Determination of clopidogrel effect in cats using point-of-care Plateletworks ADP and shipped samples for PFA-200 analysis in a clinical practice setting.

Objectives: Clopidogrel is the recommended first-line antithrombotic in cats for a variety of conditions; however, it is ineffective in 15-20% of cats. The determination of clopidogrel effectiveness with platelet function assays has historically been limited to specialty centers; however, recent work has suggested that in-hospital or shipped analyses of samples may be feasible. The aim of the present study was to investigate the utility of an in-house analysis and shipping of blood samples collected in primary practices for the determination of clopidogrel effectiveness.

Investigation of Platelet Function Analyzer 200 platelet function measurements in healthy cats and cats receiving clopidogrel.

The Platelet Function Analyzer 200 (PFA-200; Siemens) is an in vitro substitute for in vivo bleeding time that is designed to investigate platelet function in a more physiologic manner than traditional aggregometry. The analyzer reports a closure time (CT) as a marker of platelet function, and may also report the calculated platelet function measurement primary hemostasis components, PHC1 and PHC2. These incorporate the measured total volume (TV) of blood aspirated and the initial flow rate (IF).

Validation of storage and shipping of feline blood samples for analysis on the Platelet Function Analyzer-200 for determining the effect of clopidogrel.

Background: The Platelet function analyzer-200 (PFA-200) can determine the effect of clopidogrel in cats, but analysis traditionally must be performed at point-of-care (POC). The ability to ship samples of blood to a laboratory would allow widespread access.

Objectives: We aimed to validate the shipping of blood samples for PFA-200 analysis in cats to determine the effect of clopidogrel.

Point-of-care platelet function testing results in a dog with Bernard-Soulier syndrome.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS), also known as hemorrhagiparous thrombocytic dystrophy (OMIA 002207-9615), is a rare defect in platelet function recognized in both dogs and humans. It is caused by a deficiency in glycoprotein 1b-IX-V, the platelet surface protein which acts as a receptor for the von Willebrand factor. The characteristic features of BSS in humans and dogs include macrothrombocytes and mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia with a bleeding tendency.

Platelet function analyzer-200 closure curve analysis and assessment of flow-obstructed samples.

Background: The Platelet function analyzer-200 can determine the effect of clopidogrel in cats. Flow obstruction is an error that causes uninterpretable results. Closure curves and parameters initial flow rate (IF) and total volume (TV) are displayed by the PFA-200 and may allow interpretation of results in cases of flow obstruction.

Extended sample storage for platelet function testing in healthy dogs.

Background: Platelet function testing is important for monitoring the effects of antiplatelet therapy but is not readily used due to time constraints for testing and the need for specialized equipment.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of various storage methods on selected platelet function tests to determine if delayed platelet function testing is feasible in canine blood samples. Our hypotheses were that platelet function would not decline during storage and, thus, no differences in test results would be found over time.

Validation of Plateletworks ADP for the ProCyte Dx analyzer.

Background: Platelet function testing in cats allows determination of clopidogrel effect. Plateletworks assesses aggregation based on decreasing platelet counts on hematology analyzers in response to agonists. It has not been validated for the IDEXX ProCyte Dx analyzer.

Juvenile hyperinsulinism in a Maine Coon kitten.

Case Summary: A 5.5 month-old intact male Maine Coon cat was presented to a referral hospital for a history of muscle fasciculations, lethargy and seizures associated with refractory hypoglycemia. Diagnostic testing for hypothyroidism, hyposomatotropism or hypoadrenocorticism, inborn errors of metabolism (ie, storage diseases and urea cycle disorders), infection or iatrogenic hypoglycemia were negative.

Cyclic hematopoiesis in a mixed-breed dog: case report and brief review.

An 8-wk-old, male, mixed-breed puppy was adopted from a rescue organization. From the time of adoption, the puppy suffered episodes of illness affecting various organ systems, which resolved with supportive therapy but relapsed once medical therapy was discontinued. Review of the hematologic data revealed cyclic fluctuations in circulating blood cells.

Neonatal hyperleukocytosis and regenerative anemia in a septic puppy.

This paper reports a case of neonatal hyperleukocytosis in a dog due to a bacterial infection. A 3-week-old, mixed-breed dog was brought to a veterinary college referral center with a history of weight loss despite a good appetite. Clinical and laboratory examinations included: physical examination, complete blood (cell) count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, abdominal ultrasound examination, and cytology of liver and bone marrow aspirates.

Diagnostic and public health investigation of infection in a dog in Ontario, Canada.

A 4-y-old, female mixed-breed dog was presented to the Ontario Veterinary College for further evaluation of multiple pulmonary and hepatic masses, intrathoracic lymphadenitis, and recent development of a pyogranulomatous pleural effusion. Along with other comprehensive tests, a thoracic lymph node biopsy was performed, and complex infection was confirmed by real-time PCR. The dog's condition declined post-operatively, and euthanasia was elected.

Accuracy of point-of-care crossmatching methods and crossmatch incompatibility in critically ill dogs.

Background: The performance of commercial point-of-care crossmatch (CM) tests compared to laboratory tube agglutination CM is unknown. Additionally, there is limited information regarding CM incompatibility in ill dogs.

Objectives: To determine if point-of-care major CM methods are accurate in detecting compatible and incompatible tests when compared to laboratory CM methods, and to identify factors associated with CM incompatibility in dogs.

Serum interleukin 17 concentrations in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Background: Increased serum interleukin 17 (IL-17) concentration has been associated with the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in humans. No data are available about IL-17 in immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) of dogs.

Objectives: Monitor changes in serum IL-17 concentration during the acute stages of IMHA in dogs, compared with results in healthy dogs, and its relationship with outcome.

A pilot study evaluating the effects of prestorage leukoreduction on markers of inflammation in critically ill dogs receiving a blood transfusion.

Objectives: To compare markers of inflammation after transfusion of leukoreduced (LR) packed RBCs (pRBCs) versus non-LR pRBCs in dogs with critical illness requiring blood transfusion, and to report survival to discharge and rates of transfusion reactions in these dogs.

Design: Prospective randomized blinded clinical study June 2014-September 2015.

Setting: University veterinary teaching hospital.

Comparison of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE To compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) accomplished by use of a bronchoscopic (B-BAL) and a nonbronchoscopic (NB-BAL) technique in healthy cats. ANIMALS 12 healthy cats. PROCEDURES Two BALs were performed in a randomized order 2 weeks apart in each cat.

Reproducibility, stability, and biological variability of thrombin generation using calibrated automated thrombography in healthy dogs.

Background: Thrombin plays a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Calibrated automated thrombography (CAT), a thrombin generation assay, may be a useful test for hemostatic disorders in dogs.

Objectives: To describe CAT results in a group of healthy dogs, and assess preanalytical variables and biological variability.

Prevalence of antinuclear and anti-erythrocyte antibodies in healthy cats.

Background: Positive antinuclear antibody and direct antiglobulin tests support diagnoses such as systemic lupus erythematosus and immune-mediated anemia, respectively. Positive tests may occur in cats, but the prevalence of positive results in healthy cats is not well known.

Objective: The study's purpose was to determine prevalences of positive antinuclear antibody and direct antiglobulin tests in healthy cats.

Assessment of platelet function in healthy cats in response to commonly prescribed antiplatelet drugs using three point-of-care platelet function tests.

Objectives The objective was to determine if decreased platelet function could be detected after treatment with aspirin and/or clopidogrel in healthy cats using three point-of-care platelet function tests that evaluate platelet function by different methods: Multiplate (by impedance), Platelet Function Analyzer 100 (by mechanical aperture closure) and Plateletworks (by platelet counting). Methods Thirty-six healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive one of three oral treatments over an 8 day period: (1) aspirin 5 mg q72h; (2) aspirin 20.25 mg q72h; or (3) clopidogrel 18.

Assessment of platelet function in healthy sedated cats using three whole blood platelet function tests.

The objectives of this study were to establish feline references intervals for 3 commercial whole blood platelet function test analyzer systems: Multiplate analyzer (MP; Roche Diagnostics International Ltd., Rotkreuz, Switzerland), Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PF: Siemens Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), and Plateletworks Combo-25 kit (PW; Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, TX). Venipuncture was performed on 55 healthy sedated cats, and platelet aggregation in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen (COL), and arachidonic acid (AA; MP only) was assessed using citrated blood.

Monoparesis in association with feline pulmonary carcinoma: a literature review with 3 new cases.

We describe 3 cases of cats that were presented with a sudden onset of monoparesis as a result of arterial thromboembolism without evidence of cardiovascular disease that were subsequently diagnosed with a primary pulmonary carcinoma. Arterial tumor thromboemboli due to pulmonary carcinoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of lameness or paresis in older cats. We theorize that large tumor emboli may obstruct peripheral arteries leading to acute monoparesis.

Comparison of feline core bone marrow biopsies from different sites using 2 techniques and needles.

Background: Commonly used 11ga or 13ga biopsy needles are relatively large for cats and often preclude successful collection of bone marrow (BM) core biopsies.

Objectives: The objective was to compare 15ga to 13ga BM core biopsy ease of collection and specimen quality.

Methods: In 10 cats, humeral biopsies obtained with 15ga EZ-IO needles were compared with iliac biopsies obtained with 13ga Jamshidi needles.

Comparison of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained by manual aspiration with a handheld syringe with that obtained by automated suction pump aspiration from healthy dogs.

Objective: To compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained by manual aspiration (MA) with a handheld syringe with that obtained by suction pump aspiration (SPA) in healthy dogs.

Animals: 13 adult Beagles.

Procedures: Each dog was anesthetized and bronchoscopic BAL was performed.

Comparison of a gel column blood typing method and a point-of-care cartridge for dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1.

Background: Blood typing for the presence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1.1 is recommended in all donor and recipient dogs prior to transfusion of blood products. The objective of this study was to determine if a point-of-care DEA 1.