Use of continuous renal replacement therapy for treatment of dogs and cats with acute or acute-on-chronic renal failure: 33 cases (2002–2006)

Objective: To describe the indications, clinical features, outcomes and complications associated with use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in 17 client-owned dogs and 16 client-owned cats with acute or acute-on-chronic renal failure refractory to aggressive medical management.
Series summary: Twenty-nine percent of dogs and 44% of cats had evidence of pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Median duration of CRRT was 16.3 hours (range 0.3–83.0 hours) in dogs and 11.5 hours (range 1.0–35.5 hours) in cats. Median canine blood urea nitrogen (BUN) improved from 41.0 mmol/L (115.0 mg/dL) to 11.8 mmol/L (33.0 mg/dL) and creatinine from 636.5 mmol/L (7.2 mg/dL) to 274 mmol/L (3.1 mg/dL). Median feline BUN improved from 46.4 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) to 13.9 mmol/L (39.0 mg/dL) and creatinine from 1069.6 mmol/L (12.1 mg/dL) to 291.7 mmol/L (3.3 mg/dL). Metabolic acidosis resolved in 80% of affected dogs and 71% of affected cats. Hyperkalemia resolved in 100% of affected dogs and 88% of affected cats. Complications noted with CRRT included iatrogenic hypokalemia, iatrogenic metabolic alkalosis, clinical hypocalcemia, total hypercalcemia, filter clotting, anemia, hypothermia, and neurologic complications. Forty-one percent of dogs and 44% of cats survived to discharge. No dogs and only 1 cat developed newly diagnosed CKD.
New or unique information provided: CRRT can be a viable option for the management of acute or acute-on-chronic renal failure in dogs and cats that are refractory to aggressive medical management. The frequency of complications associated with CRRT in this study warrants further experience with this modality before its widespread use can be recommended.     

Reference Values on Serum Biochemical Parameters of Brazilian Donkey (Equus asinus) Breed

Seventeen serum biochemical variables were determined in 40 donkeys of the Brazilian breed (34 females and 6 males) aged from 3 to 19 years. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) (minimum–maximum) values, obtained by automated analysis, were as follows: glucose, 58.35 ± 10.40 (44.00–90.00) mg/dL; cholesterol, 88.41 ± 9.86 (73.58–124.26) mg/dL; serum protein, 6.82 ± 0.40 (6.00–7.52) g/dL; albumin, 3.13 ± 0.21 (2.65–3.69) g/dL; creatinine, 1.80 ± 0.14 (1.51–2.19) mg/dL; urea, 24.25 ± 5.37 (14.12–34.39) mg/dL; lactate, 20.10 ± 4.58 (12.99–33.47) mg/dL; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 295.81 ± 62.79 (173.71–466.07) IU/L; creatine kinase (CK), 158.00 ± 76.94 (51.69–440.33) IU/L; γ-glutamil-transferase (GGT), 45.82 ± 13.34 (26.17–86.38) IU/L; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 576.02 ± 156.32 (213.53–1162.81) IU/L; alkaline phosphatase (AP), 345.36 ± 65.90 (227.25–490.16) IU/L; calcium (Ca), 8.54 ± 0.18 (8.19–8.90) mg/dL; phosphorus (P), 2.76 ± 0.38 (1.99–3.97) mg/dL; chloride (Cl), 106.05 ± 3.20 (99.00–112.00) mEq/L; sodium (Na), 121.50 ± 4.14 (116.00–132.00) mEq/L; and potassium (K), 3.70 ± 0.42 (2.80–4.40) mEq/L. Comparisons of biochemical ranges obtained for the Brazilian donkey breed with reference ranges for other donkey breeds suggested that most values were similar. Biochemical values determined in the present study serve as reference ranges for donkey populations and can be used for health control and diagnosis of diseases.     

Plasma biochemistry reference values of wild bonnethead sharks,Sphyrna tiburo

Background — Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are of commercial, sport, research, and exhibit importance, however, blood chemistry reference values have been determined for few of these species. Objectives — The purpose of this study was to establish plasma biochemistry and PCV reference values for wild bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo). Methods — Heparinized blood samples were collected from 24 bonnethead sharks at the time of capture in trawl nets off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. Weight, length, PCV, total solids (TS, by refractometry), and plasma biochemical analyses were done using standard techniques. Wilcoxon rank‐sum and Kendall tau b tests were used to compare values by animal size, boat and sex; 1–way ANOVA was used to compare TS and total protein (TP) concentrations. Results — Median (quartiles; minimum‐maximum) values were as follows: PCV 22% (22%, 26%; 17–28%), TS 6.3 (6.0, 6.8; 5.8–7.5) g/dL, total protein 2.9 (2.7,3.4; 2.2–4.3) g/dL, albumin 0.4 (0.4,0.4; 0.3–0.5) g/dL, globulins 2.6 (2.3,3.0; 1.9–3.8) g/dL, sodium 282 (279, 285; 273–292) mmol/L, potassium 7.3 (6.4, 7.9; 5.7–9.2) mmol/L, chloride 290 (285, 296; 277–304) mmol/L, total CO₂ 3 (2, 4; 0–5) mmol/L, calcium 16.8 (16.2,17.4; 15.8–18.2) mg/dL, phosphorus 8.8 (7.5,10.0; 5.9–12.7) mg/dL, urea nitrogen 1004 (986, 1028; 944–1068) mg/dL, creatinine <0.1 mg/dL, glucose 184 (165, 191; 155–218) mg/dL, aspartate aminotransferase 42 (33, 66; 15–132) U/L, lactate dehydrogenase <5 U/L, creatine kinase 82 (47, 233; 18–725) U/L, and osmolality 1094 (1078,1111; 1056–1139) mOsm/kg. No differences based on sex were detected. TS and total TP values were related by the fitted line TS = (1.006 × TP) + 3.318. Conclusions — Values reported here will be useful for evaluating the health status of bonnetheads in wild and captive research conditions and in exhibits.     

D-lactic acidosis secondary to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in a cat

An indoor, 2-year-old, spayed female domestic cat was referred to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UMC-VMTH) for evaluation of weight loss and polyphagia of 1-year duration, with recent episodes of generalized weakness and lethargy. These episodes occurred approximately once per month over the past 4 months. The cat produced frequent stools, which were occasionally poorly formed. A CBC and serum biochemistry were performed 1 and 5 months before referral, and leukopenia (1,200/μL; reference interval, 3,500-16,000/μL; no differential provided), hypocholesterolemia (64 mg/dL and 46 mg/dL; reference interval, 75–220 mg/ dL), and hypotriglyceridemia (22 mg/dL and 16 mg/dL; reference interval, 26–160 mg/dL) were identified. The most recent serum biochemistry results disclosed mild hypercalcemia (11.3 mg/dL; reference interval, 8.2–10.8 mg/ dL) and hypernatremia (163 mg/dL; reference interval, 145–158 mg/dL). Antibody titers for Toxoplasma were consistent with past exposure (immunoglobulin M [IgM] negative; IgG 1:256).     

Blood values of juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) obtained using a portable clinical analyzer

Background — Sick, injured, or orphaned juvenile northern elephant seals ( Mirounga angustisrostris ) treated at rehabilitation centers frequently present with abnormalities in blood sodium, potassium, chloride, BUN, and glucose concentrations, and HCT. These abnormalities could be detected rapidly using a portable blood analyzer, but the results with this analysis method do not necessarily equate with those obtained using other techniques.
Objective — The objective of this study was to better assess the clinical relevance of blood values obtained from a portable analyzer and to compare the results with values obtained using more common methods of analysis.
Methods — Heparinized whole blood samples were collected from 20 rehabilitated juvenile northern elephant seals. A portable clinical analyzer (i-STAT, i-STAT Corp, East Windsor, NJ, USA) was used to establish baseline values. Serum biochemical values were obtained using an automated chemistry analyzer (Olympus AU5200, Olympus America, Melville, NY, USA). HCT was determined using EDTA whole blood and a cell counter.
Results — Using the portable analyzer, mean (minimum-maximum) values were obtained for sodium, 143 (132–146) mmol/L; potassium, 4.4 (3.9–5.8) mmol/L; chloride, 106 (101–109) mmol/L; BUN, 1.8 (1.1–2.4) mmol/L; glucose, 7.55 (5.99–8.49) mmol/L; and HCT, 0.55 (0.52–0.61) L/L. Average differences between methods were small for potassium (-0.45 mmol/L), BUN (0.1 mmol/L), and HCT (0.037 L/L) but were large for sodium (-6.8 mmol/L), chloride (-6.4 mmol/L), and glucose (-0.56 mmol/L).
Conclusions — These results suggest that the i-STAT portable analyzer could be useful for clinically assessing juvenile elephant seals. However, when making medical decisions, the clinician should be aware of differences associated with various analyzers and sample types.     

Hematology and plasma chemistry reference intervals for cultured shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

BACKGROUND: The shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, is an imperiled species distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. Interest in replenishing wild stocks with hatchery-reared fish has created a need for accurate hematologic and biochemical reference intervals to evaluate the health of both fish raised in aquaculture systems and fish in the wild. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to generate hematologic and biochemistry reference intervals for healthy shortnose sturgeon. METHODS: Blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes from 77 shortnose sturgeon raised in flow-through aquaculture systems. Whole blood and plasma samples were analyzed for hematologic and biochemical variables using standard techniques. Reference intervals were calculated as the central 95% (percentile) of data. RESULTS: Hematologic reference intervals (n = 46) were as follows: PCV 26-46%, hemoglobin 5.7-8.7 g/dL, MCV 307-520 fL, MCH 65.9-107.1 pg, MCHC 15-30 g/dL, plasma proteins (refractometry) 2.8-6.0 g/dL, RBC count 0.65-1.09 x 10(6)/microL, total WBC count 28,376-90,789/microL, small lymphocytes 9063-56,656/microL, large lymphocytes 2122-10,435/microL, neutrophils 3758-33,592/microL, monocytes 0-7137/microL, eosinophils 0-1544/microL, thrombocyte-like cells 6863-23,046/microL, thrombocytes 32,205-122,179/microL, and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio 0.068-1.026. Plasma chemistry reference intervals (n = 77) were as follows: total protein 2.7-5.3 g/dL, albumin 0.8-1.7 g/dL, globulins 1.8-3.7 mg/dL, creatinine 0-1.4 mg/dL, total bilirubin 0-0.1 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase 47-497 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 90-311 U/L, sodium 124-141 mmol/L, potassium 2.9-3.7 mmol/L, chloride 106-121 mmol/L, calcium 6.6-12.1 mg/dL, magnesium 1.6-2.3 mg/dL, phosphorus 5.1-8.1 mg/dL, glucose 37-74 mg/dL, cholesterol 42-133 mg/dL, and osmolality 232-289 mOsm/kg. CONCLUSION: Reference values reported here will be useful for the early detection, identification, and monitoring of disease and sublethal conditions in cultured shortnose sturgeon.     

Effect of specimen collection and storage on blood glucose and lactate concentrations in healthy,hyperthyroid and diabetic cats

Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare and investigate differences in glucose and lactate concentrations in sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate (NaF/Ox) plasma and serum in healthy cats and cats with metabolic disease. Glucose and lactate concentrations were determined in routinely processed serum and NaF/Ox plasma obtained from healthy (n = 30), hyperthyroid (n = 27) and diabetic (n = 30) cats, and in samples from 6 healthy cats stored at 25°C or 4°C for 0,1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. The packed cell volume (PCV) of blood collected in NaF/Ox was compared with that of blood collected in EDTA. Mean glucose concentration was significantly (P < .05) lower in NaF/Ox plasma than in serum in all groups of cats, by 0.7–2.5 mmol/L (11–45 mg/dL); the difference was greater in cats with hyperglycemia. Mean lactate concentration was significantly higher in serum than in NaF/Ox plasma in all groups of cats, by 0.4–1.2 mmol/L (3.6–10.8 mg/dL); the difference was greater in hyperthyroid and diabetic cats. In vitro, only serum stored on the clot for ≥ 1hour at 25°C had significantly lower glucose and higher lactate concentrations. The PCV of NaF/Ox-anticoagulated blood was lower than that of EDTA-anticoagulated blood, by 7.0%± 1.4% (P<.01). In conclusion, collection of feline blood in NaF/Ox was necessary to prevent in vitro increases in lactate concentration; however, NaF/Ox artifactually decreased plasma glucose concentration because of RBC shrinkage. The PCV should not be determined on blood collected in NaF/Ox.     

Blood glucose concentrations in critically ill neonatal foals

Reasons for Performing Study: Critical illness is associated with hyperglycemia in humans, and a greater degree and duration of hyperglycemia is associated with nonsurvival. Hypoglycemia is also seen in critically ill humans, and is associated with nonsurvival. This might also be true in the critically ill foal.
Objectives: To investigate the association of blood glucose concentrations with survival, sepsis, and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
Methods: Blood glucose concentrations at admission (515 foals) and 24 hours (159 foals), 36 hours (95), 48 hours (82), and 60 hours (45) after admission were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of glucose concentrations with survival, sepsis, a positive blood culture, or SIRS.
Results: 29.1% of foals had blood glucose concentrations within the reference range (76–131 mg/dL) at admission, 36.5% were hyperglycemic, and 34.4% were hypoglycaemic. Foals that did not survive to hospital discharge had lower mean blood glucose concentrations at admission, as well as higher maximum and lower minimum blood glucose concentrations in the 1st 24 hours of hospitalization, and higher blood glucose at 24 and 36 hours. Foals with blood glucose concentrations <2.8 mmol/L (50 mg/dL) or >10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) at admission were less likely to survive. Hypoglycemia at admission was associated with sepsis, a positive blood culture, and SIRS.
Conclusions and Potential Relevance: Derangements of blood glucose concentration are common in critically ill foals. Controlling blood glucose concentrations may therefore be beneficial in the critically ill neonatal foal, and this warrants further investigation.     

Evaluation of a point‐of‐care blood glucose monitor in healthy goats

Objective

To assess agreement between a point‐of‐care glucometer (POCG) and a laboratory chemistry analyzer for blood glucose measurements in goats.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighteen healthy adult goats.

Investigations

Whole blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture prior to premedication with xylazine and butorphanol (T0), following premedication (T20), and after 1 hour of inhalant anesthesia (T60). Each sample was tested with a POCG and a laboratory analyzer (HITA). Agreement was assessed using concordance correlation coefficients and calculation of bias and 95% limits of agreement.

Measurements and Main Results

Mean blood glucose concentration at T0 was 3.9 ± 0.6 mmol/L (70 ± 10 mg/dL; POCG) and 2.9 ± 0.4 mmol/dL (53 ± 8 mg/dL; HITA). Glucose concentrations at T20 were 6.7 ± 2.4 mmol/L (121 ± 43 mg/dL) and 5.4 ± 2.1 mmol/L (97 ± 37 mg/dL) and at T60 were 5.7 ± 1.7 mmol/L (102 ± 31 mg/dL) and 4.7 ± 1.3 mmol/L (85 ± 24 mg/dL) when measured with the POCG and HITA, respectively. The POCG overestimated blood glucose compared to the HITA. The bias ± SD was 1.08 ± 0.53 mmol/L (19.4 ± 9.5 mg/dL) (95% LOA 0.04 to 2.11 mmol/L [0.7 to 38.0 mg/dL]) and the concordance correlation coefficient was 0.82. After correcting the results of the POCG using a mixed‐effects linear model, the bias was 0.0 ± 0.38 mmol/L (0.0 ± 6.8 mg/dL) (95% LOA ± 0.74 mmol/L [± 13.4 mg/dL]) and the concordance correlation coefficient was 0.98.

Conclusions

The POCG overestimated blood glucose concentrations in goats, compared to the HITA, but when the POCG concentrations were corrected, the agreement was excellent.     

Prothrombotic and Inflammatory Effects of Intravenous Administration of Human Immunoglobulin G in Dogs

Background: Intravenous administration of human immunoglobulin G (hIVIgG) has been suggested to potentiate thromboembolism in dogs, but supportive scientific reports are lacking.
Objectives: To determine if hIVIgG therapy promotes hypercoagulability and inflammation in dogs.
Animals: Twelve healthy Beagle dogs.
Methods: Prospective, experimental trial. An hIVIgG/saline solution was infused IV at 1 g/kg BW over 8 hours to 6 dogs, and physiological saline was infused to the other 6 dogs. Blood samples were drawn before, during, and after infusion for serial measurement of indicators of coagulation and inflammation. Data were analyzed by 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Dogs administered hIVIgG developed mildly decreased blood platelet concentrations without thrombocytopenia (median, 200 × 10³/μL; range, 150–302 × 10³/μL; P < .01), leukopenia (median, 3.5 × 10³/μL; range, 20–62 × 10³/μL; P < .001), and mildly increased plasma total protein concentrations (median, 6.3 g/dL; range, 5.6–6.7 g/dL; P < .001). Administration of hIVIgG was also associated with increases in fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products in all dogs (either 5 μg/mL or 10 μg/dL), thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (median, 7.2 ng/mL; range, 4.9–14.2 ng/mL; P < .001), and C-reactive protein concentrations (median, 2.5 mg/dL; range, 0.5–4.3 mg/dL; P < .01).
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Administration of hIVIgG to dogs promotes hypercoagulability and an inflammatory state. This should be further evaluated and considered when using hIVIgG in dogs with IMHA or other prothrombotic conditions.     

Association of hyponatremia and hyperglycemia with outcome in dogs with congestive heart failure

Objective: To evaluate plasma sodium and glucose concentrations in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) prior to treatment and evaluate the differences between survivors and non‐survivors. Design: Retrospective study. Animals: Fifty‐nine dogs with CHF prior to receiving cardiac medication. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: The mean plasma sodium concentration in dogs with CHF was below the reference range (144–156 mmol/L) and significantly lower (P=0.009) in non‐survivors (141±6 mmol/L) compared with survivors (147±4 mmol/L). The mean plasma glucose concentration was above the reference range (76–117 mg/dL) and significantly higher (P=0.004) in non‐survivors (128±52 mg/dL) compared with survivors (100±13 mg/dL). Forty‐four percent of non‐survivors had concurrent low plasma sodium and high plasma glucose concentrations, whereas no survivors had both abnormalities (P<0.0001). Conclusions: Lower plasma sodium and higher plasma glucose are associated with a worse outcome in dogs with CHF.     

Effects of intravenous administration of two volumes of calcium solution on plasma ionized calcium concentration and recovery from naturally occurring hypocalcemia in lactating dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of administration of 2 volumes of a calcium solution (calcium oxide and calcium gluconate) on plasma ionized calcium concentration (PICaC) and clinical recovery from naturally occurring hypocalcemia (NOHC; milk fever) in lactating dairy cows. ANIMALS: 123 cows with NOHC (PICaC < 0.95 mmol/L [3.81 mg/dL]) and 20 clinically normal control cows. PROCEDURES: Affected cows were treated IV once or repeatedly with 450 (n = 56) or 750 mL (67) of calcium solution (1.65 g of calcium/100 mL) until clinical recovery was achieved. The PICaC was assessed 48 hours after the first treatment or after the treatment that achieved clinical recovery. Biochemical recovery was defined as PICaC > or = 0.95 mmol/L. Plasma from control cows was used for PICaC reference range determination. Plasma samples from both groups were assessed after storage for 20 days at 20 degrees C. RESULTS: The PICaC reference range derived from blood collected in tubes containing lithium heparin was 1.02 to 1.29 mmol/L (4.09 to 5.17 mg/dL). Following storage, plasma samples were suitable for PICaC assessment. All cows treated with > or = 1 volume of 450 and 750 mL of calcium solution recovered clinically; however, 31 of 83 (37%) evaluated cows were not biochemically recovered at 48 hours following treatment. Only cows with PICaC < 0.48 mmol/L (1.92 mg/dL) before the first treatment had to be treated > or = 3 times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results did not support the need to increase the administered volume of calcium solution from 450 to 750 mL for treatment of NOHC in dairy cows.     

Choroid plexus tumors in 56 dogs (1985-2007)

Background: Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) comprise approximately 10% of all primary brain tumors in dogs. The clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, or both in the presumptive diagnosis of CPTs has not been determined.
Objectives: To report MRI and CSF findings in dogs with CPT and determine if there are distinguishing features that allow clinical discrimination between the tumor grades.
Animals: Fifty-six client-owned dogs with naturally occurring CPT.
Methods: Retrospective case series. The inclusion criterion was histologically confirmed CPT. Blinded review of cranial MRI and cisternal CSF analysis was performed.
Results: Thirty-six of 56 dogs had a choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) and 20 had a choroid plexus papilloma (CPP). Golden Retrievers were overrepresented compared with the hospital population (frequency 3.7 times that expected, confidence interval 95%= 2.0–6.7, P < .0002). Median CSF protein concentration in CPCs (108 mg/dL, range 27–380 mg/dL) was significantly higher than in CPPs (34 mg/dL, range 32–80 mg/dL) ( P = .002). Only dogs with CPCs had a CSF protein concentration >80 mg/dL. Cytological evidence of malignancy in CSF was seen in 7 of 15 CPCs. Only CPCs had evidence of intraventricular or subarachnoid metastases on MRI.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: MRI, CSF analysis or both can help to differentiate between CPPs and CPCs, and may provide valuable prognostic and pretreatment information.     

What is your diagnosis? Marked hyperchloremia in a dog

Abstract: A 5‐year‐old neutered male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was evaluated for a 3‐week history of progressive paresis. The dog had been receiving potassium citrate capsules to acidify urine for the past 2 years because of an earlier history of urolithiasis. Results of neurologic examination, spinal cord radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull and spinal cord revealed no lesions that could have accounted for the neurologic signs. The main abnormalities on a clinical chemistry profile were marked hyperchloremia (179 mmol/L, reference interval 108–122 mmol/L) and an anion gap of ?50.4 mmol/L (reference interval 16.3–28.6 mmol/L). Because of the severe hyperchloremia, serum bromide concentration was measured (400 mg/dL; toxic concentration >150 mg/dL; some dogs may tolerate up to 300 mg/dL). Analysis of the potassium citrate capsules, which had been compounded at a local pharmacy, yielded a mean bromide concentration of 239 mg/capsule. Administration of the capsules was discontinued and there was rapid resolution of the dog's neurologic signs. This case of extreme bromide toxicity, which apparently resulted from inadvertent use of bromide instead of citrate at the pharmacy, illustrates the importance of knowing common interferents with analyte methodologies and of pursing logical additional diagnostic tests based on clinical and laboratory evidence, even when a patient's history appears to rule out a potential etiology.     

Blood Chemistry and Histological Properties of Wild and Cultured Sea Bass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicentrarchus labrax</Emphasis>) in the North Adriatic Sea

Histological and biochemical procedures were employed to study liver histomorphology and plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TRIG), cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLU) and total protein (TP) in cultured (CSB) and wild sea bass (WSB) (Dicentrarchus labrax) from the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. Histopathological changes in liver included varying degrees of infiltration and lipid degeneration of hepatocytes in examined cultured fish. No significant differences between median AST values of CSB (44 IU) and WSB (45 IU) were observed. Values of ALT were <5 IU in both groups. TRIG, CHOL, GLU and TP levels were higher in CSB (2.08 mmol/L, 3.67 mmol/L, 10.66 mmol/L and 49 g/L, respectively) than in WSB (0.67 mmol/L, 2.74 mmol/L, 3.68 mmol/L and 36 g/L, respectively). The study showed differences between plasma biochemical parameters and liver histomorphology of CSB and WSB. This can be explained as a consequence of different diets (artificial in contrast to natural foods), which influence energy metabolism.     

Measurement of ionized calcium in canine blood samples collected in prefilled and self-filled heparinized syringes using the i-STAT point-of-care analyzer

BACKGROUND: Heparinized syringes are commonly used with point-of-care analyzers (eg, i-STAT) to measure ionized calcium (iCa(2+)); however there is little information about the validity of their use in canine patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine the suitability of prefilled (40 IU heparin/mL) and self-filled (150 IU heparin/mL) heparinized syringes for iCa(2+) measurements using the i-STAT analyzer. METHODS: Forty-seven blood samples were collected from 41 canine patients. Two milliliters of blood were collected into a 2-mL nonanticoagulated (NA) syringe, a commercially available preheparinized (PH) syringe (dry calcium-balanced lithium heparin, 40 IU/mL), and a 2-mL self-filled heparinized (SH) syringe (liquid sodium heparin, 150 IU/mL). iCa(2+) was measured in the sample using the i-STAT analyzer and a wet-reagent analyzer (KoneLab 30i) used as the reference instrument. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman difference plots. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the results obtained from NA and PH syringes using the i-STAT analyzer, and the correlation was excellent (r =.97). The i-STAT values from the SH syringes (mean, 1.07 mmol/L) were significantly lower (P<.001) than those from the NA syringes (mean, 1.38 mmol/L). iCa(2+) was significantly higher with the i-STAT analyzer than with the KoneLab analyzer for both the PH (mean i-STAT, 1.38 mmol/L vs mean KoneLab, 1.30 mmol/L) and SH (mean i-STAT, 1.07 mmol/L vs mean KoneLab, 1.03 mmol/L) samples. CONCLUSIONS: Blood samples collected in the PH syringes used in this study can be used interchangeably with those collected in NA syringes for measuring iCa(2+) using the i-STAT analyzer. SH syringes with high-concentration heparin products (5000 IU/mL) are unsuitable for measuring iCa(2+) because they cause clinically significant underestimations. Although there was good correlation between the i-STAT and KoneLab analyzers, the results should be interpreted using analyzer-specific reference intervals.     

Serum biochemical analytes in captive Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis)

Background: Establishment of reference values for serum biochemical analytes is important for monitoring health and physiological status of captive animals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure and report ranges for serum biochemical analytes in Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy captive Amazonian manatees that comprised a mixture of adults, subadults, and calves and males and females; serum analytes were measured and analyzed using a dry reagent bench‐top chemical analyzer. Comparisons were made between sexes and with previously published values of closely related species. Results: Medians and ranges (minimum–maximum) of values for the analytes were: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 151 (111–278) U/L (n=20); creatine kinase, 144 (76–315) U/L (n=11); alanine aminotransferase, 10 (2–28) U/L (n=18); aspartate aminotransferase, 14 (5–28) U/L (n=21); γ‐glutamyltransferase, 47 (36–73) U/L (n=21); amylase, 1428 (1010–1874) U/L (n=21); alkaline phosphatase, 73 (36–141) U/L (n=19); total protein, 6.8 (6.2–8.0) g/dL (n=24); albumin, 3.3 (2.6–4.1) g/dL (n=21); cholesterol, 188 (101–399) mg/dL (n=21); triglycerides, 126 (60–236) mg/dL (n=21); glucose, 47 (22–69) mg/dL (n=21); urea, 43 (21–69) mg/dL (n=21); uric acid, 1.1 (0.5–1.8) mg/dL (n=22); creatinine, 2.2 (1.5–3.3) mg/dL (n=22); total bilirubin, 0.2 (0.2–2.0) mg/dL (n=21); calcium, 12.7 (10.2–18.6) mg/dL (n=24); iron, 282 (207–457) μg/dL (n=13); and magnesium, 6.9 (4.3–8.9) mg/dL (n=20). With the exception of LDH, no differences were observed between sexes. Conclusions: The ranges obtained in this study provide important preliminary estimates for concentrations and activities of serum analytes in Amazonian manatees until a larger reference interval study can be conducted.     

Plasma biochemistry values of recently wild-caught purple mouth moray eels (Gymnothorax vicinus)

The primary purpose of this study was to establish plasma biochemistry parameters for healthy recently wild-caught purple mouth moray eels (Gymnothorax vicinus) to provide a baseline of data for improved medical care in an aquarium or zoologic setting and for wild health assessments. Thirty-one clinically healthy purple mouth moray eels of unknown age and sex were caught from the wild, and were anesthetized 50 days following capture for blood collection from the ventral coccygeal vein. The median plasma biochemistry values were as follows: hematocrit = 21%, creatinine kinase = 2,100 U/L, lactate dehydrogenase = 97 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase = 88 U/L, alanine aminotransferase = 51 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 3,939 U/L, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase = 1 U/L, amylase = 40 U/L, blood urea nitrogen = < 11 mg/dl, glucose = 21 mg/dl, calcium = 12.5 mg/dl, triglyceride = 206 mg/dl, creatinine = 0.1 mg/dl, cholesterol = 334 mg/dl, total bilirubin = < 0.1 mg/dl, phosphorus = 6.5 mg/dl, total protein = 4.2 g/dl, albumin = 1.5 g/dl, globulin = 2.7 g/dl, albumin/ globulin ratio = 0.6, sodium = 185 mmol/L, potassium = 3.7 mmol/L, and chloride = 175 mmol/L. Alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme results indicate that the majority of the plasma alkaline phosphatase is the liver isoenzyme. The data acquired in this study also provide baseline values for cholesterol and triglycerides in recently wild-caught moray eels to aid in monitoring elevations to these values in an aquarium setting over time so adjustments to the dietary regime may be utilized to prevent or improve conditions such as lipid keratopathy.     

Blood chemistry values for shovelnose and lake sturgeon

Blood chemistry panels are commonly used for assessing the general health of vertebrate animals. Here, we present novel blood chemistry data for two North American sturgeon species, shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus and lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. Measurements were done using a portable chemistry analyzer (VetScan Analyzer; Abaxis). Among the plasma values measured (mean ± SD for shovelnose and lake sturgeon, respectively) were total proteins (3.7 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0.4 g/dL), albumin (2.0 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL), globulin (1.7 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.3 g/dL), glucose (107 ± 46 and 62 ± 9.7 mg/dL), sodium (Na(+); 132 ± 3.6 and 150 ± 14 mEq/L), potassium (K(+); 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.8 ± 1.7 mEq/L), phosphorus (10.4 ± 1.9 and 11.6 ± 3.6 mg/dL), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 676 ± 433 and 634 ± 234 IU/L). Higher values for total proteins, albumin, glucose, and Na(+) in shovelnose sturgeon than in lake sturgeon probably are the result of handling stress. In addition, the plasma of male shovelnose sturgeon had higher concentrations of AST, glucose, and globulin than did that of females, whereas the plasma of females had higher concentrations of albumin and K(+) than that of males. This study is the first to report blood chemistry data for shovelnose sturgeon. Robust blood chemistry databases can be used by aquaculturists and fish managers for monitoring sturgeon health.