Hemoperfusion with a polymer or carbon hemoperfusion column is feasible and safe in goats

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of hemoperfusion in goats using polymer-based and carbon-based hemoperfusion columns.

Healthy adult goats from the Texas A&M research herd underwent hemoperfusion using either a polymer column (VetResQ) or a carbon column (Cytoclear) from April 2025 through September 2025. Clinical parameters, hematology, biochemistry, and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α) were measured before, immediately after, and 24 hours after treatment.

In a prospective experimental study, 4 goats completed single hemoperfusion sessions with 2 blood volumes of treatment; 1 of the 4 had a second treatment and completed 1 blood volume processed. Hemoperfusion was well tolerated without major adverse events. An activated clotting time target of 700 to 900 seconds was required for consistent extracorporeal blood flow, higher than reported in other species. Hematology and biochemistry values remained within reference ranges, though decreases in WBC counts and neutrophils were seen at the end of filtration with both columns. All goats returned to baseline hematologic parameters within 24 hours. Total protein, albumin, and potassium decreased moderately but remained within reference ranges. Cytokine concentrations did not increase, and a decrease in both IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α was noted following treatment in all goats.

Hemoperfusion using both polymer-based and carbon-based adsorptive columns is feasible and appears safe in goats, although higher heparin doses are required compared to other species.

These findings support further investigation of hemoperfusion as a therapeutic option in caprine medicine for the removal of circulating toxins or inflammatory mediators.