Analytical validation of a portable human Accu-Chek glucometer in honeybee hemolymph.

Glucose and trehalose are the main energy sources used by honeybees (Apis mellifera) for daily activities. However, there is no validated point-of-care method to reliably measure both sugars. We performed an analytical validation of a portable human glucometer (Accu-Chek; Roche) for glucose measurement in honeybee hemolymph compared to a reference method (GluCH, UniCel DxC 600; Beckman Coulter). We used 30 pooled hemolymph samples collected from the antennae of anesthetized honeybees and diluted 1:4 in 0.9% saline. We evaluated dilution linearity, spike recovery, and inter- and intra-assay imprecision. Glucose concentration was measured over time (2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 7 d, 21 d, 28 d) at various storage temperature (25°C, 4°C, -20°C, -80°C). The trehalose concentration was measured indirectly by trehalase hydrolyzation. Glucose concentrations measured by both instruments had a strong correlation (0.985, p < 0.0001) and a bias of -7.33 mmol/L (±1.96SD: 13.70 to -28.36), with linear agreement at <20 mmol/L (physiologic value: 100 mmol/L). The accuracy of the glucometer decreased at >20 mmol/L. Recovery of 115-130% of diluted spikes indicated good specificity. Inter- and intra-assay imprecision were 2.50% and 2.21%, respectively. Glucose concentrations fluctuated in stored samples dependent on time and temperature; however, glucose concentrations were constant with storage at -80°C for ≥28 d. The Accu-Chek glucometer is an adequate instrument to measure honeybee glucose concentration in hemolymph diluted with 0.9% NaCl, with good accuracy and precision at <20 mmol/L. Hemolymph storage at -80°C is suitable for long-term conservation of glucose.

Research-Relevant Clinical Pathology Resources: Emphasis on Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Dogs, Minipigs, and Non-Human Primates.

Clinical pathology testing for investigative or biomedical research and for preclinical toxicity and safety assessment in laboratory animals is a distinct specialty requiring an understanding of species specific and other influential variables on results and interpretation. This review of clinical pathology principles and testing recommendations in laboratory animal species aims to provide a useful resource for researchers, veterinary specialists, toxicologists, and clinical or anatomic pathologists.

Systemic disseminated Neospora caninum infection with cutaneous lesions as the initial clinical presentation in a dog.

This report describes a disseminated Neospora caninum infection with cutaneous involvement as the primary presenting clinical sign, in an apparently immunocompetent 7-year-old, spayed female boxer dog. The dog had an 8-day history of progressive lethargy associated with the appearance of multiple cutaneous and ulcerated masses, followed by an acute deterioration of her clinical status. Blood analysis revealed thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzyme activity, and partial thromboplastin time. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was suspected. Tachyzoites were identified on cutaneous cytology and species was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays on blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The post-mortem evaluation revealed involvement of the neurological system, liver, lung, and skin.

Infection systémique disséminée par Neospora caninum avec lésions cutanées comme présentation clinique initiale chez un chien. Ce cas clinique décrit une infection disséminée par Neospora caninum, avec atteinte cutanée comme présentation clinique initiale, chez une femelle Boxer stérilisée de 7 ans apparemment immunocompétente. La chienne présentait une léthargie progressive depuis 8 jours associée à l'apparition de multiples masses cutanées ulcérées, suivie d'une détérioration aigüe de son état général. L'analyse sanguine a révélé une thrombocytopénie, une augmentation des enzymes hépatiques et du temps de thromboplastine partiel. Une coagulation intravasculaire disséminée a été soupçonnée. Des tachyzoïtes ont été mis en évidence sur la cytologie cutanée et l'espèce a été identifiée par PCR sur le sang et le liquide céphalorachidien. L'évaluation post-mortem a révélé une atteinte du système neurologique, du foie, des poumons et de la peau.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Effect of time and storage on toxic or pseudo-toxic change in canine neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: The presence of toxic change in neutrophils is frequently used as a biomarker of inflammation in dogs. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of time and storage on toxic change in canine neutrophils. METHODS: One hundred and fifty microliters of EDTA blood were obtained from eight dogs with no toxic neutrophil changes observed on fresh blood smears (T0). Blood was stored at room temperature (RT), in a box with an icepack (ICE), and at 4°C. For each storage condition, smears were prepared 2 (T2), 4 (T4), 8 (T8), and 24 (T24) hours post blood draw. Smears were randomized, and each smear was evaluated for the presence of toxic neutrophil change. RESULTS: A statistically significant effect of time and storage on the presence of toxic neutrophil change was observed. Compared with T0, the number of neutrophils containing Döhle bodies was significantly higher at T8 and T24 for the RT (P < 0.0001) and ICE (P < 0.0001) samples and at T24 for 4°C samples (P < 0.0001). Additionally, smears were falsely classified as having 1+ toxic change in 0/8 (T2), 1/8 (T4), 3/8 (T8), and 8/8 (T24) for RT samples; 0/8 (T2 and T4), 2/8 (T8), and 5/7 (T24) smears for ICE samples; and 0/8 (T2, T4, and T8) and 2/8 (T24) for 4°C samples. CONCLUSIONS: Smears can be falsely classified as having neutrophils with toxic change as early as 4 hours post blood draw in samples stored at RT, 8 hours when stored with icepacks, and 24 hours when stored at 4°C. Canine blood smears should be prepared and evaluated for toxic neutrophil change as early as possible.