Increased Liver Enzyme Activities Research Articles

The Diagnostic Value of Serum Amyloid A and Other Laboratory and Clinical Variables in Cats with Increased Liver Enzyme Activity

Distinguishing inflammatory from non-inflammatory liver disease in cats may impact management. The study aim was to evaluate if certain diagnostic variables, including Serum Amyloid A (SAA), differ (1) between various clinical disease categories (Primary liver disease, Extrahepatic, Trauma and Inconclusive) and (2) between cytological findings of severe hepatic lipidosis and other cytological findings in cats with increased liver enzymes. Medical records from 5042 cats, where SAA had been measured, were reviewed, and 566 cats fulfilled inclusion criteria consisting of increased liver enzymes and available biochemical panel results. SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to other diseases (p = 0.008). Cytology results were available in 85 cats, and cats with severe lipidosis had lower serum SAA concentration (p < 0.0001) and were younger (p < 0.0002) compared to cats with other cytological findings. The study shows that SAA was higher in cats diagnosed with trauma compared to cats with other causes of increased liver enzymes and that SAA may be useful to distinguish cats with cytologic evidence of hepatic lipidosis from cats with other liver pathologies. Serum Amyloid A may be a valuable complement to liver cytology when investigating cats with increased liver enzymes.

Pesticide Exposure and Increased Liver Enzyme Activity among Suburban Horticultural

Horticultural farmers use chemicals such as pesticides to increase productivity and also product quality. Exposure to pesticides can cause health problems, especially in the liver. A reference for evaluating liver function is blood test results for ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT activity. The objective of this study was to characterize the transaminase enzyme activity in horticultural farmers in the southern ring road area of Jambi city, based on the risk factors associated with pesticide exposure. This study employed a cross-sectional study approach in conjunction with a descriptive method. A total of thirty-four participants were involved, and blood samples were obtained from each for analysis in a lab. A photometer was utilized in the Medical Laboratory Technology department at Health Polytechnic of Jambi to measure the activity of liver enzymes. This study found some respondents who experienced increased enzyme activity, namely ALT: 8 people (23.5%), AST: 3 people (8.8%), ALP: 1 person (2.9%), and GGT: 1 person (2.9%.). Based on the risk description observed, it was known that the intensity of pesticide exposure showed a significant increase only in ALT enzyme activity (p=0.0048), while adherence to mask-wearing increased ALT (p=0.0018) and GGT (p=0.0134). This study discovered that wearing a mask and the amount of pesticide exposure can increase enzyme activity, which may be a sign of liver impairment in the horticultural farmers under observation. It is anticipated that workers will pay greater attention to workplace safety by wearing masks and applying pesticides in the recommended dosages.

Protective Effect of Chrysin Against Chlorpyrifos-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Biochemical and Histopathological Approaches in a Sub-chronic Study.

Chrysin (CH) is one of the important natural flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to assess the protective effects of CH on biochemical indexes and histopathological changes in the liver of male Wistar rats exposed to chlorpyrifos (CPF). We induced sub-chronic toxicity in rats using CPF (10 mg/kg/day, orally) and administrated CH at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day for 45 days. In this study, CPF increased liver enzyme activities compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and co-treated CH with CPF reduced them compared with the non-treated CPF group (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in the liver GSH concentration along with a significant elevation in the concentrations of MDA and NO in the CPF group was observed compared with the control group (p < 0.001). However, CH at a dose of 50 mg could reverse them nearly to the control group (p < 0.001). In the CPF, CPF + CH1, and CPF + CH2 groups, a marked (p < 0.05) increase was found in the serum concentration of IL-6 compared with the control animals. No significant changes were found in the IL-6 concentration of the CPF + CH3 compared with the controls. Moreover, the coadministration of CH plus CPF induced histopathological alterations in liver. These results suggest that CH attenuates hepatic enzymes and histopathological alterations induced by CPF via modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory indices in rats.

Boron exhibits hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1

BackgroundAflatoxins are one of the important environmental factors that pose a risk to living organisms. On the other hand, it has been indicated in research that boron intake has beneficial effects on organisms. In this study, the effect of boron was disclosed in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which poses a toxicological risk. MethodsA total of 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into 6 groups and 0.125 mg/kg bw AFB1 and 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg bw doses of boron were given orally for 21 days. End of the experiment, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analyses were performed. ResultsAFB1 treatment increased liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) and malondialdehyde level; on the other hand, it caused a decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and p53) and pro-inflammatory (TNF-α and NFκB) genes increased and the mRNA expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) decreased in liver tissue. Also, AFB1 treatment increased DNA damage and caused histopathological alterations in the liver tissue. Additionally, boron applications at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw given with AFB1 reversed these negative changes. ConclusionsAs a result, boron exhibited hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against AFB1-induced liver damage.

Primary copper-associated chronic hepatitis without copper metabolism domain containing 1 mutation in a Dalmatian: a case report

A 12-year-old intact male Dalmatian dog presented hyporexia and vomiting for 1 week. Blood analysis revealed increased liver enzyme activity. Histopathological examination of the liver confirmed chronic hepatitis with fibrosis and necrosis. Copper staining revealed marked copper accumulation (2,770 ppm; normal range, 200 to 400 ppm), prominent in the centrilobular region, and compatible with copper-associated chronic hepatitis. However, copper metabolism domain containing 1 (COMMD1) mutation predisposing to copper accumulation in the liver tissue was not identified. The dog received medications but died 1 month after first visit. This is the first case of primary copper-associated hepatitis without COMMD1 mutation in a Dalmatian dog in South Korea.

A seasonal idiopathic hepatitis syndrome in horses presented to a Midwestern veterinary teaching hospital.

To report history, clinical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome in horses with a novel idiopathic hepatitis syndrome. 13 client-owned horses. Medical records of horses that were presented with fever and increased blood liver enzyme activity over a 16-month period were reviewed (December 1, 2020, to April 1, 2022). Collected data included signalment, history, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, clinical progression, and short-term outcome. Affected horses were presented between December and April of each of the 2 seasons investigated. The majority of horses developed cyclic fevers over the course of 3 weeks, during which time histologic evidence of hepatitis was observed. Histologic lesions included hepatic necrosis, neutrophilic to lymphohistiocytic inflammation, biliary epithelial injury, and portal fibrosis. Systemic inflammation was evidenced by increased serum amyloid A concentration and leukon changes. No horse developed signs of hepatic insufficiency, and all horses clinically recovered. Return of serum activity of GGT to within the reference range occurred within 16 weeks in most horses. Histologic lesions remained evident up to 27 weeks after initial presentation in 1 horse. Although an etiologic agent has not been identified, an apparently seasonal equine hepatitis syndrome was characterized by fever, systemic inflammation, increased liver enzyme activity, and histologic evidence of hepatitis. An infectious cause is suspected on the basis of histology and outcome.

Rifampicin treatment of canine multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococcal pyoderma: Aretrospective study of 51 cases.

Rifampicin (RFP) is a potential treatment for canine multidrug-resistant (MDR) meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), yet the use of lower doses based on recent MIC data has not been evaluated in vivo. To provide information on the efficacy and safety of low-dose range RFP (≤6 mg/kg/day) for the treatment of canine MDR MRS pyoderma. Fifty-one client-owned dogs. Retrospective review of dogs medical records. Dogs were from 11 US dermatology referral practices and had oral RFP at ≤6 mg/kg/day. Data evaluated included response to treatment, adverse events, and serum changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Complete resolution of pyoderma occurred in 39 of 51 dogs (76.5%). Topical antimicrobials were used concurrently in most cases (47 of 51; 92.2%). ALP elevation >1.5-fold of baseline or the high end of the reference range occurred in nine of 37 (24.3%) dogs, while ALT elevation above baseline and the high end of the reference range occurred in two of 36 (5.6%). Only six of 51 (11.8%) had clinical adverse events during treatment; five of six (83.3%) were mild reactions consisting of lethargy and gastrointestinal signs, while one dog had a possible cutaneous adverse drug reaction. Of those that experienced clinical adverse events, four of six (66.7%) did not have concurrent increased liver enzyme activity, while two of six (33.3%) had elevations in ALP alone. Low-dose RFP (≤6 mg/kg/day) appears to be a relatively safe and effective single-agent systemic antibiotic in combination with topical antimicrobials for canine MDR MRS pyoderma.

Antagonistic effect of the glycopeptide from zein on acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease. Here, the hepatoprotective effect of glycosylated zein peptides (GZPs) against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice was evaluated. GZPs were prepared by transglutaminase-induced D-glucosamine conjugation onto zein peptides. Compared with the alcohol model group, GZP (250 mg/kg·body weight) remarkably increased liver enzyme activities (including alcohol dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes) and glutathione levels; decreased serum triacylglycerol, tumor necrosis factor-α, liver malonaldehyde, ROS, lipopolysaccharide, and cytochrome P450 2E1 levels; and significantly reversed pathological changes in liver tissues. GZP protected against alcohol-induced increases in mRNA expression levels of toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, and fatty acid synthetase, and upregulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Thus, GZP exhibited a significant protective effect against alcohol- induced acute liver injury through its accelerating alcohol metabolism, antisteatosis, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory responses.

Aging in Cats: Owner Observations and Clinical Finding in 206 Mature Cats at Enrolment to the Cat Prospective Aging and Welfare Study.

Two hundred and six cats, aged between 7 and 10 years, from the North-west of the UK, were enrolled in a cat aging and welfare study to determine the frequency of age-related conditions and associations with husbandry, owner observations of physical appearance, activity and behavior. This is the largest study to date of mature cats that includes data from an owner questionnaire and clinical examinations. At enrolment, owners frequently reported physical changes (53%), behavioral changes (47%), changes to eating patterns (41%), and activity changes (40%) in their mature cats. On physical examination, 45% cats were in overweight condition and 12% were obese. A heart murmur was detected in 29% cats, whilst indirect systolic blood pressure (SBP) was >160 mmHg in 5% cats. Dental disease was present in 54% cats and was associated with a matted hair coat (P = 0.01), increased sleeping (P = 0.02), absence of gray hairs (P = 0.03), and increased irritability to other pets (P = 0.04). Abnormalities were evident in 58% of cats that allowed an orthopedic examination (OE) to be performed. These cats were older than cats with a normal OE (P = 0.01), and abnormal OE findings were associated with a matted coat (P = 0.03) and increased grooming (P = 0.04). Aazotaemia was present in 10% cats, and this was associated with cats being observed to “sniff their food and then walk away” (P = 0.04). Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in 3% cats, who were older (P = 0.02), had a leaner BCS (P = 0.02) and lesser blood creatinine concentrations (P = 0.01). Hyperthyroid cats were also more likely to have increased liver enzyme activity and increased SBP (P = <0.001) compared with non-hyperthyroid cats. Of the 176 cats where all clinical assessments were conducted, only 12% had no evidence of any disease. Clinical abnormalities are commonly identified when thorough, clinical assessments are performed in mature pet cats visiting primary care practice.

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of Punica granatum L. against toluene-induced liver injuries in rats.

Background and Aim:Humans are more frequently exposed to chemicals in daily life by inhalation of indoor and outdoor air. However, abusers and workers are the most exposed to those chemicals and their health risks particularly, liver diseases. The present study investigated the protective effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) (Punica granatum) and pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PAE) supplementation against toluene (Tol)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.Materials and Methods:A phytochemical analysis and assessment of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity were performed for the PJ and the PAE. The in vivo study was carried out using 70 Wistar rats that were divided into seven groups, each consisting of 10 rats. All groups were treated orally for 6 weeks as follows: Control (C), positive controls (CO: 1.25 mL/kg body weight [BW]; PJ: 4 mL/kg BW; and PAE: 400 mg/kg BW), Tol (550 mg/kg BW), and a mixture each of PJ-Tol and PAE-Tol. At the end of the 45th day of study, the hepatic biochemical markers (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, albumin, and total proteins) were auto-analyzed, as well as histology and oxidative stress markers of the liver were evaluated.Results:The phytochemical analysis revealed that the DPPH scavenging activity and the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were higher in the pomegranate peel extract versus the juice. The results also showed that Tol significantly increased liver enzyme activities and total bilirubin levels, whereas albumin and total proteins were significantly decreased. Similarly, Tol provoked a significant increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels, with a decrease in glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity. The biochemical changes agreed with the hepatic histological alterations. A significant improvement in all parameters was observed in the PAE-Tol group compared with the PJ-Tol group.Conclusion:Exposure to Tol altered the hepatic antioxidant and biochemical parameters and histological profile of the rats, and PAE was more powerful than PJ in reducing Tol liver injuries through its antioxidant activity.

Safety of Therapy with Tocilizumab and Other Interleukin Inhibitors

Monoclonal antibodies directed against interleukin and interleukin receptors have been successfully used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases since 2001, and since 2020 they have been used as part of complex therapy for patients with severe COVID-19. This raises the question of safety of these products, especially when used for new indications. The aim of the study was to analyse data on potential adverse reactions to tocilizumab and other interleukin inhibitors in order to increase the safety of pharmacotherapy of systemic connective tissue diseases, as well as of severe COVID-19. Literature data suggest that the most frequent adverse reactions to tocilizumab and other interleukin inhibitors are infections, hypercholesterolemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and increased liver enzyme activity. Hypersensitivity and acute infusion reactions, manifested as pseudoallergic reactions, also pose serious health risks and can even be fatal. However, the identification of undesirable reactions to interleukin inhibitors is challenging, due to their prolonged intake and long intervals between injections. Besides, they are often used in combination with other medicines, such as methotrexate or glucocorticosteroids, which complicates establishment of a reliable correlation between an adverse reaction and a particular medicine. At present, the safety of tocilizumab and other interleukin inhibitors for the treatment of severe COVID-19 has not been studied properly and needs further research with an increased number of participants and a careful analysis of the risk/benefit ratio of these medicines when used for COVID-19 treatment.

Congenital gallbladder agenesis in a 9-month-old Bull Terrier

Congenital gallbladder agenesis is an extremely rare disorder, which has, to the best of our knowledge, only been reported in seventeen dogs (mainly in Japan). In almost all of these cases, gallbladder agenesis or hypoplasia was detected in small dogs. In this report, we present a case of gallbladder agenesis in a 9-month-old intact female Bull Terrier. The clinical signs included diarrhoea, sporadic vomiting, apathy and decreased appetite. The serum biochemistry revealed an increased liver enzyme activity, an increased concentration of serum bile acids and mild hyperbilirubinaemia. A diagnostic laparotomy demonstrated the lack of a gallbladder and dilation of the common bile duct, which was misinterpreted as the gallbladder in the ultrasonographic examination. The histological examination of the liver revealed degenerative changes in the hepatocytes with glycogen accumulation and some necrotic hepatocytes. The therapy included a low protein diet, fluids, silymarin and ursodeoxycholic acid. After nine weeks of therapy, the dog was in good condition, the diarrhoea and vomiting ceased, and the liver function parameters, such as the AST and GLDH activities, and the concentration of bile acids had decreased to reference intervals.

Heterobilharzia americana infection in dogs: A retrospective study of 60 cases (2010-2019).

BackgroundThe trematode Heterobilharzia americana (HA) causes granulomatous gastrointestinal and hepatic disease in dogs. Before 2008, diagnosis relied on saline fecal sedimentation or histopathology, and earlier reports primarily described dogs with advanced disease or cases diagnosed incidentally at necropsy. The advent of a fecal PCR test has facilitated the diagnosis of HA and provided insights into manifestations and response to treatment.ObjectivesDescribe the clinical findings, response to treatment, and outcome for dogs infected with HA.AnimalsSixty dogs diagnosed with HA between 2010 and 2019.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records were searched for dogs diagnosed with HA by fecal PCR testing, identification of ova in feces, or histopathology.ResultsMean age was 7.5 (±4.1) years and weight was 23.2 (±10.18) kg. Clinical signs included diarrhea (55.8%), vomiting (46.2%), and weight loss with or without anorexia (15.4%). Laboratory abnormalities included hyperglobulinemia (42.6%) and increased liver enzyme activities (30%). More than 40% of dogs had an eosinophil count >500/μL. Hypercalcemia attributable to HA was identified in only 4 dogs. Pinpoint hyperechoic foci were noted in intestines, liver, or mesenteric lymph nodes during transabdominal ultrasonography in 64.4% of dogs. Survival data was available for 34 dogs, of which 73.5% (25) were alive 6 months after diagnosis.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceHyperglobulinemia, high eosinophil count, and ultrasonographic evidence of visceral mineralization were suggestive of infection. Hypercalcemia was uncommon. Combination treatment with praziquantel and fenbendazole was variably effective, and 17.6% of treated dogs with known outcome died as a result of HA infection.

Clinical recovery of 5 dogs from amatoxin mushroom poisoning using an adapted Santa Cruz protocol for people

To describe the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of 5 dogs following ingestion of toxic Amanita spp. mushrooms containing amatoxins using an adapted version of the Santa Cruz protocol developed for people. Five dogs were presented with clinical signs compatible with amanitin toxicity with witnessed ingestion noted in 3 of 5 dogs. Clinical findings included acute onset vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, and hepatopathy including signs of fulminant hepatic failure (increased liver enzyme activities, hyperbilirubinemia, prolonged clotting times, and hypoglycemia were noted among these cases). Urine toxicological screening confirmed the presence of Amanita toxins in 4 cases with expert mycologist speciation in the fifth. Core interventions included percutaneous biliary drainage, use of octreotide, and early nil per os orders. All dogs survived to discharge with this treatment strategy. This case series describes the use of a modified version of the Santa Cruz protocol to address amatoxin-induced fulminant hepatic failure in dogs. The protocol was safe, well tolerated, and all patients made a full clinical recovery.

Hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaves aquatic extract against lead acetate–induced liver injury in male Wistar rats

Current research was performed to explore the hepatoprotective potential of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on lead acetate-induced hepatic injury. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided equally into 4 groups. The first group was control, while the second, third, and fourth groups were given 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa extract only, 100mg/kg lead only, and 100mg/kg lead plus 200mg/kg aqueous Moringa leaves extract, respectively, via oral gavage for 4weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency ratio were recorded. Serum lipid profiles, liver enzyme activities, and proteins beside hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, reduced glutathione, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation were assessed. Liver histopathological examination and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) immunohistochemistry were performed. Administration of lead lowered (P < 0.05) weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and perturbed lipid profile than control. Lead increased liver enzyme activities and TNF-α, while reduced serum proteins and hepatic antioxidant markers compared to control. Lead aggravated hepatic DNA fragmentation beside the presence of histopathological lesions. Co-administration of aqueous Moringa extract with lead significantly alleviated lead-induced adverse effects. The administration of aqueous Moringa extract with its antioxidant significantly restored the lead perturbations through reduction of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage via amelioration of NF-kB and TNF-α which kept hepatocyte integrity and reduced serum hepatic enzyme activities.

Effects of antibiotic replacement with garlic powder and probiotic on performance, carcass characteristics, oxidative enzymes and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotic and garlic powder instead of antibiotic on performance, carcass characteristics, oxidative enzymes and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 200 one-day-old male broiler chicks were used in a completely randomized design. The experimental groups were including control group (without any additives) or CG, antibiotic group or AG, garlic powder group or GG, probiotic group or PG and garlic powder plus probiotic group or GPG. The broilers were weighted at the end of days 10, 24 and 42 to evaluate the body performance. At the end of experiment, four broilers randomly selected from each replicate to blood sampling and carcass traits measurement (2 chickens for each one). The use of GG significantly decreased feed intake than AG (p &lt; 0.05) which approved in GPG when probiotic added to GG (p &lt; 0.05). All groups, exception GG showed less feed intake than CG between days 0 to 42 of experiment (p &lt; 0.05). GPG shows significant differences than CG between days 21 to 42 and 0 to 42 and also than GG between days 0 to 42. The use of GG and GPG significantly increased liver enzyme activities (p &lt; 0.05). AG, PG and GPG showed a higher height and width villi than CG. So simultaneous use of probiotic and garlic powder can be a suitable alternative to antibiotics to normal performance and liver function

Clinical and epidemiological overview of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with the hepatitis C virus

About 2.4 million people die each year worldwide as a result of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is a worldwide problem, more than 170 million people are infected with the virus worldwide, corresponding to about 3% of the population. Some common signs for patients chronically infected with HCV are: increased liver enzyme activity and chronic liver diseases, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study consists of a literature review, of a qualitative nature which aims to approach the main clinical and epidemiological aspects of the chronic infection caused by the HCV. HCV detection is carried out by screening for antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and screening for HCV-RNA through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The current detection methods are not viable for all medical centers and outpatient clinics, making it necessary to develop new detection methods, since the technological apparatus for screening HCV-RNA, as well as ELISA, is a distant reality for the vast majority of the global health system. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) increased the viral response, reaching up to 92.7% success rate. It is necessary to monitor post-treatment patients, as well as to treat patients who are still affected by the virus worldwide, to ensure that there is no progression of liver fibrosis in cirrhosis, nor the development of HCC. Additionally, vigilance should be maintained for possible mutations and the emergence of viral resistance to DAAs.

Clinicopathologic Findings of Spontaneous Leukemia in 9 Pet African Hedgehogs (Atelerix Albiventris)

Previous reports of leukemia in hedgehogs are limited. We describe clinicopathologic features of leukemia in 9 hedgehogs, including eosinophilic leukemia (n = 3) and acute leukemia/leukemic phase of lymphoma (n = 6). All 3 hedgehogs with eosinophilic leukemia were older than 2 years of age; in contrast, 4 of 6 cases of acute leukemia/lymphoma were <2 years old. Hedgehogs presented for non-specific clinical signs of anorexia and lethargy. On hematologic testing, hedgehogs with eosinophilic leukemia had a marked leukocytosis, consisting mostly of eosinophilic precursors with fewer mature eosinophils, whereas there were 43–97% immature cells (blasts) in the blood of hedgehogs with acute leukemia/lymphoma. Anemia (n = 6) and/or thrombocytopenia (n = 6) were concurrent findings. Increased liver enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and hypoalbuminemia were the common findings on biochemical panels. All cases of eosinophilic leukemia and 4 cases of acute leukemia/lymphoma died shortly after diagnosis (median 7 days, range 0–41 days), whereas 2 cases of acute leukemia/lymphoma lived for 94 or 101 days. Postmortem examination in 5 cases (1 eosinophilic leukemia, 4 acute leukemia/lymphoma) showed bone marrow infiltrates, confirming eosinophilic leukemia and acute leukemia in 1 and 3 cases, and bone marrow necrosis in 1 animal with acute leukemia/lymphoma. Immunohistochemical staining of bone marrow sections confirmed a T-cell acute leukemia in 1 case. Several hedgehogs had concurrent carcinomas. Hedgehogs suffer from eosinophilic leukemia and acute leukemia/lymphoma. However, classification of acute leukemia by lineage was not possible due to lack of hedgehog cross-reactive or species-specific reagents.

The prevalence of elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activity in racing Thoroughbreds and their associations with viral infection.

In racehorses, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is positively correlated with cumulative days in training and, when ≥100IU/L, has been associated with poor performance. The prevalence of increased GGT activity in North American Thoroughbreds and its aetiopathogenesis are unknown. Four emerging viruses, pegivirus E (PgV E; equine pegivirus), hepacivirus A (HcV A; equine hepacivirus), pegivirus D (PgV D; Theiler's disease virus), and equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) have been identified in horses with clinical and subclinical hepatopathy. Available prevalence data indicate these viruses may commonly infect racehorses and contribute to increased liver enzyme activity in this population. To investigate the association between viral infection and increased liver enzyme activity in racing Thoroughbreds. Cross-sectional study. Prerace blood samples were collected from 802 Thoroughbreds and tested for GGT and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, and the presence of PgV E, HcV A, PgV D and EqPV-H nucleic acid. Increased SDH and/or GGT were detected in 56.2% of the 802 serum samples. The infection prevalence and relative risk (RR) of having concurrently increased liver enzyme activity were: PgV E=18.2% (RR=0.820, 95% CI=0.662-0.978, P=0.03), HcV A=2.5% (RR=1.132, 95% CI=0.719-1.466, P=0.6), PgV D=0.5% (RR=0.875, 95% CI=0.165-1.598, P>0.9), EqPV-H=2.9% (RR=0.916, 95% CI=0.564-1.266, P=0.7). Longitudinal samples were not tested. While viral infection was common among Thoroughbreds in this study, infection did not explain the high prevalence of increased liver enzyme activity. In fact, PgV E infection was associated with a reduced risk of having increased liver enzyme activity, indicating PgV E is unlikely to be a cause of hepatitis in horses. Importantly, like GGT, increased SDH activity was highly prevalent in this study, and provides additional evidence that hepatocellular injury was occurring in these horses.

Clinicopathological findings in 41 dogs (2008-2018) naturally infected with Ehrlichia ewingii.

Background Ehrlichia ewingii is the most seroprevalent Ehrlichia‐infecting dogs in the southern and mid‐western United States. Fever, lameness, and polyarthritis are commonly reported findings in dogs naturally infected with E. ewingii.ObjectivesTo evaluate clinicopathologic findings in a population of dogs naturally infected with E. ewingii.AnimalsForty‐one dogs PCR positive for E. ewingii and PCR negative for other targeted vector‐borne organisms.MethodsRetrospective study. Clinical and clinicopathologic data including physical examination findings, CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis (UA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and vector‐borne disease diagnostic results were reviewed.ResultsFrequent clinical diagnoses other than ehrlichiosis (28/41; 68.3%) were renal disease (7/41; 17.1%) and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) (6/41; 14.6%). The most frequent physical examination finding was joint pain (14/41; 34.1%). Prominent hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included abnormal lymphocyte counts (22/36; 61.1%); neutrophilia (21/37; 56.8%); increased alkaline phosphatase (20/35; 57.1%) and alanine transaminase (14/35; 40%) activities; and increased SDMA concentration (11/34; 32.4%). Urinalysis abnormalities included proteinuria (20/27; 74%), most with inactive sediments (16/20; 80%). Dogs were seroreactive by Ehrlichia canis immunofluorescence assay (IFA; 17/39; 43.6%) and Ehrlichia ELISA (34/41; 82.9%). Seroreactivity by IFA for other vector‐borne pathogens included Bartonella (1/39; 2.6%), Rickettsia rickettsii (spotted‐fever group rickettsiae) (12/39; 30.8%), and Borrelia burgdorferi by ELISA (1/41; 2.4%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRenal disease, IMHA, proteinuria, neutrophilia, abnormal lymphocytes, and increased liver enzyme activities were common in this group of E. ewingii‐infected dogs. Studies are needed to determine if E. ewingii contributes to comorbidities or is a precipitating factor in clinical syndromes in persistently infected dogs.