Francesco Cian DVM, DipECVCP FRCPath MRCVS

Post-vaccinal sarcomas have been reported in cats and rarely in other domestic mammals, but not in birds. Three village weaver birds (Ploceus cucullatus) presented with poor flying ability and abnormal wing carriage attributable to large, unilateral pectoral masses. All had received at least one dose of autogenous Yersinia pseudotuberculosis vaccine into the affected pectoral muscle 74-408 days previously. Following euthanasia, gross post-mortem examination revealed locally invasive… Show more

Post-vaccinal sarcomas have been reported in cats and rarely in other domestic mammals, but not in birds. Three village weaver birds (Ploceus cucullatus) presented with poor flying ability and abnormal wing carriage attributable to large, unilateral pectoral masses. All had received at least one dose of autogenous Yersinia pseudotuberculosis vaccine into the affected pectoral muscle 74-408 days previously. Following euthanasia, gross post-mortem examination revealed locally invasive subcutaneous tumours extending through the sternum into the coelomic cavity. Cytology and histology revealed neoplasms of pleomorphic spindloid neoplastic cells with foci of coagulative necrosis and cavitation, sometimes containing faintly refractile non-polarizing granular material, both extracellularly and after phagocytosis by surrounding cells, including multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry in one bird supported a striated muscle cell origin. Findings of anaplastic sarcoma with intralesional foreign crystalline material resembled typical injection-site sarcomas in cats. This is the first report of presumptive vaccine-associated sarcoma in a non-mammalian species. Show less

Background: Cytopathology is a minimally invasive and convenient diagnostic procedure, often used as a substitute for histopathology to diagnose and characterize lymphoma in dogs.

Objectives: Assess the diagnostic performance of cytopathology in diagnosing lymphoma and its histopathological subtypes in dogs.

Animals: One-hundred and sixty-one lymph node samples from 139 dogs with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes.

Methods: Based only on cytopathology, 6 examiners… Show more

Background: Cytopathology is a minimally invasive and convenient diagnostic procedure, often used as a substitute for histopathology to diagnose and characterize lymphoma in dogs.

Objectives: Assess the diagnostic performance of cytopathology in diagnosing lymphoma and its histopathological subtypes in dogs.

Animals: One-hundred and sixty-one lymph node samples from 139 dogs with enlarged peripheral lymph nodes.

Methods: Based only on cytopathology, 6 examiners independently provided the following interpretations on each sample: (a) lymphoma vs nonlymphoma; (b) grade and phenotype; and (c) World Health Organization (WHO) histopathological subtype. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) findings were used as reference standards to evaluate diagnostic performance of cytopathology. Clinical, clinicopathologic, and imaging data also were considered in the definitive diagnosis.

Results: Classification accuracy for lymphoma consistently was >80% for all examiners, whereas it was >60% for low grade T-cell lymphomas, >30% for high grade B-cell lymphomas, >20% for high grade T-cell lymphomas, and <40% for low grade B-cell lymphomas. Interobserver agreement evaluated by kappa scores was 0.55 and 0.32 for identification of lymphoma cases, and of grade plus immunophenotype, respectively.

Conclusions and clinical importance: Cytopathology may result in accurate diagnosis of lymphoma, but accuracy decreases when further characterization is needed. Cytopathology represents a fundamental aid in identifying lymphoma and can be used as a screening test to predict grade and phenotype. However, these results must be confirmed using other ancillary techniques, including flow cytometry, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Show less

Cancer is a major reason for veterinary consultation, especially in companion animals. Cancer surveillance plays a key role in prevention but opportunities for such surveillance in companion animals are limited by the lack of suitable veterinary population health infrastructures. In this paper we describe a pathology-based animal tumour registry (PTR) developed within the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) built from electronic pathology records (EPR) submitted to this… Show more

Cancer is a major reason for veterinary consultation, especially in companion animals. Cancer surveillance plays a key role in prevention but opportunities for such surveillance in companion animals are limited by the lack of suitable veterinary population health infrastructures. In this paper we describe a pathology-based animal tumour registry (PTR) developed within the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) built from electronic pathology records (EPR) submitted to this network. From an original collection of 180232 free text (non-structured) EPRs reported between April 2018 and June 2019, we used specific text-mining methodologies to identify 109895 neoplasias. These data were normalized to describe both the tumour (type and location) and the animal (breed, neutering status and veterinary practice postcode). The resulting PTR, the largest of its kind for companion animals to date, is an important research resource being able to facilitate a wide array of research in areas including surveillance, clinical decision making and comparative cancer biology. Show less

Digital slides created by whole-slide imaging scanners can be evaluated by pathologists located in remote sites, but the process must be validated before this technology can be applied to routine cytological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to validate a whole-slide imaging scanner for cytological samples. Sixty cytological samples, whose diagnoses were confirmed by gold-standard examinations (histology or flow cytometry), were digitalized using a whole-slide imaging scanner. Digital slides… Show more

Digital slides created by whole-slide imaging scanners can be evaluated by pathologists located in remote sites, but the process must be validated before this technology can be applied to routine cytological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to validate a whole-slide imaging scanner for cytological samples. Sixty cytological samples, whose diagnoses were confirmed by gold-standard examinations (histology or flow cytometry), were digitalized using a whole-slide imaging scanner. Digital slides and glass slides were examined by 3 observers with different levels of cytopathological expertise. No significant differences were noted between digital and glass slides in regard to the number of cases correctly diagnosed, or the sensitivity, specificity, or diagnostic accuracy, irrespective of the observers' expertise. The agreements between the digital slides and the gold-standard examinations were moderate to substantial, while the agreements between the glass slides and the gold-standard examinations were substantial for all 3 observers. The intraobserver agreements between digital and glass slides were substantial to almost perfect. The interobserver agreements when evaluating digital slides were moderate between observers 1 and 2 and between observers 1 and 3 while they were substantial between observers 2 and 3. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the digital slides produced by the whole-slide imaging scanner are adequate to diagnose cytological samples and are similar among clinical pathologists with differing levels of expertise. Show less

Main Description:
Illustrated with numerous high-quality photomicrographs, Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Cytology: skin and subcutis is a comprehensive, up-to-date, single resource for identifying on cytology the most common cutaneous and subcutaneous diseases of dogs and cats.
With key points describing the main clinical and cytological features of each lesion, the book also provides lists of differential diagnoses and interesting additional information with the dedicated box… Show more

Main Description:
Illustrated with numerous high-quality photomicrographs, Differential Diagnosis in Small Animal Cytology: skin and subcutis is a comprehensive, up-to-date, single resource for identifying on cytology the most common cutaneous and subcutaneous diseases of dogs and cats.
With key points describing the main clinical and cytological features of each lesion, the book also provides lists of differential diagnoses and interesting additional information with the dedicated box of pearls. The book is also enriched by chapters on the correct use and maintenance of the microscope, techniques of collection and preparations of cytological specimens.

Readership:
This book s a valuable resource for veterinary pathologists (clinical and anatomic), residents, veterinary undergraduate students and small animal practitioners. Show less

Vaginal and vulvar tumors are uncommon in dogs. Knowledge of canine primary clitoral neoplasia is restricted to a few case reports, and only carcinomas have been reported. Cytologic and histologic features reported in the literature seem to overlap with those of canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASA). Clinical features also recall those of canine AGASA, such as locoregional metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy (HM). In this study, 6 cases of primary canine clitoral… Show more

Vaginal and vulvar tumors are uncommon in dogs. Knowledge of canine primary clitoral neoplasia is restricted to a few case reports, and only carcinomas have been reported. Cytologic and histologic features reported in the literature seem to overlap with those of canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASA). Clinical features also recall those of canine AGASA, such as locoregional metastases and hypercalcemia of malignancy (HM). In this study, 6 cases of primary canine clitoral carcinomas (CCCs), with and without HM, were investigated by means of cytology, histopathology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry for neuroendocrine markers including chromogranin A (CGA), synaptophysin (SYN), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and S-100. In all 6 tumors, cytologic findings were consistent with malignant epithelial neoplasia of apocrine gland origin. The tumors examined were classified into 3 different histological patterns representing different degrees of differentiation: tubular, solid, and rosette type. Both CGA and SYN were mildly expressed in 2 of 6 tumors, while NSE was consistently expressed in all 6 cases. None of the tumors were S-100 positive. Transmission electron microscopy revealed electron-dense cytoplasmic granules compatible with neuroendocrine granules in all 6 cases. CCCs presented clinicopathologic features resembling AGASAs with neuroendocrine characteristics, and 2 of 6 neoplasms were considered as carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation and were positive for 3 neuroendocrine markers. CCCs can often present with HM, and long-term outcome is likely poor. Our study concludes that CCC seems to be a rare tumor, but it might be underestimated because of the overlapping features with AGASA. Further studies should aim to define the true incidence of this disease. Show less

The aim of this study was to document the molecular clonality of lymphoid cells in canine thymoma using polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR). Fifteen formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded samples of canine thymoma were analyzed for T- and B-cell receptor clonality. Two of these 15 cases were excluded from the study due to insufficient DNA concentration. Twelve of the 13 remaining samples (92.3%) showed a polyclonal lymphoid component and in one case the… Show more

The aim of this study was to document the molecular clonality of lymphoid cells in canine thymoma using polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR). Fifteen formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded samples of canine thymoma were analyzed for T- and B-cell receptor clonality. Two of these 15 cases were excluded from the study due to insufficient DNA concentration. Twelve of the 13 remaining samples (92.3%) showed a polyclonal lymphoid component and in one case the lymphoid component was monoclonal (T-cell clonality). PARR could therefore be a useful tool for differentiating canine thymoma from canine mediastinal lymphoma. Show less

A nine–year-old female neutered Somali cat presented with a one-month history of weight loss and inappetance. Thoracic radiographs revealed an extensive cranial mediastinal mass, and fine needle aspirate cytology and core needle biopsies were initially suggestive of a thymoma. The mass was excised via a mid-ine sternotomy and partial pericardectomy. Clinical signs recurred four weeks postsurgery and investigations revealed recurrence of a mediastinal mass, pleural effusion and an additional… Show more

A nine–year-old female neutered Somali cat presented with a one-month history of weight loss and inappetance. Thoracic radiographs revealed an extensive cranial mediastinal mass, and fine needle aspirate cytology and core needle biopsies were initially suggestive of a thymoma. The mass was excised via a mid-ine sternotomy and partial pericardectomy. Clinical signs recurred four weeks postsurgery and investigations revealed recurrence of a mediastinal mass, pleural effusion and an additional small mass cranial to the right kidney. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry of the previously resected mass prompted a revised diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) with abdominal metastasis. The cat was treated with doxorubicin and lomustine but did not respond well and was euthanased two months later. HS is an uncommon neoplasm in cats with only two cases of mediastinal involvement reported in the literature. This case underlines the importance of immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of mediastinal masses. Show less

Francesco Cian is a veterinary clinical pathologist and co-manager at BattLab, a veterinary diagnostic laboratory based in Coventry.

I DO not have a typical working week. Managing a small business has its pros and cons. Being able to multitask is definitely necessary and the weeks are never boring. This is how one week in December turned out.

This new edition of a must-have manual, edited by Elizabeth Villiers and Jelena Ristic features new case studies and updated images. There is an increased focus on principles, testing and interpreting results as well as sampling, genetic testing and diagnosing genetic and inherited diseases. Fully revised and expanded, this manual contains not just advice for the busy practitioner, but also for the concerned owner and how they can play a part in the treatment of their pet.

umours shows aberrant DNA methylation patterns, being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with normal tissues. In human acute myeloid leukaemia (hAML) mutations in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) are associated to a more aggressive tumour behaviour. As AML is lethal in dogs, we defined global DNA methylation content, and screened the C-terminal domain of DNMT3 family of genes for sequence variants in 39 canine acute myeloid leukaemia (cAML) cases. A heterogeneous pattern of DNA… Show more

umours shows aberrant DNA methylation patterns, being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with normal tissues. In human acute myeloid leukaemia (hAML) mutations in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) are associated to a more aggressive tumour behaviour. As AML is lethal in dogs, we defined global DNA methylation content, and screened the C-terminal domain of DNMT3 family of genes for sequence variants in 39 canine acute myeloid leukaemia (cAML) cases. A heterogeneous pattern of DNA methylation was found among cAML samples, with subsets of cases being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with healthy controls; four recurrent single nucleotide variations (SNVs) were found in DNMT3L gene. Although SNVs were not directly correlated to whole genome DNA methylation levels, all hypomethylated cAML cases were homozygous for the deleterious mutation at p.Arg222Trp. This study contributes to understand genetic modifications of cAML, leading up to studies that will elucidate the role of methylome alterations in the pathogenesis of AML in dogs. Show less

A 12-year-old British Warmblood mare was examined by the referring veterinarian for evaluation of a cutaneous lesion on the dorsal thorax to the right of the midline. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates from the mass was supportive of a giant cell tumor of soft parts (GCTSP). Laser surgical excision and postoperative methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) were performed. Histologic examination of the mass confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. At 8 months from surgery… Show more

A 12-year-old British Warmblood mare was examined by the referring veterinarian for evaluation of a cutaneous lesion on the dorsal thorax to the right of the midline. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates from the mass was supportive of a giant cell tumor of soft parts (GCTSP). Laser surgical excision and postoperative methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) were performed. Histologic examination of the mass confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. At 8 months from surgery, no evidence of recurrence has been observed. Giant cell tumors of soft parts are rare cutaneous neoplasms, observed in several domestic species, including the horse where they commonly appear as superficial cutaneous lesions without aggressive biologic behavior. Previously classified as giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, these superficial tumors have now been designated as giant cell tumors of soft tissue or giant cell tumors of low malignant potential within the category of fibrohistiocytic neoplasms. Show less

Veterinary Clinical Pathology: A Case-Based Approach presents 200 cases with questions for those interested in improving their skills in veterinary clinical pathology. It emphasises an understanding of basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, differential diagnoses and recognition of patterns associated with various diseases or conditions.

Topics discussed include haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, acid-base and blood gas analysis, haemostasis, urinalysis, biological… Show more

Veterinary Clinical Pathology: A Case-Based Approach presents 200 cases with questions for those interested in improving their skills in veterinary clinical pathology. It emphasises an understanding of basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, differential diagnoses and recognition of patterns associated with various diseases or conditions.

Topics discussed include haematology, clinical chemistry, endocrinology, acid-base and blood gas analysis, haemostasis, urinalysis, biological variation and quality control. Species covered include the cat, dog and horse, with additional material on ruminants.

Cases vary in difficulty, allowing beginners to improve their clinicopathologic skills while more complicated cases, or cases treating unfamiliar topics, are included for experienced readers. This book is a helpful revision aid for those in training as well as for those in practice who are pursuing continuing education. It is also a valuable resource for veterinary nurses and technicians. Show less

The diagnosis of respiratory diseases in horses can be difficult due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical signs, which overlap between the different diseases. Cytological examination of the respiratory secretions is a helpful diagnostic tool that, when combined with clinical features and other diagnostic techniques, has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy significantly. This review article should help readers to become familiar with the cytology of the normal respiratory tract and… Show more

The diagnosis of respiratory diseases in horses can be difficult due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical signs, which overlap between the different diseases. Cytological examination of the respiratory secretions is a helpful diagnostic tool that, when combined with clinical features and other diagnostic techniques, has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy significantly. This review article should help readers to become familiar with the cytology of the normal respiratory tract and with the cytopathological abnormalities associated with common respiratory disorders in horses. Show less

A 2-year and 6-month-old female neutered Labrador Retriever with Horner syndrome, megaesophagus, and a mediastinal mass was referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals of the Royal Veterinary College. A large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma was diagnosed on cytology; flow cytometric analysis revealed a γδ T-cell phenotype (CD3+, CD5+, CD45+, TCRγδ+, CD4-, CD8-, CD34-, CD21-). Chemotherapy was started with a combination of lomustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisolone, followed… Show more

A 2-year and 6-month-old female neutered Labrador Retriever with Horner syndrome, megaesophagus, and a mediastinal mass was referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals of the Royal Veterinary College. A large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma was diagnosed on cytology; flow cytometric analysis revealed a γδ T-cell phenotype (CD3+, CD5+, CD45+, TCRγδ+, CD4-, CD8-, CD34-, CD21-). Chemotherapy was started with a combination of lomustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisolone, followed by bleyomicin. Euthanasia was elected by the owners, due to progressive deterioration and lack of quality of life, 28 days after diagnosis. This is the first cytologic and immunophenotypic characterization of a canine γδ T-cell lymphoma with LGL morphology and probably of mediastinal origin. The role of chemotherapy in delaying the disease progression remains unknown. Show less

BACKGROUND:
An asymptomatic macrothrombocytopenia, phenotypically similar to asymptomatic inherited macrothrombocytopenia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, was described in a group of Norfolk Terriers (NT) from Northern Italy, and isolated cases were also reported in Cairn Terriers (CT).
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this work was to evaluate for the presence of a genetic defect in the β1-tubulin gene in macrothrombocytopenic NT and CT.
METHODS:
Samples from 20 healthy dogs (13 NT… Show more

BACKGROUND:
An asymptomatic macrothrombocytopenia, phenotypically similar to asymptomatic inherited macrothrombocytopenia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, was described in a group of Norfolk Terriers (NT) from Northern Italy, and isolated cases were also reported in Cairn Terriers (CT).
OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this work was to evaluate for the presence of a genetic defect in the β1-tubulin gene in macrothrombocytopenic NT and CT.
METHODS:
Samples from 20 healthy dogs (13 NT and 7 CT) were collected at different institutions in Italy (n = 8), United Kingdom (n = 3), and United States (n = 9). Genomic DNA was harvested from EDTA-anticoagulated blood and all coding areas and exon-intron splice sites in the gene encoding β1-tubulin were amplified and sequenced.
RESULTS:
Twelve dogs (9 NT and 3 CT) showed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 at nucleotide position 5 (G5A) that would result in the change of an arginine to a histidine at amino acid position 2 (R2H). Four dogs (3 NT and one Cairn Terrier) were heterozygous for the SNP, and 4 dogs (one Norfolk Terrier and 3 CT) matched the normal canine genome. Homozygous dogs for the SNP were macrothrombocytopenic with platelet counts ranging from 19,000 to 110,000/μL. Heterozygous and normal dogs had normal platelet counts and morphology. None had the CKCS point mutation.
CONCLUSIONS:
The β1-tubulin N-terminal amino acids form the nucleotide-binding domain and thus this mutation could affect GTP binding enough to influence platelet formation in homozygous but not in heterozygous dogs. The presence of macrothrombocytopenia only in homozygous affected dogs reveals an association between the SNP and the phenotype.
© 2014 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and European Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Show less

Lymphoma accounts for nearly one-third of all cancers in cats, with a prevalence that is higher than in all other species. Despite the high frequency, there is little information available about this feline disease, especially when compared with the canine species. This article will briefly outline the typical clinical presentation of feline lymphoma before focusing on its diagnostic approach.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping is a useful step in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative malignancies in human and veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders in cats. Nineteen cats were retrospectively enrolled in this study and allocated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 13 cats with lymphoma, whereas group 2 consisted of 6 cats with non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorders… Show more

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping is a useful step in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative malignancies in human and veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders in cats. Nineteen cats were retrospectively enrolled in this study and allocated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 13 cats with lymphoma, whereas group 2 consisted of 6 cats with non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorders. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were analysed by flow cytometry in order to evaluate the immunophenotype. Flow cytometric analysis identified a neoplastic lymphoid population in 12 of the 13 cats of group 1, confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma and further characterizing it. The six cats in group 2 showed a mixed lymphoid population, which was not suggestive of a neoplastic disorder. Flow cytometry is a valuable and powerful tool for refining the diagnosis of feline lymphoproliferative disorders. Show less

BACKGROUND:
Quality control (QC) validation is an essential tool in total quality management of a veterinary clinical pathology laboratory. Cost-analysis can be a valuable technique to help identify an appropriate QC procedure for the laboratory, although this has never been reported in veterinary medicine.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the Six Sigma Quality Cost Worksheets in the evaluation of possible candidate QC rules identified by QC… Show more

BACKGROUND:
Quality control (QC) validation is an essential tool in total quality management of a veterinary clinical pathology laboratory. Cost-analysis can be a valuable technique to help identify an appropriate QC procedure for the laboratory, although this has never been reported in veterinary medicine.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the Six Sigma Quality Cost Worksheets in the evaluation of possible candidate QC rules identified by QC validation.
METHODS:
Three months of internal QC records were analyzed. EZ Rules 3 software was used to evaluate candidate QC procedures, and the costs associated with the application of different QC rules were calculated using the Six Sigma Quality Cost Worksheets. The costs associated with the current and the candidate QC rules were compared, and the amount of cost savings was calculated.
RESULTS:
There was a significant saving when the candidate 1-2.5s, n = 3 rule was applied instead of the currently utilized 1-2s, n = 3 rule. The savings were 75% per year (£ 8232.5) based on re-evaluating all of the patient samples in addition to the controls, and 72% per year (£ 822.4) based on re-analyzing only the control materials. The savings were also shown to change accordingly with the number of samples analyzed and with the number of daily QC procedures performed.
CONCLUSIONS:
These calculations demonstrated the importance of the selection of an appropriate QC procedure, and the usefulness of the Six Sigma Costs Worksheet in determining the most cost-effective rule(s) when several candidate rules are identified by QC validation.
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BACKGROUND:
Flow cytometric analysis of blood samples for immunophenotyping lymphoproliferative diseases has become popular in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the use of this technique has been limited by the necessity to test samples within a short time frame after blood collection. A possible solution to this problem is the use of fixative products to preserve the stability of lymphoid antigens.
OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 5 lymphoid… Show more

BACKGROUND:
Flow cytometric analysis of blood samples for immunophenotyping lymphoproliferative diseases has become popular in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the use of this technique has been limited by the necessity to test samples within a short time frame after blood collection. A possible solution to this problem is the use of fixative products to preserve the stability of lymphoid antigens.
OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 5 lymphoid surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, and CD45) in blood samples collected in K3-EDTA and Cyto-Chex BCT tubes from healthy dogs.
METHODS:
Blood from 8 dogs was collected in K3-EDTA and Cyto-Chex BCT tubes and analyzed by flow cytometry at 6 hours, one day, 3 days, and 7 days after collection. Lymphocyte percentage, lymphocyte mor-phology, expression of lymphoid surface markers and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were recorded at each time point and compared.
RESULTS:
Lymphocyte percentage and morphology were preserved up to 3 days in samples collected in Cyto-Chex BCT, and lymphocyte percentage was mildly decreased on day 7. CD4, CD8, and CD21 were stable in Cyto-Chex BCT up to 7 days, whereas CD3 and CD45 showed a significant decrease in expression from day 3, with a decrease on average of 21% and 2.4%, respectively, on day 7. MFI was significantly decreased on day 7 for all markers except CD21.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings indicate that storage of samples in Cyto-Chex BCT affects lymphoid marker expression and caution should be exercised when interpreting data produced on such samples.
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A 4-month-old female entire domestic shorthair cat presented with an acute onset of blindness, tetraparesis and subsequent generalised seizure activity. Haematology and serum biochemistry demonstrated a moderate, poorly regenerative anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia with a low albumin:globulin ratio. Serology for feline coronavirus antibody was positive with an elevated alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. Analysis of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated markedly elevated… Show more

A 4-month-old female entire domestic shorthair cat presented with an acute onset of blindness, tetraparesis and subsequent generalised seizure activity. Haematology and serum biochemistry demonstrated a moderate, poorly regenerative anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia with a low albumin:globulin ratio. Serology for feline coronavirus antibody was positive with an elevated alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. Analysis of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated markedly elevated protein and a mixed, predominately neutrophilic pleocytosis. Immunocytochemistry for feline coronavirus was performed on the CSF, with positive staining observed inside macrophages. The cat was subsequently euthanased, and both histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. This is the first reported use of immunocytochemistry for detection of feline coronavirus within CSF macrophages. If this test proves highly specific, as for identification of feline coronavirus within tissue or effusion macrophages, it would be strongly supportive of an ante-mortem diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats with central nervous system involvement without the need for biopsy. Show less

A 16-year-old, Irish Draft mare was admitted to the referring veterinarian for an annual health check. A mild generalized lymphadenomegaly was noted. Rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed prominent mesenteric lymph nodes. A transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation was unremarkable. A CBC revealed a marked leukocytosis (63.06 × 10(3) /μL) and lymphocytosis (58.2 × 10(3) /μL) due to increased numbers of small lymphocytes. No evidence of anemia or… Show more

A 16-year-old, Irish Draft mare was admitted to the referring veterinarian for an annual health check. A mild generalized lymphadenomegaly was noted. Rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed prominent mesenteric lymph nodes. A transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation was unremarkable. A CBC revealed a marked leukocytosis (63.06 × 10(3) /μL) and lymphocytosis (58.2 × 10(3) /μL) due to increased numbers of small lymphocytes. No evidence of anemia or thrombocytopenia was found and neutrophil counts were low-normal. Cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates of multiple lymph nodes and a bone-marrow aspirate revealed the presence of a monomorphic population of small lymphocytes similar to those observed in the peripheral blood, suggesting a leukemic small cell lymphoma (SCL) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). As the lymphadenomegaly and peripheral blood lymphocytosis were present simultaneously, the distinction between these 2 conditions was not possible. Immunophenotyping by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry of the lymphoid cells in peripheral blood determined a T-cell phenotype. As the horse was clinically stable, no treatment was initiated, but regular examinations were undertaken. A CBC repeated 120 days after the diagnosis showed a marked lymphocytosis (157.6 × 10(3) /μL) with no evidence of anemia or other cytopenias. The horse was euthanized 194 days after the initial diagnosis. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of submandibular lymph nodes and bone marrow confirmed the diagnosis of leukemic SCL or CLL, and a T-cell phenotype. SCL and CLL are rare in horses; previous immunohistochemical studies determined that the T-cell phenotype is predominant. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the combined use of immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry in a horse with leukemic SCL or CLL. Show less

BACKGROUND:
To evaluate the efficiency of platelet-rich plasma preparations by means of a double centrifugation tube method to obtain platelet-rich canine plasma at a concentration at least 4 times higher than the baseline value and a concentration of white blood cells not exceeding twice the reference range. A complete blood count was carried out for each sample and each concentrate. Whole blood samples were collected from 12 clinically healthy dogs (consenting blood donors). Blood was… Show more

BACKGROUND:
To evaluate the efficiency of platelet-rich plasma preparations by means of a double centrifugation tube method to obtain platelet-rich canine plasma at a concentration at least 4 times higher than the baseline value and a concentration of white blood cells not exceeding twice the reference range. A complete blood count was carried out for each sample and each concentrate. Whole blood samples were collected from 12 clinically healthy dogs (consenting blood donors). Blood was processed by a double centrifugation tube method to obtain platelet concentrates, which were then analyzed by a flow cytometry haematology system for haemogram. Platelet concentration and white blood cell count were determined in all samples.
RESULTS:
Platelet concentration at least 4 times higher than the baseline value and a white blood cell count not exceeding twice the reference range were obtained respectively in 10 cases out of 12 (83.3%) and 11 cases out of 12 (91.6%).
CONCLUSIONS:
This double centrifugation tube method is a relatively simple and inexpensive method for obtaining platelet-rich canine plasma, potentially available for therapeutic use to improve the healing process. Show less

This highly visual book provides a comprehensive survey of cytological features and patterns as an aid to study, revision and continuing education for veterinarians in practice and training. Illustrated in full-colour with over 240 photomicrographs, the cases are presented randomly and appear as self-assessment questions with detailed explanatory answers. Species covered include the dog, the cat, the horse, and the cow. The new edition adds 89 brand new cases and updates all the existing… Show more

This highly visual book provides a comprehensive survey of cytological features and patterns as an aid to study, revision and continuing education for veterinarians in practice and training. Illustrated in full-colour with over 240 photomicrographs, the cases are presented randomly and appear as self-assessment questions with detailed explanatory answers. Species covered include the dog, the cat, the horse, and the cow. The new edition adds 89 brand new cases and updates all the existing content to ensure its continued relevance in practice. It also includes ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ at the end the book to further test the reader’s knowledge.

The new edition adds 89 brand new cases and updates all the existing content to ensure its continued relevance in practice.

This fully-revised second edition continues to be an invaluable reference for veterinary practitioners, veterinary students, nurses, and technicians. Show less