VetScan VS2 Research Articles

Preclinical evaluation of 225Ac-labeled minigastrin analog DOTA-CCK-66 for Targeted Alpha Therapy.

Treatment studies were performed (3 groups, n = 5, AR42J tumor-bearing 394-NOD SCID mice). Control group animals were injected with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-CCK-66 (1.1MBq, PET/CT imaging), while treatment group animals received a single dose of either [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-CCK-66 (37MBq, radioligand therapy (RLT)) or [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-CCK-66 (37kBq, TAT). All animals' tumor volume and body weight were monitored twice a week until end-point criteria were reached. Blood samples were evaluated (VetScan VS2, Abaxis) once mice were sacrificed. Upon treatment, an initial decline in tumor volume, followed by a significantly delayed tumor growth of treated cohorts, was observed. Mean survival of 177Lu- as well as 225Ac-treated animals was increased by 3- (37 ± 3 d) and 4.5-fold (54 ± 6d), respectively, when compared to non-treated animals (12 ± 3d). Blood sample analysis did not indicate toxic side effects to the liver, kidney, or stomach upon 177Lu and 225Ac-treatment. We demonstrated a substantial therapeutic efficacy of 177Lu- and 225Ac-labeled DOTA-CCK-66. As expected, treatment with the latter resulted in the highest mean survival rates. These results indicate a high therapeutic potential of 225Ac-labeled DOTA-CCK-66 for TAT in MTC patient management.

HEMATOLOGIC AND PLASMA BIOCHEMICAL REFERENCE VALUES FOR CAPTIVE LEOPARD SHARKS (TRIAKIS SEMIFASCIATA).

Leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) are temperate, Eastern Pacific elasmobranchs popular in public aquariums. Blood analysis is commonly used for assessing animal health, yet reference values have not been established for this species. This study analyzed T. semifasciata population data to characterize blood reference values for a collection of T. semifasciata housed at a public aquarium. Twenty-one captive leopard sharks were sampled. Blood was collected during annual health examinations from sedated animals. After collection, blood samples were anticoagulated with lithium heparin, and hematocrit and plasma biochemistry values were analyzed. The minimum-maximum ranges were hematocrit 11-31%, buffy coat 1-2%, glucose 4.94-9.38 mM/L, sodium 244-272 mM/L, potassium 3.7-5.5 mM/L, chloride 214-246 mM/L, aspartate aminotransferase 5-31 U/L, creatine kinase 36-1,136 U/L, calcium 3.65-3.95 mM/L, phosphorus 1.13-2.23 mM/L, total protein 21-38 g/L, and total CO2 12-18 mM/L. The values identified will contribute to a better understanding of captive leopard shark physiology and to improved veterinary care for captive leopard sharks. Further research can examine the validity of machines like the Vetscan VS2, which will expand the resources available to care professionals.

Dynamic responses of blood metabolites to nutrient depletion and repletion in broiler chicken nutrition

A total of 720 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used in a 5 treatment and 8 replicate experiment to explore dynamic changes in blood metabolites in response to short-term nutrient depletion and repletion. Day old chicks were offered a corn and soybean meal-based common starter diet from d1 to 14 that was formulated to meet all nutrient requirements of the birds. From d15 to 17, the experimental diets were offered, before returning all groups to a common diet from d18 to 20, at which point the experiment was terminated. A total of 5 experimental diets were designed. A standard grower diet served as a control and was offered to 1 of the 5 groups of chicks. The additional 4 experimental groups comprised diets that were low in digestible phosphorus (P), total calcium (Ca), crude protein and digestible amino acids (AA) or apparent metabolizable energy (AME). The common grower diet that was offered from d18-20 was designed to be nutritionally complete and was intended to explore dynamic response to nutrient repletion. Blood was drawn from 8 chicks per treatment at time 0 (immediately prior to introduction of the experimental diets) and then again 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after introduction of the nutrient depleted diets. Additionally, blood was drawn 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after the introduction of the nutritionally complete common grower diet. Chicks were not sampled more than once. Feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed on d14, 17, and 20. Blood metabolites were analyzed using the iSTAT Alinity V handheld blood analyzer, the Vetscan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer and the iCheck Carotene Photometer. Live performance metrics were not affected by the short-term nutrient depletion and all chicks grew normally throughout the experiment. The diet with low digestible P generated a rapid temporary decrease in plasma P and an increase in plasma Ca, that were returned to baseline following the re-introduction of the common grower feed. Introduction of the diet with low total Ca resulted in a significant increase in plasma P, effects which were also mitigated during the nutrient repletion phase. Total plasma protein, albumin and uric acid (UA) were decreased, and plasma glucose increased, in the chicks that received the diet with low crude protein and digestible AA. There was a delayed increase in aspartate amino transaminase (AST) associated with the diets with low digestible P and low AME. These results demonstrate the capacity of blood biochemistry to adapt to quantitative and qualitative changes in nutrient intake. Point-of-care analysis of blood biomarkers offers nutritionists a valuable opportunity to calibrate nutritional matrices for common dietary ingredients, zootechnical feed additives and to optimize diet phase changes. It can be concluded that many blood biomarkers are plastic to changes in diet nutrient density and offer an objective index for optimization of nutritional programs for commercial broiler production.

Pseudohyperkalemia in horses with rhabdomyolysis reported by an enzymatic chemistry analyzer.

To investigate pseudohyperkalemia occurring in horses experiencing rhabdomyolysis when serum chemistry profiles are run on an VetScan VS2 analyzer (Abaxis). 18 horses with rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase [CK] > 1,000 U/L). In 3 horses with serum CK activities > 5,800 U/L and persistent serum potassium concentrations of > 8.5 mmol/L (VetScan VS2), potassium concentrations were reevaluated with either i-STAT Alinity Base Station (Abbott), Catalyst (Idexx), or Cobas c501 (Roche) ion-specific analyzers. Paired serum samples from 15 additional horses (median serum CK activity, 7,601 U/L; range, 1,134 to 192,447 U/L) were analyzed on both VetScan VS2 and Cobas c501 machines. Serum potassium concentrations were compared between the VetScan VS2 and ion-specific analyzers by Bland-Altman and Wilcoxon ranked tests and correlated to log10 CK activity via Pearson correlation. Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher on the VetScan VS2 (6.7 ± 1.6 mmol/L) versus the ion-specific analyzers (4.0 ± 1.1 mmol/L; P < .0001), with high bias shown in Bland-Altman analysis (43.1 ± 27.9). Potassium concentrations positively correlated with log10 CK activity with the VetScan VS2 (R2 = 0.51; P = .003) but not the Cobas (R2 = 0.09; P = .3) analyzer. An alternate analyzer to the VetScan VS2 should be used to evaluate serum potassium concentrations in horses with rhabdomyolysis because the VetScan VS2 methodology uses lactate dehydrogenase, which increases in serum with rhabdomyolysis and falsely elevates potassium concentrations.

Determination of Blood Biochemistry Reference Intervals in Eastern Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus collaris)

Abstract Eastern collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris) are growing in popularity as exotic pets in the United States and worldwide. However, clinical biochemistry reference data to support interpretation of health and disease for this species remains lacking. This study evaluated 87 apparently healthy Eastern collared lizards (Crotaphtyus collaris). Blood samples were collected from the ventral coccygeal vein and assayed via Abaxis VetScan VS2 and Avian Reptile rotor. While lizard weight and snout-vent length (SVL) were normally distributed, most biochemical analytes, except albumin and total protein, were not. Many analytes were affected, albeit slightly, by lizard age, SVL, body condition score, gravidity and/or recent ovoposition, sex, health status, and color/locality. However, except for calcium, phosphorous, and albumin for gravid or immediately post oviposition females, biochemical values remained within the generated reference interval. Limitations of this study included that the VetScan VS2 avian / reptile profile plus rotor was unable to successfully provide values for bile acids for most of these apparently healthy lizards. When compared to biochemistry analyte values of lizards from the suborder Iguania from the western hemisphere, Eastern collared lizard biochemistries were similar for some analytes, but a relatively increased plasma glucose and uric acid occurs in this species which could affect the diagnosis of clinical disease or other health abnormalities.

Assessment of avian health status: suitability and constraints of the Zoetis VetScan VS2 blood analyser for ecological and evolutionary studies.

Biochemical analyses of blood can decipher physiological conditions of living animals and unravel mechanistic underpinnings of life-history strategies and trade-offs. Yet, researchers in ecology and evolution often face constraints in which methods to apply, not least due to blood volume restrictions or field settings. Here, we test the suitability of a portable biochemical analyser (Zoetis VetScan VS2) for ecological and evolutionary studies that may help solve those problems. Using as little as 80 µl of whole-bird blood from free-living Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and captive Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we show that eight (out of 10) blood analytes show high repeatability after short-term storage (approximately 2 h) and six after 12 h storage time. Handling stress had a clear impact on all except two analytes by 16 min after catching. Finally, six analytes showed consistency within individuals over a period of 30 days, and three even showed individual consistency over a year. Taken together, we conclude that the VetScan VS2 captures biologically relevant variation in blood analytes using just 80 µl of whole blood and, thus, provides valuable physiological measurements of (small) birds sampled in semi-field and field conditions.

Comparison of Biochemical Test Results with a Portable Point-of-Care Analyzer and a Reference Laboratory Analyzer in Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi)

Eastern indigo snakes (EIS), Drymarchon couperi, have unique physiological features that are not well understood. A useful tool to better understand the physiology of this species are reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes. However, reported values for plasma biochemical analytes are often specific to the analyzer used. In order to determine whether a point of care analyzer would produce results comparable to a veterinary reference laboratory analyzer, this study aimed to compare plasma biochemical analyte values between a point of care analyzer and a veterinary reference lab analyzer, regardless of EIS health status. Plasma biochemical analyte values were obtained from 31 EIS and compared between analyzers. The analytes compared were albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total calcium (Ca), creatinine kinase (CK), glucose (GLU), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), total protein (TP), and uric acid (UA). Analytes with a very high correlation between analyzers were AST (r = 0.923), K (r = 0.916), and UA (r = 0.965); analytes with a high correlation were Ca (r = 0.724), CK (r = 0.789), GLU (r = 0.889), and TP (r = 0.812); moderate correlation P (r = 0.528); low correlation ALB (r = 0.471); and no correlation Na (r = -0.138). A point of care analyzer offers many benefits such as portability, rapid results, small sample size requirements, and the ability to use whole blood. The Vetscan VS2 produces similar values for only some analytes signifying the need for method-specific reference intervals for plasma biochemical analytes in EIS.

Precision of the Abaxis VetScan VS2 for postmortem biochemical analysis of delphinid vitreous humor

AbstractBiochemical analysis of vitreous humor has several forensic applications, including toxicology, estimation of the postmortem interval, and as proxy for select antemortem serum analytes. Estimation of postmortem interval from vitreous humor analytes such as potassium has potential to be a valuable forensic tool for marine mammal strandings, as time of death is essential to provide spatial and temporal context for anthropogenic interactions. The Abaxis VetScan VS2 (VetScan) chemistry analyzer is inexpensive, compact, and requires low sample volume (100 μl), making it ideal for organizations with limited resources and limited samples. This pilot study compared accuracy of the Vetscan on delphinid serum/plasma (n = 7) to the Beckman Coulter AU480, validated the precision of the Vetscan for biochemical analysis of delphinid vitreous humor using the described sample processing protocol, and assessed analyte stability at room temperature in delphinid vitreous humor. Pooled samples (n = 12) of delphinid vitreous humor were serially analyzed and the between‐run and within‐run coefficient of variation of the VetScan was acceptable for most analytes tested but was not for creatinine, total bilirubin, amylase, and alanine aminotransferase. These results demonstrated the precision of the VetScan for the analysis of glucose, albumin, globulin, total protein, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in delphinid vitreous humor.

Evaluation of Growing Turkey Blood Biochemistry Panel Measured Using the VetScan VS2

Point-of-care analyzers such as the Vetscan VS2 (VS2) that provide fast results are becoming an important tool in a variety of clinical and research settings. Several studies have explored the use of the VS2 to evaluate blood chemistry values in chickens; however, the VS2 analyzer has not yet been tested in turkeys. The first objective of this study was to utilize the VS2 to evaluate possible time-dependent changes in biochemical blood analytes over time, such as glucose, calcium, or sodium. Blood samples from 30 turkeys were analyzed with the VS2 at three time points (0, 15–20, and 40–60 min post collection), and it was found that the blood biochemistry values were stable when stored at 4 °C and analyzed within 60 min of collection. Next, we assessed the agreement between the VS2 portable analyzer and the reference benchtop analyzer (Cobas c501) and found that all of the blood analytes were comparable between both analyzers. Finally, we determined reference intervals using 120 blood samples collected from turkeys in the brooding period (0–7 days) and 118 samples collected from turkeys in the growing period (1–12 weeks). Although the values were compared to the published data, the understanding of any observed differences was challenging because reference intervals for the biochemical values in turkeys are limited, and the origin of these interval values could not be traced. Significant differences in the whole blood analytes were noted between brooding and growing birds. This study offers reassurance of the validity of the use of portable analyzers in the field for turkey veterinarians. We conclude that the VS2 can be used to measure biochemical analytes in turkeys and provide the first reference intervals for brooding and growing turkeys using this instrument.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF CAPTIVE AND FREE-LIVING EUROPEAN POND TURTLES (EMYS ORBICULARIS) IN SWITZERLAND.

The highly endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) was reintroduced in Switzerland in 2010. Up until 2019, no routine medical examinations have been carried out prior to its release or during recapture events. The aim of this study was to assess the health status of captive and free-living Emys orbicularis populations in Switzerland, taking into account the most important and frequently occurring health threats to freshwater turtles. A total of 141 European pond turtles, including captive (n = 89) and free-living (n = 52) individuals, underwent clinical examination (n = 136), choanal and cloacal swab collection for microbiology investigation (n = 140), blood sampling (n = 121), fecal examination for parasitology (n = 92), radiography (n = 84), and ultrasound (n = 46). Microbiology investigation included conventional PCR for herpesvirus, ranavirus, and Mycoplasma spp. Blood was used for the establishment of reference values for hematocrit, leukocyte count, and differential blood count as well as for biochemistry parameters tested with the VetScan VS2. An emydid Mycoplasma was detected in 40% (n = 56/140; 95%CI: 31.82-48.61%) of the turtles, including one individual with upper respiratory signs. Four animals positive for Mycoplasma arrived dead or were euthanized during the study period. Their necropsies revealed no evidence of respiratory disease. No ranavirus or herpesvirus was detected in any of the tested turtles. Two presumptively fatal infections with spirorchiid trematodes were reported during the study period. Endoparasites were detected in only 7.94% of the samples examined. This study provides comprehensive data on the current health status of the largest sample size of captive and free-living populations of Emys orbicularis ever assessed to date and serves as a baseline for future research investigations and management recommendations in this species.

Establishment of Age-Specific Whole Blood Biochemistry and Gas Reference Intervals in Broiler Chickens using the i-STAT and the Vetscan VS2 Portable Analyzers.

Whole blood biochemistry and blood gas analysis are uncommonly used in poultry, but their use could improve the diagnosis of certain diseases or aid in monitoring flock health. To create preliminary reference intervals for selected blood analytes in broilers using the i-STAT and Vetscan VS2 (VS2) portable analyzers, we tested broilers at 7, 21, and 35 days of age. A total of 134 venous blood samples from healthy chickens of two different flocks were analyzed. There were significant age-related increases in concentration for glucose, hematocrit, ionized calcium, sodium, and carbon dioxide partial pressure on the i-STAT and for aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, total calcium, phosphorus, and total protein on the VS2. Conversely, significant decreases in concentration were observed for pH, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen saturation on the i-STAT and for uric acid and albumin on the VS2. Additionally, significant differences were found on some blood parameters among the two flocks. Extremely high CK values were found on broilers after 21 days of age, indicating a possible degree of muscle injury during the grow-out. Preliminary reference intervals for all the analytes at each of the age groups were obtained. This study's data provide a starting point for the interpretation of blood analysis in broiler chickens at different ages and offer a new approach to investigate certain metabolic diseases that affect commercial poultry.

Biochemical blood profile in 20 female veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) Aged 7, 9 and 11 Months

Veiled chameleons ( Chamaeleo calyptratus ) are more frequently presented to veterinary clinics due to reproductive diseases that lead to high morbidity, especially in captive-bred females. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood biochemical profiles of healthy, young captive females veiled chameleons aged seven, nine and eleven months. Blood samples were taken from 20 female veiled chameleons at the age of 7, 9 and 11 months. The biochemical profile was analyzed using the VetScan VS2 analyzer with an Avian/Reptile Profile rotor. The ionized calcium (iCa) concentration was measured by i-STAT analyzer with a CHEM+8 cartridge. Mean concentration of glucose (15.8 ± 1.3 mmol/l) and uric acid (244.3 ± 143.2 µmol/l) at the age of seven months were significantly higher than mean concentrations of glucose (12.8 ± 16.5 mmol/l) and uric acid (134.9 ± 113.2 µmol/l) at nine months of age and mean concentration of glucose (13.2 ± 0.9 mmol/l) and uric acid (129.4 ± 109.2 µmol/l) at 11 months of age, respectively. Total calcium (4.2 ± 0.8 mmol/l) and ionized calcium (1.51 ± 0.16 mmol/l) were significantly higher at seven months of age compare to nin months. Mean activity of aspartate aminotransferase at nine months (6.2 ± 2.3 µkat/l) was significantly higher (P=0.004) than the mean activity of aspartate aminotransferase at seven months of age (4.7 ± 1.0 µkat/l). Concentrations of potassium at eleven months (8.3 ± 2.1 mmol/l) were significantly higher ( P ˂ 0.001) than the mean concentration of potassium at seven months (5.4 ± 1.3 mmol/l) and also at ninth months (6.1 ± 1.6 mmol/l). No significant differences were found among the mean concentrations of total protein (57.5 ± 14.6, 61.9 ± 9.2, 59.6 ± 12.2 g/l), albumin (32.8 ± 5.4, 33.6 ± 4.1, 33.4 ± 7.1 g/l), globulin (27.4 ± 5.4, 26.6 ± 4.3, 26.3 ± 5.4 g/l) and mean activity of creatine kinase (25.4 ± 10.3, 30.1 ± 21.0, 25.6 ±13.2 µkat/l) at any of the ages. In all females, ovarian activity was already evident in the first part of monitoring, and the measured values could be interpreted as values for young female veiled chameleons during active ovarian activity.

Reference Intervals for Selected Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Measurands in Temminck's Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)

Pangolins are the world's most trafficked non-human mammals. A significant number of Temminck's pangolins (Smutsia temminckii) are presented for veterinary care and rehabilitation in southern Africa. Little is known about the physiology and normal health of this species, making diagnosis and medical management difficult. This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for hematology and plasma clinical chemistry in the Temminck's pangolin. RIs were generated according to international guidelines using samples from 27 healthy free-living (n = 18) and rehabilitated (n = 9) pangolins. Hematology was performed using the Abaxis VetScan HM5 analyzer with manual differentials; clinical chemistry was performed using heparin plasma on the Abaxis VetScan VS2 and Cobas Integra 400 Plus analyzers. Hematology RIs were: RBC 3.88–8.31 × 1012/L, HGB 73–150 g/L, HCT 26–51%, MCV 59–72 fL, MCH 15.6–21.4 pg, MCHC 257–325 g/L, RDW 14.3–19.1%, WBC 1.80–10.71 × 109/L. Vetscan VS2 clinical chemistry RIs were: albumin 27–41 g/L, ALP 26–100 U/L, ALT 25–307 U/L, amylase 267–826 U/L, bilirubin 4–10 μmol/L, calcium 2.1–2.2 mmol/L, globulin 21–55 g/L, glucose 3.8–10.0 mmol/L, phosphate 1.3–2.6 mmol/L, potassium 3.6–5.9 mmol/L, sodium 132–140 mmol/L total protein 52–84 g/L, and urea 5.3–11.4 mmol/L. RIs for creatinine were not calculated as analytical imprecision exceeded analytical performance goals. Cobas Integra clinical chemistry RIs were: albumin 22–33 g/L, ALP 20–104 U/L, ALT 17–291 U/L, amylase 466–1,533 U/L, bilirubin 1–14 μmol/L, calcium 2.0–2.4 mmol/L, creatinine <58 μmol/L, globulin 23–49 g/L, glucose 3.6–10.1 mmol/L, phosphate 1.0–2.2 mmol/L, potassium 3.1–5.8 mmol/L, sodium 137–150 mmol/L, total protein 47–72 g/L, and urea 6.0–12.5 mmol/L. There was significant bias between the two chemistry analyzers for several measurands. Differences were found for some analytes between free-living and rehabilitated animals, probably reflecting differences in nutrition and hydration. These are the first RIs generated for Temminck's pangolin. These results will allow veterinarians to better determine pangolin health status, formulate optimal treatment plans and increase patient survival rates in this endangered species.

Blood Biochemistry Reference Values of Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) in Rehabilitation Center

The Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is an endemic primate species to Java Island, Indonesia. Currently, their conservation status is critically endangered due to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. As a consequence of the pet trade, wild-caught slow lorises are confiscated or handed over to centers like IAR Indonesia Rescue Center. Rescued lorises present multiple health issues following stress, trauma, and miss-treatment after being kept as pets. During the medical evaluation, besides physical examination, blood biochemistry provides valuable diagnostic information. However, data on physiological values are unavailable and therefore interpretation of results is difficult. The objective of this study was to establish blood biochemistry reference values for wild, rehabilitant healthy adult Javan slow lorises in captivity. We anesthetized 20 individuals of Javan slow loris (10 males and 10 females) for pre-release check-up procedures. Blood samples were collected for blood biochemistry analysis on an in-house Vetscan VS2 (Zoetis), after which the results were statistically analyzed for mean and standard deviation. Results showed different values between the male and female group, however, they were not significant (p&gt;0,05). Comparison with available biochemistry data (ZIMS) for other loris species in captivity: Nycticebus pygmaeus and Nycticebus coucang, did not show significant differences. Although the sample size of this study was limited, this study provides the first preliminary reference ranges for healthy adult wild, rehabilitant Javan slow loris in captivity. Further data collection is necessary for more accurate ranges and will be done during the future pre-release health check.

Effect of broiler genetics, age, and gender on performance and blood chemistry

A total of 640 broilers were used to determine the effects of strain, sex, and age on hematology and blood chemistry using rapid detection devices. Day old chicks from two genetic lines of common fast-growing and high-yield broiler strains were sexed and allocated to 40 pens (16 birds per pen) containing either male or female and Ross or Cobb strains (n = 10). Venous blood was analyzed weekly using 2 broilers from each pen (n = 20) using the i-STAT® Alinity Handheld Clinical Analyzer, Zoetis Vetscan VS2, and iCheck™ Carotene devices at 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 d, as well as growth performance. Post-mortem health tracking metrics were also recorded on 42 d. Broilers were deemed healthy based on posting data results and performed in accordance with industry standards with males presenting greater BW and reduced FCR than female broilers. Ross broilers displayed greater BW to 14 d with similar FCR compared with Cobb birds. Day of age had a highly significant impact on blood calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, carotene, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, bile acids, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, total carbon dioxide, hematocrit, and malondialdehyde. Male broilers had reduced blood sodium, chloride, carotene, uric acid, albumin, and increased total protein, glucose, and total carbon dioxide. Ross broilers had greater blood potassium, and sodium, as well as reduced uric acid, total protein, globulin, and malondialdehyde, compared with Cobb birds. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of point-of-care devices in measuring blood chemistry and hematology in modern broilers. These data can be utilized to determine normal healthy blood ranges in these types of broilers when accounting for strain, sex, and age.

Research Note: Comparison of chicken blood chemistry and electrolyte parameters between the portable i-STAT1 clinical analyzer and VetScan VS2 serum biochemistry panel using Hy-Line commercial white-egg laying hens

The i-STAT1 clinical analyzer has become an increasingly popular tool in clinical production animal medicine as it can provide pen-side results in a cost effective and timely manner when compared to standard benchtop serum biochemistry blood gas and chemistry analyses. This study compares the results of the portable Abbott i-STAT1 analyzer and the Abaxis VetScan VS2 for glucose (Glu, mg/dL), ionized Ca (mmol/L), Na (mmol/L), and K (mmol/L) values. Three genetically distinct commercial varieties (CV) of Hy-Line white-egg laying hens are used in this study (Hy-Line W-36, Hy-Line W-80, and Hy-Line W-80+). Thirty blood samples (n = 10 per CV) were obtained in the production house from the brachial vein and concurrently analyzed by the i-STAT1 portable device. Serum from 22 of these same samples was analyzed via VetScan VS2, a benchtop serum clinical biochemistry analyzer, using VetScan Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus reagent rotors. A paired T-test was used to test for statistical differences in means between the 2 instruments for each of the parameters. Parameters with significant mean differences were then subject to correlation and regression analysis to further evaluate relationships between the results from the 2 methods. Significant differences between means were found for Glu, Na, and K levels. Ca levels were found to be not directly comparable by the 2 analysis instruments. This comparison elucidates the importance of clinical analyzer validations when applying different strategies of diagnostic medicine in poultry.

Biochemical reference intervals for homing pigeons in China

As indicators of diseases, blood biochemical values play a crucial role in clinical practice and assessments of animals’ health condition. The rising population of homing pigeons in China has prompted needs for reliable blood biochemical reference intervals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish biochemical reference intervals for homing pigeons. Heparinized whole blood samples obtained from 77 clinically healthy pigeons were analyzed by Zoetis Abaxis VetScan VS2 with VetScan Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus Rotor. Reference intervals for pigeons were computed by Excel with Reference Value Advisor V2.1. The statistical analysis performed by SPSS program revealed correlations between biochemical analytes. Effects of sex and age and validity of published reference intervals were also discussed. The present results serve as a useful guide to broaden the scope of pigeon breeding industry.

Biochemical Reference Intervals for Backyard Hens.

Keeping backyard poultry has become increasingly popular in urban and suburban households. With this rise in popularity comes an increased need for veterinarians who are willing to serve this demographic and a need for lab reference intervals that capture the range of clinically healthy backyard hens. We developed blood chemistry reference intervals for birds in backyard chicken flocks. Between June and August 2016, 133 adult, actively laying hens from 34 different flocks in Western Washington were sampled via medial metatarsal venipuncture. Whole heparinized blood was analyzed using a VetScan VS2 with Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus reagent rotors. Packed cell volume was determined via centrifugation of microhematocrit tubes. Reference intervals were calculated by Reference Value Advisor V2.1 software using the nonparametric method. Seven currently published reference intervals for the Gallus gallus domesticus could not be validated for use in backyard hens, according to the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Of flock owners who participated in the study, 47% reported they would consider paying for a blood test if a veterinarian thought it would be beneficial.

SELECTED PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY ANALYTES OF HEALTHY CAPTIVE SULCATA (AFRICAN SPURRED) TORTOISES (CENTROCHELYS SULCATA).

The sulcata or African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is a large tortoise species that is commonly kept in zoologic collections and as a pet. The objectives of this study were to establish reference intervals for selected biochemical analytes in clinically healthy captive sulcata tortoises and to evaluate the impact of blood sampling site and sex. Blood samples were collected from 60 tortoises from either the dorsal coccygeal (tail) vein or the subcarapacial venous plexus based on their body size. The packed cell volume and refractometric total solids (TS) were determined. The concentrations of selected plasma biochemical analytes were determined using the VetScan VS2 analyzer and included albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, bile acids, calcium, creatine kinase, globulins, glucose, potassium, sodium, phosphorous, total proteins (TP), and uric acid. The calcium-to-phosphorous ratio was calculated. Reference intervals were determined and evaluated for the potential effects of blood sampling site and sex. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) associated with the blood sampling site in TS, TP, phosphorus, and globulins, with higher values in samples from the tail versus the subcarapacial sampling site. No significant statistical differences were noted in the plasma biochemistry analytes between the sexes. Reading of the globulins by the analyzer failed in 36 of 60 of the samples and was largely associated with the subcarapacial plexus sampling site. The reference intervals defined by the VetScan analyzer in this study can be used for clinical medicine and conservation of this tortoise species. Sampling site was identified as a factor significantly affecting some blood analytes in this study; this factor should thus be taken into consideration when assessing sulcata tortoise health status and using this testing methodology.

Reference intervals for biochemical blood variables, packed cell volume, and body temperature in pet rats (Rattus norvegicus) using point-of-care testing.

Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are increasingly kept as pets, thus more and more requiring veterinary care. Important differences exist between pet and laboratory rats, but little information is available on pet rats. Diagnosis and treatment of pet rat diseases would benefit from RIs specific for this animal population. The aim was to establish RIs for biochemical blood variables, PCV, and body temperature in pet rats. Additionally, influences of sex and feed rationing method (ad libitum, restricted) on these variables were determined. American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) recommendations were followed. Biochemical variables were measured using an automated chemistry analyzer, the VetScan VS2. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to determine RIs and effects of sex and feed rationing method. Reference intervals were established using values of 123 clinically healthy pet rats (except for globulins and albumin/globulin ratio, n = 120) and were: glucose 6.6-13.7 mmol/L, total proteins 66-88 g/L, albumin ≥ 38 g/L, globulins 12-35 g/L, albumin/globulin ratio 1.0-4.7, urea nitrogen 2.5-6.6 mmol/L, creatinine ≤ 53 μmol/L, total bilirubin 4-7 μmol/L, ALP 40-442 IU/L, ALT 22-137 IU/L, amylase 502-1113 IU/L, sodium 133-144 mmol/L, potassium 3.6-5.3 mmol/L, calcium 9.5-10.9 mg/dL, phosphorus 2.3-7.0 mg/dL, PCV 40-50%, and body temperature 35.8-39.3°C. Sex significantly affected 10 variables. No significant influence was found with feed limitation CONCLUSIONS: Reference intervals reported in this study will be useful for interpretation of biochemistry analysis in pet rats and therefore improve pet rat medicine.