Reference intervals for bone marrow cells in juvenile and young adult cats bone marrow cytology.

Abstract

The current bone marrow (BM) reference intervals (RI) are based on a limited number of cats. Age-related changes in BM variables might be important, possibly affecting the interpretation of the results. Establish BM cytologic reference intervals (RIs) and association of age and sex on these findings, in healthy juvenile and young adult cats. BM aspirates of cats deemed healthy based on history and clinical, CBC, serum chemistry findings, and negative retrovirus serology were obtained and examined cytologically. The examination included a 1000-nucleated differential cell count and cell morphologic assessment. RIs were calculated using parametric, robust, and nonparametric methods. The cytologic findings were examined for associations with sex and age. The study included 40 cats (females, 22 [55%]; males, 18 [45%]) with a median age of 1.5 years (range 0.5-5). Most calculated RIs were similar to those previously reported. BM plasma cell and monocyte counts were weakly and positively correlated with age (rs, .312 and .373, respectively; P < .05). Metarubricytes were higher in females (mean, 25.1%; SD, 6.0%) than males (mean, 21.2%; SD, 6.0%; P < .05). The BM differential cell counts determined in this study can serve as RIs for cats aged 0.5-5 years.