Lower centrifugation speed and time are positively associated with platelet concentration in a canine autologous conditioned plasma system.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of variable centrifugation protocols on the cellular composition of the final product of a canine autologous conditioned plasma double-syringe system. ANIMALS: 30 client-owned healthy adult medium- to large-breed (17- to 45-kg) dogs. METHODS: 35 mL of anticoagulated whole blood from each subject was aliquoted into 3 samples: a baseline and 2 double syringes. The syringes were processed for platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Each double syringe was randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups, which varied in centrifugation settings between 580 and 1,304 X g and 5 and 10 minutes. CBC analysis was performed on each of the samples to determine cellular composition. A mixed-effect linear model was fit to the data. RESULTS: 60 PRP samples and 30 whole blood samples were analyzed. Manufacturer settings generated a platelet fold change > 1 but did not increase concentration to the extent expected. When comparing speed alone, increased centrifugation force was associated with lower platelet fold change. When comparing time alone, increased centrifugation time was also associated with lower platelet fold change and lower leukocyte concentration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Autologous conditioned plasma double syringes require a low volume of initial whole blood, making them preferable for canine PRP in clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the centrifugation protocol on the final product cellular composition in dogs and add to the available data on protocols to maximize platelet yield in PRP. Due to inherent individual variability, this study emphasized the importance of evaluating biological samples prior to administration to predict and improve patient outcomes.

Evaluation of the usage of incisional liposomal bupivacaine as a local anaesthetic for dogs undergoing limb amputation.

BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine lioposomal suspension has recently emerged in the veterinary field for local analgesia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the extra-label administration of bupivacaine liposomal suspension at the incision site of dogs undergoing limb amputation and characterize any complications. STUDY DESIGN: Nonblinded retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs undergoing limb amputation from 2016 to 2020. METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing limb amputation with concurrent use of long-acting liposomal bupivacaine suspension were reviewed for incisional complications, adverse effects, hospitalization length, and time to alimentation. Data were compared to a control group (CG) of dogs who underwent a limb amputation procedure without concurrent use of liposomal bupivacaine suspension. RESULTS: Forty-six dogs were included in the liposomal bupivacaine group (LBG) and 44 cases in the CG. The CG had 15 incidences of incisional complications (34%) compared to 6 within the LBG (13%). Four dogs required revisional surgery in the CG (9%) whereas none of the dogs required revisional surgery in the LBG. Time from surgery to discharge was statistically higher in the CG compared to the LBG (p = 0.025). First time to alimentation was statistically higher in the CG (p value = 0.0002). The total number of rechecks needed postoperatively revealed the CG having a statistically significant increase in recheck evaluations (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extra-label administration of liposomal bupivacaine suspension was well-tolerated in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Liposomal bupivacaine usage did not increase incisional complication rates and its use allowed for a quicker time to discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons should consider inclusion of extra-label administration of liposomal bupivacaine in analgesic regimens for dogs undergoing limb amputation.

Radical excision with five-centimeter margins for treatment of feline injection-site sarcomas: 91 cases (1998-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of radical excision of feline injection-site sarcomas (ISS) via assessment of local recurrence and metastasis rates, survival times, and complications associated with surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 91 cats with ISS. PROCEDURES: Medical records of cats that had radical excision of ISS without adjunctive treatment were reviewed. Information extracted included sex, type of surgical procedure, histologic tumor grade, tumor diameter, time from tumor detection to definitive surgery, complications associated with surgery, whether tumors recurred locally or metastasized, and survival times. Diagnosis of ISS was histologically confirmed, and additional follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Overall median survival time was 901 days. Thirteen of 91 (14%) cats had local tumor recurrence; 18 (20%) cats had evidence of metastasis after surgery. Median survival time of cats with and without recurrence was 499 and 1,461 days, respectively. Median survival time of cats with and without metastasis was 388 and 1,528 days, respectively. Tumor recurrence and metastasis were significantly associated with survival time, whereas other examined variables were not. Major complications occurred in 10 cats, including 7 with incisional dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radical excision of ISS resulted in a metastasis rate similar to rates reported previously; the local recurrence rate appeared to be substantially less than rates reported after less aggressive surgeries, with or without adjuvant treatment. Major complication rates were similar to rates reported previously after aggressive surgical resection of ISS. Radical excision may be a valuable means of attaining an improved outcome in the treatment of feline ISS.

Use of a linear-circular hybrid external skeletal fixator for stabilization of a juxta-physeal proximal radial fracture in a deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

This report documents the successful use of a hybrid linear-circular fixator for the stabilization of a closed, oblique, comminuted fracture of the proximal right radial diaphysis in a 3-mo-old female deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Under fluoroscopic guidance, a hybrid fixator was applied for fracture stabilization, with consideration given to the risk of inducing further fissuring of the proximal segment, attaining adequate fixation in the short juxta-physeal segment, and possibly disrupting physeal growth. Three divergent wires were used as ring fixation elements to secure the proximal fracture segment. Mild fissure propagation occurred during fixation pin placement. All subsequent fixation pins chosen were of a smaller diameter and were placed without further deterioration of the existing fissures. Although willing to ambulate upon recovery, the deer placed the dorsum of the hoof on the ground initially after surgery, which resolved by the sixth day. The hybrid fixator was well-tolerated and was removed 4 wk postoperatively. In addition, proximal radial physeal growth was not disrupted and both radii had similar lengths after fixator removal. Hybrid linear-circular external skeletal fixation was advantageous for stabilization of the juxta-physeal fracture in this deer; with appropriate application techniques and configuration, we believe that hybrid fixators can be used successfully in several wildlife species with maximum acceptance and minimal complications.