Summary:
The November 2024 issue of Prairie Diagnostic Perspective introduces a new communication channel from Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS)—a quarterly newsletter designed to share diagnostic insights, research developments, and client resources with the veterinary community.
Introducing Prairie Diagnostic Perspective
Message from Dr. Yanyun Huang, CEO, PDS
This inaugural issue welcomes readers to a new way of staying connected with PDS. The newsletter will feature:
- Diagnostic Tips to help veterinarians address common challenges
- Case Studies showcasing real-world examples and emerging diseases
- New Tests and Technologies as PDS continues to expand its capabilities
- Research Highlights inspired by diagnostic practice
- Lab Updates including staffing, operational, and service changes
The goal is to keep veterinary clients informed, engaged, and supported with the latest tools and information to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Feature Article: New Seasonal Reference Intervals for Equine ACTH
Author: Dr. Lilani Munasinghe, Clinical Pathologist (PDS)**
Topic: Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses
PDS, in collaboration with the Large Animal Clinical Group at WCVM, has established seasonal reference intervals for equine endogenous ACTH specific to Western Canadian horses.
This update improves diagnostic precision for PPID, a common endocrine disorder in older horses. Variability in ACTH concentrations—due to season, geography, and time of day—often complicates diagnosis. PDS now uses refined regionally validated ACTH reference intervals based on data from the Equine Endocrinology Group and Western Canadian sampling, ensuring more accurate interpretation of ACTH results year-round.
Important Shipping Guidelines for Winter
As temperatures drop, PDS reminds clients to take precautions to prevent sample freezing during transit.
Key recommendations:
- Fix tissue in 10% formalin for 24 hours, then transfer to 70% alcohol before shipping in extreme cold.
- Mark packages “Protect from freezing.”
- Use room-temperature ice packs instead of cold packs.
- Avoid Friday shipments to prevent weekend delays. Samples at risk: Trichomonas pouches, whole blood, formalin-fixed tissue, feces for parasitology, and gel swabs. For detailed test-specific instructions, clients can refer to the PDS Test and Services Guide or contact dso@usask.ca / 306-966-7316.
Research Highlight: Bovine Reproductive Failure Project – Free Testing
PDS has launched a new research initiative called BovReproSeq, a genomic-based method capable of detecting 17 pathogens associated with bovine reproductive failure.
Funding: Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund and the Beef Cattle Research Council.
Scope: Up to 100 bovine abortion submissions will be selected for free additional testing, including:
- Bacterial culture & susceptibility
- Coxiella, Ureaplasma, Campylobacter, IBR, and BVD PCR assays
- Mineral and vitamin A/E panels
Eligibility: Submissions must follow PDS’s bovine abortion sampling guidelines and include whole fetuses with placentas when possible.
Contact: pdsinfo@usask.ca (subject: “BovRepro Project”).
Safety and Surveillance Updates
- Shipping Suspect RG3 Samples: Mark “RG3” on submission forms, double-bag, attach forms externally, and notify PDS prior to shipment.
- New Chemistry Panel: “Fasted Canine Standard/Triglyceride Panel” replaces GLDH in the Canine Standard Panel; fasting (12 hours) required.
- Provincial Surveillance Programs:
- Q Fever Surveillance Program
- Small Holder Swine Health Surveillance Program
- Small Flock Poultry Surveillance Program
These programs, coordinated with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, support disease monitoring and early detection in regional herds and flocks.