American Belgian Tervuren Club

Epilepsy Study

  • Idiopathic Epilepsy +

    Ideopathic Epilepsy is one of the genetic problems that plagues the well-being of the Belgian Tervuren. It affects nearly 30… Read More

  • Developing a Genetic Marker +

    History of the Study The following article was written by Anita M. Oberbauer, Ph.D. and originally published in the American… Read More

  • Analogy for a Polygenic Trait +

    A simple poker game will be used as an analogy for the polygenic trait with a single locus of large… Read More

  • Clinical and Genetic Advances +

    Inherited canine epilepsy is a major health problem in many breeds because of its high frequency and it potentially serious… Read More

  • AKC Grant Information +

    Grant: Development of a Genetic Marker for Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Belgian Tervuren Principal InvestigatorCo-Principal InvestigatorsCo-Principal Investigators A.M. Oberbauer, PhD.… Read More

  • Be Part of the Solution +

    Have we piqued your interest? Do you want to help us eradicate this disease from the Belgian gene pool? Well… Read More

  • Glossary of Terms +

    Unfamiliar with terminology?  Check out the glossary to learn more. Read More
  • 1

Hematologic Analyses

*Objective*—To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses for healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, and to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren.

Cathy L. Greenfield, DVM, MS, DACVS
Joanne B. Messick, VMD, PhD, DACVP
Philip F. Solter, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVIM
David J. Schaeffer, PhD

 

Departments of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802.

 
Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
March 15, 2000, Vol. 216, No. 6, Pages 866-871

 

Abstract

*Objective*?To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses for healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, and to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren.

*Design*?Cohort study.

*Animals*?180 healthy Belgian Tervuren and 63 healthy dogs of other breeds.

*Procedure*?Blood samples were analyzed by use of an automated device.

Reference ranges were calculated for Belgian Tervuren by use of standard methods.

*Results*?Total WBC counts of Belgian Tervuren ranged from 2.61 to 16.90 X 10^3 /?l. Mean WBC count of Belgian Tervuren (mean ? SEM, 7.04 ? 0.16 X 10^3 /?l) was significantly lower than mean count for control dogs.

Significantly more Belgian Tervuren (65/180; 36%) than control dogs (2/63; 3%) had WBC counts < 6.00 X 10^3 /?l. Percentage of Belgian Tervuren with WBC count < 6.00 X 10^3 /?l was low for dogs ≤ 2 years old, increased sharply for dogs between 2 and 4 years old, and was approximately 65% for dogs > 4 years old. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts were significantly lower, and RBC count, hematocrit, and eosinophil fraction were significantly higher in Belgian Tervuren than in control dogs.

*Conclusions and Clinical Relevance*?Results suggest that physiologic leukopenia, resulting from low numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, may be a typical finding in a large percentage of healthy Belgian Tervuren and is not of clinical importance in otherwise healthy dogs. Healthy Belgian Tervuren may also have RBC counts and hematocrits higher than expected for healthy dogs.( /J Am Vet Med Assoc/

2000;216:866?871)

The full article can be found in the March 15, 2000 Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association volume 216 in the year 2000 on pages 866-871

Health Learn More

  • Reading CERF & OFA #'s
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Anesthetic Primer
  • Thyroid and the Tervuren
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hematologic Analyses

IF a dog has an OFA number this means that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has reviewed x-rays of the dogs hips and has found them to be clear of hip dysplasia, and assigned them a rating. OFA numbers are good for the lifetime of the dog.

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PRA is a progressive disease of the retinas that leads to blindness. It is inherited, and has been diagnosed in Tervuren of a number of litters over the course of the past ten years and more, with new diagnoses made within this past year. Without a blood test, our breed faces a likelihood of increasing numbers of new cases of PRA. We are pleased to announce that we now have a wonderful opportunity before us

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Having your beloved Belgian go under anesthesia can be a nerve-wracking experience. Understanding exactly what will take place and what questions to ask may help ensure your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.
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The thyroid is considered a "master gland" as it is involved in so many metabolic processes in our dogs. While it may not be obvious when things are going well, if your dog becomes hypo or low thyroid, you can see a number of clinical signs.

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Why is the elbow an important joint?

The dog carries about 65% of his weight on his front end. Not only do the front legs bear most of the concussion when a jumping dog lands, they also provide a good deal of the propulsion necessary to launch him into the air. The shoulder and elbow joints absorb most of the impact during movement. Those "turn on a dime" movements our Belgians are so fond of

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*Objective*—To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses for healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, and to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren.

Read More