scott@vtx-cpd.com

Replying to Rachel L. 25/02/2024 - 18:42

So interesting Rachel.

Thank you for sharing these cases. Both really interesting. These are cases you don’t see that often.

You made me think about the Dachshund! There are some interesting differences with their haematology that I will share!

Thanks for sparking such great discussion!

Scott 🙂

Replying to Rachel C. 28/02/2024 - 15:42

Thank you for the brilliant Question Rachel.

I will make sure Felipe see this. I look forward to hearing his thoughts.

Scott 🙂

Replying to Junwei Föhr 27/02/2024 - 16:43

No problem!

Let us know if you have any other questions!

Scott 🙂

Replying to Christina L. 26/02/2024 - 17:58

Welcome Christina.

We are so pleased you have joined the course.

I really hope you enjoy it! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Scott 🙂

Replying to Neus E. 16/02/2024 - 22:12

Really helpful Neus!

It is even better when you can reference yourself! 🙂

I do not routenly in practice, but it is reassuring to hear your experience. I have popped the abstract to you papaer below.

Thanks again.

Scott 🙂

Indications for use and complications associated with canine plasma products in 170 patients

Abstract

Objectives: To describe a population of dogs receiving canine plasma products (PP), report the incidence of transfusion reactions (TR), and to identify whether this is higher when non-type-matched plasma is administered.

Design: Retrospective study conducted on dogs receiving canine PP between March 2016 and January 2018.

Setting: Private referral hospital with first opinion emergency clinic.

Animals: One hundred and ninety-four privately owned dogs identified from the clinic electronic medical record system that received at least 1 unit of canine PP during the study period; 25 patients were excluded due to incomplete records.

Interventions: None.

Measurements and main results: A search of computerized records was performed, identifying any patients that received canine PP between 2016 and 2018; clinical notes were examined to identify the number and type of TR associated. One hundred and sixty-nine cases were included in the study, receiving a total of 412 PP transfusions. Reactions were noted in 4% (17/412) of transfusions administered, with the vast majority being mild in nature. Of the TR identified, a greater proportion were in type-matched PP transfusions than non-type-matched, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.7989). The number of dogs suffering a TR was higher (13%) when multiple units of plasma were administered than if only 1 unit was transfused (5%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.1161). Transfusion reactions were more likely to occur when packed red blood cells were also administered, although this was also not statistically significant (P = 0.07).

Conclusion: Administration of canine plasma products appears to be a safe procedure that carries a low risk of transfusion reactions. Type-matching of canine PP appears unnecessary and does not reduce incidence of TR in dogs.

Replying to Jennifer Cartwright 20/02/2024 - 15:33

This is such a brilliant point Jenny!

I was looking at some references in the papers you mentioned, and the change in PCV can be quite significant. Definitely enough to make us consider different investigations for the patient. I have popped this other abstract below.

Thanks again for sharing!

Scott 🙂

Effects of a standardized anesthetic protocol on hematologic variables in healthy cats (JFMS)

Marc P Dhumeaux 1, Elisabeth C R Snead, Tasha Y Epp, Susan M Taylor, Anthony P Carr, Ryan M Dickinson, Marina L Leis

Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of an anesthetic protocol using intravenous ketamine and midazolam, and intramuscular buprenorphine on hematologic variables in cats. Twelve healthy adult cats had blood collected for a complete blood count before and after the induction of anesthesia. There were significant decreases in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits after the induction of anesthesia. On average, red blood cell counts and hematocrits decreased by 25%, and hemoglobin concentrations decreased by 24%. Based on hematocrit, 3/12 samples (25%) taken while the cats were anesthetized would have been interpreted as belonging to anemic patients while none of the cats would have been considered anemic before anesthesia. This study suggests that a complete blood count performed on blood taken under anesthesia with this anesthetic protocol should be interpreted cautiously in order to not make a false diagnosis of anemia.

Replying to Emylia E. 22/02/2024 - 22:30

Hello Emylia!

I hope you are well and enjoying the course so far! I will make sure Felipe sees your brilliant question. I look forward to hearing his thoughts.

Scott 🙂