Brachial artery thrombosis in a dog causing monoparesis mimicking nerve sheath tumor.

There are few differential diagnoses for non-orthopedic thoracic limb lameness in adult dogs aside from nerve tumors and disk-associated nerve compression; this report introduces another etiology. A 9-year-old male castrated mixed dog presented with an episodic history of nonweight-bearing thoracic limb lameness. Additional clinical signs included an atrophied thoracic limb with cool paw pads and painful axillary region. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasound, and exploratory surgery confirmed a chronic thrombus of the right brachial artery. No underlying cause for the thrombus was identified. The dog has been successfully managed on long-term rivaroxaban and clopidogrel. Follow-up ultrasound of the thrombus suggested early remodeling.

Comparison of the prothrombin time-derived and Clauss assays for the measurement of plasma fibrinogen in hospitalized dogs.

BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of fibrinogen is necessary for detecting bleeding tendencies and inflammation. The Clauss assay determines fibrinogen concentration from its inverse relationship with thrombin-induced clot times. PT-derived assays determine fibrinogen concentrations from changes in the optical density during a routine prothrombin assay and allow determination of fibrinogen without additional reagents. This method has not been assessed in clinically ill dogs. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the agreement between the Clauss and PT-derived fibrinogen assays and compare the ability of the assays to predict surgery-associated transfusions and discriminate between dogs with and without bleeding. METHODS: Retrospective medical record review identified 200 dogs with a variety of underlying diseases with results from both assays. The two assays were compared using Passing-Bablok regression, and the ability of the assays to identify bleeding and predict the need for transfusions was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. RESULTS: The PT-derived assay displayed constant (y-intercept, 32 mg/dL; 95% CI 18-41) and proportional (slope, 0.79; 95% CI 0.75-0.82) bias compared with the Clauss assay. The Clauss assay reported lower values than the PT-derived assay at lower fibrinogen concentrations and higher values at higher concentrations. Comparing the area under the ROC curve did not detect significant differences in the ability of the two assays to discriminate between dogs with and without bleeding or predict the need for surgery-associated transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: The PT-derived and Clauss assays are not interchangeable, and the Clauss assay could be more sensitive to hypofibrinogenemia in dogs.

Pathologic and flow cytometric features of a case of canine ventral cervical lymphangiosarcoma.

An 11-y-old spayed female German Shepherd was presented for a second opinion of ventral cervical swelling of 3-mo duration. On examination, the dog had significant dependent ventral cervical swelling. Enlarged lymph nodes with cystic changes and severe edematous facial swelling were noted on computed tomography. Fine-needle aspiration of the ventral cervical swelling revealed yellow-tinged fluid, with a predominance of lymphoid cells noted on cytologic examination. On cervical exploratory surgery, the left mandibular lymph node was surrounded by a large fluid pocket; biopsies of the lymph node were obtained. Impression smear cytology, flow cytometry, PCR for antigen receptor gene rearrangements, and histopathology were performed on samples from the left mandibular lymph node. Impression smear cytology revealed a population of atypical discrete cells. Flow cytometry identified a population of CD34+/CD45- large cells. A tumor of endothelial origin within the medulla of the lymph node was identified by histopathology, and lymphangiosarcoma was confirmed based on prospero-related homeobox gene 1 (PROX1) immunoreactivity. Our study describes the challenges in the diagnosis of a rarely reported entity and highlights that neoplastic endothelial cells should be considered as a differential when high proportions of CD34+/CD45- cells are present in flow cytometry.

Venous Blood Analytes and Osmolality of Rehabilitated Juvenile Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis).

Venous blood samples were collected from 129 apparently healthy, rehabilitated juvenile black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) immediately before release from rehabilitation. Blood gas, electrolyte, and select biochemical and hematologic values were analyzed by using a point-of-care analyzer, and complete blood cell counts and osmolality were determined. Most biochemical analyte values were distributed parametrically, while most hematologic values were nonparametrically distributed. Calculated osmolality values were in poor agreement with measured osmolality values, and values of packed cell volume had poor agreement with hematocrit values determined with the i-STAT 1. The physiologic values reported provide vital information to assess individual duck health and guide fluid therapy in captivity and may prove useful to assess free-living population health of this duck species.

HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VALUES OF THE JUVENILE EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS).

Venous blood samples were collected from 64 apparently healthy juvenile Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) after sedation with midazolam at the Wildlife Center of Texas located in Houston, Texas, during 2012. Blood gas (pH, PCO2, PO2, base excess, bicarbonate, oxygen saturation), electrolyte (sodium, potassium), biochemical (total CO2, ionized calcium, glucose), and hematologic parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, complete blood count) were determined using the i-STAT point-of-care analyzer. Sex did not affect any analyte. All squirrels recovered uneventfully and were successfully rehabilitated and released. Most values were as expected based on comparison to other young rodent species. These analyte data for healthy juvenile Eastern gray squirrels may be useful in assessment of Eastern gray squirrel population health and management and treatment of individual squirrels presented in need of medical care.

Clinical pathology of amphibians: a review.

Amphibian declines and extinctions have worsened in the last 2 decades. Partly because one of the main causes of the declines is infectious disease, veterinary professionals have increasingly become involved in amphibian research, captive husbandry, and management. Health evaluation of amphibians, free-living or captive, can benefit from employing the tools of clinical pathology, something that is commonly used in veterinary medicine of other vertebrates. The present review compiles what is known of amphibian clinical pathology emphasizing knowledge that may assist with the interpretation of laboratory results, provides diagnostic recommendations for common amphibian diseases, and includes RIs for a few amphibian species estimated based on peer-reviewed studies. We hope to encourage the incorporation of clinical pathology in amphibian practice and research, and to highlight the importance of applying veterinary medicine principles in furthering our knowledge of amphibian pathophysiology.

Oncology of Reptiles: Diseases, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Based on necropsy review, neoplasia in reptiles has a comparable frequency to that of mammals and birds. Reptile neoplasia is now more frequently diagnosed in clinical practice based on increased use of advanced diagnostic techniques and improvements in reptilian husbandry allowing greater longevity of these species. This article reviews the current literature on neoplasia in reptiles, and focuses on advanced diagnostics and therapeutic options for reptilian patientssuffering neoplastic disease. Although most applied clinical reptile oncology is translated from dog and cat oncology, considerations specific to reptilian patients commonly encountered in clinical practice (turtles, tortoises, snakes, and lizards) are presented.

Venous Blood Gas, Electrolyte, and Hematologic Analytes of the Mottled Duck, Anas fulvigula.

We collected venous blood samples from 83 apparently healthy Mottled Ducks ( Anas fulvigula ) July 2012-August 2013 on the Texas, US, Gulf Coast and measured blood gas, electrolyte, biochemical, and hematologic parameters. Age, sex, body condition score, capture year, capture type, and time of day had significant statistical, but not clinically relevant, effects on several analytes. Ducks caught by rocket net had findings consistent with greater stress compared with hand-caught ducks. These analyte data for healthy free-living Mottled Ducks may be useful in the assessment of Mottled Duck population health and in the management and treatment of individual ducks affected by environmental stressors.

Midazolam sedates Passeriformes for field sampling but affects multiple venous blood analytes.

Feasibility and effect of midazolam administration on blood analytes and for sedation of Passeriformes being collected in a larger study of genetic biodiversity was assessed. Midazolam (5.6±2.7 mg/kg) was administered intranasally prior to sampling, euthanasia, and specimen preparation of 104 passerine birds. Each bird was assessed for sedation score and then multiple analytes were determined from jugular blood samples using the i-STAT® point of care analyzer at "bird side". Most birds were acceptably sedated, sedation became more pronounced as midazolam dose increased, and only a single bird died. Electrolyte concentrations and venous blood gas analytes were affected by midazolam administration while blood pH, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and calculated hematocrit were not. Intranasal midazolam gives adequate sedation and is safe for short-term use in free-living Passeriformes. Based on venous blood analyte data, sedation of Passeriformes prior to handling appears to reduce stress but also produces venous blood gas differences consistent with hypoventilation relative to birds which were not given midazolam. Further study is recommended to investigate midazolam's continued use in free-living avian species. Studies should include safety, reversal and recovery, effect upon additional endogenous analytes, and compatibility with studies of ecology and toxicology associated with pollution or other environmental degradation in Passeriformes.

Camelid heat stress: 15 cases (2003-2011).

This case series describes novel findings associated with heat stress in 15 cases in South American camelids that had no pre-existing illnesses and which had clinical signs of illness after exposure to a warm environment. Novel findings include decreased packed cell volume and albumin concentration and mild spinal axonal degeneration. Heat stress should be considered in weak camelids with a history of hyperthermia.

Stress thermique chez les camélidés : 15 cas (2003­2011). Cette série de cas décrit des constatations nouvelles associées au stress thermique dans 15 cas chez des camélidés d'Amérique du Sud qui n'avaient aucune maladie préexistante et qui ont présenté des signes de maladie après l'exposition à un environnement chaud. Les constatations nouvelles comprennent une valeur d'hématocrite réduite et une concentration d'albumine et une légère dégénération rachidienne axonale. Le stress thermique devrait être considéré chez les camélidés affaiblis ayant des antécédents d'hyperthermie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Comparison of two analyzers to determine selected venous blood analytes of Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

Point of care devices can assess electrolyte, blood gas, biochemical, and hematologic values in a critical care setting. Although these devices are commonly used in humans and companion mammals, few studies have assessed their use in avian species. This study compares electrolyte, hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), acid-base, and venous blood gas parameters between the i-STAT and IRMA TruPoint blood gas analysis systems for 35 Quaker parrots. Agreement between the two analyzers and the effect of gender, time lag between sample analysis, and cartridge expiration were evaluated. Male birds had increased Hgb and Hct compared with females, independent of analyzer method. In expired i-STAT cartridges, only glucose significantly increased. Packed cell volume determined by centrifugation was higher than Hct, as calculated by either analyzer. The analyzers had good agreement for total carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, pH, and Hgb, fair agreement for potassium (K), ionized calcium (iCa), venous partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and base excess, and poor agreement for sodium (Na), venous partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and oxygen saturation (SO2). Values for Na, iCa, PO2, and SO2 were significantly higher on the IRMA than the i-STAT, while K was significantly lower on the IRMA when compared with the i-STAT. The time lag between sample analyses on the i-STAT and IRMA did not be correlate to any analyte changes. Despite these differences, both the i-STAT and the IRMA appear to be acceptable clinical tools in avian critical care, although reference ranges for each analyzer should be created.

Guinea pig skin, a model for epidermal cellular and molecular changes induced by UVR in vivo and in vitro: effects on Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination.

Previously, we reported that ultraviolet B-radiation (UVR) suppressed Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine-induced resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in guinea pigs (GP). Herein, we investigated the cellular and molecular changes within the irradiated GP epidermis and the in vivo effect of supernatants from UV-irradiated (200 J m(-2)) epidermal cells (UV-sup) on M. bovis BCG vaccination. UVR increased the number of nucleated keratinocytes in the skin, but caused a decrease in the proportions of CD25(+)T cells. In the spleen, UVR resulted in a decrease in the proportions of T-cell subsets including CD25(+)T cells, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II(+) and CD14(+) cells. Similarly, significant up-regulation of several cytokine mRNAs including IL-10 was also observed. Furthermore, UV-sup significantly reduced the MHC class II expression in peritoneal cells and reduced T-cell proliferation to ConA. The proliferation to purified protein derivative (PPD) was restored to normal levels by anti-IL-10 antibody. The UV-sup when injected into BCG-vaccinated GP significantly diminished the skin test response and T-cell proliferation to PPD and up-regulated the expression of IL-10, IL-4, IL-1ß and Foxp3 mRNAs in the lymph node or spleen. Thus, whole body UVR induces profound cellular and molecular changes and injection of UV-sup from epidermal cells mimics the effect of whole body UVR in BCG-vaccinated GP.

Clinicopathologic analysis of Passeriform venous blood reflects transitions in elevation and habitat.

Jugular blood samples from 110 Passeriformes collected at several Texas locations were analyzed for multiple clinicopathologic parameters between April 2010 and August 2011. Electrolyte, blood gas, and select erythrocyte parameters were analyzed on site with a point of care analyzer, and gender, age, body condition score, location, and species were recorded. Many analytes exhibited a Gaussian distribution across species and are reported as a single range. Taxon affected electrolyte and red blood cell parameters, but not most blood gas or acid base variables. Migratory status affected select electrolytes but few blood gas variables. Red blood cell parameters were affected the most by variables of age, taxonomic group, and gender, but not migratory life history. We found significant changes in glucose and numerous acid base analytes in birds sampled from habitats with evolutionarily recent ecologic degradation. We advocate the use of these analytes, particularly venous blood gas values, as determined by a point of care analyzer, as reasonable biomarkers for determination of Passeriform population health, but also recommend that red blood cell parameters and electrolyte concentrations be controlled for age, species, and gender in future studies. Further, based on our investigation, venous blood gas values and acid base balance in Passeriformes can assess the health of an ecosystem.

Associations between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and long-term neurologic outcome in dogs with acute intervertebral disk herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between CSF biomarkers, initial neurologic dysfunction, and long-term ambulatory outcome in dogs with acute intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 54 dogs with acute thoracolumbar IVDH and 16 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURES: For each dog, variables, including CSF myelin basic protein (MBP), lactate, calcium, glucose, and total protein concentrations; nucleated cell count; and creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase activities, were measured. For dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH, initial neurologic function was characterized by use of a modified Frankel score (MFS; determined on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 represented paraplegia with no deep nociception and 5 represented paraspinal hyperesthesia only). Long-term follow-up was assessed. RESULTS: Among dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH, those with CSF CK activity ≤ 38 U/L had a 35-fold increase in the odds of long-term ambulation, compared with the odds in dogs with CSF CK activity > 38 U/L, adjusting for neurologic functioning at the evaluation. The CSF lactate, calcium, and glucose concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase activity were not predictive of long-term ambulatory outcome. Data analysis revealed that long-term functional recovery was > 98% for affected dogs, regardless of their initial MFS, when CSF CK activity was ≤ 38 U/L and MBP concentration was ≤ 3 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with acute thoracolumbar IVDH, CSF CK activity and MBP concentration appeared to be prognostic indicators and, along with initial MFS, can be used to predict long-term ambulatory outcome.

Mesenteric cryptococcal granuloma in a dog caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii.

Although cryptococcosis is usually associated with respiratory and neurologic signs in domestic species (such as sneeze, cough, nasal discharge, seizures, ataxia), clinical manifestations of the disease may be more subtle and nonspecific. A 3-year-old male castrated Boxer dog presented with a history of chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. At no time had respiratory or neurologic signs been noted by the owners or the primary care veterinarian. Palpation of an abdominal mass revealed an atypical lesion location: a large (16 × 9 × 7 cm) mass at the root of the mesentery. Diagnosis was achieved through cytology of this mass and a positive serologic Cryptococcus capsular antigen titer; polymerase chain reaction was utilized for speciation of the abdominal isolate as Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii. The animal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. After necropsy and histopathologic analysis, the mesenteric mass and associated lymph nodes were identified as large fungal granulomas. This is a rare manifestation of cryptococcosis, involving several visceral organs, with no remaining evidence of the route of entry of the organism. As prompt diagnosis of mycotic illness is paramount to successful management, this case indicates that cryptococcal infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with gastrointestinal signs and lymphadenopathy. The protean nature of cryptococcosis is discussed within the context of a brief review of emerging and unresolved issues in pathogenesis.

Transvenous heartworm extraction in a ferret with caval syndrome.

A 10-month-old ferret was diagnosed with heartworm disease and caval syndrome. Associated clinical signs included weakness and a green-colored urine, identified as biliverdinuria. Despite the animal's small size, removal of three heartworms via transvenous heartworm extraction was successfully performed. Although at least one female worm remained in the right ventricle, the majority of clinical signs related to the presence of the heartworms resolved. The ferret was subsequently managed medically with corticosteroids and monthly heartworm prevention. This case documents the presence of biliverdinuria associated with caval syndrome and successful transvenous heartworm extraction in a ferret.

Hematologic changes associated with Adderall toxicity in a dog.

A 1-year-old intact male Boxer was presented to the Texas Veterinary Medical Center for emergency treatment following suspected ingestion of a large number of tablets of Adderall, a pharmaceutical amphetamine. The dog had a temperature of 41.7 degrees C, heart rate of 192 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute. The dog was anxious and agitated with bilaterally dilated pupils, and shortly thereafter became recumbent and incontinent. Initial CBC results included mild leukopenia and mild thrombocytopenia. The dog was not anemic (HCT 39.9%) and had only slight polychromasia, but had 48 nucleated RBCs/100 WBC (7500/microL). Moderate numbers of neutrophils had hypersegmented nuclei and several pyknotic cells were noted. The metarubricytosis persisted for approximately 56 hours while hypersegmentation and pyknotic cells were no longer found at 8 hours after presentation. The dog received supportive care and recovered uneventfully. We hypothesized that hyperpyrexia associated with Adderall toxicity resulted in inappropriate metarubricytosis due to damaged bone marrow endothelium, and resulted in hypersegmentation and pyknosis due to damaged or accelerated aging of neutrophils in peripheral blood. Metarubricytosis has been reported previously in dogs with heat-induced illness, such as heat stroke.

Evaluation of the ruminant serum chemistry profile.

In general, laboratory tests provide useful information about a patient and aid in making a diagnosis, determining a prognosis, formulating a treatment plan, and monitoring response. The serum chemistry profile, composed of a battery of tests, is readily available to clinicians through in-house testing or veterinary reference and diagnostic laboratories. A chemistry profile allows for evaluation of several body systems and assessment of metabolic, acid-base, or electrolyte disturbances. The first sections of this article introduce concepts important to all laboratory tests, such as sample collection and handling, reference intervals, and quality control. The remainder of the article discusses each of the analytes found on a typical clinical chemistry profile and the interpretation of abnormal results.