Hematological ratios and indexes in canine lymphoma

Background. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent canine lymphoid neoplasm. A small number of hematological ratios have been correlated in humans and dogs with first relapse of disease and were prognostic factor for survival in dogs. For instance, elevated total neutrophil and monocyte counts are associated with a worse prognosis in dogs treated for multicentric lymphoma. Objectives. Firstly, the objective of the study is to determine the values of a completed list of ratios NLR (Neu/Lym), PLR (PLT/Lym), MLR (Mon/Lym), PNR (PLT/Neu), MPV/PLT, and RDW in dogs with lymphoma (L). Subsequently, to compare it with a population of healthy dogs (H). Secondly, to evaluate the reference values of the ratios in healthy dogs. Material and Methods. At first visit, CBC and blood smears of 120 dogs with mulicentric large B-cell lymphoma, III/IV clinical stage were evaluated, and hematological ratios were calculated. The H consisted of 60 blood donors. Results. In L vs H median ± SD were for NLR (5,49 ± 8,57 vs 2,54 ± 1,22), PLR (120,81 ± 417,86 vs 106,89 ± 80,20), MLR (0,67 ± 1,72 vs 0,13 ± 0,07), PNR (26,76 ± 54,37 vs 41,49 ± 22,92), MPV/PLT (0,05 ± 0,09 vs 0,04 ± 0,03), RDW (15,10 ± 2,46 vs 16,9 ± 2,00). Statistical significative difference was observed for NLR, PNR, MLR, MPV/PLT and RDW but not for PLR. Conclusion. The combined use of all descripted markers may be a useful indicator for early diagnosis of subclinical condition, to predict relapse and potentially correlate with prognosis and survival times. Keywords: dogs, lymphoma, hematological ratios, CBC Reference: 1. Henriques J et al, 2021, Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, 242-252 2. Marconato L et al, 2015, The Veterinary Journal, 226-230 3. Mutz M et al, 2013, Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, 337-347