Activity of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase is considered to be more pancreas specific than traditional lipase assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase activity for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs and to assess its prognostic usefulness.MethOds: Retrospective study of case records for suspected acute pancreatitis based on clinician-stated diagnosis, point-of-care and quantitative canine pancreas-specific lipase (cPL) results and consistent ultrasonographic features. Diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, agreement by Cohen's kappa (κ) and prognostic value by multiple regression analysis.Results: Median DGGR lipase activity was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis [93.7 (range, 11.0-2853.0) U/L (n = 158)] compared to those with no evidence of pancreatitis [range, 20.9 (6.7-89.0) U/L (n = 356)]. A DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L had the best combined diagnostic sensitivity (81.0%) and specificity (92.1%). Previously established cut-offs (>130 and >80 U/L) had sensitivities of 40.5 and 43.0%, and specificities of 100 and 99.7%, respectively.There was near perfect (κ = 0.821) and substantial (κ = 0.751) agreement between DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L and quantitative cPL concentrations ≥200 and ≥400 μg/L, respectively. DGGR lipase activity but not quantitative cPL concentration was statistically (P = 0.043, odds ratio = 0.999) predictive of discharge but clinical utility is questionable. clinical significance: Using DGGR lipase at the lower cut-off could provide an additional test for supporting a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs particularly if cPL results are not available. Larger studies are required to more fully assess its value in prognostication.

Case summaryA 5-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of persistent pyrexia, pica, soft faeces, inappetence, intermittent vomiting, mild-to-moderate granulocytosis and mild hypercalcaemia. No significant improvement was noted after antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment, except that the hypercalcaemia resolved. Physical examination, including thoracic auscultation, and abdominal and peripheral lymph node palpation, were unremarkable. On admission, haematology revealed moderate leukocytosis (36.8 × 109/l) with moderate-to-marked eosinophilia (21.3 × 109/l) and marked basophilia (4.04 × 109/l), the latter identified microscopically. Lymphocytes were markedly decreased (0.37 × 109/l). Blood smear examination revealed 58% eosinophils, 28% neutrophils, 11% basophils, 2% monocytes, 1% lymphocytes and marked, diffuse platelet clumping. Biochemistry abnormalities indicated mild pancreatitis, dehydration and anorexia with mildly increased pancreatic lipase, mild hypernatraemia (157 mmol/l), a moderate decrease in urea (3.1 mmol/l) and a slight decrease in phosphate (1.32 mmol/l). Ultrasound and radiographic imaging revealed enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Fine-needle aspiration, a Tru-cut biopsy and immunohistochemistry were performed. Cytological examination revealed ~65–75% lymphocytes (~80% were larger than a neutrophil), ~25–35% eosinophils and occasional basophils. Lymphocytes had single, small (<1/3 red blood cells), prominent nucleoli and increased pale, mildly vacuolated cytoplasm. On histopathology, cells were monomorphic, large, with prominent nucleoli, and mild, multifocal, staining for T-cell marker CD3. Smaller cells were strongly CD3-positive. Cells were negative for B-cell marker CD45R.Relevance and novel informationThis is the most severe case of paraneoplastic basophilia reported with feline alimentary T-cell lymphoma with accompanying eosinophilia and lymph node infiltration. Feline basophil prevalence is reported for the first time.

BackgroundCutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) is a condition of unknown aetiology involving microvascular thrombosis. It has recently been described in over 160 dogs in the United Kingdom and usually has a grave prognosis. To date, this condition has not been described in dogs residing in the Republic of Ireland.Case presentationThree dogs presented to University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital (UCDVH) for investigation of rapidly progressive skin lesions. All dogs were diagnosed with CRGV on post-mortem examination. All three dogs had azotaemia on presentation or rapidly developed azotaemia, and all were euthanased because of progression of clinical signs and likelihood of CRGV. One dog was affected by seizure-like episodes and had thrombotic microangiopathy evident within the cerebrum.ConclusionsCRGV occurs in dogs residing in the Republic of Ireland and is a differential for cases presenting with skin lesions and azotaemia. The histopathological lesions of CRGV can also affect the brain leading to neurological signs such as seizures. Owners and veterinarians should be aware that this condition can occur in dogs in Ireland.

In this group of dogs, the range of clinical signs is not significantly different between small and large breeds. The prevalences of clinical and clinicopathological findings appears to be similar to those historically reported. Dogs with more clinical signs tend to have higher ALT and ALP activities.

The formula in question gives the correlation between two variables for a number n1 and nz of individuals when the ordinary parameters, including correlations, are available for the separate groups of n1 and n2 individuals; and it is extended to more than two groups. It is possible, even probable, that the formula is known, but the writer has not found any direct references to it; in any case its practical value is such that there can be no harm in drawing attention to it.