Sousa ALV, Dutra I, Martínez R
… +7 more, Queiroz-Machado CRR, Fierro S, Díaz S, Jaurena M, Riet-Correa F, Menchaca A, Machado M
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41940786
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Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) is a rare, chronic manifestation of organophosphate (OP) poisoning that typically emerges days after exposure and affects humans and other animals. Here, we describe the...Organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) is a rare, chronic manifestation of organophosphate (OP) poisoning that typically emerges days after exposure and affects humans and other animals. Here, we describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and pathologic features of 2 suspected outbreaks of OPIDN in Australian Merino sheep in Uruguay following cutaneous exposure to OP. The outbreaks occurred in yearling sheep at 21 and 44 d after a single exposure to pirimiphos-methyl and diazinon, respectively, involving several hundred animals in each case. Affected animals had massive skin perforations caused by (i.e., or lobed needlegrass)-a native grass of the Pampa biome that is common in Uruguayan natural grasslands-which likely facilitated enhanced dermal absorption of OP. Histologic examination revealed axonal spheroids, vacuolation, and variable numbers of digestion chambers in the cervical, lumbar, and sacrococcygeal spinal cord segments, predominantly involving the ventral horn, propriospinal tract, and dorsal and lateral funiculi. We suggest that the cutaneous lesions were a critical predisposing factor for OP absorption and the subsequent development of OPIDN. Management of native spp. in grazing areas may serve as a prophylactic strategy to mitigate the risk of OP toxicosis on sheep farms where dermal routes are used for antiparasitic treatments.
Bochynska D, Armien A, Harris M
… +2 more, Curtis A, Bolfa P
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41940784
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A 22-y-old, intact male African green monkey () with a pedunculated cutaneous ulcerated spheroid mass on the left flank was autopsied. Histologically, the mass was infiltrative, with neoplastic cells forming empty vascul...A 22-y-old, intact male African green monkey () with a pedunculated cutaneous ulcerated spheroid mass on the left flank was autopsied. Histologically, the mass was infiltrative, with neoplastic cells forming empty vascular channels lined by a monolayer of polygonal neoplastic cells, many with eosinophilic intracytoplasmic granules, supported by abundant fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells had strong immunolabeling with vimentin, moderate immunolabeling with LYVE1 and PROX1 antibodies, and no cytokeratin or CD31 immunolabeling. Ultrastructurally, a basal lamina was absent, nuclei had a 1:4 heterochromatin:euchromatin ratio, with a mild-to-moderate increase in thickness and asymmetrically distributed nuclear fibrous lamina, enlarged compacted nucleolus, round mitochondria, conspicuous rough endoplasmic reticulum, and membrane-bound electron-dense granules. Intercellular desmosomes were present in clusters of neoplastic cells. Lymphangiosarcoma has not been previously reported in non-human primates, to our knowledge. Our case highlights the importance of integrating histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural analysis to accurately diagnose rare vascular tumors, such as lymphangiosarcoma.
Thongsahuan S, Chenae A, Kaewnoi D
… +3 more, Thongsahuan S, Sereerak P, Srinoun K
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41940783
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The Mindray BC-5000 Vet is equipped with monkey-specific software; however, previous studies have not evaluated the precision of the analyzer nor its performance in method comparison studies in the cynomolgus macaque. We...The Mindray BC-5000 Vet is equipped with monkey-specific software; however, previous studies have not evaluated the precision of the analyzer nor its performance in method comparison studies in the cynomolgus macaque. We evaluated the performance of the BC-5000 Vet by assessing precision and comparing hematology measurement results obtained from the analyzer with those from manual methods using EDTA blood samples from 55 cynomolgus macaques. The analyzer had good to very good within-run and between-run precision across all RBC measurands and concentrations of WBCs, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Hematocrit (Hct) and concentrations of RBCs, WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were strongly correlated with the manual method ( >0.9). Hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and eosinophil concentrations were moderately well correlated ( = 0.6-0.7). Good agreement was found in the Bland-Altman analysis of Hct, and concentrations of RBCs, WBCs, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, with narrow limits of agreement. Monocyte concentrations were in moderate agreement given a small positive proportional bias; Hb, MCV, MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, eosinophils, and basophils had wider limits of agreement and proportional bias, indicating underestimation by the analyzer. Bland-Altman findings were consistent with regression analyses. Based on combined precision and method comparisons, the BC-5000 Vet provides reliable performance for routine CBC analysis in healthy cynomolgus macaques.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41940782
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A 15-y-old, castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 3-d history of lethargy, inappetence, and significant weight loss. Clinical findings included moderate non-regenerative anemia, granular lymphocytes...A 15-y-old, castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 3-d history of lethargy, inappetence, and significant weight loss. Clinical findings included moderate non-regenerative anemia, granular lymphocytes in a blood smear, and abdominal ultrasonographic abnormalities, including splenic mottling and lymphadenomegaly. Atypical lymphocytes that contained engulfed erythrocytes were found on cytologic evaluation of peritoneal fluid and splenic and lymph node aspirates. Despite supportive treatment, the patient rapidly declined and was euthanized. Histologically, neoplastic round cells were centered on blood vessels throughout lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain. Immunohistochemistry confirmed CD3-positive cells, and PCR revealed a clonal T-cell receptor gene, establishing a diagnosis of angiocentric T-cell lymphoma. Neoplastic infiltration of the myenteric plexus likely caused chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, explaining the gastrointestinal signs. Lymphoma should be considered in cases of disseminated vasculopathy.
Song X, Yang P, Zhang X
… +7 more, Cao J, Huang W, Peng Z, Zhao L, Lu T, Li Y, Zhang X
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41940776
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Goose astrovirus 1 (GAstV1), goose astrovirus 2 (GAstV2), and goose parvovirus (GPV) infections have significant negative effects on the goose farming industry. A rapid and accurate multiplex PCR method for simultaneous...Goose astrovirus 1 (GAstV1), goose astrovirus 2 (GAstV2), and goose parvovirus (GPV) infections have significant negative effects on the goose farming industry. A rapid and accurate multiplex PCR method for simultaneous detection of these 3 goose viruses is needed. We designed and synthesized specific primers targeting the conserved regions of GAstV1, GAstV2, and GPV. and optimized reaction conditions to assess specificity and sensitivity. The optimal amplification condition was an annealing temperature of 54.5°C for 35 cycles. Specific bands were detected at 315 bp (GAstV1), 609 bp (GAstV2), and 1,405 bp (GPV). No cross-amplification occurred with other common goose pathogens, including avian influenza A virus H9, Newcastle disease virus, duck Tembusu virus, fowl adenovirus 4, goose reovirus, and goose circovirus. The limit of detection (LOD) for GAstV1, GAstV2, and GPV was 1 × 10 copies/μL, and the LOD for samples containing all 3 agents was 1 × 10 copies/μL. Our results from testing 90 clinical samples were in 100% concordance with single PCR assays, suggesting that our multiplex PCR assay offers a reliable and efficient approach for the clinical detection of GAstV1, GAstV2, and GPV.
Loubser LC, Botha WJ, Rautenbach Y
… +1 more, Celliers A
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41934360
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Canine parvovirus is one of the most common causes of infectious enteritis in puppies worldwide. Although various biomarkers have been evaluated to predict prognosis in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (CPE), many are not...Canine parvovirus is one of the most common causes of infectious enteritis in puppies worldwide. Although various biomarkers have been evaluated to predict prognosis in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (CPE), many are not feasible in routine practice. The neutrophil myeloperoxidase index (MPXI; derived from the Advia 2120 hematology analyzer, Siemens), has shown promise as a marker of inflammation and disease severity in other species. We compared the MPXI in 47 client-owned dogs with established prognostic indicators, including total WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte count, and serum concentrations of total thyroxine, cortisol, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The MPXI in dogs with CPE did not differ significantly from healthy controls when measured at admission ( = 0.444), at 24 h ( = 0.332), or at 48 h ( = 0.279) after admission. At 24 h after admission, MPXI had a strong positive correlation with serum cortisol ( = 0.87; < 0.001) and CRP ( = 0.71; = 0.003) concentrations and a strong negative correlation with WBC ( = -0.82; < 0.001), neutrophil ( = -0.77; < 0.001), and lymphocyte ( = -0.90; < 0.001) counts, as well as serum thyroxine concentration ( = -0.78; < 0.001). MPXI did not distinguish between diseased and healthy animals. However, increased MPXI in dogs with parvoviral enteritis may indicate the presence of immunoparalysis and be associated with a worse prognosis. Larger prospective studies, including mortality data, are warranted to evaluate MPXI as an accessible and cost-effective prognostic biomarker in CPE.
Rau S, Bernhard A, Scheller R
… +1 more, Schinköthe J
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41934357
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A 17-y-old, female red panda () with unusual restlessness and a poor prognosis was euthanized and submitted for autopsy. Postmortem examination revealed a large cystic mass within the cranial mediastinum that severely co...A 17-y-old, female red panda () with unusual restlessness and a poor prognosis was euthanized and submitted for autopsy. Postmortem examination revealed a large cystic mass within the cranial mediastinum that severely compressed the lung. Histologic analysis classified the mass as a thymoma with abundant small lymphocytes and recognizable type B2 epithelial cells. Additionally, the heart had several chronic myocardial infarcts within the left ventricular free wall and septum. Granulomatous lymphadenitis and prominent anthracosilicosis were noted in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Secondary findings included interstitial nephritis, splenic myelolipoma, dental attrition, endocardiosis, and ulcerative gastritis. Expansile thymomas are known to cause myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries. We propose a similar pathogenesis in this case.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41914342
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Canine pheochromocytomas remain difficult to diagnose, and reports of RIs for urinary metanephrines (metanephrine and normetanephrine) are scarce. Prior urinary metanephrines:creatinine (uMNs:Cr) ratio RIs are reported w...Canine pheochromocytomas remain difficult to diagnose, and reports of RIs for urinary metanephrines (metanephrine and normetanephrine) are scarce. Prior urinary metanephrines:creatinine (uMNs:Cr) ratio RIs are reported with free metanephrines and apply only to voided urine samples. We recruited 40 subclinical client-owned and staff-owned dogs from a veterinary hospital. Among those, 38 dogs were considered healthy based on normal bloodwork and adrenal glands of normal size on ultrasonographic examination. uMNs:Cr ratios were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on urine samples collected by ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. We found no statistical difference between acidified and non-acidified urine samples. The RIs were 17-117 for the total metanephrine:Cr ratio and 37-223 nmol/mmol for the normetanephrine:Cr ratio. We confirmed that acidification of urine is not necessary. uMNs:Cr ratios can be measured in urine collected by cystocentesis. Metanephrines measurements should be included when investigating a suspicion of pheochromocytoma in dogs and can be requested easily by veterinarians in general practice.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41913652
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An ~6-mo-old, free-ranging, male, American black bear () cub that was observed stumbling, acting disoriented, and falling, was dispatched and sent for postmortem evaluation. Bilaterally, round concretions were present in...An ~6-mo-old, free-ranging, male, American black bear () cub that was observed stumbling, acting disoriented, and falling, was dispatched and sent for postmortem evaluation. Bilaterally, round concretions were present in both the anterior and posterior aspects of the lens, disrupting the lens epithelium. These concretions were continuous with and extended from the inner surface of the lens capsule, as seen with a periodic acid-Schiff-hematoxylin reaction. Immunohistochemistry for alpha A crystallin was inconsistent, with weakly positive immunolabeling indicative of lens fibers. Other findings in this cub included emaciation and ursicoptic mange. Based on histopathologic findings, in conjunction with the clinical signs observed prior to death, we suspect that the bilateral lens lesions in this cub caused visual impairment. Congenital ocular defects are rarely reported in free-ranging wildlife. Developmental anomalies affecting the lens have not been previously described in , to our knowledge.
Johnson C, Savitske B, Faccin M
… +3 more, Porter BF, Nagy D, Russell LA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41902551
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A 13-y-old Vietnamese Pot-bellied sow () was presented because of blood-tinged mucoid vulvar discharge of 5-d duration and a 4-mo history of intermittent coughing and weight loss. Computed tomography revealed diffuse, mu...A 13-y-old Vietnamese Pot-bellied sow () was presented because of blood-tinged mucoid vulvar discharge of 5-d duration and a 4-mo history of intermittent coughing and weight loss. Computed tomography revealed diffuse, multilobulated cystic and mineralized uterine masses, numerous lung nodules, and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Malignant neoplasia was suspected. Gross and histologic findings were diffuse cystic endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma of the mid-body of the left uterine horn. Metastatic foci were evident in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for pan-cytokeratin. Metastatic endometrial adenocarcinoma and diffuse cystic endometrial hyperplasia have not been previously reported antemortem using computed tomography in a sow, to our knowledge.
Jumper TM, Thoresen M, King EH
… +3 more, Loy DS, Loy JD, Smith DR
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41902547
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The reported limit of detection (LOD) for reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) is one organism/extraction in PBS without prior culture. Our objective was to determine if 0.9% sterile saline (saline) was noninf...The reported limit of detection (LOD) for reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-rtPCR) is one organism/extraction in PBS without prior culture. Our objective was to determine if 0.9% sterile saline (saline) was noninferior to PBS as a transport medium for RT-rtPCR testing at the LOD. Each week for 10 wk, preputial washing samples were collected from known negative bulls, centrifuged, and combined into a single pellet that was evenly distributed into stock solutions for both media. The stock solutions were used to prepare sixty 1.3-mL samples of each medium, with 30 samples inoculated with to a concentration of 1 organism/100 μL to evaluate sensitivity (Sn) and 30 left uninoculated to evaluate specificity (Sp). We tested 1,200 (Sn = 300, Sn = 300, Sp = 300, Sp = 300) samples by RT-rtPCR. Differences in Sn and Sp between media were tested using logistic regression models. The Farrington-Manning test was used to evaluate the difference between parameters with ∆ = 2.5%. For PBS, Sn = 70.7% (95% CI [65.2, 75.8%]) and Sp = 99.7% (95% CI [98.2, 100%]); for saline, Sn = 73.3% (95% CI [68.0, 78.3%]) and Sp = 100% (95% CI [98.8, 100%]). The Sp was noninferior to Sp ( = 0.002); however, noninferiority of Sn to Sn was inconclusive ( = 0.08). The Sn for samples inoculated near the LOD in saline was similar to, and Sp was noninferior to, PBS, suggesting that either would be acceptable as a transport medium for detection using RT-rtPCR.
Aguirre Siliezar K, Datu C, Proia K
… +11 more, Rotstein D, Nemser SM, Tyson GH, Ragsdale JM, Wilkes RP, Baker RE, Carossino M, Del Piero F, Sasaki E, Yant P, Uzal FA
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41882921
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A multi-state outbreak of equine botulism occurred between December 2022 and March 2023 in the United States. Follow-up and testing were performed on 42 horses, including 24 that died or were euthanized in the outbreak t...A multi-state outbreak of equine botulism occurred between December 2022 and March 2023 in the United States. Follow-up and testing were performed on 42 horses, including 24 that died or were euthanized in the outbreak that affected ~98 horses. Affected horses had all been exposed to the same commercial feed. Clinical signs included progressive muscle weakness and tremors, recumbency, and colic. No significant gross or microscopic abnormalities were observed on autopsy. Feces and gastrointestinal content were tested for various infectious agents, including botulinum toxin; fecal samples from 2 horses tested positive for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) type C using the mouse bioassay (MBA). Feed samples, as well as mammalian tissue found within the feed, were collected and tested; 2 samples were positive for BoNT type C by MBA. Based on these results, a diagnosis of botulism was established, and the contaminated feed was identified as the source of exposure. We highlight the diagnostic challenges associated with equine botulism and the importance of regulatory agencies and interagency collaboration during outbreaks.
Kambakam S, Thomas J, Robbe-Austerman S
… +2 more, Shanmuganatham K, Palinski R
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41882914
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African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly transmissible pathogen affecting swine, causing a devastating disease with high mortality rates in naive populations. Given the likelihood of significant economic impacts asso...African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly transmissible pathogen affecting swine, causing a devastating disease with high mortality rates in naive populations. Given the likelihood of significant economic impacts associated with an ASF outbreak, considerable resources have been allocated in the United States to safeguard the swine industry against this threat. Ongoing outbreaks of ASF in the Dominican Republic and Haiti further threaten the U.S. swine industry, given their proximity and involvement in movement to and from North America. Although surveillance programs are ongoing, limited point-of-care (POC) tests are available during outbreaks with the sensitivity and specificity standards of laboratory testing (e.g., real-time PCR [rtPCR]). However, the recently developed CRISPR-Cas-based testing systems may offer comparable high-quality results. We sought to develop a low-cost visual detection method for ASFV by employing a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-dependent CRISPR-Cas12a technique that can be utilized in the field as a POC assay. Our CRISPR-Cas12a assay had comparable sensitivity and specificity to rtPCR, both visually and when quantified using a fluorescence reader. In whole blood samples from ASFV-suspect or ASFV-negative cases, our CRISPR assay achieved a sensitivity of 98.3% (10 DNA copies) and a specificity of 100%. Test results of our RPA-CRISPR assay can be visualized in as few as 7 min, with peak fluorescence at 40 min (RPA and CRISPR steps). Our results lay the groundwork for a large-scale POC assay assessment for ASFV detection and offer a robust workflow that works with commonly submitted diagnostic samples.
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863233
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Sparganosis, a zoonotic infection caused by the plerocercoid (sparganum) larval stage of spp., is rarely reported in domestic cats. Sparganosis is typically seen as subcutaneous or visceral granulomatous lesions and has...Sparganosis, a zoonotic infection caused by the plerocercoid (sparganum) larval stage of spp., is rarely reported in domestic cats. Sparganosis is typically seen as subcutaneous or visceral granulomatous lesions and has been associated with in North America. A proliferative form of sparganosis, with tissue invasion and widespread dissemination, has always been associated with . However, emerging molecular evidence challenges this distinction. Here, we report a confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis in a domestic cat caused by complex 2 (also referred to as sp. 3). The cat had widespread lesions in multiple tissues, with gross and histologic lesions resembling those attributed to . Molecular identification of larval cestode DNA demonstrated a 99% match to , confirming its role in severe disseminated disease. Our case broadens the understanding of the pathogenic capacity of ( sp. 3) in felids and emphasizes the critical role of molecular detection for accurate species identification. To our knowledge, proliferative sparganosis attributable to sp. 3 has not been reported previously in domestic cats. Given the zoonotic potential of sparganosis, our findings have important implications for both veterinary care and public health surveillance.
Shekelle KL, Ostronic A, Giaretta PR
… +3 more, Lawhon SD, Dimitrov KM, Rech RR
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863224
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Emphysematous gastritis is a rare, serious infection with very few reported cases in veterinary species. Gas-producing bacteria are most often implicated in both animals and humans. Here, we describe a case of emphysemat...Emphysematous gastritis is a rare, serious infection with very few reported cases in veterinary species. Gas-producing bacteria are most often implicated in both animals and humans. Here, we describe a case of emphysematous gastritis in a 7-y-old dog that was diagnosed with ileus of 12 d, chronic pancreatitis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Histologically, the gastric submucosa was markedly expanded by emphysema, and the mucosa had multifocal necrosis, hemorrhage, and gram-positive bacilli. Anaerobic culture of the stomach wall yielded 3+ growth of , , and . PCR typing identified the isolate as type C, further characterized as a beta2 toxin-producing strain. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using a probe identified bacilli within the gastric mucosa and submucosa. type C causes enteritis necroticans in humans and necrohemorrhagic enteritis in livestock when levels of endogenous trypsin are low or dietary levels of trypsin inhibitors are high. The exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in our case likely allowed type C to exert cytotoxic effects on the gastric mucosa and contributed to the unique emphysematous gastritis.
Feitoza LFBB, Feng J, Finley A
… +3 more, Plattner BL, Mason G, White BJ
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863156
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Several etiologic factors contribute to bovine respiratory disease, the primary cause of feedyard mortality. We performed a cross-sectional observational study to determine the frequency and chronicity of lesions in fata...Several etiologic factors contribute to bovine respiratory disease, the primary cause of feedyard mortality. We performed a cross-sectional observational study to determine the frequency and chronicity of lesions in fatal feedyard pneumonia cases. Postmortem examinations were performed ( = 443), and 2 lung samples were collected from each animal. Histologic sections were scored using 10 classifications: 5 types of bronchopneumonia (BP; 3 acute, 2 chronic), 4 types of interstitial pneumonia (IP; 2 chronic, 2 acute), and 1 category for other findings. Cases with chronicity in either section were classified as chronic. Results from both lung sections were combined into a case-level diagnosis of BP, IP, or BP with IP (BIP). After exclusions because of autolysis or missing data, our diagnosis frequencies for 352 cases were: BP (150; 42.6%), IP (86; 24.4%), BIP (71; 20.2%), and Other (45; 12.8%). Of cases with an IP component, chronic lymphoplasmacytic IP (CLIP) was identified in 59 of 157 (37.6%) cases. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the probability of case-level chronicity and potential associations with diagnosis and days on feed. Model-estimated probability of chronic lesions was higher in cases with IP (51% IP; 60% BIP) compared with BP (38%). Of 71 BIP cases, 27 had acute BP and acute IP; 18 had acute IP and chronic BP; 0 had chronic IP and acute BP; 5 had chronic IP and chronic BP; 14 had CLIP and acute BP; and 7 had CLIP and chronic BP. In our final dataset of 352 feedyard pneumonia cases, IP was found histologically in the lungs of 157 cases, either alone or in conjunction with BP; cases with an IP component were more likely to have chronic lesions.
Anderson S, Sivakumaran M, DeJong TL
… +1 more, Varvil MS
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863154
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Digital microscopy is increasingly used in veterinary diagnostic pathology. However, limited independent research has been published on its use, especially for the purpose of evaluating blood films. Hence, determining th...Digital microscopy is increasingly used in veterinary diagnostic pathology. However, limited independent research has been published on its use, especially for the purpose of evaluating blood films. Hence, determining the potential limits of blood film assessments obtained via digital microscopy is needed. We compared the agreement of digital and optical cytology for the detection of common cellular morphology changes and abnormalities in veterinary blood films. Twenty-two veterinary clinical pathologists and residents evaluated canine, feline, and equine blood films on glass slides via optical microscopy and digitized blood film slides, with a ≥8-wk washout period between evaluations. One of the equine cases was a patient experimentally infected with . Using a standardized rubric, 16 erythrocyte features, 2 platelet features, and 2 leukocyte features were scored from absent to 4+. Additional comments at pathologist discretion were recorded. Changes in erythrocyte shape, platelets, and leukocytes were readily identified on both digital and glass slides. organisms were identified on significantly fewer digitized blood film slides than glass slides. Additionally, intra-observer consistency was low between digitized blood film slide and glass slide evaluation. Relative to glass slides, digitized blood film slides appear generally adequate for identifying erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet morphology changes, but may be inadequate for identifying intracellular organisms; however, more studies are needed. Clinicians should exercise caution when interpreting results from digitized blood film slides in which blood-borne infectious disease may be present.
Rolph MJ, Bolfa P, Cavanaugh SM
… +2 more, Hilchie D, Rolph KE
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863148
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Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to detect intracellular bacteria in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. However, this technique has rarely been applied to samples of feline heart, liver...Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can be used to detect intracellular bacteria in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. However, this technique has rarely been applied to samples of feline heart, liver, or kidney to investigate the relationship between intracellular bacteria and chronic inflammation within these organs. Our objective was to develop a robust FISH protocol to detect intracellular bacteria within medium-density FFPE feline tissue samples. Cy3-labeled eubacterial and non-eubacterial probes were applied to samples of monkey intestine, feline intestine, and feline liver, in which bacteria had been visualized on routine histopathology. Although initial tests failed, the addition of pepsin pre-digestion to the test protocol and the adjustment of stringency ensured consistent results. All positive results were confirmed using Gram staining and non-eubacterial probes applied to sequential samples of the 3 tissues. Our FISH protocol using Cy3-labeled eubacterial probes reliably and consistently detected bacteria within FFPE samples of the 3 tissues. The addition of 20-min pepsin pre-digestion and the adjustment of the formamide concentration within the hybridization buffer to 40% were pivotal to the successful use of the protocol. Species-specific probes, along with PCR, culture, and special staining, could be considered to increase sensitivity and specificity of FISH when used for the detection of organisms within tissues.
Giampaolo T, Liotard MG, Cadoré JL
… +2 more, Krafft E, Cervone M
J Vet Diagn Invest
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41863147
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Diagnosis of canine bacterial bronchopneumonia (bBP) is challenging and mostly based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and bacterial culture (BC) results. However, bacterial contamination of BALF is frequen...Diagnosis of canine bacterial bronchopneumonia (bBP) is challenging and mostly based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and bacterial culture (BC) results. However, bacterial contamination of BALF is frequent, intracellular bacteria are not always visualized on BALF cytology, and BC results may not be related to antimicrobial requirements. Based on local expression of C-reactive protein (CRP) by alveolar macrophages, we aimed to evaluate whether CRP was detectable in canine BALF, and to determine whether BALF-CRP detection could assist in differentiating bBP from non-bacterial bronchopneumopathy (nbBP) in dogs. We used surplus BALF material collected from 24 dogs. Final diagnosis of bBP ( = 3) versus nbBP ( = 21) was retrospectively achieved by 2 board-certified internists. CRP was measured in BALF using an Idexx Catalyst One analyzer. Agreement between a detectable BALF-CRP (≥1 mg/L) and a diagnosis of bBP was assessed using the Cohen kappa coefficient. Five dogs had detectable BALF-CRP, including 3 dogs with bBP and 2 dogs with nbBP. Substantial agreement (κ = 0.7) was found between BALF-CRP and the final diagnosis. BALF-CRP had a test sensitivity of 100% (95% CI [29, 100]) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI [69, 98]) for bBP. Only a fair and not significant correlation was found between plasma CRP and BALF-CRP concentration (rho = 0.3; = 0.3). Our results suggest that CRP is detectable in canine BALF. The BALF-CRP may be a potential in-house biomarker for bBP in dogs, without being influenced by the plasma CRP concentration.