Erin M Phillips, Shauna L Blois, Gabrielle Monteith, Anthony C G Abrams-Ogg, R Darren Wood, Benoît Cuq
{"title":"Comparison of the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram Using Standard and Low Plasma Volumes in Dogs.","authors":"Erin M Phillips, Shauna L Blois, Gabrielle Monteith, Anthony C G Abrams-Ogg, R Darren Wood, Benoît Cuq","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70088","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thrombin generation assessment using calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) requires a standard volume of plasma (80 μL) and reagent (20 μL) run in triplicate. A CAT method using lower plasma and reagent volumes could benefit veterinary patients as it lowers the sampling burden in patients.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To compare standard CAT methodology to a low plasma and low reagent volume CAT method in dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Platelet-poor plasma samples were obtained by direct jugular venipuncture in dogs with low (n = 10), high (n = 10), and normal (n = 10) thrombin generation potential, recruited from a tertiary referral hospital. Method comparison was performed between standard CAT (80 μL plasma, 20 μL reagent- method 1) and low volume CAT (40 μL plasma, 10 μL reagent- method 2). Lag time (lag time); endogenous thrombin potential (ETP); peak (peak); and time to peak (ttpeak) were assessed on the thrombin generation curves.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was excellent agreement between methods 1 and 2 for all parameters. Lin's concordance coefficients were 0.97, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.96 for lag time, ETP, ttpeak, and peak, respectively. There was a small bias for all parameters (p < 0.05), resulting in a significant change for lag time only. There was a significant predictive linear equation that, when modeled, allowed the conversion of method 2 to method 1 values. The methods had similar variation when measuring TG variables.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Based on the results in this small group of dogs, we conclude that low-volume CAT appears to be an alternative to the standard testing method in dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"23-29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13090106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147372733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"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":"Cytochemical Staining Characteristics, Morphology, and Ultrastructural Features of Peripheral Blood Cells From One Captive Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi).","authors":"Joan K Maurer, Jeffrey M Cooley, Heather A Owen","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70076","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi ) is an endangered species of lizard endemic to Grand Cayman Island. The cytochemical staining characteristics, cell morphometrics, and ultrastructure have not been reported for blood from this species.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objectives for this blue iguana blood cell study were to perform routine and cytochemical staining, document morphometric measurements, and identify structures using bright-field (BF), differential interference contrast (DIC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Opportunistic blood samples were collected from one captive adult male blue iguana housed at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee, WI, USA, during three routine health exams. CBCs, biochemistry panels, cytochemical staining (leukocyte acid phosphatase [AcP] with and without tartrate, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], leukocyte peroxidase [LEP], periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], Sudan black B [SBB], and Toluidine blue [TB]) were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CBCs and biochemistry panel results were within range for a healthy captive adult male blue iguana. The cytochemical reactions were determined. The basophils, erythrocytes, heterophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes reacted positively to PAS. Only the heterophils had positive reactions to ALP, SBB, and LEP. Basophils were positive to TB. Monocytes and thrombocytes stained positive for AcP. Red blood cell cytoplasmic inclusions held stain with ANAE, AcP, PAS, and TB. The morphology and ultrastructure of blue iguana blood cells were documented using BF, DIC, SEM, and TEM.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>All of the microscopic and staining methods allowed for improved differentiation of cell types and characteristics. The results may serve as a reference for any study of blood cells in other reptile species.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"68-74"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145744943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deanna M W Schaefer, Joe S Smith, Pierre-Yves Mulon, Chiara E Hampton
{"title":"Peritoneal Fluid Analysis on Intraoperative Samples in 32 Clinically Healthy Female Companion Pigs and Transabdominal Samples From 10 Clinically Ill Companion Pigs.","authors":"Deanna M W Schaefer, Joe S Smith, Pierre-Yves Mulon, Chiara E Hampton","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70102","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Published descriptions of expected findings for laboratory analysis of peritoneal fluid (PTF) from companion pigs are lacking.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe routine PTF analysis results from clinically healthy and ill companion pigs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Intraoperative PTF was collected prospectively from 32 healthy, sexually mature companion sows during ovariohysterectomy, and PTF analyses from 10 clinically ill companion pigs, with fluid collected transabdominally, were identified retrospectively. Clinically ill pigs had peritonitis (n = 4), uterine neoplasia (n = 4), end stage renal disease (n = 1) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC, n = 1). Analysis included total nucleated cell concentration (TNCC), total protein by refractometry (TP-ref), and differentials of nucleated cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In PTF from healthy pigs, TNCC was commonly < 10 000/μL (range 190-14 670/μL) and TP-ref was < 6.0 g/dL, with percentage differentials predominated by mononuclear cells (macrophages, lymphocytes, and individualized mesothelial cells) with < 15% neutrophils and < 10% eosinophils. Pigs with peritonitis or uterine neoplasia had TNCC similar to that of healthy pigs, but with higher percentages of neutrophils, often > 50%, and lower percentages of large mononuclear cells, often < 25%. Most pigs with neoplasia had tumor-associated inflammation, likely contributing to higher neutrophil percentages. Two patients with peritonitis and one with DIC had higher TP-ref than the healthy pigs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PTF fluid from companion pigs with peritonitis or uterine neoplasia, particularly with concurrent inflammation, may have similar TNCC but increased proportions of neutrophils compared to healthy sows. Therefore, in contrast to some other large animal species, high percentages of neutrophils in PTF may warrant evaluation for peritonitis or abdominal neoplasia in pigs, regardless of the TNCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"40-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lina C Bilhalva, Nathan R Biedak, Emily J Brinker, Natalie L Lovelace, Leslie A Schwarz, Mary A Labato, Leslie C Sharkey
{"title":"Cytologic, Histologic, and Ultrasonographic Features of Hepatic Intravascular Lymphoma in a Dog.","authors":"Lina C Bilhalva, Nathan R Biedak, Emily J Brinker, Natalie L Lovelace, Leslie A Schwarz, Mary A Labato, Leslie C Sharkey","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70086","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 6 year-old neutered male Mastiff cross dog was evaluated for gastrointestinal signs and increased liver enzyme activities. Ultrasonography revealed hepatomegaly with a heterogeneous parenchyma, hypoechoic regions, and echogenic material in hepatic veins, suggestive of thrombi. Fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies were obtained from the liver for cytologic and histopathologic evaluation. Cytology revealed a population of poorly cohesive, atypical round cells, raising suspicion for lymphoma or a primitive/blastemal neoplasm. Initial histopathology was inconclusive, but a subsequent surgical biopsy revealed a population of individualized round cells confined within the lumens of hepatic vessels. Using immunohistochemistry, a neoplastic population of CD3-immunoreactive lymphocytes lacking Pax5 immunoreactivity was identified, confirming the diagnosis of large T-cell intravascular lymphoma (IVL). This is considered a rare and aggressive lymphoma characterized by a solely intravascular proliferation of neoplastic lymphocytes. Despite initial core needle histopathologic evaluation, a definitive diagnosis was only achieved after evaluating a larger surgical biopsy. This is also the first report to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of hepatic IVL in dogs. This report adds to the limited veterinary literature on IVL and underscores the importance of obtaining representative samples for a reliable histopathologic diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"75-80"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147277290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kaian F Cavalcante, Francisco E P Cavalcante, Isabela R B Nascimento, Lúcia D M Silva, Augusto M R Faustino, Breno Q Pinheiro, Isaac N G Silva
{"title":"Cytologic Grading of Canine Mammary Tumors by Robinson's System Adapted to Romanowsky-Type Rapid Staining: Prognostic Implications.","authors":"Kaian F Cavalcante, Francisco E P Cavalcante, Isabela R B Nascimento, Lúcia D M Silva, Augusto M R Faustino, Breno Q Pinheiro, Isaac N G Silva","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70099","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mammary neoplasms are a major concern in intact female dogs, and cytologic examination is routinely used for initial screening. Although the adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system to canine species has been scarcely explored, it shows prognostic potential, particularly when correlated with other clinical and pathologic markers.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to assess the prognostic performance of an adaptation of Robinson's cytologic grading system using rapid Romanowsky-type staining in canine mammary carcinomas. We also investigated its association with prognostic and predictive markers and overall survival.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-one cytologic samples from canine mammary tumors were analyzed to evaluate the association between cytologic grade, histopathology, Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression, clinical data, and survival. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine prognostic performance, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore morphologic patterns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cytologic grade was significantly associated with tumor size, ulceration, and cellular features linked to malignancy but revealed low agreement with histologic grade and demonstrated no significant correlation with Ki-67 and Cox-2 expression. Higher cytologic grades and increased atypia were correlated with reduced survival. Robinson's cytologic score, Ki-67 index, Peña's histologic grade, and ulceration were key variables associated with the biologic and morphologic heterogeneity of the tumors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Robinson cytologic grading system, when adapted to rapid Romanowsky-type staining, has prognostic relevance in canine mammary tumors. When interpreted alongside other clinical and pathologic features, it may contribute to early prognostic stratification and therapeutic planning. The use of larger cohorts in future studies is recommended for their validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"55-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13090107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147310976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christoph Leineweber, Gregor Geisler, Sabine Öfner, Rachel E Marschang
{"title":"Blood Vitamin Concentrations in Managed Hermann's Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) in Central Europe and Possible Seasonal and Sex-Specific Influences.","authors":"Christoph Leineweber, Gregor Geisler, Sabine Öfner, Rachel E Marschang","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70080","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vitamins are important for the health and metabolism of living organisms, but little is known about the physiologic blood vitamin levels of tortoises.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was therefore to measure vitamins A, B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub>, B<sub>6</sub>, B<sub>9</sub>, B<sub>12</sub>, and E in blood samples of Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Vitamin concentrations were measured in heparinized whole blood and plasma of 522 Hermann's tortoises from May to September 2022 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry to evaluate possible seasonal and sex-specific influences on the blood vitamin concentrations and to establish reference intervals for these vitamins in Hermann's tortoises.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The measured median concentrations were: vitamin A 275.00 μg/L, B<sub>1</sub> 42.40 μg/L, B<sub>2</sub> 483.00 μg/L, B<sub>6</sub> 4.26 μg/L, B<sub>9</sub> 13.24 ng/mL, B<sub>12</sub> 933.20 pg/mL, and E 2.50 mg/L. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) seasonal variations were found for vitamins A, B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub>, B<sub>6</sub>, B<sub>9</sub>, B<sub>12</sub>, and E, and sex-specific variations for vitamins A, B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub>, and E.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The established reference intervals serve as a basis for health monitoring and for further studies on possible deficiencies or oversupply and their clinical significance. In addition, it was shown that the season of sample collection and the sex should be considered when interpreting blood vitamin levels in tortoises.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"97-103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Floris C Dröes, Unity Jeffery, Christine R Rutter, Jan S Suchodolski, Joerg M Steiner, Jonathan A Lidbury
{"title":"Assessment of Biological Variation of Hemostatic Parameters in Healthy Dogs Using a Point-Of-Care Viscoelastic Coagulometer.","authors":"Floris C Dröes, Unity Jeffery, Christine R Rutter, Jan S Suchodolski, Joerg M Steiner, Jonathan A Lidbury","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70098","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hemostasis has traditionally been assessed by clotting times; however, point-of-care viscoelastic coagulometers have added to the diagnostic options for assessing hemostasis. Biological variation of diagnostic tests determines whether population- or subject-based reference intervals are used for result interpretation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the biological variation of hemostatic parameters in healthy dogs when using a point-of-care viscoelastic coagulometer, VCM Vet.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Nine healthy dogs. Four VCM Vet tests were simultaneously performed on four different machines immediately after sample collection for each dog. Repeated VCM Vet tests were performed on each dog a total of four times every 28 days. A nested ANOVA was used to assess inter-individual (CVg), intra-individual (CVi), and analytical variation (CVa). Indexes of individuality (IoI) and reference change values (RCV) were calculated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two dogs were suspected to have artifactual clot retraction during ten separate tests. These tests were excluded from further analysis. CVg, CVi, CVa, IoI, and RCV for each of the hemostatic parameters were: clotting time (4.4, 11.5, 8.2, 3.2, 39.2%); clot formation time (10.0, 10.8, 8.9, 1.4, 38.7%), alpha (4.5, 4.8, 4.2, 1.4, 17.6%), maximum clot formation (5.3, 6.4, 6.0, 1.7, 24.4%), amplitude at 10 min (6.6, 8.8, 6.6, 1.7, 30.5%), and amplitude at 20 min (6.1, 7.5, 6.1, 1.6, 26.8%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Intra-individual variation was higher than inter-individual variation for parameters measured with this point-of-care viscoelastic coagulometer. Based on an IOI above > 1.4 for all parameters assessed, population-based reference intervals are appropriate for this point-of-care viscoelastic coagulometer.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"14-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147378747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kenan Ç Tümer, Tarık Şafak, İsa Şekercioğlu, Alper O Akbaş
{"title":"Evaluation of the Diagnostic and Analytical Performance of the CentriVet Blood Ketone Monitoring System in Postpartum Dairy Cattle.","authors":"Kenan Ç Tümer, Tarık Şafak, İsa Şekercioğlu, Alper O Akbaş","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70079","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The periparturient period in dairy cows is marked by negative energy balance (NEB), resulting in metabolic stress and an increased risk of postpartum diseases. Accurate assessment of NEB through blood β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) levels is essential for effective herd management. Point-of-care (POC) devices, such as the CentriVet blood ketone monitoring system, offer a practical alternative to laboratory methods for measuring β-OHB.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and analytical performance of the CentriVet blood ketone monitoring system compared to a laboratory reference method for measuring blood β-OHB concentration in postpartum dairy cattle.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 105 postpartum dairy cows from two farms were included. Blood samples were analyzed for β-OHB using both CentriVet and a reference enzymatic method. Passing-Bablok regression, Bland-Altman plots, and kappa statistics were used to assess agreement. Diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy) were calculated at a cut-off value of ≥ 1.2 mmol/L. An optimized cut-off value was determined via ROC curve analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CentriVet demonstrated a moderate correlation with the reference method (Spearman's r = 0.701, p < 0.001). Passing-Bablok regression revealed proportional bias, and Bland-Altman analysis indicated a mean bias of -0.4 mmol/L. Diagnostic metrics at ≥ 1.2 mmol/L showed 100% sensitivity, 68.09% specificity, and 71.4% accuracy. ROC analysis yielded an optimized cut-off of > 1.5 mmol/L, improving specificity (95.7%) but reducing sensitivity (81.8%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While CentriVet offers practical benefits, its diagnostic performance is limited for accurately identifying hyperketonemia in postpartum dairy cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"34-39"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145990877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marianna L E Chocobar, David P Eckersall, Rossella Panarese, William Weir, Elizabeth M S Schmidt
{"title":"Comparison of Haptoglobin Concentrations Between Microfilaremic and Amicrofilaremic Dogs Infected by Dirofilaria immitis.","authors":"Marianna L E Chocobar, David P Eckersall, Rossella Panarese, William Weir, Elizabeth M S Schmidt","doi":"10.1111/vcp.70075","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vcp.70075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dirofilariosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is associated with cardiovascular damage and systemic inflammation in dogs.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to present preliminary data on the evaluation of serum haptoglobin (Hp) concentration as a potential biomarker of inflammation in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis, with and without microfilaremia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty dogs were categorized into three groups: microfilaremic seropositives (G1, n = 10), amicrofilaremic seropositives (G2, n = 10), and negative controls (CG, n = 10). Serum Hp concentrations were measured using a colorimetric assay and analyzed via one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median Hp levels were 10.0 mg/dL (G1), 9.1 mg/dL (G2), and 13.7 mg/dL (CG), with no significant differences among groups. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between microfilarial burden and Hp levels (p = 0.651).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite D. immitis infection, Hp concentration did not provide evidence of an inflammatory response in G1 and G2. While previous studies reported decreased Hp in microfilaremic dogs, our findings did not confirm this trend. The seropositive dogs in this study did not show clinical signs, indicating they had relatively mild infections, which may at least in part explain these results. The small sample size and lack of other acute-phase protein assessments restrict the generalizability of our findings and, thus, this study provides limited information about acute phase response dynamics. Nevertheless, these preliminary results highlight the complexity of Hp behavior in D. immitis infection and emphasize the need for further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":23593,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary clinical pathology","volume":" ","pages":"30-33"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146087472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}