Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in the dog : A retrospective study of 1400 cases

Abstract

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) obtained with the hematological automate MS9, was analysed in 1400 adult dogs. Comparing values obtained in healthy dogs and in diseased dogs, higher RDW values were observed in iron deficient anemia and in regenerative anemia. Lower values were observed in case of inflammation. Some high values of RDW were observed in non anemic dogs and in dogs with non regenerative anemia. Some of them had porto systemic shunt or poodle macrocytosis