Prevalence of infection in feral cats in Massachusetts.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection and exposure in adult feral cats in Massachusetts, an endemic area for and its tick vector . The secondary objective was to determine if there were correlations between infection and the presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Methods: Blood samples were collected between June and December 2015 from 175 apparently healthy adult feral cats that were presented to trap and release spay/neuter centers in Massachusetts.

Comparison of wet-mount, Wright-Giemsa and Gram-stained urine sediment for predicting bacteriuria in dogs and cats.

This study assessed the standard urinalysis technique and sediment stain techniques as predictors of bacterial culture results for canine and feline urine. Canine (n = 111) and feline (n = 79) urine samples were evaluated using unstained wet-mount and air-dried Gram and Wright-Giemsa stained sediment; results were compared to aerobic bacterial culture. Eleven canine and 7 feline urine samples were culture positive.

Comparison of white and red blood cell estimates in urine sediment with hemocytometer and automated counts in dogs and cats.

Background: Therapeutic decisions regarding urinalysis are commonly based on the presence of white and red blood cells. Traditionally, numbers per high-power field are estimated using wet-mount microscopic examination. This technique is not standardized and counts are likely prone to inaccuracy.

Role of nursing students at rural nurse-managed clinics.

With stiff competition for clinical sites, one Midwestern university partners nursing students with faculty who provide primary healthcare to clients in 2 rural nurse-managed clinics. Some students are also assigned to follow select clients during weekly home visit rotations for their public health clinical course. The result has been a successful faculty practice and preceptor model that benefits rural communities, a clinical setting that provides opportunities for students to experience client care needs of the underinsured or uninsured in small communities, and student exposure to the financial burdens and challenges of today's healthcare environment in the United States.