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Blood precipitate associated with intra-abdominal carboxymethylcellulose administration

Mary Jo Burkhard1, Gary Baxter, Mary Anna Thrall

  • 1Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado Sate University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

Insights

A precipitate formed in horses and one cow after receiving sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) for abdominal adhesion prevention. Precipitate intensity correlated with SCMC dose and inversely with body weight, particularly in foals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Abdominal adhesions are a common complication in horses post-surgery.
  • Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) is used as a peritoneal infusion to prevent adhesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of precipitates in blood films following SCMC administration in horses and cattle.
  • To determine the correlation between SCMC dosage, body weight, and precipitate formation.

Main Methods:

  • Peritoneal infusion of 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) solution in horses and one cow.
  • Observation of blood films for precipitate formation at various time points post-infusion.
  • Correlation analysis of precipitate intensity with SCMC dose and animal body weight.
  • Analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters, including fibrinogen levels.

Main Results:

  • A precipitate was observed in 15 of 16 horses and one cow post-SCMC infusion.
  • Precipitate intensity showed a strong positive correlation with SCMC dose (0.96-11.7 ml/kg) and inverse correlation with body weight.
  • Precipitates appeared within 24 hours and persisted for up to 9 days.
  • Mild increases in fibrinogen (500-700 mg/dl) were noted in 11/16 horses but did not correlate with SCMC administration.

Conclusions:

  • SCMC administration can lead to precipitate formation in blood films of horses and cattle.
  • The dose of SCMC administered is a key factor influencing precipitate intensity.
  • Foals are more susceptible to prominent precipitate formation due to lower body weight relative to administered SCMC dose.
  • Fibrinogen levels may be affected but not directly correlated with SCMC administration in this study.

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