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Canines are dispersed around the world, adapting physiologically to regional climatic variations, which can trigger an amplitude in the variability of referential clinical and laboratory aspects. Thus, we aim to determine the hematological reference interval for clinically healthy dogs located in the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil. The retrospective study was carried out between February and June 2018 with complete blood count data from 126 healthy dogs with no predilection for sex, breed, and age, selected on the basis of visits for elective castration and ovariohysterectomy. The data set for defining the reference population range was obtained with a confidence interval (90%) using a robust statistical method. The study showed that there was no statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) for hematological parameters between sex, breeds, and age. However, the average assessments of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, hematimetric indices, and lymphocytes were lower in animals younger than 1 year when compared to other age groups. This finding makes the hematological reference values available in a regionalized manner, adding greater precision in the diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up of clinically healthy canines in the northeast region of Brazil.

Few studies have investigated phytogenic gums as vaccine delivery agents in veterinary diseases. This study therefore evaluates the changes in clinical, haematological and histopathologcal responses of broilers vaccinated with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccine, administered with the Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as phytogenic mucoadhesive following experimental infection with virulent IBDV. Two hundred (200)-day-old birds were divided into four groups: as combined gums-IBDV vaccine (A), IBDV vaccine alone (B), gums alone (C) and no gum not vaccinated (D), respectively. The IBDV vaccination was administered ocularly at 14 and 28 days and later challenged with the virulent IBDV at 21 days. All the birds were observed clinically post-infection, blood samples were collected for complete blood count while lymphoid tissues were examined from sacrificed chicks. The haematologic, clinical and lesion score data were descriptively analysed. There were no significant differences in haematological indices except for basophil (p

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate potential hematological alterations in dogs treated with four different antineoplastic protocols. We selected 69 dogs that received at least four chemotherapy sessions and divided them into four groups: vinblastine (VBL) (n = 30), doxorubicin (DOX) (n = 15), combined CHOP protocol (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) (n = 11), and vincristine group (VCR) (n = 13). Hematological parameters were recorded from blood samples collected in five periods: T0 (before the start of treatment), T1, T2, T3, and T4 (before each session). The VBL group showed a significant reduction in erythrocyte (p

Chronic cholangitis in cats can be induced by liver fluke infestation. It is a rare disease and can be fatal if it is left untreated due to a number of complications including liver cancer. A 2.5-year-old–spayed female domestic shorthair cat with history of jaundice, vomiting and self-inflicted alopecia was brought to the University Veterinary Hospital. Blood and urine samples were sent to the Veterinary Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory. Complete blood count results showed values within normal. The cat rather had persistent increases in liver enzymes and bilirubin throughout 1 week of hospitalisation, although she was treated empirically. Bilirubinuria was expected, and adequately concentrated urine was noted. Faecal sample submitted to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory during hospitalisation revealed the presence of liver fluke ova. The cat was treated with fenbendazole and other medications upon discharged, and the owner was advised to bring the cat for a visit for re-evaluation of liver enzymes and liver fluke ova.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2), a member of Parvoviridae, mainly affects puppies and it is a major cause of vomiting and diarrhea in canine; sometimes, it has fatal outcomes. This study aims to scrutinize the alterations in hematology as well as oxidative stress biomarkers in association with CPV-2 infection in puppies. The present study was applied on 22 dogs with different breeds, both sexes, and different age, divided into 8 healthy dogs enrolled as a control group and 14 dogs with clinical signs consistent with CPV-2 infection. Blood samples were withdrawn from each animal from cephalic vein for complete blood count using automated hematology analyzer and to estimate level of oxidant biomarkers (MDA and H2O2) and antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GPX, catalase, Zn, Cu, and iron), with cortisol level. The elevation of MDA, H2O2, SOD, and GPX and decrease of catalase, Zn, Cu, and iron were recorded in diseased dogs compared with those in control dogs. In conclusion, dogs with CPV-2 infection, MDA, and H2O2 elevation contributed to oxidative stress state and alteration in antioxidant biomarkers as SOD, GPX, catalase, and trace minerals as Zn, Cu, and iron to counteract the expected damage of cells were recorded. Based on these findings, antioxidant supplementation might bolster body defense mechanism and decreases stress condition.

Curcumin is a yellow pigment derived from rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and can affect multiple components metabolic syndrome (MetS). In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on several CVD risk factors, including indices of depression and anxiety in individuals with MetS. This randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Nutrition Clinic of the Ghaem Hospital. One hundred and twenty subjects (18–65 years old) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: a group receiving phospholipidated curcumin (PC) capsules (1 g/day) for 6 weeks )n = 40), a group receiving unformulated curcumin (UC) capsules (1 g/day) for 6 weeks (n = 40), and a control group who received a placebo capsule (n = 40). Socio-demographic status of all participants was documented using a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected after a 12-h fasting. All biochemical factors and anthropometric indices were measured in all patients at baseline and after 6 weeks intervention. Complete blood count (CBC), serum levels of FBG, lipid profile, apolipoproteins, and hs-CRP were assessed. Physical activity level was measured using a standard questionnaire. At the beginning and end of study, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were completed by all volunteers. According to the self-reported adverse effects, one subject in the PC-treated group reported hypersensitivity. Also, there were reports of cold sore (n = 1) and nausea (n = 1) in the UC group. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. A total of 109 subjects completed the study. There were no significant differences between the three study groups for any of the variables at baseline, nor after the 6 weeks intervention, including anthropometric indices, serum biochemical factors, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and CBC. However, subjects with severe anxiety appeared to be significantly improved by treatment with the PC and UC compared with the placebo group (p = 0.01). Curcumin supplementation did not improve any of the cardiovascular risk factors associated with MetS.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidney fails to function adequately. End-stage renal disease is the terminal stage of chronic renal failure where there is an irreversible progressive deterioration in renal function which can be substituted by hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD), or renal transplantation. Both types of dialysis can cause side effects on the blood components. The objectives of this study was to find the changes in the complete blood counts, red blood cell indices, and peripheral blood smear in post hemodialysis patients and to compare the changes with respect to pre-dialysis status. We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study for a period of 3 years and a total of 120 patients undergoing dialysis. Blood samples were collected before and within 2 h post dialysis; complete hemogram and peripheral smear examination results were recorded and compared by Student t test. There was moderate degree of anemia in both pre- and post dialysis patients, and also, there was an increase in the severity of anemia after hemodialysis in many patients. The type of anemia was normocytic normochromic. There was a statistically significant decrease in total leukocyte count and platelet count (p

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of Sysmex XS-800i analyzer and compare its correlation with standard manual method in oncologic patients. The complete blood count (CBC) with differential leukocyte count is one of the most frequently requested hematologic tests. In oncologic patients, it is more important because primary diagnosis and treatment follow-up are depending on CBC results. Automated hematology analyzers are designed to perform CBC with acceptable precision and accuracy, but manual slide examination still is needed to complement the analyzer results. One thousand CBC samples of oncologic patients analyzed by Sysmex XS-800i analyzer and the corresponding slides were examined independently by a skilled hematology technician and a pathologist. Their results analyzed for finding the degree of correlation between them. Our instrument showed excellent performance with a correlation coefficient of >0.91 for platelet and leukocyte differential count (except for basophil with r = 0.592). Sensitivity and specificity of identifying abnormal cells was 82.7 and 92 %, respectively. The Sysmex XS-800i hematology analyzer results are as reliable as the standard manual method; however, manual microscopic blood examination should be used to complete the uncompleted results, to validate analyzer flags, and for counting the cells with a flag.

This study was conducted in order to evaluate blood gas analytes using a portable clinical analyzer in captive American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber). Seventeen healthy flamingos were evaluated as part of an overall clinical health assessment. Each bird underwent a complete physical examination, complete blood count, and serum biochemistry testing. Blood samples were collected from the medial metatarsal vein and using the VetScan i-STAT® analyzer, tested for the following parameters: hydrogen ion concentration, oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, hematocrit, and various calculated parameters. The different parameters of venous blood gas were described using the mean, median, the interquartile range, P2.5 and P97.5, and minimum and maximum values. A comparison between sexes revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in any of the observed values. The test provided rapid results and was easy to use, making it useful for point-of-care use in zoological settings, or hospitalized critical avian patients. Knowledge of baseline parameters can promote better physiological understanding and improve clinical management of this avian species.

This study was conducted in order to determine serum bile acids concentration in captive black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Sixteen healthy intact prairie dogs of both sexes were studied as part of an overall clinical health evaluation performed under general isoflurane anesthesia. Each animal underwent a complete physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, whole body radiology, and cardiographic examination. Blood samples were collected from the Jugular vein and submitted for a serum bile acids analysis. The mean and median serum bile acids concentration for the black-tailed prairie dog in this study was 12.5 μmol/L (min = 2 μmol/L, max = 24 μmol/L). The data presented in this report can promote better physiological understanding and improve clinical management of this rodent species.

This study was conducted in order to determine serum bile acids concentration in captive American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber). Seventeen healthy flamingos of both sexes were evaluated as part of an overall clinical health assessment. Each bird underwent a complete physical examination, complete blood count, and serum biochemistry testing. Blood samples were collected from the medial metatarsal vein and submitted for a serum bile acids analysis. The median serum bile acids concentration for the American flamingo was 30 μmol/L (min = 20 μmol/L, max = 58 μmol/L), with no significant difference (p = 0.14) between males and females in this study. The data presented in this report can promote better physiological understanding and improve clinical management of this avian species.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:24:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-01-01 Appropriate hematological reference intervals mitigate the risk of unnecessary investigations and failures on disease diagnosis. Species, breed, environment, handling, and physiologic stage could influence hematological variables. In this context, there is a lack of hematological reference intervals for Pêga donkeys, an important Brazilian asinine breed. This study aimed to establish hematological reference values for Pêga donkeys and determine the influence of age and sex on these variables. The complete blood count of samples collected from 110 animals, 79 females and 31 males was performed, maintained under field conditions. The animals under 1 year old (three females and five males) were monitored by collections on the day of birth, on 3rd, 7th, 15th day, and monthly until 12 months of life, while the other donkeys were sampled once. There were differences in several variables analyzed, confirming the requirement of different reference intervals according to age group and sex. Moreover, differences among the values obtained and those of previous studies show a breed influence on the hematological variables of donkeys. For Pêga breed donkeys, animal’s age and sex influence most of the hematological variables. This study can be useful in the clinical routine and serve as basis to other scientific researches related to Pêga donkeys. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n

Reference values were established for some plasma biochemical and hematological profiles of venomous snakes in Thailand. The studies were performed on three groups of adult, captive born elapids, including 20 Siamese cobra, Naja kaouthia; 20 king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah; and 9 Malayan krait, Bungarus candidus. The study parameters included complete blood count, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), plasma creatinine, uric acid, total protein, and sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. The results obtained were compared among groups of snakes. Comparative studies among groups showed statistical significant differences of some parameters among species including heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, AST, ALP, creatinine, and potassium and chloride ion levels. The differences of these parameters indicate the necessity of establishing referential data for hematological and biochemical parameters in venomous snakes. The results obtained will be useful in routine diagnostics as the hematological and metabolic profiles of venomous snakes.

Delayed hematological analysis occurs frequently in bovine practice. Interpretation of complete blood count (CBC) results may be affected by artifactual storage-associated changes. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in bovine CBC results that occur over 72 h of storage at room temperature (RT) and 4 °C. Blood samples from 10 clinically healthy Holstein cows were analyzed with the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of storage at RT or 4 °C. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA was used to analyze time and temperature main effects. Time-associated changes in red blood cell (RBC) results were a significant increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (both temperatures) and hematocrit (RT) and a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (RT). White blood cell counts were relatively stable; however, automated absolute concentrations of monocytes and large unstained cells decreased, whereas concentrations of lymphocytes and eosinophils (RT) increased, over time. There was a statistically significant increase in mean platelet volume (MPV) by 48 h of storage at both temperatures. Changes with storage were more pronounced at RT. Mean CBC results, with the exception of MPV, did not exceed reference intervals. With storage, bovine RBCs become macrocytic and hypochromic, variable changes occur in the automated differential cell count, and the MPV increases. However, most changes, with the exception of MCV, are of little diagnostic relevance. For the most accurate CBC results, bovine blood should be stored at 4 °C and analyzed within 24 h of collection.

A 9-year-old, male, mixed-breed dog was presented with severe lethargy, pale and icterus mucous membranes, gingival hemorrhage, and hematochezia. On physical examination, petechiae and echimosis on the penis were observed. The complete blood count revealed severe regenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia. Urinalysis indicated hemoglobinuria and bilirobinuria, and abdominal sonography showed splenomegaly. A series of diagnostic tests was performed based on the suspicion of Evan’s syndrome (concurrent immune-mediated anemia and thrombocytopenia). The therapeutic program was started with prednisolone combined with leflunomide followed by desmopressin and erythropoietin, lasted 1 month, and the animal showed progressive recovery. During 6 months follow-up, no complications were detected in the mentioned case.

The Sysmex KX-21 uses a novel cyanide-free colorimetric method to detect hemoglobin (HGB) concentration. This measurement has not been compared with the cyanmethemoglobin method on the ADVIA 120 which is recommended as the reference method by the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology. Additionally, ADVIA 120 uses flow cytometric method to detect cellular HGB concentration. The aim of this study was to compare the three methods of HGB analysis on the two analyzers. Fresh K3EDTA blood samples from 32 dogs and 27 rats were included. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed on each sample using the Sysmex KX-21 and ADVIA 120. Colorimetric and cellular HGB concentrations and all calculated variables based on HGB measurement were compared using linear regression, Passing–Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman plots, using the cyanmethemoglobin method as the reference method. In samples from both species, an excellent correlation was found between the HGB results measured with the cyanide-free method and the cyanide-based method (r = 0.97); however, a slight mean proportional bias of 3.8 % (dogs) and 1.9 % (rats) was observed. The correlation of flow cytometric cellular HGB concentration and extracellular total HGB concentration on the ADVIA 120 was excellent (r = 0.97), and no significant bias was observed. Additionally, excellent to fair agreement was evident for all calculated erythrocyte and HGB variables. Thus, the cyanide-free HGB method and flow cytometric method could be used with blood samples from dogs and rats; however, the proportional bias should be considered.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects millions of people in the world. Many people use therapeutic herbal medicine for many reasons. In the present study, the effects of Ruta graveolens extract on the level of blood glucose, lipids, and hematological parameters have been studied. For this purpose 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing (200–300 g) were divided randomly into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and housed in single cages. The control group (A) was injected with normal saline. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) in other five groups. Group C received glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) orally, and groups D, E, and F received hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 days, respectively. Blood samples were taken by heart puncture, and the level of glucose and lipids were measured. Hematological parameters including complete blood count was also determined by using automated cell counter. Results showed that administration of R. graveolens extract caused a significant decrease in the levels of cholesterol and LDL-c (p < 0.05) by dose-dependent manner, whereas no significant changes were seen in glucose, triglycerides, VLDL-c, and HDL-c values in diabetic rats. It appears that R. graveolens extract has significant effects on total cholesterol and LDL-c in diabetic rats

The prevalence of canine microcytosis, detected as reduced mean corpuscolar volume (MCV) by impedance cell counter was investigated retrospectively in relationship to sex, breed, diseases, and other blood count parameters. One thousand and twelve (1,012) canine medical records with complete blood count (CBC) were evaluated for MCV results. CBCs were performed using impedance cell counter and stained blood smears for leukocyte differential count, erythrocyte morphology, and platelet estimation. Statistical analysis included both comparative and descriptive investigations in dogs showing microcytosis (MICRO) versus dogs with normal MCV (control, CTR). MCV was lower than the reference range in 8.5% of medical records (86/1,012). Only 47.7% of MICRO dogs were affected by different degrees of anemia. In MICRO dogs, thrombocytosis was present in 19.8%, while 16.3% showed thrombocytopenia, and mild leukocytosis was found in 30.2%. Statistical analysis showed significant difference about sex and breeds in MICRO vs. CTR dogs while different disorders did not affect the MICRO vs. CTR dogs; few CBC parameters such as erythrocyte count, hematocrit, and red cell dimension width were both significantly related to MCV of MICRO dogs and between CTR and MICRO dogs. Multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis showed significant difference among clusters considering platelets and displayed a subgroup of patients in MICRO dogs. Microcytosis detected at low rate in CBC of clinical records is not always related to anemia. The comparison in MICRO and CTR dogs showed a significant difference for most blood count parameters dealing with erythrocytes and leukocytes but not for platelets.

Pyometra is a common uterine disease found in adult female dogs during diestrus and it typically presents with several systemic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate complete blood counts (CBC), neutrophil oxidative metabolism, and lipid peroxidation in female dogs diagnosed with pyometra associated with Escherichia coli (E. coli). Twenty adult female dogs, from 2 to 14 years old, were allocated into two different groups. Animals placed in group 1 (G1) (n = 12) were diagnosed with pyometra associated with E. coli and animals placed in group 2 (G2) (n = 8) were clinically healthy female dogs. Red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin were significantly lower in G1 than in G2. A significant increase in total plasma protein and white blood cell count (segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, and monocytes) occurred in G1 when compared to G2. The neutrophil oxidative metabolism was also increased in G1, but lipid peroxidation showed no difference between the two groups. CBC results revealed a normocytic, normochromic anemia and leukocytosis characterized by a neutrophilia with a left shift in adult female dogs with pyometra associated with E. coli. Additionally, neutrophil oxidative metabolism showed an increase in its activity without producing lipid peroxidation, which possibly indicates that the anemia in canine pyometra is not related to oxidative stress.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be associated with severe adverse effects. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of piroxicam and ketoprofen, two NSAIDs with different excretion pathways, on the gastric mucosa, kidney, liver, and hematopoietic system of dogs. Fifteen mixed-breed healthy dogs of both sexes aged between 1 to 8 years were randomly divided in three groups and treated with piroxicam (0.15 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM)), ketoprofen (1 mg/kg IM) or placebo daily for 21 days. Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), the dogs receiving ketoprofen showed fewer and less severe lesions than the dogs in the piroxicam group. None of the dogs showed any clinical signs related to the gastric lesions. Serum biochemical and complete blood count parameters did not change significantly after NSAlD administration (p > 0.05). However, by day 14, a decreased number of platelets and prolonged bleeding time were detected in treatment groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The clinical significance of this prolongation is unclear. This study suggests that ketoprofen and piroxicam produce mild lesions when administered to healthy dogs for 21 days, and there is no difference between the two groups in the number and severity of lesions. There may be an indication that longer duration of drug administration may result in a greater number of gastric lesions. However, after long-term NSAID exposure (21 days in our study), gastric tolerance to the damage caused by NSAIDs will be developed.

The purpose of this study is to access the usefulness of haematological parameters in diagnosing of chronic toxoplasmosis in cats. Antibodies of Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 50 cats using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured with the cutoff point for T. gondii considered to be 1:64. Fifteen (30%) of the cats were found to be seropositive. No statistically significant difference was found amongst different age groups, but the male cats showed significantly higher antibody titres than female cats. A significant positive correlation was found between IgM and IgG of the cats. Comparison of haematological data between two groups of the cats (IgM

A 1.5-year-old female, domestic shorthair cat with a 2-week history of proximal humerus fracture and open lesion infection was presented to Tehran University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. On physical examination the cat was quiet but alert. No other physical abnormalities were detected. The complete blood count, cytochemical staining, serum biochemistry tests as well as fecal flotation test, bone marrow cytology, radiography, and sonography were performed. Bone marrow aspiration showed a mildly increased myeloid-to-erythroid ratio (3.49:1). This cat had a healthy appetite without vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss throughout the following-up course. All previous cases have been reported as having anorexia as a clinical finding.

To determine the clinical pathology parameters in nude rats (Crl:NIH-Fox1RNU) following experimental induction of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 50 male adult nude rats weighing 250–350 g were used. Complete blood count, total and differential leukocyte counts, plasma total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were determined before (time zero, T0), 1, and 5 days following experimental induction of AMI. Lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine kinase (CK), and creatinine kinase MB fraction (CK-MB) were determined at T0, 6, and 24 h following AMI. There were no significant changes in the hematological parameters at any sampling point. Among all plasma biochemical parameters studied, only CK and CK-MB were significantly elevated 6 h following induction of AMI. These data will aid scientists and researchers in the interpretation and better application of their results when using nude rats for AMI studies.

Two hundred dairy breed cattle of different ages [42 were between 3 and 6 months (20 males and 22 females), 55 cases were heifers (16–24 months old) and the rest were adult dairy cattle] from four dairy farms were examined by auscultation. Seventy-seven cases out of 200 cattle had various types of functional (n = 50) and pathological (n = 10) murmurs, pericarditis (n = 10), and endocarditis (n = 7). Twenty normal cattle without any sign of heart disease and cardiac murmurs were also taken as a control group. Blood samples were taken from all cattle having cardiac disorders and control group for determination of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and complete blood count. White blood cell (WBC) of cases with endocarditis was significantly higher than other groups. Cases with pericarditis and endocarditis had the highest Hp and SAA levels, respectively. The optimal cutoff point was set, by the receiver operating characteristics method, to >4.74 μg/ml for SAA and >0.14 g/l for Hp with corresponding 58.44% sensitivity and 80.00% specificity for SAA and 22.08% sensitivity and 100% specificity for Hp. Our study showed that for differentiation of four types of cardiac disorders mentioned (functional murmurs, pathologic murmurs, endocarditis, and pericarditis), SAA determination is more suitable than Hp and WBC count.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of some haematological and serum biochemical constituents for predicting the survival of diarrhoeic calves. Twenty-four Holstein-breed calves, up to 14 days old, that showed signs of naturally occurring diarrhoea were included in the study. A complete clinical evaluation was performed before treatment. Haematological parameters (haematocrit, fibrinogen and complete blood count) and serum biochemistry including serum albumin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl) were measured. The diarrhoeic calves had significantly higher serum concentrations of total protein, BUN, creatinine and K and significantly lower levels of serum glucose and Cl than the control calves. The haematological profile of diarrhoeic calves was significantly different from that of the normal ones. The concentration of K was also significantly higher in diarrhoeic calves that died than in diarrhoeic calves that survived. We assessed the values of haematocrit, BUN, creatinine and K as risk factors for calf diarrhoea survival. The mean of maximum values of these parameters in diarrhoeic calves that survived and the minimum values of dead calves were considered as cutoff points. The results of the present study showed that diarrhoeic calves with BUN levels above 13.07 mmol/l and K concentrations above 5.63 mEq/l were 5.6 and four times more likely to die, respectively.

Donkeys, an endangered species, have recently gained a new application with the use of their milk to feed humans with allergic processes. The Ragusana donkey breed from Sicily is used to produce milk for humans with allergic diseases. In order to evaluate the hygienic, nutritional and management measures on a farm of Ragusana donkeys, complete blood counts, extended biochemical profiles and serum protein electrophoresis, as part of metabolic profile test (MPT), were performed in Ragusana donkeys. Fifty-four donkeys were studied and grouped according to their age, (1) 29 females and a single stallion (n=30), (2) young females, 1 – 3 years old (n=10) and (3) young of both sexes under 1 year old (n=14). The RBC count, RDW value, Lymp, and Mono counts, and PDW values were statistically greater in donkeys under one year old than in adult donkeys, while the Seg Neu count was lower. The CPK, ALP, iPhos, and HCO3, values were statistically higher in the group of donkeys under 1 year of age than adult donkeys while Cl and LDH values were statistically lower in donkeys under 1 year than adult donkeys. Additionally, statistically significant increased values for CPK, ALP, Alb, Chol, iPhos, HCO3, and UIBC in young donkeys under 1 year when compared with young donkeys, 1 – 3 years were observed. A statistically significant decreased value for Urea and an increased value for Crea in young donkeys, 1 – 3 years old were found as compared to adults. The serum protein fractions recognised by electrophoresis were: albumin, alpha globulin (subdivided into alpha-1 and alpha-2-globulins), beta globulin, and gamma globulin. In the alpha-1-globulin region three small peaks were constantly noticed, and alpha-2-globulins were statistically different between the three groups being greater in young donkeys under 1 year of age. The results obtained were used both to establish reference ranges and a data bank for the farm of Ragusana donkeys for future needs in assessing the metabolic status and health of the animals.

A 13-year-old, male, North American elk (Cervus elaphus canadensis) from a commercial herd was presented for a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, and hematuria to Palmer Veterinary Clinic, Plattsburgh, NY, USA. The elk, originated from Ohio, was from a herd of 60 animals with an age range of 2 months to 13 years. Clinically, over a 5–7-day period, the elk began to distance itself from the remainder of the herd, and became anorectic and eventually recumbent. Results of the admitting complete blood count indicated a normocytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia. The animal was serologically negative for elk wasting disease. Supportive treatment did not result in clinical improvement. The elk was euthanized because of the rapidly declining condition. At necropsy, the spleen was diffusely enlarged and the mesenteric and periaortic fats were yellow. Microscopically, the only finding of note was extensive splenic erythrophagocytosis. Microscopic examination of a peripheral blood film stained with Wright–Giemsa revealed that about 5% of erythrocytes contained protozoal parasites. The morphologic characteristics of these organisms were consistent with Babesia organism, most likely Babesia odocoilei. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction, the organism was identified as B. odocoilei. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of B. odocoilei infection in North American elk in New York State, USA. We recommend that infection with B. odocoilei be considered in any case of acute hemolytic anemia in elk.

Results on more than 1000 complete blood counts (CBC) performed on hot-blooded horses, in- cluding Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and Arabian, have been reviewed. All the data were processed and stored at the Laboratory of Haematology, Department Veterinary Clinic, University of Pisa, over the last 2 years, and involved samples withdrawn from both inpatients and outpatients of the clinic. The CBC is routinely requested as a part of a complete clinical evaluation of horses as well as during the course of disease or as a routine check during the training process. The CBC, using K3-EDTA blood sam- ples, included a three cell population count performed on an electronic impedance cell counter (Genius, SEAC, Calenzano, Fi, Italy), and the microscopic evaluation of a stained blood smear. In addition, the refractometric assessment of total plasma proteins and ¢brinogen (by the heat precipitation method) was also performed using EDTA plasma. The incidence of haematological changes in red blood cells (RBCs), subtyped as polycythaemia and anae- mia, were 16.2%. Anaemia totalled 15.1%, including mild (packed cell volume (PCV) 31^26%) at 10.2%, moderate (PCV 25^17%) at 4.1%, and severe (PCV 516%) at 0.8%. The incidence of white blood cell (WBC) changes, subtyped as leucocytosis and leucopenia, was 38.4%. Leucocytosis totalled 30.5%, including mild (WBC 10^15 000/ml) at 22.5%, moderate (WBC 15^20 000/ml) at 7.7%, and severe (WBC 420 000/ml) at 0.3%. The incidence of leucopenia was 7.9% (WBC 55500/ml). Inter- pretation of the full leucogram (including variation on several leucocyte types and ¢brinogen values) gave an incidence of physiological leucocytosis at 9.9%, stress leucocytosis at 5.3%, and in£ammatory leucocy- tosis at 37.3%. Thrombocytopenia was frequently observed at 7.2%, whereas thrombocytosis was observed in only 0.3% of cases. Horse CBCs display less characteristic blood pictures in comparison to other species due to their parti- cular haemopoietic system, such as the long half-life of RBCs, the occurrence of a non-sinusoid spleen, the fate and distribution of WBCs, and the rather high clumping phenomena of horse platelets in EDTA glass vials.

Plant toxicity is a problem associated with feeding in rabbits which roam in houses or gardens. A 3-month-old pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with acute sialorrhea, lethargy, anorexia, poor hair coat, tachypnea and with a history of Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) ingestion 3 h before referral. No other abnormality was detected on physical examination. Complete blood count analysis was unremarkable. The case was treated based on conservative treatment including intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotic and sympathomimetic agent administration for 2 days. In the veterinary literature, reports of plant toxicity in rabbits are rare. This short communication is the first report of poisoning by B. recurvata in a pet rabbit.