In our diagnostic challenges, we present cases seen by Cornell University’s Clinical Pathology Laboratory. These cover the gamut of venous blood smears, cytologic specimens and result (CBC, chemistry) interpretation, including those pesky erroneous results (usually due to preanalytical errors). A new case will be presented 4-6 times a year. Test yourself with the questions and […]
Diagnostic challenge Read More »
Tracheal wash aspirate from a 4 month old foal Case Information A 4-month-old Standardbred filly was presented to Cornell University’s Nemo Farm Animal Hospital for a recheck of right carpal valgus, which was diagnosed a month prior at Cornell. The owners had chosen to treat the angular limb deformity with corrective shoeing. Upon physical
Aspirate of a subconjunctival mass in a dog Case Information A 10-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for a medial subconjunctival extraocular mass of the left eye. The mass was first noted approximately 3 months prior to presentation, when the owners observed hyperemia and serous
Fever of unknown origin in a 7-month-old cat Case Information A 6 lb intact male Domestic Medium hair cat estimated to be 7 months old was presented to Cornell’s Emergency Service with an acute onset of lethargy. The cat was one of the kittens born in a window well at the owner’s house and
Liver aspirate from a 2 year old cat Case Information A 2 year old spayed female domestic longhair cat presented for evaluation of chronic upper respiratory disease. The cat was depressed but not inappetent. Increased activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, 966 U/L, reference interval, 28-109 U/L) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP, 111 U/L, reference interval,
Clinical pathologic results from a puppy Case Information A 15-week-old female Maltese puppy weighing 1.5 kg was presented to the primary care veterinarian with a one day history of lethargy and vomiting. The puppy was purchased from a breeder 6 weeks prior and had received vaccinations for Bordetella vaccine and distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus
Venous blood smear from a horse Case Information A 2-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was presented to the primary veterinarian for a 1-month history of progressive lethargy and decreased performance. The horse had no prior health issues. The primary veterinarian performed bloodwork, which revealed pancytopenia and the horse was subsequently referred to the Equine and Food
Peritoneal fluid from a dog Case Information An 11 year-old, female spayed, mixed breed dog was presented to Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) for a suspected septic peritonitis. The patient had been seen for repeated visits by the referring veterinarian (RDVM), over a 4 day period, for persistent and progressive lethargy, discomfort, and anorexia.
Blood from a Holstein cow Case Information A 9 year old Holstein dairy cow that was in 7 months of gestation was presented to the Cornell University Equine and Farm Animal Hospital Large Animal Medicine Service for evaluation of an acute onset of anemia. The cow had a ten day history of mild diarrhea and
Cerebrospinal fluid from a dog Case Information A 1-year-old intact male Keeshond was presented to the Emergency Service in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) with persistent fever and neck or spinal pain of three weeks duration. The dog had shown reluctance to walk up or down stairs or jump on or off furniture.
Skin mass in a young dog Case Information A 1-year-old male Great Dane was presented for continued monitoring of a previously diagnosed rare immune-mediated skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita, which is characterized by the formation of subepidermal blisters.1 The patient was doing well and remission of the immune-mediated disease was maintained with cyclosporine and
eClinpath helped 1.2 million visitors last year from 220 countries find important information on animal health. If you enjoy the site, please support our mission and consider a small gift to help us keep pace with its rapid growth. You can donate securely via PayPal or credit card. Thank you!
