(ACADEMIC)The object of this study was to compare growth factor and cytokine profiles in canine autologous conditioned serum (ACS) to canine plasma. Blood collected from 16 medium to large breed dogs was used to produce ACS (Orthokine ® vet irap 10 syringes) and citrated plasma (control). Canine-specific ELISA assays were run per manufacturers' instructions for interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, IL-1β, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Serum, in addition to plasma and ACS, was collected from an additional 6 dogs for TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-1ra analysis (total of 22 dogs). Data were analyzed for differences in cytokine concentrations between ACS, plasma, and serum using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with significance set at P<.05.There was a large variability in growth factor and cytokine concentrations between individual dogs in both plasma and ACS. There were no significant differences in IL-10, TNF-α, IGF-1, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 concentrations between ACS, plasma, or serum. ACS concentrations of IL-1β (median, range; 46.3 pg/mL, 0-828.8) and IL-4 (0.0 pg/mL, 0-244.1) were significantly increased compared to plasma (36.6 pg/mL, 0-657.1 and 0.0 pg/mL, 0-0, respectively). IL-1ra concentrations in ACS (median, range; 3458.9 pg/mL, 1,243.1-12,089.0) were significantly higher than plasma (692.3 pg/mL, 422.5-1,475.6), as was the IL-1ra:IL-1β ratio (39.9 and 7.2, respectively).iii Cytokine and Growth Factor Profiles in Canine Autologous Conditioned SerumDominique Marie Sawyere ABSTRACT (PUBLIC)Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and suffering in dogs and is challenging to treat effectively Current treatment for OA merely mask the signs of pain and do not promote regeneration of the damaged cartilage or alter the course of the disease. Many treatments also cause harmful side effects. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a biological therapy that controls inflammation within the joint by specifically blocking the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. In humans and horses ACS relieves the pain from OA and promotes cartilage regeneration. The purpose of this study was to compare levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in canine ACS to that of normal canine plasma with the hypothesis that levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines would be higher in ACS compared to controls and that levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines would remain unchanged. Paired blood samples were collected from 22 large breed healthy dogs and processed in either irap®10 syringes (ACS) or in anti-coagulant as a control. For the last 6 dogs an additional serum sample was collected. Growth factor and cytokine levels were determined using canine-specific ELISAs. One pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) and two anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ra and IL-4) were significantly higher in the ACS compared to plasma and IL-1ra levels were also higher in serum compared with plasma samples. Other levels w...

Although this study has a small number of cases, this study provides subjective longer-term follow-up data than previously reported for working dogs that have undergone PCA. Owners should be warned that plate removal may be required in approximately 60% of dogs and additional expenditure should be planned for.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for both gastrointestinal (GI) incisional dehiscence and mortality in a large cohort of cats undergoing GI surgery. We hypothesized that cats with preoperative septic peritonitis (PSP), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis would have higher GI dehiscence and mortality rates than unaffected cats. Methods A medical records search identified cats with surgically created, full-thickness incisions into their stomach, small intestines or large intestines. Preoperative data, including signalment, clinical signs, comorbidities, surgical history, current medications, presenting physical examination findings, complete blood counts and serum biochemistry values, were collected. It was determined whether or not cats had PSP, SIRS or sepsis at admission. Intraoperative data, final diagnosis and postoperative variables such as vital parameters, bloodwork and (if applicable) the development of GI dehiscence or mortality were noted. Postoperative follow-up of at least 10 days was obtained in survivors. Results In total, 126 cats were included. One cat developed GI dehiscence following complete resection of a jejunal adenocarcinoma. Twenty-three cats (18.2%) died within 10 days of surgery. Cats with PSP ( P = 0.0462) or that developed hypothermia 25–72 h postoperatively ( P = 0.0055) had higher odds of mortality in multivariate analysis. Cats with PSP had 6.7-times higher odds of mortality than cats not diagnosed with PSP. Conclusions and relevance In cats receiving GI surgery, the incidence of GI incisional dehiscence was <1%. Cats with PSP had a higher likelihood of mortality. SIRS was a common finding in cats with septic peritonitis, but was not associated with mortality. Postoperative mortality during the home recovery period might be significant in cats. Future studies evaluating postoperative mortality in cats should consider extending the research period beyond the date of discharge.

Visceral haemangiosarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm, often associated with a high metastatic potential. The most common sites for metastases are the liver, lungs, peritoneum, muscle and lymph nodes. This report describes an unusual presentation of possible visceral haemangiosarcoma metastasis to the scrotum in 13‐year‐old intact male English Pointer. The patient presented with a two‐day history of inappetence. On physical examination, mid‐abdominal and scrotal masses could be palpated. Following staging, a splenectomy and scrotal ablation were performed. Histopathology confirmed splenic and scrotal haemangiosarcoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was started 20 days postoperatively. A suggestion of progressive disease was suspected at two months postoperatively. The patient was lost to follow‐up following that visit. Metastasis of a splenic haemangiosarcoma to the scrotum is uncommon, and the possibility of the presence of two independent lesions cannot be excluded. This case illustrates the importance of a thorough physical examination and staging.