Karen Bailey
Greyhounds, like other sighthounds, have a tendency toward higher red blood cell mass, and lower white cell and platelet count when compared to other breeds.
Recently, our canine haematology reference intervals were updated based on an extensive study of local New Zealand dogs. However, Greyhounds and other sighthound breeds were excluded from this study because of these known differences. Several years ago, we completed a small study of clinically normal local New Zealand Greyhounds. This showed that values for the local population were similar to those published in overseas studies. However, a change of analysers means that results from the local study are no longer relevant for our current testing methods.
A published independently peer reviewed study involving 199 Greyhounds in the UK, using the same type of analyser as currently used at Awanui Veterinary, yielded reference intervals which are very similar to those generated from our local study, as well as from other sources (see reference). This UK-based dataset is currently considered the most reliable and relevant for Greyhound haematology using our existing methods.
As of September 8, 2025, Awanui Veterinary will adopt these updated Greyhound-specific reference intervals. For most reference intervals there will be no change or very little change.
Where the UK study did not provide specific values, standard canine reference intervals will continue to be used (indicated by *).
| Test | Units | Greyhound | Standard Canine |
| RBC | x10¹²/L | 6.67 – 9.30 | 5.68 – 7.97 |
| Haemoglobin | g/L | 166 – 226 | 136 – 196 |
| HCT/PCV | L/L | 0.49 – 0.65 | 0.40 – 0.55 |
| MCV | fL | 65 – 77 | 65 – 78 |
| MCH | pg | 23 – 26 | 23 – 27 |
| MCHC | g/L | 320 – 360 | 326 – 369 |
| Absolute Reticulocyte Count | x10⁹/L | 10.9 – 107.4 * | 10.9 – 107.4 |
| Reticulocyte % | % | 0.2 – 1.5 * | 0.2 – 1.5 |
| Ret-He | pg | 22.1 – 28.8 * | 22.1 – 28.8 |
| WBC | x10⁹/L | 3.6 – 8.4 | 4.9 – 15.6 |
| Neutrophils (Abs) | x10⁹/L | 2.4 – 6.5 | 2.5 – 12.1 |
| Lymphocytes (Abs) | x10⁹/L | 0.6 – 2.2 | 0.9 – 4.6 |
| Monocytes (Abs) | x10⁹/L | 0.1 – 0.4 | 0.1 – 1.1 |
| Eosinophils (Abs) | x10⁹/L | 0 – 0.4 | 0 – 1.7 |
| Basophils (Abs) | x10⁹/L | 0* | 0 |
| Platelets | x10⁹/L | 89 – 237 | 200 – 500 |
Although the Greyhound reference intervals can be used as a tool for interpretation with other sighthounds (e.g. Whippet, Afghan, Saluki, Lurcher) and Greyhound crossbreeds, the evidence is less robust in those breeds. Therefore, standard canine reference intervals will continue to be reported for those cases, with relevant interpretive comments added as appropriate.
Reference:
Campora C, Freeman K P, Serra M, Sacchini F. Reference intervals for Greyhounds and Lurchers using the Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzer. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 40:467–474, 2011.