Retrospective evaluation of fresh frozen plasma use in 121 cats: 2009-2016.

OBJECTIVES: To document indications for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) use in cats, doses administered, and frequency of adverse transfusion reactions (ATR). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study from January 2009 to November 2016. SETTING: Large urban referral and emergency facility. ANIMALS: One hundred twenty-one client-owned cats that received FFP. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Signalment, indication(s), dose, pre- and posttransfusion total plasma protein, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, as well as possible ATR, primary disease process, and outcome were recorded. Doppler blood pressure was increased posttransfusion (mean pre 99.5 ± 30.8 mm Hg; post 108.5 ± 32.5 mm Hg, P = .027). Cats were significantly less likely to be coagulopathic posttransfusion (P < 0.001). Most common indications were suspected coagulopathy (n = 105, 83%), hemorrhage (n = 45, 35%), and hypotension (n = 32, 25%). Median dose was 6 mL/kg (interquartile range = 3 mL/kg) and was negatively correlated with body weight (r = -.598, P < 0.001). Possible ATR occurred in 17 of 108 (16%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10-24%) of transfusions. Increased body temperature was most common in 11 of 108 (10%, 95% CI, 5-18%), followed by tachypnea/dyspnea in 8 of 108 (7%, 95% CI, 3-13%). Common primary disease processes included liver disease (n = 41, 34%), neoplasia (n = 19, 16%), and sepsis (n = 15, 12%). Overall mortality was 54%. Improvement of clotting times was associated with increased odds of survival (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-5.3; P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Clinician justifications for FFP transfusions are comparable to that reported in dogs; however, the mL/kg dose is lower. Coagulopathy and blood pressure significantly improve posttransfusion. Possible ATR were as frequent as that reported with feline packed RBCs transfusions and classified as mild.

Azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava with segmental aneurysm, lung lobe torsion and pulmonary thromboembolism in a dog.

This case highlights the management and diagnostic evaluation of a dog with two individually rare conditions (lung lobe torsion and vena cava aneurysm) that ultimately resulted in fatal pulmonary thromboembolism.

Evaluation of the sterility of single-dose medications used in a multiple-dose fashion.

Bacterial proliferation was evaluated in single-dose medications used in a multi-dose fashion and when medications were intentionally inoculated with bacteria. Of 5 experimentally punctured medications, 1 of 75 vials (50% dextrose) became contaminated. When intentionally inoculated, hydroxyethyl starch and heparinized saline supported microbial growth. Based on these findings, it is recommended that hydroxyethyl starch and heparinized saline not be used in a multi-dose fashion.

Évaluation de la stérilité des médicaments à dose unique utilisés pour plusieurs doses. On a évalué la prolifération bactérienne dans les médicaments à dose unique utilisés pour plusieurs doses et lorsque les médicaments sont intentionnellement inoculés avec des bactéries. Parmi les cinq médicaments ayant subi une ponction expérimentale, 1 des 75 flacons (50 % dextrose) a été contaminé. Lorsqu'ils étaient inoculés intentionnellement, l'hydroxyéthylcellulose et le soluté physiologique hépariné supportaient la croissance microbienne. En se basant sur ces résultats, il est recommandé que l'hydroxyéthylcellulose et le soluté physiologique hépariné ne soient pas utilisés pour plusieurs doses.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).