Erythrocyte sedimentation rate of Animals Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of Animals is a measure of the settlement of the erythrocytes in millimetre for a given period usually 30 minutes or one hour when citrated blood filled standard hematocrit tube is placed in an absolutely vertical position. The length of storage of the blood sample and

Packed cell volume (PCV) or Hematocrit (%) is percent volume of packed blood cells present in whole blood after centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 30 minutes.

Blood Volume in animals Blood Volume in animals makes up about 6 to 8% of the body weight. Blood volume measurement plays an important role when blood transfusion is attempted. It is also important to interpret PCV, Hb, RBC, and hematological parameters. These values are altered when the blood volume changes  e.g. hemoconcentration and hemodilution. Blood volume is influenced

Blood groups Blood is divided into different groups based on the type of antigen present in the cells. The blood group antigen are glycolipids or glycoproteins having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 30,000 present on the surface of the erythrocytes. The antigens are highly specific and the specificity of the antigens appears to depend

Prevention of blood clotting in blood vessels The important factors that prevent the process of clotting within the vascular system are: Smooth endothelium, which prevents contact activation of intrinsic system Glycocalyx layer adsorbed to the inner surface of the endothelium that repels clotting factors and platelets Protein bound with endothelium which binds thrombin and removes

Blood coagulation or blood clotting in animals Many substances present in tissue and blood affect coagulation. Substances that promote coagulation are called as procoagulants‚ and those inhibiting coagulation are anticoagulants. Three stages of clot formation Formation of prothrombin activator in response to rupture of blood vessel or damage to the blood itself. Conversion of prothrombin

Hemostasis and Vascular spasm in animals Hemostasis Hemostasis means prevention of blood loss from damaged vessels. Mechanism of hemostasis- Vascular spasm Formation of platelet plug Blood coagulation and organization of fibrous tissue. Vascular spasm Injury or trauma to the blood vessels stimulates reflex constriction of the blood vessels through the sympathetic division or the local