Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Quarter Horses: A Comparison Between Healthy and Hospitalized Animals

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science 2019-02, Vol.73, p.127-130
• Main Authors: Ramires, Livia Magosso, Monteiro, Fernanda Nobre Bandeira, Ishida, Ana Carolina, Santos, Tamiriz Muniz dos, Silva, Huan Betine, Laposy, Cecília Braga, Santarém, Vamilton Alvares
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarker; Equine; Hematology; RDW
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.12.007

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a hematimetric index used to diagnose anisocytosis. In human medicine, it has been widely used as a predictor and biomarker of various diseases, but there are few comparable studies in equine medicine. We aimed to compare RDW values between healthy and hospitalized Quarter Horses (QH). A total of 176 QH were evaluated, 95 healthy animals reared on 27 farms, and 81 animals treated at a Veterinary School Hospital. Blood samples were evaluated using an automated hematological analyzer to obtain RDW. Red blood cell distribution width values in hospitalized horses (18.6%) were significantly higher than in healthy ones (17.8%, P = .0006). Values from our healthy group can be used as a reference for QH. We suggest that further studies are needed to evaluate the use of RDW as a biomarker or predictor of various disorders or diseases in equines. •Comparison of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in healthy and hospitalized Quarter Horses (QH).•Obtaining reference values of RDW in QH.•Red blood cell distribution width in hospitalized horses was significantly higher than the healthy horses.•Sex and age did not influence the value of RDW in healthy QH.