Evalution of Age as a Risk Factor For Perianesthetic Morbidity and Mortality in the Dog

This study was intended to determine if age is a risk factor for perianesthetic morbidity/mortality in dogs and to identify other factors that may be important. A prospectivecohort study compiled data from 942 dogs (477 females; 465 males) ≥6 months undergoing inhalation anesthesia for≥30 minutes. were included. Serious perianesthetic complications occurred in 79 dogs. Logistic regression used a final model contanining age and ASA grade and showed a significant estimated odds ratio (O) for old vs young or middle-aged dogs of 1·89 (95% CI: 1·05,3·38). The Ofor ASA grade increased significantly with grade — ASA grade 3:1or2 = 3.4, ASA grade 4:1or2 = 7·1, and ASA grade 5:1or2 =18·8. Thus, old dogs were nearly twice as likely to develop serious perianesthetic complications, even when accounting for ASA grade. However, conditions that increased ASA assessment by one grade had more impact on increasing the likelihood of serious perianesthetic complete.     

Wound Healing: The Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor Beta

Recent investigation into the mechanisms of wound healing has indicated the interaction of many substances, including several growth factors. The activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), are best defined. Both factors are secreted primarily from the alpha granules of platelets, but also from activated macro-phages and fibroblasts. Investigation implicates the platelet as the initiator of wound healing, secreting PDGF, TGF-β, and other factors that are chemotactic for monocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. Although their mode of action and degree of effect are different, both PDGF and TGF-β increase the collagen content and early rate of gain of strength in wounds in normal and compromised tissue. In normal tissue, however, there is no long-term effect on wound outcome. The use of exogenous growth factors offers potential for chemical manipulation of the healing wound, particularly in tissues that are compromised, or where healing is abnormal.