Pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity has diagnostic significance in dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia

Warman, S.M., Murray, J.K., Ridyard, A. , Eastwood, J., Silva, S. and Day, M.J. (2008) Pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity has diagnostic significance in dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 49(10), pp. 525-530. (doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00641.x) (PMID:18844824)

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the clinical significance of the pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity in dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Methods: Sixty-five anaemic dogs with a positive Coombs’ test were included. Coombs’ testing was performed at 4 and 37°C with polyvalent canine Coombs’ reagent and antisera specific for each of canine immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M and complement factor C3. The impact of performing testing with only polyvalent antiserum at 37°C was assessed. Chi-squared tests were used to compare Coombs’ test reactivity in dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (group A) and in dogs with concurrent/underlying disease (group B). Following Bonferroni correction, significance was set at P≤0·003. Results: Eleven dogs would have been regarded as Coombs’ negative had they been tested with polyvalent antiserum at 37°C alone. Group A dogs were significantly more likely to be positive with polyvalent antiserum and/or anti-dog immunoglobulin G at 4 and/or 37°C (P≤0·001) and tended to be less likely to be positive with anti-dog immunoglobulin M at 4°C (P=0·040). Clinical Significance: Testing of anaemic dogs with polyvalent Coombs’ reagent at 37°C was less sensitive than testing with monovalent reagents at 4 and 37°C. The pattern of Coombs’ test reactivity differed significantly between dogs with primary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and those with concurrent/underlying disease.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ridyard, Ms Alison
• Authors: Warman, S.M., Murray, J.K., Ridyard, A., Eastwood, J., Silva, S., and Day, M.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Small Animal Practice
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0022-4510
• ISSN (Online): 1748-5827