Effect of inclusion or exclusion of epithelial cells in equine respiratory cytology analysis.

Published studies vary as to whether epithelial cells are included in differential counts for tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology in horses. The aim of this study was to determine whether inclusion or exclusion of epithelial cells affects interpretation of airway cytology. Using criteria of >20% TW neutrophils, >10% BAL neutrophils and/or >5% BAL mast cells to indicate airway inflammation, there was a change in categorisation from 'normal' to 'abnormal' in 21%, 4% and 8% horses, respectively, when epithelial cells were excluded from differential counts. It is recommended that future equine respiratory research studies explicitly state whether epithelial cells are included or excluded in differential counts. A consensus on epithelial cell inclusion during cytology reporting is required.

Comparison of Measurements of 12 Analytes in Equine Blood Samples Using the In-Practice Falcor 350 and the Reference KoneLab 30i Analysers.

Falcor 350 is a wet-reagent biochemistry analyser that is available for in-house use. The aim of this study was to compare the results produced by this analyser with those obtained by the KoneLab 30i that served as the reference instrument. Blood samples from 60 clinical cases were analysed for urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total calcium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium using both instruments. Good to excellent correlations (r s value) value) were identified for creatinine (0.88), total proteins (0.92), albumin (0.93), creatine kinase (0.98), aspartate aminotransferase (0.98), alkaline phosphatase (0.94), total bilirubin (0.98), phosphate (0.95), and potassium (0.97). The correlations for total calcium (0.71), sodium (0.68), and urea (0.64) were fair. For albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, phosphate, potassium, total bilirubin, creatinine, and total proteins, the two instruments produce values that are closely related to each other and are sufficiently similar to allow them to be used interchangeably without the need for additional correction factor computations. Because of differences in the methodologies, the Falcor results for alkaline phosphatase, total calcium, and sodium cannot be used interchangeably and should be interpreted using reference intervals established from the Falcor analyser.

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detection of haemoplasmas in healthy and unhealthy dogs from Central Macedonia, Greece.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of canine haemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" infection in Central Macedonia, Greece, and to evaluate any associations between canine haemoplasma infection and clinical presentation, selected laboratory data or the presence of ticks. METHODS: Genomic DNA was purified from excess blood (n=151) submitted for haematological examination. Purified DNA was subjected to species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays duplexed with a canine DNA control quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Clinical records were retrospectively examined and selected clinical parameters were compared to haemoplasma infection status. RESULTS: Nine samples were excluded due to inadequate canine DNA polymerase chain reaction results. Of the remaining 142 samples: eight (5·6%) were positive for M. haemocanis alone, six (4·2%) were positive for "Ca. M. haematoparvum" alone and one (0·7%) was dual positive. No association was found between haemoplasma status and age, sex, breed, health status, presence of anaemia, selected biochemistry parameters, presence of ectoparasites, routine ectoparasiticide treatment or the presence of selected tick-borne diseases.

Effect of storage time on automated cell count and cytological interpretation of body cavity effusions.

The effect of 24- and 48-hour storage at room temperature on automated total nucleated cell count (TNCC), differential cell count (DCC) and cell morphology was assessed, and the effect of initial total protein concentration on canine and feline body cavity effusion samples (2 to 5 ml) was evaluated. At 24 and 48 hours, TNCC and absolute numbers of neutrophils, macrophages and small lymphocytes were significantly decreased and numbers of unrecognisable cells were significantly increased. Neoplastic cells and intracellular bacteria identified in fresh samples were missed at 24 and 48 hours. The initial total protein concentration was associated with an effect on percentage of unrecognisable cells and small lymphocytes over time. Change in TNCC over time would have resulted in misclassification of the effusion type in four of 47 samples.