February / March 2010
An Abaxis Publication For The Veterinary Community
Highlights
Testimonial:
® ®
VetScan vs. IDEXX
A Letter from the Sarasota
Veterinary Emergency Hospital
Special Look:
Abaxis Expands Advisory Board
Bringing you some of the top
experts in veterinary medicine
VetScan i-STAT 1
Your chemistry lab could actually
be handheld
Abaxis University
January CE Course Schedule
Case Studies:
Oliver: West Highland Terrier
Addisonian Crisis; Renal Failure
Prince: Miniature Poodle
VetScan rapid diagnosis saves
Prince
Callitrichidae of Loro Parque
Clinical update of the Callitrichidae
collection of Loro Parque
Authorized Distributors
Customer Sampling
Conference Calendar
Editorial Staff
Welcome
Welcome to 2010 and welcome to VetCom, a Publication by Veterinarians for
Veterinarians; now reaching around the world to over 16,000 Veterinary
professionals.
The success of Abaxis being a leader in delivering superior quality products
and world-class service that meets customers’ requirements every-time is clear
and compelling. Abaxis VetScan products allow practitioners to provide their
clients with fast, accurate results at the point of care. In a recent customer
survey, 99% of the respondents agreed that VetScan products make their
practice more efficient.
The Abaxis Animal Health point of care product portfolio consists of the
VetScan Chemistry, Electrolyte and Immunoassay analyzer, the VetScan
VSpro, a coagulation and specialty analyzer with a combination PT/aPTT test
cartridge, the VetScan i-STAT® 1, a portable, handheld, clinical analyzer, the
VetScan HM2 (3-part differential) Hematology analyzer, the VetScan HM5
(5-part differential) Hematology analyzer and the VetScan Canine Heartworm
Rapid Test. In addition, we recently announced the Canine Wellness Profile,
the first fully automated point of care canine wellness profile that includes a
Heartworm Antigen Test for the VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer.
Abaxis strives to provide the veterinary industry with cutting-edge technology,
tools and services that support best medical practices, enabling practitioners
to respond to the health needs of their patients, while operating economical
and profitable practices.
VetScan products by Abaxis…BETTER. ACTUALLY.
Sincerely,
Valerie Goodwin – Adams
Director, Marketing – Animal Health
Editor, VetCom Publications
About Abaxis, Inc.
The Abaxis Animal Health point of care product portfolio consists of the VetScan VS2
chemistry, electrolyte and immunoassay analyzer, the VetScan VSpro, a coagulation
and specialty analyzer with a combination PT/aPTT test cartridge, the VetScan i-STAT
1, a portable clinical analyzer, the VetScan HM2 (3-part differential), the VetScan
HM5 (5-part differential) hematology analyzer , and the VetScan Canine Heartworm
Test.
888-9300-REV U
Distributors Testimonial

United States Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital: VetScan

American Veterinary Supply
800-869-2510 Improves Hospital Operations
DVM Resources Contributing Author: Wendy Ellis, DVM
877-828-1026
Great Western Animal Supply I purchased the Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital in November of 2006,
800-888-7247 and the hospital was equipped with an IDEXX® QBC hematology analyzer and
Equipment Outreach, Inc. VetTest chemistry machine. The hospital had been in business for about 15
888-996-9968 years or so prior to my purchasing it. After having worked with Abaxis VetScan
analyzers at another hospital, and then personally seeing how they compared to
Hawaii Mega-Cor, Inc. the IDEXX machines, I immediately made the change to the Abaxis VetScan
800-369-7711
laboratory system.
IVESCO
800-457-0118 Our technicians wasted so much time working with the IDEXX machines - the
QBC machine was time consuming and required multiple steps. When we got
Lextron, Inc.
busy, sometimes the technicians would be unable to go back to the IDEXX QBC
800-333-0853
machine to finish the second step. CBC's could take 30 minutes or more on some
Merritt Veterinary Supply occasions! The IDEXX chemistry machine was not much better - with each slide
800-845-0411 needing to be individually loaded. Many times we would get slide errors and
Nelson Laboratories have to start all over again. It was quite frustrating. The IDEXX blood
800-843-3322 machines were just too labor intensive.

North East Veterinary Supply Co. I was able to purchase the VetScan Chemistry analyzer and the VetScan
866-638-7265 Hematology analyzer very shortly after I purchased the hospital, and later we
Penn Vet Supply added another VS2 Chemistry analyzer when finances allowed. I purchased
800-233-0210 the VSpro during the pre-launch (before it came out), because honestly I knew
and trusted the VetScan product line and I was 100% sure we would love the
PCI Animal Health Coagulation analyzer. I was right...We absolutely LOVE it. The benefit of point-
800-771-7241
of-care testing has benefited our emergency hospital in many ways from
TW Medical decreasing client waiting time, increasing our profits, and saving money with
888-787-4483 the efficiencies of our in-house lab. We can also now run a full chemistry and
T4 at the same time (one on each VetScan VS2) - also decreasing client wait
Western Medical Supply
800-242-4415 time. Our technicians no longer have to linger in the lab, waiting to complete
the next step on a IDEXX machine or putting individual slides into a chemistry
VWR International, LLC machine.
800-932-5000
I cannot tell you what a fan I am of the Abaxis in house laboratory system. We
Canada work in a hospital that also has a boarded surgeon, an internal
Associated Vet Purchasing, Co. medicine/oncology specialist, and an ophthalmologist. The internal medicine
604-856-2146 specialist in our building saw us purchase our Abaxis lab, and gave me a very
AVENTIX hard time about it. She was a BIG TIME IDEXX fan! Of course, as a oncologist
877-909-2242 she is constantly running CBC's. It took her a few months to notice, but
eventually her team saw our technicians getting CBC results in no time from our
CDMV
VetScan HM2 (CBC), and her technicians were still trying to complete the
450-771-2368
multiple step process of the IDEXX QBC machine. Needless to say, she has now
MidWest Drug purchased both a CBC and Chemistry analyzers from Abaxis, and now is an
204-233-8155 Abaxis fan.
VetNovations
866-382-6937
Vie et Sante
418-650-7888
Western Drug & Distribution
877-329-9332

February / March 2010 • 3

Customer Sampling Special Look

Medical & Research Abaxis Expands Advisory Board: Bringing You Top
Experts in Veterinary Medicine
Abaxis provides its customers access to some of the top experts in veterinary
medicine for help with cases related to clinical pathology, small animal internal
medicine and oncology, equine and large animal internal medicine, avian
medicine and other exotics such as fish, reptiles, amphibians and non-domestic
mammals as well as business management and wellness programs.

The Abaxis Advisory Board now includes:

Mary Anna Thrall, MS, DVM, Diplomate, American College of

Veterinary Pathologists: Dr. Thrall is a well known author, teacher and
expert in clinical pathology. She has published numerous articles and book
chapters as well as authoring Veterinary Hematology and Clinical Chemistry
Veterinary Facilities published by Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. She is formerly a Professor of
Clinical Pathology at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine
and now is a professor at Ross University in St. Kits.

Gary Norsworthy, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary

Practitioners – Feline: Dr. Norsworthy is the editor and major author of
Feline Practice published by Lippincott and one of the editors of The Feline
Patient: Essentials of Diagnosis and Treatment published by Williams and
Wilkins. He has also published more than 200 articles and was a founding
member of the ABVP.

Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, Ph.D.: Dr. Mitchell is an Associate Professor of

Veterinary Clinical Medicine at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary
Medicine and has also been on staff at Louisiana State University. His clinical
interests include invertebrate, fish, amphibian, reptile, avian and non-domestic
mammalian medicine and surgery. He recently co-authored the Manual of
Exotic Pet Practice published by Saunders. He has also published numerous
journal articles.

Terry C. Gerros, DVM, MS, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary

Universities Internal Medicine, Large Animal: Dr. Gerros began his career as the
resident veterinarian at Calumet Farms in Kentucky. He then became an
Assistant Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at Oregon State
University. He has published numerous articles and has written chapters for
publications such as Large Animal Internal Medicine published by Mosby-
Elsevier and The 5-minute Veterinary Consult- Equine published by Lippincott,
Williams & Wilkins. He currently owns the Santiam Equine Clinic as well as
Cordon Road Veterinary Clinic in Salem, Oregon.

Heidi Ward, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal

Medicine – Small Animal: Dr. Ward is a former Assistant Clinical Professor
at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a
specialty in both Internal Medicine and Oncology. She has multiple publications
and received numerous awards including the Robert Brody Award from the
Veterinary Cancer Society and the Gold Star Award from the Florida
Veterinary Medical Association. She currently is the owner of Gulf coast
Veterinary Oncology/Internal Medicine in Sarasota, FL.

February / March 2010 • 4

Subscribe Today! Special Look

Kate An Hunter, DVM: Dr. Hunter is the owner of Carver Lake Veterinary
Hospital, a 3 doctor small animal practice near Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Hunter
is the President-elect of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association and is
on the Board of Directors of ROMP (Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets)
which promotes greater access for owners and pets to parks, businesses and
housing. She is a well known speaker on public radio and local television.

Every issue of VetCom includes:
Spotlight articles devoted to
issues of particular interest to
veterinarians
Don Harris, DVM: Dr. Harris is the past-president of the North American
Veterinary Conference as well as the Association of Avian Veterinarians. He
travels worldwide to provide education on avian medicine. Dr. Harris was
honored as speaker of the year from the NAVC, received the Outstanding
Service Award from the AAV and he serves on multiple committees for the
AAV. In addition, he is a consulting veterinarian for the Miami Seaquarium,
The Miami Metro Zoo and Parrot Jungle and Gardens, all in Miami, FL.

Upcoming Conferences Kent Adams, DVM: Dr. Adams is the owner of Appalachian Veterinary
Services, a 5 veterinarian practice in Virginia and has been an advisor to Abaxis
Events of Interest for 10 years. His approach to wellness testing in the equine species has helped
VetScan news and special offers many practitioners improve the medicine they provide as well as their business.

VetScan authorized distributors

Don’t miss a single issue of

VetCom. Subscribe today at
www.abaxis.com.

2010 Veterinary Conferences

Jan. 29-30 Michigan Veterinary Feb. 21-22 Animal Care Conference Apr. 15-17 North American Dermatoloty
Conference Garden Grove, CA Forum
Lansing, MI Portland, OR
Feb. 25-28 Midwest Veterinary
www.michvma.org
Conference Apr. 17-18 San Diego VMA
Feb. 3-4 Connecticut VMA Columbus, OH San Diego, CA
Groton, CT www.mvcinfo.org www.sdcvma.org
www.ctvma.org
Feb. 26-27 Virginia VMA Apr. 18-21 American Associations for
Feb. 2-5 Veterinary Specialists in Roanoake, VA Cancer Research
Private Practice www.vvma.org Washington, DC
New Orleans, LA www.aacr.org
Mar. 3-4 Penn Annual Conference
Feb. 4-7 Indiana VMA Jun. 10-12 ACVIM
Philadelphia, PA
Indianapolis, IN Anaheim, CA
www.invma.org www.acvimforum.org
Mar. 11-14 Advanced Renal Therapies
Symposium Jun. 26 Arizona Veterinary Specialists
Feb. 5-7 Arkansas VMA
New York City, NY Tempe, AZ
Hot Springs, AR
www.amcny.org
Jul. 16-17 Pacific Veterinary Conference
Feb. 6-10 Minnesota VMA
Mar. 19-20 AAHA San Francisco, CA
Sout St. Paul, MN
Long Beach, CA www.pacvet.net
Feb. 15-17 Western Veterinary www.aahanet.org
Jul. 31- AVMA
Conference
Apr. 10-12 CVC East Aug. 3 Atlanta, GA
Las Vegas, NV
Baltimore, MD www.avma.org
www.wvc.org

February / March 2010 • 5

Case Study: West Highland Terrier

West Highland Terrior: Oliver Battles Addisonian Crisis and Case

Renal Failure Study
winner!
Contributing Author: Ashley Shely Kanzler, DVM
Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital

Oliver, an 8 ½ year old neutered male West Highland White Terrier, presented
to Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital for being “down and out” and
vomiting. Oliver had traveled with his family by car from Canada. The trip
took approximately 1 week. Pertinent history included iatrogenic Addison’s
Disease after treatment for Cushing’s Disease as well as a single episode of
severe pancreatitis requiring hospitalization. He was also previously diagnosed
with Inflammatory Bowel Disease via intestinal biopsy. He had not had a stable
diet for the past week while traveling, and had been experiencing periods of
anorexia and vomiting after eating. He was currently taking several holistic
medications for his IBD, Florinef and Prednisone for his Addisons, and iron
supplementation for a chronic anemia. His diet was usually home cooked.

On presentation Oliver was QAR/mildly depressed. Physical examination

revealed a BCS of 3/5 with a weight of 9.75 kg, mild dental tartar present,
bradycardia (88bpm) and a tense cranial abdomen on palpation. Mucous
membranes were tacky and he was approximately 5% dehydrated. He had an
episode of vomiting in the exam room. The owner strongly suspected that he had pancreatitis. Differential
diagnosis' based on history and physcial exam included pancreatitis, Addisonian crisis, gastritis, gastroenteritis,
IBD flare up, and open diagnosis.

A full chemistry panel and CBC were immediately performed using our Abaxis VetScan VS2 Chemistry and
CBC analyzers as well as a urinalysis. The CBC indicated dehydration as his HCT was 40% with a history of mild
to moderate anemia. Chemistry results of elevated BUN, creatinine, total protein, calcium, phosphorus and
potassium with a concurrent decrease in sodium, Na/K ratio (Table 1) and low urine specific gravity (1.012) were
consistent with an Addisonian crisis as well as renal failure.

Oliver’s treatment was directed at correcting the Addisonian crisis as well as the
renal failure and pancreatitis. He was started on 0.9% NaCl with Vitamin B
Complex added at 50 mL/hr. His treatment plan included: 2.5 mL DexSP (1
mg/kg) IV q6h, 1 mL Cerenia given SQ SID for vomiting, famotidine 1 mg/kg IV
SID, Unasyn 22 mg/kg IV BID, and Baytril 5 mg/kg IV SID. In addition,
Sucralfate 1 gram slurries were given q8h PO and his Florinef 0.2 mg was given
PO once he was no longer vomiting. He received a plasma transfusion to aid in
treating his pancreatitis. His electrolytes began to normalize approximately 10
hours after starting treatment (Na: 129, K+ - 6.1, Na:K 21). He was then
transferred to Florida Veterinary Specialists for further care and work up since
he had previously been a patient there. He continued to improve and was
eventually released bright and alert.

Utilizing our VetScan Chemistry and Hematology Analyzers provided multiple benefits in this case. Oliver’s
owners fully believed that he was having only a reoccurrence of the pancreatitis. Had we not fully investigated
his condition with a full blood chemistry panel and CBC, we would have not diagnosed the renal disease. In
addition, the electrolytes that are included with every panel were invaluable in identifying the Addisonian crisis
and allowed a comprehensive treatment plan to be initiated. In addition, the availability of immediate results
allowed us to discuss the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan with the owners immediately, providing us with

February / March 2010 • 7

Case Study: West Highland Terrior continued

the best possible client communication and ultimately

Oliver’s original bloodwork on admit: improving the outcome of the case. The owners were
very happy with his progress and he has continued to do
WBC – 19.82 ALB – 5.7 well in the treatment for his Addisonian crisis.
LYM – 3.08 ALP – 1863.0
MON – 0.62 ALT – 89.0 We are forever grateful to have our Abaxis VetScan
GRAN – 16.12 AMY – 848.0 CBC and Chemistry Analyzers. We have found them
truly INVALUABLE in working up our cases. We
LY% – 15.5 TBIL – 0.2
previously used another brand of blood machines, but
MON% – 3.1 BUN – 107 found the CBC and chemistry machine to be extremely
GRAN% – 81.3 CA – 14.5 labor intensive. Our old CBC machine required
PHOS – 13.4 multiple steps, and the chemistry machine was
RBC – 7.68 CRE – 3.9 extremely labor intensive. With our Abaxis machines,
HGB – 14.0 GLU – 111 we are able to put our blood samples into the analyzer
HCT – 40.12 NA+ – 138 and walk away. Less than 12 minutes later we have
results, with no other steps required by our staff. We
MCV – 52.0 K+ – 8.3
are a fairly busy emergency hospital, and within the
MCH – 18.3 TP – 9.5 last year decided to purchase an additional Vetscan
MCHC – 35.0 GLOB – 3.8 VS2 Chemistry Analyzer. We now utilize our Abaxis
RDWc – 17.7 Hem – 0 VetScan HM2, two VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzers
PLT 583.0 Lip – +1 and find them to be very cost effective. We recently
Ict – 0 purchased the new Abaxis VSpro coagulation (PT
and aPTT) analyzer that we use just prior to every
surgery.
Na:K ratio – 16.6

Recheck electrolytes – Na+: 129, K+ - 6.1, (Na:K 21)

(Table 1)

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how your in-clinic laboratory system
has made a difference, and your case
study is published in VetCom - you
could win!

Send your case studies to:

Valerie Goodwin - Adams
Abaxis, Inc.
3240 Whipple Road
Union City, CA 94587
valeriegoodwin@abaxis.com
Enter
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(Open to owners and principals of veterinary practices, research facilities,
academic environments, and pharmaceutical/biotech companies.
Instrument being upgraded must be returned to Abaxis.)

February / March 2010 • 8

Case Study: Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodle: Prince Fights Addisons Disease

Contributing Author: Ashley Shely Kanzler, DVM
Sarasota Veterinary Emergency Hospital

Prince is a 17 year old Miniature Poodle that presented to Sarasota Veterinary

Emergency Hospital with a history of lethargy and collapse. Prince had been
to his DVM earlier that day for routine vaccines which were not given because
Prince did not seem to be acting normal and would not cooperate. He was sent
home. He was previously diagnosed with a heart murmur, per the owner.

When he arrived at SVEH, the owner informed the technician that when the
owner was ready for dinner Prince stared at his food lifted one leg for several
minutes, and did not respond. Later that evening, he was on the bed and
collapsed into lateral recumbency.

Prince was immediately brought back to the treatment area upon arrival to
our hospital due to his poor condition. An IV catheter was placed in his left
cephalic vein.

On presentation Prince was depressed, temperature of 103.8

Prince’s original bloodwork on admit: rectally, BCS 2.5/5, hypermature cataracts OU, waxy
yellowish discharge AU, Grade V dental disease and
WBC – 32.0 ALB – 3.6 halitosis. Heart auscults with a Grade III/VI murmur, lungs
LYM – 0.33 ALP – 44.0 auscult clear. Abdomen palpates soft and non-painful.
MONO – 1.33 ALT – 43.0 Palpation of his spine and cervical manipulation was WNL.
GRA – 31.14 AMY – 663.0 Prince seemed to be aware of his surroundings, but would not
LY% – 1.0 TBIL – 0.2 stand on the examination table.
MO% – 4.0 BUN – 19.0
GR% – 94.9 CA – 9.9 Blood work was immediately recommended. Although there
RBC – 5.38 PHOS – 5.0 were financial restraints, the owner did agree to a complete
HGB – 13.0 CRE – 0.7 CBC and chemistry.
HCT – 38.32 GLU – 110.0
MCV – 71.0 NA+ – 140.0 CBC - Elevated WBC (32,800) – possibly due
MCH – 24.1 K+ – 5.8 to severe dental disease
MCHC – 33.8 TP – 7.0
RDWc – 13.3 GLOB – 3.4 Chemistry - High end of normal K+ (5.8),
PLT – 457.0 Hem – 0 Na+ (140), Na:K - 24.
PCT – 0.41 Lip – 0
MPV – 8.9 Ict – 0 The owner was financially unable to hospitalize Prince at the
PDWc – 36.6 time, so he was given 0.9% NaCl SQ and DexSP IV. He was
sent home with Prednisone to give if he did not respond to
the IV DexSP by the time they went to bed. It was highly
suspected that Prince had Addisons Disease and it was
recommended that further testing be done the next morning. Further updates with the owner revealed that
Prince was doing well.

Being that Prince is 17 years old, the differential diagnoses list was extremely long for his non-descript symptoms.
The VetScan helped to narrow down the possibilities and give the most probable diagnosis of Addisons Disease
which could have been life threatening if not treated immediately. Ideally he would have been hospitalized and
monitored overnight, but since this was not financially an option, Prince received the much needed steroids and
is doing great!

February / March 2010 • 9

Case Study: Callitrichidae

Loro Parque Fundacion: Clinical Update of the Callitrichidae

Collection
Contributing Authors: Baerbel Kohler - Abaxis, Marketing Manager (Europe)

Callitrichidae are New World Monkeys which live in the tropical

rainforests of Central and South America. The family includes four
genera: marmosets, tamarins, lion tamarins, and spring tamarins.
The entire family callitrichidae is endangered in the wild because of
destruction of the rainforests.

The Loro Parque facilities house three different species of Callitrichidae:

Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator), Red-handed Tamarin
(Saguinus midas) and White-headed Marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi).

All three species are organized in the European conservation breeding program (EEP). The idea is to build up a
healthy and self-preserving population in the zoos, and the long term target is to return the animals back into
the wild to support and/or to rebuild the wild population. Loro Parque takes an active part in the European
conservation breeding program and is breeding the animals with good success.

The veterinary department also endeavors to discover more clinical information about this species. Abaxis
supported the Loro Parque clinic’s efforts to further its scientific studies in the fields of hematology and
biochemistry in our callitrichidae.

With the help of Abaxis we expanded our clinical examination to include a complete blood check which contains
hematology and chemistry using the Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile and the T4/Cholesterol Profile.

The veterinarians, nurses and keepers work together on the

With the Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile clinical exams of all our twenty animals. These exams include the
and T4/Cholesterol Profile we measured
inspection of the skin, oral cavity, palpation of the abdomen,
the following data in our Callitrichidae:
auscultation of lung and heart, weight control and blood work.
Albumin 2.4–4 g/dl
Alkaline Phosphatase 47-341 U/L A special comment I would like to make about the thyroxin
Alanine Aminotransferase 10–103 U/L values in Callitrichidae: the thyroxin level is much higher and
Amylase 25–81 U/L
much more varied between individual Callitrichidae than in
Total Bilirubin 0.3-0.4 mg/dl
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) 7-14 mg/dl
other mammalian species.
Calcium 8.3-11.1 mg/dl
Phosphorus 0.9-6.7 mg/dl The white blood cell count ranged between 9.46-13.43 x 10³/μl;
Creatinine 0.4-0.7 mg/dl the red blood cell count was measured from 6.47-8.38 x 106/μl;
Glucose 158-247 mg/dl the hematocrit ranged between 42.36% and 55.19% and
Sodium 140-154 mmol/L hemoglobin between 16.6- 20 g/dl.
Potassium 2.1-3.7 mmol/L
Total Protein 6-8 g/dl In conclusion, we verified that all of our Callitrichidae are in
Globulins 3.5-4.7 g/dl
excellent health and we also achieved new reference values
Thyroxin 4.5-14 -76 μg/dl
for this species which will help in the future interpretation of
Cholesterol 57-117 mg/dl
the blood work of this family.

It is a great help for the Loro Parque clinic to have received both the Abaxis VS2 Chemistry Analyzer and the HM5
Hematology Analyzer. We utilize these machines every day in helping us to understand and to preserve our species.
Special thanks to: Prof. David Waugh, Director General Management, Coordination of field conservation and capture research
projects; Mathias Reinschmidt, Curator of Birds and Assistant Management of Parrot Collection; Rafael Zamora, Curator of
Birds and Assistant Management of Parrot Collection; Dr. Sara Capelli, Clinic Management.

February / March 2010 • 10

 A Clinical Evaluation of the Abaxis VetScan Total T4
A Comparison Against a Commercial Laboratory and a
Reference Laboratory

Craig M. Tockman, DVM, Mary M. Christopher, DVM, PhD, Diplomat ACVP, Carlyle L. Hess, ASCP, CLS, Resident

The in-office T4 has many potential Even though this is a very small sample size the statistical
uses for the general practice. Many analysis, as well as the clinical implications, are extremely
practices uses the rotor to diagnose telling and interesting:
feline hyperthyroid disease, screen
canine patients suspected of being R2 is the coefficient of determination. From this value, we
hypothyroid and screen both dogs and calculate R which is the correlation coefficient. R indicates
cats as part of a wellness program. the strength of the relationship between the variables. When
Perhaps the most common current R is close to 1, the relationship is very strong. The farther
utilization is in monitoring response to from 1 this values gets, the weaker the relationship.
therapy for both hyperthyroid and
hypothyroid patients. 1.The R2 values from this experiment were
determined to be 0.9949 for the VetScan and
Some potential customers evaluating the T4 test prior to 0.8844 for the commercial lab. These translate
purchase, and some customers already utilizing the T4 test to an R value of 0.9954 for the VetScan and
choose to compare the Abaxis in-office T4 to their 0.9404 for the commercial lab. Clearly, the
commercial laboratory. When there is a difference, the VetScan has a better correlation to the controls
tendency of the veterinarian is to lean toward the commercial than does the commercial lab.
lab result. Many forget that the Abaxis T4 has been
correlated to the T4 testing at leading Veterinary Teaching 2.The linear slope of the VetScan test was 0.9908
Hospital and the internal quality controls of the VetScan vs. 0.6984 for the commercial lab. When the slope
provide us with results we can count on. is 0, this would indicate no relationship exists
between the values. A slope of 1 tells us the
To compare the VetScan T4 against the T4 test of a relationship is strong. Once again, the slope of
commercial laboratory, a set of 7 known T4 controls was run the VetScan compared to the controls is superior
in duplicate on both a VetScan VS2 Chemistry Analyzer at a to the commercial lab indicating a stronger
private veterinary practice and at a major commercial relationship.
laboratory. The results are shown in the table below:
T4
Control VS2 VS2 Commercial Commercial
P1 1.70 1.1 1.1 1.68 0.88
P2 3.93 3.3 3.3 3.19 2.54
P3 4.82 4.0 4.4 3.19 3.04
P4 5.76 4.7 4.8 3.63 4.14
P5 6.55 6.0 6.0 5.59 5.62
P6 7.19 6.6 6.8 5.07 5.20
P7 9.20 8.4 8.5 6.20 6.22

The two runs for each analyzer were averaged and placed
on a chart to look at the same data visually, shown to the
right:

February / March 2010 • 12

 3. From a clinical perspective the following was Feline Canine Combined
evident:
# Samples 24 44 68
a. Control P1 – the commercial lab would have R2 0.9228 0.9427 0.9185
incorrectly indicated the possibility of a P3 0.9696 0.9709 0.9584
hypothyroid or under-medicated patient.
P4 1.012 1.388 1.154
b. Control P3 – Both of the commercial lab
samples showed this as a normal patient, while
the VetScan correctly indicated the patient as
above normal (hyperthyroid, overmedicated
hypothyroid dog, under medicated hyperthyroid
cat).

c. Control P4 – Again, one commercial lab value

would have incorrectly diagnosed the patient as
normal rather than above normal.

d.Controls P6 and P7 – While the commercial lab

would have been accurate in diagnosing a
patient with an above normal T4 level, it would
clearly be giving inadequate values in regards to
medication titration or monitoring. From the
graph, you can clearly see the fall off in the
commercial lab testing as the values increase
while the VetScan maintains its’ strength.

This study shows several important things:

1. When evaluating the “accuracy” of a test in your
office, it is important to run the study in a double
blind fashion. This is accomplished either by
obtaining a third value from another lab, or
preferably by comparing to a known set of controls
as performed here.
2. The commercial lab may be incorrect if you do
get different values. And, always remember to
account for your clinical symptoms.

Another study was performed at the pathology department

at the University of California – Davis School of Veterinary
Medicine. Duplicate VetScan runs were compared to the
value obtained on the Hitachi 917/912 instrument at the
university. The study was performed under the direction and
supervision of Mary M. Christopher, DVM, PhD, Diplomat
ACVP, and Professor in the Department of Pathology,
Microbiology and Immunology and included patients
presented to the university. Table 1 provides the results of
this study. The graphic description of the study is also
provided.

February / March 2010 • 13

In all cases, the VetScan shows excellent correlation
(R>0.90) for total T4 with the university reference method.
There were 5 of 24 (20%) feline cases where there was a
discordant value for T4 between the analyzers. In all cases
however, the discrepancy was for a below normal value on
one or the other analyzers and a diagnosis of feline
hypothyroid disease would not have been made as these
patients had other significant systemic disease or were on
significant medications for those problems. All of the canine
cases were in agreement clinically.
So, if you own a VetScan, run it with confidence. If you are not
performing tests such as the T4 because of accuracy
concerns, we hope you will take a second look. Your VetScan
will provide you with the accuracy and precision you expect
from a true reference laboratory. The T4 test was calibrated
against the test performed at a leading Veterinary Teaching
Hospital. In addition, when you run the Abaxis VetScan
Analyzer, your iQC ensures such things as the chemical
reactions were performed and ran to their proper
completion, that the temperature was at the optimal level
and that all the systems functioned properly. Abaxis
maintains a strict quality assurance program and tests that
the reagents you receive will perform as designed. You are
also sure that the sample you run is that of the patient you
intend to evaluate. Many veterinarians have been stumped
by a lost sample, or a sample run under the wrong patient.

VetScan VS2 is an innovative state-of-the-art chemistry, electrolytes, immunoassay and blood gas analyzer
with uncompromising accuracy from two drops of blood. The VetScan VS2 is easier to use than ever
before. With an advanced user interface, expanded printing capabilities and precision reference
laboratory quality results from 100 ul of whole blood, serum or plasma.

February / March 2010 • 14

Editorial Staff Abaxis University Schedule

Valerie Goodwin - Adams

Directo,r Marketing - Animal
Health
VetCom Editor
510-675-6604
valeriegoodwin@abaxis.com
Craig M. Tockman, DVM
JANUARY AND
Director of Professional
Services, Abaxis, Inc.
800-822-2947, ext. 6580
FEBRUARY 2010
craigtockman@abaxis.com
Complimentary Online CE Course Schedule
Kent Adams, DVM
Abaxis Advisory Board Member
Equine/Large Animal Practitioner
kentadams@abaxis.com

Terry C. Gerros, DVM, MS, Implementing a Senior and Pre-Anesthetic Wellness Patient Plan
Diplomate, ACVIM (LA) January 27, 2010
Abaxis Advisory Board Member
Equine Practitioner 1:30 PM CST
gerrost@yahoo.com

Don J. Harris, DVM A Practitioner’s Approach to Wellness Testing

Abaxis Advisory Board Member January 29, 2010
Avian/Exotic Practitioner
donharris@abaxis.com 12:30 PM CST

Kate An Hunter, DVM Clinical Pathology for Reptiles

Abaxis Advisory Board Member
Companion Animal Practitioner February 2, 2010
carverlake@aol.com 11:30 AM CST
Baerbel Koehler
Abaxis Sales and Marketing Implementing a Senior and Pre-Anesthetic Wellness Patient Plan
Manager for Europe, Africa
and the Middle East
February 9, 2010
Darmstadt, Germany 11:30 AM CST
+49 6151 350 79 0
baerbelkoehler@abaxis.de
Monitoring the Acute and Chronic Renal Patient
February 25, 2010
7:00 PM CST

A Practitioner's Approach to Wellness Testing

February 26, 2010
12:30 PM CST

For additional information or to register, log-on to www.abaxisuniversity.com.

For more information, contact us at info@abaxisuniversity.com.

CE course meets the requirements for continuing education credit in jurisdictions which
recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards
have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on
certain methods of delivery of continuing education.

*To receive continuing education credit, attendees must participate in the seminar at least
50 minutes for a 1 hour continuing education course and at least 1 hour and 20 minutes for
a 1.5 hour continuing education course.

February / March 2010 • 15

 * US North American exclusive

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Union City, CA 94587 vetscansales@abaxis.com
Telephone: 510-675-6500 www.abaxis.com

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