2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

With this study we have successfully isolated mature feline erythrocytes from whole blood samples, extracted quality microRNA from the isolated erythrocytes and developed a library of micro-RNA present in these cells in a normal population of cats. Further work will establish comparison of the microRNA profile between this normal population of cats and those at risk of or with evidence of oxidative damage. This will help to identify new and potentially informative biomarkers for systemic redox status and complications associated with oxidative stress in cats. This study aims to determine the effects of sedation and anesthesia on complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry results in dogs undergoing routine health and wellness care. Ten healthy adult dogs were selected based on physical exams and the need to undergo anesthesia for routine dental prophylaxis. Blood was collected by venipuncture at a series of timepoints: a) before receiving a premedication, b) prior to induction of anesthesia, c) 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia, d) 15 minutes after induction of anesthesia, and e) 45 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Premedication was a combination of acepromazine (0.025 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) given as a single subcutaneous injection 20 minutes prior to induction with propofol. Propofol was calculated at 4 mg/kg and administered intravenously to effect. Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of isoflurane gas via endotracheal intubation. Generalized linear mixed models were conducted to compare parameters between various time points to account for the correlated data (the same dog participated in multiple time points). P-values less than 0.05 are considered as statistically significant. When compared to blood results prior to premedication, statistically significant changes were observed in average hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean cell volume, red blood cell, albumin, cholesterol, and protein values after premedication alone. After induction with propofol, variation was additionally observed with white blood cell count, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, globulin, potassium, triglycerides, and whole blood DNA concentration. After 15 minutes of maintenance on isoflurane gas, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, monocytes, phosphorus, and bilirubin values were additionally affected. This study highlights the significant effect that sedation and anesthesia have on blood analyses and subsequent interpretation and clinical relevance. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine how often results of ultrasound-guided splenic fine-needle aspirates impact case management in adult dogs with splenic nodules or heterogeneous splenic parenchyma.