Journal of Applied Animal Science

Normative Clinical Chemistry Data for ICR Mice, Wistar Rats, Dunkin-Hartley Guinea Pigs, and New Zealand White Rabbits at National Laboratory Animal Center, Mahidol University, Thailand

Luxkana Truatnok — 2026-04-16

Clinical chemistry data are essential for evaluating alterations in organ function or tissue damage in experimental animals. However, only a limited number of publications provide reliable reference intervals, and methodological details are often insufficiently described. In this study, we characterized common clinical chemistry parameters in young and adult male and female ICR mice (Mlac:ICR), Wistar rats (Mlac:WR), Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (Mlac:DH), and New Zealand White rabbits (Mlac:NZW). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for electrolytes, substrates, metabolites, and enzymes. Age-related variations were identified in both sexes of mice, specifically creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and in guinea pigs, where creatinine, triglyceride, ALT, AST, and ALP differed significantly between age groups. Additionally, for some parameters, significant age-related differences were observed in only one sex across the studied species. These findings highlight the importance of establishing age-specific reference values to support accurate interpretation of clinical pathology data in biomedical and toxicological research.

Mechanical Comparison of Fixation Methods and Clinical Outcomes of Femur and Tibia Fractures in Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Sirun Tuek-um — 2026-04-17

Long bone fracture in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a common orthopedic problem seen in clinics, with a high incidence of femur and tibia fractures. The selection of the fracture fixation method is important for successful treatment. This study presents a mechanical comparison of fixation methods and the signalment, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of femur and tibia fracture fixation over a 15-year period at Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Thailand. The mechanical study was performed using femur and tibia 3D-printed models with different fixation methods including paraosseous clamp–cerclage stabilization (PCCS), bone plate and screws (BPS), and external skeletal fixation (ESF). Medical records of femur and tibia fractures in pet rabbits from 2008 to 2023 were collected. The data analysis included signalment, affected bone, fracture type, fracture etiology, duration from fracture to fixation, fixation method, complications, and healing time. ESF had the highest maximum resistance for femur and tibia fracture fixation. Thirty-one femur and fifty-three tibia fractures were analyzed in this study. Most of the femur fractures were fixed using PCCS, while the tibia fractures were fixed using the ESF method. The selection of the fixation method depended on many factors. Most long bone fractures in pet rabbits were successfully healed after fixation.

Aggressive Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma in a Young Adult Cat: A Case Report

Thamonwan Panduang — 2026-05-28

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PAC) is a rare and aggressive exocrine tumor in cats, mostly associated with a poor prognosis because of its significant metastatic potential. A 3-year-old, spayed female Scottish Fold cat presented with chronic weight loss and an acute onset of lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Physical examination identified palpable masses in the right cranial and left caudal abdomen. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and elevated feline pancreas-specific lipase (fPLI). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an intramural duodenal mass, pancreatic enlargement with a heterogeneous parenchyma, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) confirmed a markedly enlarged pancreas containing multiple hypoattenuating nodules, pancreatic duct dilatation, and a large, heterogeneously enhancing mass causing duodenal compression. Histopathological examination of an incisional biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis of PAC. Due to the size of the tumor and its metastatic stage, surgical resection was not feasible. The cat received toceranib phosphate and symptomatic treatment. However, the pancreatic mass progressed rapidly, leading to severe obstruction of the duodenum one month after the diagnosis. Necropsy results confirmed metastasis to the duodenum, liver, and spleen. This report describes an uncommon young cat with PAC. This finding emphasizes the importance of early detection and the limitation of therapeutic options in feline pancreatic tumors.