AMY WEEDENA case recently received by our Auckland laboratory provided a good reminder that it’s always important to be aware of zoonoses when handling both patients and diagnostic samples.We don’t always get excited by skin scrapings, but a recent submission from a dog with severe skin disease did get us all a twitter, and even […]
JULIE TOMLINSONClinical history:A 5 year old female Guinea-pig presented with weight loss and generalized peripheral lymphadenopathy. FNAs from the right inguinal and left prescapular nodes were submitted for cytology testing.Cytological findings:The lymph nodes consisted predominantly of intermediate sized lymphocytes admixed with few small lymphocytes, rare heterophils and eosinophils, and a small amount of blood. Individual […]
Our suite of PCR tests is an every expanding one as this technology becomes more mainstream. We are also able to offer real time PCR tests for the common agents associated with “pink-eye” lesions in cattle and sheep. Real time PCR is particularly useful in cases where culture produces a heavy mixed growth of organisms […]
Serial monitoring of progesterone in bitches has proven to be an invaluable diagnostic tool for management of breeding. In addition to accurate predication of ovulation, serum progesterone levels can also be utilised to indicate impending parturition, and identify more uncommon reproductive occurrences such as split-heats.1,2 Vaginal cytology is a useful adjunct in breeding management, providing […]
Here are two photos courtesy of Keith Thompson (Massey University) from a cow that died. What is your diagnosis?Diagnosis: Interlobular and subpleural emphysema (severe).Discussion: This is a common finding in cows and it is usually not as severe as this. It is the result of exaggerated or gasping respiration (with a closed glottis) leading to […]
Clostridium perfringens toxin testing has recently been made available in New Zealand for routine diagnostic use. However, from a clinical perspective, we believe clostridial toxin isolation in ruminant faeces is of limited clinical use in this country.Of the scientifically proven enterotoxaemias caused by Clostridium perfringens in ruminants, only Type D (pulpy kidney disease) has been […]
ROB FAIRLEYShock in any species can have effects on the gut, but of the species we deal with it is most evident in cattle. When cattle go into shock blood often pools in the splanchnic circulation. This is due to venous congestion and not arteriolar dilation. The congestion can affect the abomasum, but most often […]
Clinical history:An 18 year old DSH presented with an ulcerated, 2 cm lump on the point of the chin. Impression smears and fine needle aspirate samples were taken and submitted to the laboratory.Laboratory testing:The impression smears were most cellular and the predominant cells, as expected with the ulceration, were inflammatory cells (Figure 1). The cells […]
LISA HULME-MOIRMeasurement of plasma ACTH is now widely accepted as the screening test of choice for Pars Pituitary Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses. However while we are gaining a level of comfort with using this test, it is worth keeping in mind that a number of factors can interfere with testing and should be considered […]
Clinical history:A mob of 200 weaner deer were transferred between properties the same day as being given a mineral and anthelmentic drench. They were in good health on arrival at the new farm, but a few days after being fed silage they started dying. Most of the mob died over a 4-5 day period. Multiple […]