Changes Observed for 24 Hours in Hematological Properties of Horses after Large-Amount Bleeding

Abstract

Eleven horses suffering from chronic equine infectious anemia with obscure clinical symptoms were subjected to bleeding, so that they lost such amount of blood as corresponding to 4 per cent, on the average, of body weight. They were examined for changes in hematological properties for 24 hours. The results obtained are summarized as follows.
1. The red cell count and hemoglobin value increased immediately after bleeding (a.b.), but decreased suddenly 4 hours a.b. showing a gradual decrease after that. The pigment index exhibited a gradual increase.
2. The white cell count decreased a little immediately a.b. and then increased, reaching the maximum value 8 hours a.b. After that it revealed a gradual decrease.
3. Neutrophils exhibited a shift to the left slightly and a tendency to change in number almost in parallel with the white cell count. Lymphocytes showed changes which were in reverse proportion to those of neutrophils. Eosinophils decreased in number a.b.
4. The maximum resistance of erythrocytes was reduced 4 hours a.b. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was delayed transitorily just a.b.
5. The specific gravity and viscosity of the blood decreased immediately a.b., showing a remarkable decline 4 hours a.b.
6. There were no significant changes in the amounts of total protein, albumin, and globulin of the serum and in A/G ratio.
7. Individual differences were great and no significant differences present in the amounts of blood sugar and calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and iron of the serum, with an exception that the serum iron exhibited a significant decrease 4 hours a.b.