Posted 2017-03-20 10:49 AM (#7334398 - in reply to #7333870) Subject: RE: small red blood cells?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 955 Location: Alberta, Canada
shepsrus - 2017-03-16 3:56 PM
On what equipment did he run the samples? How was the blood sample handled? Been a vet for 25+ years, never heard of microcytosis without accompanying anemia, and that's most often caused by iron deficiency.
You need a CBC run at a large laboratory that has the proper equipment to evaluate. Maybe that was done? They need to review all the cell parameters: red cell volume, hemoglobin concentration etc. and to have someone evaluate the histogram that provides the quality control for the sample. Also need to make a slide and check morphology of the red cells by a person and not a machine.
Sample handling could definitely alter RBC size without there being any pathology. Shipping/mailing the sample alters the shape and size of red cells. How slides were prepared (if they were prepared) can also affect red cell size. For example, if the fixative portion of the dye isn't the right strength or is too concentrated or old, it distorts the red cells and can make them look small.
What kind of cells did he say there were? There are literally dozens of known alterations in red cell size and shape, and they all have different causes and meanings.
What is the hereditary issue?
I would love to review the results. I review and interpret clinical pathology results every day.
If you are open to it, would you be willing to take a look at the CBC and chemistry panels when I get them back? At this point I feel like there's no such thing as too many eyes, and I can learn from every one who takes a look at them!!
Posted 2017-04-25 2:15 PM (#7341814 - in reply to #7333827) Subject: RE: small red blood cells?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 955 Location: Alberta, Canada
Just wanted to update everyone on what's going on with my mare -- since everyone was so helpful and encouraging!!
I had gone through our backyard vet for a CBC and Chemistry panel. He never got back to me. He also never charged me so it is what it is.
My good vet was up last week (she works on Deb Guelly's horses as well as Lindsay's Martha :)) so we pulled again. Turns out my mare has nothing more than a respiratory infection. There is no indication that she is even anemic!!! We are confident that we can get her under control, and even if the problem is chronic, a Cur-Ost program will be in place to help with that :)
I am so excited to get her feeling better and thank each and every one of you for the thoughts and direction!