Diagnostic challenge

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 […]

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Case #5 2024

Aspirate of an esophageal nodule in a 1 year old dog   Case Information A 1 year old neutered male Great Pyrenees mix was referred to Cornell University with a bicavity (pleural and peritoneal) effusion that was diagnosed by the referring veterinarian. The dog had a three week history of inappetence after a dietary change.

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Case #4 2024

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

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Case #3 2024

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

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Case #2 2024

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

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2019 Case #7

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,

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Case #1 2024

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

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2023 Case #5

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

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2023 Case #4

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.

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2023 Case #2

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.

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