Kreangsak Prihirunkit

Hematology, cytochemistry and ultrastructure of blood cells in fishing cat (Felis viverrina)

Hematological, cytochemical and ultrastructural features of blood cells in fishing cat (Felis viverrina) were evaluated using complete blood cell counts with routine and cytochemical blood stains, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. No statistically significant difference was found in different genders of this animal. Unique features of blood cells in this animal were identified in hematological, cytochemical and ultrastructural studies. This study contributes to broaden hematological resources in wildlife animals and provides a guideline for identification of blood cells in the fishing cat.

Characterization of blood cells in the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

BACKGROUND The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most frequently encountered wild cat in most of Southeast Asia. Limited hematologic investigation exists for this species. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to assess routine hematologic measurements and parameters and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in Leopard Cats. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 12 adult healthy captive Leopard Cats (7 males and 5 females). Complete blood counts were performed using an automated hematology analyzer and manual differential counts. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta-glucuronidase [BG]) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods. RESULTS Median (range) hematologic results were as follows: PCV 0.46 L/L (0.30-0.55 L/L), hemoglobin 136.5 g/L (100-183 g/L), WBC 9.0 x 10(9)/L (6.9-15.2 x 10(9)/L), band neutrophils 0.07 x 10(9)/L (0-0.30 x 10(9)/L), segmented neutrophils 2.9 x 10(9)/L (1.2-6.34 x 10(9)/L), lymphocytes 5.3 x 10(9)/L (2.7-8.1 x 10(9)/L), eosinophils 0.14 x 10(9)/L (0-0.73 x 10(9)/L), basophils 0/L (0-0.22 x 10(9)/L), and monocytes 0.08 x 10(9)/L (0-0.30 x 10(9)/L). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, PO, and PAS; lymphocytes had fine granular positivity for ANAE and BG; monocytes were weakly positive for ANAE and BG; and basophils were strongly positive for BG. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils contained many large rod-shaped granules with prominent crystalloid core structures, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Basophils contained many round to oval specific granules with homogeneous contents. Low number of basophils contained a few small vacuoles that usually were not detected by light microscopy. CONCLUSION These findings will facilitate interpretation of hematologic results for future investigative and diagnostic studies of this species.

Characterisation of blood cells in jungle cat, Felis chaus (Carnivora, Felidae)

The jungle cat (Felis chaus subsp. fulvidina) of Thailand is a protected animal. Haematological and morphological characteristics of blood cells in eight captive jungle cats (three males and five females) were investigated using complete blood cell counts, cytochemical stains and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Haematological results were reported as mean, median and range (minimum–maximum). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for Sudan black B (SBB) and peroxidase (PO). Basophils were strongly positive for α-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and β-glucuronidase (BG) while eosinophils were negative for all cytochemical stains. Monocytes were negative for SBB and had fine granular reactivity for PO, ANAE and BG. The ultra-structure of eosinophils and basophils were different from that reported for other wild cats in Southeast Asia. The haematology, cytochemistry and ultra-structure of blood cells in the jungle cat may be useful in evaluating and monitoring the health of this species in captivity.

Acute monoblastic leukemia in a FeLV-positive cat

A 1.6-year-old male domestic short hair cat was brought to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Kasetsart University, with signs of severe anemia, depression, and general lymph node enlargement. Complete blood count revealed leukocytosis and massive undifferentiated blasts. Testing for antibodies specific to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was positive, and FeLV nucleic acid was confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction. Base on cytochemistry and ultrastructure, the cat was diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia.

Hemostatic Markers in Congestive Heart Failure Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease.

Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, D-dimer, antithrombin III (AT III), protein C (PC), factor VII (F.VII), and factor VIII (F.VIII), as well as hematocrit (HCT), platelets number (PLT), total plasma protein (TP), and albumin (ALB), were studied on fifty-eight congestive heart failure (CHF) dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD) and fifty control dogs. All of variables of MVD group, except APTT, were significantly different (P < 0.5) from control group. The variables were also compared among functional classes of CHF dogs and control dogs. It was determined that the higher the functional class of CHF dogs was, the greater the levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer were, whereas the lesser the activities of AT III and PC were presented. Additionally, TP had linear correlation with fibrinogen, D-dimer, HCT, and PLT (r = 0.31, 0.30, 0.43, and 0.38, resp., P < 0.5). These findings suggested that fibrinogen and D-dimer were the factors predisposing hypercoagulability through an increase in blood viscosity. The hemorheological abnormalities would shift an overall hemostatic balance toward a more thrombotic state in CHF dogs with MVD.

Spontaneous hepatic haematoma in a cat

A male 2.5-year-old American short hair cat was admitted to the animal hospital with the primary complaints of abdominal distension and depression for several days. Ultrasound revealed a large hypoechoic cavity with a well demarcated thin wall on a liver lobe. On exploratory laparotomy, a hepatic haematoma was observed. Subsequently, hepatic lobectomy was performed. Histologically, an eosinophilic substance stained with Congo red was deposited in the cyst wall which showed an optical property of apple green birefringence under polarized light. Based on immunohistochemical staining, amyloid A was diagnosed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a spontaneous hepatic haematoma with an amyloid A deposition in a cat.

Alteration of some natural anticoagulants in dogs with chronic renal failure

The diagnosis of hypercoagulation is essential for the identification of individuals at high risk for thrombosis and for early treatment of thrombotic disorder. The objective of the study was to evaluate some parameters for assessing the prothrombotic state in dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF). Some natural anticoagulants, protein C (PC), protein S (PS), and antithrombin III (AT III), as well as fibrinogen concentration and clinical chemistries, were concentrated. The study groups consisted of 42 dogs with CRF and 34 age- and sex-matched clinically healthy control dogs. The level of AT III in the CRF group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), but the fibrinogen concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the control group. Additionally, the cholesterol level in the CRF group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05) and was positively correlated to creatinine (R = 0.5, P < 0.05). Elevated levels of PC and PS were exhibited in eight dogs with subcutaneous edema. The increased levels of PC and PS may counterbalance the reduction of AT III and may be related to the magnitude of hypoalbuminemia and proteinuria. These seem to be preventive mechanisms against thromboembolic phenomena. Simple correlations among parameters were determined for the CRF group. The fibrinogen concentration was correlated inversely with the AT III level (R = −0.63, P < 0.05). A negative correlation between AT III and azotemic parameters (creatinine: R = −0.68, P < 0.05; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): R = −0.65, P < 0.05) was observed also. In contrast, the fibrinogen concentration was positively correlated to creatinine (R = 0.66, P < 0.05) and BUN (R = 0.67, P < 0.05). The study concluded that there was a significant reduction in AT III and hyperfibrinogenemia, which were predictable parameters for thrombotic tendency in the dogs with CRF. Hypercholesterolemia was the other risk factor.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a dog with acute monoblastic leukemia

A 10-year-old, female, mixed breed dog was admitted to the animal hospital with signs of jaundice, pigmenturia, depression, and splenomegaly. Hematology revealed non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia with numerous spherocytes, and a few undifferentiated blasts on a blood smear. A bone marrow examination indicated high M:E ratio with increased number of leukemic cells. Based on cytochemistry and protein electrophoresis, the patient was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia with acute monoblastic leukemia.