Hematology of Camelids
Susan J. Tornquist
Search for more papers by this authorSusan J. Tornquist
Search for more papers by this authorMarjory B. Brooks DVM, DACVIM
Director, Comparative Coagulation Section
Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
Search for more papers by this authorKendal E. Harr DVM, MS, DACVP
URIKA, LLC, Mukilteo, Washington, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDavis M. Seelig DVM, PhD, DACVP
Associate Professor, Clinical Pathology
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Search for more papers by this authorK. Jane Wardrop DVM, MS, DACVP
Professor and Director, Clinical Pathology Laboratory
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDouglas J. Weiss DVM, PhD, DACVP
Emeritus Professor
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Camelids' red blood cells (RBCs) are elliptical in shape, unlike those of any other mammals. Several structural and physiologic features of camelid RBCs contribute to their high resistance to osmotic lysis, decreased deformability, and high affinity for oxygen. Camelid lymphocytes vary in size as they do in ruminants. Platelets from camelids are round to irregular and contain azurophilic granules. Camelid platelets are generally small in volume and platelet counts are higher than in many other species. Coagulation testing may be performed in camelids using instruments and reagents that are used in other mammalian species. No unique features of white blood cells morphology or maturation have been reported in camelid bone marrow samples. Anemia of chronic disease is likely to be a factor in many sick camelids with no identifiable cause of anemia. Hematologic responses to inflammation appear to be similar in camelids to those in other species.
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