Prairie Diagnostic Services

10/20/2026

Prairie Diagnostic Services recently hosted the 55th Western Conference of Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologists (WCVDP).

This year's theme was dermatopathology, so here is a great example of skin disease in a piglet!

This is a case of exudative epidermitis, also known as greasy pig disease. This tends to be a disease of younger pigs and clinical presentations may range from acute and severe generalized disease to more chronic and mild localized lesions. Severe and generalized forms of exudative epidermitis may be associated with outbreaks of high morbidity and mortality. Classical generalized lesions include peeling red, moist skin with accumulations of greasy brown exudate. In this histological image, numerous bacterial microcolonies (red arrows) of the main causative agent, Staphylococcus hyicus, are embedded throughout superficial crusts of inflammatory debris, proteinaceous exudate, and keratin.

10/16/2026

Notice to Hunters: CWD Testing Program Update:

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment’s Hunter-Killed Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing program is ending.

For questions regarding the discontinuation of the program, please contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment at 1-800-567-4224 (toll-free) or by email at [email protected].

Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS) is currently assessing the feasibility of offering CWD testing through its services. Hunters seeking information about potential testing options through PDS are encouraged to check our website (pdsinc.ca) or email PDS ([email protected]) after October 27 for the latest updates and information on testing availability.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we assess options for CWD testing moving forward.

Photo credit: Deer Stock photos by Vecteezy

10/15/2026

Prairie Diagnostic Services recently hosted the 55th Western Conference of Veterinary Diagnostic Pathologists (WCVDP). This year's theme was dermatopathology, so here is a great example of skin disease in a dog!

This is a case of generalized demodicosis, which is a non-contagious parasitic disease caused by an overgrowth of commensal follicular Demodex mites. Most cases of demodicosis are localized and self-limiting; however, some dogs may develop generalized demodicosis, which is potentially life-threatening and thought to be the result of immunosuppression. In this histological image, the lumina of hair follicles are packed with multiple cross-sections of mites (red arrows) with accompanying inflammation around the follicles themselves (blue arrowheads).

10/08/2026

Tiny Parasites, Important Finding!

Microfilaria was detected in blood, providing microscopic evidence of circulating Dirofilaria immitis; the parasite responsible for heartworm disease.

Another reminder that the microscope can reveal important diagnostic clues!

10/07/2026

PDS will be closed on Monday, October 12.
Have a wonderful holiday!

Photo credit: Thanksgiving Vectors by Vecteezy

09/16/2026

Check out our newly released Annual Report!

Access Annual Reports from PDS Inc, summarizing yearly performance, financials, service developments, and organizational achievements.

09/14/2026

1 day old foal presented for lethargy and suspect failure of passive transfer. Both adrenals had cortical necrosis and hemorrhage (Waterhouse-Friderichesen-like lesion).
The adrenal glands are particularly susceptible to hemorrhagic infarction during septic stress, as they have high vascularity and limited venous drainage. Endotoxemia, adrenal hyperstimulation, endothelial injury, and septic coagulopathy all likely contributed to the characteristic combination of cortical necrosis and hemorrhage seen.

09/08/2026

Did you know that PDS partners with a team of University of Saskatchewan experts to provide veterinary extension services to our clients at no cost?

Check out the services and expertise available to support you and your practice.

PDS Inc offers Bovine and Porcine Extension Services supported by WCVM specialists, providing diagnostic guidance and case consultation for veterinarians.

09/01/2026

Adult snake with history of intestinal obstruction and constipation unresponsive to therapy. A large coelomic mass was found at necropsy, which arose from the colon.
On histology, this mass infiltrated through the colonic wall and also bulged into the lumen, markedly narrowing it. Several features of malignancy are present, including atypia and frequent mitoses. Small foci of similar cell populations were found in the lung, heart, liver and kidney (metastases).
Colonic adenocarcinomas are rare malignant tumors in snakes, occur more commonly in colubrids but have been reported in non-colubrid snakes as well.
While causes such as foreign bodies and granulomas of infectious origins, especially Mycobacterium sp., are more common etiologies for a coelomic mass; this case demonstrates why histopathology for confirmation can be important.

08/24/2026

Where Science Blooms: Summer Flowers in our Clinical Pathology Lab 🌷