Leukopenic and Thrombocytopenic Effect of Hypothermia in Dogs

Summary 1. Attention is drawn to the complication of impaired coagulation encountered in experimental hypothermia in dogs. 2. The method used for anesthetizing and rapidly reducing the body temperature by packing in cracked ice is described. 3. The following changes were associated with hypothermia: The leukocyte count was reduced an average of 86%, the total eosinophil count was reduced an average of 86%; and the platelet count was reduced an average of 81%. 4. The coagulation mechanism was not studied directly, but data from these experiments suggest that the strong thrombocytopenic effect observed may be a factor in the impaired coagulation.