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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Clin Pathol / Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thorou...
Veterinary clinical pathology2024; doi: 10.1111/vcp.13343

Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Western stock horse breeds.

Abstract: Hematology is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the health status of horses. However, breed differences are often not considered. Objective: The objective was to compare complete blood count variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses (SH). Methods: Ninety-six healthy horses were grouped by breed (Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and SH). Samples were collected through venipuncture for complete blood count analysis. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's tests or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests were used to compare hematologic variables among groups. Results: Warmbloods had a significantly lower total white blood cell (WBC) count (6.08 ± 1.11 × 10/L) and lymphocyte count (1.76 ± 0.41 × 10/L) than Thoroughbreds (7.28 ± 1.45; 2.28 ± 5.16 × 10/L, respectively; P < .001) and SH (7.21 ± 1.18 × 10/L, P < .01; 2.10 ± 5.17 × 10/L; P < .05). Warmbloods had a significantly lower red blood cell count (7.7 ± 0.8 × 10/L) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 49.4 ± 2.2 fL) than Thoroughbreds (8.42 ± 1.2 × 10/L, P < .01; 47.3 ± 3.0 fL). Warmbloods had lower MCVs than SH (49.4 ± 2.2 vs 51.2 ± 2.6 fL). The mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher in Warmbloods (35.0, 33.8-36.2 g/dL) and Thoroughbreds (34.9, 33.4-35.7 g/dL) than in SH breeds (34.0, 33.4-35.4 g/dL; P < .001, both). Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in Thoroughbreds (67, 59-80 g/L) compared with SH (71, 64-83 g/dL) (P < .05). Conclusions: Warmbloods had decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts compared with Thoroughbreds and SH, and Thoroughbreds had increased red blood cell counts. Thoroughbreds had lower total protein concentrations than SH. Clinicians should consider breed differences when interpreting hematologic values.
© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Clinical Pathology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-28 PubMed ID: 38679567DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13343Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study looks into the differences in blood count variables among three breeds of horses: Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses. The researchers found that these breeds have significantly different blood values, something that could be important for diagnosing and treating horse diseases.

Methods

  • The study included a sample of 96 healthy horses, which were categorised by breed into three groups: Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses.
  • Blood samples were collected from all the horses for a complete blood count (CBC) analysis.
  • The researchers then applied statistical tests (one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s tests or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn’s post hoc tests) to compare the results among the three breeds.

Results

  • The analysis showed that Warmbloods had a significantly lower total white blood cell (WBC) count and lymphocyte count than Thoroughbreds and stock horses.
  • Similarly, Warmbloods exhibited a significantly lower red blood cell count compared to Thoroughbreds but higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV). However, this breed had lower MCVs than stock horses.
  • The analysis of the mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) reflected higher values for Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds than for stock horses.
  • The researchers also noted differences in total protein concentrations, with Thoroughbreds showing lower readings compared with stock horses.

Conclusion

  • The main takeaway from the study is that breed differences can significantly impact entire blood counts in horses.
  • Warmbloods have decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts compared to Thoroughbreds and stock horses, and Thoroughbreds have increased red blood cell counts. Thoroughbreds also showed lower total protein concentrations than stock horses.
  • The researchers recommend that such breed differences should be taken into account when clinicians interpret hematologic values, as this could potentially influence the diagnosis and treatment of certain health conditions in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Schaefer EA, Edman J, Magdesian KG. (2024). Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Western stock horse breeds. Vet Clin Pathol. https://doi.org/10.1111/vcp.13343

Publication

Veterinary clinical pathology
ISSN: 1939-165X
NlmUniqueID: 9880575
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Schaefer, E A
  • William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.
Edman, J
  • Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.
Magdesian, K G
  • Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA.

Grant Funding

  • Center for Equine Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis
  • Roberta A. and Carla Henry Endowed Chair in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis

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