Sedative Effects of Intranasal Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine in 2 Species of Tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria and Geochelone platynota)

The sedative effects of intranasal midazolam and dexmedetomidine were evaluated in 2 tortoise species as a means to facilitate handling and performing diagnostic procedures. Six red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) and 6 Indian star tortoises (Geochelone platynota) received the following treatments in a randomized order with 2-week washout periods between the treatments: midazolam (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg), dexmedetomidine (0.05 and 0.15 mg/kg), and saline control. Tortoises were evaluated and scored for sedation (using a previously published subjective method) by blinded observers, and results were averaged for each species and treatment group. Low-dose dexmedetomidine (0.05 mg/kg) in red-footed tortoises resulted in a significantly higher median sedation score at 5 minutes compared with other treatments. Control saline resulted in a higher median sedation score 5 minutes after administration in Indian star tortoises compared with red-footed tortoises. No other significant differences were observed between treatments or between species. The results suggest that intranasal administration of midazolam or dexmedetomidine, at the dosages used in this study, do not provide effective sedation in red-footed tortoises or Indian star tortoises, based on a subjective scoring system.     

Plants eaten and dispersed by adult leopard tortoises Geochelone Pardalis (Reptilia: Chelonii) in the southern Karoo

Leopard tortoise Geochelone pardalis faeces collected in rocky habitats in the southern Karoo contained at least 75 species of grasses, succulents and forbs belonging to 26 plant families. Soft, green plants were broken down by digestion but twigs, thorns and fibrous naterials were not digested. Flowers, fruits and seeds made up 67% of 356 identified plant fragments. Germination trials demonstrated that leopard tortoises could disperse viable seeds of Aizoaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae and Scrophulariaceae.     

Calcium and phosphorus values and their derivatives in captive tortoises (Testudo species)

Objective : To evaluate the relationships between total calcium and phosphorus and ionised calcium and phosphorus values in clinically healthy tortoises. Methods : Jugular blood samples were obtained from 25 tortoises, as part of a health screen of the population. These comprised Hermann’s tortoises, Testudo hermanni boettgeri, spur-thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca ibera, marginated tortoises, Testudo marginata, and horsfield tortoises, Testudo horsfieldi. Plasma from these samples were analysed for total calcium, ionised calcium and phosphorus levels. These samples were taken in the immediate posthibernation period, before the onset of reproductive activity. Results : Females exhibited statistically significantly higher levels of phosphorus. Ionised calcium and total calcium levels were elevated in females compared with males, but this was not statistically significant. Females did have statistically significantly higher calculated solubility indexes and statistically significantly lower ratios compared with males. Clinical Significance : This study has provided an insight into the ratios and solubility indexes in tortoises, and this information may lead to further understanding of the significance of these parameters in chelonians.     

Tonometry in adult yellow-footed tortoises (Geochelone denticulata)

Objective To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult yellow‐footed tortoises using applanation tonometry. Animals Fifteen healthy adult captive yellow‐footed tortoises (eight males and seven females). Procedures Intraocular pressures were estimated for tortoises by using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. Body length, measured from nuchal to anal scutes, ranged from 27.5 to 57.2 cm. Five measurements from each eye were obtained by a single observer in an ambient temperature of approximately 30 °C. Results Mean ± SEM IOP of 30 eyes of 15 yellow‐footed tortoises was 14.2 ± 1.2 mmHg. Range of IOP was 6–30 mmHg for tortoises. Significant differences were detected neither between right and left eyes (P = 0.357) of individual tortoises, nor between males and females (P = 0.524). Observer's readability was good (intraclass coefficient = 0.65), and IOP did not change over the ordered five measurements. Conclusions There was no significant difference in IOP between males and females in this specie. Tonometry values for normal eyes may represent a useful diagnostic methodology for recognition and treatment of ocular diseases in reptiles.     

Antimicrobial resistance genes present in the faecal microbiota of free‐living Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis porteri)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), encoded by plasmid‐mediated AMR genes (ARGs), is an increasing global public health threat. Wildlife play a fundamental role as sentinels, reservoirs and potential vectors of ARGs. For the first time in Galapagos, we have identified and quantified the presence of ARGs in free‐living giant tortoises (Chelonoidis porteri). We performed ARG analyses by quantitative PCR of faeces collected from the cloaca of 30 tortoises widely distributed across Santa Cruz Island. Validated samples (n = 28) were analysed by a panel of up to 21 different ARGs and all 28 tortoise samples were positive to one or more genes encoding resistance. Thirteen of 21 tested ARGs were present in at least one sample, and 10 tortoises (35.7%) had a multi‐resistant pattern. We recommend additional research so we may more fully understand resistance patterns across taxa and geographical locations throughout the Galapagos archipelago, and the implications of ARGs for the health of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In this study, we found 100% of sampled giant tortoises had ARGs present in their faeces, suggesting a large‐scale distribution of these genes within the archipelago.     

Salmonella Infection in Illegally Imported Spur‐Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca)

The prevalence of Salmonella infection was determined in a group of spur‐thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) seized during two smuggling attempts and in a population of captive Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) sheltered in a wildlife rescue centre. Salmonella spp. was isolated in 81 of 220 (36.8%) and in 17 of 67 (25.4%) cloacal swabs collected from the T. graeca and T. hermanni tortoises respectively. Overall, a total of 21 different Salmonella serotypes were found. Some of these serotypes are common to terrestrial chelonians while others have never been reported. All cultured serotypes were non‐typhoidal but nonetheless many of these have been previously reported as source of human outbreaks of reptile‐related salmonellosis. Eighty‐two per cent and 5.3% of the isolates were resistant to two and three anti‐microbial agents respectively. However, the isolates were highly susceptible to the anti‐microbials of choice for the treatment of salmonellosis such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Our findings confirm that tortoises can be considered a reservoir for Salmonella and that care should be employed when handling and breeding these animals. Tight surveillance should be enforced to avoid illegal importation and prevent the trading of live tortoises, carriers of zoonotic pathogens.     

Survey of tortoises with urolithiasis in Japan

Urolithiasis is a disease often seen in tortoises at veterinary hospitals, however there have been no comprehensive research reports of tortoises with urolithiasis in Japan. In this study, we analyzed tortoises diagnosed with urolithiasis at three domestic veterinary hospitals. Based on medical records, we assessed the diagnostic method, species, sex, body weight, dietary history, husbandry, clinical signs, clinical examination, treatment for urolithiasis, and clinical outcome. The total number of cases in the 3 facilities was 101. As for species of tortoises, the most common was the African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) with 42 cases (41.6%), followed by the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) with 30 cases (29.7%). Six other species were confirmed to have calculi. Almost all cases (99 cases, 98%) had a single calculus, and only 2 had multiple calculi. The prevalence of urolithiasis for the total number of tortoises having visited to one institution during the same period was 5.1%. Of the 86 cases that underwent calculi removal, 64 (74.4%) were successfully removed via the vent, and the efficacy of this method was confirmed. Nineteen cases (22%) were approached via plastronotomy, among which only 2 died postoperatively. In this study, we could not clarify the relationship between calculi formation and diets or other husbandry factors.     

Intraocular pressure determination in clinically normal red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).

Intraocular pressure (IOP) reflects a balance between aqueous humor production and outflow and is often an essential ophthalmic diagnostic procedure in animals. The objective of this study was to estimate IOP in clinically normal red-footed tortoises (Geochelone carbonaria) of various sizes by using applanation tonometry. Intraocular pressures were estimated for 25 captive red-footed tortoises (10 males, 10 females, and 5 animals of unknown sex) by using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. Body length ranged from 5.1 to 54.9 cm, measured from nuchal to anal scutes. Five measurements from each eye were obtained by a single observer in an ambient temperature of approximately 30 degrees C. Observer's reliability was good (intraclass r = 0.75), and IOP did not change over the ordered sequence of five replicate measurements. For individual tortoises the correlation for IOP between the left and right eyes was low (r = 0.20). The paired t-test did not show any statistical effect (P = 0.426) for the difference in IOP between the left and right eyes. Mean IOP determined for 10 confirmed males and 10 confirmed females did not differ between sexes (P = 0.244). The mean IOP of five small tortoises (< 10 cm long) was not significantly different (P = 0.244) from that of 20 large tortoises (> 10 cm long). In red-footed tortoises there does not appear to be any relation between carapace length and IOP.     

Capillary electrophoresis for the detection of bilirubin in rat serum

Background: The rat is used often to assess the toxicity of new chemical entities in preclinical drug development. Bilirubin concentration in rat serum is routinely determined by colorimetric methods, but false positive results due to hemolyzed serum or direct interferences by test compounds may occur. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an automated method that requires small sample volume and facilitates the direct detection of bilirubin. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a CE method for detecting bilirubin and albumin‐bound bilirubin in rat serum and to measure potential interference by hemolysis and specific test compounds. Methods: Serum samples from male Sprague Dawley rats (n=20) were used in the study. Results obtained on a Beckman P/ACE MDQ CE instrument equipped with a UV‐detector were compared with those obtained using a colorimetric method on a Hitachi 912 analyzer. Bilirubin standards were used to evaluate the detection and stability of bilirubin in rat serum, and vials with ultrafiltration membranes were used to separate albumin‐bound bilirubin. Intraday and interday coefficients of variation (CV), linearity, and the effects of added hemoglobin and a test compound on CE results were determined. Results: The CE method was capable of detecting bilirubin and albumin‐bound bilirubin in rat serum samples with reproducible results and good accuracy. CVs were <3% and linearity of the CE assay was high (R²=0.9951). Abnormally high bilirubin peaks due to the presence of hemoglobin or the test compound were easily distinguished by means of CE. Conclusion: CE is a good alternative to the colorimetric methods currently used for the determination of bilirubin in rat serum.     

Comparison of flow cytometry with the Sysmex XT2000iV automated analyzer for the detection of reticulated platelets in dogs

Background: Immature (reticulated) platelets (r‐PLT) are not routinely assessed by hematology analyzers, but may be useful in the evaluation of the bone marrow response to thrombocytopenia. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the Sysmex XT2000iV hematology analyzer with standard flow cytometry for the determination of r‐PLT percentage in dogs. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy dogs, 12 thrombocytopenic dogs, and 6 dogs with normal platelet counts but with disorders associated with increased thrombopoiesis. The percentage of r‐PLT was determined with a FACscan flow cytometer (r‐PLT[F]) using CD61‐phycoerythrin antibody and thiazole orange, and with the PLT‐O channel of the Sysmex analyzer (r‐PLT[S]). Mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and platelet large cell ratio were also determined on the Sysmex. Repeatability (intra‐assay precision) and effect of storage were tested for the automated analyzer. Results: The reference interval (mean±1.96 X SD) for r‐PLT(F) was 1.91±1.29% (range 0.78–3.68%) and for r‐PLT(S) was 0.56±0.82% (range 0.11–2.16%). For both flow cytometry and the Sysmex, the patient group had a significantly higher mean percentage of r‐PLT compared with the control group (P<.0001, unpaired Student's t‐tests). Fair correlation (r=0.71; Spearman's regression analysis) was found for r‐PLT results between the 2 methods, and a negative proportional systematic bias of ?6.26 was found for the Sysmex (Bland–Altman analysis). Based on receiver operating characteristic curves and a cut‐off of ≥0.975%, a sensitivity of 94.7% and a specificity of 85.7% were obtained for detecting r‐PLT on the Sysmex, using flow cytometry as the reference method. Blood samples stored at 4 °C and 25 °C had a significant increase in the percentage of r‐PLT after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Conclusions: The PLT‐O channel of the Sysmex XT2000iV is capable of detecting immature platelets in healthy, thrombocytopenic, and nonthrombocytopenic ill dogs.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence in the pig of two ivermectin feed formulations

Two premix products containing the endectocide ivermectin were compared for pharmacokinetic profiles and bioequivalence in young pigs. Test and reference articles were administered to individual pigs in‐feed at 12‐h intervals for a total of 14 doses. Plasma concentration–time profiles were compared after provision of the final doses of medicated feed, by which time steady‐state concentrations of ivermectin had been achieved. The pharmacokinetic variables monitored were peak concentration (C_max), area under the curve (AUC)_0–last, elimination half‐life of the terminal phase (T_1/2 λz) and average steady‐state concentration (C_ss), determined by noncompartmental analysis. Logarithmic transformation of the variables was carried out when appropriate. Analysis of data by the Classic Method yielded confidence intervals of 80.59–114.47 (for AUC_0–last), 90.38–119.68 (for C_max) and 84.70–111.96 (for C_ss). It was concluded that the two articles were bioequivalent for ivermectin.     

Biochemical and hematologic values for 18 clinically healthy radiated tortoises (Geochelone radiata) on St Catherines Island, Georgia

BACKGROUND: The radiated tortoise (Geochelone radiata) is a critically endangered species in its native land, the southern portion of the island of Madagascar. Captive breeding programs have generated data on the breeding behavior and ecology of G radiata; however, hematologic and biochemical data also are critically important in managing populations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex and seasonal effects on hematologic and biochemical data from captive radiated tortoises. METHODS: Whole blood was collected in January and August 2001 from 18 radiated tortoises (10 male, 8 female) housed at the Wildlife Survival Center on St Catherines Island, Georgia, as part of a routine health assessment. Routine hematologic and plasma biochemical analyses and electrophoresis were done using standard methods. Data from male and female tortoises were compared within and between seasons using 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: RBC and HCT values were significantly higher in summer than in winter and were higher in males than in females. Total protein concentration did not differ significantly between males and females; however, female tortoises had significantly higher concentrations of alpha1- and beta-globulins in winter and summer compared to males. Male tortoises had significantly higher sodium and uric acid concentrations and LDH activity during winter, and higher urea concentration and LDH and CK activities in summer, compared with females. Female tortoises had significantly higher triglyceride and phosphorus concentrations in winter, and higher phosphorus, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in summer, compared with males. CONCLUSION: Sex and seasonal differences in hematologic and biochemical values for radiated tortoises likely reflect vitellogenesis and egg production in females, and altered hydration status and activity in summer. Data from the tortoises in this study will be useful for the seasonal health assessment of this species.     

Automated counting of nucleated cells in equine synovial fluid without and with hyaluronidase pretreatment

Background: Microscopy is usually used to obtain manual total and differential cell counts in equine synovial fluid. A faster, more precise method is desirable. Objectives: The objectives were to compare an automated impedance method with a manual method for obtaining total and differential cell counts in equine synovial fluid and to evaluate the effect of pretreatment with hyaluronidase on automated results. Methods: Synovial fluid samples (n=48) were collected into EDTA and analyzed within 48 hours. Automated total and differential cell counts were evaluated using a Medonic CA620‐VET hematology analyzer before and after pretreatment for 5–30 minutes with hyaluronidase (final concentration 0.01 mg/mL). A hemacytometer count and microscopic evaluation of a direct smear were used as the reference method. Intra‐assay coefficients of variation (CV) were determined. Results: Thirty‐one of 46 untreated samples and 0/46 hyaluronidase‐treated samples were error‐flagged by the analyzer. Correlation between automated (ANCC) and manual (MNCC) nucleated cell counts in untreated samples (n=15; R²=0.93) and pretreated samples (n=46; R²=0.94) was high, and pseudomedian difference was low. Intra‐assay CVs for samples with medium and high cellularity were significantly lower for ANCC (1.5–2.7%) compared with MNCC (6.1–15.7%) (P<.01). Valid automated differential cell counts were not obtained. Conclusions: Automated total cell counts obtained on the Medonic analyzer correlate well with manual counts in equine synovial fluid; however, pretreatment with hyaluronidase is required to minimize error flags. Automated differential counts are not accurate for synovial fluid.     

Effects of blood processing techniques on sodium and potassium values: a comparison between Aldabra tortoises (Geochelone gigantea) and Burmese mountain tortoises (Manouria emys)

Background: Hematologic and plasma biochemical evaluations are routinely used in evaluating the chelonian patient, but appropriate processing techniques have been minimally defined.
Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effects of temperature, time, anticoagulant, and species on sodium and potassium values in the Aldabra tortoise ( Geochelone gigantea ) and the Burmese mountain tortoise ( Manouria emys ).
Methods: Blood samples from 7 Aldabra tortoises and 8 Burmese mountain tortoises were collected into tubes without anticoagulant and tubes containing lithium heparin. Sodium and potassium concentrations were measured by flame photometry in serum and plasma harvested immediately after collection and from aliquots of whole blood stored at 4°C and 25°C for 5 to 120 minutes.
Results: In Aldabra tortoises, storage time and temperature had no significant effect on potassium concentrations in heparinized blood and in blood without anticoagulant. However, sodium concentrations in serum and plasma decreased significantly in samples without anticoagulant stored at 4°C and 25°C and in heparinized samples stored at 4°C. In Burmese mountain tortoises, potassium concentrations in serum and plasma increased significantly with time in samples without anticoagulant and in heparinized samples stored at 4°C and 25°C, but the increases were less at 4°C. Sodium concentrations in serum and plasma decreased significantly in blood without anticoagulant and heparinized blood stored at 4°C and 25°C.
Conclusions: Storage of blood samples with and without anticoagulant at 4°C significantly improved the stability of potassium and sodium concentrations in both species of tortoises. Early separation of red cells from serum or plasma after blood collection is especially important to ensure the reliability of potassium measurements.     

Endocannabinoids as endometrial inflammatory markers in lactating Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to consider endocannabinoid system as inflammatory markers in bovine endometrium to better understand the role of this system in regulating many of the functions that are related to inflammatory condition. At day 26 post‐partum, fourteen cows were divided into two groups depending on the inflammatory condition: 1‐ subclinical endometritis (n = 7, with purulent or mucopurulent uterine discharge detectable in the vagina) and 2‐ healthy (n = 7, No (muco)) purulent discharge. Blood samples were collected at 26 and 30 days relative to calving to determine plasma tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) concentrations; moreover, uterine biopsy was carried out on day 26 post‐partum to measure mRNA abundance of TNF, interleukin‐1B (IL1B), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), endocannabinoid receptor (CNR2), N‐acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPEPLD), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N‐acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) by real‐time PCR. Results showed mean plasma concentrations of TNF and LBP were lower in healthy cows compared to subclinical endometritis cows (p < .05). Relative mRNA expression for NAAA and FAAH was decreased (p < .05), and relative mRNA expression for CNR2 and NAPEPLD increased in cows with subclinical endometritis compared to healthy cows. In conclusion, relative mRNA expression of TNF, IL1B and CXCL8 and plasma concentration of LBP increased during inflammatory condition along with decreased endocannabinoids hydrolyzing enzyme (NAAA and FAAH), increased enzymes that synthesize endocannabinoids (NAPEPLD) and relative gene expression of the endocannabinoid receptor; together, these contribute to increased endocannabinoids levels during inflammation. Overall, we provide evidence that endocannabinoid system is altered in endometrium tissue during inflammation through increased mRNA expression of CNR2 and synthesis enzyme and decreased mRNA expression of hydrolyzing enzymes interfere with pro‐cytokine production and signalling, which may interfere with the onset and progression of inflammation.     

Evaluation of platelet function in dogs with cardiac disease using the PFA‐100 platelet function analyzer

Background: Cardiac disease has the potential to alter platelet function in dogs. Evaluation of platelet function using the PFA‐100 analyzer in dogs of multiple breeds and with a broad range of cardiac conditions would help clarify the effect of cardiac disease on platelets. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess differences in closure time (CT) in dogs with cardiac disease associated with murmurs, when compared with that of healthy dogs. Methods: Thirty‐nine dogs with cardiac murmurs and turbulent blood flow as determined echocardiographically were included in the study. The dogs represented 23 different breeds. Dogs with murmurs were further divided into those with atrioventricular valvular insufficiency (n=23) and subaortic stenosis (n=9). Fifty‐eight clinically healthy dogs were used as controls. CTs were determined in duplicate on a PFA‐100 analyzer using collagen/ADP cartridges. Results: Compared with CTs in the control group (mean±SD, 57.6±5.9 seconds; median, 56.5 seconds; reference interval, 48.0–77.0 seconds), dogs with valvular insufficiency (mean±SD, 81.9±26.3 seconds; median, 78.0 seconds; range, 52.5–187 seconds), subaortic stenosis (71.4±16.5 seconds; median, 66.0 seconds; range, 51.5–95.0 seconds), and all dogs with murmurs combined (79.6±24.1 seconds; median, 74.0 seconds; range, 48.0–187 seconds) had significantly prolonged CTs (P<.01). Conclusions: The PFA‐100 analyzer is useful in detecting platelet function defects in dogs with cardiac murmurs, most notably those caused by mitral and/or tricuspid valvular insufficiency or subaortic stenosis. The form of turbulent blood flow does not appear to be an important factor in platelet hypofunction in these forms of cardiac disease.     

β‐carotene attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation via inhibition of the NF‐κB,JAK2/STAT3 and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways in macrophages

β‐carotene is one of the most abundant carotenoids, has potential anti‐inflammatory effect, it has been reported that β‐carotene could suppress LPS‐induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) translocation, but the more detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the anti‐inflammatory action of β‐carotene remain to be fully understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of β‐carotene on the activation of JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and NF‐κB signaling pathway induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Cells were treated with different concentrations of β‐carotene for 3 hr after LPS treatment for 24 hr. The mRNA expression and the release of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were evaluated by RT‐PCR and ELISA, and the level of signaling proteins of JAK2/STAT3, MAPK, and NF‐κB signaling pathway were detected by Western blot. The results showed that β‐carotene significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) LPS‐induced release of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α and their mRNA expression. LPS‐induced JAK2/STAT3, IκB/NF‐κB p65, JNK/p38 MAPK signal activation were significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) by β‐carotene in a dose‐dependent manner. In conclusion, β‐carotene could attenuate LPS‐induced inflammation via inhibition of the NF‐κB, JAK2/STAT3, and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways in macrophages.     

Use of the Vettest 8008 and refractometry for determination of total protein,albumin, and globulin concentrations in feline effusions

Background— Pleural and peritoneal effusion is a common clinical finding in feline practice. Determination of fluid albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLOB) concentrations in addition to total protein (TP) concentration can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out certain diseases in cats, especially feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Objective— The objective of this study was to compare effusion TP, ALB, and GLOB results obtained by a refractometer and a bench‐top dry chemistry analyzer with those results obtained by a reference method. Methods— Twenty‐six pleural and 14 peritoneal effusion samples were analyzed from 40 cats with various diseases. TP and ALB concentrations were determined by a reference automated wet chemistry analyzer (Kone Specific, Kone Instruments, Espoo, Finland), a bench‐top dry chemistry analyzer (Vettest 8008, IDEXX Laboratories Ltd, Chalfont St Peter, UK), and a refractometer (Atago SPR‐T2, Atago Co, Tokyo, Japan). GLOB, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and globulins as a percentage of total proteins (GLOB%) were calculated. Results were analyzed by paired t tests, difference plots, and Deming's regression analysis. Results— Correlation coefficients (r) for TP with Vettest versus Kone and refractometer versus Kone methods were .97 and .94, respectively. GLOB and GLOB% values were significantly higher and A/G ratios were significantly lower with Vettest versus Kone methods. Correlation coefficients for ALB, GLOB, GLOB% and A/G ratio with Vettest versus Kone methods were .86, .93, .82, and .73, respectively. Although correlation with other methods was good, the refractometer underestimated TP concentrations in 3 samples. Conclusions— The refractometer is an acceptable method for determination of TP concentration in feline effusions. The Vettest 8008 also is an acceptable method for the determination of TP and ALB concentrations, however, calculated A/G ratios obtained with the Vettest are unacceptable.