bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematology, Morphology, Cytochemical Staining, and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Blood Cells in King Cobras (Ophiophagus hannah)
Authors: Salakij Chaleow , Salakij Jarernsak , Apibal Suntaree , Narkkong Nual‐Anong , Chanhome Lawan , Rochanapat Nirachara 
Published: March 2008

Background —King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) have been captive‐bred at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute since 1996 to supply venom for antivenom production. Hematologic tests would be useful for evaluating the health of the snakes, however, basic hematologic data and morphology have not been described for this species.Objective —The purpose of this study was to determine basic hematologic values and evaluate light microscopic, cytochemical, and electron microscopic characteristics of king cobra blood cells.Methods —Blood samples from 13 wild‐caught and 15 captive‐bred king cobras were collected into EDTA from the ventral caudal vein. A CBC was done using standard methods. Significant differences between groups were determined usingt‐tests. Cytochemical stains (periodic acid‐Schiff [PAS], Sudan black B [SBB], a‐naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], acid phosphatase [AcP], and p‐glucuronidase [p‐glu]), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were done using standard techniques.Results —Eighteen snakes (64.3%) were positive forHepatozooninfection.Hepatozoonorganisms were detected nearly twice as frequently in wild‐caught (11/13) as in captive‐bred (7/15) snakes.Total WBC, azurophil, and lymphocyte counts were higher and fib‐rinogen concentration was lower inHepatozoon‐positivesnakes. Captive‐bred snakes had higher RBC values, lower azurophil, het‐erophil and punctate reticulocyte percentages, and higher lymphocyte numbers compared with wild‐caught snakes. Lymphocytes were the most commonly observed WBCs, and stained positive with PAS, ANAE, AcP, and (3–glu. Azurophil granules stained positive with SBB, PAS, and ANAE. Heterophils were the largest WBCs; their granules stained with SBB, ANAE, and (3–glu. Basophil granules stained with PAS, SBB, ANAE, and (3–glu. Thrombocytes were strongly positive with PAS. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed organelles within all WBCs except eosinophils and revealed the gamonts ofHepatozoonsp in RBCs and azurophils.Conclusions —These results provide comparative hematologic data and a guide for identification of blood cells in wild‐caught and captive‐bred king cobra snakes.Hepatozooninfection was relatively common, but was not associated with severe hematologic abnormalities.
Blood Copper Concentrations and Cuproenzyme Activities in a Colony of Cats
Authors: Fascetti Andrea J. , Rogers Quinton R. , Morris James G. 
Published: March 2008

Background—There is little published information on plasma copper and whole blood copper concentrations in cats, and except for extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC SOD), we are unaware of published values for cat cuproenzyme activities.Objective—In this study we determined plasma and whole blood copper concentrations, plasma ceruloplasmin (CP), EC SOD and diamine oxidase (DAO) activities, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (RBC SOD) activity in a specific pathogen‐free colony of cats. Results were evaluated for differences based on age and sex.Methods—Blood was obtained from 20 adult cats (10 males, 10 females; >1 year of age) and 20 immature cats (10 males, 10 females; <1 year of age). Copper concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. EC SOD and RBC SOD activities were determined using the pyrogallol oxidation method, and CP activity was determined by the oxidation of 0‐dianisidine dihydrochloride. DAO activity was measured using a colorimet‐ric assay. Differences among groups were analyzed using ANOVA.Results—There were significant differences in mean plasma copper concentration, and CP and DAO activities (P=.001, .0001, and .02, respectively) among the 4 groups of cats. No age differences were identified. Male cats had significantly greater mean (± SEM) plasma copper (15.4± 0.9 umol/L versus 11.3 ± 0.6 umol/L;P= .001) concentrations, and CP (66.8 ± 2.9 U/L versus 39.7 ±2.1 U/L; P=.0001) and DAO (6.68 ±0.16 U/L versus 6.15 ±0.1 U/L;P= .03) activities compared with female cats. Males had significantly greater whole blood copper concentrations (16.16 ± 0.55 umol/L versus 13.36± 0.52 μmol/L;P= .002) than female cats.ConclusionDifferences exist between male and female cats with respect to blood copper concentrations, and CP and DAO activities.
Fecal α1‐Proteinase Inhibitor Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Gastrointestinal Disease
Authors: Murphy K. F. , German A. J. , Ruaux C. G. , Steiner J. M. , Williams D. A. , Hall E. J. 
Published: March 2008

Background:Fecal α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI) clearance is a reliable, noninvasive marker for protein‐losing enteropathy in human beings. An assay for use in dogs has been developed and validated.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate fecal α1‐PI concentration in dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease, compared with healthy dogs, and to assess its correlation with serum albumin concentration.Methods:Fecal samples were collected from 2 groups of dogs. Group 1 consisted of 21 clinically healthy client‐owned dogs without signs of gastrointestinal disease. Group 2 consisted of 16 dogs referred for investigation of suspected gastrointestinal disease. On the basis of gastric and duodenal biopsies, group 2 was further subdivided into dogs with normal histology (n = 9) and those with histologic abnormalities (n = 7: inflammatory bowel disease, n = 3; lymphangiectasia, n = 4). An ELISA was used to measure α1‐PI concentrations in fecal extracts.Results:Fecal α1‐PI concentrations, expressed as μg/g of feces, were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 as a whole. However, fecal α1‐PI concentrations (median, minimum‐maximum) were significantly higher in dogs with gastrointestinal diseases associated with histologic abnormalities (60.6 μg/g, 7.4–201.7 μg/g) compared with dogs with normal histology (3.8 μg/g, 0.7–74.0 μg/g) and control dogs (9.9 μg/g, 0.0–32.1 μg/g). There was no significant correlation between fecal α1‐PI and serum albumin concentrations in dogs with gastrointestinal disease.Conclusions:Increased fecal α1‐PI concentration may signal the need to obtain gastrointestinal biopsies for a final diagnosis. Fecal α1‐PI concentration may be a useful test for early detection of protein‐losing enteropathy before decreases in serum albumin concentration can be detected.
Evaluation of a Commercially Available Human C‐Reactive Protein (CRP) Turbidometric Immunoassay for Determination of Canine Serum CRP Concentration
Authors: Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads , Jensen Asger Lundorff , Kristensen Annemarie T. 
Published: March 2008

Background:Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase marker in dogs that is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory disease. Rapid, reliable, and automated assays are preferable for routine evaluation of canine serum CRP concentration.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate whether canine serum CRP concentration could be measured reliably using an automated turbidometric immunoassay (TIA) designed for use with human serum.Methods:A commercially available TIA for human serum CRP (Bayer, Newbury, UK) was used to measure canine serum CRP concentration. Cross‐reactivity of antigen was evaluated by the Ouchterlony procedure. Intra‐and interassay imprecision was investigated by multiple measurements on canine serum samples and serum pools, respectively. Assay inaccuracy was investigated by linearity under dilution and comparison of methodologies (canine CRP ELISA, Tridelta Development Ltd, Kildare, UK). Then the assay was applied to serum samples from 14 clinically healthy dogs, 11 dogs with neoplasia, 13 with infections, 8 with endocrine or metabolic diseases, and 10 with miscellaneous diseases.Results:Cross‐reactivity between canine serum CRP and the anti‐human CRP antibody was found. Intra‐and interassay imprecision ranged from 5.2% to 10.8% and 3.0% to 10.2%, respectively. Serum CRP concentration was measured in a linear and proportional manner. There was no significant disagreement and there was linear correlation of the results in the comparison of methodologies, except for a slight proportional discrepancy at low CRP concentrations (<10 μg/mL). Dogs with infections had a significantly higher concentration of serum CRP than did all other dogs, and dogs with neoplasia had a significantly higher concentration of serum CRP than did clinically healthy dogs.Conclusions:Canine serum CRP concentration can be measured reliably using the commercially available TIA designed for human CRP.
Fecal α1‐Proteinase Inhibitor Concentration in Dogs Receiving Long‐Term Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Therapy
Authors: Murphy K. F. , German A. J. , Ruaux C. G. , Steiner J. M. , Williams D. A. , Hall E. J. 
Published: March 2008

Background:Fecal α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI) clearance is a reliable, noninvasive marker for protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) in human beings. An assay for measurement of this protein in the dog has been developed and validated and may be useful for the investigation of gastrointestinal disease in this species. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) frequently are administered to dogs and may have adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, including gastroduodenal ulceration and altered mucosal permeability. The value of fecal α1‐PI measurement in detecting unrelated gastrointestinal disease may be limited in dogs on NSAID therapy, but α1‐PI may be a useful marker for NSAID‐induced gastrointestinal damage.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long‐term administration of NSAIDs on fecal α1‐PI concentrations in dogs.Methods:Fecal samples were collected from 2 groups of dogs: 1) 21 clinically‐healthy client‐owned dogs without signs of gastrointestinal disease and receiving no NSAIDs and 2) 7 dogs referred for investigation and treatment of orthopedic disorders; the dogs had received either meloxicam or carprofen daily for at least 30 days. Fecal α1‐PI concentration was measured by ELISA.Results:Fecal α1‐PI concentrations, expressed as μg/g of feces, were not significantly different between groups 1 and 2 (median [range], group 1: 9.9 μg/g [0.0–32.1 μg/g]; group 2: 5.6 μg/g [1.1–32.3 μg/g];P= .81).Conclusions:These results suggest that use of cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective NSAIDs, such as carprofen and meloxicam, does not significantly affect fecal α1‐PI measurements. However, study numbers were small, and larger prospective trials are required to assess more accurately the gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs in dogs.
Comparison of Whole Blood and Plasma Potassium Concentrations in Dogs Using the Reflovet System
Authors: Trumel C. , Verwaerde P. , Rascol A. , Braun J. P. 
Published: March 2008

Background:The Reflovet system is designed for chemical analysis of whole blood. However, plasma or serum is recommended for potassium analysis because of possible interference from RBC potassium. Because RBC potassium concentration is low in most canine erythrocytes, however, there should be little or no interference.Objective:The objective of this study was to compare potassium results obtained in whole blood and in plasma from dogs using the Reflovet system.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 104 dogs into lithium‐heparin tubes. The potassium concentration was measured in whole blood, and subsequently the PCV was measured. Samples were centrifuged and the potassium concentration was measured in plasma. Comparisons were made using Deming's regression and Bland‐Altman difference plots.Results:There was very good correlation between results of potassium measurements in whole blood and plasma (r= 0.93). Potassium values were moderately lower in whole blood: Potassiumblood= 0.912 × Potassiumplasma+ 0.119. Hemolysis had a negligible effect on the results, but the difference increased with the PCV value. In more than 90% of samples, the difference between the 2 measurements was ≤ 0.3 mmol/L.Conclusion:There is only a negligible difference in most cases between potassium values in canine plasma and whole blood using the Reflovet system.
Cerebrospinal Fluid from a Dog with Neurologic Collapse
Authors: Thompson Craig A. , Russell Karen E. , Levine Jonathan M. , Weeks Brad R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 3‐year‐old Staffordshire Terrier was presented to the Texas Veterinary Medical Center with a short progressive history of anorexia, weight loss, and weakness that had progressed to ataxia and collapse with empirical treatment. The dog was tetraparetic and obtunded. Results of a complete neurologic evaluation were consistent with severe, multifocal to diffuse disease involving the forebrain, spinal cord, and brainstem. Cerebrospinal fluid, obtained via cerebellomedullary cisternal puncture, was highly cellular and contained large atypical round cells with small numbers of nondegenerate neutrophils and large mononuclear cells. Rare eosinophils and small lymphocytes were noted. The atypical round cells were approximately 15–25 μm in diameter with a single nucleus set in a small amount of cytoplasm. The nuclei were typically round to slightly ovoid; however, occasional notched, lobulated, and reniform nuclei were observed. These cells were interpreted as malignant lymphocytes. Owing to a grave prognosis, the animal was euthanized and a necropsy was performed. No gross lesions were found in the central nervous system. Multiple sections of cerebellum, medulla, and spinal cord contained a diffuse neoplastic infiltrate that was predominantly meningeal with rare superficial neuropil invasion. The neoplastic cells were arranged in sheets, cords, and rosettes. Immunohistochemical staining for vimentin, pancytokeratin, CD3, CD79a, synaptophysin, S‐100, and neuronspecific enolase was negative; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining was equivocal. Based on histologic findings, a diagnosis of medulloblastoma was made. This case documents the rare occurrence of a canine medulloblastoma and illustrates the difficulty in distinguishing between some embryonal brain tumors and lymphoma.
Pleural Fluid from a Dog with Marked Eosinophilia
Authors: Cowgill Elizabeth , Neel Jennifer 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA 12‐year‐old neutered male Shar‐Pei was presented to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital cardiology service with a 2‐week history of coughing and a 2‐day history of lethargy and anorexia. Pleural effusion and a mediastinal mass were detected with thoracic radiographs. Ten mL of fluid were removed via thoracocentesis, and cytologic examination of the fluid revealed marked eosinophilic inflammation and few atypical mast cells. Mast cell neoplasia was suspected. Aspirates of the mediastinal mass, abdominal lymph nodes, and bone marrow contained similar pleomorphic mast cells and increased numbers of eosinophils. The dog was diagnosed with systemic (visceral) mastocytosis, a rare form of neoplasia in dogs, and was euthanized. These tumors carry a poor to grave prognosis and the etiology is uncertain.
Validation of a Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunometric Assay for Plasma Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in the Dog
Authors: Scott‐Moncrieff J. Catharine , Koshko Mark A. , Brown Jennifer A. , Hill Kate , Refsal Kent R. 
Published: March 2008

Background:The concentration of canine adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is usually determined by radioimmunoassay. However, chemiluminescent assay techniques have many advantages for clinical endocrine testing.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to validate a commercially available chemiluminescent assay for determination of canine ACTH concentration and to determine whether protease inhibitors are appropriate for use in the chemiluminescent assay system.Methods:Biological specificity was evaluated by treatment of 3 dogs with ovine corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) followed by serial measurements of ACTH and by comparison with a previously validated immunoradiometric assay. All samples were collected both in the presence and absence of aprotinin, a protease inhibitor. The assay was further evaluated by measurement of intra‐assay precision, interassay precision, and recovery after dilution.Results:Baseline ACTH concentrations ranged from 5.6 to 15.3 pg/mL, and maximum ACTH concentrations of 158 to 1240 pg/mL were observed 30–60 minutes after CRH administration. Plasma samples collected with aprotinin had significantly lower ACTH concentrations than did samples collected without aprotinin. The intra‐assay coefficients of variance (CVs) ranged from 4.1 to 8.2%, and interassay CVs ranged from 4.6 to 14.8%. Recovery after dilution with canine plasma ranged from 93.4 to 103.0% of predicted concentration; however, inadequate recovery was observed with other diluents. There was a high correlation with the immunoradiometric assay (r= .925) but a significant negative bias (‐32.9, 95% confidence interval −50.8 to −14.9).Conclusions:This chemiluminescent assay is a valid technique for measurement of ACTH in canine plasma. ACTH concentration measured by chemiluminescence is lower than that measured by immunoradiometry. Aprotinin decreases the measured concentration of ACTH, and this effect should be taken into account when interpreting results. Diluents supplied with the kit should not be used for dilution of canine samples.
Comparative Sequences of Canine and Feline Endothelin‐1
Authors: Biondo Alexander W. , Wiedmeyer Charles E. , Sisson David D. , Solter Philip F. 
Published: March 2008

Background: Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1, “mature ET‐1”) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide that is made along with “big ET‐1” from its precursor, preproET‐1. Increased plasma concentrations of ET‐1 and big ET‐1 occur with various forms of cardiovascular disease in humans. Our laboratory is investigating plasma endothelins as diagnostic tests of cardiovascular disease in dogs and cats; however, commercial immunoassays designed specifically for use in dogs and cats are limited.Objective: Amino acid sequences of feline and canine big ET‐1 were obtained and used to predict antibody cross‐reactivity with immunoassay test kits from other species.Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and total RNA was extracted from canine and feline left ventricles for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR amplification of segments of the canine and feline preprohormone containing the big ET‐1 sequences. The derived amino acid sequences were compared with known big ET‐1 and ET‐1 sequences of several other species, including human, mouse, and rat.Results: Feline and canine big ET‐1 had 87–97% and 89–100% homology, respectively, with that of other mammalian species. Canine ET‐1 was identical to human, mouse, and rat ET‐1. In contrast, the amino acid sequence of feline ET‐1 was unique owing to a leucine for methionine substitution at position 7.Conclusions: It is highly likely that anti‐human and anti‐rodent ET‐1 antibodies will cross‐react with mature canine ET‐1. In contrast, antibodies to mature ET‐1 intended for use with feline tissues and antibodies to big ET‐1 in either dogs or cats may have partial or no cross‐reactivity depending on the peptide sequences used to produce the antibodies.
Hematology and Serum Chemistry Values of the European Brown Hare
Authors: Marco Ignasi , Cuenca Rafaela , Pastor Josep , Velarde Roser , Lavin Santiago 
Published: March 2008

Background: Hematology and serum biochemistry values can be useful for evaluating the health of populations of captive and free‐living European brown hares (Lepus europaeus). However, current information is fragmented and incomplete.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine normal hematology and serum chemistry values for a population of captive European brown hares and to investigate differences related to sex and age.Methods: Routine hematology and serum chemistry values were determined for 48 captive European brown hares in Catalonia (northeastern Spain): 21 young (6 males and 15 females) and 27 adult (14 males and 13 females) hares. Blood was obtained by auricular venipuncture while animals were physically restrained. Results were expressed as the mean ± SD, and reference intervals were calculated as the mean ± 2SD.Results: RBC count, PCV, concentrations of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, gamma globulin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase activity were significantly higher in adults than in young hares, and alkaline phosphatase activity and total bilirubin concentration were lower. Sex differences were not observed.Conclusions: Hematology and serum chemistry results obtained in this study are considered representative for healthy captive European brown hares. A single reference interval can be used for values from male and female hares, however, age‐specific intervals are needed for some analytes.
Effects of urinary tract inflammation and sample blood contamination on urine albumin and total protein concentrations in canine urine samples
Authors: Vaden Shelly L. , Pressler Barrak M. , Lappin Michael R. , Jensen Wayne A. 
Published: March 2008

Background: Urinary tract inflammation and hemorrhage are believed to be common causes of proteinuria in dogs based on results of studies that measured total urine protein concentration. A method to quantify urine albumin (UAlb) concentration in dogs recently has become available; however, the effect of inflammation on albuminuria is unknown.Objectives: The goals of this study were to determine the effects of urinary tract inflammation, as indicated by pyuria and sample blood contamination, on UAlb concentration and on urine protein: creatinine (UPC) ratio in dogs.Methods: Urine samples were obtained from dogs with pyuria that were presented to a veterinary teaching hospital or were part of a laboratory colony. To mimic the effects of hematuria, canine whole blood was added to a microscopically normal canine urine sample that had baseline albumin and total protein concentrations below the limits of detection. UAlb concentration was measured using a canine albumin‐specific competitive ELISA. UPC ratio was determined using routine methods.Results: Of 70 samples with pyuria, 67% had negligible UAlb concentrations and 81% had normal UPC ratios. UAlb concentration but not UPC ratio was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in samples with concurrent hematuria or bacteriuria. When whole blood was added to normal urine, UAlb concentration did not exceed 1 mg/dL until the sample became visibly pink; the UPC did not exceed 0.4 at any dilution.Conclusions: Many dogs with pyuria do not have albuminuria or proteinuria; however, albuminuria may be more likely in dogs with pyuria and concurrent hematuria or bacteriuria. Hematuria may not cause an increase in UAlb concentration until it becomes macroscopic and even then may not increase the UPC ratio.