Page 2 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2022

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK

the PE. Cytology is commonly performed samples in multiple formats for the long
on PE samples, but it is often difficult even term, the biobank would facilitate future
for specialist pathologists to differentiate research projects. New techniques could
neoplastic from reactive mesothelial cells. be investigated, for example the use of
Preparation of a cell block from effusion immunofluorescent staining of the cell
samples has been evaluated for other body blocks.
The team aims to investigate the use of
novel markers that could help differentiate
neoplastic from non-neoplastic causes
of PE. For example, the measurement of
lactate dehydrogenase in both serum and
PE samples has been evaluated in cases of
PE in humans. Lactate dehydrogenase has
been evaluated in healthy dogs and dogs
with various types of cancer and further
work is needed to determine if this could be
a useful test in dogs with PE.
Vascular endothelial growth factor
is another biomarker that has been
investigated in people and found to be As PE fluid needs to be drained as part of
significantly higher in malignant pericardial treatment, an excellent opportunity exists for
effusions compared to non-malignant samples to be collected and tested further
pericardial effusions, but this biomarker has
not been evaluated in PE from dogs.
The biobank and laboratory tests are
being funded by a grant from the RVC
Animal Care Trust. Research enabled by
the biobank would greatly contribute to the
diagnosis of causes of PE in dogs, a field
in which there has been little advancement
A patient having PE fluid drained at RVC Small in recent years. The over-arching aims are
Animal Referrals to discover and translate new knowledge
into clinical practice, while providing the
cavity effusions and the results have been best clinical care for the patients presenting
found to correlate well with tissue biopsy to the QMHA and to provide expert opinion
samples. Investigators will therefore be to veterinary practitioners worldwide.
evaluating whether these samples can This research will benefit dogs with this
be used to diagnose neoplastic causes of condition and identification of a technique to
effusion in a clinical scenario where tissue differentiate malignant from non-malignant
biopsy is infrequently performed. effusion would be of great benefit to owners
By providing a means of storing these also. The QMHA is the largest and most
advanced small animal veterinary hospital
in Europe and the RVC has an established
reputation in conducting clinical research
in dogs with PE. The RVC’s residents
(veterinary specialists-in-training) and
specialists are encouraged to explore and
pursue research ideas such as this biobank
alongside their clinical work.
RVC researchers are keen to develop
collaborative efforts with external partners
using these samples. Key people involve
include Simon Cook, Nadine Jones,
Emma Holmes and Simon Priestnall.
For further information please contact
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk.

For small animal referrals, please call:
01707 666399
A dog with pericardial effusion being treated at the RVC Email:
qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

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2 Autumn 2022