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Objectives The quality of whole blood (WB) units is influenced by many factors, starting with selection of donors and the method of blood collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes that occur in haematological and selected biochemical parameters in blood transferred from a feline blood donor to feline WB unit. Methods Data from 27 feline blood donations were used in this study. Cats were anaesthetised with a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam. Blood (10 ml/kg body weight to a maximum of 60 ml/cat) was collected in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA) anticoagulant. Lactated Ringer's solution (10 ml/kg) was administered intravenously starting halfway through the donation. Haematological and selected biochemical parameters (complete blood count, free haemoglobin, % haemolysis, glucose, sodium, potassium, pH) were measured in the blood donor before donation and in the corresponding donated WB unit soon after collection. Results Significant decreases occurred between blood donor and WB unit in red blood cells (mean difference -1.06 × 10 12 /l; P <0.0001), haemoglobin (mean difference -1.6 g/dl; P <0.0001), haematocrit (mean difference -4.6%; P <0.0001), red cell distribution width (mean difference -0.9%; P = 0.0003), white blood cells (mean difference -2.17 × 10 9 /l; P <0.0001), pH (mean difference -0.5; P <0.0001) and potassium (mean difference -1.4 mmol/l; P <0.0001). Significant increases occurred between blood donor and WB unit in platelets (mean difference +87.00 ×10 9 /l; P = 0.0039), glucose (mean difference +25.42 mmol/l; P <0.0001) and sodium (mean difference +20 mmol/l; P <0.0001). Conclusions and relevance When using a blood collection protocol with intravenous fluid administration midway through the donation and a CPDA:blood ratio of 1:7, there were significant changes in both the haematological and biochemical characteristics between the blood donors and WB units. The majority of these changes may be the result of the anticoagulants used for storage. Understanding these changes may assist selection of blood donors and help prediction of the characteristics of the donated WB unit.

This prospective study investigated the effect on clinical and haematological variables of the anaesthetic combination of tiletamine and zolazepam in feline blood donors. Blood (10 ml/kg bodyweight to a maximum volume of 60 ml) was collected from the jugular vein of 31 owned healthy cats anaesthetised with 2.5 mg/kg of tiletamine and 2.5 mg/kg of zolazepam intramuscularly. Rectal temperature (RT), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), heart rate (HR) and complete blood count (including red blood cells [RBC], haemoglobin [HB], haematocrit [HT], platelet [PLT] count, white blood cells [WBC], lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils) were evaluated pre- and postdonation. RT decreased significantly (P <0.01) after blood donation (mean change in RT -0.7°C). Significant increases in SAP (P = 0.03), MAP (P <0.01) and DAP (P <0.01) occurred after blood donation (mean increase 13 mmHg, 12 mmHg and 11 mmHg, respectively). Although RBC, HT, HB, WBC, PLT, neutrophil and monocyte counts decreased, and HR, and lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts increased after blood donation this change was not statistically significant. Mean time from pre- to postdonation evaluation was 39 ± 11 mins (range 24-76 mins). None of the cats had evidence of pallor or collapse after recovery from anaesthesia. The collection of blood at 10 ml/kg bodyweight to a maximum volume of 60 ml in healthy cats using a low dose tiletamine and zolazepam anaesthetic appears to be well tolerated by feline blood donors., (© ISFM and AAFP 2014.)

Feline vector-borne diseases can be caused by a range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Many of these infections have zoonotic implications, and stray cats are potential sentinels for human and pet health. This study investigated the prevalence of selected vector-borne infections in stray colony cats in Milan. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, using conventional polymerase chain reaction tests (cPCRs), for the presence of DNA associated with Rickettsia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia species. Positive cPCR results occurred in 127/260 subjects (48.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.7-58.1), with a prevalence of 31.9% (83/260, 95% CI = 25.4-39.6) for Rickettsia species, 17.7% (46/260, 95% CI= 13.0-23.6) for A phagocytophilum, and 5.4% (14/260, 95% CI = 2.9-9.0) for Ehrlichia species. There was no statistical association between a positive PCR test for vector-borne infections surveyed and colony location, age, gender, body condition score or complete blood count abnormalities, nor feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus or Toxoplasma gondii status. The only variable linked to positive PCR results was detection of signs of ocular infection and PCR positivity for Rickettsia species (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1-4.4, P = 0.02). There is a significant prevalence of vector-borne infections with zoonotic potential in urban stray cats in Milan. Thus, dogs and pet cats with outdoor access should be monitored and treated for ectoparasites on a regular basis to minimise risks of disease and the potential transmission of zoonotic agents to people., (© ISFM and AAFP 2013.)

Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder that has not been evaluated much in stray cats. One hundred and eighty-seven stray cats were randomly selected during a trap-neuter-release programme to investigate the prevalence of otitis externa in stray cat colonies in northern Italy. Swabs for cytological examination were obtained from the external ear canal of each cat. A direct otoscopic assessment of the external ear canal was made in 86/187 cats. Cytological evidence of otitis externa was present in 55.1% of cats. The influence on otitis of age, gender, habitat and season of sampling was tested, but no risk factors were found. Otodectes cynotis (as a sole agent or in combination) was the primary cause of otitis in 53.3% of cats. Cocci and rods, either alone or in combination with other agents, were perpetuating factors in 71.8% and 29.1% of cats, respectively. Pregnancy status was a risk factor for otitis caused by coccal infections. Malassezia species, alone or in combination, was the perpetuating factor in 50.5% of cats with otitis. Urban habitat and winter season were risk factors for otitis associated with Malassezia species. Demodex cati was identified as an incidental finding in two cats. There was good agreement between otoscopy and cytology with regard to the diagnosis of otitis externa. The results of this study show a high prevalence of otitis externa in stray colony cats and provide information on causal factors for feline otitis externa., (© ISFM and AAFP 2013.)