Pelger-Huet Anomaly

Pelger-Huet Anomaly is a developmental abnormality of white blood cells. It has been described in humans, dogs, rabbits and domestic shorthair cats. The canine cases have been mostly observed in Australian shepherds, Coonhounds, and Foxhounds.

In the majority of dogs twith Pelger-Huet anomaly, correct and timely diagnosis of this disorder may avoid unnecessary and expensive laboratory testing as well as improper drug administration for presumed infection or developing leukemia. Matings between two animals with Pelger-Huet anomaly may result in smaller litter sizes because the homozygous form of the anomaly is usually lethal in prenatal animals. In the unlikely event when affected puppies or kittens survive, they may exhibit osteochondrodysplasia marked by severe skeletal deformities and increased susceptibility to infection.²

Pseudo Pelger-Huet Anomaly

An acquired form of Pelger-Huet anomaly is referred to as Pseudo Pelger-Huet anomaly which is characterized by the inability of white blood cells to mature in a normal way. Pseudo Pelger-Huet anomaly is similar to congenital anomaly, but is acquired and transient. The condition may occur during a severe infection, leukemia, or due to unknown causes. This form of the disease has been reported in dogs, cats, and other animals.³ Rarely, it can occur following administration of certain drugs or in animals with myeloproliferative disorders.⁴

References

1. Bernard F. Feldman, Joseph G. Zinkl, Nemi Chand Jain, Oscar William Schalm. Schalm's veterinary hematology.
2. Cynthia M. Kahn, Scott Line. The Merck/Merial manual for pet health.
3. Nemi Chand Jain. Essentials of veterinary hematology.
4. John W. Harvey. Atlas of veterinary hematology: blood and bone marrow of domestic animals.

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