Repeat patient testing-quality control compared to commercial quality control material for the Sysmex XT-2000iV hematology analyzer in a multi-site veterinary laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Quality control material (QCM) for hematology in veterinary laboratories is limited, and repeat patient testing quality control (RPT-QC) is an alternative method using excess matrix-specific samples. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine if median differences between RPT-QC analyses for each time interval for RBC, HGB, HCT, and WBC were the same, determine if unified RPT-QC limits can be applied to a network of veterinary laboratories, compare the performance of RPT-QC to commercial QCM for the reference analyzer and evaluate the experience over a 4 month period and design, improve and implement an automated spreadsheet for RPT-QC data management. METHODS: The potential to unify individual analyzer RPT-QC limits for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), and white blood cells (WBC) on multi-site Sysmex XT-2000-iV analyzers was explored by a difference of means test and confidence interval determination for the median difference for each network analyzer in comparison to the network reference analyzer. User experience of an automated RPT-QC data management Excel spreadsheet was collected by user feedback during monthly meetings. Numbers of out-of-control results and the root causes for these for RPT-QC were compared against those of a commercial QCM over a 4-month period. RESULTS: Differences between individual analyzer RPT-QC limits were too large to allow for unification of network limits. The automated spreadsheet successfully highlighted out-of-control events for RPT-QC. Trends or shifts were more frequent for commercial QCM based on observed performance and a 1-2.5 s QC rule than for RPT-QC. Following routine troubleshooting, RPT-QC out-of-control events were resolved with an alternative RPT-QC sample indicating random error associated with excessive deterioration. Use of an automated spreadsheet for recording RPT-QC, documentation and troubleshooting of out-of-control events, and collating monthly summary calculations were considered an asset in laboratory quality management. CONCLUSIONS: RPT-QC can be successfully implemented and integrated into a multi-site veterinary laboratory. Individual analyzer RPT-QC limit generation is recommended. The deterioration of commercial QCM caused shifts or trends in QC results, which initiated more repeat analyses and investigations than did RPT-QC.

Biological variation of routine haematology and biochemistry measurands in the horse.

BACKGROUND: Clinical pathology results are typically interpreted by referring to population-based reference intervals. The use of individualised (subject-based) reference intervals is more appropriate for measurands with a high degree of variation between individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the biological variation of routinely analysed equine haematology and biochemistry measurands and calculate indices of individuality and reference change values which enable production of individualised reference intervals, in a group of healthy, privately owned horses. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective cohort study, thirty-nine privately owned horses were sampled by jugular venipuncture for analysis of haematology and biochemistry measurands at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. METHODS: Haematology was analysed on the day of collection. Serum was frozen and biochemistry analyses performed on thawed samples. Duplicate results were obtained and the coefficient of variation was calculated for analytical variation, within-subject variation and between-subject variation. The index of individuality and reference change value were derived for each measurand. RESULTS: Haematology (red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean cell volume) and biochemistry measurands (total protein, globulins, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase) demonstrated high individuality, indicating that individualised reference intervals are more appropriate for evaluation of these measurands. Two haematology (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and platelets) and three biochemistry measurands (chloride, glucose and sodium) had low individuality, indicating that the use of traditional population-based reference intervals is appropriate for these measurands. Remaining measurands had intermediate individuality suggesting interpretation of the reference change value should occur with consideration of the population-based reference interval. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The use of privately owned horses, variable management and environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: The use of individualised reference intervals is justified for many measurands in horses, supporting the use of serial sampling, consideration of biological variation and application of reference change values for improved clinical decision making and patient management in equine practice.

Clinical application of biological variation data to facilitate interpretation of canine and feline laboratory results.

Interpretation of laboratory results is based on comparison of the patient's own results against established decision thresholds or reference intervals in the context of the clinical presentation and history. Blood measurand analysis has pre-analytical, analytical and physiological sources of variation, which may complicate interpretation of results. Biological variation describes the physiological random fluctuation of blood measurands around a homeostatic set point, which varies within and between individuals. This article reviews the practical applications of biological variation in the everyday clinical setting. Examples are offered to highlight how biological variation can be used to: (1) assess the usefulness of subject-based reference intervals, (2) determine measurand homeostatic set points, (3) interpret single or serial results for diagnosis of disease and (4) evaluate changes in serial results during monitoring.

Establishment of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) and the current status of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.

After 5 years of development, the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) was formally recognized and approved on July 4, 2007 by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS), the European regulatory body that oversees specialization in veterinary medicine and which has approved 23 colleges. The objectives, committees, basis for membership, constitution, bylaws, information brochure and certifying examination of the ECVCP have remained unchanged during this time except as directed by EBVS. The ECVCP declared full functionality based on the following criteria: 1) a critical mass of 65 members: 15 original diplomates approved by the EBVS to establish the ECVCP, 37 de facto diplomates, 7 diplomates certified by examination, and 5 elected honorary members; 2) the development and certification of training programs, laboratories, and qualified supervisors for residents; currently there are 18 resident training programs in Europe; 3) administration of 3 annual board-certifying examinations thus far, with an overall pass rate of 70%; 4) European consensus criteria for assessing the continuing education of specialists every 5 years; 5) organization of 8 annual scientific congresses and a joint journal (with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology) for communication of scientific research and information; the College also maintains a website, a joint listserv, and a newsletter; 6) collaboration in training and continuing education with relevant colleges in medicine and pathology; 7) development and strict adherence to a constitution and bylaws compliant with the EBVS; and 8) demonstration of compelling rationale, supporting data, and the support of members and other colleges for independence as a specialty college. Formal EBVS recognition of ECVCP as the regulatory body for the science and practice of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe will facilitate growth and development of the discipline and compliance of academic, commercial diagnostic, and industry laboratories in veterinary clinical pathology. Future needs are in developing sponsorship for resident positions, increasing employment opportunities, increasing compliance with laboratory, training, and continuing education standards, and advancing relevant science and technology.

Multilobulated "flower" cells in a subcutaneous mass aspirate from a cat.

An 8-year-old intact male cat was presented with a subcutaneous mass in the region of the right jugular vein. Cytologic and histopathologic examinations revealed cells with multilobulated nuclei (flower cells). Immunochemistry using a panel of markers showed vimentin-positivity on cytologic specimens, and postive staining for CD79a and BLA36 on histologic specimens. The final diagnosis was lymphoma of B-cell origin. We have observed similar multilobulated cells in ascites fluid, thoracic fluid, and peripheral blood from dogs and cats with a variety of lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms. Cells with multilobulated nuclei that resemble flower petals also have been described in humans. These cells are infrequently observed in canine and feline cytology specimens and require immunochemistry to determine their cell of origin.

Unusual characteristics of a parvovirus isolated from a clinically ill steer.

A parvovirus was isolated from the feces of an 8- and 9-month-old steer that died acutely with hemorrhagic diarrhea and microscopic evidence of a coccidial infection. The concurrent intestinal parasitism in this steer appeared to play a role in the development of clinical disease. The viral isolate was identified as a bovine parvovirus (BPV) on the basis of its size (22 nm) and icosahedral morphology, the neutralization of viral cytopathology by antiserum to BPV, a strong immunofluorescent reaction with fluorescein-labeled antiserum to BPV, and the inhibition of viral hemagglutination of guinea-pig erythrocytes by antiserum to BPV. Cell cultures infected with this isolate showed a slight nuclear fluorescent reaction with fluorescein-labeled antiserum to canine parvovirus, suggesting an antigenic relationship to canine parvovirus. Patterns of hemagglutination for this isolate with human erythrocytes from 20 donors of various blood types differed from those obtained with the reference Abinanti strain of BPV. These results indicate that blood from multiple donors of a species may be necessary to confirm the presence or absence of viral hemagglutinating activity with clinical isolates of BPV.

Detection and clinical significance of plasma glutathione-S-transferases in dogs with lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine if glutathione-S-transferases were detectable in the plasma of dogs and to determine if concentrations of the a- and pi-subtypes were related with tumor response to single agent anthracycline (e.g., doxorubicin) chemotherapy in dogs with lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma was obtained from 10 healthy, normal dogs and from 11 dogs with lymphoma before treatment, 3 weeks after 1 dose of doxorubicin and every 3 weeks thereafter until relapse (the physical detection of recurrent and enlarged peripheral lymph nodes). Plasma concentration of alpha and pi-GST was determined by use of an ELISA technique with well plates pre-coated with IgG[anti-Canine alpha-GST or anti-Human pi-GST]. RESULTS: Mean plasma alpha-GST concentrations did not significantly decline after 1 dose of doxorubicin chemotherapy; however, mean plasma alpha-GST concentrations were markedly increased (p < 0.05) at the time of relapse (the physical detection of recurrent and enlarged peripheral lymph nodes). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we show that a relationship exists between the plasma alpha-GST concentration and the clinical response of dogs with lymphoma to doxorubicin chemotherapy.

Variation in glycogen and mucins in the equine uterus related to physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Histochemical stains were applied to six equine uterine biopsies representative of the physiologic breeding season, Spring and Fall transition, and Winter anestrus periods. These were compared with uterine biopsies from six mares with intrauterine urine pooling, eight mares used to study the uterine response to indwelling catheterization, and necropsy specimens from four pregnant mares at approximately 60 or 100 d of gestation. Alcian blue staining at pH 2.5 or 1.0 was used to identify the presence of carboxylated and sulfated acid mucins or only suflated acid mucins, respectively. Periodic acid-Schiff staining was used to identify neutral mucosubstances or glycogen, with or without prior diastase digestion. The uterine glands contained glycogen, which was most abundant during the physiologic breeding season. The luminal epithelial cells during the physiologic breeding season and Spring and Fall transition contained predominately carboxylated acid mucins. Carboxylated acid mucin secretion also was stimulated by indwelling catheterization and intrauterine urine pooling. It is hypothesized that secretion of carboxylated acid mucins by the endometrial epithelium may be elicited by hormonal or irritative/inflammatory stimuli, and it may be a protective response.

Culture of equine trophoblastic vesicles in vitro.

Trophoblastic vesicles have been used to study early embryonic development and maternal recognition of pregnancy in domestic animals. The purpose of this study was to characterize the formation of trophoblastic vesicles from Day-12 to Day-16 equine conceptuses. Conceptuses (n = 19) were collected nonsurgically from mares, the capsule was removed, and the conceptus (trophoblast and inner cell mass) was dissected into 2- to 4-mm fragments. Conceptus fragments were cultured in either Ham's F10 (HF10) or Minimum Essential Media (MEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) in 24-well plates. Plates were incubated at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 90% N(2), 5% O(2), and 5% CO(2) and were examined at 48 and 96 h for the number and diameter of trophoblastic vesicles formed. There was no significant difference (P > 0.1) between HF10 and MEM in the diameter of trophoblastic vesicles at 48 or 96 h of culture. There was, however, a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the number of trophoblastic vesicles per conceptus between 48 and 96 h of culture for HF10 and MEM. The mean diameters of trophoblastic vesicles after 96 h in culture were 396.4 +/- 19.9 mum and 415.0 +/- 12.0 mum for HF10 and MEM, respectively. Histologic sections of trophoblastic vesicles revealed a bilaminar structure consistent with the presence of trophectoderm and endoderm. Squash preparations of trophoblastic vesicles contained cells similar to those recognized in squash preparations of fresh conceptuses. Areas of increased cell density that resembled the inner-cell mass were seen in both fresh trophoblastic vesicles and in sections of trophoblastic vesicles. Equine trophoblastic vesicles may be useful to further the study of early embryonic development and pregnancy recognition in mares.

Cytology of polychrome-stained equine synovial fluid smears. Comparison with clinical findings, histologic specimens, Wright-Giemsa-stained smears and outcome.

Polychrome-stained equine synovial fluid specimens from 34 normal joints and 129 joints with clinical abnormalities were examined cytologically. The smears from joints with abnormalities were categorized as within normal limits (4.7%), slight abnormality (27.9%), proliferative synovitis (21.7%), neutrophilic pattern (20.2%), elongated cell pattern (10.1%), other moderate to marked abnormality (11.6%) and unsatisfactory (3.9%). Cytologic abnormalities that were not restricted to a single category included spindle cells, crystals, stellate cells and cartilage fragments. Multinucleate cells and mononucleate cells with dense cytoplasm and a delicate periphery were seen in smears from cases with clinical diagnoses of osteochondrosis or fracture; interpretation of these cells as osteoclasts and their mononucleate precursors was supported by positive staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Smears within the same cytologic category were not found to correspond with a single clinical diagnosis. The identification of several cytologic patterns in cases with the same clinical diagnosis suggests that multiple stages of disease were sampled. Except in cases with the cytologic neutrophilic pattern, there was not a consistent relationship between the histologic features in synovial biopsy specimens and the cytologic findings; the morphologic variation within synovial membrane sections and between sections from different locations was sometimes marked. When compared with air-dried, Wright-Giemsa-stained smears, the polychrome-stained smears were more sensitive in the detection of cytologic abnormalities and were less often falsely negative or unsatisfactory. Following surgery, cases with clinical diagnoses of osteochondrosis (29 cases) and fracture (25 cases) were analyzed according to clinical outcome and cytologic category. While 80% of the horses with proliferative synovitis in cytologic specimens were sound, only 67% of those with the elongated cell pattern, 50% of those with slight abnormality and 33% of those with other moderate to marked abnormality were sound. A statistically significant relationship (P less than .02) was found in cases with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis: animals with a proliferative synovitis pattern were almost three times as likely to be sound as compared to those with slight abnormality. These findings indicate that polychrome-stained equine synovial fluid smears (1) provide information that is different from that found in corresponding histologic sections and (2) are superior to air-dried, Wright-Giemsa-stained smears for cytologic examination. The polychrome-stained equine synovial fluid smears were found to provide information supportive of clinical, radiographic and prognostic data.

"Repair cells" in equine uterine cytologic and histologic specimens.

Cells resembling those known as "repair cells" in gynecologic cytology specimens from women were identified in uterine cytology specimens from infertile mares treated with antibiotics using indwelling uterine catheters. This prompted a study of the effect on the equine uterus of indwelling catheterization without antibiotic infusion, using light microscopic examination of cytologic and biopsy specimens and electron microscopic examination of biopsy specimens. Cytologic and biopsy specimens had features within normal limits at the start of the study. Following five days of indwelling catheterization, neutrophils were present in both cytologic and biopsy specimens. In cytologic specimens, numerous groups of "repair cells" were present; similar cells in biopsy specimens indicated this was a focal reaction. The large nuclei and prominent nucleoli of the "repair cells" suggested cellular proliferation or regeneration. However, this was contradicted by the ultrastructural sparsity of ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and mitochondria. Inflammation and "repair cells" were not present in cytologic or biopsy specimens collected 40 days after the start of the study. Although these cells may be a component of a repair process, our results support the hypothesis that "repair cells" in human and equine gynecologic cytology specimens are injured, rather than regenerating, cells. The term dysphaneroplastic (Greek: "abnormal cytosol development") is proposed to describe these cells since the cytoplasm does not reflect the features of cellular activity suggested by the nuclear appearance.

A review of cytological specimens from horses with and without clinical signs of respiratory disease.

Thirty-six transtracheal washing (TTW) and 12 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens collected in clinical practice from horses with and without respiratory disease were reviewed. Cytological features were considered in accordance with the presenting complaint, clinical signs, clinical diagnoses, microbiological, radiographic and/or endoscopic findings, therapy, and response to therapy. The trichrome-stained TTW and BAL specimens were useful in interpreting the results of concurrent microbiological cultures, and determining whether a condition was present based on occurrence of typical cytological features of patterns (e.g. probable allergy, chronic obstruction, uncomplicated exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage), determining pathological/anatomical diagnoses (e.g. bronchitis, bronchiolitis and/or alveolitis; presence of metaplasia or dysplasia) and possible aetiologies (e.g. allergy, bacterial infection). Review of these cases confirmed the practicality of using cytological specimens to evaluate the equine respiratory tract; there were few unsatisfactory specimens and no reported complications. The importance of cytological evaluation of the equine respiratory system was emphasised by the identification of 13 cases in which clinical signs were not apparent at physical examination. Sequential collections of cytological specimens from foals, young horses before and during early training, and mature horses in training may provide more information about the response of the equine lung to stresses associated with training and/or common environmental exposures.

Prognostic factors affecting survival of 507 horses with joint disease: (1983 to 1990).

Between July 1, 1983 and December 31, 1990, risk factors were determined for all horses with joint disease presented to a referral center, of being discharged, of ever becoming sound, or of being alive at 3 mo follow-up. Logistic multiple-regression models were done separately for foals (< or = 4 mo), yearlings (> 4-24 mo) and racing or nonracing adult horses (> 24 mo). The breakdown in this study was 53 foals, 87 yearlings, 141 nonracing adults, and 226 racing adults. Thirty-one foals (58%), 68 yearlings (78%), 119 non-racing adults (84%), and 213 racing adults (94%) were discharged. Foals with a less severe lameness, duration of illness of > 1 d, and infectious arthritis had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 12 of 18 (67%) were alive, 10 (56%) of which were sound. Yearlings with osteochondrosis had higher odds of discharge; at follow-up, 38 of 49 (78%) were alive, 32 (65%) of which were sound. For non-racing adults, horses with less severe lameness, without a miscellaneous diagnosis, or intended for pleasure use had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 55 of 78 (70%) were alive and 33 of 58 (57%) with soundness data became sound. Risk factors for higher odds of being alive at follow-up were carpal lameness, arthroscopic surgery, a prognosis other than poor, became sound, above-median hospitalization costs, and duration of follow-up. The 161 racing adults (76% of discharges), with follow-up, were more likely to have had osteoarthritis, higher hospital costs, hospitalization > 1 d, and arthroscopy. Sixty-four (60%) of these became sound; the odds increased if the horse was not severely lame at admission or was hospitalized for > 1 d. Risk factors and prognosis differed by age-use group among horses seen at our hospital.

Keratan sulfate as a marker of articular cartilage catabolism and joint treatment in ponies.

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a glycosaminoglycan, distribution of which is confined mostly to hyaline cartilage. As such, it is a putative marker of hyaline cartilage catabolism. In experiment 1, a focal osteochondral defect was made arthroscopically in 1 radial carpal bone of 2 ponies, and in 2 other ponies, chymopapain was injected into the radiocarpal joint to induce cartilage catabolism. Sequential and concurrent plasma and synovial fluid concentrations of KS were measured, up to 13 months after induction of cartilage injury, to determine whether changes in KS concentrations reflected cartilage catabolism. In experiment 2, a large, bilateral osteochondral defect was made in the radial carpal bones of 18 ponies, which were subsequently given postoperative exercise and/or injected intra-articularly with 250 mg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Medication was given at surgery, then weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery, when medication was given, and at postmortem examination (postoperative week 17). The KS concentration was measured in these fluids to determine whether changes in KS concentration indicated an effect of joint treatment. In experiment 1, the concentration of KS in synovial fluid was highest 1 day after joint injury, and the concentration in plasma peaked 2 days after joint injury. For ponies receiving chymopapain intra-articularly (generalized cartilage catabolism), a fivefold increase over baseline was observed in the concentration of KS in plasma (peak mean, 1.2 micrograms/ml), and a tenfold increase over baseline in synovial fluid (peak mean, 2.0 mg/ml) was observed. On average, these maxima were threefold higher than values in fluids of ponies with osteochondral defects (focal cartilage disease). In experiment 2, nonexercised ponies had lower KS concentration (as a percentage of the preoperative concentration) in synovial fluid than did exercised ponies at all postoperative times, and at postoperative week 17, this effect was significant (P < 0.05). This may be related to decreased turnover of KS in articular cartilage attributable to stall confinement and late increase in turnover related to exercise. Seventeen weeks after surgery, synovial fluid from exercised, medicated ponies had significantly (P < 0.05) higher KS content than did fluid from exercised, nomedicated ponies. This indicated that exercise, when combined with medication, may increase KS release from articular cartilage. Synovial fluid from medicated joints of nonexercised ponies had significantly (P < 0.05) lower KS concentration than did synovial fluid from nonmedicated joints of nonexercised ponies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bradycardia associated with meningioma in a dog.

Clinical signs of bradycardia and syncope, associated with intracranial meningioma, were observed in a 4-year-old female Irish Setter. Electrocardiographic abnormalities confirming bradycardia and suggestive of sinoatrial arrest were demonstrated. Return to a normal heart rate and sinus rhythm after administration of atropine IV indicated that increased vagal tone was responsible for the observed abnormalities. Neither glycopyrrolate nor propantheline bromide therapy was successful in controlling bradycardia and syncope. Necropsy findings included the demonstration of a 3 X 2 X 2-cm mass on the ventral aspect of the right half of the brain. This mass covered half of the mammillary body and extended as a thick reddish brown membrane extending over the piriform lobe of the cerebrum, optic chiasm, and longitudinal fissure. Histologically, the mass was identified as a meningotheliomatous meningioma.

Concentrations of keratan sulfate in plasma and synovial fluid from clinically normal horses and horses with joint disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether keratan sulfate concentrations in plasma or synovial fluid from clinically normal horses were different from concentrations in horses with joint disease and whether concentrations varied with type of joint disease. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 67 clinically normal horses, 10 clinically normal foals, and 160 horses with joint disease. PROCEDURE: ELISA was used to measure keratan sulfate concentrations. RESULTS: Mean plasma keratan sulfate concentration (mean +/- SEM, 580 +/- 124 ng/ml) in foals peaked at 10 weeks of age. Mean plasma keratan sulfate concentration in clinically normal horses was 200 ng/ml (95% confidence interval, 157 to 251 ng/ml). Horses with osteochondral (chip) fractures, other closed intraarticular fractures, inflammatory arthritis (synovitis), infectious arthritis, or osteochondrosis had significantly higher plasma keratan sulfate concentrations than did clinically normal horses, but horses with osteoarthritis did not. Breed, gender, and type of joint disease affected keratan sulfate concentration in synovial fluid. Standard-breds with chip fractures of the metacarpophalangeal/ metatarsophalangeal joints had significantly higher keratan sulfate concentrations in synovial fluid than did Thoroughbreds. Keratan sulfate concentrations in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic carpal joints were lower than concentrations in normal carpal joints and tarsocrural joints with inflammatory joint disease. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Keratan sulfate concentration alone was not a specific marker of joint disease but was affected by various joint diseases.

Inclusions in equine cytologic specimens.

Inclusions and cellular changes were seen in cytologic specimens from 1 healthy horse, 6 horses hospitalized because of respiratory problems, and 1 horse hospitalized because of colic and hepatitis. Two bronchial aspirates contained detached ciliated cytoplasmic tufts and cytoplasmic inclusions characteristic of the specific degenerative process called ciliocytophthoria. These changes and inclusions resembled those seen in bronchial aspirates from human beings with parainfluenza virus infection. Four bronchial aspirates and 2 serous fluid specimens had nuclear inclusions resembling those seen in a variety of specimens from human beings with herpetic infections. The abnormalities and inclusions were similar to changes seen in cell monolayer and suspension cultures infected with equine herpesvirus type 1.

Eosinophils in equine uterine cytology and histology specimens.

In a review of specimens from 80 mares with concurrently collected endometrial biopsy and cytology preparations, eosinophils were found in 33 specimens from 27 mares. In 22 of 27 mares, there were conditions predisposing to pneumovagina, which presumably led to pneumouterus. Thirty-two of the 80 mares also had conditions predisposing to pneumovagina but no eosinophils in the uterine specimens. Experimental introduction of air into the uterus of 3 mares resulted in eosinophils in their uterine specimens.

Serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentrations before and after relapse in dogs with lymphoma treated with doxorubicin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration was a useful marker of relapse in dogs with lymphoma that were in clinical remission following treatment with doxorubicin. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 12 dogs with lymphoma and 10 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: Serum AGP concentration was measured in the healthy dogs and in the dogs with lymphoma before treatment, 3 weeks after the first dose of doxorubicin was administered, and every 3 weeks thereafter until relapse (i.e., recurrence of clinically detectable disease such as palpable enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes). Serum AGP concentrations were determined by use of a radial immunodiffusion kit. RESULTS: Mean serum AGP concentration in healthy dogs was significantly less than concentration in dogs with lymphoma prior to treatment. Mean serum AGP concentrations after the first and each subsequent dose of doxorubicin were not significantly different from concentration in healthy dogs. However, mean serum AGP concentrations 3 weeks prior to and at the time of relapse were significantly higher than concentration measured after the first dose of doxorubicin, and were not significantly different from concentration measured before treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results suggest that measuring serum AGP concentration may be a useful method of predicting relapse before recurrence of clinically detectable disease in dogs with lymphoma undergoing treatment with doxorubicin.

Determination of serum biochemistry reference intervals in a large sample of adult greyhounds.

BACKGROUND: As large breed, highly muscled dogs, greyhounds are regarded as physiologically different to other breeds. Biochemistry reference intervals have previously been determined using small numbers of greyhounds or based on the observations from racing dogs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop statistically defined reference intervals for biochemical analytes in healthy non-racing greyhounds. Partitioning according to gender was also examined. METHODS: Biochemical analytes from a population of non-racing healthy greyhounds, including 269 males, 202 females and 28 dogs where gender had not been recorded, were examined using a non-parametric statistical approach. The dogs were aged between one and nine years old. RESULTS: Total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine reference intervals differed from generic reference intervals used for dogs. The reference intervals for greyhounds in this study are similar to those obtained by other studies of greyhounds, but often had a narrower range of values, likely reflecting more accurate estimation associated with larger numbers of reference individuals. Recommended methods for assessment of partitioning do not indicate a need to partition according to gender.