Platelet- Rich Plasma Treatment Supported by Ultrasound Detection of Septa in Recurrent Canine Aural Hematoma: A Case Series

Aural hematoma is a common pathological condition in veterinary practice with a high incidence rate in dogs. Drainage, corticosteroid injections, and surgical approaches represent the common treatments in these clinical cases. However, surgery leaves visible signs and is usually correlated with recurrence, scars, and deformation of the treated pinna. For this reason, more effective and less invasive methods have been proposed over the years. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most promising options due to its pro-regenerative properties and capability to modulate the inflammatory state. The present work reports 12 cases of canine aural hematoma treated with PRP. The PRP treatment was combined with an ultrasound evaluation of the pinna to detect and treat all involved septa. The results show that relatively large volumes (2 mL) of PRP associated with an ultrasound guide are safe and efficacious in the treatment of canine aural hematoma requiring a maximum of two infiltrations, both in acute and chronic conditions. All the patients recovered their normal ear thickness (compared with the controlateral one) without relapses, averaging 38.5 days from their first treatment (10-90 days; SD: 24.7). The key role of PRP combined with a tailored diagnosis process carried out by the veterinarian, which included using an ultrasound system and the proper bandage, suggests that this approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery and corticosteroids.

Owner preference for insulin delivery device and glycaemic control in diabetic dogs

OBJECTIVES

To assess treatment satisfaction and owner preference for two delivery devices (VetPen, MSD Animal Health, and U40 insulin syringes) and the effect on glycaemic control in diabetic dogs treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Randomised prospective cross-over study with two arms, each of 8 weeks. Twenty client-owned diabetic dogs on insulin treatment by U40 syringe were enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive insulin by syringe or pen injector for 2 months, followed by 2 months of the other injection method. Treatment satisfaction and owners' insulin delivery device preference were assessed using a questionnaire. Glycaemic control was assessed using a clinical score, serum fructosamine and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c%) at the time of the enrolment (T0) and the end of each arm of treatment (T2 and T4).

RESULTS

Treatment satisfaction differed for the two types of the delivery device when the order that each device was used was taken into consideration. Owners who used the syringe first did not have a significant preference for an injection device. In contrast, owners who used the pen injector first expressed a significant preference for VetPen compared to syringes. No significant differences in the number of dogs of Groups 1 and 2 with good and poor glycaemic control at T2 and T4 were detected.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Overall treatment satisfaction and preference for the two delivery methods were similar. However, VetPen was preferred by owners who were randomised to use this device first. Glycaemic control did not appear to be affected by the insulin delivery device used.

Iodine-restricted food versus pharmacological therapy in the management of feline hyperthyroidism: A controlled trial in 34 cats

Background:

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrinopathy of middle-aged and elderly cats. Dietary treatment has been proposed as an alternative to traditional therapies.

Aim:

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the efficacy of iodine-restricted food versus pharmacological therapy with methimazole in client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism.

Methods:

Indoor cats with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism (consistent clinical signs and serum total thyroxine concentration greater than 50 nmol/l) were assigned to one of three groups: (A) received an iodine-restricted food as a single therapy; (B) received transdermal methimazole in pluronic lecithin organogel; and (C) received oral methimazole. In all groups, clinical parameters, biochemistry, and serum total thyroxine were evaluated at baseline and 10, 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment began.

Results:

Thirty-four cats were enrolled in the study (group A: n = 14; group B: n = 11; group C: n = 9). No significant differences were found between groups at diagnosis for signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, including serum total thyroxine concentrations. In all the groups, serum total thyroxine concentration decreased significantly following the baseline measurement. After 90 days of treatment, serum creatinine increased significantly only in the methimazole-treated groups. Liver enzyme activities decreased significantly only in group B, while no significant decreases were detected in groups A and C at any time.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that iodine-restricted food is effective at reducing the total thyroxine concentration in the serum of hyperthyroid cats. Moreover, the iodine-restricted food did not cause any increase in serum creatinine concentrations and failed to improve liver enzymes abnormalities. These findings could indicate a persistent hyperthyroid state in cats treated with iodine-restricted food despite normalization of serum total thyroxine concentrations.