We’re closed on Labour Day
All of our laboratories will be closed on Monday 28 October for Labour Day. We will however be open normal hours on Saturday 26 October.Enjoy your long weekend!
Companion animal liver biopsies
– Indications, techniques and benefitsBernie VaatstraLiver disease is very common in dogs and cats and frequently presents a diagnostic challenge. A survey of 1,725 cat veterinary visits found a prevalence of liver disease or about 7% diagnosed through laboratory and imaging studies (Melchert et al, 2016). A post-mortem survey of 200 unselected dogs from first […]
Ovine drench resistance update 2024
Sarah RiddyThis report outlines the analysis of data submitted to the Awanui Veterinary network from June 2023 to May 2024 for fully differentiated faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) from sheep. The data was collected from cases where the test anthelmintic and sample groups were clearly identified, with a minimum of 10 animals per treatment […]
Clinical use of reticulocyte haemoglobin in CBCs
Kathryn JenkinsReticulocyte haemoglobin (RET-He) is a valuable diagnostic marker for iron-deficient erythropoiesis in both dogs and cats. RET-He reflects current iron availability and enables earlier identification of iron-limited states.Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (erythrocytes), which develop in the bone marrow and are released into circulation prior to maturation. Maturation time in dogs takes around […]
New haematology reference intervals
We are thrilled to announce that starting Monday, 30 September, our haematology reports will feature newly established reference intervals for cats and dogs.This milestone comes after three years of meticulous research and collaboration. Our large-scale reference interval study involved the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all the clinics, […]
C-reactive protein – how useful is it?
Sandy WeltanAn acute phase protein response is part of the innate host defence system and is a non-specific response to tissue injury.Acute-phase proteins (APP) are glycoproteins which are mostly produced in the liver. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major APP in dogs, meaning that it is present in low concentrations, increases 100 to 1000 fold […]
Canine gastric neoplasia
Cathy HarveyClinical historyA six year-old Irish Setter presented at his veterinarian for worsening lethargy, tachypnoea and anorexia. He had been treated with multiple antibiotics over the past several months for a swollen left elbow and lameness. Two days prior to presentation he started drooling excessively, along with heavy breathing. Previous blood work showed a low […]
Lactating cows and trace elements
Magnesium and copper requirements of cows increase dramatically in late pregnancy and early lactation, and selenium concentrations are at their lowest in spring. Trace element testing will help ensure the physiological concentrations of these elements are at the appropriate levels (see Table 1).Table 1. Appropriate levels of dietary magnesium and copperMaintenanceLate Pregnancy25L milk/dayMagnesium (g/day81026Copper (mg/day)65100115> […]
Sample location on slides
Kathryn JenkinsOur laboratory automated stainers use an alcohol-based stain, which provides enhanced stain quality and consistency when staining large numbers of cytology smears and blood films. Compared to quick (aqueous based) stains, alcohol-based stains (such as modified Wrights) allow improved characterisation of nuclear detail, and increased detection of mast cells (especially poorly differentiated cells), granular […]
Beware – poisonous trees
We have had a report from a client after a farmer lost a couple of cattle beasts after ingesting leaves/berries from a Cherry Laurel tree.Unlike real laurels (e.g. bay tree and other ππ’πΆπ³π¦π sp.) the cherry laurel (ππ³πΆπ―πΆπ΄ ππ’πΆπ³π°π€π¦π³π’π΄πΆπ΄) and the Portuguese laurel (ππ³πΆπ―πΆπ΄ ππΆπ΄πͺπ΅π’π―πͺπ€π’) although morphologically similar to those of laurel, contain toxic cyanogenic […]