• Practical resource combining hematology information with reference images and procedures

    Hematology Techniques for Veterinary Technicians is the first textbook to integrate extensive hematology knowledge with essential reference images and procedures. After a thorough introduction, this book guides readers through essential procedures like packed cell volume and total solids testing, blood sample collection, and blood smear preparation, with a focus on common domestic species. Real-life case studies with corresponding hematologic images elucidate key concepts for readers.

    The quick-reference page provides access to the step-by-step laboratory procedures throughout the book in an easy-to-find format, and the reference image and range sections offer a practical tool for comparing and identifying findings on blood smears in the lab.

    Hematology Techniques for Veterinary Technicians includes information on:

    • The pivotal role of hematology in veterinary medicine, the fascinating processes of blood cell genesis, and the meticulous setup and safety protocols of the hematology lab
    • Cellular differentiation and morphology of common domestic species—feline, canine, equine, bovine, and small ruminants—enabling readers to gain proficiency in performing complete blood counts and adeptly interpreting the results
    • Common hematologic disorders including anemia, polycythemia, blood parasites, coagulopathies, and leukemias
    • Cellular differentiation and morphology, covering erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
    • Platelet disorders (e.g., giant platelets and platelet clumps) and coagulation disorders (e.g., fibrin strands and schistocytes)

    Hematology Techniques for Veterinary Technicians equips both students and experienced technicians to approach hematology with confidence, improve diagnostic accuracy, and make a meaningful impact in veterinary care.

  • Preface

    Acknowledgements

    Companion Website

    Quick Reference of Procedures

    Section One: Introduction to Hematology

    Chapter 1: Introduction to Hematology

    1.1 What Is Hematology?

    1.2 The History of Hematology

    1.3 Evolution of Veterinary Hematology

    1.4 The Role of Veterinary Technicians in Hematology

    1.5 Components of Blood

    1.6 Species-Specific Considerations

    1.7 Overview of Hematopoiesis

    1.8 Common Blood Tests in Veterinary Practice

    1.9 The Diagnostic Value of Blood

    1.10 How Blood Reflects Disease Processes

    1.11 Limitations of Hematology

    1.12 Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Hematology

    1.13 Preparing for Success in Hematology

    1.14 Summary

    Chapter 2: Hematopoiesis

    2.1 Introduction to Hematopoiesis

    2.2 Sites of Hematopoiesis

    2.3 Hematopoietic Stem Cells

    2.4 Erythropoiesis: Red Blood Cell Production

    2.5 Leukopoiesis: White Blood Cell Production

    2.6 Thrombopoiesis: Platelet Production

    2.7 Regulation of Hematopoiesis

    2.8 Regeneration of Blood Cells After Loss or Destruction

    2.9 Disorders and Diagnostic Overview

    2.10 Summary

    Chapter 3: The Hematology Laboratory

    3.1 Introduction to the Hematology Lab

    3.2 Overview of Laboratory Setup and Safety

    3.3 Quality Control and Assurance

    3.4 Common Laboratory Equipment

    3.5 Summary

    Section Two: Fundamentals of Hematological Testing

    Chapter 4: Blood Sample Collection and Handling

    4.1 Introduction to Sample Collection and Handling

    4.2 Sample Handling

    4.3 Sample Labeling

    4.4 Sample Packaging

    4.5 Summary

    Chapter 5: The Hematocrit and Associated Tests

    5.1 Introduction to PCV, TS, Fibrinogen, and RBC Indices

    5.2 Packed Cell Volume

    5.3 Total Solids Testing

    5.4 Obtaining Fibrinogen Values

    5.5 Interpreting PCV, TS, and Fibrinogen

    5.6 Cell Counts and Hemoglobin Estimations

    5.7 Red Blood Cell Indices

    5.8 Buffy Coat Evaluation for Microfilaria

    5.9 Limitations and Artifacts

    5.10 Summary

    Chapter 6: Preparing Blood Smears for the Differential

    6.1 Introduction to Blood Smears and the Differential

    6.2 Blood Smear Evaluation Overview

    6.3 Blood Smear Preparation

    6.4 Components of a Blood Smear

    6.5 Techniques for Making High Quality Smears

    6.6 Common Staining Methods

    6.7 Blood Smear Differential Procedure

    6.8 Summary

    Chapter 7: Cellular Differentiation and Morphology

    7.1 Introduction to Cellular Morphology

    7.2 Normal Erythrocyte Morphology

    7.3 Variations in Erythrocyte Morphology

    7.4 Normal Leukocyte Morphology

    7.5 Variations in Leukocyte Morphology

    7.6 Thrombocyte Morphology

    7.7 Variations in Thrombocyte Morphology

    7.8 Summary

    Chapter 8: Performing Complete Blood Counts

    8.1 Introduction to the Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    8.2 Manual CBC Methods

    8.3 Blood Smear Evaluation

    8.4 White Blood Cell (WBC) Counting and Differentiation

    8.5 Red Blood Cell (RBC) Evaluation

    8.6 Platelet Evaluation

    8.7 Automated Analyzers and CBC Technology

    8.8 Interpreting CBC Results

    8.9 Advanced Diagnostics and Scatter Plots

    8.10 Summary

    Section Three: Advanced Hematology

    Chapter 9: Anemia

    9.1 Introduction to Anemia

    9.2 Approaching Anemia: Relative vs. Non-relative

    9.3 Grading Anemia: Mild, Moderate, Severe

    9.4 Classifications of Anemia

    9.5 Causes of Anemia

    9.6 Diagnostic Approach to Anemia

    9.7 Treatment and Management of Anemia

    9.8 Prognosis and Monitoring

    9.9 Clinical Relevance And the Technician's Role

    9.10 Summary

    Chapter 10: Polycythemia

    10.1 Introduction to Polycythemia

    10.2 Types and Classifications of Polycythemia

    10.3 Causes of Polycythemia

    10.4 Clinical Signs and History

    10.5 Diagnostic Approach

    10.6 Treatment and Management

    10.7 Prognosis and Long-Term Considerations

    10.8 Summary

    Chapter 11: Leukemia and Other Blood Cancers

    11.1 Introduction to Hematologic Cancers

    11.2 Classifications of Leukemia

    11.3 General Clinical Signs and Diagnostic Clues

    11.4 Leukemia in Dogs

    11.5 Leukemia in Cats

    11.6 Leukemia in Horses

    11.7 Leukemia in Cattle

    11.8 Leukemia in Other Species

    11.9 Diagnostic Tools and Differentiation

    11.10 Treatment and Management of Leukemia

    11.11 Summary

    Chapter 12: Blood Parasites

    12.1 Introduction to Blood Parasites

    12.2 Transmission and Life Cycles

    12.3 Common Blood Parasites in Domestic Animals

    12.4 Morphologic Identification on Blood Smear

    12.5 Clinical Signs and Hematologic Effects

    12.6 Diagnostic Techniques

    12.7 Treatment and Prognosis

    12.8 Client Communication and Zoonotic Awareness

    12.9 Summary

    Chapter 13: Coagulation Disorders and Other Hematologic Illnesses

    13.1 Introduction

    13.2 Disorders of Hemostasis and Coagulation

    13.3 Diagnostic Evaluation of Hemostatic Disorders

    13.4 Immune-Mediated Hematologic Disorders

    13.5 Overview of Other Hematologic Changes in Illness

    13.6 The Technician’s Role

    13.7 Summary

    Chapter 14: Hematology of Non-Mammalian Species

    14.1 Introduction

    14.2 Normal Reptilian and Amphibian Red Blood Cells

    14.3 Variations in Reptilian and Amphibian Red Blood Cells

    14.4 Normal Reptilian and Amphibian White Blood Cells

    14.5 Variations in Reptilian and Amphibian White Blood Cells

    14.6 Reptilian and Amphibian Thrombocytes

    14.7 Hematological Testing Techniques for Reptiles and Amphibians

    14.8 Anticoagulants for Reptilian and Amphibian Samples

    14.9 Normal Avian Red Blood Cells Blood Cells

    14.10 Variations in Avian Red Blood Cells

    14.11 Normal Avian White Blood Cells

    14.12 Variations in Avian White Blood Cells

    14.13 Avian Thrombocytes

    14.14 Hematological Testing Techniques for Avians

    14.15 Anticoagulants for Avian Samples

    14.16 Normal Fish Red Blood Cells

    14.17 Variations in Fish Red Blood Cells

    14.18 Normal Fish White Blood Cells

    14.19 Variations in Fish White Blood Cells

    14.20 Fish Thrombocytes

    14.21 Blood Parasites of Fish

    14.22 Hematological Testing Techniques for Fish

    14.23 Anticoagulants for Fish Samples

    14.24 Summary

    Section Three: Reference Images, Ranges, and Case Studies

    Chapter 15: Reference Images

    15.1 Introduction

    15.2 Erythrocyte Morphology

    15.3 Erythrocyte Variations

    15.4 Erythrocyte Formation

    15.5 Red Blood Cell Inclusions

    15.6 Stain Artifacts

    15.7 Normal Leukocytes Per Species

    15.8 Leukocyte Variations

    15.9 Thrombocyte Morphology

    15.10 Blood Parasites

    Chapter 16: Case Studies

    16.1 Introduction

    Chapter 17: Reference Ranges for Common Hematological Tests

    17.1 Introduction

    Index

  • Megan Morgan, BAS, RVTg, Department Chair, Veterinary Medical Technology, Central Carolina

    Community College.

    W. Cody Hecker, AAS, RVT, Instructor, Veterinary Medical Technology, Central Carolina Community College; Instructor, Veterinary Technology, Penn Foster College.

Veterinary Clinics of North America
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