Articles

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Clinical history Chucky was presented to the primary veterinary care practice with a 1 month history of hyperkeratosis, crusting and erythema of the skin of all four paws. A previous canine biochemical profile conducted at VPG revealed significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and bile acids. A small liver was…
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Corresponding to other laboratory tests, the quality and accuracy of histopathology reporting is directly related to the quality of the sample received. This document will explain common pitfalls in sampling and shipment of histopathology samples to help you avoid introducing pre-analytical artefacts such as crush artefact pictured below. Fixation Always use 10% neutral-buffered formalin (NBF)…
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A 1 year old bearded dragon developed chronic crusty lesions over the body, face and tail. Skin biopsies were taken and submitted to VPG Histology for examination. This revealed epidermal hyperplasia and prominent hyperkeratosis, areas of superficial epidermal necrosis and a mild inflammatory infiltrate within the epidermis and dermis. Faint outlines of structures suspected to…
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Leo, 1 year old male Domestic Shorthair cat   Clinical history Leo presented with swelling of the left forepaw characterised by the presence of multiple cutaneous lesions with scabs and poor skin integrity. Histology Three punch biopsies of haired skin were submitted for histopathological examination. These samples showed extensive epidermal ulceration, and severe epidermal and…
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Luna, a 6-year-old cross breed female entire dog Clinical history A typical clinical history for a CRGV case includes development of one or multiple areas of skin ulceration, often on the abdomen and limbs, followed by lethargy, anorexia, renal injury and loss of function. Samples from the skin and kidney are often submitted post-mortem. Histology…
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Ben, a 2 year old Marmoset monkey. Clinical history Ben had a history of a fluid-filled swelling in the mammary area. Previously, fluid was sampled and was found to be of low cellularity. Lesions progressed with erythematous skin and secondary pyoderma over the entire ventrum and thickened, sore scrotal skin. Histology The biopsies submitted were…
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For surgery of a neoplasm with curative intent, the goal is to achieve a macroscopic margin around the tumour at surgery and a microscopically tumour-free margin. The assumption is that with an ‘adequate’ margin, local recurrence can be prevented. In reality, the matter is more complex. Neoplasms with neoplastic tissue histologically extending to the tissue…
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Multiple sudden deaths were reported in a population of captive seahorses (Hippocampus abdominalis). Histological examination revealed numerous ovoid to pear-shaped ciliated protozoal organisms measuring approximately 25×15 µm with a single nucleus. These were most numerous in subcutaneous fibrous connective tissue and muscle, but were also found within other tissues including the brain. The histological features…
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Do you feel apprehensive taking blood samples from exotic species? Watch the recording of our webinar on “Basic Blood Sampling of Exotics” and learn how to take the fear out of the process. Dr Ian Sayers MRCVS will provide practical tips to help you obtain blood samples from exotics species, illustrate which vessels to get blood…