Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) evaluates the resistance of red blood cells to saline solution of decreasing concentrations. Cells resistance is related to their shape, volume and size, as well as to the hemoglobin content and half life and can be altered by physiologic or pathologic mecanisms. There are few descriptions and litlle is known about EOF in cats. To clear up this point, EOF of healthy cats, and those with liver disease and cats with renal failure were studied. Twenty-seven adult cats were divided in three groups. Hemolysis 50% occurred similarly in all groups, although relevant differences in relation to 100% hemolysis were found. Erythrocyte from cats with renal failure and from icteric animals with hepatic disease showed higher osmotic fragility and elevated cholesterol serum levels when compared to those belonging to the control group. These findings may be associated to the metabolic characteristics of this specie.
cats; cholesterol; liver disease; renal failure; erythrocyte
