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 […]
KATHRYN JENKINSDogs affected with congenital macrothrombocytopenia (CMTP)have the potential to mimic immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. CMTP is a benign inherited anomaly in healthy dogs, and is one to watch out for in practice. Affected dogs have persistently low platelets counts, in the absence of clinical signs, with frequent large sized platelets. Correct identification of these patients avoids […]
MIKE HARDCASTLEWe commonly receive large mammary gland biopsies or mammary strips from dogs with a history suggesting that the samples contain one or more masses. This region of the canine anatomy unfortunately seems prone to contraction during formalin fixation.The contraction of the biopsy or strip makes the entire tissue firm and can prevent palpation and […]
JULIE TOMLINSONClinical history:An 18-month old female domestic shorthair cat presented with a bloated abdomen and voluminous mucoid malodorous diarrhoea. Laboratory results:CBC revealed a low-normal haematocrit and a marked inflammatory leukogram (see Table 1). On examination of the blood film, the majority of red cells (approximately 99%) were found to contain Heinz bodies (see Figure 1), which were […]
HANIA KLOBUKOWSKAClinical history:A 6-year-old male Shih-Tzu cross dog presented with a 6-month history of intermittent vomiting and regurgitation. The dog had also lost weight over this time period. Clinical examination was relatively unremarkable and the dog appeared bright, alert and willing to eat. Laboratory results:An in-house biochemistry panel did not reveal significant abnormalities. A CBC […]