Many point-of-care (POC) analyzers are available for the measurement of electrolytes and acid-base status in animals. We assessed the precision of the i-STAT Alinity v, a recently introduced POC analyzer, and compared it to 2 commonly used and previously validated POC analyzers (i-STAT 1, Stat Profile pHOx Ultra). Precision was evaluated by performing multiple analyses of whole blood samples from healthy dogs, cats, and horses on multiple i-STAT Alinity v analyzers. For comparison between analyzers, whole blood samples from dogs and cats presented to the emergency room were run concurrently on all 3 POC instruments. Reported values were compared by species (dogs and cats only) using Pearson correlation, and all values from all species were analyzed together for the Bland–Altman analysis. Results suggested that the i-STAT Alinity v precision was very good, with median coefficients of variability <2.5% for all measured parameters (except the anion gap), with variable ranges of coefficients of variation. In addition, good-to-excellent correlation was observed between the i-STAT Alinity v and i-STAT 1, and between the i-STAT Alinity v and Stat Profile pHOx Ultra for all parameters in both cats and dogs, respectively. In this cohort, the i-STAT Alinity v had clinically acceptable bias compared to the currently marketed analyzers and can be used for monitoring measured analytes in cats and dogs, although serial measurements in a single animal should be performed on the same analyzer whenever possible.

OBJECTIVE To compare effectiveness of maropitant and ondansetron in preventing preoperative vomiting and nausea in healthy dogs premedicated with a combination of hydromorphone, acepromazine, and glycopyrrolate. ANIMALS 88 dogs owned by rescue organizations. PROCEDURES Dogs received maropitant (n = 29) or ondansetron (28) PO 2 hours prior to premedication or did not receive an antiemetic (31; control). Dogs were evaluated for vomiting, nausea, and severity of nausea (scored for 6 signs) for 15 minutes following premedication with hydromorphone, acepromazine, and glycopyrrolate. RESULTS A significantly lower percentage of dogs vomited after receiving maropitant (3/29 [10%]), compared with control dogs (19/31 [62%]) and dogs that received ondansetron (15/28 [54%]). A significantly lower percentage of dogs appeared nauseated after receiving maropitant (3/29 [10%]), compared with control dogs (27/31 [87%]) and dogs that received ondansetron (14/28 [50%]), and a significantly lower percentage of dogs appeared nauseated after receiving ondansetron, compared with control dogs. Nausea severity scores for hypersalivation, lip licking, hard swallowing, and hunched posture were significantly lower for dogs that received maropitant than for control dogs, and scores for hypersalivation, lip licking, and hard swallowing were significantly lower for dogs that received ondansetron than for control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of maropitant 2 hours prior to premedication with hydromorphone reduced the incidence of vomiting and the incidence and severity of nausea in healthy dogs. Oral administration of ondansetron reduced the incidence and severity of nausea but not the incidence of vomiting.

A 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthaired cat was presented for acute onset tetraplegia and respiratory signs. No pulses were palpable in any limb, and nociception was absent-all limbs were cold, and digital, metacarpal and metatarsal pads were cyanotic. Point-of-care ultrasound of the heart revealed severe left atrial enlargement, containing several large thrombi. Due to concerns for quality of life, euthanasia was elected. Postmortem findings revealed marked left atrial enlargement with thrombi filling the entire atrium, as well as emboli in both subclavian arteries and the abdominal aorta.

A 4-year-old female spayed Siamese was referred for an episode of collapse and tachypnea after routine jugular venipuncture. On presentation, the patient was obtunded, laterally recumbent, hypothermic, hypotensive, and tachypneic with increased respiratory effort. Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) was negative for peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial effusion but revealed an underloaded left ventricle. Point of care bloodwork revealed severe anaemia and hypoproteinemia (PCV/TS 20%/4 g/dl), concerning for acute haemorrhage given the normal bloodwork performed that morning (PCV/TS 42%/6.9 g/dl). Progressively dyspnoea and stridor were noted; the cat's neck was swollen and firm, and emergent intubation was performed. Bruising and a small amount of active haemorrhage from a puncture was noted around the right jugular vein so a neck wrap was placed to tamponade the bleeding, but the cat became progressively bradycardic and arrested. Post-mortem results were consistent with inadvertent laceration of the right carotid artery during routine jugular venipuncture.

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