Veterinary journal最新文献

{"title":"Variations in packed cell volume among Gambian cattle: Assessment of biological and environmental determinants in free-range systems","authors":"Olawale F. Olaniyan ,&nbsp;İbrahim Kaya ,&nbsp;Momodou Jeng ,&nbsp;Lamin F. Ceesay ,&nbsp;Amadou Keita ,&nbsp;Fatou Janneh ,&nbsp;Modou Gaye","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106336","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of packed cell volume (PCV) to monitor health status of cattle is widely known but this prognostic approach can be complex to interpret due to several factors affecting its values. This research therefore aims to explain variations in PCV values with focus on the biological and environmental fixed determinants that would assist veterinary practitioners and scientists in better understanding of such information, especially in the free-range cattle husbandry systems. A total of 921 blood samples covering three cattle genotypes were collected from almost the entire length of The Gambia for PCV analysis by the microhaematocrit technique and then, trypanosomosis diagnosis based on microscopy. The data were analysed using general linear model with the univariate procedure. Further, pairwise comparisons of estimated marginal means were conducted using least significant difference option. Standard errors of means, 95 % confidence intervals, and also descriptive statistics were presented. The overall mean of PCV was 26.6 %, with the minimum and maximum values as 12.0 and 44.0 %, respectively. Trypanosomosis status, sex, age, body condition, feeding type, region of sampling, season of sampling, and region × season interaction are determinants with statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect on PCV. However, there was no significant effect (P &gt; 0.05) of coat colour and genotype on PCV. Considering the observed trypanosome-induced complexity, the effect of trypanosomosis progression on PCV variation requires further investigation. This study demonstrates that there are many determinants that should be carefully considered in routine screening, interpretation, and determination of cattle health status based on PCV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"311 ","pages":"Article 106336"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differentiating the estrous cycle phases using vaginal vestibule pH and cytology in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in human care","authors":"Yuqing Yang ,&nbsp;Narueporn Kittisirikul ,&nbsp;Warangkhana Langkaphin ,&nbsp;Taweepoke Angkawanish ,&nbsp;Pierre Comizzoli ,&nbsp;Kaywalee Chatdarong","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reproductive dysfunction in elephants is often confirmed through blood hormonal assays, as behavioral observations alone are insufficient. While fecal and saliva hormonal analyses offer welfare-friendly alternatives, significant resources are required, limiting practicality in field applications. To improve reproductive management and ensure animal welfare, this study aimed to investigate pH measurements and cytological analysis of the vaginal vestibule to differentiate estrous cycle phases in female elephants, both those with regular and irregular cycling. A total of 106 vaginal vestibule cytological smears from eight regularly cycling females and 39 smears from three irregularly cycling females (confirmed by progesterone and luteinizing hormone [LH] enzyme immunoassays, n = 308 serum samples) were analyzed using staining techniques and pH strip measurements. Based on pH, smears were categorized into acidic, neutral, and alkaline groups. Intermediate cells (ICs) varied significantly across the three groups. In regularly cycling females, ICs dominated during diestrus (67.5 %), whereas estrus was characterized by the absence of ICs and a predominance of superficial cells. ICs decreased in metestrus (36.3 %; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Mean pH levels ranged from acidic in diestrus (5.8) to alkaline in estrus (8.5). In irregularly cycling elephants, pH (6.3) differed from proestrus and estrus in irregularly cycling elephants. Moreover, pH was significantly correlated with progesterone (<em>r</em> = -0.25) and LH (<em>r</em> = 0.4) among all females. Using cytology exclusively was insufficient to differentiate between regular and irregular cyclic statuses; however, when combined with pH measurements, it effectively identified the estrous phases in regularly cycling elephants. This study offers novel findings that could serve as practical, welfare-focused metrics for reproductive assessments in elephants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"311 ","pages":"Article 106324"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143596863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Serum miR-30b is increased in Labrador Retrievers with elevated hepatic copper levels","authors":"Yara S. Roelen ,&nbsp;Bart Spee ,&nbsp;Monique E. van Wolferen ,&nbsp;Hille Fieten ,&nbsp;Elise R. den Boer","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106335","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106335","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copper-associated hepatitis is a hereditary disease in Labrador Retrievers with a complex genetic background. Currently, liver biopsies are needed for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. A serum-based biomarker for hepatic copper levels could provide a less invasive diagnostic approach. Circulating microRNAs are increasingly studied for their diagnostic potential in hepatobiliary disease and could be utilized in assessing hepatic copper levels. Currently, information on the potential use of copper specific microRNAs in dogs is lacking. The aim of this pilot study was to identify microRNAs associated with elevated hepatic copper levels in Labrador Retrievers. Client-owned Labrador Retrievers with normal (n = 15) and elevated hepatic copper levels (n = 21) were retrospectively selected from a patient database. We performed a microRNA screening array of 277 microRNAs in blood serum of Labrador Retrievers with normal (n = 5) and elevated hepatic copper levels (n = 5). MicroRNAs upregulated in Labrador Retrievers with elevated hepatic copper were subsequently analyzed with qPCR in a replication cohort of Labrador Retrievers with normal (n = 13) and elevated (n = 18) hepatic copper levels. Results showed that six out of the 277 serum microRNAs were significantly upregulated in dogs with elevated hepatic copper and these were analyzed in the replication cohort. After Bonferroni correction, cfa-miR-30b (fold-change 2.17, p-value .002) was significantly upregulated in the replication cohort. In this exploratory study, cfa-miR-30b is increased in Labrador Retrievers with elevated hepatic copper levels. This result justifies validation in a larger cohort of dogs with and without hepatic copper accumulation, including those with different forms of liver disease and other breeds affected by copper-associated hepatitis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"311 ","pages":"Article 106335"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A survey of welfare problems associated with transporting horses by road in Germany (2022–2024)","authors":"Anna May ,&nbsp;Christopher B. Riley ,&nbsp;Annabel Scharre ,&nbsp;Yury Zablotski ,&nbsp;Barbara Padalino","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106322","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106322","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Equine road transport is stressful and associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems, injuries, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. This cross-sectional survey-based study aimed to describe transport-related practices and the perception of behavioral and health issues in Germany. The survey targeted horse owners (amateurs and professionals) and obtained demographic details, the participant's experience, frequency and duration of transportation, and behavioral and health problems related to equine transportation. Associations among behavioral and health problems and transport parameters were examined with logistic regression analysis. In total, 432 horse owners participated, but only 59.7 % (258 respondents) completed the questionnaire. Most journeys (72.5 %) were &lt; 2 h in duration and 45.8 % fed hay in transit. One-third of respondents observed behavioral and 42.6 % reported health problems. Diarrhea was most common (33.9 %), followed by injuries (19.3 %), muscle disorders (4 %), respiratory problems, and colic (each 2.4 %). Professionals were less likely to observe diarrhea in transported horses than amateurs (OR 1.04). In single transportation, horses were significantly more likely to show behavioral problems than when transported together (OR 0.53, CI 0.35–0.76, <em>P</em> = 0.001). In conclusion, most of the journeys in Germany were short (&lt;2 h). A high rate of behavioral problems was reported, whereas health issues were considerably less frequently observed. This may be associated with management practices, implementation of safety equipment, shorter travel distances, and favorable climatic conditions in comparison to other studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"311 ","pages":"Article 106322"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143580100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diaphragm ultrasound as a tool to study respiratory function in dogs: A validation study correlating sonographic findings with oesophageal pressure and spirometry during mechanical ventilation and spontaneous breathing","authors":"Ilaria Tommasi ,&nbsp;Stefano Oricco ,&nbsp;Daniele Medico ,&nbsp;Diego Sarotti ,&nbsp;Roberto Rabozzi ,&nbsp;Paolo Franci","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This prospective observational study investigated the correlation between diaphragmatic ultrasound indices (movement and thickening fraction) and trans-diaphragmatic, oesophageal, or transpulmonary pressures, as well as tidal volumes, in anaesthetised dogs. Fifty-seven dogs of various breeds undergoing different procedures were studied under mechanical ventilation at three tidal volumes (5, 10, and 20 ml/kg) and during spontaneous breathing post-ventilation.</div><div>Diaphragmatic movement was evaluated with a microconvex probe in M-mode using the transversal plane during mechanical ventilation, and both transversal and longitudinal planes during spontaneous breathing. Diaphragmatic thickening fraction was assessed with a linear probe using M-mode and B-mode scans during spontaneous breathing. Oesophageal and gastric pressures were measured via a nasogastric feeding tube, with data collected across three respiratory cycles. Transpulmonary pressure strongly correlated with diaphragmatic excursion during mechanical ventilation (rho =.81; P &lt; .001). Moderate correlations were observed between tidal volume and diaphragmatic excursion during spontaneous breathing (rho =.72 for longitudinal and.70 for transversal planes; P &lt; .001). Fair correlations were found between oesophageal pressure and diaphragmatic slope during spontaneous breathing (rho =.56 for longitudinal and.46 for transversal planes; P &lt; .001). Longitudinal and transversal planes strongly correlated for excursion (rho =.94; P &lt; .001) and slope (rho =.91; P &lt; .001), with no fixed bias. Diaphragmatic thickening fraction did not correlate with oesophageal pressure (rho =.26 for B-mode and .129 for M-mode; P = .051 and .34, respectively). These findings highlight ultrasound as a promising tool for assessing diaphragmatic function in veterinary medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"311 ","pages":"Article 106323"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143573745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dried distillers’ grains with solubles as a key feed ingredient in dairy cow diets: Implications for colostrum quality and calf immunity","authors":"Andrzej Zachwieja ,&nbsp;Ewa Pecka-Kiełb ,&nbsp;Katarzyna Humienna ,&nbsp;Anna Zielak-Steciwko ,&nbsp;Bożena Króliczewska ,&nbsp;Jowita Kaszuba ,&nbsp;Maciej Adamski ,&nbsp;Joanna Tumanowicz ,&nbsp;Martyna Wilk","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study evaluated the effect of incorporating dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) into the cow’s diet during the dry period on colostrum quality, concentrations of protein, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum of cows and calves. Three weeks prior to the expected calving date, cows were selected and assigned to four groups, each comprising 15 animals. The standard group (Group I) was fed a standard total mixed ration (TMR). Groups II, III, and IV received TMR supplemented with DDGS at rates of 1 kg, 2 kg, and 3 kg per head per day, respectively. Colostrum and blood samples were collected from all cows. Blood samples were also obtained from calves on the 3rd and 30th days of life. Analyses of colostrum: basic composition, amino acid profile, IgG, IgA, IgM, protein fraction distribution, and concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, K, and Na. In blood samples, total protein content and IgG levels were determined. Colostrum from cows in groups I and IV had decreased lactoferrin level compared to group II. In group III, an increase in IgG and total protein levels was observed. Regardless of the DDGS supplementation levels in maternal feed rations, an increase in total protein and IgG levels was noted in the serum of calves on both the 3rd and 30th days of age. These findings suggest that the use of DDGS in cow’s diets during the pre-calving period appears to enhance colostrum quality, and would seem to increase immunoglobulin levels and improve passive immunity in calves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"310 ","pages":"Article 106317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143493786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are decreased in dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis","authors":"Arnaud Snoeck ,&nbsp;Jared A. Jaffey ,&nbsp;Frédéric Billen ,&nbsp;Nina F. Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Stéphanie Peeters ,&nbsp;Caroline Le Goff ,&nbsp;Etienne Cavalier ,&nbsp;Dominique Peeters ,&nbsp;Cécile Clercx","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106318","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA) is a poorly understood disease and remains a challenge to treat. Hypovitaminosis D is associated with many infectious diseases in humans and Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency in experimental mice decreases resistance to <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em>. The objective of this study was to determine whether dogs with SNA have different VitD metabolite concentrations compared to healthy dogs (HD) and dogs with other nasal conditions and if those concentrations change after cure for SNA dogs. Twenty-two dogs with SNA, 12 HD, 9 dogs with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) and 10 dogs with nasal neoplasia (NN) were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂ (25(OH)D₂), 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃), 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (24,25(OH)₂D₃), 3-epimer-25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (3-epi-25(OH)D₃) concentrations were measured by a certified liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method at time of diagnosis or revisit. Twelve SNA dogs were available for serial blood collection until cure. Serum 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)₂D₃ were lower in dogs with SNA (mean ± standard deviation; 23 ng/ml ± 7.3 and 10.2 ng/ml ± 4.2, respectively) than in HD (34.1 ng/ml ± 7.5; <em>P</em> = 0.007 and 18.2 ng/ml ± 5.4; <em>P</em> = 0.002) while there was no difference among the other groups. Cured SNA dogs had higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations (27.7 ng/ml ± 9.4) compared to before treatment (23.1 ng/ml ± 7.7; <em>P</em> = 0.0002). These results further support the rationale that VitD may play a role in the complex SNA pathophysiology. Whether lower VitD status contributes to the development of the disease or is a consequence of it is unknown.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"310 ","pages":"Article 106318"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143469313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equine adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles enhance adipose mesenchymal stem cell survival ex vivo","authors":"Dongsheng Li ,&nbsp;Xin Wang ,&nbsp;Junyong Yao ,&nbsp;Shengfeng Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106319","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (ATEVs) have garnered attention for their roles in intercellular communication and regulation. This study presents the first investigation of equine adipose tissue, with ATEV being extracted concurrently during the isolation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Through CCK-8 cell proliferation assays and scratch migration assays, a significant promotional effect of ATEV on ADSCs was observed, which not only accelerated the proliferation rate of the stem cells but also enhanced their migratory capacity. The application of Trypan Blue exclusion and live-dead cell staining further demonstrated the positive effects of ATEV on maintaining the viability of ADSCs during ex vivo storage. These findings provide new insights into the potential applications of ATEV in stem cell therapy, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"310 ","pages":"Article 106319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143469308","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Digital dermatitis in dairy cattle in Egypt: Herd-level risk factors and Treponema spp. prevalence across lesion M-scores","authors":"S.E. Salem ,&nbsp;A. Monir ,&nbsp;H.M. Abdallah ,&nbsp;A.F. Mahmoud ,&nbsp;H.A. Elsheikh ,&nbsp;W. Refaai ,&nbsp;A.B. Ahmed ,&nbsp;H.E.M. Elsheikh ,&nbsp;M. El-Sheikh ,&nbsp;A. Mesalam","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious disease of the digital skin of dairy cows that is associated with compromised animal welfare and significant economic losses. The hind feet of 16,098 dairy cows from 55 herds were examined in the milking parlor, and DD lesions identified were classified using the M-score system and swabbed for PCR testing. Swabs were also collected from hind feet with normal digital skin for comparison. Data on farm construction and lameness prevention measures were collected through direct observation and in-person interviews with farm managers. Herd-level risk factors for DD were investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models, with Farm ID included as a random-effects variable. The average within-herd and herd prevalence of DD were 6.4 % (95 % CI: 4.9–8.0 %) and 92.7 % (<em>n</em> = 51, 95 % CI: 85.9–99.6 %), respectively. Among the investigated DD lesions, DD-associated treponemes were identified at frequencies of 87 % for <em>Treponema spp.,</em> 87.5 % for <em>T. medium</em>, 86.2 % for <em>T. phagedenis-like</em>, and 78.3 % for <em>T. pedis</em>. Additionally, <em>Fusobacterium necrophorum</em> and <em>Dichelobacter nodosus</em> were identified at frequencies of 37 % and 15.4 %, respectively. Samples from normal digital skin exhibited substantially lower frequencies for all bacterial species investigated. Risk factors significantly associated with DD in the final multivariable model included practice of preventive early lactation trimming (OR=0.45, 95 % CI: 0.26–0.78) and the presence of an abrasive bedding on farms (OR=1.6, 95 % CI: 1.01–2.6). This comprehensive molecular and epidemiological analysis enhances understanding of DD etiology in Egypt and contributes to the development of effective control programs to improve cow welfare and support the sustainability of milk production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"309 ","pages":"Article 106289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142822758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Observer reliability in counting erythrocyte ghost cells and impact of short-term storage of canine and feline blood samples","authors":"Asger Lundorff Jensen,&nbsp;Kamilja Sayed Gammal Bruun,&nbsp;Stephanie Heimann,&nbsp;Rebecca Langhorn,&nbsp;Anne K.H. Krogh","doi":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of erythrocyte ghost cells (EG) in blood smears indicates intravascular haemolysis or in-vitro haemolysis. However, observer reliability in detection of EG has not been documented. Immediate blood smear preparation is advised but may not always be practical. This study investigated the reliability of EG detection and the impact of delayed blood smear preparation. Forty blood smears from dogs and cats were evaluated twice by four observers. EG development was studied in 59 dogs and nine cats, with smears prepared at 0, 2, and 24 h post-collection. Intra- and inter-observer reliability, as assessed using Krippendorff’s Alpha, ranged from 0.567 and 0.949, and 0.522 and 0.848, respectively, indicating moderate to substantial agreement. No significant increase in EG occurrence was noted between 0 and 2 h, but a significant increase was observed at 24 h. The findings suggest that EG can be reliably detected and that blood smears for the evaluation of EG can be prepared up to 2 h after blood collection without compromising detection of EG.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23505,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary journal","volume":"309 ","pages":"Article 106294"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142883096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}