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Apheresis is going to the dogs (and cats)
The stories in Access Point are typically devoted to helping you give your human patients the best care. But as we welcome in 2025, we’re bringing you something new: A look at how veterinarians are using therapeutic apheresis to help the pets in our lives. So grab a seat with your favorite furry friend and dig into our featured article about plasma exchange for pets and our Q&A with Larry Cowgill, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine), a pioneer in veterinary extracorporeal therapies.
Next issue, we’ll be back to our focus on people, but for now, we hope you enjoy this look at a fascinating space in healthcare. As always, if you have ideas on topics you’d like to see covered in future issues, please let us know.
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Now available: Spectra Optia software version 12.1
Upgrades will be completed during upcoming preventive maintenance visits. Prior versions of the software will no longer be supported after June 1, 2026. The new software is designed to fortify cybersecurity measures, enhance data management capabilities, and improve usability of the system. You can learn more in this customer letter. For more information regarding your upgrade, please work with your Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies representative or contact CustomerService@terumobct.com.
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Saving pets’ lives with therapeutic plasma exchange
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It’s true: Our pets increasingly have access to the type of care their owners get. According to information from the University of California, Davis, that includes many apheresis modalities, such as acute and chronic hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, and the one we’re reviewing today — therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE).1 TPE for dogs and cats can be lifesaving, and indications for it are expanding in veterinary care.
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Past and forecast: Q&A with a pioneer in veterinary extracorporeal therapies
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Larry D. Cowgill
DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine)
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Professor Emeritus, Medicine & Epidemiology, University of California,
Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
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Like human medicine, veterinary care evolves over time, and Dr. Larry Cowgill has been an active player in the introduction and advancement of extracorporeal therapies for animals. We’re excited to share an interview with this veterinary pioneer.
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Dear Access Point,
One of my dogs needs a plasma exchange. What type of replacement fluid is used during this procedure? I have seen it performed on human patients but not animals. — Barbara in Dallas, TX
Dear Barbara,
We’re sorry to hear that your dog is having a health issue, but you may be reassured to know that TPE is seeing success in veterinary care. (See the Customer Spotlight in this issue for more insights.)
Plasma exchange performed on canines is similar to TPE in small children. So your dog’s procedure will look much like what you’ve witnessed with human patients.
The type of replacement fluid your dog receives during a TPE procedure will depend on the indication for the treatment and the clinic’s preferred method. We suggest asking the veterinarian in charge of the procedure any questions you may have. In general, though, dogs receive donated canine plasma or a combination of fluids as replacement fluid during TPE.2 That’s because canine albumin isn’t easy to obtain.
We wish your dog a speedy recovery and a long, healthy life.
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If you have a specific question about the Spectra Optia system, let us know. We will feature a reader question in each Access Point edition. Be sure to tell us your first name, hometown, and state or province. Questions not featured will be answered directly via email.
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In human patients, plasma exchange is an established immunomodulatory therapy. Learn more about how it works, safety, and results.
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Read the real information behind five myths regarding therapeutic plasma exchange and the role it could play in your practice.
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Did You Know?
Just like in humans, dog and cat blood types are determined by the absence or presence of certain antigens on the membrane of red blood cells.
Canine blood types are based on the dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA 1). Approximately 40% of dogs are DEA 1.1-positive, meaning they have that antigen present on their red blood cells. Cat blood types are A, B, AB, and mic. About 99% of cats in the U.S. are type A. Type B seems more prevalent in certain cat breeds. Type AB is the rarest, while mic is the newest to be recognized.
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Live From Lakewood
Saline Usage on the Trima Accel™ Automated Blood Collection System | March 13, 2025
Successions Workshops
Watch your inbox and future issues of Access Point for announcements of Successions workshops coming to a location near you in 2025. Or send us an email to inquire about upcoming sessions.
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Expecting an increase in ACDA orders? Product demand is rising. Plan ahead and contact your
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies representative to discuss your inventory needs.
As your partner, we remain committed to supply chain continuity.
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You're on the front lines of care, and we're here to assist.
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could help you make the most of your Spectra Optia system and your relationship with
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies to do even more for your patients.
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2Crump KL, Seshadri R. Use of therapeutic plasmapheresis in a case of canine immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. J Veterinary Emerg Crit Care. 2009:19(4);309-399. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2009.00431.x.
Spectra OptiaTM and Trima AccelTM are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Terumo BCT, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
The Spectra Optia Apheresis Device is not approved for use in animals. For detailed information on its indications for use and intended patient population, please refer to the Spectra Optia Operator's Manual.
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©2025 Terumo BCT, Inc. | All Rights Reserved | TS-OPTI-02432 | TerumoBCT.com
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