Evaluation of platelet indices in healthy and acute diarrhea neonatal calves

Objective: The aim of this study was to monitor platelet indices [platelet count (PLT), platelet percentage (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDWc)] in healthy calves during the neonatal period and to determine the changes in platelet indices in neonatal calves with acute diarrhea. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 neonatal calves (<28 days), 10 healthy and 50 with acute diarrhea, were used in the study. Sampling was performed on the 2nd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days in healthy calves to reflect the changes in the neonatal period, and once in diarrhea calves. Etiologic evaluation in calves with diarrhea was performed by immunochromatographic method with a rapid commercial test kit (Bovid-5 Ag, Bionote, Korea) for five different causative antigens including Cryptosporidium parvum, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, E. Coli K99 and Giardia duodenalis. Body temperature, heart and respiratory frequency were evaluated in routine clinical examination. Laboratory analysis included complete blood count [leukocyte count (WBC), erythrocyte count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), platelet percentage (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDWc)] and blood gases (pH, PCO2, PO2, Na, K, HCO3, BE). The data obtained were compared with appropriate statistical methods. Results: In healthy calves, the changes in platelet indices during the neonatal period were not significant. In hematologic evaluation, WBC and PLT counts, PCT, MPV and PDWc values were found to be high, while RBC and HCT values were found to be low in neonatal calves with acute diarrhea. In blood gas analysis, pH and BE values and Na concentration were low, while pCO2 level and K concentration were high. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that platelet index parameters, which are analyzed within the scope of routine hematologic evaluation but whose clinical significance is not sufficiently evaluated, may show significant changes in calves with acute diarrhea. Monitoring of platelet indices in acute diarrhea may be a valuable source of information in the clinical management and treatment of calves. More comprehensive studies including treatment and monitoring process in calves with acute diarrhea may be beneficial.