Conrado FO, Leveille-Webster C, Berlin N
… +2 more, Marino KB, Korchia J
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41200851
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hemorheology is used in human medicine but remains largely unexplored in veterinary medicine. The assessment of RBC rheology holds potential for diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting outcomes in veterinary s...BACKGROUND: Hemorheology is used in human medicine but remains largely unexplored in veterinary medicine. The assessment of RBC rheology holds potential for diagnosing, monitoring, and predicting outcomes in veterinary species. Reference intervals (RIs) are needed before clinical assessment of the method. OBJECTIVES: Determine RIs for hemorheological parameters in dogs, compare RIs generated at 620 versus 800 nm wavelengths, as well as RIs generated with and without following ASVCP guidelines. METHODS: Whole blood was sampled on EDTA tubes from healthy dogs and run on the MIZAR Analyzer for 13 parameters (DI, Int (d), PEAK, AI, Int (a), AMP, BpL, Bp, BpH, T½, OTF, OT, ED). After outlier removal considerations, the normality of distribution was assessed, and RIs were calculated using parametric or non-parametric methods (ASVCP guidelines). RIs performed at 620 and 800 nm, with and without following ASVCP guidelines, were compared. RESULTS: RIs were established for rheology parameters at 620 and 800 nm in a population of 42 healthy dogs. 5/13 parameters had nearly identical RI limits between 620 and 800 nm; others showed an overt shift at 800 nm toward higher values for both RI limits. Reference intervals showed similar results whether ASVCP guidelines were followed or not for 7/13 parameters, namely when data had a Gaussian distribution and contained a maximum of one outlier. For the remaining parameters, RIs calculated without following ASVCP guidelines differed significantly and were considered unsuitable for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: Specific RIs were established for 620 and 800 nm wavelengths. Compliance with ASVCP guidelines was deemed necessary.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41186159
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: The ProCyte One is a veterinary hematology analyzer. It uses laser flow cytometry with four optical detectors to categorize RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare results from the ProCyte O...BACKGROUND: The ProCyte One is a veterinary hematology analyzer. It uses laser flow cytometry with four optical detectors to categorize RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare results from the ProCyte One with the ProCyte Dx and ADVIA 120, as well as the results of manual PCVs and WBC differential counts, to determine their performance for automated CBCs in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ProCyte One inter-assay and intra-assay precision were assessed using control material and patient samples. For analyzer comparison, patient samples were run on all three analyzers within 2 h of each other. Passing-Bablok regression and visual inspection of Bland-Altman plots were used to determine analyzer congruence, and Spearman's rank correlation was performed. RESULTS: Precision was generally excellent, with CV < 4% for most measurands except for reticulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. A total of 140 canine and 96 feline samples were included for the comparison study. Correlations were ≥ 0.93 for all comparisons except mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), reticulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Statistically significant bias was suggested by Passing-Bablok regression for many measurands, but most were minor except for MCV compared to ADVIA 120, monocytes compared to all methods, and RBC/hematocrit in anemic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: The ProCyte One demonstrates acceptable agreement with ProCyte Dx and ADVIA 120. However, because of the potential for significant differences between methods, operators should exercise caution when comparing patient results between different analyzers.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41186151
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: Point-of-care testing (POC) is widely utilized for rapid results for many different analytes. A new feline-specific N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) quantitative assay (Vcheck V200, Bionot...BACKGROUND: Point-of-care testing (POC) is widely utilized for rapid results for many different analytes. A new feline-specific N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) quantitative assay (Vcheck V200, Bionote Inc) is currently available but has not undergone independent validation. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Vcheck POC quantitative assay for feline NT-proBNP. METHODS: Validation was performed in accordance with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines utilizing serum samples from 62 cats. Precision was determined for low (50-100 pmol/L), mid (101-300 pmol/L), and high (> 301 pmol/L) pools short-term (20 repetitions) and long-term (5 repetitions each day for 5 days). Linearity, methods comparison, interference testing, and sample stability were evaluated. RESULTS: The within-day coefficients of variability (CV) were low pool = 12.6%, mid pool = 10.4%, and high pool = 8.7%. The within-week CV was low pool = 9.9%, mid pool = 14.9%, and high pool = 6.9%. The assay was linear over the analytical range of 53-1488 pmol/L (R = 0.99, p < 0.0001). Paired samples between the feline Cardiopet NT-proBNP (IDEXX) and Vcheck assays demonstrated a mean difference of 11 pmol/L (2.3%), p = 0.38, between assays with minimal constant or proportional bias. Hemolysis and lipemia did not affect assay performance, while all icteric samples were invalid. Significantly lower values were identified in samples after 2 and 4 h when stored at 20°C and 4°C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Vcheck V200 has acceptable precision, accuracy, and compares favorably with commercially available assays and is a viable POC quantitative assay for feline NT-proBNP.
Brandon J, Reider H, Pabilonia KL
… +1 more, Moore AR
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41144912
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: The number of backyard chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) flocks in the US in urban and suburban areas has continued to increase over the past three decades. These flocks are often raised as both production a...BACKGROUND: The number of backyard chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) flocks in the US in urban and suburban areas has continued to increase over the past three decades. These flocks are often raised as both production animals and as pets. Electrophoretic evaluation of plasma proteins has been held as the reference standard for protein evaluation. Reference intervals (RIs) for plasma protein electrophoresis (PPE) in chickens in northern Colorado are not readily available but could aid diagnostic evaluations. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to generate RIs for PPE in adult non-molting backyard chicken flocks in northern Colorado. METHODS: Plasma from 120 healthy adult chickens in 7 flocks located in northern Colorado was used. Electrophoretic evaluation was completed using a biuret total protein assay and agarose gel electrophoresis, with proteins fractionated into 6 parts. RIs for PPE fractions were generated, and partitioning by sex was performed according to ASVCP guidelines. RESULTS: RIs were generated for all birds and after partitioning by sex. For all birds, agarose gel electrophoretic RIs were: A:G 0.24-1.20, albumin 1.33-2.91 g/dL, alpha-1 globulin 0.13-0.47 g/dL, alpha-2 globulin 0.33-0.91 g/dL, beta-1 globulin 0.24-1.50 g/dL, beta-2 globulin 0.33-1.79 g/dL, and gamma globulin 0.26-0.82 g/dL. A statistical difference, p < 0.05, was noted between hens and roosters for all electrophoretic fractions except total alpha globulin, beta-2 globulin, and A:G, and partitioning was warranted based on the method recommended by Lahti; the data were partitioned by sex, and RIs were generated. CONCLUSIONS: RIs are available for PPE in backyard chickens in northern Colorado.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Oct · PMID 41097891
·
Publisher ↗
The mononuclear phagocyte system encompasses macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes. Tissue-resident macrophages and dendritic cells arise during embryogenesis and are replenished either through self-renewal o...The mononuclear phagocyte system encompasses macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytes. Tissue-resident macrophages and dendritic cells arise during embryogenesis and are replenished either through self-renewal or by monocytes during inflammation. Tissue macrophages and DCs are indistinguishable by light microscopy, thus "histiocyte" is often used in diagnostic pathology to denote both cell types. Macrophages and DCs play essential roles in immune surveillance, inflammation, antigen presentation, and tissue repair and homeostasis. Functions essential to these roles include internalization of foreign and host-derived materials via phagocytosis, endocytosis, and pinocytosis; coordination of immune and non-immune cells via release of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors; and activation of T cell response via antigen presentation. Their remarkable functional plasticity is governed by ontogeny, tissue of residence, and exquisite sensitivity to a wide variety of signals from pathogens, damaged and recovering tissues, extracellular matrix, and other immune cells.
Gülersoy E, Balıkçı C, Kısmet E
… +2 more, Günal İ, Şahan A
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41078255
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is classified as acute, prolonged, or chronic; acute diarrhea (AD) commonly prompts veterinary visits. Identifying causative agents and inflammation severity in the lab is crucial for treatment and p...BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is classified as acute, prolonged, or chronic; acute diarrhea (AD) commonly prompts veterinary visits. Identifying causative agents and inflammation severity in the lab is crucial for treatment and prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and C-reactive protein/Albumin ratio (CAR) in dogs with AD from various etiologies and to assess whether they can be used to discriminate between different etiologies. METHODS: Of 92 dogs with AD, 55 were included based on anamnesis, physical, and laboratory analyses. Dogs were classified into Isospora (n = 12), Parvovirus (n = 15), and Toxocara (n = 14) groups based on microscopic fecal examination and rapid diagnostic tests. The Nutritional group (n = 14) included dogs negative for infectious and parasitic agents but with mild leukocytosis and recent dietary changes. The Control group comprised 10 clinically healthy dogs. RESULTS: Albumin levels were significantly lower in the Isospora, Parvovirus, and Toxocara groups than in the Control and Nutritional groups (p < 0.0001). CRP and CAR levels were highest in the Parvovirus group, with CAR differing significantly from the Control, Isospora, and Nutritional groups (p < 0.0001), but not from Toxocara. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows infections, particularly Parvovirus, reduce albumin and elevate inflammatory markers (CRP, CAR), indicating severe disease, while the Nutritional group mirrors the healthy Control group with lower inflammation. These findings suggest that monitoring these parameters may offer valuable insights into inflammation severity and inform future studies aimed at evaluating their prognostic utility, thereby supporting clinical decision-making in practice.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41074568
·
Full text
A 3-year-old, intact female Havanese dog was presented for treatment of a relapse of suspected immune-mediated anemia and thrombocytopenia. Over the course of treatment, the patient's anemia appeared to acutely transitio...A 3-year-old, intact female Havanese dog was presented for treatment of a relapse of suspected immune-mediated anemia and thrombocytopenia. Over the course of treatment, the patient's anemia appeared to acutely transition from macrocytic and hypochromic to microcytic and hypochromic between days five and six of hospitalization. Assessment of red blood cell volume/hemoglobin content (RBC V/HC) cytograms produced on the ADVIA 2120i (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Munich, Germany) revealed a new population of microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes on day six of hospitalization. This finding prompted the consideration that the microcytic and hypochromic erythrocyte population was introduced to the patient via a packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion, which was confirmed after running a sample of pRBCs from the same donor through the ADVIA 2120i. Other causes of microcytosis, such as iron deficiency anemia, portosystemic shunt, and hyponatremia, were additionally investigated and considered less likely. The cause of the microcytosis in the donor was ultimately undetermined. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case where inadvertent transfusion with microcytic pRBCs was discovered with the aid of RBC V/HC cytograms. This case highlights the importance of considering pRBCs as a source of changes in erythrocyte indices as well as the utility of RBC V/HC cytograms in patients with multiple populations of erythrocytes, such as those receiving transfusions. Additionally, this case prompts reconsideration of the need for standardization of guidelines for blood donation frequency and monitoring of iron status in frequent blood donors.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41074558
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: Measurement of liver enzymes and metabolites for both clinically healthy and sick cattle is a routine part of dairy herd management. Reference intervals (RIs) are influenced by many variables, including pregn...BACKGROUND: Measurement of liver enzymes and metabolites for both clinically healthy and sick cattle is a routine part of dairy herd management. Reference intervals (RIs) are influenced by many variables, including pregnancy, breeding, and geographical variables, and can shift over time. Few previous studies have addressed the specific RIs of dairy cows, and none have specifically addressed the RIs of German Holstein Friesian cows. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the RIs of German Holstein Friesian cows considering variables such as age, parity, milk yield, body condition score, days in milk, and pregnancy. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of anticoagulant use on the RIs. METHODS: Serum, lithium heparin, and EDTA plasma samples from 131 lactating, apparently healthy Holstein Friesian cows from 10 dairy farms were collected. The levels of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and total bilirubin were measured, and new RIs were determined. RESULTS: The following RIs were determined: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB): 0.25-1.00 mmol/L; ALP: 71.1-258.9 U/L; GLDH: 9.1-121.0 U/L; CK: 65.4-257.2 U/L; GGT: 8.7-65.3 U/L; GGT: 12.3-48.6 U/L; NEFAs: 65.4-308.7 μmol/L; ALT: 14.0-34.5 U/L; cholesterol: 2.7-7.5 mmol/L; AST: 76.6-279.7 U/L; AST: 67.1-187.1 U/L; total bilirubin: 0.9-5.2 μmol/L. CONCLUSION: New and more precise RIs for cattle could help veterinarians detect hepatocyte damage with minor enzyme leakage and liver stress at an early stage.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41058604
·
Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PE) in cats can result from transudative or exudative processes. Transudates are caused by decreased colloid osmotic pressure (↓COP) or elevated hydrostatic pressure (↑HP) gradient, while ex...BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PE) in cats can result from transudative or exudative processes. Transudates are caused by decreased colloid osmotic pressure (↓COP) or elevated hydrostatic pressure (↑HP) gradient, while exudates arise from increased pleural capillary permeability. Diagnostic classification approaches traditionally rely on pleural effusion total protein (TP) and total nucleated cell counts (TNCC). In contrast, Light's criteria employing pleural effusion lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH divided by serum LDH (LDH), and pleural effusion to serum protein ratio (TP) are more accurate than classification based on TP/TNCC in humans and show promise in cats. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of TNCC, LDH, LDH, TP, and TP in classifying feline PEs in ↑HP-transudates, ↓COP-transudates, or exudates and to compare simplified Light's criteria (which relies solely on LDH) with Light's criteria and existing veterinary classification schemes based on TP and TNCC (named Vet-A and Vet-B). METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 83 client-owned cats with PE. RESULTS: There were 55 exudates, 28 ↑HP-transudates, and 0 ↓COP-transudates. All the variables analyzed were significantly different between exudates and transudates. Simplified Light's criteria correctly classified 50/55 exudates and 26/28 ↑HP-transudates (sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 93%, accuracy = 92%). Light's criteria correctly identified 55/55 exudates but misclassified 15/28 ↑HP-transudates as exudates (accuracy = 82%). Traditional veterinary schemes showed lower accuracies: Vet-A (57%) and Vet-B (74%). Simplified Light's criteria outperformed Vet-A (p < 0.001) and Vet-B (p = 0.007) and trended higher than Light's criteria (p = 0.096). CONCLUSIONS: Simplified Light's criteria demonstrate excellent diagnostic accuracy, outperforming traditional veterinary classification schemes.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41024389
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: In humans, deficiency of a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs, number 13 (ADAMTS13), a von Willebrand factor (vWF) cleaving protease, is an underlying mechanism for thrombo...BACKGROUND: In humans, deficiency of a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs, number 13 (ADAMTS13), a von Willebrand factor (vWF) cleaving protease, is an underlying mechanism for thrombosis. The role of ADAMTS13 in canine thromboembolic disease is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate plasma ADAMTS13 activity in healthy adult dogs using a commercially available human ADAMTS13 activity ELISA kit and to establish its reference interval (RI). METHODS: Forty healthy adult dogs were prospectively enrolled. Normal health status was confirmed using physical examination findings, history, and the results of hemogram, biochemical profile, screen test for vector-borne diseases, and urinalysis. Plasma ADAMTS13 activity was assessed using the Diapharma RUO Technozym ADAMTS13 Activity ELISA. The assay's precision, accuracy, and detection limits were also evaluated. RESULTS: The canine reference population was comprised of 21 spayed females, 14 castrated males, 3 intact females, and 2 intact males. The median plasma ADAMTS13 activity in healthy dogs was 0.76 IU/mL (range 0.45-1.04). The RI lower limit was 0.45 IU/mL (90% confidence interval 0.45-0.47). The upper limit, although calculated (1.04 IU/mL, 90% CI 1.04-1.04), likely does not reflect the true RI upper limit but a technical limitation of the assay; therefore, rendering an RI of > 0.45 IU/mL. The intra- and inter-assay precision and accuracy range were 9.6%, 11.5%, -8.8% to 3.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The commercially available human ADAMTS13 activity ELISA kit was suitable to analyze canine samples, and the RI for adult dogs was established.
Siachos N, Oikonomou G, Panousis N
… +4 more, Sampsonidis I, Kalogiannis S, Arsenos G, Valergakis GE
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41024383
·
Full text
BACKGROUND: Monitoring the metabolic changes during the periparturient period is crucial. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) of several serum and plasma biochemical variables in multiparous peripa...BACKGROUND: Monitoring the metabolic changes during the periparturient period is crucial. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) of several serum and plasma biochemical variables in multiparous periparturient Holstein dairy cows. METHODS: A total of 238 multiparous dry cows from six commercial dairy farms were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at predetermined time points (21 and 7 days before the expected calving date, 7, 21, and 28 days after calving, ±2 days on all occasions). Samples from 113 cows that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed for plasma and serum biochemical analytes. RESULTS: The lower and upper reference limits were 40.9-49.3 and 102.8-128.5 U/L, respectively, for aspartate aminotransferase; 9.1-14.0 and 33.8-47.8 U/L for γ-glutamyl transferase; 0.07-0.13 and 0.20-0.43 mmol/L for triglycerides; 1.11-1.25 and 3.04-3.52 mmol/L for cholesterol; 0.0 and 3.42-7.78 μmol/L for total bilirubin; 141.0-285.0 and 778.6-1279.3 μmol/L for β-hydroxybutyrate, 0.07-0.22 and 0.42-1.24 mmol/L for non-esterified fatty acids; 50.8-59.7 and 77.4-103.5 g/L for total protein; 23.6-29.2 and 39.4-48.5 g/L for albumin; 19.4-28.3 and 42.0-58.3 g/L for globulin; 0.59-0.70 and 1.30-1.61 for albumin/globulin ratio; 1.3-3.2 and 7.6-9.7 mmol/L for blood urea nitrogen; 42.4-62.8 and 83.1-124.7 μmol/L for creatinine; 1.8-3.2 and 9.8-25.1 μmol/L for 3-methylhistidine; and 1.9-2.7 and 10.5-14.8 μmol/L for 1-methylhistidine. CONCLUSIONS: The established RIs provide valuable benchmarks with important clinical and research applications in dairy cattle medicine.