The effect of 3 resuscitative fluid therapies on hemostasis as measured by rotational thromboelastometry in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that administration of intravenous fluids impairs hemostasis. Thromboelastometry (TEM) may provide a more sensitive measure of the fluid effects on hemostasis than traditional coagulation tests. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to determine if resuscitative fluid therapy affects hemostasis, as measured by TEM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a randomized crossover design, 6 healthy dogs were administered intravenous colloid, crystalloid, and hypertonic saline at therapeutic doses. Whole blood samples were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 8 h posttreatment for TEM analysis and measurement of PT, APTT, and fibrinogen. Univariate ANOVA on transformed data evaluated differences between groups and within groups. When significant differences were noted (P = .003), a Tukey test was performed. RESULTS: A statistically significant interaction between individual dogs and treatment was noted for most TEM variables. There was a significant decrease in clot firmness from baseline in the TEM assessment of the intrinsic pathway. Colloid treatment correlated with significantly higher clot firmness in the TEM extrinsic pathway assessment, which decreased over time, and PT was significantly shorter in colloid-treated dogs. Overall, PT was significantly prolonged at one hour; however, all PT values were within the RI. The fibrinogen concentration was significantly different between all treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant doses of resuscitative fluids resulted in a decreased clot firmness in the intrinsic pathway, as measured by TEM, which affected hemostatic variables in healthy dogs. There was also a significant individual response to treatment. The changes noted in this study are not expected to result in clinically apparent bleeding.

A comparative proteomic study of plasma in feline pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis to identify diagnostic biomarkers: A pilot study.

While pancreatitis is now recognized as a common ailment in cats, the diagnosis remains challenging due to discordant results and suboptimal sensitivity of ultrasound and specific feline pancreatic lipase (Spec fPL) assay. Pancreatitis also shares similar clinical features with pancreatic carcinoma, a rare but aggressive disease with a grave prognosis. The objective of this pilot study was to compare the plasma proteomes of normal healthy cats (n = 6), cats with pancreatitis (n = 6), and cats with pancreatic carcinoma (n = 6) in order to identify potential new biomarkers of feline pancreatic disease. After plasma protein separation by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, protein spots were detected by Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 staining and identified by mass spectrometry. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1), and apolipoprotein-A1 precursor (Pre Apo-A1) appeared to be differentially expressed, which suggests the presence of a systemic acute-phase response and alteration of lipid metabolism in cats with pancreatic disease. Future studies involving greater case numbers are needed in order to assess the utility of these proteins as potential biomarkers. More sensitive proteomic techniques may also be helpful in detecting significant but low-abundance proteins.

Bien que la pancréatite soit maintenant reconnue comme un problème peu fréquent chez les chats, le diagnostic demeure un défi étant donné les résultats discordants et la sensibilité sous-optimale de l'échographie et de l'épreuve spécifique de la lipase pancréatique féline (Spec fPL). La pancréatite partage également des similarités cliniques avec le carcinome pancréatique, une maladie rare mais agressive ayant un pronostic grave. L'objectif de cette étude pilote était de comparer les protéomes plasmatiques de chats normaux en santé (n = 6), de chats avec une pancréatite (n = 6), et de chats avec un carcinome pancréatique (n = 6) afin d'identifier de nouveaux biomarqueurs potentiels de maladie pancréatique féline. Après séparation des protéines plasmatiques par électrophorèse en gel en deux dimensions, les taches de protéines furent détectées par coloration avec du bleu brillant de Coomassie G-250 et identifiées par spectrométrie de masse. La glycoprotéine acide alpha-1 (AGP), l'apolipoprotéine A1 (Apo-A1), et le précurseur de l'apolipoprotéine A1 (Pre Apo-A1) apparaissent comme étant exprimées de manière différentielle, ce qui suggère la présence d'une réponse de phase-aiguë systémique et une altération du métabolisme des lipides chez les chats avec une maladie pancréatique. Des études additionnelles regroupant un plus grand nombre de cas sont nécessaires afin d'évaluer l'utilité de ces protéines comme biomarqueurs potentiels. Des techniques plus sensibles de protéomique pourraient également être utiles pour détecter des protéines significatives mais de faible abondance.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

The effect of dystocia on physiological and behavioral characteristics related to vitality and passive transfer of immunoglobulins in newborn Holstein calves.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of calving difficulty or dystocia on the vitality of newborn calves and its association with blood pH, the apparent efficiency of immunoglobulin G (IgG) absorption (AEA), and weight gain. A total of 45 calving events (N = 48 calves) were monitored from the first sight of fetal membranes. All calves were assessed at the time of first attaining sternal recumbency (SR), at 2 and 24 h, and at 7 and 14 d of age. Measurements included time to SR, rectal temperature, respiration and heart rate, analysis of blood gases and other blood measures, suckling response, time to standing, passive transfer of IgG, and weight gain. Calves were separated from their dam 2 h after birth and fed a commercial colostrum replacer containing 180 g of IgG by esophageal tube feeder. Calves born following dystocia had lower venous blood pH and took longer to attain SR and attempt to stand than those born unassisted. Duration of calving interacted with the number of people required to extract the calf by pulling as a significant predictor of pH at SR. No association was found between pH at SR and AEA. However, reduced AEA was found in calves that were female and in calves that did not achieve SR within 15 min of birth. A longer calving duration, being born in July or August rather than June, and a shorter time spent standing in the first 2 d of life were significantly associated with reduced weight gain to 14 d. It was concluded that factors at calving impact the physiology, vitality, and subsequent weight gain of newborn calves.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'examiner les effets des difficultés au moment du vêlage ou dystocie sur la vitalité de veaux nouveaunés et l'association avec le pH sanguin, l'efficacité apparente d'absorption des immunoglobulines G (IgG) (EAA), et le gain de poids. Quarante-cinq vêlages (N = 48 veaux) furent surveillés à partir de la première visualisation des membranes foetales. Tous les veaux furent évalués au moment de la première fois qu'ils étaient en décubitus sternal (DS), à 2 et 24 h, et à 7 et 14 jours d'âge. Les données recueillies incluaient le délai pour atteindre le DS, la température rectale, les rythmes respiratoire et cardiaque, l'analyse des gaz sanguins et d'autres mesures sanguines, la réponse de tétée, le délai pour se tenir debout, le transfert passif d'IgG et le gain de poids. Les veaux furent séparés de leur mère 2 h après la naissance et nourris par tube oesophagien avec un substitut commercial du colostrum contenant 180 g d'IgG. Les veaux nés suivant une dystocie avaient un pH sanguin veineux plus bas et ont pris plus de temps pour atteindre le DS et tenter de se lever que ceux nés sans assistance. La durée du vêlage a interagit avec le nombre de personnes requis pour extraire le veau en tirant comme un prédicteur significatif du pH à DS. Aucune association ne fut trouvée entre le pH à DS et l'EAA. Toutefois, une EAA réduite fut notée chez les génisses et chez les veaux qui n'étaient pas en DS à l'intérieur d'un délai de 15 min suivant la naissance. Une durée plus longue du vêlage, une naissance en juillet ou août plutôt qu'en juin, et un temps plus court à se tenir debout pendant les deux premières journées de vie étaient associés significativement avec un gain de poids moindre après 14 j. Il a été conclu que des facteurs au moment du vêlage ont un impact sur la physiologie, la vitalité et le gain de poids à venir de veaux nouveau-nés.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of lymph node aspirates at diagnosis and relapse in dogs with high-grade multicentric lymphoma and comparison with survival time.

BACKGROUND: Canine high-grade multicentric lymphoma, a common disease with variable response to chemotherapy, is often diagnosed using cytology. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare cytologic features of canine peripheral lymph node aspirates collected at diagnosis and at relapse, and evaluate their usefulness in predicting survival. METHODS: Cytologic scoring based on a rubric and nuclear morphometry analyses were performed on cytologic smears collected at diagnosis and at relapse. Scores at diagnosis and relapse were compared by paired t-test and evaluated in relation to time from diagnosis to remission, remission to relapse, relapse to death, and total survival time, using the Cox proportional-hazards regression model. RESULTS: Number of mitoses and total cytologic score were significantly higher at relapse compared to diagnosis (P < .05). None of the nuclear morphometry measures were significantly different between diagnosis and relapse. The presence of binucleated or multinucleated cells at diagnosis was associated with a shorter remission and decreased total survival (P < .05). Increased mean nucleoli at relapse was associated with longer remission and total survival (P < .05). Increased minimum nuclear radius and diameter at diagnosis were associated with a decreased time from relapse to death (P < .05). Several nuclear morphometry measures at relapse were associated with a shorter time from diagnosis to remission (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Number of mitoses and total score were higher at relapse than at diagnosis in canine lymphoma. The presence of binucleated or multinucleated cells at diagnosis may be useful as indicator of a poor prognosis. Further studies including a larger number of cases are required to reinforce the prognostic values of these cytologic features.

Reticulocytosis in nonanemic dogs: increasing prevalence and potential etiologies.

BACKGROUND: An increasing prevalence of reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia (RAA) in dogs has been suspected in recent years. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine whether prevalence of RAA in our canine population has been increasing over the last years, and to identify potential predisposing factors. METHODS: The annual prevalence of RAA in adult dogs was determined between 2000 and 2012. Clinical histories and CBC data were analyzed for all dogs, as well as owner response to a questionnaire including information on nutrition and supplements was conducted for dogs with RAA identified between 2011 and 2012. In addition, serum iron concentration (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%TS) were determined in 14 dogs with RAA and compared with 8 healthy control dogs. RESULTS: Reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia was identified in 1035 dogs, with the prevalence increasing since 2006. Dogs with RAA evaluated after 2006 (n = 853) had significantly lower MCV and were more likely to have microcytosis than those prior to 2006 (n = 182). Increased incidence of osteoarthritis was observed in dogs evaluated after 2006, including the dogs studied between 2011 and 2012 (n = 31), and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine was more common in the latter. Significantly lower mean Fe and %TS, and higher TIBC were found in dogs with RAA compared to unaffected dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of RAA has increased in recent years in our canine population. More ubiquitous use of anti-inflammatory medications and nutraceuticals, associated with increased diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be considered as contributing factors.

Localization of Bovine papillomavirus in equine sarcoids and inflammatory skin conditions of horses using laser microdissection and two forms of DNA amplification.

Equine sarcoids are the most common tumor of horses. Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) has been suggested as the cause of sarcoids. Studies have shown that BPV is present in swabs or biopsies from nonsarcoid-bearing equine skin. Skin biopsies from a variety of different conditions and normal skin from horses with no reported history of sarcoids were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of BPV, which was found in all different types of skin conditions as well as normal skin. Forty-one out of 86 skin biopsies from horses without sarcoids were found to contain BPV DNA. Laser microdissection, followed by DNA amplification through both PCR and isothermal loop-mediated amplification, was performed on these 41 biopsies and on 70 additional BPV-positive sarcoid biopsies to localize the virus. Location of BPV DNA was different between sarcoid and nonsarcoid groups. Nonsarcoid skin biopsies were more likely to have BPV within intact or inflamed epidermis than sarcoids (P = 0.016 and P = 0.007, respectively). Areas of inflammation within the dermis and epidermis were more likely to contain BPV than in noninflamed areas (P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively). Bovine papillomavirus was also found in the epidermis of all types of sarcoids examined, more frequently in occult sarcoids than in fibroblastic and nodular types (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Results suggest that BPV is commonly found in normal and inflamed equine skin, and it is likely an important predisposing factor in the development of sarcoids.

Serum C-reactive protein concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker for inflammation in people and dogs. In people, an association between CRP concentration and atherosclerosis has been reported. Atherosclerosis is rare in dogs, but the Miniature Schnauzer breed may be at increased risk for developing this vascular disease. It is not known if CRP concentrations in Miniature Schnauzer dogs differ from those in other dog breeds. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to validate an automated human CRP assay for measuring CRP in dogs and compare CRP concentrations in healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs with those in non-Miniature Schnauzer breeds. METHODS: Sera from 37 non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs with inflammatory disease were pooled and used to validate a human CRP immunoturbidimetric assay for measuring canine CRP. Blood was collected from 20 healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs and 41 healthy dogs of other breeds. Median serum CRP concentration of healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs was compared with that of healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. RESULTS: The human CRP assay measured CRP reliably with linearity between 0 and 20 mg/L. CRP concentration for healthy Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 4.0 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-18.2 mg/L) was significantly higher than for the healthy non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs (median 0.1 mg/L, minimum-maximum 0-10.7 mg/L); 17 of the 20 Miniature Schnauzer dogs had values that overlapped with those of the non-Miniature Schnauzer dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Median CRP concentration of Miniature Schnauzer dogs was slightly higher than that of other breeds of dogs. A relationship between higher CRP concentration in Miniature Schnauzer dogs and idiopathic hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, and possible increased risk for atherosclerosis remains to be determined.

Hemotropic mycoplasma prevalence in shelter and client-owned cats in Saskatchewan and a comparison of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - Results from two independent laboratories.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical hemotropic mycoplasma (HM) infections in 2 distinct feline populations: cats from a local shelter and client-owned cats presented for elective procedures (vaccination, ovariohysterectomy, orchiectomy) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine - Veterinary Teaching Hospital (WCVM-VTH). The second objective of this study was to evaluate the inter-test agreement of 2 independent conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays used for the diagnosis of feline HM-infections.Fifty-eight clinically healthy shelter cats and 57 clinically healthy client-owned cats were screened for subclinical HM-infection using a conventional PCR assay to detect the 16S rRNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis and "Candidatus M. haemominutum." All cats in both groups had normal physical examinations. Sex, age (estimated for shelter cats), breed, reproductive status and the presence or absence of ectoparasites were determined. Packed cell volume (PCV), total protein, retroviral status, and blood smear evidence of HM-infection were evaluated. Subclinical HM-infection was identified by PCR assay in 12% (7/58) of the shelter cats and 4% (2/57) of the client-owned cats. M. haemofelis was found in 3/7 HM-infected shelter cats and 2/2 of the HM-infected client-owned cats; "Candidatus M. haemominutum" was found in 4/7 of the HM-infected shelter cats. There was no significant difference in prevalence of HM-infection between the populations (OR 3.8, 95% CI 0.75 to 19, P = 0.16), and no risk factors for infection were identified in either population.Blood samples from 44 cats with known PCR results (26 cats sampled in the prevalence study and 18 clinical cases) were submitted to a second independent laboratory for HM PCR assay to assess inter-laboratory agreement. There was substantial, but not complete agreement between the 2 independent laboratories for PCR detection of M. haemofelis (kappa = 0.66) and "Candidatus M. haemominutum" (kappa = 0.70).

Naturally acquired feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in cats from western Canada: Prevalence, disease associations, and survival analysis.

This retrospective study evaluated epidemiologic features and disease associations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in client owned cats from western Canada. Among 1205 cats that were tested 66 (5.5%) were positive for FIV antibody (FIV(+)) with a higher prevalence in males than females. FIV(+) cats were older than the overall population. Epidemiologic features and disease associations were compared between 58 FIV(+), but feline leukemia virus negative (FeLV(-)) cats and 58 age and sex matched FIV-negative (FIV(-)), FeLV(-) cats. FIV positivity was associated with a history of bite wounds, increasing age, and male gender. Lethargy and oral diseases were significantly associated with FIV positivity. Although several FIV(+) cats were euthanized, the survival time of FIV(+) cats after diagnosis was not significantly different from that of FIV(-) cats. In summary, FIV prevalence was low in cats from western Canada, clinical signs/diseases were mild, and lifespan was not different in FIV(+) cats.

C-reactive protein as a prognostic indicator in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome.

The objective of the present study was to measure serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in 32 dogs with acute abdomen syndrome at presentation and after 48-72 hr. Data were evaluated to determine if there was an association between CRP concentration and outcome, and if CRP concentration correlated with the white blood cell (WBC) count at both time points. An immunoturbidimetric assay for human CRP, previously validated for use in dogs, was used for serum CRP analysis. Increased serum CRP concentrations were found in 21 dogs at presentation. Fifteen of these dogs had declining serum CRP concentrations by 48-72 hr, but 3 of the 15 dogs were later euthanized. Serum CRP concentrations increased by 48-72 hr in 4 dogs. Of the 32 dogs, 4 were dead or were euthanized prior to the 48-72 hr time point. No significant difference between initial CRP concentration and outcome was found (P = 0.054). Initial and 48-72 hr CRP values taken together were significantly different between outcome groups (P < 0.001). Serum CRP concentrations that were elevated at both time points were associated with a poor prognosis. No correlation was found between CRP concentrations and WBC counts at presentation (P = 0.83); however, a significant correlation was noted at 48-72 hr (P = 0.03). Evaluation of sequential CRP concentrations in dogs with acute abdomen syndrome may be helpful in assessing clinical response to treatment and predicting outcome. Also, serum CRP may be better in detecting tissue injury and/or inflammation at presentation than WBC counts in select cases.

Clonality and phenotyping of canine lymphomas before chemotherapy and during remission using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on lymph node cytologic smears and peripheral blood.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes were utilized to determine phenotype and clonality from lymph node cytologic smears and peripheral blood lymphocytes from 10 dogs with lymphoma, before chemotherapy and during remission. Results were compared with those from 13 dogs with a cytologic diagnosis of lymph node hyperplasia. Clonality was identified in 7 of the lymphomas on the basis of either lymph node cytology or peripheral blood lymphocytes before treatment. No lymph node hyperplasia samples were clonal. In 6 of the dogs with lymphoma, clonality was demonstrated during clinical remission. Detection of PCR clonality during clinical remission is an effective means of identifying minimal residual disease in canine lymphoma and thus additional work is warranted to determine if molecular remission is prognostic or predictive for outcome in well-controlled and well-defined lymphoma subtypes.

Epidemiology of equine sarcoids in horses in western Canada.

Sarcoids are the most common tumor of the equine skin but only 1 study describing the epidemiology of sarcoids in Canadian horses has been published. The records of 5 veterinary diagnostic laboratories in western Canada were searched to identify submissions of sarcoids from horses. The submission records and diagnostic reports of 802 separate submissions of equine sarcoids were reviewed for age, breed, and gender of the horse and the number, location, and clinical type of sarcoid. From these records, the 307 submissions to laboratories in Saskatchewan were compared to a reference group to test for breed and gender predisposition. Based on clinical history and lesion descriptions, 5 clinical types of sarcoids were identified. Horses of various ages and 23 equine breeds were affected; donkeys were over-represented. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the bovine papillomavirus (BPV) DNA was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from a stratified subset of 96 of the different clinical types; BPV2 was present in 60 of 74 (81%) for which a PCR product was obtained. Unlike other areas in the world, in western Canada, equine sarcoids are most commonly associated with BPV type 2.

The effect of a low molecular weight heparin on coagulation parameters in healthy cats.

The low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), dalteparin sodium, was administered subcutaneously (100 IU/kg) to 8 healthy cats twice daily for 13 doses. Anti-activated factor X (anti-Xa) activity was measured prior to administration (time 0), and 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after the 1st dose, 4 h after administration of the 3rd dose, and at 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after the last dose. Four cats developed measurable anti-Xa activity 4 h following a single dose, returning to baseline by 6 h. Anti-Xa activity was not detected at any time point in 4 cats. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and antithrombin (AT) concentrations were unaffected by LMWH administration. Dalteparin, at 100 IU/kg SC, did not achieve anti-Xa activity in 4 out of 8 cats and failed to maintain anti-Xa activity beyond 4 h in the other 4 healthy cats.

Anemia in cats with hemotropic mycoplasma infection: retrospective evaluation of 23 cases (1996-2005).

This study summarizes the diagnostic findings from all anemic cats diagnosed with hemotropic mycoplasma (HM) infections at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine-Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1996 and 2005. The objectives were to determine the frequency of HM-induced anemia among all cats presented with anemia during this period, the clinical findings and risk factors associated with clinical HM infection, and factors affecting or predicting survival. Medical records were examined from 23 cats with HM-induced anemia from the total of 170 cats diagnosed with anemia during this period. The frequency of HM-induced anemia was 14% (23/170) among all anemic cats. Cats with HM-induced anemia were less likely to be purebred (P = 0.04) than other cats with anemia. Of the cats with HM-induced anemia, those with positive retroviral status (P = 0.01), concurrent illness (P < 0.01), or lack of erythroid regeneration (P = 0.01) were most likely to die. The 1-year survival of HM-infected cats was 65% (13/20).

Serial blood lactate concentrations in systemically ill dogs.

BACKGROUND: Lactate concentration often is quantified in systemically ill dogs and interpreted based on human data. To our knowledge, there are no published clinical studies evaluating serial lactate concentrations as a prognostic indicator in ill dogs. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to perform a prospective study, using multivariate analysis, to determine whether serial lactate concentrations were associated with outcome in ill dogs requiring intravenous fluids. METHODS: Eighty sick dogs had lactate concentrations evaluated, using an analyzer that measures lactate in the plasma fraction of heparinized whole blood, at 0 hours and 6 hours after initiation of treatment. Severity of illness and outcome (survivor, nonsurvivor) were determined by reviewing the patient's record 2 weeks after admission. Lactate concentrations, age, body weight, gender, and severity of illness were evaluated using multivariate analysis to determine their effects on outcome. RESULTS: Dogs with lactate concentrations greater than the reference interval at 6 hours were 16 times (95% confidence interval = 2.32-112.71 times, P <.01) more likely not to survive compared to dogs with lactate concentrations within the reference interval. Lactate concentrations above the reference interval at 0 hours were not significantly related to outcome. However, hyperlactatemia that did not improve by > or = 50% within 6 hours was significantly associated with mortality (P = .024). CONCLUSION: Dogs with a lactate concentration higher than the reference interval at 6 hours were more likely not to survive. These results indicate an association between lactate concentration and outcome and emphasize the importance of serial lactate concentrations in evaluating prognosis.

Evaluation of the Accutrend for lactate measurement in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Lactate concentrations are increasingly quantified in dogs using point-of-care instruments, but often without canine-specific method evaluation and instrument-specific reference intervals. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the precision of the Accutrend (Roche Diagnostics) for lactate determination in dogs, 2) determine the accuracy of the Accutrend using the Rapidlab 865 (Bayer Diagnostics) as the reference method, and 3) establish and compare reference intervals for lactate concentration in clinically healthy dogs for both instruments. METHODS: Precision was evaluated using low and high control materials, and variable (1 drop) and fixed (25 microL) sample volumes. Accuracy was determined by comparing lactate concentrations obtained with the Accutrend with those from the Rapidlab 865 in 273 heparinized canine jugular venous blood samples from 100 clinically healthy dogs and 107 systemically ill dogs (173 samples). Lactate reference intervals were established for both analyzers using data from the 100 clinically healthy dogs. RESULTS: The precision of the Accutrend was good (coefficients of variation, < or = 5.3%) for 25-microL samples but not when a drop was used. Lactate concentrations obtained on the Accutrend correlated poorly with those from the Rapidlab 865 (r = 0.864, mean bias = 0.66 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57-0.76 with 95% limits of agreement = -0.87 (lower limit, 95% CI = -1.03 to -0.71) and 2.20 (upper limit, 95% CI = 2.04 to 2.36). The reference interval for canine lactate concentration on the Accutrend was 1.2-3.1 mmol/L compared with 0.46-2.31 mmol/L on the Rapidlab. CONCLUSION: Although precision was good with fixed sample volumes, blood lactate concentrations obtained on the Accutrend were significantly different than those on the Rapidlab 865, with systematic and random errors resulting in a positive bias. Further evaluation of the Accutrend is required before its use in dogs can be recommended.

Mycoplasma haemofelis and Mycoplasma haemominutum detection by polymerase chain reaction in cats from Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Hemobartonellosis is caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, previously known as Haemobartonella felis. Cats infected with this organism typically develop regenerative anemia. The related species Mycoplasma haemominutum may also cause anemia. The purposes of this study were to use polymerase chain reaction technology to determine if both organisms exist in naturally infected cats from Saskatchewan and Alberta, and to determine if disease manifestation corresponds to mycoplasma species. Thirteen of 18 cats with regenerative anemia were infected, 12 with M. haemofelis and 1 with M. haemominutum. Eight of 22 cats with nonregenerative anemia were infected, 4 with M. haemofelis and 4 with M. haemominutum. Two of 20 cats with normal complete blood (cell) counts were infected with M. haemominutum. Although both mycoplasma species were identified, ill cats were more often infected with M. haemofelis.

Lack of detection of feline leukemia and feline sarcoma viruses in diffuse iris melanomas of cats by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction.

Diffuse iris melanoma was confirmed by light-microscopic examination in 10 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded globes from 10 cats. To determine if feline leukemia virus or a replication defective feline leukemia virus, feline sarcoma virus, was present in these anterior uveal melanomas, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction for feline leukemia virus were utilized. Immunohistochemical staining for feline leukemia virus glycoprotein 70 was performed on all 10 tumors using an avidin-biotin complex technique. The DNA was extracted from each specimen and a 166-base pair region of the feline leukemia virus long terminal repeat was targeted by polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical staining for feline leukemia virus glycoprotein 70 and polymerase chain reaction amplification of a feline leukemia virus long terminal repeat region were negative in all cases. Feline leukemia virus/feline sarcoma virus was not detected in any neoplasms and therefore was unlikely to play a role in the tumorigenesis of these feline diffuse iris melanomas.

Evaluation of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from feline vaccine site-associated sarcomas for feline foamy virus DNA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a group of vaccine site-associated sarcomas (VSS) for the presence of feline foamy virus (FeFV) DNA, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. SAMPLE POPULATION: 50 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from VSS of cats. PROCEDURE: DNA was extracted from FFPE sections of each tumor, and regions of the gag and pol genes of FeFV were amplified by use of PCR methods, using 1 primer set for each region. Sensitivity of the method was compared between fresh and FFPE cells, using mouse kidney tissue that was injected with FeFV-infected cultured cells and using agarose-cell pellets. Results-Feline foamy virus DNA was not detected in VSS tissues. Sensitivity of the method was 10 times greater in fresh versus FFPE mouse tissues. Sensitivity of the method in fresh FeFV-infected cultured cells versus FFPE agarose-cell pellets was equal when fixation was 24 or 48 hours and 10 times greater when fixation was 72 hours or 1 week. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A PCR-based method can be successfully applied to FFPE tissues for FeFV DNA detection. Results suggest there is no direct FeFV involvement in the pathogenesis of VSS in cats.