Diagnostic Edge Newsletter - IDEXX Education

Diagnostic Edge

Welcome to the Diagnostic Edge, a monthly online newsletter that offers you case studies, technical tips, practice management updates, our popular interactive challenges, educational opportunities and much more. Information you can use now to help with the issues you face every day, and it’s all online!

Not only can you benefit from the Diagnostic Edge, but you can also contribute! Share case studies, enter contests and give us your feedback. We want to hear from you! If you have questions, email us at diagnosticedge@idexx.com.

Current Issue—February 2012

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month
Case Study: Missy, 10-year-old, spayed domestic shorthair
Interactive Challenge: Evaluate RBC morphology
Online How-tos: Hyperthyroid, Heart Disease, Fluid Therapy
Education: STEPs—Simple Tools for Effective Protocols
IDEXX Innovation: Coming soon—SNAP^® 4Dx^® Plus
Practice Management: Cornerstone^® User Conference
Feline Focus: Strengthen your feline dentistry protocol
Client Value: Announcing pethealthnetwork.com

Diagnostic Edge February 2012

Case Studies:
Missy, 10-year-old, spayed domestic shorthair
Featured case: Geriatric Bengal cat, Petunia
Featured Case Study: 3-year-old, intact male pit bull mix, Jake
7-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Spidey
Bob, 7-year-old, neutered beagle

View all case studies >

Technical Tips:
Maximizing throughput in your in-house lab
Better vector-borne disease screen compliance
Catalyst^® lithium heparin whole blood separator

View all technical tips >

Interactive Challenges:
Evaluate RBC morphology
Evaluate the clinical cytology profile
Interpret unstained urine sediment
Interpret a clinical chemistry profile
Identify and interpret feline blood cells

View all interactive challenges >

Diagnostic Edge Archives

Featured Case Study: 3-year-old, intact male pit bull mix, Jake
Interactive Challenge: Interpret unstained urine sediment
Survey: Tell us about when and how you do feline blood draws
Online How-tos: Improve efficiency and expand patient care
IDEXX Innovation: Automating pharmacy inventory
IDEXX Innovation: Optimizing work-flow efficiency
Technical Tip Maximizing throughput in your in-house lab
Research Corner: SNAP Total T₄ on par with reference labs

Case Study: 7-year-old Shetland sheepdog, Montana
Interactive Challenge: Interpret a clinical chemistry profile
Survey: Have you ever used a practice consultant?
Online How-tos: Connecting pancreatitis and vomiting
IDEXX Innovation: Unleash potential: IDEXX I-Vision Mobile™
IDEXX Innovation: Unleash potential: IDEXX I-Vision Mobile™
Feline Focus: ADR cat? Run a SNAP® fPL™ Test every time
Practice Management: Cornerstone® 8.2 available soon

7-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Spidey
Interactive Challenge: Identify and interpret feline blood cells
Survey: Tell us how you grow your practice
Online How-tos: Improve revenue, compliance and patient care
Feline Focus: Risk of FIV and FeLV in cats with oral disease
Client Value: New Real-Time Care™ Web site, just for pet owners
Featured Event: On-demand learning for feline pancreatitis

September Is Senior Care Month
Case study: Bob, 7-year-old, neutered beagle
Interactive challenge: Interpret a cytologic specimen
Online How-tos: Senior care, better compliance and more
Protocol Guidance: Oral health/retrovirus disease connection
Featured Event: 2011 Cornerstone® User Conference
Feline Focus: Best way to collect feline blood samples
Practice Management: Easily track patients and belongings® fPL™
Technical Tip: Better vector-borne disease screen compliance

In this tough economy, Cornerstone® creates value
Case study: Fritz, 14-year-old, neutered schipperke
Interactive challenge: Interpret a clinical urinalysis profile
Online how tos: Cardiopet® proBNP Test
How do you like our new look?: Tell us what you think
Feline focus: Tips for a less stressful exam
Client value: Cardiac study results inform new pet owner site
Research corner: Reference lab accuracy with SNAP® fPL™
Protocol guidance: Feline stomatitis—the role of retroviruses

How do you like the Diagnostic Edge makeover?
Case study: Phillip, 2-year-old, neutered Labrador retriever
Interactive challenge: Interpret a clinical chemistry profile
Survey: Tell us about your Facebook page for a chance to win
Feline focus: Tips for cat travel, helpful video and Webinar
Technical tip: Catalyst® lithium heparin whole blood separator
Research corner: Diagnosing Feline Heart Disease
Featured event: 2011 Cornerstone® User Conference
Client value: Pet-owner brochures to help with compliance

Education—Case study: 22-month-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Simon
Contest—Your votes are in and the grand-prize winner has been announced for the Ready, Set, Run! contest
IDEXX Innovations
- The ProCyte Dx® Hematology Analyzer and the Catalyst Dx® Chemistry Analyzer make beautiful diagnostics together
- Realize your vision of success with new features from Cornerstone® software version 8.1
Technical Tip—Diagnosing feline pancreatitis using the new SNAP® fPL™ Test
IDEXX Learning Center—2011 Cornerstone® User Conference: Register early and save
Client Value—There’s more value to fast, complete in-house laboratory results than you might think
Interactive Challenge—Compare films to identify significant red blood cell morphologic abnormalities

Education—Case study: 5-month-old, female domestic shorthair, Alice
Contest—The 10 semifinalists in the Ready, Set, Run contest are awaiting your vote
IDEXX Innovations—New SNAP® fPL™ Test provides results to rule-in or rule-out feline pancreatitis in minutes
Protocol Guidance—Total T4 test crucial to managing common endocrinopathies in dogs and cats
IDEXX Learning Center
- 2011 Cornerstone® User Conference: Register early and save
- Online courses and Webinars
Client Value—Research shows many pet owners don’t understand the value veterinarians provide their pets
Interactive Challenge—Identify cell types in a thoracic effusion from a dog with chronic dyspnea

Education—Case study: 2-year-old, intact male English springer spaniel, Bongo
IDEXX Innovations—Cornerstone® Practice Management Software version 8.1, now available
Research Corner
- Hypothyroidism: a commonly overdiagnosed canine endocrine disorder (roundtable)
- Preliminary results are in for the National Feline Cardiac Health Survey
Protocol Guidance—Canine hypothyroidism: know which tests you should run on which dogs
Technical Tips—Simplify invoicing with smart codes, only from Cornerstone® software
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Cracking the Code On Characterizing Anemia
- Online courses and Webinars
Client Value
- Featured pet owner tool: understanding diagnostic test results and blood work FAQs
- Additional resources to help you improve pet owner communications
Interactive Challenge—Identify crystals present in the urine sediment of an adult, intact male golden retriever

Survey—Tell us about your test pricing for a chance to win one of two $100 Visa® gift cards
Education—Case study: 10-year-old, neutered male Maltese, Paulie
Contest—Enter by March 31 to earn a $10 donation for your favorite pet-related charity and have a chance to win $6,000 for yourself!
IDEXX Innovations
- On-site consultations help practices provide Real-Time Care™; could your practice benefit?
- Complete our online Feline Retrovirus Risk Assessment and receive a helpful resource kit.
Research Corner—Hyperthyroidism: the most common feline endocrine disorder (roundtable)
Protocol Guidance—Feline hyperthyroidism: knowing which tests should you run on which cats
Technical Tips
- Get the quickest results from your IDEXX VetLab® analyzers: tips for efficient work flows
- Improve accuracy and save time with IDEXX Cornerstone® electronic test requests
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Identifying Infectious Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats: Overview and Case Presentation
- Online courses and Webinars
Client Value
- Is your work flow as efficient as it could be? Find out key factors to success
- Thyroid disease: client education tools and materials now available
Interactive Challenge—Use a clinical chemistry profile to answer questions about a 14-year-old dog with the primary complaints of acute diarrhea, vomiting and inappetence.

Survey—Tell us about your payment plans for a chance to win one of two $100 Visa® gift cards
Education—Case study: 3-year-old, intact male Labrador retriever, Blue
Contest—See how you can earn a $10 donation for your favorite pet-related charity—and enter for a chance to win $6,000 for yourself!
IDEXX Innovations
- New SNAP® Total T4 Test for the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer
- IDEXX I-Vision CR™ Digital Imaging System now available
Technical Tip—Improve compliance and consistency with the Cornerstone® Compliance Assessment Tool
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Diagnosis and Staging of Canine and Feline Heart Disease and Heart Failure
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Client Value
- Practice Work Flow 911: Was this practice able to increase compliance and find staffing balance?
- Wellness: client education tools and materials now available

Survey—Tell us about your hours of operation for a chance to win one of two $100 Visa® gift cards
Education—Case study: 13-year-old, neutered male West Highland terrier, Sonny
Contest—Technicians, this contest is for you. See how you can win $10 for your favorite pet-related charity—and enter for a chance to win $6,000 for yourself!
IDEXX Innovations
- New time-saving Catalyst® Lithium Heparin Whole Blood Separator
- Free Felimazole™ coated tablets with SNAP T4 tests: diagnose feline hyperthyroidism and begin treatment in one visit
Technical Tip—The Electronic Whiteboard: picture your practice running like clockwork
IDEXX Learning Center
- IDEXX-sponsored NAVC luncheon: Adding Patient and Client Value with Real-Time Care™
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Client Value
- Practice Work Flow 911: Could this clinic increase compliance and find staffing balance?
- Cardiac health: client education tools and materials now available
Interactive Challenge—Identify leukocytes in a dog’s EDTA anticoagulated blood specimen

Survey—What is your favorite national animal-related charity? IDEXX will donate $100 to the charity receiving the most responses.
Education—Case study: 4-year-old, neutered male Labrador retriever, Danny
IDEXX Innovations
- New Free T₄ Test with faster turnaround
- Increasing practice efficiency with IDEXX Cornerstone® Practice Management System:
  Tip 1 of 5
Technical Tip—Improving digital image quality using your technique chart
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: The IDEXX Guide to Hematology (Module 1): An Introduction to Hematology and the Red Blood Cell
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Client Value—Vector-borne and infectious diseases: client education tools and materials now available
Interactive Challenge—Describe and interpret a cytologic specimen from an adult cat

Education—Case study: 9-year-old, spayed female mixed-breed cat, Casey
IDEXX Innovations
- IDEXX InterLink® technology offers true “two-way” integration with compatible PIMS
- Help others learn from your experience with the Catalyst Dx® Chemistry Analyzer
Technical Tip—More efficient medical notes with IDEXX Cornerstone® templates
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis: An In-depth Review
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Research Corner—Summary of “Diagnosis of Canine Vector-borne Diseases in Young Dogs: a Longitudinal Study”
Client Value
- Improve client value and compliance by setting expectations for protocols and standards of care
- Focus on feline heartworm: client education tools and materials now available
Interactive Challenge—Identifying forms in the urine sediment of a female mixed-breed dog

Education—Case study: 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat, Martha
IDEXX Innovations—
- Dental image viewing modes from IDEXX-PACS™ 3.3 software: view up to 25 at one time
- Online Discovery Tool: Set, track and achieve practice goals
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Canine and Feline Heart Disease Basics
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Research Corner—Do you know which of your feline patients has heart disease?
Client Value—
- Focus on preanesthetic testing: client education tools and materials now available
- Practice Work Flow 911: See how consultants helped a practice unkink their work flow
Interactive Challenge—Interpret the acid-base status of an 11-year-old, mixed-breed dog

Education—Case study: 8-month-old, intact male Yorkshire terrier, Toby
IDEXX Innovations—SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer now reads the SNAP® Feline Triple® Test
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: Coinfection and Disease: Importance of Multiple Vector-borne Infections in Dogs
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Research Corner—Experimental infection and coinfection of dogs with anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis
Client Value—September is Senior Care Month: client education tools and materials now available
Interactive Challenge—Identify mononuclear cells and blood film findings from a canine sample

Education—Case study: 7-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Austin
IDEXX Innovations—Dr. Rebar on the ProCyte Dx® Hematology Analyzer
Technical Tip—Helpful Snippets for choosing SNAP® T₄ monitoring and screening snippets
IDEXX Learning Center
- Featured course: The ProCyte Dx® Hematology Analyzer Certificate Course
- Online courses, Webinars and seminars
Research Corner—SNAP® Bile Acids Test compares well to laboratory method
Client Value—New, easy-to-use client education materials on idexx.com
Interactive Challenge—Interpret cells from a canine prostatic massage

Education—Case study: 8-year-old, intact female German shepherd, Leia
IDEXX Innovations
- Now available: The ProCyte Dx® Hematology Analyzer
- IDEXX Digital Imaging IDEXX-PACS™ 3.3 with improved work flow and enhanced integration
- Expanded integration capabilities for AVImark® and Infinity® users
Technical Tip—Screening for thyroid disease with results during the patient visit
IDEXX Learning Center
- 2010 IDEXX Cornerstone® User Conference highlight: new test-drive labs
- Online courses, seminars and Webinars
Research Corner—Four ACVIM abstracts on the performance of the new ProCyte Dx® analyzer
Interactive Challenge—Identifying cell types in urine sediment from a dog

Education—Case study: 5-week-old, intact male domestic shorthair, Alex
IDEXX Innovations
- Introducing the ProCyte Dx® Hematology Analyzer for the most precise, accurate information
- Get the most complete and accurate information with IDEXX Vector-borne Disease Panels
Protocol Guidance—Real-time diagnosis with the SNAP® Cortisol Test
IDEXX Learning Center
- 2010 Cornerstone® User Conference
- Featured course: Coinfection and Disease: Importance of Multiple Vector-borne Infections in Dogs
- Online courses, seminars and Webinars
Research Corner—Which of your feline patients has heart disease? Join our study and find out.
Interactive Challenge—Identify organ systems of concern and additional testing for a 7-year-old dog

Survey—Tell us how you share diagnostic results with clients; enter to win one of two $100 Visa® gift cards.
Education—Case study: 15-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Ralph
IDEXX Learning Center—2010 Cornerstone® User Conference; online courses, seminars and Webinars
Research Corner—Summary: Detection of FPV using a commercial ELISA for CPV
Practice Management—Testimonial: Managing change that supports practice growth
Interactive Challenge—Identifying morphologic abnormalities in a canine blood sample

Survey—Tell us how you share diagnostic results with clients; enter to win one of two $100 Visa® gift cards.
Education—Case study: 10-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair, Violet
IDEXX Innovations—Get our highest level of customer support: IDEXX SmartService™ Solutions
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips—Top five facts about feline heartworm disease; SNAP® Feline Triple® Test can help
Protocol Guidance—Article summary: Spring is high-risk season for Lyme disease infection
Creating Value for Your Clients—Diagnostic testing handout helps with client communication
Practice Management—Competing in a difficult economy: second in a series of technology articles
Interactive Challenge—Interpret clusters of cells in a fine-needle aspirate from a dog’s lung

Survey—Tell us your standard appointment time: win a Visa® gift card
Education—Case study: 5-month-old, neutered male golden retriever, Willie
IDEXX Innovations—Turn the Catalyst Dx® Chemistry Analyzer on and watch your practice take off
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips
- The quick and easy SNAP T₄ Test
- IDEXX Customer Support line menu options for in-house analyzers and SNAP® products will change on March 8, 2010.
Protocol Guidance
- Strengthen your feline heartworm protocol and earn rebates at the same time
- The importance of routine fecal exams
Creating Value for Your Clients—Vomiting: A common complaint that deserves more attention
Practice Management—How can technology improve client relations? First in a series of articles
Interactive Challenge—Interpret structures in a canine urine sediment

Survey—Tell us about your favorite client-education tool
Education—Case study: 10-year-old, spayed female German shepherd, Miss Kitty
IDEXX Innovations—Diagnosing and managing canine leptospirosis
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tip—Cardiopet® proBNP Test specimen protocol; pulmonary pattern recognition in digital radiography
Protocol Guidance—Senior dental preanesthetic screening for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
Practice Management—Four reasons to switch to electronic medical records
Creating Value for Your Clients—Video interview: Building client loyalty in a tough economy
Interactive Challenge—Interpretation of renal panel results for a 13-year-old, mixed-breed dog

Health Watch—Confirmed Canine H1N1 Influenza Virus Infection—IDEXX RealPCR™ testing now available
Education—Case Study: 11-year-old, neutered male Yorkshire terrier, Bilbo
IDEXX Innovations—A more user-friendly IDEXX VetLab® Station touch screen
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tip—Save time and money with electronic SNAP® Test logs; LaserCyte® Certificate Course
Protocol Guidance—Are your preanesthetic protocols up-to-date?
Interactive Challenge—Identify aspects of a blood specimen from a 2-month-old Rottweiler

Health Watch—H1N1 confirmed in number of cats and ferrets—IDEXX RealPCR™ testing now available
Education—Case Study: 15-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair, Nikki
IDEXX Innovations—Cardiomyopathy in apparently healthy cats; enhanced medical notes for Cornerstone 8.0
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Creating Value for Your Clients—In or out? One veterinarian's perspective; new client organ overview handout
Interactive Challenge—Interpretation of a Wright's–stained submandibular lymph node specimen

Health Watch—Keep an eye out for vomiting dogs this holiday season; it could be pancreatitis
Education—Case Study: 2-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Gus
IDEXX Innovations—Improve your work flow with IDEXX SmartService™ Solutions
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tip—How to minimize radiation exposure: the ALARA principle
Protocol Guidance—
- T₄ testing for senior feline patients: a critical screening tool
- Feline heartworm disease: misunderstood and underdiagnosed
Creating Value for Your Clients—Create a clinic work flow that helps your staff talk with pet owners
Practice Management—SNAP Up The Savings: great savings and rebate opportunities
Interactive Challenge—Identify crystals and other structures in a canine urine sediment

Education—Case Study: 11-week-old, female Catahoula leopard dog, Smokey Joe
IDEXX Innovations—
- Do more for less with the Catalyst Dx® Chemistry Analyzer
- Share more, see more through advancements in IDEXX Digital Imaging software
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month.
Technical Tip—Trending analyte values is an underutilized diagnostic tool
Research Corner—Two studies highlight:
- Evaluation of feline pancreas-specific lipase (Spec fPL®) for the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis
- The use of basal serum or plasma cortisol concentrations to rule out hypoadrenocorticism in dogs
Creating Value for Your Clients—A research summary on veterinarian-client communication
Practice Management—
- Use investments and tax breaks to boost profits
- SNAP Up the Savings 2010
Interactive Challenge—Review chemistry and urinalysis results to assess liver function and recommend additional diagnostics

Education—Case Study: 2-year-old, spayed female chow mix, Sarah
IDEXX Innovations
- Reminder Card Service from IDEXX Cornerstone® Practice Management System—it's hassle-free
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month.
Technical Tips—Interpretive information at your fingertips for more meaningful client
Protocol Guidance
- Occult cardiomyopathy in healthy cats is far more prevalent than was thought
- SNAP® T₄ protocol guidelines for the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer
Research Corner—Studies highlight pancreatitis in cats and dogs; see summaries.
Creating Value for Your Clients—What's the real cost of not having immediate results?
Interactive Challenge—Examine blood films to form a working differential and interpret a thrombon.

Education—9-year-old, spayed female Bernese mountain dog, Aurora
IDEXX Innovations—FIV RealPCR™ Test; VetConnect® online Telemedicine submission tool
IDEXX Learning Center—See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips—Preparing your IDEXX-DR™ 1417 Digital Imaging System to capture radiographs
Protocol Guidance—Is albumin part of your preanesthetic testing protocol?
Creating Value for Your Clients—The results are normal? Share the good news!
Practice Management—Win a free practice-management consultation
Interactive Challenge—Examine a canine tracheal wash and form a differential diagnoses

Education—2-year-old, spayed female Portuguese water dog, Sam
IDEXX Innovations—SNAP® 4Dx® Test is now available for the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer
IDEXX Learning Center — Featured Topic: Product Training, see the online courses, product tutorials and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips: —Running the SNAP® 4Dx® Test with the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer
Creating Value for Your Clients —Eleven ways to put your patient's diagnostic reports to work for you
Interactive Challenge —Identify urine sediment crystals and their significance in a canine sample

Education—10-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair, Amber Rose
IDEXX Innovations—SNAP® 4Dx® Test for the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer, The VetTest® Chemistry Analyzer just keeps getting better
IDEXX Learning Center — See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips: —New, easier specimen protocol for the Cardiopet™ proBNP Test, Important maintenance to ensure longevity of your IDEXX StatSpin® VT Centrifuge
Creating Value for Your Clients —The Client-Communication Work Flow
Interactive Challenge —Interpret a renal and hepatic panel and an SPE profile from an 11-year-old, neutered male golden retriever.

Education—5-year-old, male neutered English bulldog, Quasimodo
IDEXX Innovations—Cardiopet™ proBNP Test now available, IDEXX Monitor™ Cornerstone® Dashboard report, Next-generation IDEXX Vector-borne Disease Panels for sick animal testing from IDEXX Reference Laboratories
IDEXX Learning Center — See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips: —Cleaning the Rollers of your IDEXX-CR™ 1417 Model 140 system
Creating Value for Your Clients —Show them you value their time as well as their pet's health
Interactive Challenge —Interpret a bloodfilm from an adult dog with heartworm disease and circulating microfilaria.

Education—10-year-old, intact male dachshund, Doc
Protocol Guidance—In-house cortisol results: critical to real-time care
IDEXX Innovations: —SNAP® FIV/FeLV and SNAP® cPL™ for the SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer, Improved Urine Strip Vial Label, Streamline your laboratory test ordering
Training and Events — See the online courses, seminars and live Webinars available this month
Technical Tips: —Digital Radiography Positioning Guide: Recommended Beam Centers, Protect practice data with IDEXX VetVault®
Creating Value for Your Clients —Face-to-Face Client Communication: The Key to Compliance
Interactive Challenge —Interpret a cytologic preparation from the left thigh of an 8-year-old German shepherd.

Health Watch—Peanut butter-flavored treats recalled in Salmonella investigation
Education—13-year-old female Yorkshire terrier, Chorong; Education and Expertise—IDEXX Reference Laboratories
Protocol Guidance—Maximizing diagnostic value with laboratory profiling
IDEXX Innovations—SNAP® FIV/FeLV and SNAP® cPL™ for the
SNAPshot Dx® Analyzer; IDEXX RealPCR™ Canine and Feline Diarrhea Panels
Training and Events—See the online courses, seminars, and live Webinars available this month
Tech Tip—Commonly Missed Radiographs, a helpful guide by Dr. Matt Wright
Interactive Challenge—Identify elements in a urine sample and describe ways to assist in the identification process.

Education—5-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair, Annie
IDEXX Innovations—New test to maximize skin biopsy information; Electrolytes 8 Plus Available now; Increase check-in efficiency with patient ID cards
Training and Events—Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month on the IDEXX Learning Center; Featured Offering: tutorials
Research Corner—Pancreatitis: Cats are not small dogs, by Jane Robertson, DVM, DACVIM
Interactive Challenge—Interpret the renal and hepatic panels from a 2-year-old, spayed female mixed-breed dog with ascites

Education—10-year-old, spayed female Chihuahua, Tina
IDEXX Innovations—SNAP® Feline Triple™ screens for FIV, FeLV and heartworm; UPC, automated dilutions and electrolytes for the Catalyst Dx™ Analyzer; IDEXX Cornerstone® 7.6 with Pet ID cards and integration with Intuit® QuickBooks®
Training and Events—Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month on the IDEXX Learning Center
Research Corner—Feline Heartworm Disease—Understanding the Role of Heartworm Infection in Respiratory Disease in Cats: Summary of a roundtable discussion
Practice Management—Time Will Tell: Treating the Time-Deficient Practice, Ernest Ward, Jr., DVM
Interactive Challenge—Identify a crystal and predominating background cells in urine sediment from a dog.

Education—10-month-old, neutered male domestic shorthair, Smoke
Health Watch—'Tis the season for pancreatitis—be prepared with comprehensive screening tests
IDEXX Innovations—IDEXX-CR™ 1417 Model 140 Digital Imaging System—outstanding image quality and easy-to-use controls
Training and Events—Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month on the IDEXX Learning Center
Research Corner—Diagnosing and managing feline pancreatitis: A roundtable discussion summary
Practice Management—Investing in Diagnostics and Software as a Tax Strategy—Part 3
Technical Tips—Image handling and storing help from Cornerstone®
Interactive Challenge—Interpret an aspirate from the enlarged lymph node of a cat and suggest a possible cause for any changes present

Education—9-year-old, spayed female Doberman pinscher, Lady
Health Watch—Mars Petcare U.S. expands voluntary recall
IDEXX Innovations—Spec fPL™: The first fast and affordable blood test for feline pancreas-specific lipase, exclusively from IDEXX Reference Laboratories; LabREXX® timesavers
Training and Events—IDEXX Learning Center update; Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month
Research Corner—Assessing cardiac health in the 21st century: A summary
Protocol Guidance—Up-to-date preanesthetic testing protocols ensure best care for senior patients
Practice Management—Invest in diagnostics for significant tax savings—Part 2 of a 3–part series
Technical Tips—New guides help you learn the ins and outs of your IDEXX Digital Imaging system
Interactive Challenge—Identify erythrocyte-associated basophilic structures and classify the anemia in a peripheral blood film from an adult cat with acute onset lethargy, depression and anorexia

Education—4-year-old intact, female Samoyed, Nala
Health Watch—New Pet Food Recall: Mars PetCare U.S. issues voluntary dry pet food recall
IDEXX Innovations—Get IDEXX SmartService™ Solutions, IDEXX's highest level of customer support; IDEXX Practice Profile™ from Cornerstone®; IDEXX Real PCR™ Respiratory Disease Prevalence Program; Spec fPL™ Test announcement
Training and Events—IDEXX Learning Center update; Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month
Research Corner—Study illustrates importance of reticulocytes in differentiating anemias
Protocol Guidance—New American College of Veterinary Radiology guidelines for digital imaging
Practice Management—Invest in diagnostics for significant tax savings—Part 1 of a 3–part series
Technical Tips—Swab cats for IDEXX Real PCR™ Feline URD Panel; Rotate stock for best results and easier inventory management
Interactive Challenge—Interpret a hepatic panel and give the most reasonable cause for the changes shown by the results

Education—14-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog, Arthur
Health Watch—Canine influenza virus strikes New Jersey—what you should know
IDEXX Innovations—September is Senior Care Month—special pricing on senior panels
Training and Events—See Webinars, seminars and online training opportunities available this month; Sign up now for Cornerstone® User Conference
Practice Management—Invest in diagnostics for significant tax savings
Technical Tips—New online tutorials for IDEXX-PACS™ 3.0 Imaging Software; new software envelopes
Subscribers Say—What do you think? We'd like to hear your opinions.
Interactive Challenge—Characterize morphologic findings and identify a leukocyte in a peripheral blood film from an EDTA anticoagulated blood specimen from an adult cat with diabetes