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Newsletters

Our monthly client newsletter includes information about emerging animal health issues, new tests and services, continuing professional development opportunities and tips for getting the most out of your local laboratory. To view and download back issues of our newsletter select from the volumes below:

ezyVet standard diagnostic integration (SDI)

We’re pleased to share that 80% of our clients using ezyVet have successfully transitioned to the full SDI integration for submitting requests and receiving results. This integration offers a more streamlined and reliable experience compared to the legacy email-based system.ezyVet has advised that the old email integration will be phased out in the near future. […]

Top tips for lymph node cytology

Kathryn JenkinsLymph nodes are commonly sampled for cytologic evaluation. Cytology can provide a rapid, non-invasive and cost-effective diagnosis in many disease processes including lymphoma, metastatic disease, lymphadenitis and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Although lymph nodes can be easy to sample, it is often a challenge to generate diagnostic quality cytology smears. These require a thin, highly […]

Equine melanoma

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 […]

King’s birthday weekend

All of our laboratories will be closed on Monday 2 June to celebrate the King’s birthday, however we will be open normal working hours on Saturday May 31.If you have any questions or concerns, call us on 0800 474 225

Improved qPCR assay for detection of Parapoxvirus

Saeed Sharif & David TisdallParapoxviruses (PPVs; genus Parapoxvirus) infect a wide range of species generally causing localised cutaneous lesions. The genus comprises four species: Orf virus (ORFV), Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV), Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV), and Parapoxvirus of red deer (PVNZ). The most common hosts of PPVs are ruminants, including sheep and goats (infected by […]

ANZAC weekend closures

All of our laboratories will be closed the entire of ANZAC weekend – Friday 25 April to Sunday 27 April.  We will reopen for business on Monday 28 April.Please avoid sending samples overnight on Thursday 24 April, as they will not be delivered until after the weekend and will likely be unsuitable for testing (with […]

Autumn is here, and it’s time to check trace elements!

For production animal veterinarians, autumn is the time to remind farmer’s about the importance of trace element testing leading up to winter.Tissue and serum sampling in the autumn or at drying off, provides an opportunity to ensure trace elements and magnesium concentrations are appropriate heading into winter, and to assess any effects of sporidesmin on […]

Diagnosis and management – canine and feline UTIs

Karen BaileyUrinary tract disease is a common reason for antibiotic use in cats and dogs. With increasing awareness of the need for appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) guidelines on UTI are a good reference. Whilst high level objective data is scant, the authors have useful advice, though these […]

Blood culture submissions

When sending blood cultures to the laboratory, we recommend you send them on the morning courier (where possible) to ensure optimal handling and timely processing.If the culture bottles cannot be sent on the morning courier, they should be placed in a warm place (not exceeding 37°C) or at room temperature until they can be transported […]

Testosterone testing no longer recommended

Kathryn JenkinsThere is currently no validated serum testosterone test for veterinary species available and the referral test method in use has low sensitivity. As a result, serum testosterone is no longer recommended for use in veterinary species.In many cases, this can be replaced by serum Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). AMH is produced by the follicles of […]