Cold agglutinin activity in 2 dogs

A 5‐year‐old neutered male Mastiff and an 8‐year‐old spayed female Labrador Retriever were presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. The Mastiff was presented for evaluation of lameness and pyoderma one month prior in Missouri, where he tested positive for Ehrlichia canis by serum ELISA test, treated with doxycycline. PCR for Ehrlichia sp, Anaplasma sp, Babesia sp, and Bartonella sp, and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement were negative, serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) revealed polyclonal gammopathy, and mildly reactive lymphoid cells were seen cytologically. The Labrador presented with a proliferative rostral mandibular gingival mass and lipomas for further presurgical evaluation of cold agglutinin activity documented by a commercial laboratory 2 years earlier prior to removal of a grade II mast cell tumor. This dog had a negative SNAP4Dx, normal SPE, and persistently increased serum ALP activity and polyuria/polydipsia suggestive for hyperadrenocorticism. Both dogs had markedly agglutinated RBC in the EDTA samples that dispersed with warming, and normal plasma color. Cold agglutinin activity was demonstrated by direct saline agglutination testing using whole blood and washed erythrocytes demonstrating agglutination at 30°C, 25°C, 15°C, and 4°C, but not at 37°C . CBC results (ADVIA 2120i) from the Mastiff revealed no significant differences in the RBC results obtained at room temperature (RT) and at 37°C; however, the RT run demonstrated negative bias in neutrophil and platelet concentrations attributed to rapid RBC settling. This uncommon hematologic condition may cause artifacts on the automated leukogram and platelet count, and may be subclinical for long periods.     

Factors associated with in-transit losses of market hogs in Ontario in 2001

In-transit losses and stage of transport when deaths occurred were determined for 4 760 213 market-weight pigs produced in 2001 by 4159 Ontario producers and marketed through 117 transport companies to 33 packers located in Canada (96%) and the United States. Approximately 73% and 21% of producers marketed < 2000 pigs and < 500 pigs, respectively. In-transit loss was 0.017%, with 75% of producers losing ≤ 5 pigs annually. Approximately half of in-transit losses occurred on the truck, with 14% of the other deaths occurring at the assembly yards, 4% on the producers’ trucks, and 24% at the abattoir. Fifteen percent of in-transit deaths, representing 1212 pigs, occurred in pigs that were previously identified as abnormal by the transporter or personnel working at the assembly yard or abattoir. Average losses were higher for producers marketing < 2000 pigs, and in-transit loss ratio (ITLR) was highest among those marketing < 100 pigs. Pigs from small farms traveled greater distances than those from larger operations. In-transit losses increased sharply between 590 and 720 km traveled, and decreased at distances > 980 km. Environmental temperatures reached ≥ 31°C for 4.2% of pigs shipped in June, July, and August, with median and mean temperatures of 20.6°C and 20.3°C, respectively, for these months. Twenty percent of all in-transit losses (1617 pigs) occurred in August.     

Average daily gain of local pigs on rural and peri-urban smallholder farms in two districts of Western Kenya

The objective of this study was to determine the average daily gain (ADG) of pigs on rural and peri-urban smallholder farms in two districts of Western Kenya, in order to establish a baseline to measure the impact of future management interventions. Average daily gain (kilograms per day) for 664 pigs weighed one, two or three times and the proportion of local and crossbreed pigs was determined. Assuming a uniform birth weight of 1 kg, ADG did not differ between pigs weighed once or twice. Overall, ADG was higher in peri-urban pigs (0.15?±?0.058 kg/day) than rural pigs (0.11?±?0.047 kg/day). Pigs at 1 to 2 months had a higher ADG than those at 3 months or 10 to 12 months and ADG was higher in crossbreed than local pigs. Over the two districts, the ADG was low (0.13?±?0.002 kg/day). Most (87.2 %) pigs were of local breed. Low ADG may be due to malnourishment, high maintenance energy expenditure, high parasite prevalence, disease, and/or low genetic potential. This low ADG of pigs raised on smallholder farms in Western Kenya indicates a high potential for improvement. The growth rate of pigs in Western Kenya must be improved using locally available feedstuffs to make efficient use of resources, promote sustainable smallholder pig production, and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers.     

The effects of formalin fixation and tissue embedding of bovine liver on copper, iron, and zinc analysis.

Veterinary analytical chemistry laboratories might be called upon to analyze formalin-fixed or paraffin-embedded tissue samples for trace minerals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) are comparable among fresh or frozen, formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded bovine liver samples on an as-received basis. Three liver sample subtypes (fresh or frozen, formalin-fixed, and paraffin-embedded) from 12 cows were collected and analyzed for Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations. Concentrations were measured by using inductively coupled argon plasma atomic-emission spectroscopy. There was no significant difference in mineral measurements between fresh or frozen and formalin-fixed samples for Cu and Zn (both P > or = 0.052). The median concentration of Fe was lower in the fresh or frozen samples than in the formalin-fixed samples. However, for every pair of fresh or frozen and paraffin-embedded samples for all 3 minerals, the fresh or frozen sample had a lower measurement than the paraffin-embedded sample (all P = 0.005). Differences in mineral measurements associated with tissue processing did not result in differences in classification (within or outside the reference range) for Fe. However, the classification of Cu and Zn was different up to 25% of the time with fresh or frozen versus formalin-fixed or embedded liver. Although Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations attained from processed tissue may be useful, they must be evaluated with caution.     

Contamination of multiple-dose vials in a veterinary hospital

Bacterial contamination of multiple-dose saline bottles and medication vials in a veterinary teaching hospital was evaluated. Bacterial contamination was identified in 16/88 (18%) containers, with no difference in contamination between the large animal clinic, small animal clinic, and ruminant ambulatory clinic. Contamination of multiple-dose containers containing substances for injection was common, and potential pathogens were present in many situations. While the clinical significance is not resolved at this point, infection control practices should address this potential source of nosocomial infection.     

Caudal thigh intermuscular lipomas in dogs: Anatomic review and approach to surgical excision

The surgical approach for excision of caudal thigh intermuscular lipomas (IML) in dogs is described with relevant anatomy and short-term outcomes reported. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent IML excision between 2015 to 2019. Signalment, location of the lipoma, pre-operative diagnostic tests, histopathology results, use of a closed-suction drain, and follow-up information including drain and suture removal were recorded. Mean age of patients in this study was 8.7 years. Multiple breeds were affected and there was no predilection for either left or right hind limb. Pre-operative diagnostic tests included fine-needle aspirate, radiography, peripheral ultrasonography, and/or computed tomography scan. In 45% (5/11) of the cases, a closed suction drain was placed. All masses removed were deemed grossly consistent with a lipoma by the attending clinician and 5 were confirmed by histopathology. No complications were noted in any case. Removal of caudal thigh IML requires careful identification of and dissection around the sciatic nerve, which is easily achieved with appropriate knowledge of the relevant anatomy and surgical approach.