Venipuncture and Blood Collection on Conscious Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana).

We developed a venipuncture technique of the ventral caudal vein in conscious Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in cage traps, enabling blood sampling without anesthesia. Blood samples were successfully collected from all 28 opossums in this study by this technique. Draw volume of <0.1 mL occurred in only four opossums (14%).

Prolonged holding time and sampling protocol affects viscoelastic coagulation parameters as measured by the VCM-Vet™ using fresh equine native whole blood.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the effect of sample holding time and single sample reuse on viscoelastic coagulation parameters when using fresh equine native whole blood. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult horses from a university teaching herd. PROCEDURES: Blood collected by direct jugular venipuncture (18 ga needle, 3 mL syringe) was held at 37 °C for 2, 4, 6, or 8 minutes according to 1 of 2 protocols. Syringes were gently inverted twice, a small amount of blood was expressed, testing cartridges were filled, and placed within the VCM-Vet™ device (Entegrion Inc). Protocol A: samples were processed from a single syringe. Protocol B: 4 syringes were drawn through a single needle. VCM-Vet™ measures assessed included clot time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle (AA), amplitude at 10/20 minutes (A10/A20), maximal clot firmness (MCF), and lysis index at 30/45 minutes (LI30/LI45). Differences over time were examined using the Friedman test and post hoc Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test with Bonferroni correction, P ≤ .05. RESULTS: Following Protocol A, there was a significant effect of holding time for CT (P = .02), CFT (P = .04), and AA (P = .05). CT and AA decreased over time, while CFT increased. Samples handled by Protocol B showed no significant difference over time for any of the VCM-Vet™ parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sample holding time and handling protocol impact VCM-Vet™ testing results of fresh equine native whole blood. Viscoelastic coagulation samples tested using the VCM-Vet™ may be held unagitated for up to 8 minutes after collection while warm, but should not be reused.

Surgical removal of an embolized intravenous catheter fragment from the axillobrachial vein of a dog.

An 8-month-old neutered male miniature Australian shepherd was examined for evaluation and treatment of suspected embolization of a peripheral intravenous catheter fragment. Embolism had occurred after the catheter cannula was accidentally cut during removal from the right cephalic vein. Radiographs showed migration of the fragment to the proximolateral right brachium. Surgical exploration, assisted by fluoroscopy, localized the fragment to the axillobrachial vein, where the tip was visualized within the vessel lodged against the wall. A venotomy was performed, allowing the fragment to be extracted from the peripheral vessel before it could migrate farther. The dog recovered from surgery without complication and was discharged the following day. Key clinical message: In the case reported here, the axillobrachial vein was a clinically important location on the migration path of a cephalic intravenous catheter embolus. Fluoroscopy allowed for quick localization of an embolized intravenous catheter fragment within a peripheral vein and directed open surgical retrieval of the foreign body. A peripheral catheter fragment can be retrieved surgically from a vein in a limb even when a tourniquet has not been applied immediately.

Ablation chirurgicale d'un fragment de cathéter intraveineux embolisé de la veine axillo-brachiale d'un chien. Un berger australien miniature mâle castré âgé de 8 mois a été examiné pour l'évaluation et le traitement d'une suspicion d'embolisation d'un fragment de cathéter intraveineux périphérique. L'embolie s'est produite après que la canule du cathéter fut accidentellement coupée lors du retrait de la veine céphalique droite. Les radiographies montraient une migration du fragment vers le brachium droit proximolatéral. L'exploration chirurgicale, assistée par fluoroscopie, a localisé le fragment au niveau de la veine axillo-brachiale, où la pointe a été visualisée à l'intérieur du vaisseau logé contre la paroi. Une veinotomie a été réalisée, permettant au fragment d'être extrait du vaisseau périphérique avant qu'il ne puisse migrer plus loin. Le chien a récupéré de la chirurgie sans complication et a été libéré le lendemain.Message clinique clé :Dans le cas rapporté ici, la veine axillo-brachiale était un emplacement cliniquement important sur la voie de migration d'une embolie par cathéter intraveineux céphalique. La fluoroscopie a permis la localisation rapide d'un fragment de cathéter intraveineux embolisé dans une veine périphérique et l'extraction chirurgicale ouverte dirigée du corps étranger. Un fragment de cathéter périphérique peut être extrait chirurgicalement d'une veine d'un membre même lorsqu'un garrot n'a pas été appliqué immédiatement.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Comparison of biochemical and hematologic values obtained via jugular venipuncture and peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Sampling from a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) might be a more efficient and less traumatic collection of blood for serum biochemistry (SB) or CBC than direct venipuncture (DV). Agreement between results of samples obtained by these methods has not been evaluated in dogs. OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine whether sampling from PIVC could be used in place of DV for dogs. We hypothesized DV and PIVC samples would have clinically equivalent SB and CBC results. ANIMALS: Sixty-one client-owned dogs were included in each study arm. METHODS: This was a partially randomized method-comparison study. Paired DV and PIVC samples obtained within 1 to 2 minutes after, or approximately 24 hours after, placement of a PIVC in a cephalic vein were evaluated for agreement and bias using percentage difference plots (with a priori application of consensus total allowable error), Bland-Altman analysis, Passing-Bablok regression analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and McNemar's test. RESULTS: There was statistically and clinically acceptable agreement and no bias between sampling methods for the majority of results. Analytes with the most frequent disagreement were aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, potassium, bicarbonate, and leukocyte differential counts, as well as red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and packed cell volume in the hospitalized PIVC sampling group. Few observed differences would change clinical decision making. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: PIVC sampling can provide generally acceptable SB and CBC results for most dogs, but clinicians should be aware of a few values for which disparate results might occasionally be obtained.

Intravenous iron sucrose is safe but does not prevent development of anemia or iron deficiency in healthy cats undergoing serial venipuncture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate IV iron sucrose safety and impact on hematologic and iron indices in healthy cats. ANIMALS: 5 healthy research cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were administered iron sucrose (0.5 mg/kg, IV) over 30 minutes. Monitoring for acute reactions (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure) was performed every 5 minutes during injection and every 15 minutes for an additional hour. Baseline, 24-hour, and 1-, 2-, and 3-week postinjection measurements of CBC with reticulocyte indices, iron panel (ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and iron), calculated transferrin saturation (TSAT), and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration were performed. RESULTS: No cat experienced an acute drug reaction. SAA concentration was increased at 24 hours versus baseline. TSAT and ferritin decreased over time, with 3 cats developing concurrent functional iron deficiency (FID) and anemia. Hct (Spearman correlation [rs] = 0.805), hemoglobin (rs = 0.770), and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (rs = 0.581) correlated with TSAT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IV iron sucrose was well tolerated in healthy cats but was associated with transient increase in the systemic inflammatory marker SAA. Efficacy evaluation of dose based on iron deficit is needed in sick cats. Despite cumulative blood draw volume below recommended limits, anemia and FID were observed, which has important implications for experimental designs and serial hematologic monitoring. Further evaluation of inflammatory response to IV iron sucrose administration is warranted.

Cross-sectional survey of non-invasive indirect blood pressure measurement practices in cats by veterinarians.

OBJECTIVES: This survey of small animal veterinarians endeavored to: (1) determine current methods of indirect blood pressure measurement; (2) detail techniques used to reduce situational hypertension; and (3) better understand the obstacles to performing blood pressure measurement in cats. METHODS: An online survey was produced and circulated to members of the Veterinary Information Network. A total of 733 veterinarians who saw cats in their practice and had access to at least one indirect blood pressure device completed the entirety of the survey. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent (703/733) of veterinarians who completed the survey reported measuring indirect blood pressure in cats in their practice, with veterinary technicians conducting most (600/703; 85.3%) of these measurements. Few veterinarians (30/733; 4.1%) did not measure blood pressure, with these veterinarians citing several obstacles including: difficulty interpreting results with the occurrence of fear, anxiety and stress in cats (20/30; 66.7%); difficulty performing measurements in cats (17/30; 56.7%); and technical staff being uncomfortable performing measurements (12/30; 40.0%). Most veterinarians (300/435; 69.0%) in this survey preferred an ultrasonic Doppler flow detector with sphygmomanometry, with many (272/300; 90.7%) perceiving that the results obtained with this device were more trustworthy compared with results obtained with oscillometry. Ninety percent (633/703) of veterinarians employed techniques to reduce situational hypertension in cats. Techniques perceived to be most helpful among veterinarians included: using a quiet location (454/633; 71.7%); minimizing restraint (316/633; 49.9%); performing blood pressure prior to other procedures (eg, phlebotomy, cystocentesis) (302/633; 47.7%); avoiding other animals (219/633; 34.6%); and allowing time for acclimation (167/633; 26.4%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This survey study of veterinarians helps clarify obstacles to routine blood pressure measurement in conscious cats. Veterinarians reported several strategies that they felt reduced situational hypertension in cats. The data inform modifications of techniques to increase the frequency and perceived reliability of blood pressure measurement in at-risk cats.

A novel device for serial venous blood sampling in a canine model.

Diagnostic serial venous blood sampling has the potential to introduce stress-related artifactual elements into the analytical results. We have evaluated the use of a wearable automated serial blood sampling device in a canine model that obviates a need for multiple manual venipuncture. Efficacy in measuring cortisol levels during prolonged serial blood sampling is described. Automated serial blood sampling from the jugular vein was performed in two Beagle dogs. Over two separate 22-h periods, serial blood samples were withdrawn for routine cell counting and blood chemistries from each animal, whilst animal behavior along with durability of catheter placement and tolerability by the vascular system were assessed. During the study, no behavioral changes attributed to the serial blood sampling device were seen and no stress-related deviations from normal blood cell counts and cortisol levels were detected. Minor erythema was eident at the sites of catheter placement, which was consistent with the presence of an indwelling catheter. The wearable, serial blood sampling device performed well and was tolerated by the animals without stress-related changes in blood analysis or behavioral observation. This study has demonstrated the potential significant benefit of the Fluispotter® device for serial blood sampling in veterinary and clinical settings. The samples collected are free from stress-related signatures in blood chemistry otherwise common to serial blood sampling protocols requiring repeated venipuncture. This device has valuable implications for use in routine preclinical pharmacology and toxicology studies.

Comparison of the effects of open-tube and evacuated tube-assisted sampling methods on thromboelastography variables for blood samples from healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of open-tube blood sampling with previously investigated blood sampling methods via evacuated tube on thromboelastography variables for blood samples from dogs. ANIMALS: 10 healthy Beagles from the research colony owned by the Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, University Veterinary of Medicine, Vienna, were used. PROCEDURES: In this prospective study, blood was sampled from each dog serially into citrate solution-containing tubes via 20-gauge needle. One evacuated tube was filled from a jugular vein via the evacuated tube port, and the second tube was opened and filled by catching blood flowing through the needle from a lateral saphenous vein. Venipuncture quality was scored with a previously described method. Thromboelastography was performed for each sample. RESULTS: Inferential statistics used with the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed significant differences in reaction time (R) of 3.43 ± 0.84 minutes versus 4.53 ± 0.62 minutes (mean ± SD) between evacuated tube assisted and open-tube sampling, respectively. No other significant differences were identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sampling methods compared have a small but significant effect on R in thromboelastographic analysis for blood samples from healthy dogs. Shear stress by vacuum sampling seems to accelerate coagulation in jugular blood samples harvested by evacuated tube, resulting in a shortened R. Results suggested that the open-tube method avoids shear stress induced activation of coagulation and is an appropriate sampling method for thromboelastography when used within a standardized protocol.

COMPARISON OF SUBCARAPACIAL SINUS AND BRACHIAL VEIN PHLEBOTOMY SITES FOR BLOOD COLLECTION IN FREE-RANGING GOPHER TORTOISES (GOPHERUS POLYPHEMUS).

Paired blood samples were collected from the brachial vein and subcarapacial sinus of 42 wild gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) for comparison of hematological and plasma biochemical, vitamin, mineral, and protein electrophoresis parameters with general linear models with repeated measures designs. Comparisons revealed higher brachial vein mean values for 38 of 42 parameters with significance (P ≤ 0.05) for 21 parameters. Significantly lower brachial vein means were noted for two parameters. Coefficients of variation for brachial vein samples were lower for 30 out of 42 parameters with significantly lower values for 11 parameters. Of the 12 parameters with lower coefficients of variation for subcarapacial sinus samples, significant differences were noted for four parameters. Both the lower coefficient of variation and the higher mean values for most parameters from brachial vein samples are attributed to greater hemodilution of subcarpacial samples with lymph compared to the paired brachial vein samples. To address the clinical relevance and reliability of the parameter ranges obtained from both paired phlebotomy sites, we compared these values to those obtained from other selected investigations of gopher tortoise and desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) clinicopathology. Although statistically significant differences were detected, available data demonstrated that most mean ± standard deviation values and/or ranges for both phlebotomy sites of our study are similar to those reported for the selected studies. Based on these results, utilization of either set of our study values in the assessment of a gopher tortoise population or individual gopher tortoises would be acceptable for clinical or management decisions. It is also advisable that investigators develop institutional blood parameter ranges for healthy individuals by phlebotomy site when possible in addition to maintaining standardized sample collection and handling protocols.

Comparison of iron chelators used alone or in combination with phlebotomy in common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) with experimental iron storage disease.

To compare the therapeutic effects of iron chelators used alone or in combination with phlebotomy on iron storage disease (ISD), 66 healthy common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) were fed an iron-loading diet (3000 ppm) for 30 days. After confirmation of ISD, the birds were randomly divided into four treatment groups; DFO: deferoxamine (100 mg/kg SC q24 h), DFP: deferiprone (oral, 75 mg/kg), DFO + F: deferoxamine (100 mg/kg SC q24 h) with phlebotomy, and DFP + F: deferiprone (oral, 75 mg/kg) with phlebotomy. In phlebotomy-treated groups, blood sampling (1% BW) was performed weekly. At 1 and 2 months after treatments, seven birds from each group were euthanized and liver iron, copper, and zinc were analysed by ICP-OES assay. After 1 month, in all treatments, the liver amount of iron, copper, and zinc was reduced (P < 0.05) and there was no significant difference between groups. In the second month, the amount of liver iron, copper, and zinc decreased more in all groups, but this change was insignificant except in the DFP + F group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that all therapeutic protocols after 1 month effectively reduce the liver iron and there is no need to continue treatment. Otherwise, it may lead to iron deficiency, especially in birds treated with DFP + P. Since deferiprone, as an inexpensive oral chelator, effectively reduces liver iron levels without causing stress in the birds, it can be recommended as a more appropriate method for the treatment of mynahs with ISD. However, further clinical studies are needed to define the most effective treatment.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Deferiprone is an optimized method for treating iron storage disease.The essential metals homeostasis is impaired in iron storage disease.

Hemochromatosis in Two Female Olive Baboons (Papio anubis).

This report describes hemochromatosis associated with chronic parenteral iron dextran administration in 2 female olive baboons (Papio anubis). These baboons were enrolled on an experimental protocol that induced and maintained anemia by periodic phlebotomy for use in studying potential treatments for sickle cell anemia. The 2 baboons both presented with clinical signs consistent with iron overload, including decreased appetite, weight loss, elevated liver enzymes, and hepatosplenomegaly. Histopathologic findings supported a morphologic diagnosis of systemic hemosiderosis, as evidenced by the overwhelming presence of iron in the reticuloendothelial system and liver after the application of Prussian blue stain. This finding, combined with the clinical presentation, lead to a final diagnosis of hemochromatosis. This case report suggests that providing anemic patients with chronic parenteral iron supplementation in the absence of iron deficiency can result in iatrogenic iron overload and subsequent systemic toxicity. Furthermore, these subjects may present with hemochromatosis and its associated clinical signs many years after cessation of iron supplementation.

Venous blood gas parameters, electrolytes, glucose and lactate concentration in sick neonatal foals: Direct venipuncture versus push-pull technique.

BACKGROUND: Blood collection by indwelling intravenous catheter (IVC) avoids repeated venipuncture, which could cause thrombophlebitis risk, anxiety and pain in patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare blood gas parameters, electrolytes, glucose, lactate and haematocrit concentration obtained from venous blood samples collected via a jugular IVC by push-pull (PP) technique to those obtained by venipuncture in hospitalised foals, at the time of catheter placement (T0) and 24 hours after the beginning of intravenous therapy (T24). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: Paired blood samples were drawn from hospitalised foals at T0 and T24. In each foal, one venous blood sample was collected via IVC by the following PP technique: 2.4 mL of blood was aspirated and immediately reinfused through the catheter three times consecutively, then 1 mL of blood was collected using a 1 mL heparinised syringe. Thereafter, another sample was collected by direct venipuncture of the contralateral jugular vein, with an identical 1 mL heparinised syringe, with a 1-inch, 20-G needle. All samples were analysed with an automated blood gas analyser within 10 minutes of collection. The agreement between the two techniques was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The level of agreement of blood gas values obtained by the two different techniques was high with very small bias and clinically acceptable ICC (>0.907 at T0; >0.794 at T24) for all variables, except for haematocrit (bias -3.52 at T0; -2.44 at T24) and PvO2 at T0 and T24 (ICC 0.669 and 0.733, respectively). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Potential sub-clinical catheter-related complications were not investigated by ultrasound or bacterial culture of the catheter; short duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: PP technique appears to be acceptable for collection of blood samples for venous blood gas parameters, as well as electrolytes, glucose and lactate in sick neonatal foals.

Best practices for non-lethal blood sampling of fish via the caudal vasculature.

Blood sampling through the caudal vasculature is a widely used technique in fish biology for investigating organismal health and physiology. In live fishes, it can provide a quick, easy and relatively non-invasive method for obtaining a blood sample (cf. cannulation and cardiac puncture). Here, a general set of recommendations are provided for optimizing the blood sampling protocol that reflects best practices in animal welfare and sample integrity. This includes selecting appropriate use of anaesthetics for blood sampling as well as restraint techniques for situations where sedation is not used. In addition, ideal sampling environments where the fish can freely ventilate and strategies for minimizing handling time are discussed. This study summarizes the techniques used for extracting blood from the caudal vasculature in live fishes, highlighting the phlebotomy itself, the timing of sampling events and acceptable blood sample volumes. This study further discuss considerations for selecting appropriate physiological metrics when sampling in the caudal region and the potential benefits that this technique provides with respect to long-term biological assessments. Although general guidelines for blood sampling are provided here, it should be recognized that contextual considerations (e.g., taxonomic diversity, legal matters, environmental constraints) may influence the approach to blood sampling. Overall, it can be concluded that when done properly, blood sampling live fishes through the caudal vasculature is quick, efficient and minimally invasive, thus promoting conditions where live release of focal animals is possible.

Comparison of two intramuscular sedation protocols on sedation, recovery and ease of venipuncture for cats undergoing blood donation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the quality of sedation and recovery, and ease of venipuncture following sedation for feline blood donation using two intramuscular (IM) sedation protocols: alfaxalone/butorphanol (AB) and dexmedetomidine/butorphanol (DB). METHODS: This was an experimental randomized, blinded, crossover study. Ten client-owned healthy cats were recruited to participate in the study. Cats were sedated with AB (alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for one donation and DB (dexmedetomidine 10 µg/kg and butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg) for another. Reaction to injection, quality of sedation and quality of recovery were assessed by a blinded observer. Time to lateral recumbency, number of venipuncture attempts, time required for blood collection and time to return to sternal recumbency were recorded. Cats were monitored for evidence of gastrointestinal distress. Each donation consisted of a maximum of 53 ml whole blood drawn over 3-22 mins. Donors received 100 ml subcutaneous lactated Ringer's solution in recovery. Owners, unaware of sedation protocol, were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their cat's behavior following sedation. RESULTS: IM injections were well tolerated by both treatment groups. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in sedation scores for posture ( P = 0.30) or behavior ( P = 0.06). Cats sedated with DB had significantly higher muscle relaxation scores ( P = 0.03) compared with AB. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in time to lateral recumbency ( P = 0.12), number of venipuncture attempts ( P = 0.91) and time for blood draw ( P = 0.29). There was no difference in quality of recoveries between treatment groups based on simple descriptive scores ( P = 0.18) and owner evaluation 24 h following sedation. One cat vomited following administration of DB. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Alfaxalone is a suitable alternative to dexmedetomidine when combined with butorphanol and used as part of an IM sedation protocol for cats undergoing blood donation.

Influence of needle gauge and venepuncture difficulty on thromboelastography in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two differently sized butterfly catheter needles and the effect of venepuncture difficulty on thromboelastography (TEG) results in healthy cats. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy cats were included. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein by syringe aspiration via direct venepuncture with 21 G and 22 G butterfly needles. The venepuncture difficulty score was classified into four categories. The first 1.5 ml blood drawn from each subject was discarded before collecting a sample for TEG analysis. TEG analyses were performed on citrated whole blood samples from 17 clinically healthy cats, using assays with kaolin as activators. Among the TEG parameters, reaction time (R), clot formation time (κ), alpha angle (α), maximum amplitude (MA) and global clot strength (G) were recorded from each tracing. RESULTS: Seven cats were excluded from the study; results were obtained for the remaining 17 cats. There were no statistically significant differences between the use of two different needles for R (P = 0.72), κ (P = 0.74), α (P = 0.99), MA (P = 0.08) and G (P = 0.09). Samples with difficulty scores ⩾1 were not significantly different from samples with difficulty scores of 0 for R (P = 0.24), κ (P = 0.65), α (P = 0.65), MA (P = 0.72) and G (P = 0.77). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of TEG in clinically healthy cats do not differ significantly when using two different gauge needles. There was no significant difference in the TEG results according to venepuncture difficulty scoring.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided and landmark-based techniques for central venous catheterization via the external jugular vein in healthy anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE To compare time to achieve vascular access (TTVA) between an ultrasound-guided technique (UST) and landmark-based technique (LMT) for central venous catheter (CVC) placement in healthy anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS 39 purpose-bred hounds. PROCEDURES Anesthetized dogs that were hemodynamically stable following completion of a terminal surgical exercise were enrolled in the study during 2 phases, with a 45-day intermission between phases. For each dog, a UST and LMT were used for CVC placement via each external jugular vein by 2 operators (criticalist and resident). The TTVA and number of venipuncture attempts and catheter redirections were recorded for each catheterization. Placement of the CVC was confirmed by contrast fluoroscopy. After euthanasia, a gross dissection was performed during which a hematoma score was assigned to the catheter insertion site. For each phase, nonlinear least squares estimation was used for learning curve analysis of the UST. RESULTS Median TTVA, number of venipuncture attempts and catheter redirections, and hematoma score did not differ significantly between the 2 operators for either technique. Median TTVA for the UST (45 seconds) was significantly longer than that for the LMT (7 seconds). Learning curve analysis indicated that 8 and 7 UST catheterizations were required to achieve performance stability in phases 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the UST was comparable to the LMT for CVC placement in healthy dogs. The extra time required to perform the UST was not clinically relevant. Additional studies evaluating the UST for CVC placement in clinically ill dogs are warranted.

Sample Collection.

Results may be changed with suboptimal sample collection and transport, which then result in incorrect diagnoses. Quality management of samples must start in the patient, extend through sampling itself, include appropriate short transport, and then be correctly accessioned at the referral laboratory or in-house station to ensure accurate diagnosis of disease. A quality assurance plan at the laboratory chosen is mandatory under American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines.

Development and Characterization of a Model for Inducing Fetal Hemoglobin Production in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fasicularis).

Hydroxyurea induces production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), a tetramer of α and γ globin proteins and corresponding heme molecules, normally found in less than 1% of adult RBC. Increases in circulating HbF are correlated with clinical improvement of patients with hemoglobinopathies, and hydroxyurea, as a daily medication, is the standard treatment for sickle cell anemia. Although olive baboons (Papio anubis) are considered a key model species for HbF induction, cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fasicularis) are another species that conserves the ability to produce HbF into maturity. In this study, moderate anemia was experimentally induced in cynomolgus macaques by phlebotomy, to stimulate accelerated erythropoiesis and HbF production. In contrast to previous studies, vascular access ports were implanted for phlebotomy of conscious monkeys, followed by fluid replacement. As total Hgb levels dropped, reticulocyte counts and the percentage of HbF-expressing cells increased. Once total Hgb levels declined to less than 8 g/dL, 2 courses of oral hydroxyurea (once daily for 5 d) were completed, with a 9-d interval between courses. After hydroxyurea dosing, the percentage of HbF-expressing cells and total HbF were increased significantly. In addition, a significant but transient decrease in reticulocyte count and a transient increase in MCV occurred, replicating the characteristic response of patients receiving hydroxyurea. Daily clinical observations revealed no serious health issues or decreases in food consumption or activity levels. Methods were established for assessing the patency of vascular access ports. This study details a new protocol for the safe and routine induction of moderate anemia in cynomolgus macaques and validates its use in the investigation of novel pharmacologic entities to induce the production of HbF.

Feline primary erythrocytosis: a multicentre case series of 18 cats.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: A retrospective multicentre case series of feline primary erythrocytosis (PE) was evaluated. The aim was to gain better understanding of disease presentation and progression to guide management and prognostication. Case records were assessed for evidence of increased packed cell volume (PCV; >48%), sufficient investigation to rule out relative and secondary erythrocytosis, and follow-up data for at least 12 months or until death. Eighteen cats were included in the case series. No significant trends in signalment were noted. Seizures and mentation changes were the most common presenting signs (both n = 10). Median PCV was 70% (median total protein concentration of 76 g/l) with no other consistent haematological changes. Sixteen cats survived to discharge. Phlebotomy was performed initially in 15/16 surviving animals and performed after discharge in 10/16. Hydroxyurea was the most common adjunctive therapy, used in 10/16 cats. Of the 16 patients surviving to discharge, 14 patients were still alive at the conclusion of the study (survival time >17 months post-discharge), with the two non-survivors having lived for 5 years or more after diagnosis. PCV, when stabilised, did not correlate with resolution of clinical signs. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: In contrast to perceptions, feline PE was generally well managed via a combination of phlebotomy and medical therapy, with evidence of prolonged survival times. The use of hydroxyurea enabled cessation or repeat phlebotomies.

Evaluation of an intramuscular butorphanol and alfaxalone protocol for feline blood donation: a pilot study.

Objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of an intramuscular (IM) sedation protocol with butorphanol and alfaxalone in cats undergoing blood donation. We hypothesized that this drug combination would provide sufficient sedation to perform phlebotomy without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate. Methods Six purpose-bred, healthy adult cats were sedated using IM butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg) and alfaxalone (2-3 mg/kg). Pulse and Doppler blood pressure (BP) were recorded at baseline, after sedation and immediately following phlebotomy. Once laterally recumbent, 12 ml/kg blood was collected from the jugular vein. Sedation scores, duration of lateral recumbency and the ability to successfully perform phlebotomy were recorded. Results There was no significant change in heart rate post-sedation (median 190 beats per min [bpm], range 160-224 bpm) or post-phlebotomy (median 200 bpm, range 180-220 bpm) compared with baseline values (median 200 bpm, range 180-220 bpm) ( P = 0.395). A statistically significant change in BP was detected ( P = 0.029), attributed to a difference between post-sedation (median 113.3 mmHg, range 110.7-130.0) and baseline (median 133.3 mmHg, range 130.0-183.3) measurements. Hypotension was not observed in any cat. Collection of at least 80% of the target volume was achieved in 5/6 cats, although all were adequately sedated to allow jugular venous phlebotomy. Median recumbency time was 53 mins (range 43-83 mins). Phlebotomy duration lasted a median of 13 mins (range 5-21 mins). Conclusions and relevance The administration of IM alfaxalone and butorphanol provided sufficient restraint for blood donation without causing hypotension or significant changes in heart rate before or after phlebotomy.