Multiple red cell transfusions in 27 cats (2003-2006): indications, complications and outcomes

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the indications, complications and outcomes of multiple red cell transfusions (MrcTs) in cats; of these cats (2) to describe those that received massive transfusion and (3) compare them with those who received MrcTs over a longer time course. Twenty-seven cats were identified which received a total of 110 transfusions, with a median of three transfusions (range 3-15) per cat. The transfusions consisted of 47 units of whole blood and 63 units of packed red blood cells. The median age of cats was 6 years (range 6 months to 15 years). Cats were hospitalized for a median of 6 days, with a range of 1-38 days. No acute transfusion reactions were documented, although due to the critical nature of the cats, they may not have been appreciated. Sixteen cats survived to discharge and 11 died or were euthanased. Indications (and % survival) for transfusions included bone marrow failure (n=8; 50%); surgical loss (n=4; 100%), sepsis (n=3; 0%), neoplasia (n=3; 33%), acute renal failure (n=3; 66%), trauma (n=2; 100%), gastrointestinal bleeding (n=1; 100%), and cats with multiple disease processes (n=3; 33%). MrcTs are well-tolerated in cats and may be associated with a favorable outcome.     

Red blood cell transfusions in cats: 126 cases (1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number of and reasons for RBC transfusions, incidence of acute transfusion reactions, prevalence of blood types, volume of blood administered, change in PCV, and clinical outcome in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 126 cats that received RBC transfusions. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that received whole blood or packed RBC transfusions were reviewed for signalment, blood type, pre- and post-transfusion PCV, volume of blood product administered, clinical diagnosis and cause of anemia, clinical signs of acute transfusion reactions, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Mean volume of whole blood administered i.v. was 172 mL/kg (7.8 mL/lb) versus 9.3 mL/kg (4.2 mL/lb) for packed RBCs. Ninety-four percent of cats had blood type A. Mean increase in PCV among all cats was 6%. Fifty-two percent of cats had anemia attributed to blood loss, 10% had anemia attributed to hemolysis, and 38% had anemia attributed to erythropoietic failure. Acute transfusion reactions occurred in 11 cats. Sixty percent of cats survived until discharge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RBC transfusions resulted in an increase in PCV in cats with all causes of anemia in this study. The rate of death was greater than in cats that did not receive transfusions, but seriousness of the underlying disease in the 2 groups may not be comparable. Death rate of cats that received transfusions was not attributable to a high rate of transfusion reactions. Results confirm that pretransfusion blood typing or crossmatching is required to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.     

Whole blood transfusions in 91 cats: a clinical evaluation

This survey assessed the feline transfusion practices at the University of Berlin from 1998 to 2001 in regard to patient population, indications, efficacy, and transfusion reactions. Blood was obtained from seven healthy in-house donors and 127 mostly indoor client-owned pet cats. Over a 3-year period 91 cats were transfused with blood type compatible blood. The blood was fresh (within 8 h of collection) or stored no longer than 15 days. Transfusions were required because of blood loss anaemia (n=40), haemolytic anaemia (n=13), ineffective erythropoiesis (n=35), hypoproteinaemia (n=2) or coagulopathy (n=2). The anaemic cats had a pretransfusion haematocrit of 5-20% (m [median]=13), and received one to six transfusions (m=1). The survival rates of the anaemic cats at 1 and 10 days after transfusion were 84 and 64%, respectively. None of the deaths appeared to be related to transfusion reactions. The major crossmatch, undertaken before 117 transfusions, was incompatible for eight cats. All except for one had previously been transfused. Lysis of transfused cells in six cases resulted in a less than expected haematocrit rise and an increase in serum bilirubin. Transient mild transfusion reactions were only noted in two cats during the second or third transfusion. In conclusion, with proper donor selection and appropriate compatibility screening, blood transfusions are well tolerated, appear effective, and may increase chances of survival.     

Retrospective Study: Incidence of transfusion reactions to commercial equine plasma

Objective – To report on the incidence of transfusion reactions to commercial equine plasma in a hospital‐based population of horses, to characterize these reactions and report on outcome. Design – Retrospective study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Client‐owned horses referred to the University of Wisconsin. Interventions – Intravenous administration of 2 commercial equine plasma products when clinically indicated. Measurements and Main Results – Medical records of 107 horses that received plasma transfusions between 2003 and 2008 were evaluated. Transfusion reactions were recorded in 6 of 107 transfusions. All individuals were administered plasma from 1 commercial source. Foals <30 days of age received a hypergammaglobulinemic product and all adults received a lower IgG concentration product. No reactions were recorded in adults. In foals (<30 d) reactions were recorded in 6 of 69 cases (8.7%), all of which occurred in neonates <7 days of age (6/62; [9.7%]). The most frequent reactions were fever (4/6), tachycardia (2/6), tachypnea (2/6), and colic (2/6). All affected foals survived the reaction. There were no statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in any of the variables examined between those foals that did and those that did not experience transfusion reactions. Conclusion – The incidence of transfusion reactions was 8.7% in foals and 0% in adult horses in our referral population. Five of 6 foals responded to medical therapy and eventually received the clinically indicated transfusion. No transfusion related mortality occurred.     

Autologous blood collection and transfusion in cats undergoing partial craniectomy

OBJECTIVE: To describe the procedure for autologous blood donation and associated complications in cats undergoing partial craniectomy for mass removal. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 15 cats with intracranial mass confirmed by computed tomographic scan, no evidence of renal failure, and PCV > or = 22%. PROCEDURE: One unit (60 ml) of blood was collected and stored 7 to 17 days before surgery and transfused during the perioperative period if needed. The PCV was measured before donation, before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery to assess effect of donation on PCV before surgery and effect of transfusion on PCV after surgery. Cats were evaluated for donation complications, iatrogenic anemia, and adverse reactions associated with administration of autologous blood. RESULTS: Complications associated with phlebotomy were not detected. Fifteen cats underwent partial craniectomy 7 to 17 days after blood donation; all had histologic confirmation of meningioma by examination of tissue obtained at surgery. Eleven cats received autologous blood transfusions. None of the cats received allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusion reactions were not observed. Subclinical iatrogenic anemia was detected in 3 cats. Two cats were considered to have received excessive transfusion, and 3 cats received inadequate transfusion. All cats undergoing partial craniectomy were discharged from the hospital and were alive > 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Autologous blood donation before surgery was considered safe for cats undergoing partial craniectomy for resection of meningioma. The only complication observed was iatrogenic anemia. The procedure contributed to blood conservation in our hospital.     

Retrospective Study: Trends in plasma transfusion at a veterinary teaching hospital: 308 patients (1996–1998 and 2006–2008)

Objectives – To describe changes in fresh frozen plasma (FFP) utilization over a 10‐year period at a veterinary teaching hospital. To evaluate the effect of FFP administration on specific laboratory parameters. Design – Retrospective observational study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals– Two hundred and eighty‐three dogs and 25 cats. Interventions – A hospital database search was performed for all animals receiving FFP during the study periods. Measurements and Main Results – Medical records of patients receiving plasma transfusions from 2006 to 2008 and from 1996 to 1998 were reviewed. Data collected included indications for transfusion, transfused volume, concurrent therapies, clinicopathologic data pre‐ and post‐transfusion, transfusion reactions, days of hospitalization, and outcome. FFP was administered to 112 dogs and 23 cats from 2006 to 2008 and to 171 dogs and 2 cats from 1996 to 1998. Significantly fewer patients received FFP for the treatment of hypoalbuminemia (2006–2008: 15% versus 1996–1998: 53%; P<0.001) or pancreatitis (2006–2008: 2% versus 1996–1998: 13%; P=0.001) and significantly more patients received FFP for coagulopathy (2006–2008: 80% versus 1996–1998: 31%; P<0.001) in the 2006–2008 group compared with the 1996–1998 group. For all patients receiving FFP, there was no difference in mean serum albumin concentration pre‐ and post‐transfusion. Median prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were significantly decreased post FFP administration. No association was found between the volume of plasma administered and outcome. Conclusions – FFP utilization has changed significantly over a 10‐year period. FFP was used most commonly in 2006–2008 for the correction of coagulopathy. FFP administration was associated with significant reduction in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time but did not significantly alter albumin concentration when administered at median doses of 15–18 mL/kg.     

Characterization of the anemia of inflammatory disease in cats with abscesses, pyothorax, or fat necrosis

The purpose of this study was to describe the anemia of inflammatory disease (AID) in cats with naturally-occurring inflammatory diseases, such as abscesses (n = 12), pyothorax (n = 6), and fat necrosis (n = 3). Exclusion criteria were positive FeLV/FIV tests, neoplasia, nephro-, hepato- or endocrinopathies, and blood loss anemia. CBC, clinical biochemistry, measurements of serum erythropoietin, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, acute phase proteins, erythrocytic osmotic fragility (OF), and Coombs' tests were performed. A decrease in hematocrit of 1-28% (median, 10%) occurred within 3-16 days (median, 8 days). The anemia was mild (n = 11), moderate (n = 8), or severe (n = 2). In most cases it was normocytic normochromic, non-regenerative (n = 18), or mildly regenerative (n = 3). Sixteen cats had leukocytosis and 5 mild hyperbilirubinemia. The Coombs' test results were negative for 8 cats and positive for 1 cat. OF was increased in 2 out of 14 cats. Hypoalbuminemia (n = 18) and hyperglobulinemia (n = 16) resulted in a lowered albumin/globulin-ratio in 19 cats. Iron and TIBC were low in 2/19 and 6 /19 cats, respectively. The ferritin concentrations were normal in 7 cats and increased in 12 cats. The acute phase proteins alpha1-acid-glycoprotein and haptoglobin were increased in 14/14 and 13/14 cats, respectively. Erythropoietin was normal (n = 4), mildly increased (n = 7) or severely increased (1). Two cats were euthanized due to their underlying disease, 3 cats needed blood transfusions. AID in cats is usually mild to moderate, non-regenerative, and normocytic normochromic. It can be clinically relevant causing severe and transfusion-dependent anemia. AID seems to be multifactorial with evidence of iron sequestration, decreased RBC survival, and insufficient erythropoietin production and bone marrow response. Specific and supportive therapy, including transfusions, can reverse these processes.     

In vitro lysis and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis caused by inappropriate storage of canine red blood cell products

Background: Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) products carries considerable risk for adverse reactions, including life‐threatening hemolytic reactions. Objective: To report the occurrence and investigation of life‐threatening acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis in dogs likely related to inappropriate blood product storage. Animals: Four dogs with acute transfusion reactions and other recipients of blood products. Methods: Medical records were reviewed from 4 dogs with suspected acute hemolytic transfusion reactions after receiving RBC products at a veterinary clinic over a 1‐month period. Medical records of other animals receiving blood products in the same time period also were reviewed. Blood compatibility and product quality were assessed, subsequent transfusions were closely monitored, and products were diligently audited. Results: During or immediately after RBC product transfusion, 4 dogs developed hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, or both. Two dogs died and 1 was euthanized because of progressive clinical signs compatible with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Blood type and blood compatibility were confirmed. RBC units from 2 blood banks were found to be hemolyzed after storage in the clinic's refrigerator; no bacterial contamination was identified. After obtaining a new refrigerator dedicated to blood product storage, the problem of hemolyzed units and acute transfusion reactions with hemolysis completely resolved. Conclusions: Acute life‐threatening transfusion reactions can be caused by inappropriate storage of RBC products. In addition to infectious disease screening and ensuring blood‐type compatibility, quality assessment of blood products, appropriate collection, processing, and storage techniques as well as recipient monitoring are critical to provide safe, effective transfusions.     

Transmission of visceral leishmaniasis through blood transfusions from infected English foxhounds to anemic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct serologic surveillance for Leishmania spp in English foxhounds from a kennel, as well as recipients of blood from these dogs, and determine whether L infantum organisms could be transmitted via blood transfusion. DESIGN: Serologic prevalence survey. ANIMALS: 120 English foxhounds and 51 dogs of various breeds receiving blood from these donors. PROCEDURE: Foxhound blood donors, foxhound nondonors, and nonfoxhound blood recipient dogs were evaluated serologically for Leishmania spp by indirect fluorescent antibody testing. Dogs that received packed RBC (PRBC) transfusions from foxhound donors from mid-1996 through mid-2000 were identified. Furthermore, dogs were serologically evaluated if they had received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions in 1999 and 2000 from seropositive foxhound blood donors. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the English Foxhounds were seropositive for Leishmania spp (titer > or = 1:16), although the degree of seropositivity varied considerably during the period. Furthermore, 57 foxhounds had been used as donors from 1996 to 2000, and 342 units of PRBC had been transfused to at least 227 patients. All 25 dogs screened that received PRBC from seronegative foxhound donors tested negative, whereas 3 of 7 dogs that received PRBC from seropositive donors tested positive. All 9 dogs that received FFP from seropositive foxhound donors remained seronegative. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this report documents the first transmission of Leishmania spp by blood transfusion. The use of foxhounds as blood donors may not be advisable in North America.     

Transfusion of type-A and type-B blood to cats

Although nearly all domestic shorthair and longhair cats have type-A blood (greater than 99%), the frequency of blood type B in various feline breeds ranges from 0 to 59%. All blood-type-B cats have strong natural alloantibodies, predominantly of the IgM class, whereas blood-type-A cats have low alloantibody titers of the IgG and IgM classes. We therefore studied the efficacy and safety of transfusing 20 ml of matched and mismatched 14C-potassium cyanate-labeled blood to cats. In autologous and allogeneic matched transfusions of blood-type-A and type-B cats, the half-life of labeled erythrocytes proved to be similar (29 to 39 days). In contrast, type-B erythrocytes transfused into 5 blood-type-A cats had a mean (+/- SD) half-life of only 2.1 +/- 0.2 days and induced minor transfusion reactions. Half of the type-A blood given to 4 blood-type-B cats was destroyed within minutes to 6 hours (mean +/- SD = 1.3 +/- 2.3 hours), depending on the alloantibody titer. After 1 day, none of the labeled erythrocytes were detected. Mismatched transfusions in blood-type-B cats caused marked transient reactions including systemic anaphylactic signs (hypotension, bradycardia, apnea, urination, defecation, vomiting, and severe neurologic depression) and hemolytic signs (hemoglobinemia and pigmenturia) associated with severe reduction in plasma alloantibody titer and complement activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Clinical and clinicopathologic variables in adult horses receiving blood transfusions: 31 cases (1999-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities in horses administered a blood transfusion and evaluate effects of blood transfusion on these variables. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 31 adult horses that received > or = 1 blood transfusion. Procedures-Medical records of horses receiving a blood transfusion were reviewed to obtain clinical findings, laboratory test results before and after transfusion, adjunctive treatments, transfusion type and volume, response to transfusion, results of donor-recipient compatibility testing, adverse reactions, and outcome. RESULTS: 31 horses received 44 transfusions for hemorrhagic anemia (HG; n = 18 horses), hemolytic anemia (HL; 8), or anemia attributable to erythropoietic failure (EF; 5). Tachycardia and tachypnea were detected in 31 of 31 (100%) and 22 of 31 (71%) horses, respectively, before transfusion. The PCV and hemoglobin concentration were less than the reference range in 11 of 18 horses with HG, 8 of 8 horses with HL, and 5 of 5 horses with EF. Hyperlactatemia was detected in 16 of 17 recorded values before transfusion. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and PCV improved after transfusion, with differences among the types of anemia. Seventeen (54%) horses were discharged, 9 (29%) were euthanized, and 5 (16%) died of natural causes. Adverse reactions were evident during 7 of 44 (16%) transfusions, varying from urticarial reactions to anaphylactic shock. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abnormalities in clinical and clinicopathologic variables differed depending on the type of anemia. Colic, cold extremities, signs of depression, lethargy, tachycardia, tachypnea, low PCV, low hemoglobin concentration, and hyperlactatemia were commonly detected before transfusion and resolved after transfusion.     

Factors associated with outcome in foals with neonatal isoerythrolysis (72 cases, 1988-2003)

Background: Neonatal foals with isoerythrolysis (NI) often die, but the risk factors for death have not been identified.
Objectives: To identify factors associated with outcome in foals with NI and to identify factors associated with death from liver failure or kernicterus in the same population.
Animals: Seventy-two foals with NI examined at referral institutions.
Methods: Retrospective case series. Information on signalment, clinical examination findings, laboratory testing, treatment, complications, outcome, and necropsy results were obtained.
Results: The overall survival rate was 75% (54 of 72). Liver failure (n = 7), kernicterus (n = 6), and complications related to bacterial sepsis (n = 3) were the 3 most common reasons for death or euthanasia. The number of transfusions with blood products was the factor most strongly associated with nonsurvival in a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds of liver failure developing in foals receiving a total volume of blood products ≥ 4.0 L were 19.5 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.13–178) times higher than that of foals receiving a lower volume ( P = .009). The odds of kernicterus developing in foals with a total bilirubin ≥ 27.0 mg/dL were 17.0 (95% CI: 1.77–165) times higher than that of foals with a lower total bilirubin ( P = .014).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Development of liver failure, kernicterus, and complications related to bacterial sepsis are the most common causes of death in foals with NI. Foals administered a large volume of blood products are at greater risk for developing liver failure.     

Physiological and haematological findings and clinical observations in a model of acute systemic anaphylaxis in Dirofilaria immitis-sensitised cats

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis in Dirofilaria immitis-sensitised cats by analysing objective physiological and haematological measurements after challenge. DESIGN: Nineteen healthy D immitis-naive cats were sensitised using weekly injections of aluminium hydroxide-adjuvanted D immitis antigen, administered subcutaneously over 6 weeks. After sensitisation, cats (n = 16) were anaesthetised and challenged with intravenous D immitis antigen. A control group (n = 3) was sham-challenged using intravenous sterile 0.9% saline. Systolic blood pressure (measured non-invasively/indirectly), respiratory rate, degree of dyspnoea, blood O2 saturation, expired CO2, and heart rate and were measured immediately before and at 10 to 15 min intervals after challenge until terminal apnoea occurred or euthanasia at 140 mins post-challenge. Blood was collected for complete blood count immediately before and at 10, 20 and 35 mins after challenge. Clinical observations were recorded as they occurred. RESULTS: Antigen-challenged cats were divided into two groups: acute (apnoea occurred within 25 mins of challenge) and subacute (breathing at 25 mins after challenge). In both groups, the degree of dyspnoea increased and blood O2 saturation and blood pressure decreased. Respiratory rate increased in the subacute group. Expired CO2 decreased in both Ag-challenged and control groups. Haematocrit increased in the subacute group. Neutrophil count decreased in the acute group and platelet count decreased in the subacute group. Eosinophil count decreased in the subacute and control groups. Sustained dyspnoea and gastrointestinal signs were the most common clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis in the antigen-challenged cats. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous challenge with D immitis antigen in sensitised cats results in dyspnoea, hypoxaemia and systemic hypotension accompanied by haemoconcentration.     

Comparative stability of canine and feline hemostatic proteins in freeze‐thaw‐cycled fresh frozen plasma

Objective – To evaluate the stability of canine and feline hemostatic proteins in freeze‐thaw‐cycled (FTC) fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Design – Prospective study. Setting – Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Animals – Nine blood donor dogs and 10 blood donor cats. Interventions – Whole blood was collected and separated into packed RBC and plasma units according to standard methods. Each unit of plasma was divided into 2 equal aliquots and frozen (?41°C). One aliquot from each donor (FTC) was then thawed and then refrozen (?41°C) until time of analysis. The second aliquot (nonfreeze‐thaw‐cycled; NFTC) remained frozen until time of analysis. The hemostatic proteins assessed included coagulation factors, anticoagulant factors (antithrombin and Protein C), and adhesive proteins (fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor). The coagulant activities of factors II, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII were measured in modified one‐stage activated partial thromboplastin time or prothrombin time assays. Antithrombin and Protein C activities were measured in chromogenic substrate assays. Clottable fibrinogen was measured via the Clauss method, and von Willebrand Factor concentration (vWF:Ag) was measured in an ELISA. A paired t‐test was utilized to identify differences in factor activity or concentration between FTC FFP and NFTC FFP. Measurements and Main results – No clinically or statistically significant differences (all P>0.05) were identified between FTC FFP and NFTC FFP. Conclusions – Refreezing FFP within 1 hour of initial thawing appeared to have no deleterious effects on the hemostatic protein activity or content of that unit. Transfusion of FTC FFP is expected to provide the recipient with comparable replacement of hemostatic proteins as FFP that has remained frozen.     

Acute death in heartworm-infected cats: unraveling the puzzle

Although the acute death syndrome in feline heartworm disease is widely recognized, its pathogenesis remains a mystery. The most widely held hypothesis is that an acute anaphylactic reaction, perhaps precipitated by the death of the parasite, is the underlying cause. This study investigated the role of the physical form of antigen (Ag) in the ensuing reaction when Dirofilaria immitis-sensitized cats are challenged by intravenous (IV) administration of heartworm Ag. Healthy D. immitis-naive cats (n = 23) were sensitized using subcutaneous injections of adjuvanted D. immitis Ag administered weekly for 6 weeks. After sensitization, cats (n = 20) were anaesthetized and challenged with IV D. immitis Ag in various forms or with IV sterile 0.9% saline (n = 3). Systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, degree of dyspnea, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate were measured immediately before and at 10-15 min intervals after challenge until terminal apnea occurred or until euthanasia at 140 min after challenge. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count and measurements of serum serotonin immediately before and at 10, 20, and 35 min after challenge. Clinical observations were recorded as they occurred, or at 10-15 minute intervals, whichever was the more frequent. The most severe post-challenge reactions occurred in cats challenged with Ag from dead worms, live worms, and 20 ng/mL Ag. Dyspnea increased significantly after challenge in all three groups (p < 0.001; p = 0.04, and p = 0.002, respectively), and blood oxygen saturation dropped post-challenge in the Dead Worm (p < 0.001) and the 20 ng/mL Ag (p = 0.002) groups. In the 20 ng/mL Ag group, systolic blood pressure decreased (p <0.05) and respiratory rate increased (p < 0.05) post-challenge. Clinical observations included dyspnea, gastrointestinal signs (retching, defecation, or flatulence), urination, and less commonly, hemorrhage from the nostrils or anus, or cutaneous swelling (general or specifically facial). The 20 ng/mL Ag group had the highest rate of clinical signs, followed by the Dead Worm group. The most common and reliable hematologic change associated with severe clinical effects of D. immitis Ag challenge was increased hematocrit, which was statistically higher after challenge than at baseline in the Dead Worm group (p = 0.012). The model demonstrated that the physical form of heartworm Ag used for IV challenge in D. immitis-sensitized cats is an important factor for determining the characteristics of the post-challenge reaction, and the amount of exposed internal filarial Ag presented to the feline immune system may influence the severity of the response to challenge.     

Disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements

OBJECTIVE: To estimate disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements. DESIGN: Telephone survey. Sample Population-Dog and cat owners located in 5 geographic areas. PROCEDURES: A telephone survey was administered to dog and cat owners. RESULTS: Of 18,194 telephone calls that were made, 1,104 (6%) were to individuals who owned at least 1 dog or cat and agreed to participate. Information was collected for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Only 14 (1%) respondents indicated that their pet was unhealthy, but 176 (16%) indicated that their pets had 1 or more diseases. The most common diseases were musculo-skeletal, dental, and gastrointestinal tract or hepatic disease. Many owners (n = 356) reported their pets were overweight or obese, but only 3 reported obesity as a health problem in their pets. Owners of 28 (2.5%) animals reported that they were feeding a therapeutic diet, with the most common being diets for animals with renal disease (n = 5), reduced-calorie diets (5), and reduced-fat diets (4). Owners of 107 of 1,076 (9.9%) animals reported administering dietary supplements to their pets. Multivitamins (n = 53 animals), chondroprotective agents (22), and fatty acids (13) were the most common dietary supplements used. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that most dogs and cats reported by their owners to have a health problem were not being fed a therapeutic diet. In addition, the rate of dietary supplement use was lower than that reported for people.     

Overview of suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicinal products reported in South Africa (March 2002 - February 2003)

The Veterinary Pharmacovigilance and Medicines Information Centre is responsible for the monitoring of veterinary adverse drug reactions in South Africa. An overview of reports of suspected adverse drug reactions received by the centre during the period March 2002 to February 2003 is given. In total, 40 reports were received. This had declined from the previous year. Most reports involved suspected adverse reactions that occurred in dogs and cats. Most of the products implicated were Stock Remedies. The animal owner predominantly administered these products. Only 1 report was received from a veterinary pharmaceutical company. Increasing numbers of reports are being received from veterinarians.     

Feline transfusion practice in South Africa: current status and practical solutions

Blood transfusion therapy is often under-utilised in feline practice in South Africa. However, it is a technique that can be safely and effectively introduced in practice. Cats have naturally occurring allo-antibodies against the blood type that they lack, which makes blood typing, or alternatively cross-matching, essential before transfusions. Feline blood donors must be carefully selected, be disease free and should be sedated before blood collection. The preferred anticoagulant for feline blood collection is citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine. Blood can either be administered intravenously or into the medullary cavity, with the transfusion rate depending on the cat's hydration status and cardiac function. Transfusion reactions can be immediate or delayed and they are classified as immunological or non-immunological. Indications, methods and techniques to do feline blood transfusions in a safe and economical way are highlighted.     

Anesthetic management in feline renal transplantation

Objective To document perioperative and anesthetic management of 30 feline renal transplant recipients (1996–1998). Study design Retrospective clinical study. Animals Thirty adult cats in end‐stage renal failure that underwent heterotopic renal transplantation. Materials and methods The medical records were reviewed from 30 feline heterotopic renal transplant recipients. Cases were included only if they had been treated for hypertension using a beta‐adrenergic antagonist, a calcium channel blocker or hemodialysis. Data regarding signalment, preoperative management, surgical technique, type and doses of anesthetics administered, perioperative hemodynamics and intra‐ and postoperative complications, postoperative analgesia, morbidity and early mortality were recorded. Data were expressed as mean ± SD. Results Preanesthetic medication included a combination of an anticholinergic and an opioid (oxymorphone). Anesthesia induction was performed mostly with isoflurane and oxygen delivered by mask. Anesthesia maintenance was primarily achieved with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Nitrous oxide was often used as part of the anesthetic technique. The mean duration of anesthesia was 4.6 hours ± 27 minutes. The mean renal allograft ischemic time was 60 minutes. During the anesthetic period, the majority of the recipient cats received either fresh whole blood (FWB) (N = 25, 83%), cross‐matched packed red blood cells (PRBC) (N = 3, 10%) or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (N = 2, 7%) combined with a balanced electrolyte solution. Blood products administered averaged 63 ± 34 mL and crystalloid 94 ± 62 mL. The most common treated intraoperative complications were hypotension (N = 14, 47%), hypothermia (N = 13, 43%), metabolic acidosis (N = 11, 37%), hypocalcemia (N = 5, 17%), hypoglycemia (N = 4, 13%), hypertension (N = 2, 7%), bradycardia (N = 1, 3%), and ventricular premature contractions (N = 1, 3%). All cats received opioid analgesics postoperatively. Complications observed in the first 24 hours postoperatively were hypertension (N = 20, 67%), hematuria (N = 14, 47%), electrolyte disturbances (N = 9, 30%), temperature imbalances (N = 5, 17%), decreased PCV requiring blood transfusion (N = 5, 17%), decreased perfusion of a foot associated with external iliac anastomosis technique (N = 5, 17%), seizures associated with hypertension (N = 3, 10%), uroabdomen (N = 2, 7%), acute graft rejection (N = 1, 3%) and, corneal ulceration (N = 1, 3%). Survival rates in the perioperative period were 100, 96.7, and 93.4% intraoperatively, at 24 hours, and 7 days following surgery. Conclusion Successful anesthesia can be performed in critically ill renal transplant recipients. However, for optimal graft function and patient survival, normothermia, normovolemia, normotension, and normal acid–base and electrolyte balance should be carefully maintained. Successful anesthetic management requires understanding of the pathophysiology of end‐stage renal disease and the maintenance of homeostasis during the different stages of the perioperative period.     

Overview of suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicinal products reported in South Africa (March 2001 - February 2002)

An overview of reports of suspected adverse drug reactions received by the Veterinary Pharmacovigilance and Medicines Information Centre during the period March 2001 to February 2002 is given. A total of 77 reports were received. The majority of reports involved suspected adverse reactions that occurred in dogs and cats. Most products implicated in the reports were Stock Remedies. The products were predominantly administered either by veterinarians or trained paraveterinary professionals. Although the majority of reports were received from veterinary pharmaceutical companies, the proportion of reports received directly from veterinarians increased compared with previous years.