Peritoneal fluid from an alpaca Case information A 6 year old female alpaca presented to the Cornell University Large Animal Hospital with a history of recumbency, anorexia, and dull mentation. Initial physical examination and diagnostic testing showed the animal was dehydrated and had clinical signs consistent with a proximal intestinal obstruction (decreased fecal output, significantly distended third gastric […]

Tracheal wash from a horse Case information An 8 year old Morgan gelding presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals with a 3 week history of serohemorrhagic skin lesions and a 1 week history of a progressively worsening cough. The horse had also recently lost 100 lb. On physical examination, multifocal oozing lesions were present on the

Joint aspirate from a tortoise Case information: An approximately 18 month old, male Hermann’s tortoise presented for raspy breathing, exuberant, pink tissue over the eyes and being less active than normal. On physical examination the tortoise was small for his age, had increased respiratory rate and effort, was 5% dehydrated and would not open his

Biochemical results from a vomiting dog Case information: A 2 year-old male castrated Cane Corso presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for a two-day history of vomiting, hypoglycemia, and bradycardia. Blood-work performed at the referring veterinarian revealed a hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. No abnormalities were found on abdominal radiographs. Prior to referring the dog to

Conjunctival swab from a cat Case information A 6 year old male castrated domestic shorthair cat presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) emergency service for evaluation of worsening eye pain and inappetance. The cat was previously seen by the ophthalmology service at CUHA one week prior for evaluation of ocular discharge and conjunctival

Synovial Fluid from a Foal Case Information A 3-week-old thoroughbred filly was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) for acute left hind limb lameness and fever. Two days prior to presentation to CUHA, the filly was found acutely lame with a suspicion of trauma (stepped on by another horse). On presentation, the filly weighed 88 lb and

Liver aspirate from a cat Case information  An 11-year-old male castrated domestic longhair cat presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) Emergency Service for a five day history of lethargy, anorexia, persistent hyperthermia, and increased liver enzymes. The cat was first brought to the primary care veterinarian for a two day history of lethargy

Conjunctival swab from a dog   Case information A 3-month-old neutered male Siberian Husky puppy presented to the referring veterinarian with a 5 week history of respiratory symptoms and rhythmic jaw movements.  An in-clinic hemogram revealed the following: Table 1: Abbreviated hemogram results Test Results Units Reference interval HCT 26 % 37-62 MCV 55 fL 62-74 MCHC 38 g/dL

Bone marrow aspirate from a dog Case information A 5 year old, male castrated, Australian shepherd dog was referred for thrombocytopenia, hypercalcemia and peripheral lymphadenopathy. The dog also demonstrated a decreased appetite and energy level. Mild, intermittent diarrhea, as well as polyuria and polydipsia, were noted. Prior to the onset of these symptoms, the dog

Peritoneal fluid from an alpaca Case information A 2.5 year old castrated male alpaca presented febrile and obtunded with a history of diarrhea. Upon presentation, significant peritoneal effusion was noted. Blood was drawn for a CBC and chemistry profile and abdominocentesis was performed to collect peritoneal fluid. Significant CBC findings included a marked neutropenia (400