Comparison of platelet number, mean platelet volume and platelet mass in five mammalian species

Platelet number, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet mass were compared among horses, foals, ponies, dogs, cats, cows, calves and goats. Platelet mass was not constant across species lines and an inverse relationship between platelet number and size was not found in all species. Although platelet mass is a function of platelet number and platelet size, these variables are likely under separate control. If platelet mass regulates thrombopoietin concentration in all species, then it is likely that thrombopoietin production and/or sensitivity of megakaryocytes to thrombopoietin also varies among species.