Cat red cells are smaller than dog red cells and there is more variation in red cell size
(anisocytosis). Cat red cells have little central pallor and a slight tendency to
form rouleaux, which extend further into the thin area of the smear than is found in smears
of normal dogs. Polychromatophilic red cells are less than 1% of the red cell population in
non-anemic cats.
A red cell near the top edge of the panel contains a small round dark purple inclusion that is called a Howell-Jolly body. Howell-Jolly bodies are small remnants of the nucleus and are found in a small number of red cells in normal cats. Howell-Jolly bodies are more numerous in regenerative anemia. Platelets in smears of cat blood usually are at least slightly activated and have dendritic processes and central granules. Platelet size range is broad. The arrows point to platelets. |
Last updated on Sunday, January 28, 1996