Serum Biochemical Results Research Articles

Matrine improves 17α‐ethinyl estradiol‐induced acute cholestasis in rats

To explore the effects of matrine (MT) on acute intrahepatic cholestasis induced by 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE) in rats. Acute intrahepatic cholestasis in rats were induced by EE, and the effects of MT on acute intrahepatic cholestasis were explored and compared with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) by serum biochemical determination and bile excretion experiments. The serum biochemical and bile biochemical results indicated that MT and UDCA had notable hepatoprotective effects by counteracting cholestasis induced by EE. The bile flow and the bile excretion of glycocholic acid (GC, a substrate of bile salt export pump [Bsep]), ketoprofen glucuronide (KPG) and rhodamine 123 (Rh123, a substrate of multidrug resistance protein 1 [MDR1]) decreased by EE, were significantly improved after administration of MT. MT exhibited potential protection against EE-induced acute intrahepatic cholestasis.

Sonographic findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection

This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings in an alpaca with Mycobacterium kansasii infection. The alpaca was referred because of chronic weight loss and weakness. The results of clinical examination, haematology and serum biochemistry were not diagnostic. Ultrasonography of the liver revealed multiple, hyperechogenic lesions with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm. Histological evaluation of a liver biopsy sample showed acute, multifocal, suppurative, necrotising hepatitis. Despite treatment with antibiotics, the alpaca died. Postmortem examination revealed nodular to coalescing lesions in the liver, lungs, mediastinum, pleura and greater omentum, which could not be differentiated macroscopically or histologically from lesions caused by tuberculosis. Ziehl-Neelsen staining showed massive numbers of rods within epithelioid macrophages, which were identified as Mycobacterium kansasii by polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Protozoal Hepatitis Associated with Immunosuppressive Therapy in a Dog

Protozoal Hepatitis Associated with Immunosuppressive Therapy in a Dog

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.

Medical and Surgical Treatment of Chylothorax in a Dog with Right-Sided Heart Failure

Chylothorax due to right-sided heart failure was diagnosed in a 3.5-year-old, male Rottweiler, based on the clinical, radiological, and echocardiographic examinations, and serum biochemical test results (pleural fluid cytology and triglyceride levels of the serum and pleural fluid). En bloc ligation of thoracic duct along with its branches and pleural abrasion were performed after the failure of the initial medical management including pleural drainage via tube thoracostomy, and enalapril, furosemide, and low-fat diet (Prescription Diet Canine r/d, Hill´s Pet Product, Topeka, Kansas, USA). Combination medical and surgical therapy resulted in an excellent postoperative outcome. Six months after surgery the dog had no evidence of clinical signs of right-sided heart failure or chylothorax and the severity of echocardiographic abnormalities (right atrial dilatation and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity) was reduced.

Thyroid Testing in Sloughis

Thyroid hormone concentrations were found to be different in Greyhounds and Whippets compared with nonsight hound dogs. In Sloughis, thyroid hormone concentration is lower than in nonsight hounds and comparable to Greyhounds. Fifty-one Sloughis with no evidence of disease and a mean age of 4 years (range, 1-12 years). Thyroid profiles consisting of total thyroxine (tT4), free thyroxine (fT4), free thyroxine after equilibrium dialysis (fT4 after ED), canine thyroid stimulation hormone (cTSH), and thyroglobulin antibodies as well as CBC and serum biochemistry results of Sloughis were compared with those of normal dogs. In 8 Sloughis, TSH stimulation tests were performed. In Sloughis, tT4 concentrations and fT4 concentrations measured by chemiluminescence were lower than those of controls (1.13+/-0.65 microg/dL compared with 2.9+/-0.8 microg/dL, P< .0001 and 11+/-4.3 pmol/L compared with 16.7+/-5.2 pmol/L, P< .0001, respectively). Concentrations of fT4 after ED and TSH were increased in Sloughis, when compared with controls (41.3+/-26.9 pmol/L compared with 20.98+/-10.29 pmol/L, P< .0001 and 0.22 +/- 0.15 pmol/L compared with 0.15+/-0.13 pmol/L, P= .0138, respectively). T4 concentration after TSH stimulation increased from 1.5 microg/dL (range, 0.2-2.7 microg/dL) to 2.7 microg/dL (range, 1.2-4.7 microg/dL); the recommended post-TSH T4 concentration was achieved by only 3 of 8 Sloughis. Hemoconcentration was found in 84.3% and hypoglobulinemia in 80.3%. When evaluating Sloughis for hypothyroidism, veterinarians should be aware that these dogs have different thyroid hormone concentrations than nonsight hound dogs.

Long-term outcome of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism: 130 cases (1995–2004)

To determine the long-term survival rate and factors that affect survival time of domestic ferrets treated surgically for hyperadrenocorticism. Retrospective case series. 130 ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism that were treated surgically. Medical records of ferrets surgically treated for hyperadrenocorticism were reviewed. Data recorded included signalment, duration of clinical signs prior to hospital admission, CBC values, serum biochemical analysis results, anesthetic time, surgical time, concurrent diseases, adrenal gland affected (right, left, or both [bilateral]), histopathologic diagnosis, surgical procedure, caudal vena caval involvement (yes or no), postoperative melena (yes or no), days in hospital after surgery, and whether clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism developed after surgery. 130 ferrets were entered in the study (11 of 130 ferrets were admitted and underwent surgery twice). The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 98% and 88%, respectively. A 50% survival rate was never reached. Combined partial adrenal gland resection with cryosurgery had a significantly negative effect on survival time. No other risk factors were identified. Survival time was not significantly affected by either histopathologic diagnosis or specific affected adrenal gland (right, left, or bilateral). Ferrets with adrenal gland masses that were treated surgically had a good prognosis. Survival time of ferrets with hyperadrenocorticism undergoing surgery was not affected by the histologic characteristic of the tumor, the adrenal glands affected (right, left, or bilateral), or complete versus partial adrenal gland resection. Debulking was a sufficient surgical technique to allow a favorable long-term outcome when complete excision was not possible.

Effects of oral administration of aflatoxin B 1 and fumonisin B 1 in rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The effects of prolonged oral administration (21 days) of fumonisin B 1 (FB 1) and aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) were studied in male New Zealand rabbits by clinical, pathological, biochemical and sphingolipid analyses. Twenty-four animals were randomly divided into the following four experimental groups: (A) 0 mg FB 1 + 0 μg AFB 1/(kg body weight (bw) day) (control); (B) 0 mg FB 1 + 30 μg AFB 1/(kg bw day); (C) 1.5 mg FB 1/(kg bw day) + 30 μg AFB 1/(kg bw day); (D) 1.5 mg FB 1/(kg bw day) + 0 μg AFB 1. Animals from group B and principally from group C presented clinical signs of intoxication. Rabbits from group C presented a lower body weight gain than controls. Differences were observed between intoxicated rabbits and controls with respect to absolute and relative liver and kidney weight, hepatic function, serum urea and creatinine levels and Sa/So ratio. The most frequent hepatic and renal injuries were vacuolar degeneration of the liver and kidney as shown by the histopathological and serum biochemical results. Combined administration of AFB 1 and FB 1 resulted in synergistic toxic effects both in the liver and in the kidney, but hepatic injuries were more marked.

Bacterial Culture Results From Liver, Gallbladder, or Bile in 248 Dogs and Cats Evaluated for Hepatobiliary Disease: 1998–2003

Information is lacking on the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in dogs and cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease. To characterize the prevalence, identity, and antimicrobial susceptibility of common hepatobiliary isolates from such patients. Dogs and cats presented to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for which samples of bile, gallbladder, or liver were submitted for culture from 1998 to 2003, including 190 dogs (192 culture episodes) and 58 cats (61 culture episodes). Cases were identified from the microbiology laboratory database. Data from patient medical records were extracted, including the history of antimicrobial administration, the presence of fever, the results of CBC and serum biochemistry, the presence of biliary obstruction or hepatobiliary inflammation, and the results of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures and aerobic antimicrobial susceptibilities. Biliary cultures yielded a significantly higher percentage of positive results overall (30% [18 of 60]) than did hepatic cultures (7% [15 of 215]). In patients with cholecystitis, 62% (8 of 13) had positive biliary cultures. In patients with hepatic inflammation, 23% (7 of 30) had positive bile cultures, whereas only 6% (6 of 103) had positive hepatic cultures. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Bacteroides spp., Streptococcus spp., and Clostridium spp. were the most common true-positive isolates. More than 80% of Enterobacteriaceae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin or aminoglycosides, with only 30-67% susceptible to first-generation aminopenicillins and cephalosporins. Liver samples obtained by surgery or laparoscopy were more likely to yield positive cultures than those obtained by percutaneous needle biopsy.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of Holstein dairy calves: Age related changes and comparison with blood composition in adults

Specific reference intervals are needed for each animal species for appropriate interpretation of hematological and serum biochemical results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the blood composition of growing calves in order to evaluate the need for defining reference values for different age groups. Thirty two Holstein calves (18 male and 14 female) were blood sampled. A blood sample was taken within 24–48 h following birth and at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days of age. CBC determination and the measurements of some blood serum metabolites, enzymes, electrolytes and minerals were performed. There were significant age related changes for most hematological and biochemical parameters ( p < 0.05) except for the numbers of band neutrophils and monocytes and the amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride and BUN. The results of the present study showed that for some hematological and biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, inorganic phosphorus, serum total protein, globulin, AST and ALP at the first three months of life and also, neutrophil numbers and glucose levels at the 24–48 h of life, the age specific reference values must be considered for precise interpretation of laboratory results.

Case Study

A large sheep flock was experiencing a high prevalence of metabolic diseases early in the lambing season. Pregnancy toxemia and secondary hypocalcemia were diagnosed based on history, physical examination and serum biochemistry results. A new approach to metabolic profiling, using pooled sera samples to reduce costs, was used to assess nutritional status of the flock. Ewes close to the time of lambing were found to be in severe negative energy balance, resulting in excessive fat mobilization and clinical signs associated with pregnancy toxemia and hepatic lipidosis. Inadequate amount of fermentable carbohydrates, which could provide glucose to support late pregnancy requirements, was determined by nutrient analysis. Lower cost by-product feeds had been substituted into the new pellet formulation. Although feed costs are a substantial component of production costs, feed changes based solely on cost may not be appropriate relative to nutritional needs and animal health.

Japanese Encephalitis, Singapore

Japanese Encephalitis, Singapore

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: Summary of a workshop

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare but important liver disease that leads to cirrhosis and need for liver transplantation in a high proportion of cases. The disease occurs in approximately 1 per 100,000 population per year, usually presents in adulthood, and affects men more often than women. Typical serum biochemical results, autoantibodies and liver biopsy are suggestive but not diagnostic of PSC, the diagnosis requiring cholangiographic demonstration of stricturing and dilatation of the intra- and/or extra-hepatic bile ducts. The natural history of PSC is variable, the average survival being 12 to 17 years. The cause of PSC is still unknown. Although considered an autoimmune disease, PSC has several atypical features and a strong genetic component. The therapy of PSC is unsatisfactory. Standard doses of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) lead to improvements in biochemical abnormalities but not in histology, cholangiographic appearance or survival. Several innovative therapies have been tried in PSC, but with scant evidence of benefit. For patients with high grade strictures, endoscopic dilatation is beneficial. Liver transplantation is successful for end-stage liver disease due to PSC and improves survival. PSC may recur after transplantation but is rarely progressive. The most dreaded complication of PSC is cholangiocarcinoma. Diagnosis of this highly malignant tumor is difficult, and there are no biomarkers for its early detection. Liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma has an exceedingly poor outcome, although transplantation with neoadjuvant chemoirradiation holds promise in selected patients. Thus, significant opportunities remain for basic and clinical research into the cause, natural history, and therapy of PSC.

Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities indicating iron deficiency are associated with decreased reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) and reticulocyte volume (rMCV) in dogs

The ADVIA 120 automated hematology system uses low- and high-angle light scatter to determine individual RBC and reticulocyte volume and hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration. Current hematologic and biochemical markers of iron status in the dog are insensitive, and results may be highly variable, especially in the presence of concurrent disease (ie, inflammation, neoplasia). Reticulocyte Hgb content (CHr) has proven useful in detecting early iron deficiency and iron deficiency masked by concurrent disease in human patients. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the association of low CHr and reticulocyte MCV (rMCV) with hematologic and biochemical abnormalities indicative of iron deficiency in canine patients. Reference intervals for CHr and rMCV were established on a population of 362 hematologically-normal dogs using standard methods. CBC and serum biochemical results from 833 dogs at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of decreased CHr and rMCV values was determined based on the reference intervals. Hematologic (HCT, MCV) and biochemical (serum Fe concentration, percent saturation of transferrin [% sat]) values were compared among dogs with low CHr (n=58), low rMCV (n=50), and control dogs (cohort groups from the initial population) using a Fisher exact test. Reference intervals were 22.3-27.9 pg for CHr and 77.8-100.2 fL for rMCV. Seven percent (n=58) of dogs in the hospital population had low CHr and 6% (n=50) had low rMCV based on the reference values. Dogs with low CHr had significantly lower HCT, MCV, serum Fe, and % sat values than did control dogs. In addition, dogs with low CHr or low rMCV values had a higher frequency of microcytosis, anemia, low serum Fe concentration, and low % sat than did control dogs. Low CHr and low rMCV are associated with hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities indicative of iron deficiency. CHr and rMCV hold promise as noninvasive, cost-effective measures of iron status in the dog.

Self-administered subcutaneous fluid infusion at home in the management of fluid depletion and hypomagnesaemia in gastro-intestinal disease

In short bowel fistula and some other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, salt, water and magnesium (Mg) balance may continue negative despite oral treatment, even in patients with adequate nutritional status. This study describes the use of self-administered subcutaneous fluid infusions (HSCF) to treat this problem. HSCF was administered to patients with GI failure and adequate macro-nutrient status (BMI) when GI salt, water and magnesium balance continued negative despite optimal diet, drug and supplemental treatment. Mg depletion was confirmed using the Mg load test. Patients were taught to self-administer 0.5-1.0 l 0.9% saline +/-0.5 l 5% dextrose +/-2-4 mmol MgSO4 subcutaneously by gravity drip during 6-12 h overnight, 3-7 days/week. Water and Na balance were assessed (weight, serum creatinine, urea, Na) at baseline and at 1 and 3 months of treatment, but also monitored carefully during the first few days of treatment. Serum Mg was measured at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks. In 10 patients (mean age 65.3+/-13.5 years) Na and water balance was rapidly restored. At baseline, 1 and 3 months, serum biochemical results were: Eight patients received 8-28 mmol MgSO4/week in the infused fluid. Serum Mg [0.7-1.0 mmol] at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks was 0.49+/-0.06, 0.79+/-0.18, 0.83+/-0.10 mmol/l (P=0.002). Tolerance was good; transient oedema developed in 2 patients, resolved by reducing infusion dose. No patient developed hypokalaemia. Subcutaneous self-administered fluid infusion at home (HSCF) is an easily managed, safe and effective method of restoring and maintaining water, salt and Mg balance in patients with large GI fluid losses but adequate macronutrient status, particularly in the frail or elderly in whom home parenteral nutrition may be difficult.

Hemostatic changes in dogs with naturally occurring sepsis.

Sepsis is a frequent source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The goal of this case control study was to measure hemostatic changes in dogs with naturally occurring sepsis. Blood was collected within 24 hours of admission from 20 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for sepsis. Sepsis was defined as histologic or microbiological confirmation of infection and 2 or more of the following criteria: hypo- or hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, or leukopenia, leukocytosis, or > 3% bands. Culture and sensitivities were performed on appropriate samples from all septic dogs. Twenty-eight control dogs were enrolled on the basis of normal results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemistry, and coagulation profile. Plasma samples were analyzed for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDP), D-dimer (DD) concentrations, antithrombin (AT) activity, and protein C (PC) activity. Data were compared between groups by chi-square or independent t-tests. PC (P < .001) and AT (P < .001) activities were significantly lower in dogs with sepsis compared to controls. Dogs with sepsis had significantly higher PT (P = .007), PTT (P = .005), D-dimer (P = .005), and FDP (P = .001) compared to controls. Platelet counts were not significantly different between groups. Ten of the 20 septic dogs (50%) died, but no association was identified between any of the measured variables and outcome. These findings are consistent with previous studies in animals with experimentally induced disease and in clinical studies of humans. On the basis of these results, further investigation of the role of AT and PC in canine sepsis is warranted.

Feasibility of Reinstitution of CAPD after Partial Hepatectomy in Patients with Malignant Hepatic Tumors

To determine the feasibility of reinstitution of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in patients with malignant hepatic tumors after partial hepatectomy. Retrospective analysis of 2 CAPD patients. Dialysis unit of a university teaching hospital. Two CAPD patients with malignant hepatic tumors who had undergone partial hepatectomy. Serum biochemistry, Kt/V, peritoneal equilibration test (PET) results before and after hepatectomy. One patient was able to resume CAPD 4 weeks after partial hepatectomy. The other patient was successfully resumed on CAPD after resting the peritoneum for 3 months following partial hepatectomy. The serum biochemistry, Kt/V, and PET results of the 2 patients did not change significantly before and after partial hepatectomy. Reinstitution of CAPD after partial hepatectomy in patients with malignant hepatic tumors is feasible.

The production of transgenic pigs for potential use in clinical xenotransplantation: baseline clinical pathology and organ size studies.

This report describes the results of hematology, serum biochemistry, growth, and organ weight studies undertaken on pigs from nine cohorts of qualified pathogen free (QPF) pigs reared within a high welfare bioexclusion facility as potential organ source animals. Confirmation of the high health status of the pigs was given through total leukocyte counts and serum globulin concentrations that fell below the expected reference range for conventional pigs. The calculated mean growth rate for QPF pigs was found to exceed target rates set for optimum genotype commercial pig herds. Body weights of QPF pigs were compared with kidney, heart and liver weights at necropsy.

Ability of Hematologic and Serum Biochemical Variables to Differentiate Gram‐Negative and Gram‐Positive Mastitis in Dairy Cows

Medical records of 142 dairy cows with clinical mastitis were examined to determine whether hematologic or serum biochemical results could be used to distinguish between mastitis episodes caused by gram-negative bacteria (n = 78) from those caused by gram-positive bacteria (n = 64). Signalment, historic information, hematologic and serum biochemical results, milk culture results, and outcome (discharged from hospital or died) were obtained from the medical records. Cows with gram-negative mastitis had significantly (P < .01) lower blood leukocyte, segmented neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts and had higher blood hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits than did cows with gram-positive mastitis. Serum urea nitrogen was the only serum biochemical result associated with pathogen type, and it was higher in cows with gram-negative mastitis than in those with gram-positive mastitis. Mortality rate (25% overall) did not differ between groups. Logistic regression indicated that routine hematologic analysis (segmented neutrophil count, monocyte count, and hemoglobin concentration) was an accurate predictor of gram-negative mastitis, with a sensitivity of .93, a specificity of .89, and an overall accuracy of 91%. The values for sensitivity and specificity were higher than those previously reported for clinical tests differentiating mastitis episodes caused by gram-negative bacteria from those caused by gram-positive bacteria. Our results indicate that routine hematologic analysis is useful for predicting pathogen type in dairy cows with clinical mastitis, thereby facilitating treatment decisions.

Cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of sevoflurane in the Greater Bush Baby

This study was conducted to assess the cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on Garnett's Greater Bush Baby (Otolemur garnettii). Anesthesia was induced via face mask in 10 animals, six male and four female, ranging in age from 2 to 8 years (mean weight 1.02 kg), with 8% sevoflurane in oxygen at 2 L minute−1. Animals were then intubated and maintained on a nonrebreathing system at 2.5% end tidal sevoflurane at 2 L minute−1 oxygen for 30 minutes. Induction (time to recumbency and lack of voluntary movement) and recovery time (time from discontinuation of sevoflurane to extubation) were recorded. Heart rate, respiratory rate (RR), end-tidal CO2 concentration (ETCO2), temperature (T) and oxygen retardation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) were monitored every minute for 5 minutes and then every 5 minutes thereafter. Indirect arterial blood pressures were monitored at 4 and 5 minutes and then every 5 minutes until the end of the study. PaO2 and PaCO2 values were recorded at 10 and 30 minutes. Pre (1 week prior) and post study CBC and serum biochemistry results were also compared. Statistical analysis was determined by anova. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Induction was rapid (76 ± 9 seconds) (mean ± SEM) and smooth. Heart rate showed a significant increase during the first three minutes, and then significantly decreased over the remaining 30 minutes. There were no significant changes to RR, SpO2, ETCO2, SAP, MAP and DAP during the 30 minutes of anesthesia. PaO2 significantly increased from the 10 minute (326 ± 51 mm Hg, 43.4 ± 6.8 kPa) to the 30 minute (431 ± 48 mm Hg, 57.5 ± 6.4 kPa) sample and PaCO2 values remained similar between the 10 minute (36 ± 2 mm Hg, 4.8 ± 0.3 kPa) and 30 minute (33 ± 2 mm Hg, 4.4 ± 0.3 kPa) samples. CBC and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits for both samplings, however, a significant decrease was noted in the WBC count, Ca, and TP compared to prestudy results. Recovery was smooth and rapid with extubation occurring at 24 ± 6 seconds after discontinuation of sevoflurane. At the concentration used in this study sevoflurane appears to be a safe and effective agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia in O. garnettii.