Search

Parasitic blood diseases (theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and trypanosomiasis) are common in regions where the distributions of the hosts, parasites, and vectors are convergent. They endanger animal production, and a few are also harmful to public health. The acute phase reaction (APR) is a complex, non-specific reaction that occurs in various events, including surgical trauma, infection, stress, inflammation, and neoplasia. To understand pathogenesis, we must study APR effects and acute phase proteins (APPs) alterations in naturally occurring and experimental infections. The elevation of haptoglobin (Hp), Serum amyloid A (SAA), and fibrinogen concentrations was markedly significant in bovine and ovine theileriosis. Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen concentrations in anaplasmosis were dramatically elevated. A significant increase in SAA was observed in bovine babesiosis, while ovine babesiosis showed a significant rise in sialic acid levels. In cases of trypanosomiasis caused by T. vivax, there have been reports of elevated levels of Hp, complement C3, and antitrypsin. Improving our understanding of APR could result in more effective methods for diagnosis, treatment, control, and eradication of diseases. The article provides an overview of APPs alterations and other inflammation-related parameters (some cytokines, adenosine deaminase, and sialic acids) in parasitic blood diseases of ruminants., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors claimed they have no competing interests that could be construed as a potential conflict., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Case Series Summary: A total of 1692 medical records from a primary care feline practice and a veterinary referral hospital were evaluated retrospectively to assess discordant feline leukemia virus (FeLV) test results. In total, 73 cats were positive for FeLV using serum in a lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) or laboratory-based ELISA. Of these cats, 21 subsequently tested negative for FeLV proviral DNA by non-quantitative PCR on EDTA whole blood (16/21, 76.2%), bone marrow (4/21, 19%) or both (1/21, 4.7%). The proportional morbidity (an estimate of prevalence in a sample of the total population) for FeLV by LFI/ELISA and PCR assays was 3.1%, consistent with that reported in previous studies for cats in North America. Cats with discordant LFI/ELISA and PCR results had either primary bone marrow disease (18 autoimmune, one neoplastic), a bone marrow insult (hemotrophic mycoplasmosis) or systemic inflammation (pyothorax with a marked neutrophilic leukocytosis). The percentage of cats with a positive LFA/ELISA result and negative PCR assay surviving to discharge was 85.7% (18/21). Of these, 88.9% (16/18) survived 4 months to 6 years. Seven cats (33.3%) were re-tested with LFI or ELISA once primary disease was controlled, and all tested negative., Relevance and Novel Information: These findings indicate that in cats with bone marrow disease that shares features of progressive FeLV infection, positive LFI and ELISA FeLV test results should be followed up with FeLV proviral DNA PCR testing, particularly in populations where disease prevalence is low.

Breakthrough candidemia (BrC) is a significant problem in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological disorders. To assess the characteristics of BrC in patients with hematologic disease treated with novel antifungal agents, we collected clinical and microbiological information on said patients from 2009 to 2020 in our institution. Forty cases were identified, of which 29 (72.5%) received hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-related therapy. At BrC onset, the most administered class of antifungal agents were echinocandins, administered to 70% of patients. Candida guilliermondii complex was the most frequently isolated species (32.5%), followed by C. parapsilosis (30%). These two isolates were echinocandin-susceptible in vitro but had naturally occurring FKS gene polymorphisms that reduced echinocandin susceptibility. Frequent isolation of these echinocandin-reduced-susceptible strains in BrC may be associated with the widespread use of echinocandins. In this study, the 30-day crude mortality rate in the group receiving HSCT-related therapy was significantly higher than in the group not receiving it (55.2% versus 18.2%, P = .0297). Most patients affected by C. guilliermondii complex BrC (92.3%) received HSCT-related therapy and had a 30-day mortality rate of 53.8%; despite treatment administration, 3 of 13 patients had persistent candidemia. Based on our results, C. guilliermondii complex BrC is a potentially fatal condition in patients receiving HSCT-related therapy with echinocandin administration., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology.)

Background: Canine stomatocytosis is a well-recognized rare erythrocyte disorder characterized by nonsyndromic forms with selective erythroid involvement, syndromic forms with extra-hematologic disease, and acquired forms., Objectives: We describe serial clinicopathologic changes in two dogs with stomatocytosis of breeds that are different from those previously reported., Methods: Blood samples were obtained from a 12-year-old female neutered Australian Cattle Dog and a 12-year-old male neutered Beagle for hematologic and biochemical analyses, including a morphologic examination of peripheral blood films. Serial clinicopathologic data were reviewed, including CBCs performed by the referring veterinary surgeons., Results: Serial CBC data in both cases reported a variable decrease in RBC numbers commonly associated with a normal hematocrit, macrocytosis, hypochromasia, changes in red cell distribution width parameters including marked histogram abnormalities in volume distribution of the RBC population, and mildly increased or normal reticulocyte counts. Morphologic examination of peripheral blood films identified variable numbers of stomatocytes, knizocytes (Case 1, Day 1, Day 4), mild anisocytosis, mild macrocytosis, and mild polychromasia., Conclusions: In both cases, the changes exhibited in the erythrogram raise suspicion for an RBC membrane disorder with cell volume dysregulation and stomatocytosis, although they did not appear to cause clinically relevant hemolysis., (© 2021 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Pre-clinical haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) studies in canines have proven to be invaluable for establishing HCT as a highly successful clinical option for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant haematological diseases in humans. Additionally, studies in canines have shown that immune tolerance, established following HCT, enabled transplantation of solid organs without the need of lifelong immunosuppression. This progress has been possible due to multiple biological similarities between dog and mankind. In this review, the hurdles that were overcome and the methods that were developed in the dog HCT model which made HCT clinically possible are examined. The results of these studies justify the question whether HCT can be used in the veterinary clinical practice for more wide-spread successful treatment of canine haematologic and non-haematologic disorders and whether it is prudent to do so., (© 2021 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Acanthocheilonema reconditum is a filarial parasite transmitted by arthropods (fleas, lice, and ticks) that infect dogs. There is minimal published data available to date on potential haematological and biochemical changes associated with this parasitic infection. Study aims were (i) provide an overview of A. reconditum in Europe, (ii) define A. reconditum prevalence and risk factors in a specific dog population (hunting) from southern Italy, and (iii) assess the frequency of haemato-biochemical abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples collected from 3020 dogs were tested by a modified Knott's technique to count and identify microfilariae. Eighty-four dogs were infected by A. reconditum (2.78%; 95% CI 2.19-3.37%). Microfilariae ranged from 1 to 212/ml. Based on clinical examination, all but six dogs with non-specific symptoms were healthy. Haematological abnormalities included leucocytosis (n = 15), with eosinophilia (n = 14) and monocytosis (n = 13). Serum biochemical abnormalities included increased total serum proteins (n = 19), albumins (n = 7), total globulins (n = 14), ALT (n = 1), and ALP (n = 1); one dog was hypoalbuminemic, and BUN was mildly increased in 2 dogs. Risk factors included the province origin (Napoli, OR=5.4, 95%CI: 2.1-14.0; Caserta, OR=5.1, 95%CI: 2.5-10.6), hunting wild mammals (OR=2.8, 95% 95%CI: 1.6-4.8), and ectoparasite infestation (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1). There was a negative correlation between microfilaraemic load and decreased albumin level (-0.37; p=0.021). Our results showed that A. reconditum circulates within the hunting dog population of southern Italy, with seemingly low pathogenic potential.

Background: Cytopenias have been reported in dogs treated with phenobarbital, but detailed descriptions of bone marrow findings and response to treatment are lacking., Objectives: We aimed to characterize the hematologic findings and clinical outcomes of dogs that had been receiving phenobarbital at the time of marrow evaluation., Methods: Archived bone marrow slides and clinicopathologic data were reviewed in dogs undergoing marrow evaluation for any hematologic problems that developed while receiving phenobarbital (2008-2020). Dogs were excluded if marrow samples lacked diagnostic value, phenobarbital was withdrawn >1 day before marrow collection, a same-day complete blood count (CBC) was lacking, or dogs had concurrent illness or therapy known to cause cytopenias., Results: Thirteen dogs met inclusion criteria: eight pancytopenic, three anemic/thrombocytopenic, one neutropenic/thrombocytopenic, and one nearly neutropenic. Neutropenia was marked (<700/µL) in eight dogs; all neutrophil concentrations were low or low-normal. Of the 11 anemic dogs (Hct = 12%-42%, median = 29%), three had mild reticulocytosis (eight were tested). One dog had erythroid dysplasia in blood and marrow. All nine neutropenic dogs had evidence of ineffective neutropoiesis: neutrophilic hyperplasia with left shift (9) ± neutrophagocytosis (5). Eight of the 11 anemic dogs had evidence of ineffective erythropoiesis: erythroid hyperplasia (7), left shift (3), and/or rubriphagocytosis (6). No thrombocytopenic dog had megakaryocytic hypoplasia; seven dogs had megakaryocytic hyperplasia. One anemic/thrombocytopenic dog had marked collagen myelofibrosis. The noncytopenic dog had equivocal myeloid hypoplasia with neutrophagocytosis. Median maximal responses and resolution times for neutropenia (n = 6) were 14 days., Conclusions: Phenobarbital-induced cytopenias should be considered in dogs with multilineage ineffective hematopoiesis, particularly when neutropenia and myeloid hyperplasia are present. However, findings in dogs with immune-mediated neutropenia or precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia might be indistinguishable., (© 2021 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) is a major epigenetic system associated with gene expression. In mammals there are six H3K4 methyltransferases related to yeast Set1 and fly Trithorax, including two orthologs of fly Trithorax-related: MLL3 and MLL4. Exome sequencing has documented high frequencies of MLL3 and MLL4 mutations in many types of human cancer. Despite this emerging importance, the requirements of these paralogs in mammalian development have only been incompletely reported. Here, we examined the null phenotypes to establish that MLL3 is first required for lung maturation, whereas MLL4 is first required for migration of the anterior visceral endoderm that initiates gastrulation in the mouse. This collective cell migration is preceded by a columnar-to-squamous transition in visceral endoderm cells that depends on MLL4. Furthermore, Mll4 mutants display incompletely penetrant, sex-distorted, embryonic haploinsufficiency and adult heterozygous mutants show aspects of Kabuki syndrome, indicating that MLL4 action, unlike MLL3, is dosage dependent. The highly specific and discordant functions of these paralogs in mouse development argues against their action as general enhancer factors., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2020. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Costa Rica undertakes continuous efforts to recover the native population of macaw species through rehabilitation programs for breeding and releasing birds in protected areas. In the summer of 2018, a total of 107 scarlet ( Ara macao ) and 93 great green ( Ara ambigua ) macaws were sampled in four wildlife rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica. Fecal samples representing 200 individuals were analyzed for intestinal parasites, and 23 individuals were sampled for hemoparasites. Ascaridia and Capillaria were found in fecal samples. No hemoparasites were found. The distribution of percentage of infection was analyzed by location, species, and housing type. As part of a health screening prior to release, parasitological examination is recommended.

Objectives: Cytological assessment of the bone marrow is an essential tool for understanding and investigating haematological abnormalities. Sometimes it represents the only way to reach a definitive diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to provide a general overview regarding the prevalence of feline bone marrow disorders encountered in a private European laboratory setting, to classify them and to assess the differential cell counts related to such disorders., Methods: In total, 152 bone marrow samples were classified using cytological and numerical criteria. The bone marrow cytological examinations were performed after the identification of haematological alterations, such as cytopenias, increased number of cells or suspicion of malignant blood disorders., Results: Of the 152 bone marrow samples evaluated, 71 (46.7%) were classified as hyperplastic, primarily granulocytic and erythroid hyperplasia (50.7% and 45.1%, respectively, of the total hyperplasia); 23 (15.1%) showed dysmyelopoiesis, mainly in the form of myelodysplastic syndrome (39.1% of the total dysmyelopoiesis); 21 (13.8%) had no cytological abnormalities; 17 (11.2%) were malignant blood disorders; 15 (9.9%) had hypoplastic conditions; and two (1.3%) were miscellaneous diseases. Metastatic disease was detected in only two cases (1.3%). Differential cell counts and myeloid-to-erythroid (M:E) ratios were reported for normal, erythroid hypoplastic, erythroid and granulocytic hyperplastic and dysplastic conditions., Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides a general overview of the prevalence and incidence of feline bone marrow disorders together with ranges for differential nucleated cell counts and M:E ratios for the various conditions reported.

Hamsters, gerbils, rats, and mice are presented to veterinary clinics and hospitals for prophylactic care and treatment of clinical signs of disease. Physical examination, history, and husbandry practice information can be supplemented greatly by assessment of hematologic parameters. As a resource for veterinarians and their technicians, this article describes the methods for collection of blood, identification of blood cells, and interpretation of the hemogram in mice, rats, gerbils, and hamsters., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fish health is a growing concern as pets, education, and aquaculture evolves. For the veterinary staff, fish handling, diagnostics, medicine, and surgery may require specialized training and equipment in comparison with terrestrial and arboreal animals, simply because of their aquatic nature and diversity. Fish hematology is one diagnostic tool that may not require additional equipment, may be inexpensive, and provide useful information in guiding treatment options. Challenges involving hematology may include handling and restraint, venipuncture, evaluation, and interpretation. In this article, strategies for these challenges are discussed for teleost (bony fish) and elasmobranch (cartilaginous fish) fish types., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pet ferrets are presented to veterinary clinics for routine care and treatment of clinical diseases and female reproductive problems. In addition to obtaining clinical history, additional diagnostic testing may be required, including hematological assessments. This article describes common blood collection methods, including venipuncture sites, volume of blood that can be safely collected, and handling of the blood. Hematological parameters for normal ferrets are provided along with a description of the morphology of ferret leukocytes to assist in performing a differential count., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The basic principles of hematology used in mammalian medicine can be applied to reptiles. The appearances of the blood cells are significantly different from those seen in most mammals, and vary with taxa and staining method used. Many causes for abnormalities of the reptilian hemogram are similar to those for mammals, although additional factors such as venipuncture site, season, hibernation status, captivity status, and environmental factors can also affect values, making interpretation of hematologic results challenging. Values in an individual should be compared with reference ranges specific to that species, gender, and environmental conditions when available., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pet rabbits are presented to veterinary clinics for routine care and treatment of clinical diseases. In addition to obtaining clinical history, additional diagnostic testing may be required, including hematological assessments. This article describes common blood collection methods, including venipuncture sites, volume of blood that can be safely collected, and handling of the blood. Hematological parameters for normal rabbits are provided for comparison with in-house or commercial test results. A description of the morphology of rabbit leukocytes is provided to assist in performing a differential count. Differential diagnoses are provided for abnormal values identified in the hemogram., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pet guinea pigs are presented to veterinary clinics for routine care and treatment of clinical diseases. In addition to obtaining clinical history and exam findings, diagnostic testing may be required, including hematological assessments. This article describes common blood collection methods, including venipuncture sites, the volume of blood that can be safely collected, and handling of the blood. Hematological parameters for normal guinea pigs are provided for comparison with in-house or commercial test results. A description of the morphology of guinea pig leukocytes is provided to assist in performing a differential count., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Avian veterinarians often rely heavily on the results of various diagnostic tests, including hematology results. As such, cellular identification and evaluation of the cellular response are invaluable tools that help veterinarians understand the health or condition of their patient, as well as to monitor severity and clinical progression of disease and response to treatment. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand how to identify and evaluate changes in the avian erythron and leukon, as well as to interpret normal and abnormal results., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Evaluation of hemic cell morphology in stained blood film may be the most important part of the hematologic evaluation of exotic animals. The blood film provides important information regarding red blood cell abnormalities, such as changes in cell shape and color, presence of inclusions, and, in the case of lower vertebrates, changes in the position of the cell nucleus. Stained blood film also provides information about changes in leukocyte numbers and morphology, and shows important hemic features of mammalian platelets and the thrombocytes of lower vertebrates. The blood film is needed in the detection and identification of blood parasites., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fish health is a growing concern as pets, education, and aquaculture evolves. For the veterinary staff, fish handling, diagnostics, medicine, and surgery may require specialized training and equipment in comparison with terrestrial and arboreal animals, simply because of their aquatic nature and diversity. Fish hematology is one diagnostic tool that may not require additional equipment, may be inexpensive, and provide useful information in guiding treatment options. Challenges involving hematology may include handling and restraint, venipuncture, evaluation, and interpretation. In this article, strategies for these challenges are discussed for teleost (bony fish) and elasmobranch (cartilaginous fish) fish types.

Little is known of the parasitic fauna of terrestrial snakes in Iran. This study aimed to evaluate the parasitic infection rates of snakes in Iran. A total of 87 snakes belonging to eight different species, that were collected between May 2012 and September 2012 and died after the hold in captivity, under which they were kept for taking poisons, were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites. According to our study 12 different genera of endoparasites in 64 (73.56%) of 87 examined snakes were determined. Forty one snakes (47.12%) had gastrointestinal parasites. In prepared blood smears, it was found that in 23 (26.43%) of 87 examined snakes there are at least one hemoparasite. To our knowledge, these are the first data on the internal parasitic fauna of Iranian terrestrial snakes and our findings show a higher prevalence of these organisms among them., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are a popular companion animal, food animal, and animal model of human disease. Abnormal red cell shapes (poikilocytes) have been observed in rabbits, but their significance is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of poikilocytosis in pet rabbits and its association with physiologic factors, clinical disease, and laboratory abnormalities. We retrospectively analyzed blood smears from 482 rabbits presented to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1990 to 2010. Number and type of poikilocytes per 2000 red blood cells (RBCs) were counted and expressed as a percentage. Acanthocytes (>3% of RBCs) were found in 150/482 (31%) rabbits and echinocytes (>3% of RBCs) were found in 127/482 (27%) of rabbits, both healthy and diseased. Thirty-three of 482 (7%) rabbits had >30% acanthocytes and echinocytes combined. Mild to moderate (>0.5% of RBCs) fragmented red cells (schistocytes, microcytes, keratocytes, spherocytes) were found in 25/403 (6%) diseased and 0/79 (0%) healthy rabbits (P = 0.0240). Fragmentation and acanthocytosis were more severe in rabbits with inflammatory disease and malignant neoplasia compared with healthy rabbits (P<0.01). The % fragmented cells correlated with % polychromasia, RDW, and heterophil, monocyte, globulins, and fibrinogen concentrations (P<0.05). Echinocytosis was significantly associated with renal failure, azotemia, and acid-base/electrolyte abnormalities (P<0.05). Serum cholesterol concentration correlated significantly with % acanthocytes (P<0.0001), % echinocytes (P = 0.0069), and % fragmented cells (P = 0.0109), but correlations were weak (Spearman ρ <0.02). These findings provide important insights into underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that appear to affect the prevalence and type of naturally-occurring poikilocytosis in rabbits. Our findings support the need to carefully document poikilocytes in research investigations and in clinical diagnosis and to determine their diagnostic and prognostic value.

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', but not with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

Cats more than 2 months of age have alloantibodies against the blood type antigen that they do not possess. Maternal antibodies, including alloantibodies against blood groups, are transferred to the kittens' systemic circulation when they suckle colostrum during the first 12-16 h after birth. If kittens with blood group A or AB nurse from a mother with blood group B they may develop neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Breeders can prevent kittens at risk of NI from nursing during the first 16-24 h; after this period it is safe to let them nurse. Kittens depend, however, on the passive transfer of antibodies from the colostrum for early protection against infections. Although it is known that kittens deprived of colostrum will also be deprived of passive systemic immunity, it is not known if this will affect their health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate kitten mortality in litters with B-mothers and A-fathers compared to litters with A-mothers. In addition, the aim was to evaluate the effects of colostrum deprivation on the health of the mothers, and the breeders' opinions and experiences of these combinations of breedings. A web-based questionnaire was constructed and distributed to breeders. The results indicate that there is no difference in mortality between planned litters that have mothers with blood group A and litters with mothers that have blood group B and fathers that have blood group A. When managing blood group incompatibility in cat all factors affecting the health of the cats, including genetic variation, should be considered., (© ISFM and AAFP 2014.)

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentation and outcome of phenobarbitone induced haematological abnormalities (PBIHA) in dogs. The medical records of two veterinary referral institutions were searched for dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and treated with PB as monotherapy or polytherapy between March 2003 and September 2010. Sixteen dogs had PBIHA; the median age at diagnosis was 69.5 months. Phenobarbitone was administered at a median dose of 3 mg/kg twice a day for a median period of 100.5 days and the median serum phenobarbitone level was 19 μg/ml. Two dogs had neutropenia, three had anaemia and thrombocytopenia, two had anaemia and neutropenia; the remaining nine had pancytopenia. All dogs were referred for non-specific clinical signs. Phenobarbitone was discontinued after diagnosis, and the median time to resolution of PBIHA was 17 days. The prevalence and risk factors for PBIHA were evaluated from a questionnaire survey of referring practices to obtain more detailed follow-up on cases diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. The prevalence rate of PBIHA was 4.2%, and the condition occurred in dogs treated with standard therapeutic doses often within the first three months after starting treatment. Serial haematological evaluations should be therefore considered from the beginning of phenobarbitone therapy to allow early diagnosis and treatment of PBIHA., (British Veterinary Association.)

Many therapeutic drugs have been associated with hematologic adverse drug events (ADEs) in animals. Some drugs, notably chemotherapeutic agents and oxidant compounds, cause dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, while others induce idiosyncratic ADEs. Major mechanisms associated with ADEs include immune- or oxidant-mediated destruction of blood cells and toxic bone marrow injury. General classes of drugs that can cause idiosyncratic ADEs include estrogenic compounds, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antifungals, antithyroid drugs, anticonvulsants, antiparasitics, and cardiac drugs. ADEs associated with chemotherapeutic agents, phenylbutazone, phenobarbital, propylthiouracil (in cats), methimazole (in cats), and azathioprine occur frequently enough to warrant performing periodic complete blood counts during the course of treatment.

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a nonhistone chromosomal protein, has recently been suggested as a late mediator of the inflammatory cascade. Blood HMGB1 levels are increased in a number of human diseases, and HMGB1 has been suggested to be a useful marker for disease severity and prognosis. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of HMGB1 in dogs. Plasma HMGB1 levels, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), a typical canine inflammatory marker, were measured in dogs with various diseases, especially systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and dogs that had undergone surgery. HMGB1 gradually increased and attained a maximum level 72 hr after surgery, whereas CRP increased rapidly, peaking at 24 hr. Although both HMGB1 and CRP levels were significantly increased in dogs with various diseases compared with the control dogs, no correlation was found between the HMGB1 and CRP values. HMGB1 levels in the SIRS group were significantly elevated compared with those in the non-SIRS group. However, the increase in HMGB1 levels above the reference range was not indicative of SIRS. Instead, the presence of increased HMGB1 and CRP levels above the reference ranges significantly affects the poor outcome of SIRS. The present study indicates that HMGB1 is a novel canine inflammatory marker and is distinct from CRP. However, the additional clinical value of HMGB1 measurement remains unclear, and further studies are warranted.

Background: Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) products carries considerable risk for adverse reactions, including life-threatening hemolytic reactions., Objective: To report the occurrence and investigation of life-threatening acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis in dogs likely related to inappropriate blood product storage., Animals: Four dogs with acute transfusion reactions and other recipients of blood products., Methods: Medical records were reviewed from 4 dogs with suspected acute hemolytic transfusion reactions after receiving RBC products at a veterinary clinic over a 1-month period. Medical records of other animals receiving blood products in the same time period also were reviewed. Blood compatibility and product quality were assessed, subsequent transfusions were closely monitored, and products were diligently audited., Results: During or immediately after RBC product transfusion, 4 dogs developed hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, or both. Two dogs died and 1 was euthanized because of progressive clinical signs compatible with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood type and blood compatibility were confirmed. RBC units from 2 blood banks were found to be hemolyzed after storage in the clinic's refrigerator; no bacterial contamination was identified. After obtaining a new refrigerator dedicated to blood product storage, the problem of hemolyzed units and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis completely resolved., Conclusions: Acute life-threatening transfusion reactions can be caused by inappropriate storage of RBC products. In addition to infectious disease screening and ensuring blood-type compatibility, quality assessment of blood products, appropriate collection, processing, and storage techniques as well as recipient monitoring are critical to provide safe, effective transfusions., (Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Objective: To determine diagnostic accuracy of using erythrocyte indices and polychromasia to identify regenerative anemia in dogs., Design: Retrospective and prospective cross-sectional study., Animals: 4,521 anemic dogs., Procedures: CBC results obtained between July 2002 and July 2008 by use of an automated laser-based flow cytometric hematology analyzer from dogs with Hct values ≤ 35% were retrieved. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values of using erythrocyte indices and polychromasia to identify regeneration were determined, with a reticulocyte count > 65,000 reticulocytes/μL considered the gold standard. Similarly, 134 blood samples from anemic dogs were analyzed prospectively with an in-house electrical impedance analyzer., Results: Of 4,387 dogs with samples analyzed retrospectively, 1,426 (32.5%) had regenerative anemia. Of these, 168 (11.8%) had macrocytic hypochromic anemia. High mean cell volume and low mean cell hemoglobin concentration had low sensitivity (11%), high specificity (98%), and moderate accuracy (70%) when used to identify regenerative anemia. Use of polychromasia alone had an accuracy of 77%, and use of polychromasia combined with a high RBC distribution width (RDW) had an accuracy of 79%. Results obtained with the in-house analyzer were similar., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggested that most regenerative anemias in dogs were not macrocytic hypochromic. Polychromasia, with or without high RDW, was a more accurate indicator than other erythrocyte indices of regenerative anemia. To avoid a false diagnosis of nonregenerative anemia, a blood smear should be evaluated in anemic dogs when a reticulocyte count is not available.

The present study aimed to objectively evaluate the adverse events after the administration of chemotherapeutic agents used in the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison chemotherapy protocol (UW-25) for canine lymphoma, using the Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group common terminology criteria for adverse events (VCOG-CTCAE). The medical records of 40 dogs with multicentric high-grade lymphoma that underwent UW-25 were reviewed. Gastrointestinal adverse events of grade 2 and above and blood/bone marrow adverse events of all grades were evaluated. Gastrointestinal adverse events occurring at least once during the entire period of UW-25 were observed in 50% (20/40), 17.9% (7/39), and 8.1% (3/37) of the dogs after the administration of vincristine (VCR), cyclophosphamide (CPA), and doxorubicin (DXR), respectively. Blood/bone marrow adverse events occurring at least once during UW-25 were observed in 57.5% (23/40), 41% (16/39), and 8.1% (3/37) of the dogs after the administration of VCR, CPA, and DXR, respectively. The rate of patients that experienced gastrointestinal adverse events was higher after the first administration of VCR than after the first administration of DXR. Findings obtained in this study will be helpful in predicting the adverse events that could occur when dogs with lymphoma are treated with UW-25.

Haemotrophic mycoplasmas (HM) are parasites on the surface of red blood cells and known to infect a wide range of animals. However, there are no previous evidences of HM infections in horses. In this study HM were detected for the first time in the blood of two horses suffering from poor performance, apathy, weight loss, and anaemia. Using a HM specific PCR assay and subsequent sequencing the infective agents isolated from the blood of said horses were confirmed as closely related to the HM species Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos'., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Nonregenerative cytopenias such as nonregenerative anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia in cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen are assumed to be caused by the underlying FeLV infection. In addition, cats with negative FeLV antigen-test results that have cytopenias of unknown etiology often are suspected to suffer from latent FeLV infection that is responsible for the nonregenerative cytopenias., Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of latent FeLV infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in bone marrow of cats with nonregenerative cytopenias that had negative FeLV antigen test results in blood., Animals: Thirty-seven cats were included in the patient group. Inclusion criteria were (1) nonregenerative cytopenia of unknown origin and (2) negative FeLV antigen test result. Antigenemia was determined by detection of free FeLV p27 antigen by ELISA in serum. Furthermore, 7 cats with positive antigen test results with nonregenerative cytopenia were included as control group I, and 30 cats with negative antigen test results without nonregenerative cytopenia were included as control group II., Methods: Whole blood and bone marrow samples were tested by 2 different PCR assays detecting sequences of the envelope or long terminal repeat genes. FeLV immunohistochemistry was performed in bone marrow samples., Results: Two of the 37 cats (5.4%) in the patient group were positive on the bone marrow PCR results and thus were latently infected with FeLV., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The findings of this study suggest that FeLV latency is rare in cats with nonregenerative cytopenias.

Objective: To describe frequency, types, and clinical outcomes of extrapulmonary disorders (EPDs) in foals in which Rhodococcus equi infection was diagnosed, and to identify factors determined at the time of admission that differentiated foals that developed EPDs from foals with R equi infection identified only in the lungs., Design: Retrospective case series., Animals: 150 foals aged 3 weeks to 6 months with a diagnosis of R equi infection., Procedures: Medical records were reviewed for information on date of admission, signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, treatment, duration of hospitalization, invoice, and outcome. For each EPD identified, further information was collected on the identification, location, treatment, and outcome of the lesion., Results: Of 150 foals with R equi infections, 111 (74%) had at least 1 of 39 EPDs. Survival was significantly higher among foals without EPDs (32/39 [82%]) than among foals with EPDs (48/111 [43%]), but many EPDs were only recognized after death. Risk factors significantly associated with EPDs included referral status, duration of clinical signs prior to admission, leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. Foals with EPDs also had a higher heart rate and BUN concentration than foals without., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Practitioners should recognize that extrapulmonary manifestations of R equi occur with high prevalence affecting diverse organ systems, that multiple systems are generally affected when EPDs occur, and that suspicion of R equi infection should prompt evaluation and monitoring of extrapulmonary sites. Improved recognition of the presence of these disorders will help practitioners to better advise their clients in the treatment and outcome of foals with R equi infections.

Reverse transcriptase (RT) activity has been reported in bivalves affected by haemic neoplasia (HN). Since all retroviruses have RT, detection of RT activity was regarded as evidence for the retroviral etiology of HN. This study investigates the relationship between RT levels and the progress of HN as indicated by percentages of tetraploid cells in soft-shell clams Mya arenaria. The percentages of tetraploid cells were estimated by flow cytometry, and the RT levels were quantified using TaqMan product-enhanced RT (TM-PERT) assay. Results demonstrated that the amount of RT was positively correlated with the percentage of tetraploid cells circulating in clam haemolymph (R2 = 0.974, p < 0.001). Compared to HN-negative clams (<5% tetraploid cells), 2 stages with significantly elevated levels of RT activity were observed: the first stage at approximately 10 to approximately 20% tetraploid cells, and the second at approximately 30 to approximately 80% tetraploid cells (p < 0.01). These data support the well established fact from mammalian models that transformed cells express high levels of non-telomeric RT. The observed increase in RT levels at approximately 30% tetraploidy coincides with previously reported p53 gene expression. Taken together, this could indicate that using RT levels as an indicator of HN, > or = 30% tetraploidy is the stage at which the disease process undergoes a change, and perhaps becomes irreversible.

Hematology can be a useful tool for monitoring health status, detecting illness, and following the progress of disease and response to therapy. Despite advances in fish medicine in recent years, interpretation of fish hematology often is hampered by a lack of meaningful reference values and the bewildering diversity of fish species. A multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause normal and abnormal variation in hematologic data. This article provides an overview of some of the hematologic abnormalities in fish induced by infectious agents and environmental, husbandry, and nutritional issues.

Pet rodents, such as rats, guinea pigs, and chinchillas, differ from more traditional companion animal species in many aspects of their hematologic parameters. Animals within this order have much diversity in size, anatomy, methods of restraint, and blood collection technique. Appropriate sample collection is often the most challenging aspect of the diagnostic protocol, and inappropriate restraint may cause a stress response that interferes with blood test results. For many of these patients, sedation is required and can also affect results as well. In most cases, however, obtaining a standard database is necessary and very possible when providing medical care for this popular group of pets.

Hematology is an essential component of veterinary practice. The interpretation of avian blood cells provides many challenges. Practitioners must be able to recognize normal morphology and function of cells to interpret changes in those cells. This article describes the normal morphology of avian erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes. Changes observed in erythrocytes and leukocytes during disease and major differential diagnoses are discussed. A brief overview of avian blood parasites is also presented.

Using laboratory animal medicine as an established resource, companion animal veterinarians have access to many physiologic and basic science studies that we can now merge with our clinical impressions. By working with reference laboratories, companion animal veterinarians are poised to accelerate our knowledge of the normal rabbit rapidly. The aim of this article is to discuss normal hematopoiesis and infectious and metabolic diseases that specifically target the hemolymphatic system. Additionally, photographic representation of cell types is provided.

Potbellied pigs have become a notable portion of small animal and farm animal practitioners' caseload. Relatively little information is readily accessible for the veterinary practitioner in regard to normal hematologic values or alterations of the hemogram in response to disease, however. This article is a review of blood collection techniques in swine adaptable to potbellied pigs in addition to collection artifacts observed in the swine hemogram. Alterations of the hemogram in disease states that may be encountered in potbellied pig medicine are reviewed.

Amphibians are a diverse class of animals with a unique life cycle. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the wide variability in normal hematologic parameters. Reference values are scarce, and normal hematology of many species is poorly understood. Challenges include analytic obstacles posed by nucleated red blood cells and thrombocytes and potential difficulty with obtaining blood samples of adequate volume and without lymph contamination. Despite these limitations, it is possible to obtain hematologic data that may be useful in assessing an animal's current health, progression of disease, or response to therapy. In this article, amphibian blood sample collection and handling guidelines, hematologic tests, cell morphology and function, hematopoiesis, interpretation of results, and disorders and diseases are described.

This article summarizes the general topic of ferret hematology, including discussion of restraint for phlebotomy and phlebotomy sites, red and white blood cell morphology, interpretation of the hemogram, and normal and abnormal factors affecting the hemogram. In addition, the apparent lack of blood groups and techniques for bone marrow aspirates and blood transfusion are addressed. There is much still to be learned about the ferret and its diseases. We often depend on tests as simple as the complete blood cell count to help guide us in our diagnosis and treatments of this patient.

In this article, the normal kinetics, morphology and other unique characteristics of equine erythrocytes are reviewed, the influence of the spleen on erythrocyte values is discussed, and selected normal reference intervals are presented. In addition, the classification and causes of anemia and polycythemia are reviewed and the appropriate laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis are presented.

Diagnosis of haemic neoplasia (HN) in the soft shell clam, Mya arenaria, is often achieved by hematocytology and histology. Since neoplastic cells display tetraploid DNA contents, haemocyte cell cycle analysis was developed for use as a diagnosis tool. The aim of this study was to assess the application of a flow cytometry procedure of cell cycle analysis established for the common cockle, to clams and to evaluate different thresholds of value for the percentage of tetraploid cells for establishing HN disease status of individual clams and clam populations. HN status of six clam populations from eastern Canada was determined. Results of the present study demonstrate a flow cytometry procedure to be useful for HN diagnosis in clams. Individual clams were considered to be affected by HN when presenting at least 20% of haemocytes in S-4N phase; and negative when presenting less that 5% of haemocytes in S-4N phase. As discussed in this paper, intermediate cases represent uncertain diagnoses including either false-negative or false-positive clams, which are difficult to discriminate. At a population level, an additional threshold of 15% for the mean intensity of the disease is proposed, which means having in the population several individual clams presenting more than 20% of their haemocytes in S-4N phase. Based on these thresholds of value, only one population was considered as free of HN disease, and one population was unequivocally affected by HN. For the four other clam populations, further investigations are needed toward development and use of specific and objective biomarkers of HN.

Similar to other urban areas where food and shelter are abundant, the zoological garden of Rio de Janeiro has dealt for years with a colony of feral or semi-feral domestic cats. A survey was conducted during 2002-2004 as a follow-up to a previous study in 2001 of the cat colony to identify pathogens circulating among the population and to annually follow the status of the cats to analyze morbidity coefficients and associations among infections and infestations identified in the colony. During the 3 years of the present study, 75 cats were sampled at least once, including 44 that were caught and examined only once, 14 that were examined twice, and 17 that were examined three times. For each cat that was caught, records were kept regarding sex, age, general health, and the presence of ectoparasites. Each year, a blood sample was taken for hematologic testing, platelet count, hemoparasite detection, antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, and retrovirus detection. Blood counts were within normal range for the majority of cats tested. Feline immunodeficiency virus, fleas, and lice were detected in all years; however, incidence rates for each of these varied significantly throughout the years. Prevalence of Cytauxzoon spp., Mycoplasma spp., T. gondii infections were variable among the 3 years, although differences were not significant. Prevalence of feline leukemia virus increased significantly over the 3 years. Mycoplasma spp. and flea infestations were significantly associated, but no other associations among the pathogens were detected. Over the 3 years, the rate of new cat introductions decreased, and the pathogens showed a tendency to disseminate throughout the colony; however, there was virtually no evidence of clinically detectable disease. Therefore, it seems that stabilizing the population by a judicious control program facilitated the distribution of the pathogens throughout the colony, while the general well-being of the cats was not seriously affected.

The presence of haemoparasites belonging to the taxa Anaplasma, Bartonella and Trypanosoma was determined among 76 common shrews (Sorex araneus) from Northwest England. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was recovered from the blood of 1 shrew (1.3%), with the amplified 16S rRNA sequence identical to one previously reported from a bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Trypanosoma spp. DNA was detected in 9 shrews (11.8%), the amplified 18S rDNA fragments being indistinguishable from one another, and distinct from previously published data. This represents the first report of trypanosome infection in S. araneus and suggests they are susceptible to an uncharacterized Trypanosoma species. Blood from 11 shrews (14.5%) yielded Bartonella spp., with characterization of isolates using comparative sequence analysis of partial gltA and 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions revealing 2 different genotypes. Phylogenetic inference from alignment of partial gltA sequences found that both UK S. araneus types formed a well-supported cluster with Bartonella sp. isolated from S. araneus in Sweden. No significant effect of host age, sex, or year of collection was found on prevalence of Bartonella or trypanosome infections. The results of this survey demonstrate that common shrews in the UK are susceptible to haemoparasitic infections, at prevalences similar to those reported from sympatric rodents.

Background: In dogs, flow cytometry is used in the phenotyping of immunologic cells and in the diagnosis of hemic neoplasia. However, the paucity of specific antibodies for myeloid cells and B lymphocytes and of labeled antibodies for multicolor techniques limits the ability to detect all leukocyte subpopulations. This is especially true for neoplastic and precursor cells. CD18 and CD45 are expressed on all leukocytes and are involved in cell activation, and together could be useful in helping determine cell lineage., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to double label canine blood for CD18 and CD45 and to use the differential expression of antigens to identify leukocyte populations in dogs with non-neoplastic and neoplastic hematologic diseases., Methods: A template was developed using blood samples from 10 clinically healthy dogs and a back-gating technique. Differential leukocyte counts obtained with the template were compared with those obtained by manual and automated methods on blood samples from 17 additional healthy dogs. Blood samples obtained from 9 dogs with non-neoplastic (reactive) hematologic diseases and 27 dogs with hemic neoplasia were double stained for CD18 and CD45 using mouse anticanine CD18 monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus phycoerythrin-conjugated rat anticanine CD45 mAb and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated rabbit antimouse IgG. Hemic neoplasms were diagnosed by cell morphology, and immunophenotypic and cytochemical markers., Results: With the double label, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and T- and B-lymphocytes were identified. In reactive disorders, a population of activated neutrophils with high CD45 and CD18 expression was detected. In hemic neoplasia, cell lineage was easily determined, even in acute leukemia., Conclusions: Double labeling for CD18/CD45 may be useful as a screening method to evaluate hematologic diseases and help determine cell lineage, and to aid in the selection of a panel of antibodies that would be useful for further analysis.