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A clinical and hematologic approach to basophilia in dogs, cats, and horses

Alex Mau, S. M. Keller, Amir Kol

Background
Basophils, the rarest leukocyte subset in peripheral blood, are involved in allergic and inflammatory processes. While their significance in human pathology is relatively understood, their role in diseases affecting dogs, cats, and horses remains unclear. The study aimed to establish basophilia thresholds, investigate hematologic correlates, assess breed predispositions, and explore disease associations in these species.

Methods
Data from complete blood counts (CBCs) and medical records of dogs, cats, and horses presented at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (2002–2020) were analyzed. Basophilia thresholds were established using percentile distributions. Disease associations and hematologic correlations were statistically analyzed, focusing on severe basophilia cases.

Results
Population: Among 143,841 dog CBCs, 32,576 cat CBCs, and 44,887 horse CBCs, basophilia was found in 7.7% of dogs, 3.2% of cats, and 4.0% of horses.

Thresholds for Severe Basophilia: >296 cells/μL (dogs), >680 cells/μL (cats), and >245 cells/μL (horses).

Breed Associations: Over-representation was noted in certain breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Rottweilers, and Burmese cats.

Hematologic Correlations: Basophilia was associated with increased white blood cell counts, neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils, particularly in dogs and horses. Basophilia also correlated with anemia, especially of a regenerative type in dogs.

Disease Associations:
-Dogs: Respiratory diseases (OR: 2.23), lymphoma (OR: 2.6), and mast cell tumors (OR: 4.91) were linked with basophilia.
-Cats: Digestive diseases (40.3%) and hemolymphatic disorders (23.4%) predominated.
-Horses: No specific diseases were consistently associated with basophilia; 26.7% of horses with basophilia were asymptomatic.

Limitations
The study relied on manual differential counts, which may introduce biases. The focus on severe basophilia cases could underestimate associations with mild and moderate basophilia. Missing or incomplete clinical data for some cases further limits conclusions.

Conclusions
Basophilia, while rare, is associated with specific diseases, such as lymphoma and mast cell tumors in dogs. These findings underscore its clinical relevance in diagnostic processes. Further research should explore mild/moderate cases and mechanisms underlying basophilia in these species.

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