Morphology, cytochemistry and ultra-structure of blood cells in large Indian civet Viverra zibetha (Carnivora, Viverridae)

Viverra zibetha, also known as the large Indian civet, is found from Indochina to southern China. This species is listed as Near Threatened. Blood samples from four adult (two males and two females) large Indian civets in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand, were prepared for morphological, cytochemical and ultra-structural observation. The red blood cells showed marked anisocytosis, with a mean diameter of 5.0 μm. The cytochemical staining (Sudan black B, peroxidase, α-naphthyl acetate esterase and β-glucuronidase) patterns of leukocytes and haematology were summarised. Eosinophils contained numerous short rod, red refractive granules. Eosinophils lacked sudanophilia and peroxidase activity. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), eosinophils showed rod-shaped granular surfaces. Ultra-structurally, these granules contained lamellar components. Basophils had dull grey, round to oval granules. Under SEM, the basophil surface was smooth with pleomorphic granular contours. Ultra-structurally, the basophil granules contained crystalloid components. Neutrophil engulfed red blood cells, and a sac of eosinophil granules was observed under a transmission electron microscope. These results provide more information on morphological, cytochemical and ultra-structural characteristics of blood cells in large Indian civets.     

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with severe pre-eclampsia undergoing cesarean section: a 10-year retrospective study from a single tertiary care center: anesthetic point of view

Objective: This study is aiming to determine an actual incidence and characteristics of complications in cesarean section for severe pre-eclampsia (PE) by analysis of a large cohort from a single tertiary care center according to two choices of anesthesia.

Methods: Electronic medical records of pregnant women complicated with severe PE delivered by cesarean section from January 2002 to December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Medical records of their corresponding neonates were also identified and reviewed.

Results: A total of 701 women and 740 neonates (28 twin pairs) were identified. Anesthetic techniques were spinal anesthesia (SA) (88%) and general anesthesia (GA) (12%). Total maternal and neonatal deaths were 0.3% and 1.2%, respectively. Patients in GA group had a higher incidence of coagulopathy, immediate postpartum hemorrhage, intensive care unit admission, renal failure, respiratory complications, and death (p?<?0.05). Neonates born from women in GA group had a higher incidence of lower birth weight, birth asphyxia, prematurity, neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory complications, and death (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia can be safely administered to severely pre-eclamptic parturients undergoing cesarean section. General anesthesia is associated with more untoward outcomes, as it has been chosen in patients with more severity of the disease.     

Hematology, molecular phylogeny and ultra-structure of Trypanosoma corvi in a Shikra

A wild-caught, juvenile Shikra (Accipiter badius) was evaluated for rehabilitation to Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit (KURRU) with a history of weakness. Trypanosoma sp. was observed by both light and electron microscopy in blood obtained at day 1. Blood samples collected on day 14 revealed that trypanosomes were consistently found. The striated trypomastigotes were very large with a body length (excluding flagella) 50.5?±?6.2?μm (n?=?50) and body width (nuclear region) 4.9?±?0.8?μm (n?=?50). Ultrastructurally, trypanosomes contained vesicular nucleus, undulating membrane, mitochondrial canal, multivesicular bodies, and dense granular bodies. The partial 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis of blood sample on D14 revealed that Trypanosoma isolate from the Shikra (JN639002) was 100?% identical to Trypanosoma corvi (DQ813299). The Shikra did not receive any treatment, but the collected blood samples at 7?months showed very few trypomastigotes and at 14?months later revealed no trypanosomes. The other two adult male Shikras submitted to KURRU revealed no trypanosomes in their blood smears. The T. corvi-infected Shikra had lower erythrocytic parameters, but higher total solids concentration than those noninfected birds. This case is the first record of T. corvi in a wild Shikra, emphasized on hematological data, molecular characterization, and ultrastructure of the hematozoa.     

Immunohistochemical studies on the intrinsic pancreatic nerves in the chicken.

A peroxidase anti-peroxidase method or an avidin-biotinylated complex method was used to visualize neural elements immunostained for several neuropeptides in the chicken pancreas. Pancreatic ganglion cells were only immunoreactive with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), galanin and substance P (SP) antisera. VIP-immunoreactive (IR) ganglion cells were the most numerous, and most of them also showed the distinct immunoreaction with galanin. VIP- and galanin-IR nerve fibers were observed in the exocrine portion, the adventitia of the artery and the connective tissue of the ductal wall. The number and distribution of the VIP- and galanin-IR nerve fibers around the artery and duct were similar. SP-IR nerve fibers were found mainly close to the blood vessel. SP- and CGRP-IR nerve fibers were detected in the VIP-IR ganglion and extrapancreatic nerve bundle. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)- and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC)-IR nerve fibers were observed as nerve bundles in the interlobular space or extrapancreatic nerves. Consequently, VIP and galanin coexist in the intrinsic neural elements. SP is partially located in the intrinsic neural elements, but most of it seems likely to originate from the extrinsic ganglion. It is probable that calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP)-, TH- and AADC-IR nerve fibers have an extrinsic origin.     

Haematological, cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells and serum chemistry in captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Thailand

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is classified as a preserved animal of Thailand. It is listed as an endangered species on the 2008 IUCN red list and also by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Blood samples from captive Malayan tapirs (n?=?20, 10 males and 10 females) from five zoos under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand were examined and measured for complete blood counts, serum chemistry and electrolyte analysis. Cytochemical staining including Peroxidase, Sudan Black B, Periodic acid Schiff's reaction (PAS), α-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and β-glucuronidase (BG) was also analysed. Statistically significant differences were found between sexes including alkaline phosphatase, total protein and red cell distribution widths. Red blood cells were slightly anisocytosis, (range 4.5–8.5 μm) with 6.3-μm mean diameter. Eosinophils and monocytes were positive with all five cytochemical stains. Lymphocytes showed a variable reaction for ANAE and BG. PAS was positive for all type of blood cells except red blood cells. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils had the largest round shape with three-capsule layer granules which were prominent and distinguishable from other species. This investigation provides basic haematology and serum chemistry analyses as well blood cells identification guideline for the Malayan tapir and serves as endangered mammal reference values.     

Molecular characterization of Anaplasma platys in a domestic cat from Thailand

A 5-year-old female cat was presented at Kamphaengsaen Animal Hospital for a complication of jaundice. Haematology revealed mild non-regenerative anaemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyper-proteinaemia and icteric plasma. The inclusion bodies in the platelets were detected in a stained blood smear. Partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene from the isolate indicated that it had the closest relation to Anaplasma platys sequences from many dogs in Thailand and those obtained from GenBank. This is the first report of Anaplasma platys in a naturally infected domestic cat from Thailand.     

Haematology, cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in leopard (Panthera pardus)

The leopard (Panthera pandus) is an endangered Asian big cat found in Thailand and also listed in the CITES, Appendix 1. Blood samples from 17 leopards (six males and 11 females) were collected from the cephalic vein for haematology, cytochemical and ultrastructural studies. Red blood cells (RBCs) were slightly anisocytosis, ranged 5–6.5 μm with 5.6 μm mean diameter. They were easy to form rouleaux, blunt end crenation and some RBCs contained Heinz bodies. The male leopards had a significantly higher packed cell volume (39.3 ± 7.5%) values and absolute eosinophil number (1.658 ± 1.483 × 10⁹/l) than the females (30.7 ± 3.2%; 0.965 ± 0.611 × 10⁹/l). The cytochemical results were: sudanophilia and myeloperoxidase in neutrophils and some monocytes; nonspecific esterase (alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase, ANAE) in the granules of eosinophils, some lymphocytes, some monocytes and platelets; beta-glucuronidase (βG) in granules of basophils, monocytes and some lymphocytes. The ANAE and βG reaction were detected inter-granular of eosinophils. More detailed morphological aspects of all blood cells were observed by means of scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The many round granules and homogeneous content under TEM were characteristics of leopard eosinophils. The engulfed RBCs by neutrophils were detected under TEM in one male leopard. This study provides a guide for the haematology, identification of the morphology, cytochemistry and ultrastructure of blood cells in leopards that is useful for zoological veterinarians in leopard conservation.     

Characterisation of blood cells in jungle cat, Felis chaus (Carnivora, Felidae)

The jungle cat (Felis chaus subsp. fulvidina) of Thailand is a protected animal. Haematological and morphological characteristics of blood cells in eight captive jungle cats (three males and five females) were investigated using complete blood cell counts, cytochemical stains and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Haematological results were reported as mean, median and range (minimum–maximum). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for Sudan black B (SBB) and peroxidase (PO). Basophils were strongly positive for α-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and β-glucuronidase (BG) while eosinophils were negative for all cytochemical stains. Monocytes were negative for SBB and had fine granular reactivity for PO, ANAE and BG. The ultra-structure of eosinophils and basophils were different from that reported for other wild cats in Southeast Asia. The haematology, cytochemistry and ultra-structure of blood cells in the jungle cat may be useful in evaluating and monitoring the health of this species in captivity.     

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a dog with acute monoblastic leukemia

A 10-year-old, female, mixed breed dog was admitted to the animal hospital with signs of jaundice, pigmenturia, depression, and splenomegaly. Hematology revealed non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia with numerous spherocytes, and a few undifferentiated blasts on a blood smear. A bone marrow examination indicated high M:E ratio with increased number of leukemic cells. Based on cytochemistry and protein electrophoresis, the patient was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia with acute monoblastic leukemia.