Influence of preoperative complete blood cell counts on surgical outcomes in healthy horses: 102 cases (1986-1996)
Toews, A.R.; Campbell, J.R.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 211(7): 887-888
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9333093 Document Number: 479927
Medical records of 117 horses were reviewed to identify those which had had cryptorchidectomy. From these, 102 were found that did not have a known medical condition believed to adversely affect surgery. Preoperative complete blood count (CBC) was assessed in terms of abnormalities detected and effects of these abnormalities on development of complications during and after surgery and patient management. Of 102 CBC performed, 55 contained abnormalities. Mild neutrophilia was detected in 40 horses. Of the remaining 15 horses with abnormal CBC, 8 had abnormalities that were considered potentially important. Changes in patient management and development of surgical complications were not associated with these 8 horses. Surgical complications developed in 17 horses; of these, 6 had an abnormal CBC that was indicative of mild neutrophilia. Positive and negative predictive values of preoperative CBC on development of perioperative complications were 0.11 and 0.77, respectively. It is concluded that determination of preoperative CBC does not predict development of complications during or after surgery and does not alter patient management.