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Haematological indicators may resent physiological variation by age. Vitamin B12 promotes haematopoiesis. The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the values of the haematological variables and the concentration of vitamin B12 in pre- or post-weaned veal calves and 2) to identify the possible association between the values of the haematological variables and the concentration of B12 in the blood of veal calves. Blood was collected on the same day from 31 pre-weaned and 31 weaned calves of the Limousine breed from the same farm. The complete blood count, including the blood cell morphology evaluation, was performed and the serum B12, total protein and albumin concentrations were determined. The serum concentration of vitamin B12, the haematocrit (HCT), the haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the platelet count and the lymphocyte count were significantly higher in the weaned calves. A very strong positive correlation was found between the concentration of the vitamin B12 and HCT and HGB before weaning, while these correlations were moderately positive following weaning and in the total population tested as well. The observed variation in the blood cell count and morphology, such as poikilocytosis and the presence of macrocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils, along with the age of the animal seem to be related to the vitamin B12 concentration.

Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is a late-onset fatal disorder associated with a point mutation of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene (c.118G > A). The purpose of this study was to determine the genotype and allele frequencies of this mutation in 108 dogs, mainly in Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs with (CDM-affected group) and without CDM clinical symptoms (control group) in Greece. Genotyping of the c.118G > A mutation was possible by Sanger sequencing and PCR-RFLP. The observed genotype frequencies for the control group were 89.4% for the homozygous (G/G), 9.6% for the heterozygous (A/G), and 0.96% for the homozygous mutant (A/A) allele. The mutant allele was not common in the Belgian Malinois dogs (allele frequency = 0.029), but quite common in the German Shepherd dogs (allele frequency = 0.138). In the CDM affected group, all 4 dogs were homozygous for the mutant allele. These frequencies were close to those expected, indicating no significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A strong but not statistically significant association between the mutant allele and CDM was observed. A previously identified deletion upstream of the mutation of interest was found at a high frequency (0.361) in the population., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Declarations of interest: none., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Urine test strips are commercially available and can be assessed with semi-automated analyzers or by visual assessment. This study aimed to compare the visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. One hundred and nineteen urine samples were evaluated. Automated analysis was performed on a veterinary urine analyzer URIT-50Vet (URIT Medical Electronic) with UC VET13 Plus strips. Multistix 10 SG dipsticks (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) were used for visual evaluation, along with a refractometer (Clinical Refractometer Atago T2-Ne, Atago Co., Tokyo, Japan) for urine specific gravity measurements. A linear relationship was observed between the pH measurements ( p = 0.2) of the two methods; the Passing-Bablok procedure was valid since neither proportional nor systematic significant errors were observed. Comparing the two methods, the correlation for urine specific gravity was poor ( p = 0.01, CI 0.667-1.000). Moderate agreement was demonstrated for proteins (κ = 0.431), bilirubin (κ = 0.434) and glucose (κ = 0.450). Agreement was substantial for blood (κ = 0.620) and poor for leukocytes (κ = 0.100). Poor agreement was observed for ketones (κ = -0.006). Apart from the pH analysis, visual and automated dipstick urinalyses should not be used interchangeably. Multiple urine samples obtained from the same dog during the day should be evaluated using the same method to overcome erroneous results.

Sugar beet pulp is a popular by-product of sugar extraction; however, it can potentially cause depletion of Ca availability due to its oxalic content. The experiment examined the effect of sugar beet pulp and anionic salts administration during the dry period on the serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium of dairy sheep. Eighty-seven sheep were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to their body condition score (BCS) and age at 40 days before the expected lambing. All groups received alfalfa hay, mixed grass straw, and a concentrate supplement. The concentrate fed to groups B and C contained sugar beet pulp. The nutritional value fed to all three groups was similar, except for Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD). Animals of group A had a DCAD of +198 mEq/kg, animals of group B of +188 mEq/kg, and animals of group C were fed 20 gr/d ammonium chloride to achieve a negative DCAD (-52 mEq/kg). All groups were fed the same ration after lambing. Blood samples were collected 30 d, 20 d, 17 d, 14 d, 10 d, 7 d, and 4 d before lambing (a.p.), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 7 d, 10 d, and 15 d after lambing (p.p) for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium, and 30 d a.p., 7 d, and 15 d p.p. for beta hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) concentrations. Urine samples were also collected 20 d, 10 d, 4 d a.p., and 7 d p.p for the evaluation of pH levels. Ca levels of the control group decreased earlier and were lower at 4 d a.p. compared to those of group B and C. Additionally, the control group showed lower p values compared to group C at 20 d and 17 d a.p. P levels recovered earlier post parturition in young (age 1-1.5 years old) compared to older ewes. Group C had lower urine pH values throughout the pre-parturient period, reflecting the acidifying effect of the administered ammonium chloride, without any side effect on macromineral blood concentration. Feeding sugar beet pulp and systemic acidifying before parturition is considered safe and might even be beneficial in preventing hypocalcemia.

The objective of the present study was to measure the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and N-terminal-prohormone-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in the serum of dogs with degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), in order to identify their association with the clinical stage and specific clinico-pathologic and echocardiographic findings.Eighty dogs diagnosed with MVD and staged according to the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) consensus statement (B1, B2, C and D), based on their clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, were included in the study. NT-proBNP was measured only in stage B1 and B2 dogs. Clinical stage did not have a significant effect on PON-1 concentrations ( p = 0.149), but NT-proBNP levels were lower in B1 dogs ( p = 0.001). A significant correlation between PON-1 and total plasma proteins ( p = 0.001), albumin ( p = 0.003) and white blood cell count ( p = 0.041) was detected, whereas there was no significant correlation ( p = 0.847) between PON-1 and NT-proBNP concentrations. PON-1 showed a significant but weak negative correlation with normalized left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDdn) ( p = 0.022) and systole (LVIDsn) ( p = 0.012), as well as mitral valve E to A wave velocity ratio (MV E/A) ( p = 0.015), but not with Left Atrial to Aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) ( p = 0.892) or fractional shortening (FS%) ( p = 0.944). PON-1 seems to be an insensitive marker of clinical stage and disease severity in MVD, but can be indicative of some clinico-pathological and echocardiographic changes. NT-proBNP changes are independent of oxidative stress.

Scientific Background: The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score could be indicative of outcome (survival to discharge) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis., Methods: In 35 naturally infected dogs, the SOFA score and clinical score were calculated and the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was verified on admission and during the first four days of hospitalization., Results: 26 dogs survived, and out of the 9 non-survivors, 6 dogs had positive blood cultures. Mean SOFA scores and clinical scores between survivors and non-survivors and between septic and non-septic dogs on admission and on each hospitalization day were significantly different. Trends in SOFA score indicated that in non-survivors and septic dogs there was an increase in SOFA score during the first four days of hospitalization and a decrease occurred in survivors and non-septic dogs. The area under the curve (ROC curve analysis) for SOFA score predicting the outcome was 0.797 and predicting sepsis was 0.834. The best cut-off point of SOFA score for predicting the final outcome was 3.5 and the best cut-off of SOFA score for predicting sepsis was also 3.5., Conclusions: Either single values or trends in SOFA score can assist in suspecting sepsis and reaching prognosis in parvoviral enteritis., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Urine dipstick and Heller's reaction are easy first-line screening tests for the detection of proteinuria; however, the performance of these methods in alkaline ovine urine is largely unknown., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Heller's reaction alone or in combination with dipstick for the detection of proteinuria in sheep, using the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UP/C) with two cut-off values as the reference method., Methods: Ninety-eight urine samples were collected from sheep using the transient apnea method. Heller's reaction, the dipstick method, and the UP/C ratio were used to assess proteinuria. The results were statistically analyzed twice, based on two different UP/C cut-off values of 0.2 and 0.5. Cohen's kappa value was used to determine the agreement between the UP/C ratios and Heller's reaction, the dipstick method, or the combination of methods. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. ROC curves were also generated, and the areas under the curve (AUC) were evaluated to determine the optimal threshold for the numerical values of the two methods., Results: Heller's reaction is more specific (96.67% and 96.00% when the cut-off value is 0.2 and 0.5, respectively) than the dipstick method, while the dipstick method was more sensitive (91.18% and 91.30%, when the cut-off value was 0.2 and 0.5, respectively) than Heller's reaction for the detection of proteinuria. Both tests were accurate when any grade >0 was considered positive., Conclusions: Proteinuria can almost be excluded in ovine urine samples with negative Heller's reaction and dipstick test., (© 2022 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

In the present study, the course of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in two asymptomatic cats, which were negative for immunosuppressive retroviral infections, is investigated. The source of the virus for the cats was their COVID-19-affected owner, with whom they were in continuous proximity in a small household setting. The owner's signs included fatigue, sneezing, anosmia and loss of taste, and diagnosis was confirmed 4 days after symptom onset. Oropharyngeal and faecal swabs were collected from the cats, to investigate the course of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, as well as the directionality of the chain of virus transmission. Both infected cats were real-time RT-PCR-positive on various time-points. Pharyngeal shedding of at least 6 days was observed in them, with high SARS-CoV-2 titres (> 7 Log 10 copies/swab) on the first sampling time-point, that is, 7 days after the onset of owner's clinical signs. In one cat, after the initial decline, slightly increasing virus titres were measured 3 to 6 days after the first real-time RT-PCR-positive swab. Serological testing of this cat revealed absence of seroconversion. The course of viral RNA concentrations in the faecal swabs of the other cat was similar to that in its pharynx. The detected SARS-CoV-2 strains, from both infected cats and their owner, underwent whole-genome sequencing, revealing the absence of emergence of cross-species adaptive mutations in cats. The results support the notion that human SARS-CoV-2 strains are relatively well-adapted to cats. It is still unclear whether asymptomatic animals could play a role in COVID-19 epidemiology, in case of interaction with naïve animals and/or people. Our findings highlight difficulties in SARS-CoV-2 transmission to cats, as neither the two infected cats nor their owner was able to transmit the virus to a third cat living in the same small flat, despite their very close contact during the days corresponding to high virus shedding., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio is considered the reference method to assess proteinuria. Its diagnostic value in ovine medicine needs further elucidation. In population monitoring and/or for research purposes, it is convenient to collect many samples simultaneously and store them for later analysis. However, analyte stability data are required to ensure reliable results. We used 15 of 90 urine samples collected from sheep to assess the effect of storage time on the UPC ratio. After centrifugation, the supernatant of each sample was divided into 6 aliquots. Urine protein and creatinine concentrations were determined immediately in one aliquot using the pyrogallol red and a modified Jaffè method, respectively. The other aliquots were stored at -18°C. Based on the absence of active sediment, alkaline urine pH, and UPC ratio ≥0.2, we included 15 samples in our study. The UPC ratio was determined in the stored aliquots 2, 7, 14, 21, and 60 d after collection. The data were analyzed with univariate ANOVA. No significant difference was observed in the urinary concentrations of protein, creatinine, and the UPC ratio (0.8 ± 0.84 in conventional units and 0.09 ± 0.095 in SI units) among different times ( p  > 0.05). The UPC ratio remained stable for 2 mo in ovine urine samples stored at -18°C.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of a disease known as tick borne fever in sheep, although fever is not always present. Due to inconclusive clinical signs, diagnosis is based on the cytological or molecular detection of the microorganism in blood and/or the determination of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. The aim of the study was to determine the alterations caused by the presence of antibodies and/or the antigen of A. phagocytophilum in the blood cell count and morphology in sheep. Cytology and indirect immunofluorescence assay were performed for detection of antibodies and the antigen of A. phagocytophilum , respectively. The samples were divided into four groups depending on the result of the antigen and antibody detection. The samples that were only positive for antigen detection had mild anemia, leukopenia (lymphopenia), and thrombocytopenia. The samples that were positive in both assays had anemia, leukopenia (neutropenia and lymphopenia), and thrombocytopenia. Samples that were positive only for antibody detection had mild leukopenia. Morphological findings in infected sheep included band neutrophils, toxic neutrophils, reactive lymphocytes, and activated monocytes. The hematological findings along with cytological and serological tests can contribute to the assessment of the stage of the disease. A combination of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia raises a strong suspicion of the disease. When the microorganism and antibodies are simultaneously present, sheep are more susceptible to secondary complications. The first reported morphological findings and the quantitative hematological alterations are indicative of an inflammatory reaction, antigenic stimulation, and stress.

Dirofilaria immitis causes life-threatening heart disease in dogs, thus screening of dog populations is important. Lens-free technology (LFT) is a low-cost imaging technique based on light diffraction that allows computerized recognition of small objects in holographic images. We evaluated an algorithm capable of recognizing microfilariae in canine whole blood using the LFT. We examined 3 groups of 10 EDTA blood specimens, from dogs with microfilaremia (group A), healthy dogs (B), and dogs with hematologic modifications other than microfilaremia (C). The LFT analyzer photographed repeated series of 5 images of all samples. The algorithm declared a sample positive if a microfilaria was detected on ≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 of the 5 images of a series. Microfilariae were detected visually in the images in 9 of 10 cases in group A; no microfilariae were seen in the images from groups B and C. Of the 30 cases, there were 14, 4, and only 3 false-positives with the 1 of 5, 2 of 5, and 3 of 5 image cutoffs, respectively. There were no false-negatives, regardless of cutoff. LFT seems useful for detecting microfilaria and could have application in clinical pathology.

Filarioids of the genus Cercopithifilaria (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are parasites of wild and domestic animals in tropical and subtropical regions being transmitted by ixodid ticks. Though this filarioid species have been studied in canine and tick populations in Europe, data on their species diversity and geographical distribution in Greece is scant. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Cercopithifilaria spp. in dogs and ticks across Greece and to assess the possible risk factors. A total of 500 skin biopsies were collected from dogs, while 508 ticks were collected from 180 infested animals and examined. Sediments from skin biopsies were microscopically screened for detection of dermal microfilaria (mfs). Skin samples (n = 115) and tick specimens (n = 153) were molecularly subjected by PCR. Overall, 70 samples (14%) scored positive for mfs. Specifically, 68 samples (13.6%) were positive for Cercopithifilaria bainae and two (0.4%) were co-infected with C. bainae and Cercopithifilaria sp. II. Molecular analyses revealed that all sequences obtained belong to C. bainae. Haplotype I was the most frequent (92.6%), followed by haplotype XVIII (3%) and haplotypes II and IX (1.5%). Three new haplotypes of C. bainae, named XIX, XX, and XXI, were also identified. Among the risk factors examined, habitat, dog use, body weight, tick infestation history, and the use of acaricides were associated with the presence of C. bainae. The estimated prevalence of Cercopithifilaria spp. demonstrates that these filarioids are common in dogs and ticks in Greece. Finally, the identification of 7 haplotypes for C. bainae confirms their genetic variability.

Background: Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease that is poorly defined. Specific multitargeted protocols do not exist for setting the diagnosis and the prognosis of the syndrome., Hypothesis/objectives: To quantify Aβ42 and Aβ40 peptides in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and to investigate their contribution to CCDS., Animals: A total of 61 dogs from a hospital population., Methods: Case-control study. Six young (YG: 0-4 years old), 8 middle-aged (4-8 years old), 17 cognitively unimpaired and aged (CU: 8-20 years old), and 30 cognitively impaired and aged (CI: 8-17 years). From the CI group, 10 dogs exhibited mild impairment (CI-MCI) and 20 exhibited severe impairment (CI-SCI). Cognitive status was assessed using a validated owner-based questionnaire. Direct and indirect Aβ markers were determined in plasma fractions (total-TP, free-FP, bound to plasma components-CP) and CSF using commercial ELISA assays (AΒtest, Araclon Biotech)., Results: TPAβ42/40 facilitated discrimination between CI-MCI and CU aged dogs with area under curve ≥ 0.79. CSFAβ42 levels were higher (P = .09) in CU (1.25 ± 0.28 ng/mL) than in MCI (1.04 ± 0.32 ng/mL) dogs. CSF Aβ42 levels were correlated with the CP fragment (CPAβ40: P = .02, CPAβ42: P = .02). CPAβ42 was higher in the CI-MCI (23.03 ± 11.79 pg/μL) group compared to the other aged dogs (CU: 10.42 ± 7.18 pg/μL, P = .02, SCI: 11.40 ± 12.98 pg/μL, P = .26)., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The Aβ should be determined in all of the 3 plasma fractions (TP, FP, CP). In the clinical approach, TPAβ42/40 could be used as an efficient preselection tool for the aged canine population targeting dogs with mild cognitive impairment., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Background: Manual evaluation of blood cell counts on stained blood films is a common procedure in resource-limited laboratories of farm animal clinics. Moreover, settings for sheep blood cell counts are not provided on most veterinary hematology analyzers., Objectives: We aimed to (a) compare the results of white blood cell (WBC) counts evaluated microscopically on ovine blood smears with those obtained by the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer and validate appropriate correction factors for the manual technique; and (b) assess the two suggested factors to calculate platelet counts on blood smears in sheep., Methods: The blood samples of 57 sheep were used to generate a regression equation between the average WBC count per field and the WBC count determined using the ADVIA 120 analyzer. Thirty-one new ovine samples were used to assess the agreement between the calculated WBC counts based on a generated equation and those obtained by the analyzer using the Passing-Bablok test and Bland-Altman plots. Similarly, agreements between platelet counts using two different factors for platelet calculation were assessed using the Bland-Altman plot., Results: The average bias of calculated WBC counts was 0.4%, with precision and accuracy being over 95%. Regarding calculated platelet counts, Bland-Altman plots revealed a bias of 26.4% and 1.4% when the average number of platelets per field was multiplied by 15 000 and 20 000, respectively., Conclusions: Microscopic WBC counting in ovine blood is a reliable alternative to automated analyses using the generated equation. A better agreement between the two methods was observed when a factor of 20 000 was used to calculate platelet counts in ovine blood smears., (© 2020 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Background: Urinalysis is not routinely used in bovine medicine, and there is no evidence as to whether urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) could be used for the diagnosis of renal diseases in cattle., Objective: The goal of the study was to determine alterations in UPCs observed with different subclinical renal diseases in clinically healthy cattle and to investigate whether UPC can efficiently differentiate cattle with and without subclinical renal pathology., Methods: Kidney and urine samples from 57 clinically healthy adult dairy (44) and beef (13) cattle were collected after slaughter. Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in an automatic analyzer, and urinary-specific gravity (USG) was measured using a temperature compensated refractometer. Kidney samples underwent histopathologic examination, and the cattle were classified as NL (no renal lesion) and L (lesions detected even in one kidney). Based on USG, the cattle were divided into the Normal USG (≥1.020) and Low USG (<1.020) groups. The cattle with either histopathologic lesions or low specific gravities were considered to have renal disease., Results: Renal lesions were detected in 37 cattle. UPC values were significantly affected (P < .05) by USG values, and not by the type of lesion detected, breed, or age, and their interactions (P > .05). The analysis revealed that a UPC of ≥0.19 provided an optimal cut-off point for the differentiation between normal animals and those with renal disease with 66.0% sensitivity and 90% specificity., Conclusions: The UPC calculation is a useful tool for the differentiation of normal cattle and those with renal disease. A UPC of less than 0.19 is associated with the absence of renal damage, whereas higher values raise suspicion for renal disease., (© 2020 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Blood samples from 2620 dogs living in 7 different areas were used for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Previously published seropositivity data against Leishmania infantum from the same samples were also used to identify multiple-pathogen seropositivity. The associations between seropositivity against each pathogen and gender, age, utility, hair length, and region of residence were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of seropositivity against E. canis, B. burgdorferi , and D. immitis was 12.25%, 2.23%, and 5.96%, respectively. Double- and triple-pathogen seropositivity was detected in seven different combinations. Age and region of residence were strongly associated with seropositivity against all pathogens. The association between seropositivity and the area of residence highlights the need for regular testing of dogs for vector-borne pathogens in areas with similar conditions to define control measures.

Canine leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum is a widespread zoonotic disease. Although aminosidine can be an effective treatment, current therapeutic recommendations do not advocate its use, mainly due to concerns regarding the potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of this drug. The aim of this randomized, blinded, controlled study was to evaluate the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosidine-allopurinol combination and compare it with that of meglumine antimonate-allopurinol combination in non-azotemic dogs with leishmaniosis. Forty dogs with leishmaniosis were randomly assigned to be treated with either aminosidine at 15 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 28 days (group A) or with meglumine antimonate at 100 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 28 days (group B). In addition to either drug, dogs in both groups were administered allopurinol at 10 mg/kg per os twice daily for 2 months. Kidney function was evaluated through measurement of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and cystatin-c concentrations and complete urinalysis, including protein-to-creatinine ratio, at baseline and after 14, 28, and 60 days from the beginning of the treatment. At the same time points, vestibular and auditory functions were evaluated through neurological examination and brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) recordings of wave I, wave V, inter-wave I-V latencies, and minimum hearing thresholds. None of the dogs developed clinicopathological evidence of kidney disease during the study. Serum creatinine concentration increased >0.3 mg/dl over baseline in 2 dogs in group A and in 5 dogs in group B. Parameters of kidney function were not significantly different or were improved compared to baseline and the only difference between the two groups was the lower concentration of serum creatinine in group A. None of the dogs developed peripheral vestibular syndrome or hearing impairment. At the end of the study, parameters of auditory function were not significantly different or were improved compared to baseline and there were no differences between the two groups. The results of this study show that the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosidine, when administered to non-azotemic dogs with leishmaniosis at 15 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 28 days along with allopurinol, is minimal and does not differ from that of meglumine antimonate., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of the present study was to access the titres and duration of maternally derived neutralizing antibodies against lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) in calves born to immunized dairy cows. The study was conducted in a Greek farm of 200 Holstein cows which were immunized with a homologous Neethling strain-based attenuated vaccine. Composite colostrum samples were obtained from 18 selected cows at the day of calving. Blood samples were obtained from each dam-calf pair prior to the first colostrum feeding and from the calves successively on the third day after calving and on monthly intervals thereafter, until day 150. Passive transfer of antibodies in calves was evaluated by determining the levels of total protein in serum samples collected on day 3. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) titres against LSDV in colostrum and serum samples were determined by virus neutralization test. Colostrum NAb titres >1:160 were associated with the presence of NAbs in serum from calves 3 days after birth. Out of the 18 calves, which received colostrum with NAbs, 16 (88.9%) had detectable NAbs in their serum. Thereafter, a declining percentage of calves with detectable serum NAbs was recorded (38.5% on day 90 and 0% on days 120 and 150). Only calves with high NAb titres on day 3 had detectable serum NAbs until day 90 after calving. Thus, a significant number of calves were not protected by maternal antibodies against the disease after the age of 3 months and likely even after the age of 2 months. The findings of the present study substantiate that current recommendation for vaccination can be amended, so as to minimize the susceptible bovine population and enable optimized LSD prevention and eradication., (© 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background: Urine pH is an integral part of a complete urinalysis, and is commonly measured in veterinary practice using semiquantitative reagent strips., Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the urine pH of dogs and sheep, using visual interpretation of dipstick reactions, and using a pH-meter as the reference method. Agreement between the 2 methods was also assessed. An additional objective was to compare the urine pH before and after centrifugation., Methods: A total of 50 voided urine samples from sheep and 52 from dogs were collected into sterile containers. For pH measurements, 2 methods were used, a pH-meter and urine dipstick reagent pads. Measurements were performed using urine samples before (whole urine) and after centrifugation (urine supernatant). For comparison of the 2 methods, Passing and Bablok regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots were used., Results: The equation created to assess agreement between the 2 methods in dogs showed a constant bias at -0.14 and a positive proportional bias at 0.98. From a clinical standpoint, total bias was below and above the maximum acceptable bias in sheep and dogs, respectively. Clinically acceptable bias was also found using centrifuged urine samples in sheep, but the urine pH values before and after centrifugation were nearly identical in dogs., Conclusion: Urine dipstick reagent pads and pH-meters can be used interchangeably to determine urine pH in sheep without needing centrifugation. In contrast, pH-meters provide more accurate pH measurements than urine dipstick pads in canine urine, which is not improved by centrifugation., (© 2018 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Canine distemper is a common and potentially lethal multisystemic disease caused by the Canine distemper virus (CDV). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of direct immunofluorescent assay (FA) and cytology to detect CDV antigen in conjunctival cells compared with an established polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection assay used as a gold standard for CDV diagnosis. Samples were collected from 57 young dogs presenting with central nervous system signs compatible with distemper disease. Exfoliative epithelial cells were collected from the right and left conjunctiva of each animal using nylon-bristled cytobrushes for cytology and cotton swabs for FA and PCR. For the direct FA, samples were stained with anti-CDV polyclonal antiserum conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate and imaged using a fluorescent microscope. Out of 57 dogs tested, 19 were PCR positive (15 positive in direct FA and 4 positive in cytology, including one that was negative by PCR), whereas 37 dogs were negative in all methods. A good agreement was observed between the FA and PCR, with a κ-value of 0.833 (95% CI: 0.678-0.989). Meanwhile, there was poor agreement between cytology and PCR (κ-value of 0.164; 95% CI: -0.045 to 0.373) and a fair agreement between FA and cytology (κ-value of 0.231; 95% CI: -0.026 to 0.487). Our results indicated a poor performance of cytology for the detection of CDV antigen. In contrast, FA is a 100% specific and an adequately sensitive assay (sensitivity: 78.95%, negative likelihood ratio: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09-0.50) for antemortem diagnosis of canine distemper.

The present study was performed to investigate the clinical impact and certain virological and haematological parameters following immunization of cattle against lumpy skin disease (LSD). The study was conducted in a dairy cattle farm (215 animals), immunized with a Neethling strain-based live vaccine. Twenty-seven animals (14 lactating cows, four dry cows and nine calves) were randomly selected for repetitive blood and saliva samplings. An EvaGreen-based real-time PCR was designed to differentiate vaccine from field LSDVs. Vaccinated animals underwent examination for adverse reactions. Nodule samples were collected from two representative cases for histopathological testing and virus identification. Milk yield was calculated based on bulk-tank measurements of all lactating cows (79). Viral DNA was detected between days 6-15 post-vaccination (p.v.) at 63% of the sampled animals (17/27). Saliva and bulk-tank milk samples were LSDV-negative. Pronounced swelling was observed at injection sites of 12% of the immunized animals (26/215), starting at day 6 p.v., and was resolved after 2-4 days. Small-sized (<0.5 cm) cutaneous lumps were developed between days 8-18 p.v. at 9% of the vaccinated animals (19/215). These were observed in adult cows and not in calves/heifers. Resolution was observable 10 days post-development. The vaccine virus was also identified in nodules and injection-site aspirates. Haematological changes (e.g., lower leucocyte counts) were observed in cows and not in calves. Daily milk production was being reduced during the first 12 days p.v. LSD immunization of cows resulted in nodules and low viraemia levels. The fact that nodules and haematological changes were not observed in calves, along with the low viraemia, supports the reduced virulence of the Neethling vaccine strain. The characteristic nodules in vaccinated animals could allow clinical differentiation from those observed in LSD. The developed real-time PCR efficiently differentiates infected from vaccinated cattle, and should be further validated as a tool in LSD surveillance., (© 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background: Determination of serum total protein concentration is commonly performed by the biuret method. Refractometric measurement is a faster and less expensive alternative but its accuracy has not been determined in ruminants., Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the serum total protein concentrations in cattle, sheep, and goats measured by the biuret method with those obtained by refractometry., Methods: Serum total protein concentration was determined in 120 cattle, 67 sheep, and 58 goat blood samples refractometrically and with the biuret method. The data were analyzed with a paired samples t-test, and Passing and Bablok regression equations and Bland and Altman plots were generated., Results: There was a strong linear relationship between the total protein values determined with the refractometer and the biuret method in cattle, sheep, and goats. The statistical accuracy, which represents a bias correction factor that measures the deviation of the best-fit line from the 45° line through the origin, was 90.63% for cattle, 93.05% for sheep, and 91.76% for goats. The mean protein values determined with the refractometer were significantly lower than those measured with the biuret method in cattle and goats (P < .05) but not in sheep (P > .05)., Conclusions: The evaluated refractometer was sufficiently accurate for the determination of serum total proteins in cattle, sheep, and goats, although it cannot be used interchangeably with the biuret method. The RIs should be corrected for negative bias based on the created equations., (© 2017 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of cattle with severe economic impact. Immunization of cattle with homologous live attenuated vaccines poses a number of diagnostic problems, as it has been associated with adverse reactions resembling disease symptoms. The latter hampers clinical diagnosis and poses challenges in virus identification. To this end, a duplex quantitative real-time PCR method targeting the GPCR gene was developed and validated, for the concurrent detection and differentiation of wild type and vaccine Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains. The method was evaluated in three laboratories. The evaluation included a panel of 38 poxvirus isolates/strains and the analytical characteristics of the method were determined. Amplification efficiencies were 91.3% and 90.7%, for wild type and vaccine LSDV, respectively; the limit of detection was 8 DNA copies for both targets and the inter-assay CV was 0.30% for wild type and 0.73% for vaccine LSDV. The diagnostic performance was assessed using 163 LSDV-positive samples, including field specimens and samples from experimentally vaccinated/infected animals. The method is able to confirm diagnosis in suspect cases, it differentiates infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) and can be regarded as an important tool for effective LSD surveillance and eradication during vaccination campaigns., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies on the underlying causes of thrombocytosis have raised scientific interest in its clinical relevance in dogs. The purpose of this study was: (1) to explore the clinical conditions associated with thrombocytosis; (2) to compare platelet counts among these conditions; and (3) to identify possible interactions with other haematological variables and associated conditions. Medical records of 195 dogs with thrombocytosis (platelet count >500×10 3 /μL) were reviewed for signalment, complete blood count results and definitive diagnosis. The prevalence of thrombocytosis was 6.02%. All cases included had reactive thrombocytosis, with non-neoplastic, non-inflammatory underlying conditions in 48.2%, inflammatory processes in 34.4% and neoplastic processes in 17.4%. Haemoglobin and white blood cell counts were negatively and positively associated with platelet count, respectively. This study revealed that mean platelet count in dogs with neoplasia and a packed cell volume of 35% or below was significantly higher than that for dogs with other disease categories. Therefore, for dogs with marked thrombocytosis and anaemia, it is recommended that neoplasia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) correlates with severity of myocardial injury. Nonspecific inflammation in congestive heart failure (CHF) could be assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) measurements., Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether serum cTnI, CRP, Hp, and Cp concentrations differ among various stages of mitral valve disease (MVD) in dogs., Materials and Methods: Dogs with MVD were allocated to 3 groups (I - asymptomatic; II - mild to moderate CHF; III advanced CHF) according to the scheme of the International Small Animal Cardiac Healthy Council (ISACHC). Concentrations of cTnI, CRP, Cp, and Hp were measured in all dogs upon admission, and cTnI and CRP were measured bimonthly during a 4-month follow-up period., Results: In total 46 dogs with MVD were enrolled for the cross-sectional part (21 Group I, 11 Group II, 14 Group III), and 35 dogs were included in the longitudinal study. Initial mean Cp concentrations were similar among all groups. There was a statistically significant difference in Hp and CRP concentrations between group I (n = 21, P = .019) and III (n = 14, P < .001). There was a statistically significant decrease in CRP (P = .033) and cTnI (P = .009) concentrations over the longitudinal study (all groups). CRP concentrations were significantly higher in group I than III (P = .004). During the 6-month monitoring period of 35 dogs, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between cTnI and CRP (P < .001)., Conclusion: Differences in CRP concentrations between clinical stages of MVD suggest a clinically and therapeutically relevant inflammatory component., (© 2015 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a biomarker correlated with the severity of myocardial injury. It is hypothesized that serial assessment of cTnI could provide information about the disease progression in chronic heart failure., Objective: The purpose of the study was to correlate serial serum cTnI concentrations with clinical scoring and select diagnostic imaging findings in dogs managed for mitral valve degeneration (MVD) for a period of 6 months., Methods: Client-owned dogs with MVD were prospectively recruited for the study. The dogs were allocated into 3 groups (I, II, III) according to the severity of their clinical signs based on the classification suggested by the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council. During the 6-month study period, serum specimens for biochemical testing were obtained biweekly, clinical progression and response to treatment were also evaluated biweekly, and radiographic reevaluation was performed every 2 months., Results: A total of 46 dogs were evaluated. There was a marked decrease in cTnI values during the first 2 weeks after initial diagnosis, more pronounced in group III, and corresponding to the initiation of therapy and clinical stabilization of animals. Serum cTnI was significantly different (P < .05) among the 3 dog groups throughout the study period. The interaction between Group and Period was significant in group III, indicating an upward cTnI trend evident in severely affected animals. A positive correlation was demonstrated in all groups between serum cTnI and clinical scoring., Conclusion: Long-term management of MVD in dogs could benefit from the serial measurement of cTnI., (© 2014 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and European Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.)

Bleeding time is a screening test for the evaluation of primary haemostasis. As there is currently limited information on the reference interval (RI) and repeatability of the test in the cat compared with the dog, the purpose of the study was to establish the RI of buccal mucosa bleeding time (BMBT) in healthy cats and to investigate the intra-observer repeatability of the test. Fifty-six cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. The animals were deemed to be healthy based on history, physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and negative serological testing for feline leukaemia and immunodeficiency viruses. All cats were sedated with ketamine, dexmedetomidine and morphine, and the BMBT was sequentially measured in the left and right exposed buccal mucosa following a standardised incision made by a commercially available, disposable, bleeding time device. The mean BMBT was 58.6 s and the RIs ranged from 34 to 105 s (Bootstrap estimation). The intra-observer repeatability was up to 87 s (Bland-Altman plot). The results of this study imply that the combination of ketamine, dexmedetomidine and morphine is a safe and useful sedative protocol allowing for the reliable measurement of BMBT in the cat. The RI of feline BMBT may range from 34 to 105 s and the BMBT may differ by up to 87 s for any two consecutive readings for an individual cat.

Multilobular tumour of bone (MTB) is an uncommon tumour and is usually located in the skull. A 13-year-old mixed breed dog was presented with a two-week history of progressively worsening vestibular dysfunction and cognitive abnormalities; it appeared demented and showed asymmetric ataxia and hypermetria of all limbs. The owner opted to have the animal euthanised. Necropsy revealed a large mass occupying the right occipital, parietal and temporal bones, severely compressing the cerebellum and the right occipital lobe. Histologically, it was characterised by the presence of multiple lobules containing osteoid or cartilage and separated by fibrous septae, features typical of MTB. Lung metastases were evident. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an MTB causing both severe cerebral and cerebellar compression and the second detailed report of an MTB of the occipital bone. MTB should be included in the differential diagnosis of bone tumours as well as in cases with central vestibular disease.

The dematiaceous fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides is a widely distributed saprophyte that is reported to occasionally infect the lung, skin, eye and brain of humans. This report describes a German shepherd dog with granulomatous encephalitis and nephritis due to C. cladosporioides infection. Although the fungal organisms appeared non-pigmented in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections, they were readily identified with histochemical stains. Semi-nested polymerase chain reaction using universal fungal primers amplified fungal DNA from fixed tissue that had identity to that of C. cladosporioides on sequencing.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a proposed therapeutic protocol in 12 dogs with a tentative diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy, followed-up for a 6-month period. Twelve dogs fulfilling the antemortem inclusion criteria (breed, age, adequate vaccination, history of progressive posterior ataxia and/or paraparesis, no radiographic and myelographic abnormalities in the spinal cord and vertebral column) were allocated. All these dogs presented signs of thoracolumbar syndrome (T3-L3), scored as grade I (mild to moderate ataxia and paraparesis) in 10 and grade II (severe ataxia and ambulatory paraparesis) in 2 cases. Treatment included the use of epsilon-aminocaproic acid and N-acetylcysteine, supplemented with vitamins B, C and E. Prednisolone was given for the first two weeks and upon worsening of neurological signs. Daily exercise, performed as walking or swimming, was strongly recommended. Clinicopathological evaluation was normal in all 12 dogs, and survey radiographs and myelograms did not show spinal cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed only in 4 dogs, did not disclose compressive disorders or intramedullary lesions. Neurological signs were progressively worsening in all 12 animals, eventually resulting in severe paraparesis (grade III) or paraplegia (grade IV). The applied medications do not appear to be an attractive alternative to conservative management (physiotherapy) or euthanasia in canine degenerative myelopathy, irrespective of its chronicity.

After 5 years of development, the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) was formally recognized and approved on July 4, 2007 by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS), the European regulatory body that oversees specialization in veterinary medicine and which has approved 23 colleges. The objectives, committees, basis for membership, constitution, bylaws, information brochure and certifying examination of the ECVCP have remained unchanged during this time except as directed by EBVS. The ECVCP declared full functionality based on the following criteria: 1) a critical mass of 65 members: 15 original diplomates approved by the EBVS to establish the ECVCP, 37 de facto diplomates, 7 diplomates certified by examination, and 5 elected honorary members; 2) the development and certification of training programs, laboratories, and qualified supervisors for residents; currently there are 18 resident training programs in Europe; 3) administration of 3 annual board-certifying examinations thus far, with an overall pass rate of 70%; 4) European consensus criteria for assessing the continuing education of specialists every 5 years; 5) organization of 8 annual scientific congresses and a joint journal (with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology) for communication of scientific research and information; the College also maintains a website, a joint listserv, and a newsletter; 6) collaboration in training and continuing education with relevant colleges in medicine and pathology; 7) development and strict adherence to a constitution and bylaws compliant with the EBVS; and 8) demonstration of compelling rationale, supporting data, and the support of members and other colleges for independence as a specialty college. Formal EBVS recognition of ECVCP as the regulatory body for the science and practice of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe will facilitate growth and development of the discipline and compliance of academic, commercial diagnostic, and industry laboratories in veterinary clinical pathology. Future needs are in developing sponsorship for resident positions, increasing employment opportunities, increasing compliance with laboratory, training, and continuing education standards, and advancing relevant science and technology.

Background: Increased serum activity of total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) has been found in dogs with mammary neoplasms, especially malignant mixed tumors. We hypothesized that the bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BALP), a specific indicator of osteoblastic activity and bone formation, may contribute to increased TALP in dogs with mammary neoplasms with osseous transformation., Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare serum TALP, BALP, and other ALP isoenzyme activities in dogs with mammary malignant neoplasms with and without osseous transformation., Methods: Twenty-one female dogs with malignant mammary neoplasms were compared with 21 clinically healthy, age-matched female control dogs. Physical, clinicopathologic (including preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids, ACTH stimulation, and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests), radiographic, and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on all dogs with tumors to assess coexisting conditions. On the basis of histologic examination of excised tumors, dogs were further classified as having epithelial (n = 11) or mesenchymal/mixed (epithelial-mesenchymal) (n = 10) neoplasms, the latter of which had histologic and radiologic evidence of bone formation. Serum TALP, BALP, liver alkaline phosphatase (LALP), and corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase (CALP) activities were measured using biochemical methods., Results: Dogs with malignant mammary tumors had significantly higher (P < .05) median serum TALP (170 U/L), BALP (59 U/L), LALP (49 U/L), and CALP (24 U/L) activities, compared with control dogs (81, 32, 37, and 5 U/L, respectively). Significantly higher activities of BALP and LALP were found in dogs with epithelial neoplasms; whereas, only CALP activity was higher in dogs with mesenchymal/mixed neoplasms. There was no significant difference in TALP or isoenzyme activitities between epithelial and mesenchymal/mixed groups., Conclusion: BALP activity is increased in some dogs with malignant mammary tumors but does not account for the increase in TALP in dogs with neoplasms that have osseous transformation.

A 5-year-old, intact male, stray dog was presented in poor body condition, with pallor, muzzle deformity, multiple oozing fistulas with grass awns, bilateral sanguinopurulent nasal discharge and a fleshy friable mass occupying part of the hard palate. A friable mass occupying both nasal cavities was found on rhinoscopy. The dog had moderate nonregenerative normochromic-microcytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Cytologic preparations of the nasal and oral masses contained a neoplastic population of round cells with intracytoplasmic and extracellular vacuoles. Leishmania amastigotes also were observed, in the cytoplasm of macrophages and, occasionally, within neoplastic cells. A diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumor and concurrent leishmaniosis was made. Treatment with vincristine and allopurinol resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs and disappearance of the masses. The presence of amastigotes in neoplastic TVT cells may suggest an alternative mode of transmission of canine leishmaniosis where these diseases co-exist.

A case of hypervitaminosis A with secondary entrapment and compression of the left brachial plexus nerve roots is described. A 9-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair, fed a home-made diet based on raw pork liver, was submitted for examination for a left forelimb lameness that evolved to paralysis over a 2-month period. Clinical examination revealed a flaccid paralysis and atrophy of all left forelimb muscles. An ipsilateral Horner's syndrome was also noted. Radiological examination of the cervical and thoracic spine showed massive new bone formation at the ventral aspect of the second cervical to sixth thoracic vertebra. The diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A was made, based on the clinical and radiographic findings, as well as the determination of serum vitamin A concentration, which was 630 microg/dl, three times above the upper normal limit for this species. Despite the unfavourable initial prognosis, the cat progressively regained function of the affected limb approximately 6 months after the diet was changed to a commercial canned food.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the duration and severity of neurological dysfunction as prognostic indicators for the final outcome in 30 dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease, treated surgically with hemilaminectomy without concurrent prophylactic fenestration. The lesion localization was assessed comparing plain radiographic, myelographic and surgical findings and success rates were evaluated during case follow-up. Evidence of a single disk extrusion existed in 17 dogs on survey spinal radiographs, while myelography revealed definite spinal cord compression in 28 cases and was inconclusive in the remaining two cases. Case follow-up continued for a period ranging from 3 months to 2 years post-operatively, depending on the degree of neurological dysfunction on presentation and owner compliance. The severity of clinical signs and the interval elapsing prior to decompressive surgery did not correlate with the case outcome, with 12 of 20 dogs (60%) that exhibited the most pronounced neurological dysfunction (paraplegia with or without analgesia) regaining voluntary motor function during the follow-up period. Recurrences proven to be disk-related did not occur in any dog throughout the post-surgical observation period. It was concluded that the time elapsing from loss of motor function and the severity of clinical signs is not an objective method to predict the case outcome.

Background: Bone healing is monitored mainly by physical and serial radiologic examinations of the fracture site. However, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a delayed union from a nonunion, and advanced imaging techniques may not be available. Serum biochemical markers of bone formation, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, may be clinically useful in evaluating the progress of healing., Objective: The purpose of this study was to correlate serial values of serum ALP activity with the process of fracture healing in dogs and to assess its potential as a postsurgical prognostic indicator., Methods: Changes in serum ALP activity were studied in 83 dogs with closed long bone diaphyseal fractures treated surgically. Physical and radiologic examinations of the fracture site and determination of serum ALP activity and calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) concentrations were performed on admission (day 0); postoperatively on days 10, 20, and 30; and subsequently on a monthly basis until bone union was completed or signs of nonunion were evident. The dogs were allocated into 3 groups with respect to the fracture healing progress as documented by physical and serial radiologic examination., Results: Group A dogs (n=35) developed a medium-sized callus that led to bone union within 2 months. Group B dogs (n=36) had a hypertrophic callus and delayed union, within 3-5 months. Group C dogs (n=12) had slow progress in fracture healing, with minimal callus formation during a 2-month period. Changes in mean serum ALP activity followed the same pattern in groups A and B, reaching a maximum level on day 10. Group A values returned to normal within 2 months, at which point bone union was complete, whereas group B values remained increased and returned to normal within 3-5 months, thus correlating with delayed union. In Group C, mean serum ALP activities showed no significant changes during the 2-month follow-up period, consistent with failure of bone union (nonunion). Serum P and Ca changes followed a proportional and inverse pattern to ALP changes, respectively., Conclusion: Serial determination of serum ALP activity during fracture healing could be an additional tool in predicting fractures at risk of developing a nonunion, helping the clinician to choose the appropriate intervention.

Ten dogs with primary (n = 8) and metastatic (n = 2) brain tumours were studied in an attempt to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the clinical signs noticed, seizures (seven of 10), behavioural abnormalities and cognition dysfunction (seven of 10), compulsive walking and circling (six of 10), sensorimotor (five of 10) and neuro-opthalmological (two of 10) dysfunction were the most common. In all 10 animals that finally died of the disease or were killed, the histopathological diagnosis that followed necropsy was taken as a golden standard in the CT or MRI prediction of the histological type of brain neoplasms. In every instance, tumour detection, morphology and histological differentiation were possible with the aid of either CT (seven of 10) or MRI (three of 10) imaging especially after contrast enhancement. Only one CT-evaluated dog, diagnosed as meningioma, was found to be astrocytoma on histopathology. Interestingly, a rare case of cerebellar medulloblastoma was correctly identified in MRI scans., (Copyright 2004 Blackwell Verlag)

This study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary use of a clinoptilolite-rich tuff (Cp) on health status and performance of weaned, growing and finishing pigs and its compatibility during simultaneous oral administration of antimicrobials (AM) such as enrofloxacin (E) or salinomycin (S). Weaners (720) were assigned in 2 experimental groups and 4 subgroups based on the inclusion or not of Cp and AM in their feed (subgroups: NC, ES, Cp, Cp+ES) in order to evaluate their health status, under PWDS prevailing herd conditions. A second part of the trial aimed to the evaluation of piglet performance under conditions with minimized PWDS herd risks. For this purpose, a second set of 264 weaners were assigned in 2 groups and 4 subgroups, in a respective manner. All piglets remained on-trial until slaughtering age; Cp was incorporated in their feed at a rate of 2% from the day of weaning until slaughtering. The health status evaluation consisted in monitoring piglets for adverse effects related to Cp consumption, average daily diarrhoea scoring during weaning and mortality rate calculations throughout. Performance evaluation included individual weighing at the end of weaning, growing and fattening periods and feed consumption assessments. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ration (FCR) on a pen basis were further calculated. Cp ingestion was well tolerated by the piglets. Simultaneous administration of Cp and AM in feed, resulted in less severe forms of PWDS, which had a shorter clinical course (P<0.05). Mortality decreased (P<0.05) during the weaning period due to AM administration. Concerning mean pig body weight at the end of each production phase, both Cp and AM had favorable effects (P<0.05). ADG estimated for the whole observation period was improved (P<0.05) by Cp-use along with AM. FCR improvements (P<0.05) were noticed during the different stages of growth due to AM or Cp administration, while Cp/AM interaction was noticed only at weaning (P<0.05).

Increased total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) activity in the serum, long noticed in canine mammary tumours among other neoplasms, has not been yet associated with malignancy, osseous transformation of neoplastic tissue or histopathological typing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to correlate this biochemical abnormality with the above-mentioned parameters, in 79 adult to elderly female dogs with mammary neoplasms, without evidence of metastatic or any other disease. Histopathology disclosed that 64 (81%) of these neoplasms were malignant and 15 (19%) benign, belonging to various histological types. Radiology and histopathology revealed the presence of osseous tissue in 18 (22.8%) cases. The malignant neoplasms were subsequently allocated into group A including 46 (74.2%) of epithelial origin and group B with 16 (25.8%) neoplasms of both epithelial and mesenchymal origin ('malignant mixed' tumours). In addition, their benign counterparts were divided into group C (adenomas, fibroadenomas) and group D (benign mixed tumours) that included seven (46.7%) and eight (53.3%) tumours, respectively. Almost 55% of the dogs with malignant and 47% with benign tumours had increased serum-TALP activity. However, no significant difference in serum-TALP activity was found between the dogs with malignant (mean +/- SE: 243.7 +/- 37.4 U/l) and benign (167.9 +/- 38.4 U/l) neoplasms, with (238.9 +/- 45.3 U/l) and without (226.5 +/- 38.3 U/l) osseous transformation, with (298.5 +/- 85.6 U/l) or without (201.2 +/- 30.5 U/l) myoepithelial cell proliferation and with different tumour size (T1/T2: 175.1 +/- 34.9 and T3: 254.5 +/- 42.5 U/l). In histopathological typing, the only difference noticed involved the malignant neoplasms of group A (190.5 +/- 25.5 U/l) compared with group B (378 +/- 124.6 U/l) dogs. The higher increase of serum-TALP activity in 'malignant mixed' tumours could not be attributed to osseous transformation or new ALP isoenzyme production by myoepithelial cells. Increased serum-TALP activity is of no apparent diagnostic (as to tumour type) or prognostic value.

Three three-month-old Siberian husky x Alaskan malamute crossbreds had suffered episodic inspiratory dyspnoea and stridor for four to eight weeks and their endurance had decreased. In two of them bilateral, and in the other unilateral, laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed by laryngoscopy. In the nucleus ambiguus of the dogs there was a depletion of motor neurons, neuronal degeneration and mild gliosis, but there were no lesions in the root and peripheral segments of the recurrent laryngeal nerves.