About

Devorah Stowe is an Associate Clinical Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. Her professional role is associated with the Clinical Pathology Hospital, where she is involved in clinical pathology services. The page lists her contact information and her affiliation with the college, but does not provide specific details about her research focus, background, or key contributions.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Pathology
• Biology
• Internal medicine
• Political Science
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Gerontology
• Mathematics
• Library science
• Chromatography
• Medical physics
• Anatomy
• Family medicine
• Environmental health
• Veterinary medicine

Selected publications

• What Is Your Diagnosis? Submandibular Mass in a Dog

  Veterinary Clinical Pathology · 2026-01-16

  articleOpen access

  A 7-year-old, neutered male, canine Mastiff mix presented to the Oncology Service at a specialty hospital for evaluation of a submandibular mass, difficulty swallowing, and lethargy. Physical examination revealed an approximately 4 cm diameter, firm, deep, and adherent mass in the area of the left mandibular salivary gland and a soft, small, left mandibular lymph node. Serum chemistry and complete blood count were unremarkable. Thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound did not reveal evidence of metastasis. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue mass originating from the left mandibular salivary gland, measuring 4.9 × 2.8 × 3.3 cm. The mass contained a 3.1 cm tubular extension likely within the sublingual salivary duct, suggesting involvement of the left sublingual salivary gland. In addition, mild-to-moderate left medial retropharyngeal lymphadenomegaly was noted. Fine-needle aspirate biopsy of the left medial retropharyngeal lymph node was performed and submitted for cytologic examination. (Figure 1). The sample was highly cellular, consisting of many neoplastic round cells on a pink background with scattered red blood cells. Round cells were predominantly individualized and occasionally arranged in dense aggregates. Cells were plasmacytoid and contained fairly distinct cell borders. Cells displayed a low to moderate nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio with an eccentric, round nucleus with stippled chromatin and a single indistinct nucleolus. Cells contained a moderate to abundant amount of basophilic cytoplasm that occasionally exhibited cytoplasmic blebbing and a faint eosinophilic margin. Cells displayed moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, and occasional binucleation and multinucleation. Occasional small lymphocytes were present. The neoplastic cells displaying plasmacytoid features were suggestive of extramedullary plasma cell tumor metastasis given the presence of a submandibular mass. However, metastasis of a medullary thyroid carcinoma with round or plasma cell appearance could not be entirely excluded. Biopsy with histopathology was recommended for confirmation. Left-sided mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy and surgical excision of the left, medial retropharyngeal lymph node were pursued. Surgical dissection revealed an encapsulated mass containing the entire left mandibular salivary gland. No margins were reported. Excisional biopsy of the left, medial retropharyngeal lymph node and submandibular mass were submitted for histologic examination. (Figures 2 and 3). Histologic evaluation of the retropharyngeal lymph node revealed a focal area with replacement of normal lymph node by sheets of round cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm. Nuclei were sometimes eccentrically located with a perinuclear clear zone. Nuclei were of intermediate cell size, and mitoses were up to 6 per high-powered field. Cells were contained within the lymph node capsule. The findings were consistent with a malignant plasma cell tumor (Figure 2). Histologic evaluation of the submandibular mass revealed a discrete nodule in salivary tissue that completely effaced the adjacent lymph node. The lesion consisted of sheets of round cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm. The nuclei were frequently eccentrically located with a perinuclear clear zone. The nuclei were 1.5 times the size of a red blood cell, mildly pleomorphic, and had small, indistinct nucleoli. Mitoses were up to 6 per high-powered field (Figure 2). Immunohistochemistry of the submandibular mass was strongly positive for MUM1 in the nuclei of the neoplastic cells (Figure 3). Based on these findings, an epithelial origin was excluded, and the final diagnosis was malignant plasma cell tumor. Extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMPs) are solitary plasma cell neoplasms that occur outside the bone marrow. EMPs have been reported in humans, dogs, cats, hamsters, ferrets, horses, and sheep [1]. Canine EMPs are not common, consisting of approximately 2.4% of all canine neoplasms [2]. Breed predispositions include the American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and West Highland White Terrier. The skin (86%), mucous membranes, specifically the oral cavity and lips (9%), and gastrointestinal tract (4%) are common locations [3]. However, canine EMPs have been reported in the trachea, eye, eyelid, larynx, liver, spleen, uterus, brain, and kidney [2-5]. The metastatic potential of EMP appears to be location dependent. With the exception of cutaneous plasmacytosis, canine cutaneous and oral EMP tend to be benign, carrying an excellent prognosis with surgical removal [3, 5]. However, metastasis is possible. For example, a recent case report discusses a canine oral EMP metastasizing to both kidneys [5]. Case reports of EMP of the trachea, liver, and uterus demonstrate benign behavior. EMPs found in the gastrointestinal tract are more likely to metastasize to local lymph nodes; however, long-term survival is common with surgical excision with or without chemotherapy [3]. There is a single case report of EMP of the parotid salivary gland with metastasis to the medial retropharyngeal lymph node in a 12-year-old dog, confirmed with MUM1. This patient was euthanized 685 days after surgical excision of the left parotid salivary gland and left medial retropharyngeal lymph node due to hindlimb paresis of undetermined cause [2]. In the current case, as of 3 months post-surgery, there was no evidence of recurrence. To the authors' best knowledge, the present case is the second example of a canine salivary gland EMP with good response to treatment despite metastasis to local lymph nodes. These two case reports suggest that salivary EMPs behave similarly to those of the gastrointestinal tract in that they are more likely to metastasize locally but may carry a good prognosis with treatment. However, more research is needed to assess the metastatic potential of canine salivary gland EMP. W.K.C. is part of a training program at North Carolina State University sponsored by Antech Diagnostics, Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Creation and Implementation of a Blood Smear Simulation Model.

  PubMed · 2025-06-01

  article1st authorCorresponding

  Being able to prepare a diagnostic blood smear for evaluation is an essential skill for veterinary practitioners. While this basic technique can be demonstrated via videos or illustrations, it can only be learned through practice and with feedback. With the necessity for virtual learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a model was developed and paired with an online module to facilitate at home instruction and practice of blood smear preparation. Materials for the simulated blood included water, corn starch, and gel-based food coloring. Students were supplied a kit that, in addition to the simulated blood, included slides, Kimwipes®, microhematocrit tubes, a disposable pipette, a cleaning cloth, and disposable gloves. The module includes an introduction to making blood smears, an explanation of simulation kit contents, a demonstration video, and a reflection component. The simulation experience was developed for a short course with 12 students, and the required clinical pathology course, which has 100 students. Overall, the model is cost-effective, and students felt that the activity was useful to practice making blood smears and provided a good introduction and useful explanation of the overall technique in a virtual/ distance learning environment.

  PublisherDOI

• ESTABLISHMENT OF REFERENCE INTERVAL FOR SYMMETRIC DIMETHYLARGININE IN HAMADRYAS BABOONS (PAPIO HAMADRYAS)

  Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine · 2025-06-05

  article

  ), by using the published American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology reference interval guidelines. Samples from each animal were submitted to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. and analyzed via a high-throughput immunoassay called the IDEXX SDMA test. Once analyzed, one value was omitted as an outlier. For clinically healthy baboons, the SDMA reference interval ranges from 4 to 11 µg/dl. The average value for the entire population is 7.7 µg/dl, with a SD of 1.9 µg/dl, a 90% lower confidence interval of 3-5 µg/dl, and a 90% upper confidence interval of 11-12 µg/dl. There is no significant difference between males and females. The hamadryas baboon reference interval indicated that values exceeding 11 µg/dl should be considered possibly elevated and warrant further investigation of kidney function in that animal. Furthermore, determination of species-specific reference interval is critical for correct interpretation of SDMA data.

  PublisherDOI

• Diagnostic utility of the total nucleated cell count for differentiation of septic and sterile peritoneal effusions in dogs

  Veterinary Clinical Pathology · 2024-02-06 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background Rapid and accurate diagnosis of septic peritonitis is critical for initiating appropriate medical and surgical management. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of the total nucleated cell count (TNCC), absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, and total protein (TP) to distinguish septic versus non‐septic peritoneal effusions in dogs. Methods Electronic medical records were retrospectively searched for peritoneal fluid samples from 2008 to 2018 and classified as septic or non‐septic based on bacterial culture and/or cytology results. Receiver operator characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to describe the overall diagnostic utility of each test, with optimal cutpoints analyzed to dichotomize continuous variables. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated at these cutpoints. Results A total of 166 unique samples, including 87 septic and 79 non‐septic peritoneal effusions, were included. There were no significant differences in dog sex, age, or days hospitalized between groups. Septic effusions had significantly higher TP, TNCC, absolute neutrophil count, and neutrophil percentage compared with non‐septic effusions. The area under the curve of the ROC curves was TNCC (0.80), absolute neutrophil count (0.80), neutrophil percentage (0.64), and TP (0.63). For TNCC and absolute neutrophil count, optimal cutoffs were 17.13 × 10 3 cells/μL and 19.88 × 10 3 cells/μL, resulting in positive and negative likelihood ratios of 2.39 and 0.28 and 2.85 and 0.28, respectively. Conclusions Total nucleated cell counts and absolute neutrophil counts aid in the differentiation of septic and non‐septic peritoneal effusions with similar diagnostic utility but are not sufficiently sensitive or specific to use without concurrent microscopic evaluation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Elevated serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity and immunohistochemistry in two dogs with renal carcinoma

  Veterinary Clinical Pathology · 2024-07-26

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  During a 3-year time period, a 15-year-old male castrated Terrier mix (dog 1) and a 6-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever (dog 2) presented to the North Carolina State Veterinary Hospital with similar blood work abnormalities and no significant physical examination findings. A CBC, chemistry panel, and urinalysis performed on both dogs were relatively unremarkable, other than a marked increase in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity. Through imaging, both patients were diagnosed with a renal mass, and histopathology of both masses revealed a carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining of the renal mass in both dog 1 and dog 2 were intensely positive for GGT. Dog 1 had the affected kidney removed, which normalized the GGT value. Dog 2 was euthanized, and metastasis to the lung was noted upon postmortem examination. There have been limited case studies documenting an elevation in serum GGT in dogs diagnosed with renal carcinoma. While renal carcinoma is uncommon in dogs, it is an important differential to keep in mind when there is a marked increase in serum GGT without accompanying increases in other measured liver enzymes. In addition, serum GGT can serve as a helpful biomarker for disease resolution and recurrence, as surgical removal of the renal mass (dog 1) led to the resolution of the elevated serum GGT. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating IHC staining for GGT in a canine renal carcinoma.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Osteosarcoma of the wing in a sulfur‐crested cockatoo

  Veterinary Clinical Pathology · 2024-01-02 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  A 26-year-old female sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) was evaluated for vocalizing through the night and extending her right wing. Physical examination revealed a large, firm mass extending from the humerus to the distal aspect of the elbow. Computed tomography confirmed a large aggressive mass of the right distal humerus with a large soft tissue component, severe osteolysis, and adjacent periosteal proliferation. Fine-needle aspirates of the mass were most compatible with sarcoma, and osteosarcoma was prioritized. An unstained slide was treated with nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate toluidine salt-phosphatase (NBT/BCIP) substrate for ALP detection and was strongly positive, confirming a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. A month later, the patient underwent wing amputation and arrested during recovery from anesthesia. Post-mortem examination and histopathology were consistent with osteosarcoma. This case report highlights a rare occurrence of osteosarcoma in a cockatoo as well as its cytologic and histologic features. Additionally, this report provides support for NBT/BCIP application in ALP-expressing tumors, a cytochemical stain that has been minimally investigated in avian species.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Microbiome analysis of bile from apparently healthy cats and cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease

  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2023-09-13 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Bacterial infection of bile is a common cause of hepatobiliary disease in cats. Whether bile harbors a core microbiota in health or in cases of suspected hepatobiliary disease in cats is unknown. OBJECTIVES: Establish if gallbladder bile in apparently healthy cats harbors a core microbiota composed of bacterial taxa common to many individuals. Compare results of bile cytology, bile culture, and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in apparently healthy cats and cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease. ANIMALS: Forty-three client-owned cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease and 17 control cats. METHODS: Bile was collected by ultrasound guided cholecystocentesis (cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease) or laparotomy after euthanasia (controls). Bile samples underwent cytologic examination, aerobic and anaerobic culture, and DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. RESULTS: Microbiome sequencing did not identify a core microbiota in control cats or cats having bile sampled because of clinical suspicion for hepatobiliary disease. Microbiome profiles from control cats were indistinguishable from profiles obtained from sampling instruments and reagents that were not exposed to bile (technical controls). Bacterial taxa that could not be explained by contamination or off-target amplification were identified only in samples from cats with bactibilia and positive bile culture results for Escherichia coli. In several E. coli positive samples, microbiome sequencing also identified a small number of potentially co-infecting bacterial genera not identified by culture. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cat bile does not harbor a core microbiota. Uncultured bacteria may contribute to pathogenesis of hepatobiliary disease in cats with bile E. coli infection.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Gallbladder microbiota in healthy dogs and dogs with mucocele formation

  PLoS ONE · 2023-02-10 · 9 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  To date studies have not investigated the culture-independent microbiome of bile from dogs, a species where aseptic collection of bile under ultrasound guidance is somewhat routine. Despite frequent collection of bile for culture-based diagnosis of bacterial cholecystitis, it is unknown whether bile from healthy dogs harbors uncultivable bacteria or a core microbiota. The answer to this question is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of biliary infection and as a baseline to exploration of other biliary diseases in dogs where uncultivable bacteria could play a pathogenic role. A pressing example of such a disease would be gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs. This prevalent and deadly condition is characterized by excessive secretion of abnormal mucus by the gallbladder epithelium that can eventually lead to rupture of the gallbladder or obstruction of bile flow. The cause of mucocele formation is unknown as is whether uncultivable, and therefore unrecognized, bacteria play any systematic role in pathogenesis. In this study we applied next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the culture-negative bacterial community of gallbladder bile from healthy dogs and gallbladder mucus from dogs with mucocele formation. Integral to our study was the use of 2 separate DNA isolations on each sample using different extraction methods and sequencing of negative control samples enabling recognition and curation of contaminating sequences. Microbiota findings were validated by simultaneous culture-based identification, cytological examination of bile, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) performed on gallbladder mucosa. Using culture-dependent, cytological, FISH, and 16S rRNA sequencing approaches, results of our study do not support existence of a core microbiome in the bile of healthy dogs or gallbladder mucus from dogs with mucocele formation. Our findings further document how contaminating sequences can significantly contribute to the results of sequencing analysis when performed on samples with low bacterial biomass.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Eosinophilic cavitary effusions in cats: 48 cases (2010–2020)

  Veterinary Clinical Pathology · 2023-10-03 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic effusions are commonly defined as effusions with ≥10% eosinophils. Eosinophilic cavitary effusions are infrequently observed in cats, with few case reports comprising the majority of the recent literature. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to review disease associations of cats with eosinophilic cavitary effusions and to assess if a lower threshold of eosinophils (5%-9%) may warrant consideration of similar etiologies associated with effusions with ≥10% eosinophils. METHODS: Cytology reports were retrospectively reviewed for all feline cavitary effusions submitted for fluid analysis from 2010 to 2020 at a veterinary teaching hospital. Cases were included if the manual leukocyte differential included ≥5% eosinophils and separated into 5%-9% and ≥10% eosinophils groups. Patient records were reviewed for associated medical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 669 effusions were submitted from 579 cats; 50 effusions from 48 cats had a leukocyte differential with ≥5% eosinophils. The eosinophil proportion was ≥10% in 22 cats; the most common underlying cause was neoplasia (10/22, 45%), followed by inflammatory disease (4/22, 18%), cardiac disease (3/22, 14%), suspect neoplasia (3/22, 14%), and undetermined (2/22, 9%). The underlying causes for the 26 cats with 5%-9% eosinophils were similar; neoplasia (8/26, 31%), cardiac disease (6/26, 23%), inflammatory disease (4/26, 15%), suspect neoplasia (3/26, 12%), undetermined (3/26, 12%), and idiopathic chylothorax (2/26, 8%). Cats with eosinophil proportions ≥10% in the fluid exhibited peripheral eosinophilia more frequently (35%) compared to those with 5%-9% eosinophils (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the current literature, neoplasia, particularly lymphoma, remains a primary consideration for cats with eosinophilic effusions. Previously unreported associated diseases included cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Our findings suggest an eosinophil differential of 5%-9% is seen with similar etiologies considered for classically defined eosinophilic effusions.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Eosinophilic pericardial effusion and pericarditis in a cat

  Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports · 2023-07-01 · 9 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Case summary A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy, anorexia and labored breathing. Significant pleural and pericardial effusions prompted thoracocentesis and pericardiocentesis. Cytologic evaluation of the pericardial effusion revealed a highly cellular hemorrhagic, eosinophilic (12%) effusion, with many markedly atypical suspected mesothelial cells, interpreted as concerning for neoplasia. Thoracoscopic subtotal pericardiectomy and histology of the pericardium revealed predominantly eosinophilic inflammation with multifocal mesothelial hypertrophy and ulceration. A peripheral eosinophilia was not present on serial complete blood counts. Initial infectious disease testing was mostly negative. Toxoplasma gondii titers were most consistent with prior exposure, although reactivation could not be excluded. The owner’s medical history included a prior diagnosis of bartonellosis. Owing to the challenges of definitive Bartonella species exclusion, the cat was treated empirically with pradofloxacin and doxycycline, and a subtotal pericardectomy. There was improvement at first but pleural effusion recurred approximately 3 months after discharge. The cat was euthanized and a necropsy was not performed. Subsequent pericardial effusion Piroplasma/Bartonella/Borrelia droplet digital PCR detected DNA of Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii, and peripheral blood culture and sequencing revealed a rare apicomplexan organism (90% homology with Colpodella species) of unknown clinical significance. Testing for filamentous bacteria and fungal pathogens was not performed. Relevance and novel information This case offers several unique entities – eosinophilic pericardial effusion and eosinophilic pericarditis of unknown etiology – and illustrates the well-known marked atypia that may occur in reactive and hyperplastic mesothelial cells, particularly of infrequently sampled and cytologically described feline pericardial effusion, supporting a cautious interpretation of this cytology finding.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Hiroyuki Mochizuki

  North Carolina State University

  7 shared

• Megan E. Jacob

  North Carolina State University

  6 shared

• Jennifer A. Neel

  6 shared

• Meagan Alisa Wheatley

  North Carolina State University

  4 shared

• Jennifer A Neel

  North Carolina State University

  4 shared

• Gabriela Seiler

  3 shared

• Carol B. Grindem

  3 shared

• Amy E. DiDomenico

  North Carolina State University

  3 shared

Awards & honors

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathology (Clinica…