Question: Does hemolysis interfere with the results?

Answer: It depends on the tests and the degree of hemolysis. The tests most sensitive to hemolysis are phosphorus, AST, ALT, total proteins, albumin, amylase, CPK and LDH, although a large degree of hemolysis interferes with all tests.

Q.: I have frequent problems with hemolysis in sera. What solution can there be?

A.: In isolated cases it is not unusual for a serum to hemolyze. But if it happens frequently, it is very likely that there is some problem in sample handling. The most frequent ones are: <br>-Difficult extractions. <br>-Use of very small gauge needles, especially if done with very large syringes.<br>-The needle is not removed before transferring the blood to the tube.<br>-Waiting too long to centrifuge the sample. If a tube with heparin is used, it must be centrifuged immediately. If serum with additive is used, no more than two hours should be waited.<br>-The cold pack is not frozen when it is placed in the transport box. This problem manifests only in summer.

Question: How long can urine be kept for culture?

Answer: Under refrigeration, ideally no more than 24 hours should pass. After that time, the probability of obtaining falsely positive results due to contamination increases, especially in cases of low bacterial growth results (below 100,000 CFU/ml)

Q.: Is there interference between leishmaniasis vaccination and the antibody level?

A.: Preliminary data indicate that approximately one out of every five animals develops a detectable antibody level as a result of vaccination, so in these cases the only two ways to discriminate whether an animal with a detectable antibody level is or is not ill with leishmaniasis are performing a leishmania PCR or the non-vaccinal antibody test. The PCR test must always be performed at least one month after vaccination, to avoid false positives.

Q.: Can a dog with parvovirosis test negative on the rapid test?

A.: It is relatively common, especially in cases with more than 48 hours of evolution, presumably due to the formation of antigen-antibody complexes that prevent detection of the virus by rapid tests. <br>In these cases, performing the PCR test is recommended.

Q.: How is an intestinal infection by clostridia treated?

A.: The antibiotics of choice are metronidazole or vancomycin orally. However, if it is not complemented with a treatment of at least one month with prebiotics (a diet rich in fiber) and probiotics, relapses are the norm.

Q.: How is a proteinogram from a dog treated for leishmaniasis interpreted?

A.: Serum protein electrophoresis is an important source of information for monitoring the evolution of canine leishmaniasis. Based on the data obtained from the proteinogram we can make the appropriate therapeutic decisions. The following examples should make the criterion to follow clear: <br> Case 1: Untreated animal, IFI titer 1/400. <br><a href="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg1.png"><img src="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg1-930x1024.png" alt="pg1" width="930" height="1024" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-693" /></a><br>In the image, the enormous peak in the gamma region can be appreciated, with a value of 3.3g/dl, typical of untreated leishmaniasis. <br><br> Case 2: Treated leishmaniasis, with a titer of 1/160 <br><a href="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg2.png"><img src="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg2-930x1024.png" alt="pg2" width="930" height="1024" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-692" /></a><br>A broad and high pseudo-plateau is observed in the gamma region, typical of a treated dog. In these cases it should be compared with the proteinogram prior to treatment in order to assess whether to treat again. The gamma globulin value was 1.7g/dl <br><br>Case 3: Treated leishmaniasis with titer 1/40<br><a href="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg3.png"><img src="http://www.lbbarba.es/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/pg3-930x1024.png" alt="pg3" width="930" height="1024" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-692" /></a><br> The gamma band is observed to be almost normal, with a narrow and low plateau. The titer obtained was 1/40. The value obtained was 0,9g/dl, interpreting the treatment as successful.

Q.: Can leishmaniasis be transmitted via the transplacental route?

A.: Scientific studies show that this disease can be transmitted, although the data are preliminary due to the small number of cases studied. <br>(1) *Boggiatto PM, Gibson-Corley KN, Metz K, Gallup JM, Hostetter JM, Mullin K, Petersen CA. Transplacental Transmission of leishmania infantum as a Means for Continued Disease Incidence in North America. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2011 Apr 12;5(4):e1019.

Q.: Can canine herpesvirus be cured? What symptoms does it present with? How can you tell whether an abortion or a perinatal death is caused by this virus?

A.: Dogs infected with herpesvirus remain carriers for their entire lives, almost always asymptomatic. In the acute phase of the infection, normally no more than some mild respiratory symptoms and mild conjunctivitis appear. The test of choice for diagnosis is a PCR on a vaginal or preputial swab.

Q.: Which test should I choose for the diagnosis of canine parvovirosis?

A.: The criteria are the following: \n1. If the dog has had the first symptom (vomiting or diarrhea) for LESS than 2 days: Parvovirus antigen in feces. \n2. If it has been 2 days or MORE: \n 2.1. If the dog was vaccinated against parvovirus 2 months ago or more: Parvovirus IgM in plasma or serum. \n 2.2. If the dog was vaccinated less than 2 months ago: Parvovirus PCR in feces. \n\nNOTE: there is some study that mentions the possibility that there may be some cases of interference of a recent vaccination with the PCR test, but these are exceptional cases.

Q.: Can leishmaniasis be transmitted through semen?

A.: Although few experimental studies have been performed, in those carried out it has been verified that this possibility exists, finding contagion probabilities ranging between 25 and 50%.

Question: How can you discriminate whether a dog or a cat is cryptorchid or castrated?

Answer: There are three options:

Q.: How do I perform an ACTH stimulation test for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs?

A.: A baseline blood sample is taken; any type of tube is suitable. The animal does not need to be fasting. The minimum amount of blood is 0.2 ml. Next, 0.25 mg of synthetic ACTH is injected via the IM or IV route regardless of the dog's weight. Wait 1 hour or 2 hours and then draw another blood sample.

Q.: How do I perform a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs?

A.: A baseline blood sample is taken; any type of tube is suitable. The animal does not need to be fasting. The minimum amount of blood is 0.2 ml. Next, 0.01 mg/kg of dexamethasone is injected via the IV route. Samples are taken at 3 and 8 hours.

Q.: What is the protocol for monitoring treatment with trilostane for Cushing's syndrome?

A.: Samples for biochemical analyses (including electrolytes) should be obtained and ACTH stimulation tests should be performed before starting treatment, at 10 days, 4 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment and, later, every three months, both after the initial diagnosis and after dose adjustments. It is mandatory to perform ACTH stimulation tests 4-6 hours after administration in order to interpret the results adequately. A periodic evaluation of the clinical progress of the disease must also be carried out at all the time points mentioned. If an ACTH stimulation test with a non-stimulatory result is obtained during monitoring, treatment must be suspended for 7 days and restarted at a lower dose. The ACTH stimulation test must be repeated after another 14 days. If the result is still non-stimulatory, stop treatment until the signs of hypoadrenocorticism subside. Repeat the ACTH stimulation test one month after resuming treatment.

Q.: How long do progesterone determinations take?

A.: Given the urgency these determinations usually require, we offer an express service at no additional cost through which results are available just two hours after the sample reaches the laboratory, provided it is requested in advance. Otherwise, results are available between 17:00 and 19:00, except on Saturdays when they are available around 14:00.

Q.: How can you tell whether a female dog or cat is spayed or has ovarian remnants?

A.: There are basically two methods. The first, simpler one, is to perform a baseline estradiol determination. However, a small number of females may present doubtful values. The second method is to perform a GnRH stimulation. 0.12 (female dog) or 0.4 (cat) ug/kg of GnRH is injected via the IM route and a baseline sample is taken and another at 120 minutes. Estradiol is determined in both samples.

Q.: How is an hCG stimulation performed to find out whether a horse is castrated or is a cryptorchid?

A.: A baseline serum sample is taken. Next, 6,000 IU of hCG is injected via the IV route. 24 hours later another serum sample is taken. In both samples, the determination of testosterone is requested.

Q.: What protocol is used to diagnose Cushing's in urine?

A.: The presumptive test is performed with a baseline morning urine (the first of the day). If desired, especially in cats, a dexamethasone suppression can be performed as an alternative to blood tests. The protocol consists of taking the first urine of the day on days 1 and 2, which is frozen. On day 2, three doses of dexamethasone (0.01 mg/kg) are administered orally every 6 hours, and on day 3 the first morning urine is taken again.

Q.: How can an insulinoma be diagnosed?

A.: Several laboratory tests can be performed. As screening tests, baseline blood glucose levels, fructosamine and the insulin:glucose ratio can be determined.

Question: I have had several cases of low platelet counts, without an apparent justified cause. What could be happening?

Answer: In general these problems occur because either too much time has passed from the start of blood collection until the blood was introduced into the tube with anticoagulant, or because the tube was not moved for enough time after the blood was introduced into it. It should be gently inverted <b>for 60 seconds</b>, since otherwise the risk of platelets aggregating or the blood clotting is significant.

Q.: I have had several cases in which the blood has clotted, without an apparent justified cause. What could be happening?

A.: In general these problems occur because either too much time has passed from the start of blood collection until the blood was introduced into the tube with anticoagulant, or because the tube was not moved for enough time after the blood was introduced into it. It should be gently inverted <b>for 60 seconds</b>, since otherwise the risk of platelets aggregating or the blood clotting is significant.

Question: Is it necessary to refrigerate samples for genetic tests (PCR)?

Answer: No, it is not necessary

Q.: Should swabs be sent with transport medium?

A.: Yes, as long as the medium does not contain activated charcoal (it is black in color)

Q.: In dogs that present the MDR1 gene mutation, which medications must be taken into account?

A.: MDR1 - Drug sensitivity mdr1 gene

Question: Is it necessary to refrigerate feces for parasitology or digestion tests?

Answer: No, it is not necessary

Q.: Is it necessary to refrigerate samples for culture?

A.: If they are swabs with transport medium, feces or hair, they must not be refrigerated. In the case of tissues or urine, it is necessary

Q.: How is ivermectin used in the treatment of external parasites in dogs?

A.: A dose of 0.15 mg/kg body weight is administered orally and repeated 14 days later

Q.: How can I diagnose Fanconi syndrome in a dog or a cat?

A.: The urine amino acid test should be requested