BERNIE VAATSTRA… the three P’s of broad-spectrum investigation.Calf diarrhoea is a frustrating and economically important disease responsible for more than half of all calf losses to weaning. Outbreaks are often multifactorial, involving interactions between infectious agents, calf and dam nutrition, environment, husbandry, and calf immunity. Successful treatment and prevention therefore require knowledge of the status […]
The submission of good quality, highly cellular, well-labelled specimens together with a complete, concise and relevant history are paramount for an accurate cytological and histological interpretation.Cytology samples· Use microscope slides with frosted ends.· Use PENCIL to label ALL slides with animal name and location of sampling (ink may wash off during staining).· Label the slides NOT the slide […]
KATHRYN JENKINSClinical history:A 19-year-old Grey warm-blood horse presented as lethargic and anaemic, with very pale mucous membranes and covered in melanomas. Bloods were submitted for biochemistry and haematology testing. Haematological findings:Haemoglobin (69g/L) and haematocrit (0.20 L/L) were both below the normal reference interval and red cells displayed anisocytosis, and poikilocytosis. Small numbers of acanthocytes were […]
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 […]