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P J Canfield

Publications and source records attributed to P J Canfield.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Detection of Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli and their impact on platelet numbers in free-roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To detect Anaplasma platys and Babesia canis vogeli infection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, in free-roaming dogs associated with eight Aboriginal communities in remote areas of Australia and to determine the impact of infection through the assessment of platelet numbers. PROCEDURES: Blood samples from 215 dogs were screened by PCR for A platys and B canis vogeli using established genus-specific DNA primers for the 16S and 18S rRNA genes respectively. Both A platys DNA and B canis vogeli DNA were confirmed from the screening PCR either by sequencing or by the use of species-specific primers. Peripheral blood films from 92 of the 215 dogs were used to estimate platelet numbers through an indirect method. RESULTS: Of 215 dogs, 69 (32%) were positive for A platys, 22 (10%) for B canis vogeli and 24 (11%) for both. The two organisms were detected singularly and as coinfection in all communities. For the 92 dogs in which peripheral blood films were examined, the mean estimated platelet counts for the non-infected dogs was 318 x 10(9)/L, those infected with A platys alone was 256 x 10(9)/L, those with B canis vogeli alone was 276 x 10(9)/L and those infected with both parasites was 169 x 10(9)/L. In young dogs, infection produced significantly decreased mean platelet counts when compared to uninfected dogs. Thrombocytopenia (< 200 x 10(9)/L) was detected in 18 (51%) dogs infected with A platys alone, 3 (33%) dogs infected with B canis vogeli alone, 13 (72%) dogs coinfected, and 8 (27%) uninfected dogs. CONCLUSIONS: A platys and B canis vogeli infection, either singularly or together, was widespread in free roaming dogs associated with remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and north-western New South Wales. Moreover, both A platys and B canis vogeli infections were associated with a reduction in mean platelet numbers in dog populations, particularly in young dogs. The fact that 51% of dogs infected with A platys alone and 72% dogs coinfected were thrombocytopenic compared to 27% of uninfected dogs suggests that the organism alone or in combination with B canis vogeli has the potential to cause thrombocytopenia and perhaps contribute to a clinical bleeding disorder in infected dogs.

Anaplasma↗
PubMed2003

Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): a review of 43 cases of cryptococcosis.

Details of 11 previously reported cases and 32 new cases of cryptococcosis in captive and wild koalas were analysed. Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii accounted for all 29 cases in which varietal status was determined. No age or sex predisposition was observed. The respiratory tract was the primary focus of disease in 77% of cases. Although the lower respiratory tract was affected most commonly (60% of cases), 30% of cases had upper respiratory tract lesions and 14% had both. Dissemination was common, especially to the central nervous system (37% cases). Local extension to surrounding tissues was a feature of upper respiratory tract disease. Other tissues showing cryptococcal invasion included lymph nodes (19%), gastrointestinal tract (12%), kidneys (12%), spleen (9%) and skin (7%). Only three cases (7%) had no respiratory tract or central nervous system involvement, two cases of primary skin inoculation and one case of primary lymphadenopathy. Late presentation was a likely factor in the high proportion of cases with disseminated disease (40%). The proportion of koala cases with involvement of the central nervous system, lower respiratory tract and skin, parallels what has been reported for immunocompetent people. Cryptococcosis in the koala appears to be an excellent naturally occurring model for examination of the cryptococcal host-parasite relationship in all species.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Immunohistochemical characterization of tuberculous and non-tuberculous lesionsin naturally infected European badgers (Meles meles).

A panel of species cross-reactive antibodies was established for the immunohistochemical labelling of phagocytic and lymphoid cells in formalin-fixed normal badger tissues. These reagents were used to investigate the immunopathogenesis of both tuberculous and non-tuberculous granulomas in badgers. In normal badger tissues, antisera specific for the CD79a and CD79b epitopes strongly labelled follicular B lymphocytes and plasma cells in lymph nodes, bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and Peyer's patches. Rabbit anti-dog IgG, IgM and IgA, and goat anti-human lambda light chain strongly labelled plasma cells, but goat anti-ferret IgA produced weak labelling. Interfollicular and occasional follicular lymphocytes and gut intraepithelial lymphocytes expressed the CD3 epitope. Mouse anti-human HLA-DR (MHC Class II) antigen strongly labelled macrophages, some follicular lymphocytes and some intestinal and respiratory epithelial cells. Mouse anti-human calprotectin (MAC387) labelled a limited number of macrophages. In infected badgers, all fusiform to angular macrophages (epithelioid cells) of all tuberculous granulomas strongly expressed HLA-DR antigen, but only a small, variable proportion of these were labelled by MAC387 antiserum. Lymphocytes in the peripheral rims of granulomas and those scattered sparsely amongst the epithelioid cells were labelled primarily with CD3 antiserum. Peripheral plasma cells were more common in larger than in smaller tubercles and usually expressed IgA or IgG. Small unencapsulated siliceous granulomas, which were present in both tuberculous and non-tuberculous badgers, consisted of aggregates of round to polyhedral epithelioid cells expressing the MHC Class II but not the MAC387 epitope. Granulomas caused by infection with presumed fungal adiaspores of Chrysosporium sp. consisted of aggregates of variably shaped macrophages that expressed MHC Class II antigen, but only a proportion expressed MAC387 antigen. The majority of lymphocytes within the peripheral rims of these granulomas were T cells, accompanied by sparse to moderate numbers of plasma cells that primarily expressed IgG or IgA. In conclusion, species cross-reactive antibodies can be used to identify the cellular components of tuberculous and non-tuberculous granulomas. Immunohistochemical examination failed to distinguish small tuberculous granulomas from adiaspiromycotic granulomas.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Feline leprosy: two different clinical syndromes.

Feline leprosy refers to a condition in which cats develop granulomas of the subcutis and skin in association with intracellular acid-fast bacilli that do not grow on routine laboratory media. In this study, the definition was extended to include cases not cultured, but in which the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified amplicons characteristic of mycobacteria. Tissue specimens from 13 such cases from eastern Australia were obtained between 1988 and 2000. This cohort of cats could be divided into two groups on the basis of the patients' age, histology of lesions, clinical course and the sequence of 16S rRNA PCR amplicons. One group consisted of four young cats (less than 4 years) which initially developed localised nodular disease affecting the limbs. Lesions progressed rapidly and sometimes ulcerated. Sparse to moderate numbers of acid-fast bacilli were identified using cytology and/or histology, typically in areas of caseous necrosis and surrounded by pyogranulomatous inflammation. Organisms did not stain with haematoxylin and ranged from 2 to 6 microm (usually 2 to 4 microm). Mycobacterium lepraemurium was diagnosed in two cases based on the sequence of a 446 bp fragment encompassing the V2 and V3 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene a different sequence was obtained from one additional case, while no PCR product could be obtained from the remaining case. The clinical course was considered aggressive, with a tendency towards local spread, recurrence following surgery and development of widespread lesions over several weeks. The cats resided in suburban or rural environments. A second group consisted of nine old cats (greater than 9 years) with generalised skin involvement, multibacillary histology and a slowly progressive clinical course. Seven cats initially had localised disease which subsequently became widespread, while two cats allegedly had generalised disease from the outset. Disease progression was protracted (compared to the first group of cats), typically taking months to years, and skin nodules did not ulcerate. Microscopically, lesions consisted of sheets of epithelioid cells containing large to enormous numbers of acid-fast bacilli 2 to 8 microm (mostly 4 to 6 microm) which stained also with haematoxylin. A single unique sequence spanning a 557 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene was identified in six of seven cases in which it was attempted. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material was utilised by one laboratory, while fresh tissue was used in another. The same unique sequence was identified despite the use of different primers and PCR methodologies in the two laboratories. A very slow, pure growth of a mycobacteria species was observed on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (supplemented with iron) and semi-solid agar in one of three cases in which culture was attempted at a reference laboratory. Affected cats were domicile in rural or semi-rural environments. These infections could generally be cured using two or three of rifampicin (10-15 mg/kg once a day), clofazimine (25 to 50 mg once a day or 50 mg every other day) and clarithromycin (62.5 mg per cat every 12 h). These findings suggest that feline leprosy comprises two different clinical syndromes, one tending to occur in young cats and caused typically by M lepraemurium and another in old cats caused by a single novel mycobacterial species.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Cryptococcus neoformans in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): colonization by C n. var. gattii and investigation of environmental sources.

This study is the one in a series looking at the relationship among Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii, koalas and the environment. The koala was used as a natural biological sampler in an attempt to understand the dynamics of C. neoformans var. gattii in Australian environments. Evidence of asymptomatic nasal and skin colonization for extended periods by large numbers of C. n. var. gattii was obtained and geographical factors assessed. The key finding was the ability of koalas to amplify numbers of C. n. var. gattii in certain environments. Koalas were not found to be obligatory for the survival of the organism in all environments. Geographical factors alone could not explain differing rates of nasal and skin colonization in koalas in different environments. A strong association between healthy koalas and C. n. var. gattii was confirmed and C n. var. gattii was isolated from novel sources, including the turpentine gum tree (Syncarpia glomulifera), tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys) and flooded gum (E. grandis). It seems likely that as yet undiscovered environmental sources of C. n. var. gattii exist in eastern Australia. Further investigation of host, environmental and organism factors integral to the hostpathogen relationship will assist an understanding of the progression from colonization to tissue invasion and cryptococcosis in all species.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): serological evidence for subclinical cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii has been shown to have a strong association with eucalypts frequently used by koalas and, not surprisingly, it has been shown to colonize the nasal cavities of koalas. The progression from nasal colonization to tissue invasion is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in this species and provides a model for pathogenesis of cryptococcosis in other species. Cryptococcal antigenaemia was detected in twenty-eight healthy koalas from three different regions. This was interpreted as representing limited subclinical disease. One koala developed cryptococcal pneumonia 6 months after leaving the study, whereas another developed cryptococcal meningoencephalitis during the course of the study. Opportunistic necropsies on ten antigen-positive koalas resulted in discovery of small cryptococcal lesions in two (paranasal sinus and lung, respectively). Our data suggest that cryptococcal antigenaemia occurs commonly in koalas, especially in areas with a high environmental presence of C n. var. gattii. Subclinical disease appears most likely to manifest as a small focal lesion in the respiratory tract. Possible outcomes include elimination by an effective immune response, quiescence with possibility of later re-activation or direct progression to overt disease. Symptomatic and subclinical cases showed differences in levels of antigenaemia. The data presented have significant implications for koalas in captivity.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2002

Acute febrile neutrophilic vasculitis of the skin of young Shar-Pei dogs.

Three young Shar-Pei dogs were presented for signs of an acute widespread dermatopathy associated with fever and malaise. Cutaneous lesions initially consisted of multifocal areas of skin discolouration (haemorrhagic papules, macules or plaques) or oedema, preferentially affecting the head and limbs. In some locations, pus-filled bullae were evident also. Cutaneous lesions exuded seropurulent liquid and, in time, usually progressed to full thickness necrosis and ulceration. Lesions were so widespread and severe that one of the dogs was euthanased because its owners could not afford the reconstructive surgery required to close the skin deficits left at the completion of otherwise successful therapy. Histological examination of representative biopsies showed neutrophilic dermatitis and vasculitis, which ultimately resulted in ischaemic necrosis of skin. Therapy with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids, and in one case cyclophosphamide, resulted in prompt amelioration of the underlying inflammatory process, although regions of skin deprived of their blood supply eventually became necrotic and sloughed. Healing occurred through granulation, contraction and epithelialisation. The physical findings in these three dogs were so similar that it is likely all suffered from the same breed-related syndrome, an immune-mediated vasculitis precipitated by some event, such as vaccination or an undetected infection. Whatever the inciting cause, it was most likely a one-off event, as the two surviving dogs were readily weaned off immunosuppressive medication without relapse.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2001

A gross and microscopical morphometric evaluation of feline large intestinal anatomy.

The objective of this study was to examine measurable parameters that could be used to describe the gross and microscopical anatomy of the feline colon, which has not been previously characterized. Post-mortem data were collected from 35 specific pathogen-free cats. Gross morphometric data (total colonic length, wet weight, number of lymphoid aggregates) were collected together with microscopical measurement of crypt depth and numbers, intra-epithelial lymphocyte numbers and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells and their relative position within the crypt. Colonic length as a percentage of intestinal length was remarkably constant (20.9+/-2.0%). Crypt depth, however, showed considerable inter-cat variation (149-688 microm); the crypts became deeper with distance from the anus. Cellular proliferation was predominantly in the lower part of the crypt, and the numbers of PCNA-positive cells increased with distance from the anus. The number of lymphoid aggregates varied with distance from the anorectum and appeared to reflect the bacterial load. Intra-epithelial lymphocytes were relatively sparse (3.9+/-2.7/100 epithelial cells); they showed considerable inter-cat variation but did not vary with distance from the anus. These data suggest that to improve the interpretation of morphometric parameters by reducing inter-cat variation, samples should be taken at a consistent distance from the anus, broad reference ranges having now been established.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

An immunohistochemical method that differentiates Cryptococcus neoformans varieties and serotypes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.

An immunohistochemical method for determining the variety of Cryptococcus neoformans in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues was developed using mAbs 471, 302 and CRND8. The method was validated primarily using veterinary patients for which both formalin-fixed lesions and a cultured isolate were available. L-Canavanine glycine bromothymol blue (CGB) agar and the 'Crypto-Check' kit were used to determine the variety and serotype, respectively, of cultured isolates. Immunohistochemistry accurately predicted the C. neoformans variety in all tissue specimens. The CGB agar method of determining C. neoformans variety gave the same result as immunohistochemistry for 30/31 specimens. For the single discordant isolate, the serotype, random amplification of polymorphic DNA profile, microscopic and colony morphology all supported the immunohistochemical staining pattern in suggesting C. neoformans var. gattii; however, the CGB agar result was at variance. Of the C. neoformans var. neoformans cases, immunohistochemistry was congruent with variety for 13/13 cases and with serotyping for 10/13 cases. The three discordant cases were classified as having some serotype D reactivity by immunohistochemistry, but were considered to be serotype A using the Crypto-Check kit. This new method should prove a valuable epidemiological tool in studies of cryptococcosis, especially in the veterinary setting where archival tissue specimens may exist but corresponding mycological data is typically absent. The versatility of this method will expand in the future as other monoclonal antibodies with different specificities are developed.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2001

Feline immunodeficiency virus status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the FIV status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma and relate this to patient characteristics, tumour characteristics (tissue involvement, histological grade and immunophenotype), haematological and serum biochemical values and FeLV status of affected cats. DESIGN: Prospective study of 101 client-owned cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma. PROCEDURE: Western blot analysis, ELISA and immunochromatography were used to detect FIV antibodies in serum from cats with lymphosarcoma. RESULTS: On the basis of Western blot analysis (which was considered the most accurate method for determining FIV status), 50/101 (50%) of cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma were positive for FIV antibodies. Of these 50 cats, 35 had tumours of B-cell phenotype, 13 had T-cell tumours and 2 had tumours classified as non-B/non-T. Tumours from eight of these FIV-positive cats contained FeLV gene sequences, including a 9-month-old cat with FeLV antigenaemia. Compared with FlV-negative cats with lymphosarcoma, FIV-positive cats were more likely to be domestic crossbreds (P = 0.004), male (P = 0.048) and have atypical (especially nasal) forms of lymphosarcoma (P = 0.09). Only 39 of 107 (36%) blood or sera tested using ELISA were positive for FIV antibodies (including 5 false-positives). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FIV infection was considerably higher in our cohort of cats compared with series of lymphosarcoma cases from the Northern hemisphere. A positive FIV status was strongly associated with lymphosarcoma in Australian cats and it is possible that this infection may predispose to the development of lymphoid neoplasia. The presence of FIV infection would have been underestimated if commercial kits alone had been used for serology.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Therapy for Australian cats with lymphosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the response of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma to chemotherapy and/or surgery in relation to patient and tumour characteristics, haematological and serum biochemical values and retroviral status. DESIGN: Prospective study of 61 client-owned cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma subjected to multi-agent chemotherapy and/or surgery. PROCEDURE: An accepted chemotherapy protocol utilising l-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methotrexate and prednisolone was modified and used to treat 60 cats with lymphosarcoma. Clinical findings were recorded before and during therapy. As far as practical, cases were followed to death, euthanasia or apparent cure. Owner satisfaction with the results of chemotherapy was determined using a questionnaire sent after the completion of chemotherapy. RESULTS: One cat, with lymphosarcoma limited to a single mandibular lymph node, was treated using surgery alone and was cured. The other 60 cats were treated using multi-agent chemotherapy, although seven cats with localised intestinal, ocular and subcutaneous lesions had these lesions partially (2 intestinal lesions) or completely (2 eyes, 2 intestinal lesions and a cluster of regional lymph nodes) resected prior to starting chemotherapy. The median survival time for these 60 cats was 116 days. Of the 60 cats, 48 rapidly went into complete remission following the administration of 1-asparaginase, vincristine and prednisolone (complete remission rate 80%) and these cats had a median survival of 187 days. Three cats were censored from further analysis as their long-term survival data were uninterpretable because they died of causes unrelated to lymphosarcoma or were prematurely lost to follow-up. Twenty cats were classed as 'long-term survivors' based on survival time in excess of one year and at least 14 were 'cured' based on the absence of physical evidence of lymphosarcoma 2-years after initiating treatment. In other words, of the 48 cats that reached complete remission, in excess of 29% were 'cured'. Despite detailed analysis, few meaningful prognostic indicators based on patient or tumour characteristics were identified, although long-term survivors were more likely to be less than 4-years (P= 0.04) and to have tumours of the T-cell phenotype (P= 0.06). Excluding the one FeLV ELISA-positive cat with mediastinal LSA, 7 of 9 cats less than 4 years-of-age were long-term survivors (median survival time >1271 days). There was a strong association between achieving complete remission and long-term survival (P = 0.003). On the basis of 27 replies to a questionnaire, owners were generally very satisfied with the response to chemotherapy, irrespective of the survival time of the individual patient. Eighty five percent of owners expressed complete satisfaction with their decision to pursue chemotherapy and 70% believed their cat's health status improved during the first 2-weeks of treatment. Importantly, 78% of owners considered that chemotherapy required a very substantial time commitment on their part. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to cure approximately one quarter of cats with lymphosarcoma using sequential multi-agent chemotherapy and/or surgery. FeLV-negative cats younger than 4 years (typically with mediastinal lymphosarcoma) had a particularly favourable prognosis. The decision to embark on chemotherapy should be based on the results of induction chemotherapy with l-asparaginase, vincristine and prednisolone, as the response to this was a good predictor of long-term survival. Cats surviving the first 16 weeks of chemotherapy generally enjoyed robust remissions (in excess of 1 year) or were cured of their malignancy.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Feline leukaemia virus status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the FeLV status of sera and tumours from Australian cats with lymphosarcoma in relation to patient characteristics, tumour characteristics (tissue involvement, histological grade and immunophenotype), haematological and biochemical values. DESIGN: Prospective study of 107 client-owned cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma. PROCEDURE: An ELISA was used to detect FeLV p27 antigen in serum specimens collected from cats with lymphosarcoma. A PCR was used to detect FeLV DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections containing neoplastic lymphoid cells. The PCR was designed to amplify a highly conserved region of the untranslated long terminal repeat of FeLV provirus. RESULTS: Only 2 of 107 cats (2%), for which serum samples were available, were FeLV-positive on the basis of detectable p27 antigen in serum. In contrast, 25 of 97 tumours (26%) contained FeLV DNA. Of the 86 cats for which both PCR and ELISA data were available, 19(22%) had FeLV provirus in their tumours but no detectable circulating FeLV antigen in serum, while 2 (2%) had FeLV provirus and circulating FeLV antigen. FeLV PCR-positive/ELISA-negative cats (19) differed from PCR-negative/ELISA-negative cats (65) in having fewer B-cell tumours (P = 0.06), more non B-/non T-cell tumours (P = 0.02) and comprising fewer non-Siamese/Oriental pure-bred cats (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FeLV antigen or provirus was considerably lower in our cohort of cats compared with studies of lymphosarcoma conducted in the Northern hemisphere. This suggests that factors other than FeLV are important in the development of lymphosarcoma in many Australian cats. No firm conclusions could be drawn concerning whether FeLV provirus contributed to the development of lymphosarcoma in PCR-positive/ELISA-negative cats.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The roles of histology and immunohistology in the investigation of marsupial disease and normal lymphoid tissue.

This review acquaints scientists with current information related to the application of histology and immunohistology to the studies of normal lymphoid tissues and specific diseases in marsupials. Histological examination of tissue is a necessary prerequisite for immunohistological examination because it establishes tissue structure and detects specific areas of disease which allow the selection of smaller areas for immunohistological examination. Information is provided on the basic techniques of histology. Immunohistology (immunohistochemistry) refers to the identification of antigenic determinants of specific substances (proteins) by the application of antibodies to histological sections. Information is provided on a technique for enzyme based, avidin-biotin enhanced immunohistology, and on antibodies that can be used to mark disease agents or marsupial tissues and cells. A summary is provided of the available information on studies of the histology and immunohistology of normal marsupial lymphoid tissue (thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue), and of selected marsupial diseases such as chlamydiosis and lymphosarcoma in koalas.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Gross, histological and immunohistochemical features of mucormycosis in the platypus.

Nine male and five female adult free-living platypuses, obtained in a prospective capture-release study from northern Tasmania, exhibited gross features of cutaneous mycosis caused by Mucor amphibiorum. The lesions were present on the hind limbs (six cases), front limbs (four), tail (five), dorsal trunk (three) and ventral trunk (one). They varied in size, and ranged from raised red nodules or plaques, which sometimes exuded purulent material, to ulcerated lesions with central cavitation, red exuding centres and raised epidermal margins. Older lesions were covered either partly or fully by thickened and irregular epidermis. Histological examination of skin biopsies revealed discrete, poorly encapsulated granulomas, or more commonly a diffuse granulomatous or pyogranulomatous inflammation. Inflammatory cells consisted of neutrophils or eosinophils, sparse plasma cells and lymphocytes, many macrophages and occasional multinucleated giant cells. Fibrovascular tissue was diffusely and irregularly scattered in the granulomatous regions. Sphaerules characteristic of M. amphibiorum infection were observed in all lesions. The cutaneous distribution of the lesions and the natural history of the platypus indicated that entry of M. amphibiorum may have been via superficial skin wounds. T cells were the predominant infiltrating lymphoid cells in the diffuse lesions, indicating the importance of the cell-mediated response to infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Dermoid cyst in the tongue of a dog.

A German Shepherd Dog presented with recurrent intermandibular and intralingual swelling. Cytological and microbiological findings on fluid aspirated from the mass were consistent with an infected cyst lined by epithelium. The sinus was explored and an epithelium-lined cystic structure was extirpated from the frenulum and body of the tongue. This structure was diagnosed histologically as a dermoid cyst.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Haematological and biochemical findings in cats in Australia with lymphosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To describe, for the first time, haematological and serum biochemical findings in cases of lymphosarcoma in Australian cats. DESIGN: A prospective multi-institutional study. PROCEDURE: Of 118 affected cats presented to the authors over a 18-month period, 97 were evaluated haematologically and 87 biochemically. Haematological analysis usually included determination of packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell and leukocyte counts, differential leukcocyte count, reticulocyte count and examination of buffycoat smears for neoplastic cells. Serum biochemical analysis was done primarily with a discrete analyser and included a panel of commonly used analytes. RESULTS: Nonregenerative anaemia was present in 54% (52/97) of cats. Neutrophilia, present in 65% (59/91) of cats, was commonly associated with lymphocytopaenia, eosinopaenia and monocytosis. Of the 13 cats with a secondary leukaemic manifestation, only five had distinct lymphocytosis. Serum biochemical abnormalities either were nonspecific, such as hypoglycaemia in 37% (32/87) of cats, or related to specific tissue involvement, such as hypoalbuminaemia in 76% (31/41) of cats with alimentary involvement and azotaemia in 60% (15/25) of cats with renal involvement. CONCLUSION: It was shown for the first time that haematological and serum biochemical findings are of limited value in diagnosing lymphosarcoma in Australian cats, except if they are leukaemic. Although clinical pathological changes were common, they were nonspecific or related to specific tissue involvement. Their value in assessing response to therapy needs to be examined further. Patient characteristics such as age, breed and sex also had limited effect on laboratory findings and those observed were of little consequence. Additionally, histological and immunophenotypical variations in tumour type had little effect on laboratory findings.

Animals↗