Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2023) | Viewed by 29659

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Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43100 Karditsa, Greece
Interests: clinical pathology; diagnostics; vector-borne diseases
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Guest Editor
Assistant Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1265 H.C Morgan Dr, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Interests: clinical pathology; hematology; cytopathology; platelet physiology; inflammation; immunology; mesenchymal stem cells

Special Issue Information

Dear colleague,

 Diagnostic investigation expands across a wide range of modalities including biochemistry, hematology, acid-base balance, endocrinology, blood smear evaluation, and cytology.

Traditionally, laboratory diagnostics for veterinary pathogens have relied on methods of detecting the pathogen by culture or serology. Over the years, new molecular diagnostic techniques have been incorporated into the veterinary laboratory, and older techniques have been optimized for the rapid and specific diagnosis of animal disease, which is crucial for differ ential diagnosis and successful patient management.

The aim of this Special Issue is: a) to offer a resource of current and advanced topics and developments in the field of veterinary clinical pathology, hematology, clinical chemistry, cytopathology and experimental studies that focus in clinical pathology and b) to provide current and novel approaches for the diagnosis of infectious agents.

Dr. Labrini V. Athanasiou
Dr. Maria C. Naskou
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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14 pages, 5301 KiB  
Article
Hepatic Coccidiosis in Wild Rabbits in Greece: Parasite Detection on Liver Imprints and the Associated Biochemical Profile
by Labrini V. Athanasiou, Constantina N. Tsokana, Dimitrios Doukas, Maria C. Kantere, Panagiotis D. Katsoulos, Georgios I. Papakonstantinou, Eleni G. Katsogiannou and Anna Dedousi
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(4), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10040248 - 26 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2565
Abstract
(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae, is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria stiedae, is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of E. stiedae infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers. (2) Methods: We used liver impression smears to detect the coccidian oocysts, and we defined the liver biochemical profile of the infected individuals. (3) Results: Overall, 13.3% of the liver imprints examined were positive for the presence of coccidial oocysts. The activities of liver enzymes, that is, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamyltransferase (GGT), as well as globulins (GLOB), were increased while the concentrations of albumins (ALB), total proteins (TP) and the albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio were decreased in the infected individuals compared to the non-infected ones. (4) Conclusions: This study adds to the current knowledge on the pathogens affecting wild rabbits and those circulating in this population on the island of Lemnos, Greece. Moreover, we showed that E. stiedae infection exerts pathological effects on the hepatocyte integrity and liver function of wild rabbits, as reflected by the abnormal values of liver injury and dysfunction biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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9 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
The Prognostic Utility of Venous Blood Gas Analyses at Presentation in Cats with Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
by Akiyoshi Tani, Ryohei Suzuki, Satoshi Matsukata, Atsushi Nakamura and Takaomi Nuruki
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(3), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10030232 - 19 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2588
Abstract
Cats urgently visit emergency hospitals due to respiratory distress, and the chief cause is cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). Although cats with CPE were frequently encountered in clinics, the prognostic factors were poorly reported. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the [...] Read more.
Cats urgently visit emergency hospitals due to respiratory distress, and the chief cause is cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE). Although cats with CPE were frequently encountered in clinics, the prognostic factors were poorly reported. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of physical examination and venous blood gas parameters with the survival of cats with CPE in an emergency hospital. Thirty-six cats with CPE were ultimately included in the present study, and eight of them died within 12 h after their presentation to our hospital. Statistical analyses of clinical parameters between cats that died within 12 h and those that survived for 12 h were conducted using Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction. Cats that died within 12 h had significantly lower rectal temperatures and higher PvCO2 than those that did not die within 12 h. Moreover, hypotension and vasoconstrictor use were related to death within 12 h of presentation and higher PvCO2. These findings indicated the prognostic utility of body temperature and PvCO2, and the association between hypercapnia and the severity of CPE or hypotension. A large number of prospective studies should be performed to validate these results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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11 pages, 283 KiB  
Article
Association of Paraoxonase-1 and NT-proBNP with Clinical, Clinico-Pathologic and Echocardiographic Variables in Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease
by Diana Rammal, Christos K. Koutinas, Labrini V. Athanasiou, Melpomeni Tangalidi, Camila P. Rubio, José J. Cerón, Androniki Tamvakis, Michael N. Patsikas and Zoe S. Polizopoulou
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010033 - 1 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2287
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to measure the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and N-terminal-prohormone-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in the serum of dogs with degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), in order to identify their association with the clinical stage and specific clinico-pathologic [...] Read more.
The objective of the present study was to measure the concentration of Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and N-terminal-prohormone-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in the serum of dogs with degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), in order to identify their association with the clinical stage and specific clinico-pathologic and echocardiographic findings.Eighty dogs diagnosed with MVD and staged according to the ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) consensus statement (B1, B2, C and D), based on their clinical, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, were included in the study. NT-proBNP was measured only in stage B1 and B2 dogs. Clinical stage did not have a significant effect on PON-1 concentrations (p = 0.149), but NT-proBNP levels were lower in B1 dogs (p = 0.001). A significant correlation between PON-1 and total plasma proteins (p = 0.001), albumin (p = 0.003) and white blood cell count (p = 0.041) was detected, whereas there was no significant correlation (p = 0.847) between PON-1 and NT-proBNP concentrations. PON-1 showed a significant but weak negative correlation with normalized left ventricular internal diameter at diastole (LVIDdn) (p = 0.022) and systole (LVIDsn) (p = 0.012), as well as mitral valve E to A wave velocity ratio (MV E/A) (p = 0.015), but not with Left Atrial to Aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) (p = 0.892) or fractional shortening (FS%) (p = 0.944). PON-1 seems to be an insensitive marker of clinical stage and disease severity in MVD, but can be indicative of some clinico-pathological and echocardiographic changes. NT-proBNP changes are independent of oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
12 pages, 5885 KiB  
Article
Effects of Continuous LPS Induction on Oxidative Stress and Liver Injury in Weaned Piglets
by Yunxiao Zhou, Xiaofen Hu, Shengwei Zhong, Wanting Yu, Jue Wang, Wenlu Zhu, Tingyu Yang, Guotong Zhao, Yijie Jiang and Yong Li
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010022 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Due to imperfections in their immune and digestive systems, weaned piglets are susceptible to invasions of the external environment and diseases, especially bacterial infections, which lead to slow growth, tissue damage, and even the death of piglets. Here, a model of weaned piglets [...] Read more.
Due to imperfections in their immune and digestive systems, weaned piglets are susceptible to invasions of the external environment and diseases, especially bacterial infections, which lead to slow growth, tissue damage, and even the death of piglets. Here, a model of weaned piglets induced by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established to explore the effects of continuous low-dose LPS induction on the mechanism of liver injury. A total of forty-eight healthy 28-day-old weaned piglets (weight = 6.65 ± 1.19 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: the CON group and LPS group. During the experimental period of thirteen days, the LPS group was injected intraperitoneally with LPS (100 μg/kg) once per day, and the CON group was treated with the same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution. On the 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th days, the serum and liver of the piglets were collected for the determination of serum biochemical indexes, an antioxidant capacity evaluation, and histopathological examinations. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of the TLR4 pathway and inflammatory cytokines were detected. The results showed that the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum increased after LPS induction. The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum and liver homogenate of the LPS group were lower than those of the CON group, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver of the LPS group were higher than those in the CON group. At the same time, morphological impairment of the livers occurred, including hepatocyte caryolysis, hepatocyte vacuolization, karyopycnosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were upregulated in the livers after LPS induction. The above results were more obvious on the 1st and 5th days of LPS induction, while the trend during the later period was not significant. It was concluded that the oxidative stress and liver injury occurred at the early stage of LPS induction, while the liver damage weakened at the later stage. The weaned piglets probably gradually developed tolerance to the endotoxin after the continuous low-dose induction of LPS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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11 pages, 1162 KiB  
Article
Serial Measurement of Serum Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity, Feline Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity, and Cobalamin Concentrations in Kittens
by Evangelia M. Stavroulaki, Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki, Manolis N. Saridomichelakis, Jörg M. Steiner, Jonathan A. Lidbury and Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090469 - 31 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2201
Abstract
Serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI), and cobalamin are commonly used for the diagnostic investigation of cats with gastrointestinal signs. No information on these parameters in healthy cats less than 1 year of age exists. We aimed [...] Read more.
Serum concentrations of feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI), and cobalamin are commonly used for the diagnostic investigation of cats with gastrointestinal signs. No information on these parameters in healthy cats less than 1 year of age exists. We aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI, and cobalamin in healthy cats at different time-points during their first 12 months of life. Fourteen healthy 2-month-old kittens were included. Blood was collected at 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months of age, and serum concentrations of fPLI, fTLI, and cobalamin were measured. While there was a statistically significant difference in serum fPLI concentrations over time, there was no statistically significant difference between individual time-points. There was no significant difference in serum fTLI concentrations over time. Serum cobalamin concentrations were below the reference interval in 3/13 cats at 2 months of age and were significantly lower by 3 months, when 13/14 had hypocobalaminemia. By 12 months, serum cobalamin had significantly increased, yet 4/12 cats still had hypocobalaminemia. Serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations did not show any statistically or clinically significant differences in young kittens. In contrast, serum cobalamin concentrations were commonly below the reference interval in kittens. Serum fPLI and fTLI concentrations are not practically affected by age in kittens as young as 2 months of age and could be used for the investigation of pancreatic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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14 pages, 790 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Bartonella spp. and Haemoplasma Infections in Cats from Greece
by Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki, Manolis N. Saridomichelakis, Vassilis Skampardonis, Antonia Mataragka, John Ikonomopoulos, Leonidas Leontides, Mathios E. Mylonakis, Joerg M. Steiner, Jan S. Suchodolski and Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(7), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9070337 - 3 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2658
Abstract
Bartonellosis and haemoplasmosis are vector-borne diseases with global impact on the health of domestic cats and of zoonotic importance. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects of various populations of cats infected with Bartonella spp. or haemoplasma species. The [...] Read more.
Bartonellosis and haemoplasmosis are vector-borne diseases with global impact on the health of domestic cats and of zoonotic importance. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological aspects of various populations of cats infected with Bartonella spp. or haemoplasma species. The populations evaluated included client-owned cats, stray cats and cats that live in breeding catteries in Greece. A total of 452 cats were prospectively enrolled into the study. A commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testkit was used for the detection of Bartonella henselae IgG antibodies in serum. PCRs for the detection of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species DNA in the blood were also performed in a subgroup of 242 of the 452 cats. Risk factors for B. henselae seropositivity and infection with the haemoplasma species were determined using multivariable analysis. Overall, 160 (35.4%) of the 452 cats were seropositive for B. henselae. Seven (2.9%) and 46 (19%) of the 242 cats were PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species, respectively. The factors associated with B. henselae seropositivity, based on multivariate analysis, included older age, outdoor access, living region and flea infestation. Non-administration of ectoparasiticides was associated with haemoplasma species infection. This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for B. henselae and a relatively high prevalence of infection with haemoplasma species. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma species infections, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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13 pages, 2889 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Turkey Poults: Assessment of Biochemical Parameters and Histopathological Changes
by Mohamed F. Abou Elazab, Nasr E. Nasr, Mohamed S. Ahmed, Barakat M. Alrashdi, Naief Dahran, Mohamed A. Alblihed and Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050240 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3029
Abstract
A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large molecule and an outer membrane glycolipid found in Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli). These molecules (LPS) target acute inflammatory responses and significant physiological changes. Importantly, E. coli is considered one of the most [...] Read more.
A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a large molecule and an outer membrane glycolipid found in Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli). These molecules (LPS) target acute inflammatory responses and significant physiological changes. Importantly, E. coli is considered one of the most important bacterial causes of avian colibacillosis that affect domestic turkey industry. However, little information is available about the potential influence of LPS on the biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in turkey poults. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules on serum biomarkers and histopathological changes in turkey poults. The birds were randomly divided into five groups, as follows: group I did not receive any inoculation; group II was inoculated with sterile saline; and groups III, IV, and V were inoculated intraperitoneally with LPS at 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg of body weight (BW), respectively. The biochemical parameters and the histopathology of different organs were examined in all birds one day post-inoculation. Our results revealed hypolipidemia, hypoglycemia, a significant decrease in uric acid, and a significant increase in serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK), as well as cardiac troponin T concentrations in treated groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in α1-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations and a decrease in albumin and α2-globulin concentrations in group V. However, a significant increase in α2- and γ-globulin levels and a decrease in albumin levels were detected in groups III and IV. In addition, significant decreases in the albumin/globulin ratio were recorded in all LPS-treated groups. Hepatocellular and cardiac muscle necrosis, slight renal changes, and massive pulmonary inflammatory reactions were recorded. This study provides valuable information about serum biomarkers, protein fractions, and histopathological changes in turkey poults treated with LPS for further investigations of pathophysiological mechanisms in avian medicine along with biomedical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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9 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Impact of Acute Blood Loss on Clinical, Hematological, Biochemical, and Oxidative Stress Variables in Sheep
by Rejane Santos Sousa, Caroline Santos Sousa, Francisco Leonardo Costa Oliveira, Paulo Ricardo Firmino, Isadora Karolina Freitas Sousa, Valeria Veras Paula, Nohora Mercado Caruso, Enrico Lippi Ortolani, Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino and Raimundo Alves Barrêto-Júnior
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050229 - 11 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3445
Abstract
Blood loss in sheep can have different causes and may result in anemia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations and the oxidative stress generated by acute blood loss. Eighteen healthy sheep underwent phlebotomy to remove 40% of the blood [...] Read more.
Blood loss in sheep can have different causes and may result in anemia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations and the oxidative stress generated by acute blood loss. Eighteen healthy sheep underwent phlebotomy to remove 40% of the blood volume and were evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests for clinical, biochemical, and blood gas variables and to assess oxidative stress before induction (T0), 30 min (T30 min), and 6 (T6 h), 12 (T12 h), and 24 h (T24 h) after blood loss. The sheep showed tachycardia from T30 min until T24 h, reduction in the hematocrit, number of erythrocytes, and hemoglobin concentration, with lower values at T24 h and increase in the number of leukocytes from T12 h on. There was a reduction in blood pH and oxygen pressure at T30 min, increased lactate concentration and reduced blood bicarbonate at this time. There was an increase in urea concentration from T6 h until the end of the study, with no change in creatinine levels. The animals did not show changes in the concentration of malonaldehyde, and in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, but there was a reduction in the concentration of reduced glutathione at T24 h. The acute loss of 40% of blood volume is capable of promoting relevant clinical, hematological, blood gas, and biochemical alterations, and contributed to the appearance of oxidative stress with reduced glutathione concentration, suggesting that this process generated free radicals in sufficient quantity to diminish the action of antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
9 pages, 456 KiB  
Article
Comparison of a Chromogenic Urine Culture Plate System (UTid+) and Conventional Urine Culture for Canine and Feline Specimens
by Stephen D. Cole, Maya Swiderski, Jaclyn Dietrich and Kathryn M. McGonigle
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030138 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3107
Abstract
In companion animal medicine, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common indications for antimicrobial therapy. Definitive diagnosis of UTI requires isolation of bacteria with routine urine culture from an animal with concurrent clinical signs. Urine culture is typically performed at [...] Read more.
In companion animal medicine, urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common indications for antimicrobial therapy. Definitive diagnosis of UTI requires isolation of bacteria with routine urine culture from an animal with concurrent clinical signs. Urine culture is typically performed at reference laboratories where paired susceptibility testing can be performed, but delays in shipment or processing can affect results. This study evaluated the use of a selective chromogenic, point-of-care culture system (UTid+) compared to conventional urine culture. A total of 119 (73 canine and 46 feline) cystocentesis urine samples were evaluated. Conventional urine culture was positive for 28 (23.5%) of the 119 cultures and UTid+ culture was positive for 26 (21.8%). The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 92.3%, 97.8%, 92.3%, 97.8 and 96.6% for UTid+ respectively. Overall, the UTid+ culture system showed an acceptable level of accuracy when compared to conventional urine culture. Agreement of identification results was high (κ = 0.90) with an important exception being Proteus spp. which was only identified in 1/3 positive cultures. UTid+ may be useful in scenarios where a common UTI pathogen is expected and identification within 24 h is ideal; however, conventional urine culture remains the gold standard. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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8 pages, 410 KiB  
Brief Report
Comparative Evaluation between Visual and Automated Dipstick Urinalyses in Dogs
by Erasmia D. Smyroglou, Labrini V. Athanasiou, Rania D. Baka and Zoe S. Polizopoulou
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(4), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10040284 - 10 Apr 2023
Viewed by 2534
Abstract
Urine test strips are commercially available and can be assessed with semi-automated analyzers or by visual assessment. This study aimed to compare the visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. One hundred and nineteen urine samples were evaluated. Automated [...] Read more.
Urine test strips are commercially available and can be assessed with semi-automated analyzers or by visual assessment. This study aimed to compare the visual and automated evaluations of dipstick variables in canine urine samples. One hundred and nineteen urine samples were evaluated. Automated analysis was performed on a veterinary urine analyzer URIT-50Vet (URIT Medical Electronic) with UC VET13 Plus strips. Multistix 10 SG dipsticks (Siemens Healthcare GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) were used for visual evaluation, along with a refractometer (Clinical Refractometer Atago T2-Ne, Atago Co., Tokyo, Japan) for urine specific gravity measurements. A linear relationship was observed between the pH measurements (p = 0.2) of the two methods; the Passing–Bablok procedure was valid since neither proportional nor systematic significant errors were observed. Comparing the two methods, the correlation for urine specific gravity was poor (p = 0.01, CI 0.667–1.000). Moderate agreement was demonstrated for proteins (κ = 0.431), bilirubin (κ = 0.434) and glucose (κ = 0.450). Agreement was substantial for blood (κ = 0.620) and poor for leukocytes (κ = 0.100). Poor agreement was observed for ketones (κ = −0.006). Apart from the pH analysis, visual and automated dipstick urinalyses should not be used interchangeably. Multiple urine samples obtained from the same dog during the day should be evaluated using the same method to overcome erroneous results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Research)
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