Determinación de rangos hematológicos de perros mestizos en altitud: caso parroquia el Batán Cuenca – Ecuador

Abstract

Determining hematological reference intervals is an essential tool for interpreting complete blood count (CBC) results in veterinary medicine. Factors such as altitude, age, sex, genetic diversity, and analytical methodology can affect blood parameters; therefore, establishing population-specific reference values is necessary. This study aimed to determine hematological reference intervals in mixed-breed dogs aged two to five years residing in Cuenca, Ecuador, and to compare them with those reported in the international literature. A descriptive observational study was conducted in 106 healthy dogs. Red blood cell parameters showed values consistent with international reference intervals: RBC counts of 6.015–6.339 × 10⁶/µL, HCT values of 42.4–44.8%, and HGB concentrations of 17.1–18.8 g/dL, with the latter approaching the upper reference limit. MCV remained within the reference range (69.289–70.559 fL), whereas MCH was higher than values reported in the literature (29.768–31.324 pg), which may be related to adaptation to altitude. MCHC (399–434 g/L) could be associated with preanalytical or analytical factors. Regarding white blood cell parameters, total leukocyte counts ranged from 9.938 to 11.553 × 10³/µL, with a predominance of granulocytes (6.834–8.226 × 10³/µL) and lymphocyte counts within the reference range (1.893–2.290 × 10³/µL). Platelet counts ranged from 241.240 to 284.022 × 10³/µL, with an MPV of 10.582–11.228 fL and a PCT of 0.245–0.279%. The results confirm hematological homeostasis and support the establishment of reference intervals for mixed-breed dogs living at high altitude. Furthermore, these findings enable the identification of environment-associated variations, improve diagnostic accuracy, and help avoid interpretations based on foreign populations whose genetic characteristics and analytical methodologies may differ from those observed in Cuenca. Keywords Dymind DH36 Vet; Complete blood count; Sex; Canines