Ex vivo evaluation of a novel cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes by direct aspiration of diluted packed red blood cells (pRBC) and saline rinse from blood-soaked surgical swabs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve recently expired units of canine pRBC. METHODS: pRBC units donated from a pet blood bank (after quality analysis) were diluted with anticoagulant, divided into two equal aliquots, and subsequently harvested by direct suction (Su), or soaked into swabs, saline-rinsed and suctioned (Sw). The volume of product, manual packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell mass (rbcM) were measured and compared before and after salvaging. The rbcM recovery was recorded as percentage ([rbcM post salvage]/[rbcM presalvage]x100). Statistical analysis of all measured values was performed (significance p < .05). RESULTS: No difference was detected between pre- and post-salvage PCV or mean rise of PCV for either group. The volume of salvaged blood was 143 ml (SD ± 2.89 ml; Su) and 139.83 ml (SD ± 3.30 ml; Sw), p < .001. The average rbcM recovered was 88.43% (Su) and 84.74%. (Sw) averaged 84.74% (p = .015). Blood type and order of processing did not influence recovery. CONCLUSION: The tested cell saver device reliably salvages canine blood in this ex vivo setting. Cell salvage via direct suction produces higher volumes of salvaged blood than rinsing blood-soaked swabs and salvaging the flush. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Washing blood-saturated surgical swabs results in a high harvest of red blood cells. The authors recommend it as an adjunct to direct suction to maximize erythrocyte recovery.

Intraoperative cell salvaging: ex vivo evaluation of two swab-washing methods.

OBJECTIVE: To compare erythrocyte recovery by a cell salvage device between swab-washing by manual agitation or filtration. SAMPLE: 12 recently expired units of canine packed RBCs. PROCEDURE: The packed RBC units underwent quality analysis before donation from a pet blood bank. Each unit was volume-expanded with anticoagulant and subsequently divided into 2 equal aliquots used to soak surgical swabs before washing. Two different swab-washing techniques were evaluated-standard swab-washing-manual agitation (SW-MA) and swab-washing-filtration (SW-F)-with a novel prototype device. The resulting bloody fluid was processed using the Cell Saver Elite Autotransfusion System (Haemonetics). The volume, manual PCV, CBC, and RBC mass, calculated as the product of the volume and PCV, were measured before and after salvaging. Last, the RBC mass recovery was recorded as a percentage. RESULTS: The RBC mass recovered from SW-MA and SW-F averaged 85.73% and 83.99%, respectively. There was no significant difference in RBC recovery between the 2 methods (P = .52). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SW-MA and SW-F recovered a similar quantity of RBCs from blood-soaked swabs in an ex vivo setting.

Preoperative autologous blood donation and transfusion in dogs undergoing elective surgical oncology procedures with high risk of hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To describe preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) and transfusion in dogs undergoing elective surgical oncology procedures with a high risk of intraoperative hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Twelve dogs. METHODS: Dogs undergoing surgical oncology procedures associated with a high risk of hemorrhage were enrolled. Blood was collected a minimum of 6 days before surgery and separated into fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and packed red blood cells (pRBC). Dogs received FFP at the start of surgery and pRBC intraoperatively when hemorrhage ensued. The mean packed cell volume/total solids (PCV/TS) were calculated on the day of PABD preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 24 hours after transfusion. The dogs were monitored for transfusion-related adverse reactions, including hyperthermia, hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, or tachypnea/dyspnea. RESULTS: Dogs enrolled in the study underwent mandibulectomy, maxillectomy, chest wall resection, and liver lobectomy. Ten of the 12 dogs that underwent PABD received autologous transfusion at first signs of hemorrhage intraoperatively. Iatrogenic anemia was noted in two dogs (PCV 30% and 31%). The mean PCV/TS levels on the day of blood collection, preoperatively, immediately postoperatively (after transfusion), and 24 hours posttransfusion were 45.1%/7.1 g/dL, 42.2%/6.73 g/dL, 33.2%/5.42 g/dL, and 36.5%/5.65 g/dL, respectively. No dog developed transfusion-related complications. CONCLUSION: Preoperative autologous blood donation was well tolerated and led to uneventful autologous transfusion in 10 of 12 dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Preoperative autologous blood donation and autologous transfusion are feasible for dogs undergoing elective surgical procedures with a high risk of hemorrhage.

Autotransfusão imediata em cão - relato de caso / Instant autotransfusion in dog - case report

As hemorragias podem levar à morte, em caso de não interrupção e recuperação da volemia. A substituição do sangue pode ser realizada por transfusão homóloga ou autóloga. Na transfusão homóloga, o sangue é obtido de um doador, na autotransfusão ou transfusão autóloga, o sangue é coletado do próprio paciente. Objetivou-se relatar a autotransfusão em um cão como um método simples, rápido e barato, e discutir esse procedimento como uma alternativa emergencial para clínicas e hospitais que não possuem bancos de sangue ou animais doadores. Foi atendido um cão Rottweiler fêmea, 42,8kg, 10 anos de idade, com queixa principal de tumor mamário e para realização de castração. Após o procedimento, a paciente apresentou hemoperitônio, sendo encaminhada para novo procedimento cirúrgico, durante o qual se observou grande quantidade de sangue livre na cavidade abdominal. Foi realizada a autotransfusão de emergência, pela técnica das duas seringas, devido à indi1111sponibilidade de sangue ou animal doador no momento do procedimento cirúrgico emergencial, demonstrando ser uma opção eficiente, econômica, de fácil acesso e segura, por ser uma transfusão normotérmica, apresentar diminuição do risco de sobrecarga circulatória e por ser o sangue compatível, devendo ser mais explorada, pois existem poucos dados descritos na literatura.(AU)

Hemorrhages can lead to death in case of non-interruption and recovery of blood volume. Blood replacement may be performed by homologous or autologous transfusion. In homologous transfusion, blood is obtained from a donor, in autotransfusion or autologous transfusion, blood is collected from the patient himself. We aimed to report autotransfusion in a dog as a simple, quick, and inexpensive method, and discuss it as an emergency alternative for clinics and hospitals that do not have blood banks or animal donors. A female Rottweiler dog, 42.8kg, 10 years of age, was treated with a primary complaint of mammary tumor and for castration. After the procedure the patient presented hemoperitoneum, being referred to a new surgical procedure, where a large amount of free blood was observed in the abdominal cavity. The emergency autotransfusion was performed by the two syringes technique, due to the unavailability of blood or donor animal at the time of the emergency surgical procedure, proving to be an efficient, economical, easily accessible and safe option because it is a normothermic transfusion, risk of circulatory overload and blood is compatible. It should be more exploited because there are few data described in the literature.(AU)

Successful management of catastrophic peripheral vascular hemorrhage using massive autotransfusion and damage control surgery in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of massive transfusion using unwashed, non-anticoagulated, nonsterile autologous blood in a dog with catastrophic hemorrhage from a peripheral vessel during orthopedic surgery. A damage control surgical strategy was also employed. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old, 48 kg neutered male Labrador Retriever experienced massive hemorrhage after transection of a large blood vessel while undergoing femoral head and neck osteotomy. Blood was collected from clean, but not sterile, suction canisters and clots were skimmed off. The blood was then transfused back to the dog using a standard in-line blood filter. Approximately 58% of the dog's blood volume was autotransfused in less than 2 hours, thereby meeting the criteria for massive transfusion. Surgery was aborted after hemostasis was achieved by ligation of the vessel and packing of the surgical site. Two units of fresh frozen plasma were administered postoperatively due to the development of a coagulopathy. Hemoglobinuria developed but resolved within 18 hours. Three days later, completion of the surgical procedure was performed without incident. The dog was discharged 4 days after the initial surgery. Marked swelling of the affected limb developed, but resolved after the sixth day. No other significant complications developed. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: In this case report, the authors describe the successful management of catastrophic hemorrhage with autotransfusion performed in the absence of sterile collection, cell washing, or anticoagulation. Although not ideal, autotransfusion under these conditions can be lifesaving in situations of massive hemorrhage. This case also highlighted the employment of a damage control surgical strategy.

Twelve autologous blood transfusions in eight cats with haemoperitoneum.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical use and outcome of autologous transfusions in cats with intracavitary haemorrhage. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed. Computerised medical records of a single referral centre were searched for cats receiving an autotransfusion. Medical records were evaluated for underlying disease process, autotransfusion technique, autotransfusion volume, time period over which the autotransfusion was given, packed cell volume (PCV) pre- and post-autotransfusion, percentage rise in PCV, use of other blood products and any complications of the procedure. Survival to discharge and survival at 2 months was documented. RESULTS: Between July 2012 and March 2018 a total of 12 autotransfusions were performed in eight cats. All patients were diagnosed with haemoperitoneum. Four of the eight cats were diagnosed with abdominal neoplasia, three had postoperative haemorrhage and one had a traumatic haemoperitoneum. Three cats received more than one autotransfusion. Blood was collected using a 23 G butterfly catheter and 20 ml syringe in 7/12 collections, a 23 G needle and 20 ml syringe in 2/12 collections and directly into syringes from the open abdomen at the time of surgery in 3/12 collections. A median volume of 50 ml (range 25-80 ml) was collected and administered, meaning a median volume of 16.5 ml/kg (range 9-26 ml/kg) was administered. The autologous transfusions were given over a median of 3 h (0.25-6 h). Five cats were given another blood product alongside the autotransfusion. Median percentage PCV increase was 5% (range 1-7%). Anticoagulant was used in 5/12 autotransfusions. No clinically relevant adverse effects were reported. Six of the eight cats survived to discharge. Two month survival was 60% (3/5). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Autologous transfusion appears to be a safe and effective technique for stabilising cats with haemoperitoneum. This technique allows rapid and cheap provision of blood and avoids the need for an allogenic blood donor.

Diagnosis and treatment of infraspinatus tendon-bursa ossification in a Eurasian Dog.

A 4-year-old male Eurasian Dog presented at our veterinary clinic with a history of perpetual forelimb lameness in both thoracic limbs. In the clinical exploration, direct pressure over the infraspinatus tendon of insertion caused pain in both thoracic forelimbs and a firm band-like structure was palpable. No improvement was observed after treatment with rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and an intralesional injection of a long-acting glucocorticoid. Radiographic examination, ultrasonographic exploration and computed tomography were performed, identifying ossified structures lateral to the proximal humerus and an irregular roughened periosteum at the insertion and tendon of the infraspinatus muscle on both sides. There were more distinct alterations on the right thoracic limb. The imaging results led to a diagnosis of an infraspinatus tendon-bursa ossification accompanied by a chronic tendinopathy/tendovaginitis, accentuated on the right side. The dog was subjected to physiotherapy and autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) was injected into the insertion of the infraspinatus muscle of both thoracic limbs. After 5 months of physiotherapy and two injections of ACP with an interval of one week in both forelimbs, the dog showed no signs of lameness. This case report describes the diagnosis and management of infraspinatus tendon-bursa ossification in a Eurasian Dog. To the authors' knowledge, this condition has previously not been described in this breed of dog.

Plasma firocoxib concentrations after intra-articular injection of autologous conditioned serum prepared from firocoxib positive horses.

Orthobiologics such as autologous conditioned serum (ACS) are often used to treat joint disease in horses. Because ACS is generated from the horse's own blood, any medication administered at the time of preparation would likely be present in stored ACS, which could lead to an inadvertent positive drug test following intra-articular (IA) injection. The main objective of this study was to determine if ACS prepared from firocoxib positive horses could result in detectable plasma concentrations of the drug following IA injection. Firocoxib was administered to six horses at 0.1mg/kg PO twice at a 24h interval. Blood was obtained at 4h following the second dose and transferred to a separate syringe (Arthrex IRAP II) for ACS preparation. Plasma and ACS concentrations of firocoxib were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). When horses were confirmed firocoxib negative, 7.5mL of ACS was injected into both tarsocrural joints. Blood samples were collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48h, and firocoxib concentration was measured. Mean (±standard error of the mean, SEM) plasma concentration of firocoxib 4h following the second dose was 33.3±4.72ng/mL. Mean (±SEM) firocoxib concentration in ACS was 35.4±4.47ng/mL. Fourteen days following the second and last dose of firocoxib, mean plasma concentration was below the lower limit of detection (LOD=1ng/mL) in all horses. Following IA injection of ACS, plasma concentrations of firocoxib remained below LOD at all times in all horses. ACS generated from horses with therapeutic plasma concentrations of firocoxib did not contain sufficient firocoxib to lead to a positive plasma drug test following IA administration.

Comparison of humoral insulin-like growth factor-1, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, transforming growth factor-ß1, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations among equine autologous blood-derived preparations.

OBJECTIVE To compare humoral insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) concentrations in plasma and 3 types of equine autologous blood-derived preparations (ABPs). SAMPLE Blood and ABP samples from 12 horses. PROCEDURES Blood samples from each horse were processed by use of commercial systems to obtain plasma, platelet concentrate, conditioned serum, and aqueous platelet lysate. Half of the platelet concentrate samples were additionally treated with a detergent to release intracellular mediators. Humoral IGF-1, PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1, and IL-1Ra concentrations were measured with ELISAs and compared statistically. RESULTS Median IGF-1 concentration was highest in conditioned serum and detergent-treated platelet concentrate, followed by platelet concentrate and plasma; IGF-1 was not detected in platelet lysate. Mean PDGF-BB concentration was highest in platelet lysate, followed by detergent-treated platelet concentrate and conditioned serum; PDGF-BB was not detected in plasma and platelet concentrate. Median TGF-ß1 concentration was highest in detergent-treated platelet concentrate, followed by conditioned serum, platelet lysate, and platelet concentrate; TGF-ß1 was not detected in most plasma samples. Median IL-1Ra concentration was highest in platelet lysate, followed by conditioned serum; IL-1Ra was not detected in almost all plasma, detergent-treated platelet concentrate, and platelet concentrate samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Each ABP had its own cytokine profile, which was determined by the specific processing method. Coagulation and cellular lysis strongly increased humoral concentrations of cell-derived cytokines. No ABP had the highest concentrations for all cytokines. Further studies are needed to assess clinical relevance of these findings.

Cytokine and Growth Factor Concentrations in Canine Autologous Conditioned Serum.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cytokine and growth factor concentrations in canine autologous conditioned serum (ACS) to canine plasma. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Client-owned, adult dogs (n=22). METHODS: Blood collected from 16 medium to large breed dogs was used to produce ACS (Orthokine(®) vet irap 10 syringes) and citrated plasma (control). Canine-specific ELISA assays were run per manufacturers' instructions for interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, IL-1ß, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Serum, in addition to plasma and ACS, was collected from an additional 6 dogs for TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-1ra analysis (total of 22 dogs). Data were analyzed for differences in each cytokine concentration using pairwise comparisons between ACS, plasma, and serum using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: There was a large variability in growth factor and cytokine concentrations in ACS and plasma for individual dogs. There were no significant differences in IL-10, TNF-α, IGF-1, FGF-2, and TGF-ß1 concentrations between ACS, plasma, and serum. The IL-1ß concentrations in ACS (median, range 46.3 pg/mL, 0-828.8) and IL-4 (0.0 pg/mL, 0-244.1) were significantly higher than plasma (36.6 pg/mL, 0-657.1 and 0.0 pg/mL, 0-0, respectively). The IL-1ra concentration in ACS (median, range 3,458.9 pg/mL, 1,243.1-12,089.0) was significantly higher than plasma (692.3 pg/mL, 422.5-1,475.6). The IL-1ra:IL-1ß ratio in ACS was significantly higher than plasma (39.9 vs. 7.2). CONCLUSION: IL-1ra concentrations in canine ACS were comparable to those published for people and horses and pro-inflammatory cytokines remained low in canine ACS.

Autotransfusion in dogs using a 2-syringe technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful use of an autotransfusion technique utilizing 2 syringes in 4 dogs. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: All 4 dogs in this series had a hemoabdomen and subsequent hypovolemic shock. During surgery blood was collected from the abdominal cavity by the surgeon and passed to an assistant. The blood was then transferred to a second syringe for direct IV administration. The blood was passed through an inline blood filter prior to reaching the patient. Given the transfusion volume and administration time frame, 3 cases were classified as a massive transfusion. All 4 dogs survived the transfusion, were discharged within 3 days of surgery/transfusion and no complications were noted. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case series describes a relatively simple method of performing an autotransfuion in patients with hemoabdomen and hypovolemic shock.

Effects of ozonated autohemotherapy on the antioxidant capacity of Thoroughbred horses.

The performance of horses undergoing regular intense exercise is adversely affected by oxidative stress. Thus, it is important to increase antioxidant production in horses in order to reduce oxidative stress. Ozonated autohemotherapy (OAHT) reportedly promotes antioxidant production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of OAHT on antioxidant capacity. Ten Thoroughbred horses were used in this study. After the OAHT, we collected serum samples and measured biological antioxidant potential (BAP). We found that BAP began to increase after the OAHT and was significantly higher in the OAHT group than at 3 (P<0.01) and 7 days (P<0.05) after OAHT than in the control group at 3 and 7 days after starting collection of blood samples. Therefore, it was shown that OAHT improved the antioxidant capacity of the horses.

Electrolyte and acid/base changes in dogs undergoing autologous blood transfusion via a cell salvage device.

This study reports electrolyte and acid/base disturbances observed in clinical cases receiving autologous transfusion of blood processed by a cell salvage device. The records of 12 client-owned dogs that received an autologous transfusion via a cell salvage device with pre- and post-autologous transfusion blood work available were reviewed. Blood work from the 12 case dogs was compared to blood work from 12 control dogs with similar diseases. Control dogs received similar surgical treatment and were administered a similar volume per kg of packed red blood cells as case dogs, but did not undergo autologous transfusion. Case dogs that received autologous transfusion via a cell salvage device were significantly more likely to experience a decrease in ionized calcium and magnesium levels post-transfusion than were control dogs. Calcium and magnesium levels should be closely monitored during and after autologous transfusion. Calcium and/or magnesium supplementation may be required.

Changements électrolytiques et acido-basiques chez les chiens subissant une transfusion sanguine autologue à l'aide d'un dispositif de récupération des cellules. Cette étude signale les perturbations électrolytiques et acido-basiques observées dans des cas cliniques recevant une transfusion de sang autologue traitée à l'aide d'un dispositif de récupération des cellules. On a évalué les dossiers de 12 chiens, appartenant à des propriétaires, qui avaient reçu une transfusion autologue à l'aide d'un dispositif de récupération des cellules et avaient subi des analyses sanguines avant et après la transfusion autologue. Les analyses sanguines des 12 chiens ont été comparées aux analyses de 12 chiens témoins atteints de maladies semblables. Les chiens témoins ont reçu des traitements chirurgicaux semblables et un volume semblable par kg de concentré de globules rouges que les chiens du cas, mais n'ont pas subi la transfusion autologue. Il était significativement plus probable que les chiens du cas qui avaient reçu une transfusion autologue à l'aide d'un dispositif de récupération des cellules subissent une baisse du niveau de calcium ionisé et de magnésium après la transfusion que les chiens témoins. Le niveau de calcium et de magnésium devrait être étroitement surveillé durant et après la transfusion autologue. Des suppléments de calcium et/ou de magnésium pourront être requis.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Autologous blood transfusion in dogs with thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage: 25 cases (2007-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and outcome following autologous blood transfusion (ABT) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study (January 2007-July 2012). SETTING: Private veterinary referral center. ANIMALS: Twenty-five dogs that underwent ABT secondary to thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The hospital transaction database was searched using the keyword "autotransfusion" from January 2007 to July 2012. Data collected included signalment, body weight, etiology of hemorrhage, source and method of collection, volumes and method of ABT administration, use of anticoagulant, reported complications, and outcome. Twenty-five dogs were included for a total of 27 ABTs. Causes of hemorrhage included vascular trauma (14/25 dogs, 56%), ruptured tumor (8/25, 32%), and coagulopathy attributed to brodifacoum toxicosis (3/25, 12%). Autologous blood was collected from the abdominal (19/25, 76%), thoracic (5/25, 20%), or abdominal and thoracic cavities (1/25, 4%). Anticoagulant was added to the ABT blood in 13 of 25 (52%) cases. A median ABT volume of 29.3 mL/kg (range 2.9-406.9 mL/kg) was infused through either a 210 µm blood administration filter (21/27, 78%) or an 18 µm hemonate filter (6/27, 22%). Reported complications that may have been associated with ABT included hypocalcemia (4/17, 24%), hemolyzed serum (5/19, 26%), and prolonged coagulation times (4/5, 80%). These complications were considered of minimal clinical significance. Additional blood products were administered in 17 of 25 (68%) dogs. Seventeen (68%) dogs survived to discharge. Cause of death in the remaining cases was euthanasia or cardiac arrest secondary to uncontrollable hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: ABT is an adjunct to volume replacement in dogs with thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage secondary to vascular trauma, ruptured tumor, or anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. ABT may be used as bridge to definitive hemorrhage control, particularly when other blood products are not available or affordable. Complications may include hypocalcemia, prolonged coagulation times, and hemolysis.

Effect of a single injection of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) on tendon healing in equine naturally occurring tendinopathies.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous blood-derived biologicals, including autologous conditioned serum (ACS), are frequently used to treat tendinopathies in horses despite limited evidence for their efficacy. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of a single intralesional injection of ACS in naturally occurring tendinopathies of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) on clinical, ultrasonographic, and histological parameters. METHODS: Fifteen horses with 17 naturally occurring tendinopathies of forelimb SDFTs were examined clinically and ultrasonographically (day 0). Injured tendons were randomly assigned to the ACS-treated group (n = 10) receiving a single intralesional ACS injection or included as controls (n = 7) which were either untreated or injected with saline on day 1. All horses participated in a gradually increasing exercise programme and were re-examined nine times at regular intervals until day 190. Needle biopsies were taken from the SDFTs on days 0, 36 and 190 and examined histologically and for the expression of collagen types I and III by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In ACS-treated limbs lameness decreased significantly until day 10 after treatment. Swelling (scores) of the SDFT region decreased within the ACS group between 50 and 78 days after treatment. Ultrasonographically, the percentage of the lesion in the tendon was significantly lower and the echogenicity of the lesion (total echo score) was significantly higher 78 and 106 days after intralesional ACS injection compared to controls. Histology revealed that, compared to controls, tenocyte nuclei were more spindle-shaped 36 days after ACS injection. Immunohistochemistry showed that collagen type I expression significantly increased between days 36 and 190 after ACS injection. CONCLUSIONS: Single intralesional ACS injection of equine SDFTs with clinical signs of acute tendinopathy contributes to an early significant reduction of lameness and leads to temporary improvement of ultrasonographic parameters of repair tissue. Intralesional ACS treatment might decrease proliferation of tenocytes 5 weeks after treatment and increase their differentiation as demonstrated by elevated collagen type I expression in the remodelling phase. Potential enhancement of these effects by repeated injections should be tested in future controlled clinical investigations.

Effect of syringe and aggregate filter administration on survival of transfused autologous fresh feline red blood cells.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of transfusion using a syringe and microaggregate filter on short-term survival and circulating half-life of autologous feline RBCs. DESIGN: Prospective, internally controlled, observational study. SETTING: A University Teaching Hospital ANIMALS: Six apparently healthy, owned cats. INTERVENTIONS: Blood collection by jugular venipuncture. Transfusion with labeled, autologous, fresh RBCs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Anticoagulated whole blood (35 mL/cat) was collected in 2 equal aliquots. RBCs were washed and labeled at 2 different biotin densities, before suspension in autologous plasma. Labeled RBCs were then transfused using 2 methods, gravity flow and pump delivery using a 20 mL syringe and 18 µm microaggregate filter. Whole blood samples were collected from each cat at 2-hour intervals for 12 hours following completion of the transfusions. Additional samples were collected at weekly intervals up to 6 weeks to assess circulating half-life of the transfused cells. Cell survival was assessed via flow cytometry. The proportion of transfused cells remaining in each of the 2 populations was measured. Biotinylated RBCs were readily detected in all cats over the 6-week sampling period. There was a significant decrease in both populations of labeled cells over the 6-week period (P < 0.01), as expected. There was no difference in probability that the RBCs would survive up to 12 hours immediately following transfusion, and no significant difference in survival between the 2 groups over 6 weeks. The average half-life of all labeled cells was approximately 23 days. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in contrast to findings from dogs, transfusion of autologous feline RBCs using a syringe + aggregate filter method does not significantly impact short- or long-term survival of the transfused cells.

Phospholipids in sera of horses with summer eczema: lipid analysis of the autoserum preparation used in therapy.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine summer eczema, also known as insect bite hypersensitivity, affects horses recurrently during summer months. The treatment of this allergic pruritus is difficult and therefore there is a need for efficacious treatments. Autoserum therapy, based on the use of autogenous serum that is specifically prepared for oral administration and given when the animal shows clinical signs has been introduced recently. Lipids are thought to be responsible for the effect of this therapy. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to analyse the phospholipid content of autogenous serum preparations and to further assess whether these preparations have different lipid profiles depending on the clinical status of the horse. The hypothesis is that the major serum phospholipids typical of the horse are present in the autoserum preparation. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive controlled clinical study. METHODS: Sera were collected from 10 affected and 6 healthy horses, prepared in a similar fashion and the lipids contained in the resulting autoserum preparations were analysed by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The major phospholipid classes detected were phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidic acid and traces of lysophosphatidylcholine. Horses with summer eczema had significantly abundant concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (P = 0.042) and sphingomyelin (P = 0.0017) in comparison with healthy horses, while the concentration of phosphatidic acid was significantly higher in healthy horses (P = 0.0075). CONCLUSIONS: The autoserum preparation contains minute amounts of the main serum phospholipids in differing concentrations in healthy horses and horses with an allergic skin disease.

Autologous canine red blood cell transfusion using cell salvage devices.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of automated blood salvage devices for autotransfusion in dogs. TECHNIQUE: Blood salvage devices can be used to collect blood from the intraoperative surgical field or postsurgical drainage sites. The salvage device washes cells in 0.9% saline, removing plasma proteins, other cellular components, and activators of coagulation and inflammation. Washed red blood cells may be safely returned to the patient, minimizing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. SIGNIFICANCE: Blood salvage has been safely used in human medicine for decades and is feasible in veterinary medicine. Potential advantages include reduced reliance on banked blood for massive transfusions and minimization of morbidities associated with the use of allogeneic and stored blood products. Concerns about the safety of salvaged blood have been largely dispelled in human medicine but further investigation regarding the safety of such procedures in veterinary patients is warranted.

Activation of equine platelet-rich plasma: comparison of methods and characterization of equine autologous thrombin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare clinically relevant Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activation methods. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. METHODS: PRP was prepared from 6 equine subjects. Activation of the PRP was performed by 4 methods (autologous thrombin, bovine thrombin, calcium chloride (CaCl(2) ), or freeze-thaw). The resultant PDGF-BB (where PDGF is platelet-derived growth factor) and TGFß1 (where TGFß is transforming growth factor beta) levels in PRP releasates were quantified by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared. Growth factor contents were also compared between platelet-rich clots produced by thrombin or CaCl(2) . The composition and function of equine autologous thrombin were characterized by Western blot analysis and platelet aggregometry. RESULTS: CaCl(2) (23 mM) activation of PRP yielded significantly greater PDGF release than did any other method. TGFß release was comparable after PRP activation by CaCl(2) , bovine thrombin, and freeze thaw. Autologous thrombin was significantly less effective than all other activation methods in eliciting platelet growth factor release and induced significantly less platelet aggregation than bovine thrombin at 5 U/mL. Clots retained substantial concentrations of growth factor, and the amount in the releasate versus the clot differed between activation methods. CONCLUSIONS: PRP activation methods differ in terms of growth factor output as well as logistical considerations. Autologous thrombin is not recommended for PRP activation. CaCl(2) (23 mM) is an effective and inexpensive method of PRP activation. The PRP releasate derived from CaCl(2) activation contains 80% of the total PDGF content and is easily produced, making it a convenient product for clinical use.

Autologous blood transfusion following red blood cell salvage for the management of blood loss in 3 dogs with hemoperitoneum.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of autologous transfusion using a red blood cell salvage device for the management of large volume hemorrhage in 3 dogs with hemoperitoneum. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Three dogs were managed for large volume hemorrhage by autologous transfusion of red blood cells after cell salvage. In all cases, blood was salvaged from the abdominal cavity during surgery. The causes of hemorrhage included testicular arterial hemorrhage after castration, hepatic parenchymal hemorrhage following hepatic dissection for intrahepatic portosystemic shunt ligation, and intra-abdominal serosal hemorrhage associated with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. In all cases, autologous transfusion was not associated with any identified complications and contributed to improved cardiovascular stability and packed cell volume. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case series is the first to describe the use of a semiautomated red blood cell salvage system for the clinical management of acute hemorrhage in dogs. This case series provides evidence that this procedure can be used safely and effectively for the management of clinical hemorrhage. On this basis, further veterinary evaluation can be justified.