Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41749414
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BACKGROUND: Mammary neoplasms are a major concern in intact female dogs, and cytologic examination is routinely used for initial screening. Although the adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system to canine species...BACKGROUND: Mammary neoplasms are a major concern in intact female dogs, and cytologic examination is routinely used for initial screening. Although the adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system to canine species has been scarcely explored, it shows prognostic potential, particularly when correlated with other clinical and pathologic markers. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prognostic performance of an adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system using rapid Romanowsky-type staining in canine mammary carcinomas. We also investigated its association with prognostic and predictive markers and overall survival. METHODS: Fifty-one cytologic samples from canine mammary tumors were analyzed to evaluate the association between cytologic grade, histopathology, Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression, clinical data, and survival. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine prognostic performance, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore morphologic patterns. RESULTS: Cytologic grade was significantly associated with tumor size, ulceration, and cellular features linked to malignancy but revealed low agreement with histologic grade and demonstrated no significant correlation with Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression. Higher cytologic grades and increased atypia were correlated with reduced survival. Robinson's cytologic score, Ki-67 index, Peña's histologic grade, and ulceration were key variables associated with the biologic and morphologic heterogeneity of the tumors. CONCLUSION: The Robinson cytologic grading system, when adapted to rapid Romanowsky-type staining, has prognostic relevance in canine mammary tumors. When interpreted alongside other clinical and pathologic features, it may contribute to early prognostic stratification and therapeutic planning. The use of larger cohorts in future studies is recommended for their validation.
Quilez E, Chambers JK, Ueda R
… +1 more, Donahoe SL
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41741968
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BACKGROUND: Malignant follicular tumors are rare in cats, and cytologic description from fine needle aspirates is scarce. While a keratinaceous background is typically expected in follicular neoplasms, it may be absent i...BACKGROUND: Malignant follicular tumors are rare in cats, and cytologic description from fine needle aspirates is scarce. While a keratinaceous background is typically expected in follicular neoplasms, it may be absent in some cases, complicating cytologic interpretation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 10-year-old male Burmese cat presented with a subcutaneous abdominal mass cytologically diagnosed as a carcinoma. Approximately 2 years later, three additional subcutaneous masses developed at different locations. Cytologic evaluation of two of the most recently developed masses revealed features suggestive of a malignant melanocytic tumor with a distinctive granular background. However, histopathologic examination revealed infiltrative carcinomas with basaloid and squamous differentiation, ghost cells, keratohyalin granules, and prominent desmoplastic myxoid stroma, features supportive of a malignant follicular tumor. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong p63 and CK19 immunoreactivity, weak and variable cytokeratin AE1/AE3 expression, and negative CK15 labeling, supporting follicular origin. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue stains highlighted abundant mucopolysaccharide-rich stroma. The findings were most consistent with malignant trichoepithelioma. Despite surgical excision, the cat developed additional masses and progressive clinical decline, consistent with metastatic behavior. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the cytologic and histologic complexity of diagnosing malignant follicular tumors in cats. The presence of abundant myxoid-like mucin-rich stroma may be associated with aggressive biological behavior. Malignant trichoepithelioma should remain a differential diagnosis for basaloid epithelial neoplasms in cats, even in the absence of cytologic evidence of keratinization. This report adds to the limited literature on feline malignant follicular tumors and emphasizes the need for further investigation into their diagnostic criteria and biological behavior.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41732135
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A 6 year-old neutered male Mastiff cross dog was evaluated for gastrointestinal signs and increased liver enzyme activities. Ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly with a heterogeneous parenchyma, hypoechoic regions, and...A 6 year-old neutered male Mastiff cross dog was evaluated for gastrointestinal signs and increased liver enzyme activities. Ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly with a heterogeneous parenchyma, hypoechoic regions, and echogenic material in hepatic veins, suggestive of thrombi. Fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies were obtained from the liver for cytologic and histopathologic evaluation. Cytology revealed a population of poorly cohesive, atypical round cells, raising suspicion for lymphoma or a primitive/blastemal neoplasm. Initial histopathology was inconclusive, but a subsequent surgical biopsy revealed a population of individualized round cells confined within the lumens of hepatic vessels. Using immunohistochemistry, a neoplastic population of CD3-immunoreactive lymphocytes lacking Pax5 immunoreactivity was identified, confirming the diagnosis of large T-cell intravascular lymphoma (IVL). This is considered a rare and aggressive lymphoma characterized by a solely intravascular proliferation of neoplastic lymphocytes. Despite initial core needle histopathologic evaluation, a definitive diagnosis was only achieved after evaluating a larger surgical biopsy. This is also the first report to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of hepatic IVL in dogs. This report adds to the limited veterinary literature on IVL and underscores the importance of obtaining representative samples for a reliable histopathologic diagnosis.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41699877
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BACKGROUND: Lipemia is a common comorbidity in horses with obesity or equine metabolic syndrome, but the impact of lipemia on the measurement of insulin and adiponectin has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endo...BACKGROUND: Lipemia is a common comorbidity in horses with obesity or equine metabolic syndrome, but the impact of lipemia on the measurement of insulin and adiponectin has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endogenous and exogenous lipemic interference with equine insulin and adiponectin measurements via several commercial assays. METHODS: Endogenous lipemia was evaluated using plasma and serum samples with triglyceride concentrations of < 40, 40-250, 250-500, 500-1000, and > 1000 mg/dL (n = 6 each). Sample insulin concentrations were determined via fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), ELISA, and lateral flow assay (LFA). Test agreement was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman analysis. Exogenous lipemia was evaluated using pools of serum, plasma, and whole blood (n = 5 each) spiked with Intralipid 20% to triglyceride concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/dL. Insulin concentrations were measured via FEIA, ELISA, and LFA, and adiponectin concentrations via immunoturbidometric assay (ITA). Interferograms were created and a Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare bias between triglyceride concentrations. RESULTS: With endogenous lipemia, agreement between the three assays was excellent (r > 0.90) with no appreciable impact of triglyceride concentration. For exogenous lipemia, significant (p < 0.05) negative interference was observed at triglyceride concentrations of 1000 mg/dL with the insulin ELISA using plasma. No significant interference was found for the insulin ELISA or FEIA using serum, insulin LFA using whole blood or plasma, or adiponectin ITA using serum. CONCLUSION: Falsely low insulin values may be obtained at high triglyceride concentrations with the insulin ELISA using plasma.
Talavera M, Baughman B, McNulty K
… +3 more, Williams MJ, Shores A, Williams ML
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41644271
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To the authors' knowledge, this is the first canine oligodendroglioma case series to document the high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings along with Wright-Giemsa stained intraoperative cytology findings, co...To the authors' knowledge, this is the first canine oligodendroglioma case series to document the high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings along with Wright-Giemsa stained intraoperative cytology findings, coupled with H&E and immunohistochemistry, and interpreted under the 2018 Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium (CBTC) criteria. All dogs in this case series presented with a history of chronic seizures. MRI findings for all cranial masses were T1 hypointense to isointense (Case 3) and T2 hyperintense. Cytologic characteristics of all cases included neoplastic cells haphazardly arranged in aggregates, embedded in an extracellular pink fibrillar to mucoid appearing matrix, and often associated with capillaries. Histologically, Case 1 (high-grade) and 3 (low-grade) had an oligodendroglioma morphology, while Case 2 had an undefined morphology. All cases were strongly immunoreactive to Olig2. Cases 1 and 2 were strongly immunoreactive to CNPase and had robust immunoreactivity to GFAP. This case series highlights that Wright-Giemsa intra-operative squash preparations stain can support a presumptive diagnosis of oligodendroglioma.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41612543
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BACKGROUND: Dirofilariosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is associated with cardiovascular damage and systemic inflammation in dogs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present preliminary data on the ev...BACKGROUND: Dirofilariosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is associated with cardiovascular damage and systemic inflammation in dogs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present preliminary data on the evaluation of serum haptoglobin (Hp) concentration as a potential biomarker of inflammation in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis, with and without microfilaremia. METHODS: Thirty dogs were categorized into three groups: microfilaremic seropositives (G1, n = 10), amicrofilaremic seropositives (G2, n = 10), and negative controls (CG, n = 10). Serum Hp concentrations were measured using a colorimetric assay and analyzed via one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test. RESULTS: Median Hp levels were 10.0 mg/dL (G1), 9.1 mg/dL (G2), and 13.7 mg/dL (CG), with no significant differences among groups. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between microfilarial burden and Hp levels (p = 0.651). CONCLUSIONS: Despite D. immitis infection, Hp concentration did not provide evidence of an inflammatory response in G1 and G2. While previous studies reported decreased Hp in microfilaremic dogs, our findings did not confirm this trend. The seropositive dogs in this study did not show clinical signs, indicating they had relatively mild infections, which may at least in part explain these results. The small sample size and lack of other acute-phase protein assessments restrict the generalizability of our findings and, thus, this study provides limited information about acute phase response dynamics. Nevertheless, these preliminary results highlight the complexity of Hp behavior in D. immitis infection and emphasize the need for further research.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41549552
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BACKGROUNDS: Studies investigating the influence of sampling methods on point-of-care viscoelastic test (VCM Vet) results are limited. OBJECTIVES: Investigating the impact of blood sampling methods on VCM Vet results in...BACKGROUNDS: Studies investigating the influence of sampling methods on point-of-care viscoelastic test (VCM Vet) results are limited. OBJECTIVES: Investigating the impact of blood sampling methods on VCM Vet results in dogs, and determining if results are affected by hematological parameters, and blood sampling difficulty. METHODS: Two VCM assays were performed on 52 healthy dogs. Blood sample was first collected from a direct jugular venipuncture on all dogs to run a baseline VCM Vet assay, perform a CBC, and measure fibrinogen concentration. A second VCM Vet assay was performed one hour later with blood sampling methods randomized as follows: contralateral jugular using a vacutainer, direct stick in a saphenous vein, or blood sampling via a cephalic intravenous catheter. RESULTS: Reference intervals were established for each VCM Vet parameter with the first blood sample. The intra-class correlation (ICC) between sampling methods was poor (< 0.5). There was a weak positive correlation between hematocrit and CT (p < 0.042), a weak negative correlation between platelet count and CFT (p < 0.01), and a weak positive correlation between platelet count and alpha (p = 0.002), A10 (p < 0.001), A20 (p < 0.001), and MCF (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sampling protocols influence VCM Vet results. Each sampling method is reliable but not correlated. Follow-up on a patient should be performed using the same sampling method and site. CBC results should be known before interpreting results.
Stokol T, Kosko AM, Bienzle D
… +4 more, Meichner K, Springer NL, Byron M, Hoffman M
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41546140
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BACKGROUND: Assessment of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cytologic smears is used as a phenotyping tool for hematopoietic and solid tissue neoplasms in dogs. Different procedures that vary in substrate-dye combin...BACKGROUND: Assessment of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cytologic smears is used as a phenotyping tool for hematopoietic and solid tissue neoplasms in dogs. Different procedures that vary in substrate-dye combinations, fixative, incubation times, and nuclear counterstains are available for detection of ALP activity. It is unknown if these procedures provide comparable results for phenotyping tumors in the same animal. OBJECTIVE: To compare results obtained with three ALP cytochemical procedures in blasts in blood and tissue aspirate smears from dogs with previously diagnosed leukemia: naphthol-AS-MX phosphate/fast blue (fast blue), 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-phosphate/nitroblue tetrazolium (BCIP/NBT), and naphthol-AS-BI-phosphate/fast red violet LB (fast red). METHODS: Smears of blood, bone marrow, and lymph node from 54 dogs prospectively enrolled in a multi-institutional study on acute leukemia were stained and assessed. One observer counted the percentage of positive blasts and quantified staining intensity on a scale of 1-3. Cases were classified as acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage, or acute lineage-negative leukemia based on flow cytometric analysis and myeloperoxidase cytochemical staining. RESULTS: The fast blue procedure yielded a significantly higher median percentage of ALP-positive blasts (48%) than the BCIP/NBT (46%) or fast red (42%) procedure despite similar median staining intensities. The proportion of samples that would have been classified as ALP-positive was similar (40/54 fast blue, 39/54 BCIP/NBT, and 37/54 fast red). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the three procedures can be used interchangeably for determining ALP activity in blasts of dogs with leukemia.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41546138
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BACKGROUND: The periparturient period in dairy cows is marked by negative energy balance (NEB), resulting in metabolic stress and an increased risk of postpartum diseases. Accurate assessment of NEB through blood β-hydro...BACKGROUND: The periparturient period in dairy cows is marked by negative energy balance (NEB), resulting in metabolic stress and an increased risk of postpartum diseases. Accurate assessment of NEB through blood β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) levels is essential for effective herd management. Point-of-care (POC) devices, such as the CentriVet blood ketone monitoring system, offer a practical alternative to laboratory methods for measuring β-OHB. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and analytical performance of the CentriVet blood ketone monitoring system compared to a laboratory reference method for measuring blood β-OHB concentration in postpartum dairy cattle. METHODS: A total of 105 postpartum dairy cows from two farms were included. Blood samples were analyzed for β-OHB using both CentriVet and a reference enzymatic method. Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman plots, and kappa statistics were used to assess agreement. Diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy) were calculated at a cut-off value of ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. An optimized cut-off value was determined via ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: CentriVet demonstrated a moderate correlation with the reference method (Spearman's r = 0.701, p < 0.001). Passing-Bablok regression revealed proportional bias, and Bland-Altman analysis indicated a mean bias of -0.4 mmol/L. Diagnostic metrics at ≥ 1.2 mmol/L showed 100% sensitivity, 68.09% specificity, and 71.4% accuracy. ROC analysis yielded an optimized cut-off of > 1.5 mmol/L, improving specificity (95.7%) but reducing sensitivity (81.8%). CONCLUSIONS: While CentriVet offers practical benefits, its diagnostic performance is limited for accurately identifying hyperketonemia in postpartum dairy cattle.
Romero-Vélez F, Serrano B, Martínez-Caro J
… +5 more, González-Rellán S, Novellas R, García-Ferrer A, Pastor J, Solano-Gallego L
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41540823
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A 12-year-old female spayed Border Collie dog was presented for evaluation of 6 months of intermittent hematuria and weight loss. A highly vascularized right renal mass deforming the renal architecture and paraneoplastic...A 12-year-old female spayed Border Collie dog was presented for evaluation of 6 months of intermittent hematuria and weight loss. A highly vascularized right renal mass deforming the renal architecture and paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy were found. Cytologic evaluation of the mass obtained by fine-needle aspiration guided by ultrasound revealed mesenchymal cells with a moderate amount of bluish cytoplasm, moderately defined cell borders, and spindle to stellate or roundish morphology. The nuclei were centrally located, with a coarse chromatin pattern, round to oval, and occasionally bean-shaped. Usually, a single distinct nucleolus per nucleus with minimal size variation was noted. Anisocytosis and anisokaryosis were moderate. The cytologic interpretation was mesenchymal proliferation with moderate atypia, most consistent with soft tissue sarcoma. Right ureteronephrectomy was performed. Histologic evaluation showed a neoplastic proliferation located beneath the lamina propria of the transitional epithelium of the renal pelvis and infiltrating the renal medulla. Immunohistochemistry for protein S-100, laminin, and desmin was performed to further characterize the lesion as a nerve sheath tumor. The hematuria disappeared 4 days after the surgery; 5 months later, no alterations were observed in the general examination, and the paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy mildly improved. This is the first cytologic description of a primary renal malignant nerve sheath tumor in the renal pelvis of a dog with paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy.
Mori JA, Stacey E, El Helou Y
… +1 more, Bienzle D
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41540818
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BACKGROUND: An 8.8-year-old male neutered Persian cat was presented with a history of recent intermittent mild lethargy, hyporexia, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, an enlarged right...BACKGROUND: An 8.8-year-old male neutered Persian cat was presented with a history of recent intermittent mild lethargy, hyporexia, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, an enlarged right mandibular lymph node, and organomegaly suspected to be an enlarged spleen. A CBC showed an extreme leukocytosis composed almost exclusively of small lymphocytes and a moderate, microcytic, slightly regenerative anemia. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to diagnose the cause of the extreme leukocytosis, to classify the circulating leukocytes, and to determine the response to therapy. METHODS: Blood film review, biochemical and iron analysis, abdominal ultrasound, flow cytometric evaluation of leukocytes, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) were performed. RESULTS: Leukocytes were mostly small lymphocytes with scant pale basophilic cytoplasm, and round or convoluted nuclei with coarse to finely clumped chromatin. There was hyperglobulinemia and iron deficiency. Imaging showed splenomegaly and multiple enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. On flow cytometry, the lymphocytes were positive for CD18, CD21, and MHC II, consistent with B-cell lymphocytic leukemia. The cat had mild hyperglobulinemia and 2+ proteinuria, and serum electrophoresis results were interpreted as a polyclonal gammopathy. PARR showed clonal rearrangement of IGH2 and IGH3 loci. Treatment with oral prednisolone and chlorambucil resulted in resolution of the clinical signs and reduction in the leukocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) was diagnosed, which in cats is much less frequent than T-CLL. There was a favorable response to alkylating therapy, and the cat survived for 19 months.
Fish EJ, Hoepp N, Matlow JR
… +9 more, Ammersbach M, Steinberg JD, Freeman KP, Hancock TS, Cian F, Piccione J, Korchia J, Moore AR, Harr KE
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41492911
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Digital cytopathology is increasingly used in veterinary medicine, yet standardized quality guidance for its safe and effective implementation has been lacking. As more reference laboratories and individual clinics adopt...Digital cytopathology is increasingly used in veterinary medicine, yet standardized quality guidance for its safe and effective implementation has been lacking. As more reference laboratories and individual clinics adopt this technology, challenges related to sample preparation, staining variability, scanner capabilities, software design, operator training, and limitations in optical resolution have emerged. To address these issues, the ASVCP Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee developed comprehensive guidelines for the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases of digital cytologic evaluation, with the aim of enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving workflow efficiency, and supporting safer clinical decision-making. The target audience is veterinary pathologists, residents, laboratory personnel, and practices currently using or planning to adopt digital cytopathology. Key recommendations include ensuring appropriate sample preparation and placement to support accurate digital capture; selecting and validating scanners and software with performance characteristics appropriate for cytologic specimens; implementing standardized training for operators and pathologists; and establishing procedures for assessing digital image quality, managing incomplete or low-quality scans, and determining when glass slide review is required. Because digital cytopathology continues to evolve rapidly and the current evidence base remains limited, these guidelines are intended as a minimum standard and should be revisited within five years to incorporate emerging QA data and technological advancements.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41387115
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BACKGROUND: The Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi ) is an endangered species of lizard endemic to Grand Cayman Island. The cytochemical staining characteristics, cell morphometrics, and ultrastructure have not bee...BACKGROUND: The Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi ) is an endangered species of lizard endemic to Grand Cayman Island. The cytochemical staining characteristics, cell morphometrics, and ultrastructure have not been reported for blood from this species. OBJECTIVES: The objectives for this blue iguana blood cell study were to perform routine and cytochemical staining, document morphometric measurements, and identify structures using bright-field (BF), differential interference contrast (DIC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). METHODS: Opportunistic blood samples were collected from one captive adult male blue iguana housed at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI, USA, during three routine health exams. CBCs, biochemistry panels, cytochemical staining (leukocyte acid phosphatase [AcP] with and without tartrate, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], leukocyte peroxidase [LEP], periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], Sudan black B [SBB], and Toluidine blue [TB]) were performed. RESULTS: CBCs and biochemistry panel results were within range for a healthy captive adult male blue iguana. The cytochemical reactions were determined. The basophils, erythrocytes, heterophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes reacted positively to PAS. Only the heterophils had positive reactions to ALP, SBB, and LEP. Basophils were positive to TB. Monocytes and thrombocytes stained positive for AcP. Red blood cell cytoplasmic inclusions held stain with ANAE, AcP, PAS, and TB. The morphology and ultrastructure of blue iguana blood cells were documented using BF, DIC, SEM, and TEM. CONCLUSION: All of the microscopic and staining methods allowed for improved differentiation of cell types and characteristics. The results may serve as a reference for any study of blood cells in other reptile species.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41253601
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BACKGROUND: microRNAs (miRNA) have been proposed as biomarkers for pancreatitis in dogs due to their high peak concentrations and experimental correlation with acinar cell injury. However, analytical validation and the e...BACKGROUND: microRNAs (miRNA) have been proposed as biomarkers for pancreatitis in dogs due to their high peak concentrations and experimental correlation with acinar cell injury. However, analytical validation and the effect of interfering substances are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to (i) develop and analyze the analytical validity of an assay for miRNA-148a and miRNA-375 in serum and (ii) compare miRNA-148a and miRNA-375 between healthy and pancreatitis-affected dogs. METHODS: Circulating miRNAs were quantified from serum of healthy (n = 40) and pancreatitis-affected dogs (n = 40). Reference intervals were established, and serum miRNAs were compared between groups. Linearity was assessed via dilutional parallelism (observed/expected ratio, O/E). Precision was assessed via intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (% CV). Intralipid, bilirubin, and hemoglobin were tested as interferants. RESULTS: For miRNA-148a, the RI was < 33 000 gene copies and mean O/E was 100.4%. Mean inter-assay and intra-assay % CV were 1.5% and 1.3% respectively. For miRNA-375, the RI was < 4 gene copies and mean O/E was 100.1%. Mean inter-assay and intra-assay % CV were 3.2% and 0.5% respectively. Hemolysis led to false increases in both assays (p = 0.003 - < 0.0001). miRNA-148a was reduced in dogs with pancreatitis (mean 192 gene copies) compared with healthy controls (mean 2760 gene copies; p < 0.0001), but miRNA-375 was not different between groups (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The miRNA assays were analytically valid; however, hemolysis, a common interferant in pancreatitis cases, may impact test results. miRNA-148a was suppressed in dogs with pancreatitis. It is unclear whether this represents a cause or a consequence of the disease.