1. What is the Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC)?

The Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) is a calculation that determines the actual number of lymphocytes in the blood, rather than just the percentage. It's particularly important in veterinary medicine for assessing a dog's immune status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ALC equation:

Where:

• \( WBC \) — White blood cell count (cells/μL)
• \( Lymph\% \) — Percentage of lymphocytes in differential count
• \( Dog\ Factor \) — Breed-specific adjustment factor (typically 1.0 unless specified otherwise)
• \( ALC \) — Absolute lymphocyte count (cells/μL)

Explanation: The equation converts the percentage of lymphocytes to an absolute count by factoring in the total WBC and any breed-specific adjustments.

3. Importance of ALC Calculation in Dogs

Details: ALC is crucial for diagnosing immune-mediated diseases, monitoring chemotherapy patients, and assessing overall immune function in dogs. Abnormal values may indicate infection, stress, or immune disorders.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter WBC count in cells/μL, lymphocyte percentage, and any specific dog factor (default is 1.0). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal ALC range for dogs?
A: Typically 1,000-4,800 cells/μL, but varies by breed, age, and laboratory reference ranges.

Q2: When is the Dog Factor not 1.0?
A: Some breeds may have different lymphocyte distributions. Consult veterinary literature for breed-specific factors.

Q3: What does a low ALC indicate?
A: Lymphopenia may suggest stress, viral infection, immunosuppression, or certain drug effects.

Q4: What does a high ALC indicate?
A: Lymphocytosis may indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or certain types of leukemia.

Q5: How often should ALC be monitored?
A: Frequency depends on the clinical situation - from daily in hospitalized patients to annually in healthy screening.