there was significant variation when comparing lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. No basophils were seen by any method. Conclusions Despite a small sample size, the DM 96 appeared to provide a viable alternative for automated neutrophil counting in blood of bottlenose dolphins. Whether the counts are comparable in animals with highly pathologic differential counts must be addressed in follow‐up studies, preferably with more study animals.