Influence of preoperative complete blood cell counts on surgical outcomes in healthy horses: 102 cases (1986-1996).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of CBC as a preoperative test in healthy horses undergoing cryptorchidectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS: 117 horses.

PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to identify horses that had had cryptorchidectomy. Of the 117 horses identified, 102 were found that did not have a known medical condition believed to adversely affect surgery. Preoperative CBC was assessed in terms of abnormalities detected and effects of these abnormalities on development of complications during and after surgery and patient management.

RESULTS

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 were defined as intraoperative changes in blood pressure, excessive blood loss, development of postanesthetic myopathies, and postoperative wound or respiratory tract infections. Surgical complications developed in 17 horses. Of these, 6 horses 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.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: On the basis of findings in our study, determination of preoperative CBC does not predict development of complications during or after surgery and does not alter patient management.