An 8-year-old Whippet crossbreed was presented with a month's history of collapsing episodes and altered mentation. Clinical improvement was noted upon administration of prednisolone prior to referral. Neurologic examination was compatible with a multifocal intracranial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed thickening of the dura mater around the left parietal and temporal cerebral cortex, left piriform lobe, and cerebellar hemispheres. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed marked eosinophilic pleocytosis with increased protein concentration. Infectious diseases were ruled out. Thoracic and abdominal imaging did not reveal any significant abnormalities. The dog was euthanized 4 days after diagnosis. Post-mortem examination revealed diffuse, severe, subacute to chronic eosinophilic pachymeningitis and generalized eosinophilic disease. Eosinophilic CSF pleocytosis has been reported in a number of inflammatory (sterile and infectious) and neoplastic canine encephalopathies. To the best of our knowledge, eosinophilic pleocytosis has not been reported in cases of hypertrophic pachymeningitis in dogs.
This report describes the clinical courses of two cats with hepatosplenic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (TCL) with tumor-cell hemophagocytosis (THP). Both cats presented with pancytopenia and marked splenomegaly with a honeycomb pattern on ultrasonography. Cytology of splenic aspirates revealed large atypical lymphocytes with phagocytosis of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining for CD3 and granzyme B. Bone marrow analysis revealed preserved trilineage hematopoiesis without apparent evidence of neoplastic infiltration. In Case 1, the cat was treated with prednisolone, L-asparaginase, and a CHOP-based chemotherapy protocol, resulting in temporary improvement. However, the cat died suddenly on day 88, with necropsy revealing pulmonary fibrosis. In Case 2, early splenectomy followed by CHOP chemotherapy led to sustained clinical improvement and longer-term disease control. Despite relapse on day 65, the cat responded to rescue therapy with L-asparaginase and ACNU and survived until day 278. These cases highlight the clinical and pathological features of 2 cases of feline hepatosplenic cytotoxic TCL with THP and suggest that splenectomy may play a role in improving clinical stability by suppressing hemophagocytic activity. A multimodal approach incorporating surgery and chemotherapy may be considered as a therapeutic option for hepatosplenic cytotoxic TCL with THP.
BACKGROUND:The mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), a species thriving in the muddy brackish waters of Cox's Bazar, holds significant ecological and biomedical value. Hematological and biochemical analyses can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing health; however, reports remain limited for horseshoe crabs. OBJECTIVE:This study investigated hemolymph values to determine preliminary reference intervals (RIs) from free-ranging mangrove horseshoe crabs. METHODS:Forty adult Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (20 males, 20 females) were collected from intertidal zones of Cox's Bazar in February 2024. Hemolymph was extracted by cardiac puncture under cold anesthesia for amebocyte counting and biochemical profiling. Plasma metabolites, enzymes, and electrolytes were analyzed using a standard automated laboratory biochemistry analyzer (Humalyzer 3000, Human Diagnostics, Germany), and data were statistically evaluated in accordance with established guidelines. RESULTS:Total amoebocyte counts demonstrated substantial variability (RI: 0.6-38.5 × 106 cells/mL). This study found significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in female horseshoe crabs, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significantly higher in males. In contrast, no significant (p > 0.05) differences between sexes were observed in glucose, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid, creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and amebocyte counts. Reference intervals (RIs) were established after excluding outliers identified across multiple measurands in both sexes. CONCLUSION:This study provides baseline data and underscores the need for further research, particularly across different seasons, to enhance the suitability and applicability of the established RIs.
Feline pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (FPLCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder in cats, usually diagnosed post-mortem following natural death or euthanasia for severe respiratory distress. Antemortem diagnosis has been reported only once, achieved by cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid combined with immunocytochemistry, whereas fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of lung nodules was previously reported as non-diagnostic. Here we describe two cases of FPLCH in which cytology of ultrasound-guided lung-nodule FNA yielded diagnostic material, including from one cat with an atypical clinical presentation. Whereas case 1 presented with severe respiratory distress, case 2 had no respiratory signs. Both specimens were highly cellular and composed of atypical cells morphologically most consistent with histiocytes showing moderate atypia. A combination of postmortem gross, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and ultrastructural findings confirmed the cytologic suspicion of FPLCH. To our knowledge, this is the first cytologic description of FPLCH in FNA samples from lung nodules and the first report of a confirmed case without respiratory signs.
BACKGROUND:In bovine medicine, venipuncture is commonly performed at either the jugular or coccygeal vein. Although the coccygeal site is often preferred for practical reasons, sampling sites are inconsistently standardized in scientific studies. It is therefore important to determine whether hematologic values obtained from these two sites can be considered interchangeable. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the statistical and clinical concordance of hematologic measurands obtained from paired jugular and coccygeal blood samples in cattle. METHODS:Paired jugular and coccygeal blood samples were collected from 48 adult cows and analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, micro-hematocrit determination, and blood smear evaluation. Agreement between sites was assessed using Pearson and Lin's correlation coefficients, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman analysis, with clinical relevance evaluated against published total allowable error (TEa) thresholds. RESULTS:Most hematologic measurands showed good agreement between jugular and coccygeal sampling sites. However, platelet counts, packed cell volume (PCV), and certain manual leukocyte differential counts on blood smears, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes, demonstrated poorer agreement and should not be considered interchangeable. CONCLUSIONS:Jugular and coccygeal puncture sites yield largely comparable hematologic results for most automated measurands. However, platelet indices, packed cell volume, and manual leukocyte differentials on blood smears, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes, show greater variability between sites and should not be considered interchangeable. In clinical settings, when results are compared with reference intervals or used for longitudinal monitoring, consistent use and documentation of the puncture site are recommended, and reference intervals established using the same sampling site should be applied for these variables.
BACKGROUND:Progressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and anemia of suspected immune-mediated origin (ASIMO) are associated with similar hematologic abnormalities, including anemia, neutropenia, and lymphocytosis. Cats with ASIMO may test positive for FeLV using point-of-care (POC) ELISA tests. OBJECTIVE:To describe laboratory changes that may result in the misclassification of cats with ASIMO as having progressive FeLV. METHODS:Cats with ASIMO and laboratory results mimicking FeLV infection were retrospectively identified via searches of laboratory and clinical records. Inclusion criteria were: 1) a positive POC FeLV result with negative confirmatory testing, 2) hematocrit < 20%, with or without macrocytosis, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, or suspicion of circulating atypical cells, and 3) a clinical diagnosis of ASIMO. Clinical and laboratory data, treatment, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS:Nine cats met the inclusion criteria. All were vaccinated against FeLV. Seven (78%) had outdoor access and two (22%) were indoor only. Hematocrit at presentation ranged from 7-16%, and macrocytosis was recorded in seven cases (78%), of which six were normochromic by analyzer data. Seven cats (78%) had one or more laboratory indicators of hemolysis, including an abnormal RBC histogram in all five cases in which this was available for review. Other hematologic abnormalities included neutropenia (n = 6, 67%), lymphocytosis (n = 1, 11%), and circulating atypical cells (n = 1, 11%). CONCLUSIONS:Cats with ASIMO may present with macrocytic, normochromic anemia and other laboratory features mimicking progressive FeLV. Evaluation of RBC histograms alongside detailed blood film evaluation is helpful in identifying immune-mediated anemia as a likely diagnosis.
BACKGROUND:There is limited knowledge about the accuracy and precision of portable blood glucose meters (PBGM) for measuring blood glucose in reptiles. OBJECTIVE:We aimed to evaluate a veterinary PBGM for measuring blood glucose concentration in red-eared sliders by comparison with a laboratory reference method, and to assess the influence of packed cell volume on PBGM measurements. METHODS:Blood samples were obtained from 20 red-eared sliders from the jugular vein. Two strips of a veterinary PBGM on the canine setting were run consecutively. Immediately afterward, the blood was centrifuged, and the plasma was separated into a clean tube. Plasma was frozen and shipped for glucose measurement via a hexokinase analyzer. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis were conducted to determine agreement. RESULTS:The veterinary PBGM overestimated blood glucose concentration, with a mean overestimation of 28.0 mg/dL (95% CI: 16.7-45.0, Limits of Agreement: 5.8-50.3 mg/dL). The bias was proportional, increasing at higher blood glucose concentrations. The mean difference was 23.1 mg/dL in the samples with PCV ≤ 19% (n = 9), 30.8 mg/dL in the samples with PCV between 20% and 29% (n = 7), and 34.4 mg/dL in the samples with PCV greater than or equal to 30% (n = 4). Intra-assay coefficients of variations, a measure of precision, were, on average, 4.5%, ranging from 0% to 17.4%. CONCLUSIONS:The use of the veterinary PBGM evaluated in this study in red-eared sliders may alter both treatment and diagnostic decisions due to the overestimation of glucose concentrations.
BACKGROUND:Protein electrophoresis (EPH) is a valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine, particularly in non-mammalian species where albumin measurement has historically been considered inaccurate by routine biochemistry analyzers. Physiologic processes such as egg-laying result in altered protein production, presenting a challenge in differentiating physiologic from pathologic processes on EPH. OBJECTIVE:We aimed to evaluate differences in total protein and protein fraction concentrations, as determined by the Biuret method and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), respectively, between non-laying and egg-laying healthy female chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). METHODS:Blood was obtained from 24 healthy female chickens consisting of 12 Red Star and 12 Cornish Cross breeds, 36 and 14 months old, respectively. Plasma protein electrophoresis was performed on heparinized plasma on the Sebia MINICAP instrument. Median results for total protein and each protein fraction between non-layers and layers were compared with the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS:Layers had significantly higher total protein (median 5.2 vs. 4.7 g/dL; p = 0.0015), prealbumin fraction (1.7 vs. 0.2 g/dL; p < 0.0001), and A/G ratio (1.15 vs. 0.8; p = 0.0012). Layers had significantly lower albumin (1.15 vs. 1.7 g/dL; p = 0.0005) and alpha-2 globulins (0.1 vs. 0.2 g/dL; p = 0.0003). The Cornish Cross had the lowest prealbumin concentration (0.9 g/dL) of layers, while the Red Stars had the highest prealbumin concentrations (0.5, 0.6 g/dL) of non-layers. CONCLUSIONS:Egg-laying in chickens is characterized by a higher total protein due to an increased prealbumin fraction, as determined by CZE, with breed differences noted. It is important to recognize these physiologic differences when interpreting EPH from laying chickens.
BACKGROUND:Urinalysis is a simple and essential test in veterinary practice, involving physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of urine. Reagent strips are widely used due to their practicality; however, their reliability compared with reference laboratory methods remains a subject of debate. OBJECTIVES:This study compares different brands of reagent strips for the measurement of urinary pH and urine specific gravity (USG) in dogs and to evaluate their performance in relation to reference methods. METHODS:This study evaluated the reliability of six brands of reagent strips for measuring pH and urine specific gravity in dogs, comparing them with the gold standard methods (bench pH meter and refractometer). Association between methods was evaluated using Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, and agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Linear and polynomial regression models were applied to derive correction equations where appropriate. Ninety-seven canine urine samples were analyzed, collected by natural urination, and processed under refrigeration for preservation. RESULTS:For pH analysis, reagent strips showed statistically significant associations with the benchtop pH meter, and Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated acceptable agreement, with small mean bias and relatively narrow limits of agreement. The linear and polynomial regression models generated to correct the strip values showed excellent fit, with coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 69%, validating their use to calibrate results and improve accuracy. In contrast, urine specific gravity measurements obtained by reagent strips showed poor agreement with refractometry, characterized by wide limits of agreement and clinically relevant bias. CONCLUSIONS:The reagent strips are inadequate for reliable determination of urine specific gravity in dogs and are not recommended as a substitute for a refractometer, while showing acceptable agreement for urinary pH estimation. According to the proposal, its use is feasible in routine clinical practice, provided that the values are adjusted by the proposed correction equations, which minimize scaling errors and significantly improve the accuracy of the results, if the manufacturers' guidelines are followed.
BACKGROUND:The edible insect industry, driven by the nutritional and environmental benefits of mealworms, faces increasing challenges from pathogens affecting Tenebrio molitor farming systems. Hemocyte-based health assessments could provide valuable diagnostic insights, yet standardized hemolymph processing protocols and hematological reference intervals (RIs) are currently lacking for this species. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to develop practical protocols for hemolymph sampling, refine hemocyte classification, and establish hematological RIs for both larval and adult stages of T. molitor. METHODS:An optimized tearing method, involving capillary collection of hemolymph from a proleg transected at the femoral-tibial joint, was used to sample healthy individuals. Total and differential hemocyte counts were determined using a hemocytometer and Wright-Giemsa-stained smears, respectively, and from distinct insect populations (n = 41-43 samples per group). Hemolymph was analyzed in pools due to the small size of T. molitor. Transmission electron microscopy was conducted on a multinucleated giant hemocyte (MGH) isolated from a histologic slide. RIs were calculated following American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines, and life-stage differences were statistically assessed. RESULTS:Granular cells and plasmatocytes predominated, whereas prohemocytes and oenocytoids were rare. MGHs, newly identified in T. molitor, were characterized as a fifth hemocyte population. Significant life-stage differences were observed, warranting separate RIs for larvae and adults. The established RIs were relatively wide, reflecting natural fluctuations in invertebrate hemolymph volume and the unsexed, age-diverse reference population. CONCLUSIONS:This report of hematological RIs for T. molitor lays the groundwork for implementing hemocyte-based health surveillance in yellow mealworm beetle farming.
ABSTRACT Background Total adiponectin (TA) is a marker of metabolic health in equids, with values below a critical decision point of < 7.9 μg/mL conferring increased risk of laminitis. Objectives To evaluate an IT assay to measure serum [TA] in equids and to assess its correlation with [high molecular weight adiponectin] (HMWA) measured by ELISA. Methods Total serum adiponectin concentrations from 207 adult horses were measured using both an IT assay for TA and HMWA using a previously validated ELISA assay. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and Passing‐Bablok regression. Intra‐ and inter‐assay precision, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LLoQ), and freeze–thaw stability were assessed for the [TA] assay. Results Mean (range) intra‐assay coefficient of variation (CV%) was 2.3% (1.8%–2.8%); inter‐assay, across‐day CV% was 3.3% (3.25%–3.4%), and across reagent lot CV was 11.7% (9.0%–17.9%). Mean recovery upon dilution was 133.7% (122.6%–140.6%), and LLoQ 1.3 μg/mL. The median CV for 5 freeze–thaw cycles was 3.0% (range 1.0%–3.0%) with a median change in concentration of −11% (range −[9.9–17.1]%). A strong correlation between [TA] and [HMWA] is observed ( ρ = 0.90 [95% confidence interval 0.86–0.92], p < 0.001), although in 18% of samples, [HMWA] > [TA]. Conclusions The turbidimetric immunoassay is sufficiently precise and reliable for measurement of [TA] in equids, especially around the critical decision point, and LLoQ was below the lowest clinical cut‐off value. [TA] overall correlated well with [HMWA] in this population, although instances of higher [HMWA] than [TA] were noted at high [HMWA].
ABSTRACT Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is difficult to distinguish from lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (LL) on morphologic features alone. Therapeutic approaches for AML versus LL differ, and immediate therapy is often needed due to patient illness and rapid disease progression. Immunophenotyping is required for the distinction of AML from LL but is often not rapidly available. Hence, a routinely available method for distinguishing AML from LL at the time of diagnosis, such as myeloperoxidase (MPX) activity in tumor cells, is desirable. Objectives To determine whether MPX activity on the ADVIA peroxidase cytogram differentiates AML vs LL, as judged by a lower angle of a line intersecting the large unstained cell (LUC) cluster and the x‐axis on the ADVIA 2120 MPX cytogram (MPX LUC angle). Methods Dogs with suspect acute leukemia were prospectively enrolled, and ADVIA‐based hematology, flow cytometry, and cytochemical staining were performed in a multi‐institutional study. An observer blinded to sample identity determined the MPX LUC angle with Fiji software. Results Forty‐four cases met the inclusion criteria and were grouped as AML ( n = 30) or LL ( n = 14). No significant difference in the mean MPX LUC angle was identified between AML and LL ( p = 0.9). MPX cytochemical staining did not correlate with MPX LUC angle (Rsp = 0.004, p > 0.9). Conclusions The angle of the LUC population on the ADVIA MPX cytogram cannot be used as a rapid test to differentiate AML from LL.
