Blood and bone marrow smears from 49 dogs and cats, believed to have myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), were examined by a panel of 10 clinical pathologists to develop proposals for classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in these species. French-American-British (FAB) group and National Cancer Institute (NCI) workshop definitions and criteria developed for classification of AML in humans were adapted. Major modifications entailed revision of definitions of blast cells as applied to the dog and cat, broadening the scope of leukemia classification, and making provisions for differentiating erythremic myelosis and undifferentiated MPD. A consensus cytomorphologic diagnosis was reached in 39 (79.6%) cases comprising 26 of AML, 10 of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and 3 of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Diagnostic concordance for these diseases varied from 60 to 81% (mean 73.3 +/- 7.1%) and interobserver agreement ranged from 51.3 to 84.6% (mean 73.1 +/- 9.3%). Various subtypes of AML identified included Ml, M2, M4, M5a, M5b, and M6. Acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) was recognized as a specific entity. M3 was not encountered, but this subclass was retained as a diagnostic possibility. The designations M6Er and MDS-Er were introduced where the suffix "Er" indicated preponderance of erythroid component. Chief hematologic abnormalities included circulating blast cells in 98% of the cases, with 36.7% cases having>30% blast cells, and thrombocytopenia and anemia in approximately 86 to 88% of the cases. Bone marrow examination revealed panmyeloid dysplastic changes, particularly variable numbers of megaloblastoid rubriblasts and rubricytes in all AML subtypes and increased numbers of eosinophils in MDS. Cytochemical patterns of neutrophilic markers were evident in most cases of Ml and M2, while monocytic markers were primarily seen in M5a and M5b cases. It is proposed that well-prepared, Romanowsky-stained blood and bone marrow smears should be examined to determine blast cell types and percentages for cytomorphologic diagnosis of AML. Carefully selected areas of stained films presenting adequate cellular details should be used to count a minimum of 200 cells. In cases with borderline diagnosis, at least 500 cells should be counted. The identity of blast cells should be ascertained using appropriate cytochemical markers of neutrophilic, monocytic, and megakaryocytic differentiation. A blast cell count of > 30% in blood and/or bone marrow indicates AML or AUL, while a count of < 30% blasts in bone marrow suggests MDS, chronic myeloid leukemias, or even a leukemoid reaction. Myeloblasts, monoblasts, and megakaryoblasts comprise the blast cell count. The FAB approach with additional criteria should be used to distinguish AUL and various subtypes of AML (Ml to M7 and M6Er) and to differentiate MDS, MDS-ER, chronic myeloid leukemias, and leukemoid reaction. Bone marrow core biopsy and electron microscopy may be required to confirm the specific diagnosis. Immunophenotyping with lineage specific antibodies is i...

An immune-mediated pathogenesis should be considered in dogs with severe, nonregenerative anemia, normal WBC and platelet counts, hyperferremia, mild clinical signs, and no evidence of underlying disease. Bone marrow findings range from the rare PRCA to erythroid hyperplasia. Myelofibrosis is often detected in affected dogs and may prevent bone marrow aspiration.

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Abstract. Bovine mastitis phases induced by Staphylococcus aureus were assessed in 6 lactating cows before challenge and at 1, 4-8, and 9-14 days postinoculation (dpi). Milk lymphocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) were counted by conventional (manual) cytology, identified by CD3ϩ and CD11bϩ immunofluorescence and counted by flow cytometry (based on leukocyte forward and side light scatter values). Somatic cell counts (SCC) and recovery of bacteria were recorded at the same times. Preinoculation samples showed a lymphocyte-dominated composition. At 1 dpi, the percentage of PMN increased and that of lymphocytes decreased. At 4-8 dpi, PMN were predominant, but the percentage of mononuclear cells increased above that at 1 dpi and further increased by 9-14 dpi (when lymphocytes approached prechallenge values). Based on leukocyte percentages, 3 indices were created from the data: 1) the PMN/lymphocyte percentage ratio (PMN/L), 2) the PMN/macrophage percentage ratio (PMN/M), and 3) the phagocyte (PMN and macrophage)/ lymphocyte percentage ratio (Phago/L). Significant correlations were found between cytologic and flow cytometric data in all of these indicators (all with P Յ 0.01). These indices identified nonmastitic, early inflammatory (1-8 dpi), and late inflammatory (9-14 dpi) animals. In contrast, SCC and bacteriology did not. Although sensitivity of the SCC was similar to that of Phago/L, the specificity of SCC was almost half that of the Phago/ L index. Based on flow cytometry indicators, an algorithm for presumptive diagnosis of bovine mastitis was developed. Flow cytometry provides results as valid as those obtained by conventional (manual) cytology, shows greater ability to identify mastitic cases than does SCC, and may identify 3 mammary gland healthrelated conditions.Infectious bovine mastitis is a major health problem of dairy cattle that results in decreased milk production and decreased milk quality. Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen associated with this disease. 18 Identification of bovine mastitis has historically been based on counting of all cells present in milk (leukocytes and epithelial cells), i.e., somatic cell counts (SCC). Counts Ͼ500,000 cells/ml are usually associated with bovine mastitis, which results in reduced milk production and reduced shelf life of dairy products. 8,32 The reduction of bovine mastitis prevalence is a major goal of the dairy industry throughout the world. To achieve this goal, most countries ban from the market milk with SCC Ͼ 500,000 cells/ml or charge fees for milk deliveries that approach that figure (Booth JM: 1996, Annu Meet Natl Mastitis Counc).In spite of these policies, it is questionable whether measures based on lower SCC will result in decreased prevalence of bovine mastitis. Although high SCC (Ͼ1 ϫ 10 6 cells/ml) is regarded as an accurate indicator of bovine mastitis, both mastitic and healthy cows can yield SCC below that figure. 25 Low SCC may also be associated with milk of poor industrial value. 8 The SCC is a quanti...

The vascular and stromal arrangements of the red pulp in congested and contracted dog spleens were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Each dog had been injected intravenously with Thorotrast to label actively endocytizing cells. Only macrophages ingested Thorotrast. The proximal portion of each arterial capillary was surrounded by a "periarterial macrophage sheath" (PAMS), a term we introduce to replace the term "ellipsoid". PAMS were composed of a fine meshwork of reticular cells and reticular fibers which held tightly-packed macrophages and interspersed blood cells. These macrophages, as well as those in the reticular meshwork of red pulp, contained Thorotrast, cell debris, and deposits of hemosiderin. The arterial capillary at the center of each PAMS was formed by parallel, rod-shaped endothelial cells and discontinuous layers of basement membrane and reticular-cell cytoplasm. PAMS were tapered at their distal ends; the terminal portion of the arterial capillary continued beyond the PAMS to end in the reticular meshwork of red pulp. Endothelial cells in the terminal arterial capillaries were separated by gaps through which blood cells passed into the spaces of the reticular meshwork of red pulp. The reticular meshwork was formed by reticular cells which appeared to be specialized for contraction. These cells were filled with thin filaments and possessed plasmalemmal dense bodies as found in smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the reticular meshwork was innervated by unmyelinated adrenergic axons which probably were derived from nerves that followed arterioles. Axons were enclosed in surface invaginations of cells which were similar to reticular cells in shape and cytologic detail and which we called "axon-bearing reticular cells". Axon-bearing reticular cells were inserted between the branches of the reticular cells that formed the meshwork. Venous sinuses formed an anastomosing system of vessels draining into pulp veins which then joined trabecular veins. Sinuses were formed by parallel, rod-shaped endothelial cells encircled by strands of basement membrane and reticular-cell branches. Endothelial cells lay closely side by side except where interendothelial slits were opened by blood cells passing into the lumen or by pseudopodia of macrophages which lay outside the sinus. Cell traffic across the sinus wall was greatest in areas where blood cells were mixed with plasma. Congested spleens stored concentrated red cells in both sinuses and the reticular meshwork; contracted spleens were emptied of blood. The reticular meshwork may contract to assist trabecular and capsular smooth muscle in expelling stored red cells and effecting hemoconcentration.

Serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was consistently increased in dogs with canine X-linked muscular dystrophy (CXMD), a primary myopathy characterized by profound and on-going skeletal muscle necrosis. In order to determine whether the ALT was of liver origin, serum activity of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) obtained from dystrophic dogs was compared with enzyme activity present in clinically normal dogs. In dystrophic dogs at all ages tested, serum activity of CK, AST, and ALT was increased, and significant increases were present in dogs four weeks or older. In contrast, SDH activity in dystrophic dogs was not statistically different from values in clinically normal dogs. Ultrastructural examination of liver tissue revealed no evidence of hepatic degeneration in dystrophic dogs. It was concluded that increased serum activity of ALT in the dog may be associated with severe skeletal muscle degeneration, without concurrent hepatocellular necrosis.

Morphologic and biologic features of five feline granulated round cell tumours were compared with those previously reported to be of globule leukocyte and large granular lymphocyte origin. The five cats ranged from 6 to 9 years of age and presented with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs. Four of the five cats were tested for feline leukemia virus and were negative by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The neoplastic process involved the abdominal cavity in all cases, with a predilection for the distal small intestine and mesentery. The liver and peripheral and thoracic lymphoid tissues were also sporadically affected. Neoplastic round cells contained 0.5-1.5-microns eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules that were difficult to discern on causal observation with hematoxylin and eosin stain but were deep blue and easily visualized when stained with phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin. In two cases, epithelium in the affected ileum and liver contained unusually large numbers of apparently normal globule leukocytes. Ultrastructurally, the tumor granules tended to cluster at one nuclear pole and were spindle to round in shape with variably dense contents. Some granules contained a dense "cap" at one end or internal crystalloid bars that distorted the granule membrane. The tumors reported herein are similar to all three of the previously reported feline granulated round cell tumors and probably have a common cellular origin.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was diagnosed in two horses: an 18-year-old Quarter Horse gelding that was examined because of edema of the prepuce and ventral abdomen; and a 20-year-old mixed breed gelding that was referred because of lymphocytosis, ventral edema, and weight loss. The first horse had enlarged peripheral lymph nodes and cool nonpainful pitting edema of the ventral abdomen and prepuce. The second horse had enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, cool nonpainful pitting edema of the ventral thorax and cranial ventral abdomen, and a 3/5 holosystolic heart murmur. The diagnosis of CLL was based on increased blood lymphocyte counts and infiltration of marrow and other tissues by lymphocytes. In horse 1, the lymphocytosis persisted for 2 months between initial examination and death. The results of flow cytometric analysis on blood lymphocytes using anti-lymphocyte antibodies suggested that horse 1 had T-cell CLL, and horse 2 had B-cell CLL. In addition, the second horse had a monoclonal gammopathy (IgC), with light-chain proteinuria. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1992; 6: [225][226][227][228][229]