With 2007 now upon us, we are looking forward to serving
you and your clients over the coming year. Looking back at 2006, we saw
many new developments that have brought practices benefits from choosing
to utilise Axiom Veterinary Laboratories and these developments are planned
to continue during 2007.
Last year also saw a significant increase in the number
of new practices that began to use our services, and coupled with an increasing
number of logistical solutions for the transportation of diagnostic submissions,
the increase in technical / scientific staff and our exceptional veterinary
team off 11, we hope 2007 will again see practices switching to gain the
benefits of using...
“The Quality Clinical Pathology Service” |
| “Otitis
Externa Survey Irish Practices” |
 Axiom, in conjunction with VetXX, are undertaking a study
into the efficacy of fucidic acid as an antibiotic for the treatment of
Otitis Externa. Practices can send ear swabs for testing, free of charge,
provided extra details are supplied as to the clinical symptoms and intended
or past antibiotic treatment on a form that will be supplied on request.
Please contact us for more details, telephone 1850 946912 or email admin@axiomvetlab.co.uk. |
| “MRSA Screening” |
With the increasing monitoring of MRSA in practice situations,
we are pleased to highlight our MRSA Screen. Available for £12.00
/ €19.00, this reports on whether or not MRSA isolates are present.
If an animal is tested for MRSA and returns a positive results then we will
continue with further culturing and sensitivity testing for an additional
£9.00 /€14.50, provided practices inform us of this request within
24 hours of the return of the MRSA result.
To further the information available to practices we are
supporting a new website, www.mrsainanimals.com, which endeavours to bring
together the various information resources into one concise website. |
Last December we sent all UK & Irish practices our
NEW MRSA poster which highlights the processes / testing requirements for
MRSA screening, if you didn't receive a copy please contact Axiom by telephoning
01626 355655 or via email, admin@axiomvetlab.co.uk. |
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| “Monitoring of Trilostane Therapy for Hyperadrenocorticism” |
By Melanie Craven BVetMed DSAM MRCVS.
Hyperadrenocorticism results from chronic excess exposure
to glucocorticoids, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathies
in the dog. Trilostane, a synthetic steroid analogue, is currently the only
licensed treatment for hyperadrenocorticism in the UK. Trilostane acts in
a dose-dependent manner as a competitive inhibitor of the 3ß hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase enzyme system, thereby reversibly inhibiting the synthesis
of adrenal steroids, including cortisol and aldosterone.
It is important to monitor the clinical and biochemical
effects of trilostane therapy in order to achieve optimal control. Current
recommendations are to perform an ACTH stimulation test at 10 to 14, 30,
and 90 days after starting treatment1. It is important to perform the ACTH
stimulation test 4 to 6 hours after trilostane administration, and results
should be interpreted in the light of the history and the findings of a
thorough physical examination. Trilostane seems to be well tolerated by
most dogs,1 however aldosterone production may be decreased2 and development
of hypoadrenocorticism during treatment has been reported in a small number
of dogs.1,3 Concurrent electrolyte monitoring is therefore recommended.
Once the clinical condition of the animal and the dose
rate has been stabilized, then dogs should be examined and an ACTH stimulation
test performed every 3 to 4 months. As the majority of cases of hyperadrenocorticism
are diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs, other pathological abnormalities
are frequently present. It is advisable therefore to screen for development
of primary hepatic disease and renal insufficiency, since trilostane may
be contra-indicated in such cases.4
In order to assist with optimal monitoring of trilostane
therapy, Axiom has devised the 'TRILO' protocol, to include an ACTH
stimulation test and serum electrolytes, hepatic enzymes (ALP, ALT)
and renal parameters (urea, creatinine). This profile is available for £32.00
/ €48.00.
References:
1. Trilostane treatment of 78 dogs with
pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Vet Rec June 2002;150(26):799-804.
Neiger R, Ramsey I, O'Connor J, Hurley KJ, Mooney CT.
3. Adrenal necrosis in a dog receiving trilostane for
the treatment of hyperadrenocorticism. J Small Anim Pract. June 2004;45(6):307-10.
PS Chapman, DF Kelly, J Archer, DJ Brockman, R Neiger.
2. Cortisol, aldosterone, cortisol precursor, androgen
and endogenous ACTH concentrations in dogs with pituitary-dependant hyperadrenocorticism
treated with trilostane. Domest Anim Endocrinol. July
2006;31(1):63-75. Sieber-Ruckstuhl NS, Boretti FS, Wenger M, Maser-Gluth
C, Reusch CE.
4. Vetoryl® (Arnolds) Product Data Sheet, Dechra
Veterinary Products, April 2005. |
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| “Trtrichomonas
foetus in a young prebreed cat ” |
 A 4 month old Russian Blue
cat was investigated for chronic diarrhoea. Routine faecal analysis, which
included faecal parasitology and culture, was unremarkable. Haematology
showed a mild mature neutrophilia and monocytosis, suggesting inflammation.
Chemistry changes were mild and non-specific. Serum folate was slightly
high (result 41.9 nmol/l, range 19 - 37 nmol/l), which in the cat
may reflect disturbance of intestinal flora, though mild increases may not
be significant. Serum cobalamin was low, suggesting parenteral supplementation
may be beneficial.
A rectal swab revealed neutrophilic inflammation, with
lesser numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and many protozoal trophozoites
with 3 anterior flagellae and an undulating membrane. Morphology of these
flagellated trophozoites was consistent with Tritrichomonas foetus.
Tritrichomonas foetus is a flagellated protozoan long recognised
as a cause of reproductive disease in cattle but more recently implicated
in large intestinal diarrhoea in cats, particularly in juveniles from breeding
colonies or multicat households. Diagnosis may be made by observing characteristic
forward motility on microscopic examination of fresh faeces, by the 'In
Pouch' liquid culture, or by PCR. However as this case demonstrates, diagnosis
is also possible from an air dried rectal smear for cytological exam. Further
information about Tritrichomonas can be found on the FAB website (below).
References:
1. http://www.fabcats.org/tritrichomonas.html
2. Efficacy of ronidazole for treatment of feline Tritrichomonas
foetus infection. JVIM 2006 20(3):536-43.Gookin JL et al.
3. Outcome of cats with diarrhea and Tritrichomonas
foetus infection. JAVMA 2004 225(6):888-92. Foster DM et al.
4. Chronic diarrhoea associated with Tritrichomonas
foetus infection in a British cat. Vet Record 2006 158(22):765-6. Mardell
EJ, Sparkes AH.
Single-celled protozoal trophozoite with 3 anterior flagellae
(arrow), and a curvilinear lateral membrane, consistent with Tritrichomonas
foetus in a rectal smear from a cat (Modified Wrights stain, 1000x magnification). |
| “Sampling tips for accurate coagulation time results” |
Assessment of coagulation times can provide valuable information
to the clinician but requires careful sample collection and handling to
avoid inaccurate results.
The following are suggestions for minimising the risk of activating haemostasis
or fibrinolysis during blood collection: |
The vein should be raised for as brief a time as possible;
Venipuncture should be atraumatic;
If possible, the first few drops of blood should be discarded
or used for other tests, to minimise
contamination with tissue factor;
Excessive vacuum and repeated venipuncture at the same site
should be avoided;
Use of glass vacutainers is not recommended. |
Sodium citrate tubes are required for measurement of coagulation
times in all species (see fig.). Filling the tube to the fill line
is essential for achieving the correct ratio of anticoagulant to blood,
which is particularly important for assessing coagulation times. Any over-or
under filling may cause erroneous results. Tubes should immediately be gently
mixed well (at least 20 inversions recommended), checked for clots,
and shipped in the usual manner. Samples containing even small clots are
unsuitable.
Some literature suggests that immediate separation of citrated
plasma from cells improves clotting factor stability. APTT appears particularly
susceptible to false prolongations in non-separated plasma. If separating
plasma, blood should be mixed with citrate as usual, then immediately centrifuged
for 10 minutes at 2000-3000g; the citrated plasma is then pipetted into
a plain plastic tube clearly labelled as citrated plasma, then shipped in
the usual manner. |
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| “Allergy Panels” |
There have been some significant changes to our allergy
services in the recent weeks. A new Allergy brochure is in production and
will be available shortly. To order a copy please contact Simon Wootton
on 01626 355655 or email simonwootton@axiomvetlab.co.uk.
The new panels are as follows:
ALLERCEPTTM PANEL CONTENTS
SERVICE 1 EUROPEAN GRASS & WEED POLLENS
Timothy (Phleum pratense)
Cocksfoot (Dactylis
glomerata)
Meadow grass (Poa sp.)
Rye grass (Lolium perenne)
Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
English plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Lambs quarter (Chenopodium album)
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Ragweed (Ambrosia.sp)
Clover (Trifolium)
Wall Pellitory (Plarietaria diffusa)
SERVICE 2 EUROPEAN TREES
Birch (Betula sp.)
Alder (Alnus sp.)
Oak (Quercus sp.)
Cypress (Cupressus sp.)
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Elm (Ulmus campestris)
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Poplar (Populus sp.)
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Willow (Salix sp.)
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Cedar (Chamaecyparis sp.)
SERVICE 5 INDOOR PANEL
House Dust Mite (D. farinae)
House Dust Mite (D.
pteronyssinus)
Storage mite (Tyrophagus sp.)
Grain mite (Lepidoglyphus sp.)
Storage Mite (Acarus sp.)
Cat Epithelium
Cockroach (Blattaria sp.)
Alternaria
Cladosporium herbarum
Aspergillus
Penicillium
Flea Saliva
SERVICE 7 EQUINE (INSECT)
Black Fly (Simulium sp.)
Mosquito (Culex sp.)
Horse fly (Tabanus sp.)
Stable fly (Stomoxys sp.)
Midges (Culicoides sp.)
Cockroach (Blattaria sp.)
SERVICE 15 MALASSEZIA
Malassezia
EPIDERMAL PANELS
Cat Epithelia
Dog Epithelia
Rabbit Epithelia
Guinea Pig Epithelia
Parakeet Feathers
Duck/Goose Feather
www.allergyvet.co.uk |
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| “New Courier Routes” |
We are now operating an overnight courier service along
the South Coast. Covering the M27 / A27 corridor this service collects
samples and delivers them to our main laboratory facility in Newton Abbot,
Devon.
We also operate a courier service in the North West of
England, collecting samples from practices and processing them at our satellite
facility in St. Helens.
Please contact: Simon Wootton on 01626 355655 or
email simonwootton@axiomvetlab.co.uk
for more details on how these new services can benefit your practice and
guarantee sample delivery. |
| “Vacutainers” |
Due to a change of manufacturing procedure from the only
supplier, we have with immediate effect had to withdraw the supply of 2ml
Vacutainer tubes. Instead we are asking practices to request 1ml Starstedt
tubes. Whilst we appreciate that there are practices who prefer the 2ml
tubes we hope you understand that this change has been brought about by
circumstances outside our control.
A new supplies order form is now available on the website
or can be requested by telephoning admin on 01626 355655 or via email, admin@axiomvetlab.co.uk. |
| “Histology Pots” |
On the vet supplies front we are also pleased to announce
the supply of small histopathology pots with cell safe inserts, and also
large histopathology pots @ £1.50each. We have also added Blood culture
bottles at £5.00 per set of two bottles (anaerobic & aerobic)
please contact us for information on the sampling of Blood cultures. |
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| “ECVIM-CA” |
Congratulations to Yvonne McGrotty BVMS, CertSAM,
DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS who has passed her examinations to become a diplomate
of the ECVIM-CA. Yvonne sat the European College of Veterinary Internal
Medicine exams in Utrecht in September and is now a recognised Euro-pean
Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine. |
| “Clin-Path Residency” |
Milena Firmanty MScVet MRCVS
is undertaking a clin-path residency at Axiom. Milena who gained her MScVet
from the University of Warsaw has previously worked within our haematology,
biochemistry and endocrine depart-ments.
Axiom also continue to sponsor a clinical scholar at Bristol University
and are an accredited ECVCP training facility. |
| “Vet Nurse Training” |
Axiom Veterinary Laboratories offer bespoke, one-to-one
vet nurse training courses and we are pleased to announce that this service
is now more easily accessible to clients in the North because Beverly Highfield,
who manages our satellite facility in St. Helens is now running parallel
courses.
If you wish to find out more about this course and how you can partake then
please contact either Beverley Highfield (St. Helens) on 01744
730606 or Sara D'Agorne (Newton Abbot) on 01626 355655. |
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