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Background: Thrombocytosis has been associated with various conditions, including inflammation, neoplasia, iron deficiency, splenectomy, and drug administration. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize diseases and conditions associated with thrombocytosis in dogs. Methods: In this retrospective study, dogs with thrombocytosis (platelet count > 600 9 10 3 /lL) and complete medical records during a 1-year period were included, and breed, sex, age, CBC results, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities in some dogs, administration of glucocorticoids or vincristine, and primary diagnosis were evaluated. Results: Thrombocytosis was found in 240 of 5342 dogs (4.6%), and 165 (3.1%) met inclusion criteria. Thrombocytosis was secondary in all dogs, and underlying diseases and conditions (n,%) were neoplasia (56, 33.9%), inflammation (55, 33.3%), miscellaneous disorders (26, 15.8%), neoplasia plus a second disease (13, 7.9%), endocrine diseases (8, 4.8%), and multiple diseases (7, 4.2%). In dogs with neoplasia, carcinomas (24) and round cell neoplasms (20), especially lymphoma and mast cell tumor, were the most frequent tumors. Inflammatory disorders consisted of immunemediated disorders (11), neurologic diseases (8), infectious diseases (6), allergic disease (5), orthopedic diseases (4), gastrointestinal diseases (4), and miscellaneous conditions (17). Of the 165 dogs, 73 (44.2%) had received glucocorticoids (55) or vincristine (18) Marked (850-969 9 10 3 platelets/lL) or extreme ( 970 9 10 3 platelets/lL) thrombocytosis occurred in 24 (14.5%) dogs; 12 (50.0%) had neoplasia. Thromboembolism occurred in 13 (7.9%) dogs. Conclusions: Thrombocytosis in dogs occurred most frequently secondary to neoplastic and inflammatory diseases and was commonly associated with glucocorticoid and vincristine administration. Thromboembolic complications occurred in a small number of patients. Marked or extreme thrombocytosis was more likely to occur with neoplasia than with other conditions.

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Virtual microscopy (VM) uses a computer to view digitized slides and is comparable to using a microscope to view glass slides. This technology has been assessed in human medical education for teaching histology and histopathology, but, to the authors' knowledge, no one has evaluated its use in teaching cytopathology in veterinary medical education. We hypothesize that students will respond positively to the use of VM for viewing cytopathology preparations and that the technology can be successfully used for student assessment. To test this hypothesis, we surveyed students regarding their level of satisfaction with features of the VM system, their preference for use of VM in the curriculum, and the potential influence virtual slides may have on student study habits; student performance on a traditional cytopathology practical examination and a similar exam using VM was evaluated. Our results show that student perception of the VM system is generally very positive, with some concerns about resolution and the need for continued exposure to traditional microscopy. Within the curriculum, students indicated a preference for the option of using virtual slides for studying and take-home exercises. Overwhelmingly, students wanted either hybrid laboratory sessions or sessions using glass slides with virtual slides available for study and review. Students identified many VM test-taking features as advantageous compared with traditional glass-slide practical exams as traditionally administered. However, students indicated a strong preference for continued use of traditional microscopy for graded practical exams. Students may be more likely to study slides in preparation for practical examinations if virtual slides are available. Results also indicate that VM can be used successfully for assessment purposes, but students should receive training in using virtual slides if the technology will be used for assessment.