Summary:
The May 2025 edition of the Prairie Diagnostic Perspective combines operational updates with valuable diagnostic case studies and field insights from Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS).
Fee Update — Effective June 1, 2025
Beginning June 1, 2025, most PDS test prices will increase by 6%. Clients will receive the updated 2025 Tests & Services Guide by email in late May. PDS expresses appreciation for clients’ continued trust and partnership.
Necropsy Submission Policy Updates
Revised guidelines clarify how fetus and neonate necropsy submissions are billed:
- Monogastric fetuses or neonates (under 10 days, <10 kg) from a single dam or herd issue will be treated as a single submission under one necropsy fee.
- Effective June 1, up to two ruminant fetuses from a single dam will also be handled under one fee; additional fetuses (e.g., triplets) will incur a reduced-rate secondary fee if processed separately.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)
The PDS laboratory provides one AST per case for the most significant pathogen identified. Additional ASTs can be requested, with associated charges.
Results are interpreted using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines; however, when no official criteria exist for a bacterial species, results are labeled “No interpretation criteria available (N/I).”
PDS emphasizes that N/I does not indicate treatment failure or success—clinicians must rely on clinical judgment and reference materials for appropriate therapy selection.
Premises Identification (PID) in Saskatchewan
PDS reiterates the importance of Premises Identification as a mandatory component of livestock traceability and emergency response in Saskatchewan.
Practitioners are encouraged to maintain accurate PID records and remind clients to update their accounts through the provincial portal. Contact: Alicia Sopatyk, Provincial Livestock Specialist for Traceability (306-510-7925).
Case Report: Multiple Myeloma in a Dog
Author: Dr. Calandra Chuback, DVM, PhD (student)
A canine patient presenting with recurrent epistaxis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma following laboratory, imaging, and histopathologic evaluation.
Key findings included:
- Mild non-regenerative anemia and marked hyperglobulinemia
- Plasma cell infiltration in bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, and kidneys
- Monoclonal gammopathy confirmed via serum protein electrophoresis
- Osteolytic rib lesions observed at necropsy The case underscores how excessive monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-component) production can disrupt normal coagulation and cause bleeding disorders. Prognosis: Favorable short-term outcomes may be achieved with chemotherapy, but long-term prognosis remains poor due to relapse and resistance.
Toxicology Update — Toxicoses of 2024
Author: Dr. Vanessa Cowan, DVM, PhD
The PDS veterinary toxicology laboratory diagnosed 76 poisoning cases across livestock, wildlife, and companion animals in 2024.
Key findings:
- Lead toxicosis remained the leading cause in cattle (32 cases across 20 herds) and wildlife, especially Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and Trumpeter Swans, due to ingestion of fishing tackle and ammunition.
- Chronic copper toxicosis was the second most common, affecting small ruminants (mainly sheep). Accurate diagnosis required both liver and kidney samples.
- Salt toxicosis (sodium ion water deprivation) ranked third, often linked to water restriction, poor palatability, or freezing. In companion animals, PDS recorded five dog poisonings (including three strychnine cases), as well as zinc poisoning in a parrot and hypervitaminosis A in a turtle. Dr. Cowan advises that herds exhibiting neurologic or polioencephalomalacia-like signs should be screened for lead, and both liver and kidney samples submitted for suspected copper cases. For consultation or diagnostic support, contact vanessa.cowan@usask.ca.