Bosch SN, Badial P, Roe HA
… +9 more, Shua-Haim T, Alas O, Paradise H, Gallastegui A, De Gasperi D, Hawkins IK, Hoffmann AR, Lanier CJ, Arndt TP
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40999868
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A 5-year-old LaMancha goat buck presented for evaluation of a 1-week history of progressive lameness and carpal swelling in the left thoracic limb. Cytology performed on an aspirate from the left radiocarpal joint identi...A 5-year-old LaMancha goat buck presented for evaluation of a 1-week history of progressive lameness and carpal swelling in the left thoracic limb. Cytology performed on an aspirate from the left radiocarpal joint identified abundant round to oval, thickly encapsulated, extracellular yeast organisms that occasionally exhibited narrow-based budding, features compatible with Cryptococcus spp. yeast. The patient was euthanized due to poor prognosis, and a necropsy was performed. Histopathology confirmed the presence of numerous fungal yeast associated with the left radiocarpal joint. A cryptococcal serum latex agglutination test was negative. However, panfungal PCR and fungal culture identified the organisms as Cryptococcus gattii. This report describes, for the first time, a case of a C. gattii infection affecting the joint of a goat.
Manzocchi S, van Rooyen LJ, Stock G
… +2 more, Matlow JR, Serra M
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40990240
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BACKGROUND: Population-based reference intervals (RIs) are fundamental for appropriate result interpretation. Current recommendations for their determination specify that a direct, de novo approach is preferable, includi...BACKGROUND: Population-based reference intervals (RIs) are fundamental for appropriate result interpretation. Current recommendations for their determination specify that a direct, de novo approach is preferable, including at least 120 carefully selected subjects. This is not always feasible due to logistical and financial constraints. Recently, several sophisticated algorithms for the indirect estimation of RIs have been proposed in human medicine and described as comparable with direct methods in many cases. OBJECTIVES: Preliminary evaluation of the utility and feasibility of novel indirect methods for determining RIs in the veterinary clinical laboratory. METHODS: Calcium and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were selected as representative measurands expected to show Gaussian and non-Gaussian distributions, respectively. After limited data filtering, canine results extracted from a laboratory database were used to estimate indirect RIs and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) using the RefineR algorithm. Using 90% CIs as well as permissible differences (pD), the indirect RIs were compared to direct RIs derived by the same laboratory, over the same period, from a population of healthy canine blood donors. RESULTS: The direct and indirect approaches yielded comparable reference limits for both measurands. Apart from the upper reference limit for Ca, 90% CIs for the reference limits calculated from the conventional direct and indirect methods overlapped. Direct reference limits were within pD calculated from the indirect reference limits. CONCLUSION: The indirect method, using the RefineR algorithm, may represent a cost-effective option for RI determination. It may also complement direct approaches and has the potential to be more representative of animal populations.
Pacholec C, Xie H, Curnin J
… +2 more, Lin A, Zimmerman K
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40977582
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BACKGROUND: Lymph node (LN) aspirates are often obtained to distinguish large-cell lymphoma (LCL) from non-lymphoma (NL) in dogs with enlarged lymph nodes. OBJECTIVE: Images from cytology slides tested the effects of mag...BACKGROUND: Lymph node (LN) aspirates are often obtained to distinguish large-cell lymphoma (LCL) from non-lymphoma (NL) in dogs with enlarged lymph nodes. OBJECTIVE: Images from cytology slides tested the effects of magnification, image type, and number on a convolutional neural network (CNN) differentiating canine LCL from NL. METHODS: Three hundred images of LCL and NL were used to train a CNN and interrogate the effects of image magnification, type, and number on the model's performance. Identified cases were imaged at 200×, 500×, and 1000× magnification in color and gray-scale and then used to train and identify optimal magnification and image type. The impact of the image number per cohort (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300) on the top model's performance was then assessed. RESULTS: The highest performance with color images was achieved at 1000× magnification, with an accuracy of 95.8%, a Receiving Operating Characteristic (ROC) area of 0.997, and an F-measure of 0.958. Similarly, the best results with gray images, also at 1000× magnification, showed an accuracy of 96.67%, a ROC area of 0.994, and an F-measure of 0.967. Performance improvements were most significant and plateaued as the number of images per class approached 150, with an accuracy of 95%, ROC area of 0.939, and F-measure of 0.95. CONCLUSION: The analysis across models suggests that color versus greyscale did not significantly impact overall performance to distinguish LCL or NL. Optimal magnification was 1000×. A minimum of 150 images per class is recommended for pilot CNN studies in this 2-class problem.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40963495
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BACKGROUND: The empirical biologic variation (EBV) method to derive analytical performance specifications (APSs) has been provisionally evaluated for use in the veterinary clinical pathology laboratory. Analytical perfor...BACKGROUND: The empirical biologic variation (EBV) method to derive analytical performance specifications (APSs) has been provisionally evaluated for use in the veterinary clinical pathology laboratory. Analytical performance can affect EBV APSs. It has been argued that this effect is minimal, but the effect has not been evaluated for the range of performance found in veterinary laboratories. OBJECTIVE: Model and compare EBV APSs derived across a range of analytical CV (CV) observed in veterinary clinical pathology laboratories. METHOD: Published data on biochemistry measurand CV in veterinary clinical pathology laboratories and dog reference intervals (RIs) were used to model EBV APSs using Monte Carlo simulation. The modeled EBV APSs were compared with analogous APSs from total allowable error (TE) and traditional BV models. RESULTS: Generally, the EBV-recommended permissible CV (pCV) was smaller than the observed CV when analytical performance was poor. The EBV APSs did not have a consistent relationship with analogous APSs from TE or traditional BV systems when analytical performance was judged acceptable using TE or BV APSs. When analytical performance was unacceptable, the resulting EBV APSs increased dramatically (sometimes by > 200%) and lost their initial relationship with TE or traditional BV-derived APSs. Using log-normal calculations for measurands with a Gaussian distribution produced wider EBV APSs. CONCLUSION: The EBV method produces growth-oriented APSs under all modeled conditions and can produce notably more lenient APSs for poorly performing labs than better performing labs. The EBV method can produce acceptable APSs under some conditions and may not be suitable for use in veterinary medicine.
This manuscript provides a brief introduction and overview of four companion papers that focus on the evolution of oxygen uptake and delivery to tissues. Although major emphasis is placed on the characteristics of erythr...This manuscript provides a brief introduction and overview of four companion papers that focus on the evolution of oxygen uptake and delivery to tissues. Although major emphasis is placed on the characteristics of erythrocytes and the hemoglobin they contain and how these characteristics vary by taxa in response to environmental influences and metabolic requirements, the accompanying evolution of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and their interactions with erythrocytes are also discussed. In addition, the similarities and differences in erythropoiesis and the presence of immature erythrocytes in blood across taxa are presented.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40888595
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BACKGROUND: In small animals, serum total thyroxine concentration (TT) is an important parameter used to assess thyroid function in patients. In rabbits, no information is available on the prevalence of thyroid disease a...BACKGROUND: In small animals, serum total thyroxine concentration (TT) is an important parameter used to assess thyroid function in patients. In rabbits, no information is available on the prevalence of thyroid disease and its diagnosis by laboratory methods. The aim of this study was to establish a device- and method-specific reference interval for TT in clinically healthy rabbits. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: TT concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) in 120 clinically healthy pet rabbits (median age 36 months); the study population was divided into age groups (Group 1: 7-24 months, Group 2: 25-59 months, Group 3: > 60 months). The pet rabbits were kept indoors, outdoors, and indoor/outdoor. The reference interval (95 percentile) was calculated using SPSS (IBM, version 28.0) according to the standard of the ASVCP. RESULTS: A median TT concentration of 0.8 μg/dL (10.28 nmol/L) and a reference interval of 0.6-1.98 μg/dL (7.71-25.44 nmol/L) were determined. No statistically significant differences were found for sex (p = 0.889), age (p = 0.176), and between animals in indoor and outdoor housing (p = 0.967). Highly significant differences were observed between indoor and indoor/outdoor housing (p = 0.002) and significant differences between outdoor and indoor/outdoor housing (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of TT in pet rabbits measured by chemiluminescence appear to be independent of sex and age. Laboratory and device-specific reference intervals for pet rabbits should be used to avoid the influence of different methods, devices, calculation methods, and sample size.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40851554
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BACKGROUND: Snakebite envenomation is a worldwide public health issue, particularly relevant to low and middle-income countries. Bothrops spp. antivenom is needed for snakebite treatment, which requires the maintenance o...BACKGROUND: Snakebite envenomation is a worldwide public health issue, particularly relevant to low and middle-income countries. Bothrops spp. antivenom is needed for snakebite treatment, which requires the maintenance of healthy snakes in captivity. Hematology and clinical biochemistry are important tools for monitoring the health status of these animals, as well as detecting hemoparasites (i.e., Hepatozoon spp.). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to establish hematologic and biochemical reference intervals in a population of captive B. jararaca in a Brazilian serpentarium and assess blood cell morphology. METHODS: Blood samples of 32 specimens of captive B. jararaca were collected and analyzed for complete blood count and biochemical variables, such as total proteins, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and creatine kinase. Blood smears were also evaluated to investigate blood parasites. Each variable was statistically analyzed according to the ASVCP guidelines and compared between sexes and the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. RESULTS: This study establishes the hematology and clinical biochemistry reference intervals and describes B. jararaca blood cell morphology. We observed no differences between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical variables for B. jararaca on the basis of ASCVP recommendations. The RI described could be essential for the management and treatment of B. jararaca kept under similar captive conditions.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the dynamics of blood immune-inflammatory biomarkers in response to exercise-induced changes in jumping horses. METHODS: For this purpose, adult Brazilian Sport Horses (n = 9), aged 10.1 y...OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the dynamics of blood immune-inflammatory biomarkers in response to exercise-induced changes in jumping horses. METHODS: For this purpose, adult Brazilian Sport Horses (n = 9), aged 10.1 years, both sexes, underwent a specific training test consisting of warm-up, flatwork, and jumping exercises, and recovery on a 900 m sand track over 40 min. Clinical examinations and blood collections were performed at three time points: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 1 h after (T2) the final exercise. Hematologic and biochemical parameters, such as total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine, lactate, glucose, creatine kinase (CPK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined, and thus were calculated the following biomarkers: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-albumin ratio (NAR), albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI). Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk tests, ANOVA, Tukey tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), as well as in lactate, CPK, LDH, and glucose levels over time. Regarding the biomarkers, significant changes were observed: T0 to T1 in NAR, PLR, SIRI, and SII; T1 to T2 in NAR, PLR, NLR, AGR, SIRI, and SII; T0 to T2 in SIRI. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that equestrian exercises promote changes in integrative immune-inflammatory biomarkers, making them promising for monitoring the performance of jumping horses.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40843467
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BACKGROUND: A pre-transfusion blood crossmatch is recommended to ensure RBC compatibility for previously transfused and transfusion-naïve cats. OBJECTIVES: To compare 3 crossmatch methods and anti-feline globulin (AFG) e...BACKGROUND: A pre-transfusion blood crossmatch is recommended to ensure RBC compatibility for previously transfused and transfusion-naïve cats. OBJECTIVES: To compare 3 crossmatch methods and anti-feline globulin (AFG) enhancement for determining RBC compatibility. METHODS: Prospective study. Major crossmatches were performed using serum from 68 "recipient" cats and RBCs from 44 "donor" cats. Crossmatch methods evaluated include laboratory tube and gel column without and with AFG enhancement and an in-clinic AFG-enhanced immunochromatographic strip. RESULTS: Tube and gel crossmatches were performed for 211 and strip crossmatches for 133 recipient-donor pairs. RBC incompatibilities were noted in at least 1 crossmatch method for 123 recipient-donor pairs. For determination of the degree of incompatibility, there was a correlation between standard and AFG-enhanced crossmatches for both tube and gel (p < 0.001), standard tube and gel (p = 0.002), and AFG-enhanced tube and gel (p < 0.001). Twelve of 46 and 22 of 113 recipient-donor pairs deemed incompatible with tube and gel, respectively, had RBC agglutination noted only with the addition of AFG. RBC incompatibilities were noted on 15 strips, 4 of which were type A-B mismatched. Odds of detecting RBC incompatibility using strip were 2.9 (p = 0.001) and 6.1 (p < 0.001) times greater with each unit increase in the degree of incompatibility detected by standard and AFG-enhanced tube, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical relevance of any observed RBC incompatibilities, other than known A-B mismatches, is unknown. While the strip crossmatch is simple to perform and interpret, it might not be sufficiently sensitive to detect weaker RBC incompatibilities.
A 7-year-old female intact pug was presented for a six-month history of cough, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. Treatment with fenbendazole was initiated 3 days before referral based on a positive blood quantitative PC...A 7-year-old female intact pug was presented for a six-month history of cough, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance. Treatment with fenbendazole was initiated 3 days before referral based on a positive blood quantitative PCR for Angiostrongylus vasorum (A. vasorum) without improvement of the clinical signs. The dog lived in Belgium with a traveling history to Corsica and Canada. On physical examination, the dog was tachypneic with expiratory dyspnea. Mild non-regenerative anemia, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and basophilia were identified on hematology. Biochemistry revealed hyperproteinemia due to hyperglobulinemia. The protein capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) identified a restricted polyclonal (or oligoclonal) peak in the beta-globulin region and a tall and narrow peak in the gamma-globulin region, suggestive of either restricted polyclonal or monoclonal gammopathy. Further diagnostic investigations included thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, urinalysis, snap test 4Dx, Leishmania spp. serology, and Leishmania spp. PCR on bone marrow aspirates. Severe proteinuria was noted with a urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) of 7.54. No infectious agents other than A. vasorum were identified. Treatment with fenbendazole was pursued for 7 days, followed by a spot-on application of imidacloprid/moxidectin combined with tapering the anti-inflammatory dose of steroids, with complete resolution of the respiratory signs. At 1-month recheck, hyperglobulinemia and proteinuria completely resolved, and the thoracic radiographic images improved. To the authors' knowledge, this case is the first to describe such a gammopathy associated with chronic angiostrongylosis.
BACKGROUND: Dunkin Hartley guinea pig is a common guinea pig strain used by researchers, but studies about the stability of Dunkin Hartley guinea pig blood samples stored at different temperatures are limited. OBJECTIVES...BACKGROUND: Dunkin Hartley guinea pig is a common guinea pig strain used by researchers, but studies about the stability of Dunkin Hartley guinea pig blood samples stored at different temperatures are limited. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate storage factors of complete blood count (CBC) in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs. METHODS: We collected 2 mL blood samples from 20 Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (weighted 250-300 g, 5-6 weeks, 10 males and 10 females) with 2 EDTA-K vacuum tubes and performed CBC with a Hemavet 950FS analyzer at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after storage at 4°C and 23°C-25°C, respectively. Analysis of the effect of the testing time, storage temperature, and sex on CBC was carried out by three-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). RESULTS: The results showed that white blood cells (WBCs), heterophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, and red blood cells (RBCs) remained stable over time in 4°C storage. Only WBC, monocyte counts, and RBC remained stable over time with storage at 23°C-25°C. No differences were observed between 4°C and 23°C-25°C for WBCs and platelet count (PLT), but PLT was significantly increased from 96 h to 120 h at 4°C storage and at 72 h and 96 h at 23°C-25°C storage. CONCLUSIONS: When CBC in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs has to be delayed, storing samples at 4°C is preferred, and the storage time should not exceed 24 h.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Sep · PMID 40678993
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BACKGROUND: An immunoturbidometric assay for symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) measurement on automated chemistry analyzers has recently become available. OBJECTIVE: To perform analytical validation of the EUROLyser SDMA...BACKGROUND: An immunoturbidometric assay for symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) measurement on automated chemistry analyzers has recently become available. OBJECTIVE: To perform analytical validation of the EUROLyser SDMA assay in dogs and cats. METHODS: Method validation experiments were performed using stored canine and feline serum. Quality control validation was performed according to Westgard. Performance goals were derived from SDMA biological variation data for both species. RESULTS: Imprecision ranged from 3.7%-7.8% (dogs) to 6.0%-11.8% (cats) with a dispersion of ±35% for dogs and ±44% for cats. The assay showed linearity (up to 85 μg/dL [dogs], 75 μg/dL [cats]); the preliminary LoQ was 9.5 and 6.9 μg/dL, respectively. Recovery was 19.7% and 6.5%, respectively. Severe hemolysis resulted in a significant bias in both species. The EUROLyser method showed a significant negative proportional and constant bias in dogs and a significant positive proportional and negative constant bias in cats, compared to the comparative method. In dogs, the mean bias (-19.5%) and the bias at clinical decision limits exceeded the desirable bias; in cats, the mean bias (-4.0%) and the bias at clinical decision limits was < 8%. Because of high imprecision, the TE that could be controlled for was 35%, with a 1-2.5 s rule using patient pools as quality control material. CONCLUSIONS: The novel SDMA assay showed acceptable analytical performance, but high dispersion has consequences for the interpretation of results at reference limits and serial measurements. Method-specific reference intervals and decision limits should be generated for both species, particularly for dogs, given the significant bias vs. the comparative method.
Vet Clin Pathol
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40676780
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BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that veterinary in-clinic hematology analyzers may have analytical errors, but few studies have been found that attempt bias correction and look at the effect of this on the achiev...BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that veterinary in-clinic hematology analyzers may have analytical errors, but few studies have been found that attempt bias correction and look at the effect of this on the achievement of several quality goals and evaluation of analytical performance specifications. OBJECTIVES: To design a comparative testing program for use by in-clinic laboratories with a variety of point-of-care (POC) analyzers and to evaluate the performance of in-clinic hematology analyzers compared to a reference analyzer. To determine whether the removal of bias from the in-clinic result can be used in preparation for the harmonization of the results with those of the reference laboratory. To determine the analytical performance specifications/quality goals that can be achieved with the removal of bias from the in-clinic results. To determine whether clinic-based clinicians and technicians found the information provided valuable for ongoing in-clinic hematology quality management. METHODS: Fresh EDTA whole blood canine samples with results that were within reference limits were processed five times by in-clinic staff using their in-clinic analyzer before sending the sample to the reference laboratory for comparison. Results were assessed using quality goals, including total allowable error (TE) or expert opinion and sigma metrics. The quality goal index (QGI) was calculated for measurands whose performance was < 4 sigma. The potential impact of any difference in results on clinical interpretation was also reviewed. RESULTS: In comparison to the reference analyzer, in-clinic hematology analyzers often had analytical error and failed to meet quality goals for TE and sigma metrics. This error was often undetected by the in-clinic laboratory. Sigma metric < 4 was a useful performance indicator of poor performance, and only 54% of measurands had sigma metrics > 4. Of these poor-performing instances, 90% were attributed to bias. Performance improved for in-clinic analyzers by adjusting results to correct for bias in preparation for harmonization. CONCLUSION: A comparative testing program was successfully designed and implemented to evaluate performance and harmonize in-clinic hematology analyzers to a reference analyzer using samples that are within reference intervals.