Multisystemic inflammatory disease in Pheasantshell (Unionidae, Actinonaias pectorosa) associated with Yokenella regensburgei infection at sites experiencing seasonal mass mortality events.

Freshwater mussels are integral components of riverine ecosystems, influencing water quality, nutrient cycling, and habitat characteristics. Enigmatic freshwater mussel declines, often characterized by sudden mass mortality events, pose significant challenges to conservation efforts. The Clinch River, a freshwater biodiversity hotspot in Virginia and Tennessee, USA, has experienced several enigmatic mass mortality events since 2016.

Silica and barium: Comparison of microscopic appearance and characterization of effects of silica on cytomorphology.

Background: Silica from plastic red top sample collection tubes and barium cause recognized artifacts in slide preparations for microscopic examination.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate and directly compare the microscopic appearance of silica and barium particles and various slide preparation techniques (e.g.

Bone marrow iron scoring in healthy and clinically ill dogs with and without evidence of iron-restricted erythropoiesis.

Background: There are few reports in dogs that have evaluated the utility of semi-quantitative scoring of bone marrow iron stores in conjunction with reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) to identify iron-restricted erythropoiesis due to absolute iron deficiency or iron sequestration.

Objectives: An established system for scoring iron stores in human bone marrow samples was applied to dogs. The objectives were to evaluate interobserver agreement (Κ ), determine marrow iron scores in dogs without detectable hematologic abnormalities, and assess combined interpretation of iron scores and CHr to evaluate for iron-restricted erythropoiesis.

Comparison of iron staining and scoring methods on canine bone marrow aspirates.

Background: Insufficient iron for erythropoiesis can occur in multiple conditions, including absolute iron deficiency, which is often caused by chronic external hemorrhage in dogs. Distinguishing this from other causes of iron-restricted erythropoiesis allows appropriate intervention. Decreased marrow iron assessed by Prussian blue staining is a method to diagnose absolute iron deficiency, but scoring systems for marrow iron are not validated in dogs.

Effects of different drying methods on smears of canine blood and effusion fluid.

Background: Glass slide preparations from a variety of specimens (blood, masses, effusions) are commonly made as part of the diagnostic work-up, however the effects of various drying methods in veterinary practice and diagnostic laboratory settings is not clear.

Objective: Compare the effects of four drying methods on results of microscopic examination of canine blood smears and direct smears of pleural or peritoneal effusion fluid.

Methods: Twelve canine blood samples (6 from healthy dogs, 6 from sick dogs) and 6 canine peritoneal or pleural effusion samples.

Cortisol, progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, and TSH responses in dogs injected with low-dose lipopolysaccharide.

Background: Stress and diseases such as endotoxemia induce cortisol synthesis through a complex biosynthetic pathway involving intermediates (progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP)) and suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.

Objective: To measure plasma concentrations of cortisol, progesterone, 17α-OHP, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in dogs experimentally injected with intravenous low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our hypothesis was that LPS treatment would elicit a significant increase in cortisol and its precursors, and a significant decrease in TSH concentration.

Hypercalcemia and parathyroid hormone-related peptide expression in a dog with thyroid carcinoma and histiocytic sarcoma.

A 9.5-year-old, male castrated Walker Hound was presented for evaluation of progressive weakness, anorexia, and weight loss. Imaging revealed multiple abdominal and thoracic masses and ascites; fine-needle aspirates of mesenteric and splenic masses confirmed malignancy, most likely histiocytic sarcoma.

Customization of Advia 120 thresholds for canine erythrocyte volume and hemoglobin concentration, and effects on morphology flagging results.

This study sought to develop customized morphology flagging thresholds for canine erythrocyte volume and hemoglobin concentration [Hgb] on the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer; compare automated morphology flagging with results of microscopic blood smear evaluation; and examine effects of customized thresholds on morphology flagging results. Customized thresholds were determined using data from 52 clinically healthy dogs. Blood smear evaluation and automated morphology flagging results were correlated with mean cell volume (MCV) and cellular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) in 26 dogs.

Comparison of osmolality and refractometric readings of Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (Amazona ventralis) urine.

To evaluate the relationship between osmolality and specific gravity of urine samples from clinically normal adult parrots and to determine a formula to convert urine specific gravity (USG) measured on a reference scale to a more accurate USG value for an avian species, urine samples were collected opportunistically from a colony of Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). Samples were analyzed by using a veterinary refractometer, and specific gravity was measured on both canine and feline scales. Osmolality was measured by vapor pressure osmometry.

Analytical performance of a dry chemistry analyzer designed for in-clinic use.

Background: The Heska Dri-Chem 4000 uses dry slide technology to evaluate serum or plasma. No previous independent performance evaluation is published to the authors' knowledge.

Objectives: The objectives were to (1) characterize analytical performance of a Dri-Chem 4000 by measuring precision and bias, (2) compare analytical performance of that Dri-Chem 4000 unit with a predetermined quality requirement, and (3) determine whether statistical QC of the Dri-Chem 4000 is possible using the 13s control rule.

Health of common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, following the deepwater horizon oil spill.

The oil spill resulting from the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform initiated immediate concern for marine wildlife, including common bottlenose dolphins in sensitive coastal habitats. To evaluate potential sublethal effects on dolphins, health assessments were conducted in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, an area that received heavy and prolonged oiling, and in a reference site, Sarasota Bay, Florida, where oil was not observed. Dolphins were temporarily captured, received a veterinary examination, and were then released.

Role of hepcidin in iron metabolism and potential clinical applications.

The relatively recent discovery of hepcidin has stimulated renewed research interest in iron metabolism and iron-related disorders, emphasizing the importance of this hormone in many normal and pathologic processes. Important questions still remain to be answered; however, research to date offers promising diagnostic and therapeutic implications for both humans and veterinary species.

Protein C activity in dogs: adaptation of a commercial human colorimetric assay and evaluation of effects of storage time and temperature.

Objectives of this study were to adapt a commercial human protein C (PC) colorimetric assay for use in dogs and to investigate effects of various storage conditions. The human assay was modified by using pooled canine plasma for calibration and by increasing the activation time. PC activity was measured in fresh canine plasma and in plasma stored under various conditions.

May-Hegglin anomaly in a dog.

An 8-year-old female spayed Pug dog was presented for evaluation of cutaneous lesions occurring secondary to immunosuppressive treatment of presumed immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Abnormal hematologic findings included persistent thrombocytopenia, macrothrombocytes, and variably shaped, often fusiform, blue cytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils. May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA) was suspected based on the morphologic appearance of platelets and neutrophils.

Comparison of chemistry analytes between 2 portable, commercially available analyzers and a conventional laboratory analyzer in reptiles.

Background: Advantages of handheld and small bench-top biochemical analyzers include requirements for smaller sample volume and practicality for use in the field or in practices, but little has been published on the performance of these instruments compared with standard reference methods in analysis of reptilian blood.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare reptilian blood biochemical values obtained using the Abaxis VetScan Classic bench-top analyzer and a Heska i-STAT handheld analyzer with values obtained using a Roche Hitachi 911 chemical analyzer.

Methods: Reptiles, including 14 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), 4 blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas), 8 Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynota), 10 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone elegans), 5 red-tailed boas (Boa constrictor), and 5 Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus), were manually restrained, and a single blood sample was obtained and divided for analysis.

Comparison of a human portable blood glucose meter, veterinary portable blood glucose meter, and automated chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentrations in dogs.

Objective: To compare blood glucose concentrations measured with 2 portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) validated for use in dogs (PBGM-D) and humans (PBGM-H) and an automated chemistry analyzer.

Design: Validation study.

Sample Population: 92 samples of fresh whole blood and plasma from 83 dogs with various diseases.

Comparison of aspiration and nonaspiration techniques for obtaining cytologic samples from the canine and feline spleen.

Background: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the spleen is commonly used in the diagnostic evaluation of veterinary patients. Techniques using suction delivered through a 6-20-cm(3) syringe are the most commonly described means of obtaining cytologic samples of the spleen. Comparison studies of various human lesions have shown nonaspiration techniques to produce equal or superior cytologic specimens with less blood than specimens obtained using aspiration techniques.

Changes in hepatic gene expression in dogs with experimentally induced nutritional iron deficiency.

Background And Objective: We investigated hepatic gene expression in dogs with experimentally induced nutritional iron deficiency (ID). Our hypothesis was that ID would result in decreased hepcidin gene expression, and possibly in altered expression of other genes associated with iron metabolism.

Methods: Liver biopsies were collected from each of 3 dogs before induction of ID, at the point of maximal ID, and after resolution of ID.

Successful treatment of a sinonasal cryptococcal granuloma in a horse.

Case Description: A 12-year-old 500-kg (1,100-lb) American Quarter Horse mare was evaluated because of chronic mucopurulent, bloody discharge from the left nostril, inspiratory dyspnea, and respiratory noise.

Clinical Findings: The horse had severe inspiratory dyspnea and stertorous respiration with no airflow from the left nostril. A temporary tracheostomy was performed.

Comparison of avian biochemical test results with Abaxis VetScan and Hitachi 911 analyzers.

To compare results of clinical biochemical analysis using an Abaxis VetScan bench-top analyzer with reagents specifically marketed for avian use and a Hitachi 911 analyzer, plasma (both methods) and whole blood (VetScan method) samples from 20 clinically healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were analyzed. Correlation between methods was very high (r = 0.9-1.

Large anaplastic spinal B-cell lymphoma in a cat.

A 5-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of tetraparesis. The neurologic lesion was localized to the cervical spinal segment (C1-C6). A left axillary mass was identified, and the results of fine needle aspiration cytology indicated malignant round cell neoplasia of possible histiocytic origin.

Diffuse intestinal T-cell lymphosarcoma in a yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata).

A 10-year-old, intact, female yellow-naped Amazon parrot was examined because of anemia, lymphocytic leukocytosis, regurgitation, and weight loss. A positive fecal occult blood and monoclonal globulinopathy were present. A distended proventriculus and diffusely thickened loops of small intestine with irregular luminal surfaces were identified with contrast radiography and contrast computed tomography.