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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Comparison between manual aspiration via polyethylene tubing and aspiration via a suction pump with a suction trap connection for performing bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy dogs.

Objective: To compare the diagnostic quality of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid acquired from healthy dogs by manual aspiration via polyethylene tubing (MAPT) and via suction pump aspiration (SPA) with a suction trap connection.

Animals: 12 healthy adult Beagles.

Procedures: BAL was performed with bronchoscopic guidance in anesthetized dogs.

Comparison of citrated native and kaolin-activated samples for thrombelastographic analysis in healthy dogs.

Background: Thrombelastographic (TEG) analysis is a test of global hemostasis in veterinary medicine; however, there have been limited comparisons of analysis of citrated native and kaolin-activated samples.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in TEG variables between citrated native and kaolin-activated whole blood samples and to establish reference intervals for both sample types.

Methods: Citrated whole blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy dogs.

Comparison of canine core bone marrow biopsies from multiple sites using different techniques and needles.

Background: Commonly used 11 or 13ga needles are relatively large for collection of bone marrow (BM) biopsies from small dogs.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess ease of BM collection and quality of specimens obtained from small dogs using 13 and 15ga needles and to determine if specimen encasement would improve quality.

Methods: Humeral and iliac biopsies obtained from 17 Beagle dogs with a 15ga needle and a power driver were compared with humeral biopsies obtained with a 13ga Jamshidi needle.

Independent and combined effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid on thromboelastography variables in healthy dogs.

Objective: To describe the effects of prednisone and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on results of thromboelastography in healthy dogs.

Animals: 16 male mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures: Dogs were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups (4 dogs/group) that received prednisone (median dose, 2.

The use of lithium carbonate to prevent lomustine-induced myelosuppression in dogs: a pilot study.

This was a preliminary investigation of the use of lithium to prevent lomustine-induced myelosuppression. Four 10 to 11 kg beagles received lomustine 20 to 30 mg, PO, q3wk, with cephalexin prophylaxis. Two dogs also received lithium, 150 to 300 mg, PO, q12h.

The use of vascular access ports for blood collection in feline blood donors.

We investigated vascular access ports for feline blood donation. Eight cats were anesthetized for conventional blood collection by jugular venipuncture at the beginning and end of the study. In-between conventional collections, vascular access ports were used for collection with or without sedation every 6 to 8 wk for 6 mo.

Effects of lithium carbonate on carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia in dogs.

Objective: To describe the effects of lithium carbonate on thrombopoiesis in clinically normal dogs and in dogs treated with carboplatin.

Animals: 18 young adult sexually intact female Beagles.

Procedures: Dogs were assigned to each of 3 treatment groups (6 dogs/group).

Evaluation of laboratory methods to improve characterization of dogs with von Willebrand disease.

The objective of the study was to investigate the value of additional tests [platelet count, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), platelet function analysis using the PFA-100, Collagen binding assay (vWF:CBA), and Factor VIII activity], for use in conjunction with the von Willebrand factor antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as part of a newly developed diagnostic profile for improved characterization of patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD). The study population included 183 clinically healthy canines ranging in vWF:Ag concentration from 1% to 125%. The Asserachrom vWF:Ag ELISA assay was used as an external control for the determination of vWD status.

Use of a questionnaire to predict von Willebrand disease status and characterize hemorrhagic signs in a population of dogs and evaluation of a diagnostic profile to predict risk of bleeding.

The objective of this study was to use a questionnaire 1) for characterization of hemorrhagic signs; 2) to assess its value as a predictor of von Willebrand Disease (vWD) status; and 3) for evaluation of the vWD diagnostic profile [platelet function analysis using the PFA-100, Collagen binding assay (vWF:CBA), and vWF antigen ELISA (vWF:Ag)], partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and Factor VIII activity (FVIII) as predictors of hemorrhagic risk. von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentration and function was assessed for each of the 165 canine participants using the vWD diagnostic profile. Hemorrhagic signs for each dog were obtained using a standardized questionnaire.

Use of thyroid scintigraphy and pituitary immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of spontaneous hypothyroidism in a mature cat.

A 12-year old, castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented with a 2-year history of poor hair coat, seborrhea, generalized pruritus and otitis externa. Low circulating concentrations of total serum thyroxine (TT(4)) and free thyroxine (fT(4)) and an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone concentration supported a diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism. Thyroid scintigraphy did not show uptake of radioactive technetium in the thyroid area.

Relationship between assays of inflammation and coagulation: a novel interpretation of the canine activated clotting time.

The processes of inflammation and coagulation are known to be interconnected through several mechanisms; however, the influence of inflammation on the interpretation of coagulation assays remains unknown. Blood was collected from 87 dogs admitted to a tertiary referral intensive care unit (ICU) and 15 control dogs. The association between 2 markers of inflammation [mature neutrophil count and C-reactive protein (CRP)] and 5 coagulation parameters [activated clotting time (ACT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), antithrombin (AT), and platelet count (plt)] were evaluated through correlation analysis.