Abstract
This study evaluated the temporal dynamics of hematological parameters in 2–3-monthold Saanen goats after inoculation with virulent pVapA-positive Rhodococcus equi strains. Hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hematocrit (HCT), MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW were analyzed over a 0–65-day period in comparison with the control group. Overall, no persistent statistically significant differences were detected between the groups at the main time points. A decrease in Hb was observed only in the VapA-108 group on day 65 compared with the control (p=0.033); however, the small number of animals in each group (n=3) requires cautious interpretation of this result. The wide 95% confidence intervals and high coefficients of variation indicated marked individual variability. The obtained data suggest that, in the goat model, pVapA-positive R. equi strains induced a weak and variable response rather than pronounced and persistent systemic hematological alterations.