Research Summary - 4
Hemoperfusion with a polymer or carbon hemoperfusion column is feasible and safe in goats
| Date/Time: |
8/29/2026
16:30
|
| Author: |
Mona Bandyopadhyay |
| Clinic: |
Texas A&M University |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Bryan, TX 77807 |
Srimona Bandyopadhyay, DVM
1
;
Barbara Delvescovo, DVM, DACVIM-LAIM, DACVECC-LA
2
;
Jethro Forbes, DVM, DACVECC-SA
2
;
Tatum Nelson, BA, MS
1
;
Hannah Salakhov, BA
1
;
Kallie Hobbs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-LAIM
1
;
1Department of Clinical Sciences Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
2Department of Clinical Sciences Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Introduction:
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of hemoperfusion in goats using polymer-based and carbon-based hemoperfusion columns. In goats, the application of hemoperfusion could represent a novel intervention to improve outcomes in life-threatening conditions where traditional therapies fail to adequately control systemic toxicity or overwhelming inflammation. We hypothesize that 1) hemoperfusion utilizing both carbon and polymer based hemoperfusion columns is both feasible and safe with no significant effect on clinical exam parameters, 2) hematology and biochemical parameters will remain within normal reference ranges, and 3) there will be no significant increases in plasma cytokine concentrations.
Materials and methods:
Four healthy adult goats from the Texas A&M research herd between April 2025 and September 2025 underwent hemoperfusion using either a polymer column (VetResQ®) or a carbon column (Cytoclear®). All goats had an 8 Fr × 15 cm double-lumen temporary hemodialysis catheter placed aseptically in the top 1/3 of the left or right external jugular vein using the modified Seldinger technique. A Medtronic ACT Plus was used to monitor activated clotting time (ACT) values for the duration of the study. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) was administered to target 2.5-3x baseline ACT, then adjusted to optimize blood flow and pressures through the individual hemoperfusion columns. Clinical parameters, hematology, biochemistry, and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α) were measured before, immediately after, and 24 h post-treatment.
Results:
Four goats completed two blood volumes of treatment; one of the four had a second filtration and completed one blood volume. Hemoperfusion was well tolerated without major adverse events. Catheter placement with an 8Fr Mila hemodialysis catheter was free of complications. An ACT target of 700–900 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 white blood cell counts and neutrophils were seen at the end of filtration with both columns. All goats returned to baseline hematologic parameters within 24 hours. All ACTs returned to baseline within 4 hours of discontinuation of heparin therapy and hemoperfusion. Total protein, albumin, and potassium decreased moderately, but remained within reference ranges. Cytokine concentrations were unchanged throughout therapy.
Significance:
Hemoperfusion using both polymer-based and carbon-based adsoprtive 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.
