A case series of urinary bladder rhabdomyosarcoma in seven dogs.

Background: Juvenile urinary bladder rhabdomyosarcoma (ubRMS) is a known entity; however, literature regarding its clinical behavior and endoscopic features is scarce. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and endoscopic features, and outcomes of ubRMS in dogs. Case Description: Dogs undergoing transurethral endoscopy and with a histological diagnosis of ubRMS were retrospectively collected. Seven dogs with a median age of 18 months (range 6-32 months) were included in this retrospective, multicenter, and descriptive study. Median tumor size was 58 mm (range 30-65 mm), and tumor location was bladder neck in three cases, trigone in two cases, and bladder body in two cases. Two dogs had monolateral ureteral obstruction. Two dogs presented with regional lymphadenopathy and one dog had lung lesions suggestive of metastatic disease. A grape-like mass was reported in four cases and solid in two, with variable consistency (two friables, two firms, and two not reported). Tumor treatments included surgery in three cases, surgery, and adjuvant doxorubicin in one case, and palliative therapy in three cases. The overall median survival time (ST) was 45 days. STs were shorter (range 20-45 days) for dogs treated with palliative care than for dogs treated with curative-intent treatment (range 70-120 days). Conclusion: ubRMS should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs presenting with bladder masses. In this study, ubRMS confirmed its aggressive clinical behavior. Surgery and chemotherapy seem to increase STs but the prognosis remains poor.

Use of wound infusion catheters for postoperative local anaesthetic administration in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to document the use of the wound infusion catheter (WIC) following a variety of surgical procedures in cats, investigating complications and risk factors associated with catheter placement or local anaesthetic (LA) administration. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentric study was performed. Medical databases of eight veterinary referral hospitals from 2010 to 2021 were searched to identify records of cats where WICs were used. Information regarding signalment, type of surgery, size and type of WIC placed, and LA protocol used, as well as postoperative complications, were retrieved. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-six cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Feline injection site sarcoma resection was the most common surgery. Overall complications were identified in 22/166 cats (13.2%). Thirteen cats (7.8%) experienced wound-related complications, whereas nine cats (5.4%) experienced drug-delivery complications. The only factor associated with an increased risk of complications was the amount of a single dose of LA delivered through the catheter (P <0.001). An amount higher than 2.5 ml of LA delivered at each administration was associated with an increased risk of complications. All complications were minor and self-limiting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: WICs were used for a large variety of surgical procedures with different protocols of LA administration as part of a multimodal analgesic plan in cats. The risk of complications was relatively low and self-limiting, suggesting its safe use in cats. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate efficacy of postoperative analgesia and to determine the suitable protocol for WIC handling and maintenance.

Complications and outcome of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia repair without post-operative chest drain: Retrospective study in 90 cats.

Background: Diaphragmatic herniorraphy is the treatment of choice for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH). Several methods have been described for the removal of residual air and fluid during and after surgery, such as the insertion of chest drains, intercostal thoracentesis, and transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis. However, there are no indications regarding the most useful technique and the impact that choice of technique could have in the immediate postoperative period. Aim: To evaluate the development of complications and outcomes associated with the use of intraoperative transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis in cats undergoing diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy for TDH. Methods: Medical records of cats treated for acute and chronic TDH between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Cats were included if intraoperative pneumothorax was treated with transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis, without the use of intercostal chest drain. Outcome, intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Results: Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 3.3% and 12.4%, respectively. Development of postoperative pneumothorax was associated with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.046). The overall survival rate was 93.3%. Long-term survival had a significant association with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.045), if the procedure was performed as an emergency (p = 0.041) or in older cats (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Intraoperative transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis could be considered an effective method for the removal of residual air after surgery for TDH, because it ensures a good outcome for the patient, with low development of complications, especially for uncomplicated cases. The presence of comorbidities, the need to perform a surgical procedure in emergency, and the age of the patient can be considered factors influencing the development of complications. Critical patient selection, based on assessment of potential risk factors for complications is warranted to understand which patient will benefit from thoracostomy tube placement.

Surgical findings and outcomes after unilateral adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism in cats: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Twenty-nine cats from different institutions with confirmed or highly suspected primary hyperaldosteronism treated by unilateral adrenalectomy were retrospectively included in this study. The most frequent clinical signs were lethargy (n = 20; 69%) and neck ventroflexion (n = 17; 59%). Hypokalaemia was present in all cats, creatinine kinase was elevated in 15 and hyperaldosteronism was documented in 24. Hypertension was frequently encountered (n = 24; 89%). Preoperative treatment included potassium supplementation (n = 19; 66%), spironolactone (n = 16; 55%) and amlodipine (n = 11; 38%). There were 13 adrenal masses on the right side, 15 on the left and, in one cat, no side was reported. The median adrenal mass size was 2 × 1.5 cm (range 1-4.6 × 0.4-3.8); vascular invasion was present in five cats, involving the caudal vena cava in four cats and the renal vein in one. Median duration of surgery was 57 mins. One major intraoperative complication (3%) was reported and consisted of haemorrhage during the removal of a neoplastic thrombus from the caudal vena cava. In 4/29 cats (14%), minor postoperative complications occurred and were treated medically. One fatal complication (3%) was observed, likely due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The median duration of hospitalisation was 4 days; 97% of cats survived to discharge. The potassium level normalised in 24 cats within 3 months of surgery; hypertension resolved in 21/23 cats. Follow-up was available for 25 cats with a median survival of 1082 days. Death in the long-term follow-up was mainly related to worsening of comorbidities. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment with a high rate of survival and a low rate of major complications. Long-term medical treatment was not required.

Feline sialocoele: clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in 19 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to describe the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of cats with sialocoele. METHODS: Clinical records from seven referral hospitals were retrospectively searched to identify cats with sialocoele between 2007 and 2021. RESULTS: Nineteen cats were identified. The most common clinical signs were ptyalism, dysphagia and anorexia. Localisation of the sialocoele was cervical (n = 6), sublingual (n = 6), cervical/sublingual (n = 3), facial (n = 2), cervical/pharyngeal (n = 1) and zygomatic (n = 1). The affected salivary glands were mandibular-sublingual (n = 15), mandibular-sublingual/parotid (n = 1), zygomatic/parotid (n = 1) and parotid (n = 2). The aetiology of the sialocoele was traumatic in two cases, neoplastic in one cat and unknown in 16 cats. Sialoadenectomy was performed in 11 cats. Other treatments included ranula marsupialisation (n = 3), needle drainage (n = 2), single stab incision (n = 2) and parotid duct ligation (n = 1). The median follow-up time was 399 days (range 15-1460). Postoperative seroma was the only complication observed in one cat. No recurrence was reported. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Feline salivary sialocoele are relatively rare and have a good prognosis. They can be managed successfully with sialoadenectomy; however, a more conservative approach can be used with appropriate case selection.

Ultrasound-guided placement of an anchor wire or injection of methylene blue to aid in the intraoperative localization and excision of peripheral lymph nodes in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasound-guided placement of an anchor wire (AW) or injection of methylene blue (MB) to aid in the intraoperative localization of peripheral lymph nodes in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: 125 dogs and 10 cats with a total of 171 lymphadenectomies. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent peripheral lymphadenectomies with or without (N) the AW or MB localization technique were reviewed. Data retrieved included clinical, surgical, and histologic findings. The proportions of successful lymphadenectomies, lymph node characteristics, and complications among the 3 groups were analyzed. RESULTS: 143 (84%) lymph nodes were successfully excised. Lymphadenectomy success was significantly affected by the localization technique, with 94% for group AW, 87% for group MB, and 72% for group N. Lymph node size was smaller in groups AW and MB, compared with group N. Duration of lymphadenectomy was shorter in group AW, compared with groups MB and N, and in group MB, compared with group N. Intra- (7%) and postoperative (10%) complications and final diagnosis did not significantly differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both lymph node localization techniques were highly successful and reduced surgery time, compared with unassisted lymphadenectomy. Specifically, these techniques were effective for localization of normal-sized and nonpalpable lymph nodes and were efficient and practical options for peripheral lymphadenectomies, particularly for those that were small or nonpalpable.

Surgical treatment and outcome of sterile prostatic cysts in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical treatment and outcome of a large cohort of dogs with sterile prostatic cysts (PCs). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs with sterile PCs with at least 6 months of follow-up were included. Clinical variables, type of surgery, complications, recurrences, and outcomes (telephonic interviews or rechecks) were recorded. RESULTS: Extra- and intraparenchymal cysts were diagnosed in 29 and 11 dogs, respectively. Four dogs had both types. Extraparenchymal cysts were treated by partial resection and omentalization (n = 22) and complete resection (n = 7). Drainage and intracapsular omentalization were performed in all dogs with intraparenchymal cysts. The four dogs with both types of cyst were treated by omentalization. Resolution was documented in 39/44 dogs (88.6%). Intraoperative complications occurred in one dog (urethral tear). Major complications resulting in death occurred in three dogs (oliguric kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmia, and persisting urinary tract obstruction). Minor complications (n = 10) consisted of temporary urinary incontinence (n = 2), permanent urinary incontinence (n = 5), urinary retention (n = 2), and dysuria (n = 1). Recurrence occurred in two dogs with extraparenchymal cysts. Median long-term follow-up was 528 days (range, 250-730 days). Thirty-nine dogs had no signs associated with prostatic disease at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Partial or complete resection and/or omentalization of sterile PCs led to resolution of clinical signs in most dogs, although postoperative urinary incontinence was frequent. IMPACT: This study is the largest case series relative to canine sterile PCs treated surgically and provides evidence on the prognosis and rate of complications.

Complications between ventral and lateral approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy in dogs with sialocele.

OBJECTIVE: To compare complications of dogs treated with mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy for sialocele using a lateral (LAT) or ventral paramedian (VPM) approach. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study. ANIMALS: Dogs (140) with mandibular and sublingual sialocele. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy through a LAT or VPM approach from 2004 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and histopathological findings were analyzed to compare the groups. RESULTS: Seventy dogs were included in each group. The most represented breed was crossbreed (26%), and males (99/140 [71%], intact/neutered) were overrepresented. Dogs in the VPM approach group were more likely to undergo digastricus tunnelization and placement of a drain or a bandage. Dogs in the LAT approach group were heavier and more likely to undergo excision of an inflammatory pseudocapsule. No difference was detected in complication rates between groups (LAT [20%], VPM [31%], P = .116). Recurrences were more likely after LAT approach (5/70 vs 0/70, respectively; P = .029), whereas wound-related complications were more likely after VPM approach (20/70 vs 9/70, respectively; P = .018). Prolonged duration of surgery was associated with an increased risk of recurrence, and none of the other variables affected the complication rate. CONCLUSION: Ventral paramedian approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy was associated with a lower risk of recurrence but a higher risk of wound-related complications compared with LAT approach. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ventral paramedian approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy may be preferred to reduce recurrence in dogs with sialoceles, but wound-related complications are common.

A novel technique to incorporate the sacrotuberous ligament in perineal herniorrhaphy in 47 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and outcomes after placement of sutures around the sacrotuberous ligament during perineal hernia (PH) repair in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective single-center study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 47) with PH. METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated for PH between 2002 and 2020 were reviewed. Dogs were included when sutures had been placed around the sacrotuberous ligament. Short-term outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Long-term outcome was assessed with a questionnaire completed by owners. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 47 dogs were medium or large breeds. The primary clinical sign was tenesmus in 43 dogs and dysuria-stranguria in four dogs. Bilateral hernias were detected in 17 dogs. No intraoperative complications occurred. Median surgical time was 50 minutes for unilateral PH and 120 minutes for bilateral PH. Minor postoperative complications consisting of surgical wound swelling (9), wound dehiscence (4), and temporary tenesmus (2) occurred in 10 dogs. No major complications or recurrence were reported. The only factors associated with an increased risk of complications included increasing age (P = .019) and surgical treatment of a recurrent PH (P = .043). Owners consistently reported good long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: The PH repair described in this study resulted in good long-term outcomes without major complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Placement of sutures around the sacrotuberous ligament represents an alternative during PH, but anatomical knowledge of the sciatic nerve and caudal gluteal vessels is required.

Ultrasound-Guided Hook-Wire Localization for Surgical Excision of Non-Palpable Superficial Inguinal Lymph Nodes in Dogs: A Pilot Study.

The evaluation of loco-regional lymph nodes (LN) plays an important prognostic role and assists the clinical decision making in canine cancer patients. Excision of non-palpable LN can be challenging. The aim of the study was to evaluate surgical time, successful excision rate and surgical complications associated with the use of an ultrasound-guided hook-wire (UGHW) LN localization method for non-palpable superficial inguinal LN (SILN) in dogs. Dogs that presented for excision of non-palpable SILN, performed with the aid of an UGHW placement, were enrolled. Information including signalment, SILN width, UGHW placement and surgical procedure time, hook-wire position, successful excision and intra- and post-operative complications were reviewed. Seventeen dogs were enrolled. Median LN width was 3 mm (range 2-11). Median time of preoperative UGHW placement and surgical LN excision was 8 min and 15 min, respectively. Successful SILN excision was achieved in all cases. Two minor intra-operative (hook migration and wire fragmentation) and one minor post-operative complications (seroma) were observed. No major intraoperative or post-operative complications occurred. The UGHW LN localization method is safe and effective and may allow a high rate of successful SILN excisions in dogs. This method has the potential to facilitate LN excision for other superficial LN locations.

Caudal Auricular Axial Pattern Flap for the Reconstruction of the Upper Eyelid in Three Cats.

Three cats bearing malignant tumors (two squamous cell carcinomas and one peripheral nerve sheath tumor) affecting the upper eyelid (UE) were treated by en bloc tumor removal. A caudal auricular axial pattern flap was used for reconstruction, and its margin was sutured to only the medial and lateral canthus in two cats; in the third cat, a narrow strip of spared conjunctiva was sutured to the flap margin. Postoperatively, superficial corneal ulcers occurred in two cats, but they healed with topical treatment. Apart from a reduced ability to blink, no further functional deficits persisted, and the long-term cosmetic appearance was considered satisfactory by the owners. Tumor-free excisional margins were achieved in two cases. Tumor recurrence in the long-term was observed for two cats, 350 and 380 days after surgery, one of whom had excisional noninfiltrated margins on histologic examination. UE reconstruction to preserve eyelid function following tumor excision without exenteration is challenging. In selected cases, caudal auricular axial pattern flap is one of the surgical options available to reconstruct the defect resulting from en bloc UE removal without any replacement of the mucosal layer.

Temporary end-on colostomy as a treatment for anastomotic dehiscence after a transanal rectal pull-through procedure in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a temporary end-on colostomy to treat the dehiscence of a transanal rectal pull-through in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report ANIMAL: A 7-year-old intact female Australian shepherd dog that was treated for a rectal adenocarcinoma with a transanal rectal pull-through. METHODS: Partial dehiscence of the previous end-to-end colorectal anastomosis and formation of a perianal sinus tract were diagnosed 4 days after surgery. A pararectal approach was used to revise the surgery with debridement of the sinus tract, rectal wall reconstruction with single interrupted sutures, and placement of a passive drain. Dehiscence occurred 2 days later. The colon was transected cranial to the pelvic brim, and each stump was oversewn prior to salvage temporary end-on colostomy. Postoperative care included analgesia, antibiotic therapy, and local care of the perineal/perianal area and colostomy site. After 90 days, the perineal/perianal sinus tract had healed, the colostomy was eliminated, and an end-to-end anastomosis of the colon was performed. RESULTS: Management of postoperative complications focused on dermatitis of the stoma and perineal/perianal area, stoma incontinence, and perineal/perianal medications of the sinus tract. One year after the final surgery, the dog had occasional episodes of fecal incontinence and a good quality of life without other complications. CONCLUSION: Use of a temporary end-on colostomy prior to revision surgery led to a satisfactory outcome but required long and challenging postoperative management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Temporary end-on colostomy may be an option to manage dehiscence and potential recurrent stenosis after transanal rectal pull-through in dogs.

Lipomatosis of the parotid salivary gland: 2 case reports and review of the literature on fat-containing salivary gland lesions.

Two cases of lipomatosis of the parotid salivary gland in two dogs are reported. Both dogs were presented with a slow growing unilateral non-painful mass in the parotid region. The mass measured 12 and 15 cm on the longest axis for case 1 and 2 respectively. Initial incisional biopsies were suggestive of infiltrative lipoma or salivary gland adenocarcinoma. Case 2 underwent head radiographs that showed a soft tissue opacity on the area of the right parotid gland followed by a computed tomography that showed a multi-lobulated infiltrative mass occupying the right parotid gland. Both cases underwent total parotidectomy with an excisional biopsy intent. Surgery on case 1 included total ear canal ablation (TECA). Histology revealed lipomatosis of the parotid gland with a similar admixture of adipocytes and well-differentiated salivary acini on both cases. No recurrence was reported by 4 years for case 1 and by 3 years for case 2. Case 1 developed long-term right-sided facial paralysis and palpebral reflex deficit due to damage of the facial and trigeminal nerve during surgery. The cases are described and the veterinary literature is reviewed in view of the most updated information available in human medicine on fat-containing salivary gland lesions. Considering this literature review, authors recommended these two cases to be classified as lipomatosis of the salivary gland. In conclusion, fat-containing salivary gland lesions should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses in dogs with an enlarged salivary gland and seem to be associated with an excellent prognosis after surgical excision.

Common Calcaneal Tenorrhaphy Revision Using a Central Gastrocnemius Turnover Aponeurotic Flap Technique in a Cat.

A 5-year-old, male castrated, domestic short hair cat was referred to the authors' clinic because of wound dehiscence and exposure of tendon stumps after tenorrhaphy of the Achilles tendon. Surgical revision was done using an aponeurotic flap taken from the proximal stump of the Achilles tendon and sutured over the two tendon portions. This technique has been described in humans, but, to the authors' knowledge, this has not been reported in cats. Modified type II external fixation was used to maintain the tarsocrural joint in extension until tendon healing was confirmed ultrasonographically 35 days postoperatively. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation 60 and 120 days postoperatively showed normal limb function and good tendon healing. Long-term follow-up examination 8 years postoperatively revealed that the cat was in good health with normal gait and activity level.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the jugular vein in a dog.

A four-year-old, male, Labrador retriever was referred for removal of a spindle cell sarcoma involving the right jugular vein. A post-contrast CT scan showed a seven-centimeter subcutaneous mass originated from the right external jugular vein, which was partially obstructed and showing contrast stasis, suggested a primary intravascular tumor of the jugular vein. The mass was resected, and histological evaluation was consistent with grade II intravenous spindle cell sarcoma of the jugular vein. Immunohistochemical positivity for vimentin, desmin, and αSMA antibody and negativity for S-100 protein confirmed venous leiomyosarcoma. The dog received five doses of intravenous doxorubicin, and there was no recurrence of the tumor 30 months post treatment. In dogs, primary intravascular sarcomas are rare and primary venous leiomyosarcoma has not been described. A venous tumor may be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with ventral neck swelling.

Kirschner wire fixation of Salter-Harris type IV fracture of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs. A retrospective study of 35 fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of Kirschner wires for treatment of fractures of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 35 elbow fractures (33 dogs) of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle treated by insertion of multiple transcondylar and one anti-rotational Kirschner wires. Radiographic and clinical re-evaluations were carried out immediately after surgery, at four weeks and, when required, at eight weeks postoperatively. Long-term follow-up was planned after a minimum of six months. The relationship between different implant configurations and clinical outcome was analysed statistically. RESULTS: Complete functional recovery was seen in 31 elbows (30 dogs), three elbows (2 dogs) had reduction in the range of motion, and one elbow (1 dog) had persistent grade 1 lameness two months postoperatively. Major complications occurred in eight elbows (8 dogs) and all were resolved by implant removal. Implant configuration did not affect outcome. Long-term evaluation in 12 cases with a mean follow-up of four years showed absence of lameness, normal function and no or mild radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis in 11 cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fracture of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs can be successfully treated by multiple transcondylar convergent or parallel Kirschner wires, resulting in adequate fracture healing.

Transanal pull-through rectal amputation for treatment of colorectal carcinoma in 11 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcome after transanal rectal pull-through amputation of single colorectal adenocarcinoma and in situ carcinoma (Tis) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=11) with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Full-thickness colorectal amputation by either simple transanal (7 dogs) or combined abdominal-transanal (4) pull-through technique. RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma (8) and Tis (2) were removed with 3-6 cm of grossly normal tissue, cranial and caudal to the tumor, or in 1 Tis with 2 cm grossly normal tissue, cranial and caudal. Two dogs that had a combined abdominal-transanal approach died within 4 days. In the other dogs, postoperative complications included short-term tenesmus (6 dogs), rectal bleeding (11), rectal stricture (3), and long-term fecal incontinence (1). Postoperative recurrence and metastatic rates for adenocarcinoma were 18.2% and 0%, respectively. Median disease-free interval and survival time were not reached. Mean disease-free and overall survival times were 44.3 and 44.6 months (range, 0-75 months), respectively. CONCLUSION: En bloc excision of colorectal Tis and adenocarcinoma may be followed by a long survival. Complications of the transanal approach are usually moderate and self-limiting, but complications are more common and severe when more extensive resections are performed through a combined abdominal-transanal approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transanal rectal pull-through amputation is suitable for en bloc resection of colorectal neoplasia. A combined abdominal-transanal approach should be reserved for tumors extending from the mid-cranial region of the rectum to the descending colon.

Different media and supplements modulate the clonogenic and expansion properties of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits provide an excellent model for many animal and human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, for the development of new vaccines in wound healing management and in the field of tissue engineering of tendon, cartilage, bone and skin.The study presented herein aims to investigate the biological properties of bone marrow rabbit MSCs cultured in different conditions, in order to provide a basis for their clinical applications in veterinary medicine. FINDINGS: MSCs were isolated from 5 New Zealand rabbits. Fold increase, CFU number, doubling time, differentiation ability and immunophenotype were analyzed.With the plating density of 10 cells/cm2 the fold increase was significantly lower with DMEM-20%FCS and MSCs growth was significantly higher with alphaMEM-hEGF. The highest clonogenic ability was found at 100 cell/cm2 with MSCBM and at 10 cell/cm2 with M199. Both at 10 and 100 cells/cm2, in alphaMEM medium, the highest CFU increase was obtained by adding bFGF. Supplementing culture media with 10%FCS-10%HS determined a significant increase of CFU. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that different progenitor cells with differential sensitivity to media, sera and growth factors exist and the choice of culture conditions has to be carefully considered for MSC management.