BackgroundViscoelastic analysis provides information on the dynamics and strength of clot formation as well as clot stability. A novel point‐of‐care viscoelastic test (Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor Vet, VCM Vet) could be more cost‐effective, simpler to use, and more portable than thromboelastography (TEG).ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to establish a feline reference interval (RI) for the VCM Vet. A secondary aim was to compare VCM Vet analysis with TEG in healthy cats.MethodsFifty‐six healthy cats were enrolled in this study. Linear regression was completed to determine whether age and CBC parameters were associated with the VCM Vet parameters and if TEG parameters were correlated with VCM Vet data. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.ResultsFifty‐three VCM Vet tracings were used to determine RIs for healthy cats. The determined RIs were: clot time (CT) 104‐438 seconds; clot formation time (CFT) 104.5‐488 seconds; alpha angle (AA) 30.5°‐70°; a10 13.8‐32.7 VCM units; a20 19.2‐40.1 VCM units; maximum clot formation (MCF) 22.5‐44.8 VCM units; Lysis Index 30 (Li30) 92.9%‐100.9%; and Lysis Index 45 (Li45) 92%‐100%. Linear regression identified a strong positive correlation between the CT and R‐time measured using the VCM Vet and TEG methods, respectively; no other parameters were correlated.ConclusionsThe use of VCM Vet is feasible in cats, and we determined the first described feline RIs for this test. In general, the VCM Vet data did not correlate with TEG in healthy cats.

TitleComparison of the platelet-rich plasma and buffy coat protocols for preparation of canine platelet concentrates Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9px7k8tz Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 43(4) Journal

The MXP System can reliably reduce volume and deplete RBCs from aspirates of equine bone marrow aspirates. MNCs can be recovered in a reproducible and sterile manner. Further studies evaluating the effects of the MXP System on cell viability, identification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and the efficacy of MSC expansion are warranted.