Performance of the Sysmex XN-V hematology analyzer in determining the immature platelet fraction in dogs: A preliminary study and reference values.

BACKGROUND: Immature platelets (IPs) are newly formed platelets released into circulation that have been demonstrated as good markers of thrombopoiesis. Although many flow cytometric and fully automated-based methods are available, the latest Sysmex XN-V hematology analyzer for veterinary use is equipped with a specific fluorescent platelet channel (PLT-F) that detects platelets using a platelet-specific dye. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of the Sysmex XSN-1000 V in determining the IPF (immature platelet fraction) and other selected PLT-F channel parameters and to propose IPF reference intervals (RIs) for canine blood samples. METHODS: Canine EDTA blood samples were analyzed on the Sysmex XN-1000 V to assess linearity, imprecision, carryover, stability, and the effect of platelet clumping on selected platelet parameters from the PLT-F channel. We also reported the de novo generated RIs for the IPF in dogs. RESULTS: Imprecision was acceptable (CV <10%) for all parameters except for the absolute IPF values (IPF#), in which the reproducibility was 12.15% for the normal-low concentration samples. Linearity and carryover were excellent for all variables. Relative IPF values (IPF %) and IPF# remained stable for both storage conditions for up to 48 hours; however, a nonsignificant progressive increase in these parameters was observed from 12 hours at 4°C. We observed a statistical increase in IPF% and IPF# and a statistically significant decrease in PLT-F counts after intentional in vitro platelet aggregation. RIs were generated for all reference samples (n = 69) and for samples with (n = 25) or without (n = 44) platelet clumps. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the new PLT-F channel-derived variables for dogs was excellent. Specific RIs for IPF should be used when platelet aggregates are present.

Needle tract seeding and malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma into well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog.

An 11-year-old neutered female Golden Retriever was referred for investigation of marked increases in liver enzyme activities. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large pedunculated liver mass. Diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) was made when the mass was excised after a first unsuccessful attempt through ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy. One and a half years after presentation, a nodule embedded between muscles of the abdominal wall appeared. The mass was first diagnosed as a well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through cytologic examination, which was later confirmed with histopathology. Ki 67 immunostaining of the abdominal wall nodule showed an increased immunoreactivity compared with the liver mass. Therefore, the present case documents the first needle-tract seeding of a hepatocellular epithelial tumor with possible malignant transformation of HCA into a well-differentiated HCC in a dog.

Signalment, Immunological and Parasitological Status and Clinicopathological Findings of Leishmania-Seropositive Apparently Healthy Dogs.

Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Epidemiological serosurveys performed in Europe often lack a thorough assessment of clinical health status of studied dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate signalment, immunological and parasitological status and clinicopathological findings of L. infantum-seropositive apparently healthy dogs (n = 212) living in endemic areas. Routine laboratory tests, endpoint in-house ELISA to quantify the anti-Leishmania antibodies, blood Leishmania qPCR and IFN-γ ELISA were performed. All dogs enrolled were L. infantum-seropositive and were classified as healthy (n = 105) or sick (n = 107) according to LeishVet guidelines. The sick group presented a higher proportion of medium to high antibody levels and positive qPCR and lower IFN-γ concentration compared to the healthy group. Sick dogs were mostly classified in LeishVet stage IIa. Biochemical alterations (98%) were the most common clinicopathological findings, with fewer urinary tract (46%) and hematological (40%) alterations. Apparently healthy L. infantum-seropositive dogs can be classified between truly healthy dogs and sick dogs with clinicopathological findings. Sick dogs presented medium to high seropositivity and parasitemia and low IFN-γ concentrations, and their most common clinicopathological abnormalities were serum protein alterations followed by proteinuria and lymphopenia.

Undifferentiated Wing Sarcoma in a Peach-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis).

A 10-year-old peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) was evaluated for an ulcerated and painful mass at the location of a fracture 2 years previously. Whole body radiographs showed a humeral fracture with a presumptive neoplastic proliferation in the distal diaphysis. Right wing amputation was elected but the animal died during recovery from surgery. Histopathological examination of the amputated wing revealed an infiltrative sarcomatous neoplastic proliferation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was carried out to characterize the tumour using antibodies against vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), S-100, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1), CD18, cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). The mesenchymal component of the mass was immunolabelled for vimentin and SMA and sparse epithelial cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin. Very few scattered cells were immunopositive for CD18 and IBA-1. The final diagnosis was consistent with an undifferentiated sarcoma with intralesional hyperplastic epithelium. According to the location, the history of a previous fracture and the histological pattern and IHC profile, the tumour was classified as an undifferentiated sarcoma with entrapped air sac epithelium.