Breeds such as Akita, Shiba Inu and Tosa Inu have a permeable erythrocyte sodium-potassium membrane pump. On standing/transport their red cells leak potassium into the serum producing pseudohyperkalemia. Please spin down SST to prevent this problem.

Healthy members of this breed often show low circulating platelet counts and can have large platelets that sort outside the platelet "window" of automated platelet counters. These dogs do not require treatment for thrombocystopenia.