Spurious hyperphosphatemia in a dog with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and an IgM monoclonal gammopathy

Spurious hyperphosphatemia was diagnosed in a 6-year-old, neutered female, mixed-breed dog with chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy. The spurious hyperphosphatemia was probably caused by paraprotein precipitation which interfered with the ASTRA 8 automated analyzer measurements. Serial dilutions of the sample did not change the phosphorus value. Another analyzer system in which a protein-free sample was prepared prior to analysis gave a normal serum phosphorus concentration. There was a linear relationship between the amount of paraprotein and the measured total serum inorganic phosphate (r=0.75). A review of 700 chemistry profiles from dogs and cats and a review of 36 cases with polygonal gammopathy and 6 cases with monoclonal gammopathy did not reveal other cases of spurious hyperphosphatemia.     

Analysis of feline,canine and equine hemograms using the QBC VetAutoread

Blood samples form 120 consecutive clinical cases (40 cats, 40 dogs and 40 horses) were analyzed on the QBC VetAutoread analyzer and the results compared with those obtained by a Baker 9000 electronic resistance cell counter and a 100-cell manual differential leukocyte (WBC) count. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet, total WBC, granulocytes, and lymphocyte plus monocyte (L+M) counts were determined. Indistinct separation of red blood cell and granulocytes layers on the QBC VetAutoread was observed in samples from five cats (12.5%), two dogs (5%), and one horse. Significantly different (P=0.002) median values for the two methods were obtained for PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and platelet count in cats; PCV, MCHC, WBC, count and granulocytes count in dogs; and PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and WBC, granulocytes and platelet counts in horses. Results from the QBC VetAutoread should not be interpreted using reference ranges established using other equipment. Results were abnormal on a limited number of samples; however, when correlation coefficients were low, marked discrepancy existed between values within as well as outside of reference ranges. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were excellent (r=0.93) for PCV and Hb concentration in dogs, and Hb concentration and WBC count in horses. Correlation was good (r=0.80-0.92) for PCV and Hb concentration in cats, WBC count in dogs, and PCV, granulocytes count and platelet count in horses. For remaining parameters, correlation was fair to poor (r=0.79). Acceptable correlations (r>0.80) were achieved between the two test systems for all equine values except MCHC and L+M count, but only for PCV and HB concentration in feline and canine blood samples.     

Stomatocytosis in 7 related Standard Schnauzers

BACKGROUND: Hereditary canine stomatocytosis has been described in purebred Alaskan Malamutes, Drentse Patrijshonds, and Miniature Schnauzers. In humans, hereditary stomatocytosis is a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by the presence of stomatocytes in blood, increased osmotic fragility, and frequently, hemolytic anemia. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe hematologic findings and RBC characteristics in 7 closely related Standard Schnauzers with stomatocytosis. METHODS: The following parameters were measured using an automated analyzer: HCT, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, red cell distribution width (RDW), WBC, platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), thrombocrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW). Differential leukocyte count, platelet estimate, reticulocyte count, and the percentage of stomatocytes in blood films were microscopically evaluated. An osmotic fragility test of RBCs and measurement of intracellular Na+, K+, and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations were also performed. RESULTS: The affected dogs had macrocytosis (80.0 +/- 4.2 fL, reference interval 60-76 fL), decreased MCHC (29.3 +/- 0.8 g/dL, reference interval 32-39 g/dL), slightly increased RDW (17.3 +/- 0.4%, reference interval 12-16%), and an increased reticulocyte count (1.55 +/- 0.77%, reference interval <1%). The percentage of stomatocytes in blood films varied from 0.6 to 18.9% of all RBCs. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and intracellular Na+ (138.1 +/- 3.2 mmol/L; controls 99 +/- 6.1 mmol/L), K+ (8.1 +/- 0.8 mmol/L; controls 6.1 +/- 0.5 mmol/L), and 2,3-DPG (21.9 +/- 2.0 micromol/g Hb; controls: 14.6 +/- 3.3 micromol/g Hb) concentrations were increased in dogs with stomatocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic findings and the metabolic defects in RBCs in these Standard Schnauzers were consistent with a diagnosis of stomatocytosis. Parentage analysis suggests that stomatocytosis in Standard Schnauzers may have a hereditary component.     

不同检测仪器对SD大鼠血液生理指标测定的影响

目的：比较实验动物专用血细胞分析仪与医用血细胞分析仪对SD大鼠血液生理指标测定值的差异,分析检测仪器对大鼠血液生理指标测定的影响。方法：36只SD大鼠,体重约200 g,雌雄各半,屏障环境饲养,试验前禁食12 h,麻醉后采血,分别用实验动物专用血细胞分析仪与医用血细胞分析仪测定20项血液生理指标。结果：两种仪器分别检测的SD大鼠的平均血红蛋白浓度、平均血红蛋白含量、白细胞数量、淋巴细胞数量、单核细胞数量、嗜碱性粒细胞数量、嗜中性白细胞百分比、单核细胞百分比、嗜酸性粒细胞百分比、嗜碱性粒细胞百分比、淋巴细胞百分比、血小板数量、血小板分布宽度差异极显著（P＜0.01）;血红蛋白浓度、嗜中性白细胞数量、红细胞分布宽度差异显著（P＜0.05）;红细胞数量、红细胞压积、平均红细胞体积、嗜酸性粒细胞数量差异不显著（P＞0.05）。结论：不同检测仪器对SD大鼠血液学指标的检测有影响。     

Serum IgM concentrations in normal,fit horses and horses with lymphoma or other medical conditions

The purposes of this study were to (1) prospectively establish serum IgM and IgG concentrations in normal, fit, adult horses over time and (2) determine the accuracy of serum IgM concentrations for diagnosing lymphoma. Serial IgM and IgG concentrations were measured with a radial immunodiffusion assay in 25 regularly exercised horses at 6-week intervals. Horses had serum IgM concentrations ranging from 50 to 242 mg/dL over 5 months, with 20% of horses having IgM < or = 60 mg/dL. The normal range for IgM in fit horses should be considered 103 +/- 40 mg/dL and a cut-point for an IgM deficiency, < or = 23 mg/dL. IgG concentrations ranged from 1,372 to 3,032 mg/dL. Retrospectively, medical records of adult horses (n = 103) admitted to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for which serum IgM was measured were examined. Horses were categorized as "lymphoma negative" (n = 34) or "lymphoma positive" (n = 18). The sensitivity and specificity of a serum IgM concentration (< or = 60 mg/dL) for detecting equine lymphoma was 50 and 35%, respectively. At the new cut-point (< or = 23 mg/dL), the sensitivity was low at 28% and the specificity improved to 88%. The negative predictive values at various population prevalences indicate that a horse with a high serum IgM (> 23 mg/dL) is unlikely to have lymphoma, whereas the positive predictive value (70%) does not allow for reliable determination of lymphoma in a horse with serum IgM < or = 23 mg/dL. Therefore, serum IgM concentrations should not be used as a screening test for equine lymphoma.     

Clinical evaluation of the CA530-VET hematology analyzer for use in veterinary practice

BACKGROUND: The CA530-VET is a completely automated impedance cell hematology analyzer, which yields a 16-parameter blood count including a 3-part leukocyte differential. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the operational potential of the CA530-VET and its value for use in veterinary practice. METHODS: The analyzer was tested for blood carry-over, precision, and accuracy. Comparison methods included the CELL-DYN 3500, microhematocrit centrifugation, manual platelet (PLT) counting for feline and equine species, and a 100-cell manual WBC differential. Blood samples for comparison of the methods were obtained from 242 dogs, 166 cats, and 144 horses. RESULTS: The carry-over ratio (K) was 0.28% for RBC, 0.59% for PLT, 0.32% for WBC, and 0.18% for hemoglobin (HGB) concentration. Coefficients of variation (CVs) for within-batch precision and duplicate measurement of blood samples were clearly within the required limits, except for duplicate platelet counts in cats (8.7%) and horses (9.5%). The WBC count was in excellent agreement for dogs and horses and RBC count was in excellent agreement for horses. The accuracy of feline WBC counts was not acceptable, with the exception of values at the high end of the range. RBC counts in dogs and cats, and HGB concentration and MCV in all 3 species were sufficiently accurate. The CA530-VET HCT results were in excellent agreement with microhematocrit results in horses but exceeded the maximum allowed inaccuracy for cats and dogs. In all species, PLT counts established mechanically and manually were not in adequate agreement. Large differences were found between the CA530-VET and the manual differential percentage for lymphocytes and "mid-sized cells" (monocytes and basophilic granulocytes). CONCLUSIONS: The CA530-VET can be considered useful for routine canine, feline, and equine blood cell analyses. It should not be considered accurate, however, for PLT counts, feline total WBC counts in the subnormal and normal range, and leukocyte differentials, except for granulocytes.     

Overestimation of canine albumin concentration with the bromcresol green method in heparinized plasma samples

Albumin concentrations are routinely measured in dogs with bromcresol green (BCG)-binding assays on automated chemistry analyzers. Several variables affect this assay, including the length of reaction time, sample type, and lack of specificity of BCG for albumin. We observed that albumin concentrations measured with BCG appeared higher in heparinized plasma samples in sick dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of anticoagulant and assay procedure on BCG albumin concentrations in clinically ill dogs. We hypothesized that albumin concentrations would be overestimated in heparinized plasma compared with serum because of the combination of heparin and fibrinogen. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the overestimation would be influenced by assay parameters. Blood was collected from 32 clinically ill dogs into tubes containing heparin, citrate, or no anticoagulant. Citrate was chosen to assess the effect of fibrinogen in the absence of heparin. Albumin concentration was measured in all 3 sample types from each dog using 2 different BCG procedures on an automated chemistry analyzer. The BCG procedures (standard and modified) differed in the wavelengths used for absorbance readings (standard, 600/700; modified, 570/505) and the time point at which absorbance was measured (standard, 100 seconds; modified, 40 seconds). In addition, the modified method incorporated a sample blank. Globulin fractions, fibrinogen concentration, and indices of lipemia, hemolysis, and icterus were evaluated for their contribution to the overestimation of albumin concentration in heparinized plasma compared with serum samples. Albumin concentrations were significantly higher (P 相似文献   

Comparison of a portable blood glucose meter analyzer with a benchtop point-of-care chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentration in client-owned ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

BackgroundHypoglycemia is common in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) because of the high prevalence of insulinoma in this species. The objectives of this study were to evaluate agreement of a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) with a benchtop point-of-care (POC) chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentration in ferrets, and to assess the clinical impact of using a PBGM for blood glucose measurement. The benchtop POC analyzer was used as the reference analyzer (modified hexokinase method).MethodsGlucose concentration was measured from 82 blood samples from client-owned ferrets with the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer and the PBGM. Agreement and bias between measurements were assessed using the Bland-Altman method and a Passing-Bablok regression analysis. A modified Clarke error grid analysis was modelized to evaluate the clinical effect if the PBGM was used rather than the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer.ResultsGlucose values obtained with the PBGM were not in agreement with the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer, and it underestimated blood glucose concentration in many cases. However, variation was unpredictable (mean bias, -3.97 mg/dL; range, -52.2 to 64.8 mg/dL), with wide 95% LOA (-47.3 to 38.5 mg/dL). A Passing-Bablok linear regression analysis had a slope of 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.36), and an intercept of -20.78 (95% confidence interval: -38.92 to -9.90), highlighting presence of a proportional and a constant bias. Important clinical error would have occurred in 1% of cases with the PBGM.ConclusionUnpredictable variation of glucose results obtained with the PBGM could have an important impact on clinical decision making. Thus, the use of a benchtop POC analyzer using hexokinase method for measurement of blood glucose concentration should be favored in ferrets for rapid onsite result obtention.     

不同阶段矮小型褐壳蛋鸡血液生理生化指标测定

试验测定20、40、60周龄矮小型褐壳蛋鸡血液生理指标、血清生化指标,每一周龄公、母鸡各9只,样本量为54只。将数据进行t检验及多重比较分析,结果表明,在此3个时间点上,指标RBC、HGB、MPV、PDW、LYMF%、TP和CHO呈现上升趋势,指标HCT、MCV、RDW%、WBC、LYMF值是先下降后上升,而MCH、MCHC、PCT、PLT、MID、MID%、GRAN、GRAN%、AST、ALB、TG、GLU和ALT值是先上升后下降。同时,不同周龄鸡之间在血液生理生化指标上表现出不同项目差异显著(P0.05)。20、40及60周龄矮小型褐壳蛋鸡雌、雄间均存在显著差异(P0.05)的血液生理生化指标有RBC、HCT、HGB、WBC、LYMF和AST,这表明矮小型褐壳蛋鸡的生理和生化指标随周龄不同,在雌、雄之间的差异随之发生变化。     

Concurrent multiple myeloma and mast cell neoplasia in a 13‐year‐old castrated male Maine Coon cat

A 13‐year‐old, castrated male Maine Coon cat was presented to Oklahoma State University Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for yearly echocardiographic examination monitoring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diagnosed in 2003. Physical examination revealed a heart murmur and premature beats, likely related to HCM, but was otherwise unremarkable. A biochemistry profile revealed a hyperglobulinemia (6.3 g/dL). Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates from liver and spleen revealed increased numbers of plasma cells and mast cells, confirmed with subsequent histologic examination. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for c‐kit in the spleen and liver showed mast cells predominantly exhibiting type I staining pattern, with moderate numbers exhibiting type II pattern in spleen, and scattered cells exhibiting type II and III patterns in liver. Bone marrow cytology and core biopsy documented approximately 22% plasma cells. Cutaneous masses on the cat's left shoulder and right carpus were cytologically confirmed mast cell tumors. Serum protein electrophoresis with immunofixation confirmed an IgG monoclonal gammopathy. This is an example of 2 hematologic neoplasms occurring simultaneously in a cat. Concurrent pathologies may be overlooked if a single disease is diagnosed and suspected of causing all clinical signs. Both neoplasms were well differentiated, and neoplastic cells could have easily been interpreted as a reactive population had a full workup not been performed. Missing either diagnosis could result in a potentially lethal outcome. Eleven months after diagnoses, the cat was clinically doing well following a splenectomy and oral prednisolone and chlorambucil chemotherapy. Globulins decreased to 4.9 g/dL.     

Artifactual hypoglycemia associated with hemotrophic mycoplasma infection in a lamb

Background: A 35-day-old male lamb with Mycoplasma ovis infection (previously Eperyihrozoon avis ) was evaluated because of severe hypoglycemia (serum glucose 4 mg/dL, Hitachi 704 automated chemistry analyzer) inconsistent with the animal's condition. Whole blood glucose concentration measured with a glucometer was 74 mg/dL. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate this discrepancy through in vitro evaluation of the patient's blood.
Methods: Blood was incubated alone, with increasing concentrations of plasma, or with equine serum of known glucose concentration for 0,15, 30, and 60 minutes at room temperature; end-point glucose concentrations were compared with blood from a control sheep handled similarly.
Results: A rapid decline in glucose concentration was observed in heparinized or EDTA anticoagulated whole blood from the infected lamb incubated alone or with the equine serum. Glucose concentrations in incubated samples from a control sheep remained stable. Incubation of increasing concentrations of heparinized blood with autologous plasma resulted in decreased glucose concentrations in patient, but not control, blood. As parasitemia decreased after treatment, serum glucose concentration increased, serum lactate concentration decreased, and in vitro glucose concentration stabilized.
Conclusions: These findings are consistent with parasite-associated in vitro glucose consumption. An increase in the lamb's plasma glucose concentration associated with reduction of parasite load suggested excess glucose consumption also may have occurred in vivo.     

Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in three dogs with melphalan and prednisolone

Three adult dogs with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) were successfully treated with melphalan and prednisolone. Based on the immunophenotypic analysis of leukaemic cells, two dogs were diagnosed with B cell CLL and one dog was tentatively diagnosed as having T cell CLL. One dog with B cell CLL had IgM monoclonal gammopathy. The clinical signs and haematological abnormalities associated with CLL in the three dogs improved with the administration of cytoreductive melphalan (3 to 5 mg/m2/day) and prednisolone (4.3 to 30 mg/m2/day) for eight to 210 days. There were no severe adverse effects except a mild increase in plasma alkaline phosphatase activity. Melphalan and prednisolone therapy may achieve remission with few side effects in dogs with CLL.     

Monoclonal Gammopathy Associated With Naturally Occurring Canine Ehrlichiosis

Clinical, hematologic, and immunologic findings for 14 dogs with Ehrlichia canis monoclonal gammopathy were studied retrospectively. Epistaxis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and proteinuria were documented in the majority of these dogs. The serum protein electrophoresis pattern was characterized by a distinct narrow-base monoclonal spike, by a broad-base monoclonal spike, or by a monoclonal spike superimposed on a polyclonal gammopathy. The monoclonal spike disappeared following tetracycline treatment for ehrlichiosis. The long-term prognosis following treatment was generally good. The diagnostic features of monoclonal gammopathy due to myeloma were compared with those of E. canis monoclonal gammopathy. Owing to numerous similarities in clinical, hematologic, and immunologic findings, we conclude that an E. canis antibody titer should be determined in all dogs in which a diagnosis of benign monoclonal gammopathy is contemplated or definitive evidence of myeloma, leukemia, or macroglobulinemia is lacking.     

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.     

The influence of age and gender on haematological parameters in Lipizzan horses

Haematological parameters [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] in resting Lipizzan horses were determined for 143 stallions, 104 mares and 25 foals. The mean RBC and WBC values in Lipizzans were in the lower part of the normal range for warm-blooded horses. The mean PCV, MCV and MCH values were higher, but the mean haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were lower than reported for other warm-blooded horses. In foals, the mean RBC, WBC, PCV, haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were higher, whereas MCV and MCH were lower than in older animals. Results indicating a significant decrease in WBC (P < 0.01) and an increase in MCV, MCH and MCHC (P < 0.05) with increasing age are consistent with some other reports on warm-blooded horses. The age-related variations in RBC and PCV were less marked. Contrary to some reports, RBC (P < 0.01), WBC and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001) were higher in Lipizzan stallions than in mares, but differences in MCHC, MCH and MCV were insignificant. The specific haematological values determined in Lipizzans are presumably a result of selection and should be taken into consideration when dealing with this race of horses.     

姬松茸水溶性粗多糖对镉中毒小鼠血液指标的影响

为观察姬松茸水溶性粗多糖对镉中毒小鼠血液系统的影响，将60只SPF级雄性健康小白鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、试验组1、试验组2和试验组3共5组，模型组与3个试验组采用同一水平镉染毒，但同时对3个试验组给予不同剂量的姬松茸水溶性粗多糖溶液进行保护，试验日程为5周，试验结束时对各组小鼠采血，检测各项血液指标。结果显示，模型组小鼠的血液指标红细胞数（RBC）、血红蛋白浓度（HGB）、血细胞比容（HCT）、平均红细胞体积（MCV）、平均红细胞血红蛋白含量（MCH）、平均红细胞血色素浓度（MCHC）显著低于对照组的相应指标；与模型组相比，给予高剂量姬松茸水溶性粗多糖的试验组3的血液指标RBC、HGB、HCT、MCV、MCH、MCHC均显著提高，而白细胞数（WBC）、小型白细胞数（Lym）和中型白细胞数（Mid）则显著下降。证实，重金属镉能够损伤小鼠的血液系统，但高剂量姬松茸水溶性粗多糖对镉的损伤具有防止作用。     

圈养华南虎血常规正常参考值的初步研究

以建立华南虎血液血常规指标的正常参考值范围为目的,选取国内各动物园和繁育基地饲养的健康华南虎采集血液样本作为研究对象,采用全自动(兽用)血常规分析仪的电阻抗法和射频技术测定血常规指标[白细胞(WBC)、红细胞(RBC)、血红蛋白(HGB)、血小板(PLT)等]。华南虎血液血常规指标的正常参考值范围(95%概率):WBC(5.45—18.92)10^9/L、RBC(5.95—10.21)10^12/L、HGB(102—187)g/L、PLT(24—621)10^9/L等,不同性别间华南虎血常规各项指标差异不显著(P>0.05),与其他虎亚种相关血常规指标存在差异。华南虎血常规指标正常参考值范围不同于其他虎亚种,建立华南虎血常规指标正常值对华南虎的饲养管理、疾病诊治预防和保育繁殖研究工作很有必要。     

Serum concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM in retired racing Greyhound dogs

Background: Greyhound dogs have significant physiologic, hematologic, and biochemical differences when compared with other breeds, including significantly lower serum globulin concentration owing to decreases in the α‐ and β‐globulin fractions. The specific proteins that account for differences in globulin concentrations are not known, but IgA and IgM, both β‐globulins, are potential candidates. Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure serum IgG, IgA, and IgM in clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and compare the results with those of age‐ and sex‐matched non‐Greyhound dogs. Methods: Study animals included 25 Greyhound and 20 non‐Greyhound dogs. Total protein, albumin, and total globulin concentrations were determined. IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured using a commercially available radial immunodiffusion kit. The Student t‐test assuming equal variances was used to compare concentrations of immunoglobulins between groups. Results: Serum concentrations of IgA and IgM in Greyhounds (IgA=49±20 mg/dL; IgM=132±47 mg/dL) were significantly lower than concentrations in non‐Greyound dogs (IgA=70±39 mg/dL; Ig M=212±78 mg/dL). Concentrations of IgG did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Mean serum IgA and IgM concentrations in Greyhounds were lower than those in non‐Greyhound dogs. This may contribute to low serum concentrations of β‐globulins in Greyhounds. Specific reference intervals are recommended for Greyhounds to avoid possible misdiagnosis of IgA or IgM deficiency.     

Comparison of white blood cell differential percentages determined by the in-house LaserCyte hematology analyzer and a manual method

BACKGROUND: The LaserCyte hematology analyzer (IDEXX Laboratories, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks, UK) is the first in-house laser-based single channel flow cytometer designed specifically for veterinary practice. The instrument provides a full hematologic analysis including a 5-part WBC differential (LC-diff%). We are unaware of published studies comparing LC-diff% results to those determined by other methods used in practice. OBJECTIVE: To compare LC-diff% results to those obtained by a manual differential cell count (M-diff%). METHODS: Eighty-six venous blood samples from 44 dogs and 42 cats were collected into EDTA tubes at the Forest Veterinary Centre (Epping, UK). Samples were analyzed using the LaserCyte within 1 hour of collection. Unstained blood smears were then posted to Langford Veterinary Diagnostics, University of Bristol, and stained with modified Wright's stain. One hundred-cell manual differential counts were performed by 2 technicians and the mean percentage was calculated for each cell type. Data (LC-diff% vs M-diff%) were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Deming regression, and Bland-Altman difference plots. RESULTS: Significant differences between methods were found for neutrophil and monocyte percentages in samples from dogs and cats and for eosinophil percentage in samples from cats. Correlations (r) (canine/feline) were .55/.72 for neutrophils, .76/.69 for lymphocytes, .05/.29 for monocytes and .60/.82 for eosinophils. Agreement between LC-diff% and Mdiff% results was poor in samples from both species. Bland-Altman plots revealed outliers in samples with atypical WBCs (1 cat), leukocytosis (2 dogs, 9 cats), and leukopenia (16 dogs, 11 cats). The LaserCyte generated error flags in 28 of 86 (32.6%) samples, included 7 with leukopenia, 8 with lymphopenia, 7 with leukocytosis, 1 with anemia, and 1 with erythrocytosis. When results from these 28 samples were excluded, correlations from the remaining nonflagged results (canine/feline) were .63/.65 for neutrophils, .67/.65 for lymphocytes, .11/.33 for monocytes, and .63/.82 for eosinophils. CONCLUSION: Although use of a 100-cell (vs 200-cell) M-diff% may be a limitation of our study, good correlation between WBC differentials obtained using the LaserCyte and the manual method was achieved only for feline eosinophils.     

The effect of exogenous proteases on selected hematological and serum biochemical parameters in boars

The increasing interest in enzymatic growth promoters prompted this investigation of the effect of an enzymatic stimulating complex on selected hematological and serum biochemical parameters in boars. The enzymatic complex [five proteases (proteinases-endopeptidases) and two peptidases (exopeptidases) obtained by fermentation from Streptomyces fradiae] was added to diets for three months, at initial doses of 90 (group E1) and 120 (group E2) g/ton feed for the first seven days followed by 40 and 60 g/ton, respectively, in the subsequent weeks. The evaluation was based on selected hematological (RBC, WBC, HCT (Ht), HGB (Hb), MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and biochemical (AST, ALT, AP, Ca, Mg, urea, cholesterol, creatinine, inorganic phosphorus, and oxyglucose) parameters determined before and after the experimental period. The reported values were within physiological norms. Statistical differences were found between experimental groups with respect to WBC, HCT (Ht), MCV, MCH, AP, Ca, Mg, creatinine, and inorganic phosphorus. The study results indicate that the complex of proteolytic enzymes administered to boars caused no negative changes in their metabolic profiles. The statistically different hematological and serum biochemical parameters, while within normal limits, point to an early stage of microcytic anemia and heightened agitation that could be the result of intensified nitrogen metabolism.