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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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> […]
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 […]
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 ๐๐ข๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ญ sp.) the cherry laurel (๐๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด ๐ญ๐ข๐ถ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ค๐ฆ๐ณ๐ข๐ด๐ถ๐ด) and the Portuguese laurel (๐๐ณ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด ๐ญ๐ถ๐ด๐ช๐ต๐ข๐ฏ๐ช๐ค๐ข) although morphologically similar to those of laurel, contain toxic cyanogenic […]
Alice FraserBovine adenovirus raises its ugly head each autumn and winter in young cattle, 6 to 12 months of age (predominantly rising one year olds/R1s). Clinical presentation is usually acute scours (watery to haemorrhagic) and rapid death, or sudden death without preceding signs noticed. Occasionally, respiratory signs are noted. Usually a few animals in a […]
Lisa Hulme-MoirA four-year old male neutered Cavoodle was presented to a referral clinic with a three-month history of haemorrhagic colitis that had not responded to treatment with antiparasitics, antibiotics or dietary modification. He had been started on corticosteroids but over the weekend had developed acute blindness in one eye due to exudative retinal detachment and […]
Weโve had great interest in the CADETยฎ BRAF testing since introducing it in June (read more about it here).Sample containers can now be found on our website but are not available to purchase. Instead you will be directed to contact our Palmerston North laboratory to order them (they are free of charge).ยทย Specimen:ย 40 mL free-catch urine […]