Evaluation of modified Wright-staining of dried urinary sediment as a method for accurate detection of bacteriuria in cats.

Background: Urinary sediment examination and quantitative urinary culture results are frequently discordant.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare accuracy of light microscopic examination of wet-mounted unstained (wet-unstained) and air-dried modified Wright-stained (dry-stained) sedimented preparations of urine with results of quantitative aerobic bacterial culture for detection and characterization of bacteriuria in cats. In addition, the presence of pyuria detected by urinalysis and potential risk factors were assessed.

Evaluation of modified Wright-staining of urine sediment as a method for accurate detection of bacteriuria in dogs.

Objective: To compare the findings of light microscopic evaluation of routine unstained wet-mounted preparations and air-dried, modified Wright-stained preparations of urine sediment with results of quantitative aerobic bacteriologic culture of urine.

Design: Masked prospective study.

Sample Population: 459 urine samples collected by cystocentesis from 441 dogs.

Artifactual effects of hypernatremia and hyponatremia on red cell analytes measured by the Bayer H*1 analyzer.

Hypernatremia in two cats and hyponatremia in a dog were associated with artifactual changes in red blood cell (RBC) indices and hematocrit (HCT) determined on a Bayer H*1 hematology analyzer. The RBC cytograms and histograms revealed a population shifted towards macrocytic, hypochromic RBC in the hypernatremic cats, and towards microcytic, hyperchromic RBC in the hyponatremic dog. Reference intervals for the difference between manual packed cell volume (PCV) and analyzer-derived HCT in normonatremic dogs, cats and horses were established.

Serum and plasma latex agglutination tests for detection of fibrin(ogen) degradation products in clinically ill dogs.

An increased concentration of fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs) commonly is used in conjunction with other hemostatic test abnormalities to identify patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Positive FDP results, however, have been observed in dogs without clinical evidence of DIC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate FDP concentrations in a group of clinically ill dogs with a variety of disorders.