Isoflurane treatment for refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus in dogs.

Introduction: Resistant epileptic episodes, such as refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE), are neurological emergencies that require immediate medical treatment. Although inhalational anesthetics, such as isoflurane (ISO), have been proposed as a means of seizure control in dogs, there is currently a lack of both experimental and clinical studies on this subject. Study design: This is a retrospective clinical study. Methods: Records of dogs that received ISO for the management of RSE and SRSE during their intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization at the Companion Animal Clinic of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were included in the present study. The study period spanned from February 2013 to March 2023. Dogs were identified as responders (R) when RSE/SRSE ceased after ISO administration, and the dogs were successfully discharged from the ICU after ISO discontinuation. Dogs were identified as non-responders (NR) when RSE/SRSE ceased after ISO administration, but RSE/SRSE reoccurred after ISO discontinuation. Additional data about the number and time of ISO cycles, the time of ICU hospitalization, the side effects of ISO administration, and an additional administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and anesthetic drugs were also recorded. Results: A total of 20 dogs with 26 recorded RSE/SRSE episodes and 26 anesthetic cycles with ISO were included in the present study. The clinical termination of seizure activity was achieved 100% (26/26) in all episodes. In 73.1% (19/26) of the episodes, ISO administration resulted in successful RSE/SRSE treatment. Poor outcome was recorded in 26.9% (7/26) of the episodes because RSE/SRSE reoccurred after ISO discontinuation, and the dogs were euthanatized or died due to cardiac arrest. Inspiratory ISO ranged between 0.5 and 4.0%. The median time of the anesthetic cycles with ISO was 12.67 h (4.00-62.00). The median duration of the ICU hospitalization was 48.00 h (24.00-120.00). At least one ISO-related side effect was recorded in 23 out of 26 (88.5%) episodes. Conclusion: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical study that addresses the administration of ISO for RSE/SRSE treatment in dogs. The use of ISO may be beneficial in terminating RSE/SRSE; however, further prospective studies are necessary to confirm this observation.

Orally administered gabapentin and alprazolam induce comparable levels of anxiolysis and sedation in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of anxiolysis achieved by alprazolam and gabapentin in hospitalized cats prior to elective ovariohysterectomy and to evaluate the sedative effects of these agents. ANIMALS: 60 client-owned female cats classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1, admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy at a veterinary teaching hospital. METHODS: The cats were prospectively and randomly allocated into 3 groups. Ninety minutes before evaluation, group G received gabapentin (100 mg/cat), group A received alprazolam (0.125 mg/cat), and group P received no medication (placebo). Stress, enclosure activity, and sedation scores were blindly evaluated. RESULTS: Stress scores were similar in cats treated with gabapentin and alprazolam and gabapentin-treated cats had significantly lower stress score than those of the placebo group. Enclosure activity levels did not differ among the groups. Additionally, gabapentin and alprazolam resulted in similar sedation levels 90 minutes after treatment, which differed significantly compared to placebo. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that gabapentin provides similar anxiolysis in cats to that of alprazolam when evaluated 90 minutes after administration. Although no difference was noted in sedation levels between gabapentin and alprazolam, both induced deeper sedation than placebo.

Cutaneous Canine Mast Cell Tumor: The Use of Proliferative Markers (Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR) in Cytological Samples for Diagnosis and Prognosis.

A cytological grading system for canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) has been developed, but its integration into clinical routine has been hindered due to its diagnostic limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of Ki-67 and argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region (AgNOR) markers in cytological MCT samples and to determine cut-off values for these markers in correlation with histopathological grading. Cytological samples were collected prior to surgical excision, and histopathological samples were obtained postsurgery from 45 dogs diagnosed with cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs). The cytological specimens were classified using a two-tier grading system, and their Ki-67 (average immunopositive nuclei per 100 cells) and AgNOR (average AgNOR counts per 100 nuclei) signaling was assessed. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, cut-off values for Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR were determined to better align with histopathological grading (classified as low or high grade according to Kiupel's scoring system). Without the inclusion of proliferative markers, there was a 73% agreement between cytological and histopathological grading. The prediction of histopathological grade was slightly more accurate when assessing Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR signaling in cytological specimens (75% and 80%, respectively) compared to the initial cytological grading. The cytological assessment of canine MCTs proves beneficial for the initial evaluation, and the incorporation of the evaluation of Ki-67 and AgNOR markers may assist in identifying diagnostically highly malignant MCTs.

Comparison between the Effect of Lidocaine or Ropivacaine Hematoma Block and of Different Timings of Administration on Post-Operative Pain in Dogs Undergoing Osteosynthesis of Long-Bone Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the efficacy of intra-operative lidocaine hematoma block (HB) to ropivacaine HB and to compare the efficacy of different timings of ropivacaine HB in controlling post-operative pain in dogs undergoing the osteosynthesis of long-bone fractures. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized, blinded, prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Forty-eight dogs with long-bone fractures were included and were randomly allocated to four groups: lidocaine (L), ropivacaine (Rmid), ropivacaine pre- (Rpre) and ropivacaine post- (Rpost) groups. METHODS: The dogs in group L (n = 14) and in group Rmid (n = 11) received a lidocaine or ropivacaine HB, respectively, after fracture reduction and before osteosynthesis material placement. Rpre dogs (n = 11) received ropivacaine HB before fracture reduction, and Rpost dogs (n = 12) received ropivacaine HB after osteosynthesis material placement. Eight post-operative pain assessments were performed using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and an algometer. Rescue analgesia was administered based on UMPS scoring. For data analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, chi-square, Student t test and Split Plot analysis were used. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: Rescue analgesia was administered to one dog in group L, one in group Rmid and one in group Rpost, with no significant differences detected. Compared to group Rmid, group L dogs exhibited significantly higher mean mechanical pain thresholds (p = 0.049) and lower mean UMPS scores (p = 0.001). Group Rpost dogs had statistically significantly higher mean pain thresholds compared to group Rmid (p = 0.009). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: When performed after fracture reduction and before osteosynthesis material placement, lidocaine HB seems to be more effective than ropivacaine HB in controlling post-operative pain in dogs undergoing osteosynthesis of long-bone fractures. The administration of ropivacaine HB after osteosynthesis material placement seems to be more effective than administration after fracture reduction and before osteosynthesis material placement or administration before fracture reduction in controlling post-operative pain in dogs undergoing osteosynthesis of long-bone fractures.

A Retrospective Study on Canine and Feline Mortality during Anaesthesia at a University Clinic in Greece.

This retrospective cohort study investigated the mortality rate during anaesthesia and possible contributing factors in canine and feline population in an academic institution in Greece. Data on 1187 dogs and 250 cats which underwent general anaesthesia from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 at the Veterinary Faculty of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki were analysed regarding cardiac arrest and mortality. In dogs, the rate of cardiac arrest was 1.1% and the rate of death was 0.6%. In cats, these rates were 2.8% and 0.8%, respectively. The mortality rate in healthy/mild disease (ASA I-II) dogs was 0.1% and in cats was 0.5%. Sick (ASA III-V) dogs exhibited a death rate of 2.6%, while sick cats had a rate of 2.2%. In dogs, ASA status had a positive association with cardiac arrest and mortality, with sick dogs being 23 times more likely to suffer cardiac arrest and 24.5 times more likely to die than healthy/mild disease ones. Other factors associated with cardiac arrest and mortality were the anaesthetic protocol and the use of inotropes. In cats, premedication and inotropic support were related to cardiac arrest and death. Feline anaesthesia involves higher risk, and requires greater vigilance in peri-anaesthetic management than dogs.

Effect of gonadectomy on pain assessment in dogs undergoing orthopaedic stifle surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pain perception between gonadectomized and intact dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, prospective, cohort study. ANIMALS: A group of 74 client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were divided into four groups: group 1-female/neutered (F/N), group 2-female/intact (F/I), group 3-male/neutered (M/N) and group 4-male/intact (M/I). Premedication consisted of intramuscularly administered acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) and morphine (0.2 mg kg-1), and subcutaneously administered carprofen (4 mg kg-1). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (1 mg kg-1 intravenously and supplementary doses to effect) and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Intraoperative analgesia was achieved with fentanyl infusion (0.1 µg kg-1 minute-1). Pain assessments [using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and an algometer at the incision site (IS), parallel to the incision site (NIS), and on the contralateral healthy limb] were performed preoperatively, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 20 hours after extubation. The time-standardised area under the curve (AUCst) for measurements was calculated and compared by performing a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (manova). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Postoperatively, F/N exhibited higher pain than F/I, with estimated marginal means (95% confidence intervals) AUCstISGroup1 909 (672-1146) versus AUCstISGroup2 1385 (1094-1675) (p = 0.014), AUCstNISGroup1 1122 (823-1420) versus AUCstNISGroup2 1668 (1302-2033) (p = 0.024) and AUCstUMPSGroup1 5.30 (4.58-6.02) versus AUCstUMPSGroup2 4.1 (3.2-5.0) (p = 0.041). Similarly, M/N showed higher pain than M/I with AUCstISGroup3 686 (384-987) versus AUCstISGroup4 1107 (871-1345) (p = 0.031) and AUCstNISGroup3 856 (476-1235) versus AUCstNISGroup4 1407 (1109-1706) (p = 0.026), and AUCstUMPSGroup3 6.0 (5.1-6.9) versus AUCstUMPSGroup4 4.4 (3.7-5.2) (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gonadectomy affects pain sensitivity in dogs undergoing stifle surgery. Neutering status should be taken into consideration when planning individualized anaesthetic/analgesic protocols.

Prophylactic Effect of Fenestration on the Recurrence of Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs.

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of prophylactic fenestration (PF) on the recurrence of thoracolumbar (TL) intervertebral disc (IVD) disease in dogs. Three online databases were searched (Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, SCOPUS), 115 relevant studies were thoroughly examined by the authors, 29 of which met the pre-defined inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Data about the initial treatment, the performance of PF, the incidence of recurrence, and the site of recurrence were extracted. Most of the studies were deemed to have serious to moderate risk of bias. Out of 5457 dogs, 1264 underwent prophylactic fenestration. A total of 504 cases of suspected or confirmed recurrence were recorded, in which 164 (32.54% of total recurrences and 11.02% of PF cases) were in dogs treated with PF. In order to perform quantitative analysis for the recurrence odds, we conducted a meta-analysis. Five studies were included that met the inclusion criteria. Despite a large number of relevant publications, the quality of the evidence they provide is low. This prevented us from reaching a definitive conclusion on the prophylactic effect of fenestration on recurrence in dogs surgically treated for TL IVDH.

The Effect of Premedication on the Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux in 270 Dogs Undergoing General Anesthesia.

The aim of this prospective, non-randomized study was to evaluate the effect of nine different premedication medications on the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) in anesthetized dogs. Two hundred and seventy dogs undergoing non-intrathoracic, non-intrabdominal elective surgeries or invasive diagnostic procedures were included in the study, and were allocated into nine groups (30 dogs/group) defined by the type of premedication administered. Premedication consisted of dexmedetomidine with either morphine, pethidine or butorphanol, acepromazine with either one of the three opioids or midazolam with one of the above-mentioned opioids. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Esophageal pH was measured with the use of a pH-meter electrode and a pH-value less than 4 and over 7.5 was considered to be GOR. The study revealed that 119/270 (44.1%) dogs experienced a reflux episode during anesthesia. The incidence of reflux did not differ among groups (p = 0.117). In group AB the dogs refluxed within 10 min of the beginning of pH-measurements, in comparison with group DB in which dogs refluxed within 30 min (p = 0.029). Invasive diagnostic procedures had a lower incidence of GOR in comparison to castrations (p = 0.09). The outcome of the study suggests that none of the opioids used increased the incidence of GOR in anesthetized dogs.

The role of the sequential organ failure assessment score in evaluating the outcome in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score could be indicative of outcome (survival to discharge) in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. METHODS: In 35 naturally infected dogs, the SOFA score and clinical score were calculated and the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was verified on admission and during the first four days of hospitalization. RESULTS: 26 dogs survived, and out of the 9 non-survivors, 6 dogs had positive blood cultures. Mean SOFA scores and clinical scores between survivors and non-survivors and between septic and non-septic dogs on admission and on each hospitalization day were significantly different. Trends in SOFA score indicated that in non-survivors and septic dogs there was an increase in SOFA score during the first four days of hospitalization and a decrease occurred in survivors and non-septic dogs. The area under the curve (ROC curve analysis) for SOFA score predicting the outcome was 0.797 and predicting sepsis was 0.834. The best cut-off point of SOFA score for predicting the final outcome was 3.5 and the best cut-off of SOFA score for predicting sepsis was also 3.5. CONCLUSIONS: Either single values or trends in SOFA score can assist in suspecting sepsis and reaching prognosis in parvoviral enteritis.

Τhe Effect of Opioid Administration on Cytologic and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors Treated by Surgical Excision.

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is a frequent cutaneous tumor in dogs, with a variable biological behavior. Studies correlate cytologic and histopathologic features of MCTs with their biological behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment. The use of preoperative opioids is common in canine patients undergoing surgical removal of these tumors. Certain opioids can induce or downregulate mast cell degranulation and influence cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the administration of morphine or butorphanol during surgical excision of canine cutaneous MCTs affects their cytologic and histopathologic appearance, thus influencing cytologic and histopathologic grading. This was a prospective, blinded, randomized, cohort clinical study. Forty-five dogs with cutaneous MCTs were randomly allocated into three groups according to preanaesthetic medication: dexmedetomidine combined with morphine (group M) or butorphanol (group B) or normal saline (group C). Cytologic specimens and histopathologic samples were obtained both prior to and after surgery. Samples were graded according to Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, examined immunohistochemically for Ki-67 protein (Ki-67) and c-kit proto-oncogene product (KIT) expression, and histochemically for argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs). Based on both Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, no statistically significant differences were noted concerning the number of cases with grading discrepancies in grades allocated prior to versus after surgery among the groups. The same applied for cytological grading and immunohistochemical and histochemical evaluation. It seems that administration of morphine or butorphanol as part of the preanesthetic medication for surgical removal of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors does not influence histopathologic and cytologic grading of MCTs.

Effect of anaesthesia on cell-mediated immunity in dogs undergoing mastectomy for mammary cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if anaesthesia for canine cancer mastectomy further influences host cell-mediated immunity (CMI) promoting cancer progression. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, blinded clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 20 bitches with malignant mammary tumours of clinical stage II or III undergoing the same type of mastectomy (regional mastectomy). METHODS: Dogs were randomly allocated to one of two anaesthetic groups (10 per group). The anaesthetic protocol of group A used minimally immunosuppressive drugs (tramadol, robenacoxib, propofol), whereas that of group B (control) used more immunosuppressive drugs (morphine, fentanyl, thiopental, isoflurane). For each animal, measurements of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and lymphocytes, and flow cytometric assessment of T cells (CD3+), helper T cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) and CD5low+ T cells were performed prior to anaesthesia (day 0) and on days 3 and 10 postsurgery. Data were analysed using a General Linear Model for repeated measures and presented as mean ± standard deviation, p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: In all animals, on day 3, WBCs and neutrophils were significantly increased (p < 0.0005), while flow cytometry revealed significantly decreased relative percentages of T cells (CD3+) (p = 0.003) and their subpopulations CD4+ (p = 0.006), CD8+ (p = 0.029) and CD5low+ (p = 0.031). Specifically, on day 3, the cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) were significantly decreased (p = 0.05) only in group B, whereas the CD4+ (p = 0.006) and CD5low+ (p = 0.008) T cells in group A. The only significant difference between groups was found preoperatively in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, which was higher in group A (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with mammary cancer undergoing regional mastectomy, a significant decrease in components of CMI was observed on day 3 postsurgery in both anaesthetic groups. Some indication, however, for better preserved cellular immunity by less immunosuppressive anaesthetic/analgesic drugs was detected, rendering their use advisable.

Effect of major versus minor mastectomy on host immunity in canine mammary cancer.

Surgical procedures can affect host immunity proportionally to the extent of surgical trauma. In cancer cases, surgery-induced immunosuppression can potentially promote tumour metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate, in bitches with malignant mammary tumours, whether major surgery (total unilateral mastectomy or bilateral regional mastectomy) has a more negative effect than minor surgery (unilateral regional mastectomy) on components of host immunity. Twenty bitches with mammary cancer of clinical stage II or III were allocated to group A (minor surgery) or group B (major surgery) of 10 animals each receiving the same anaesthetic protocol for mastectomy. Immune cell measurements in blood [number of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelets, and relative percentages of T-lymphocytes (CD3+) and their CD4+, CD8+ and CD5low+ subpopulations] were performed before anaesthesia (day 0) and on days 3 and 10 post-mastectomy. On day 3, leukocytes, neutrophils and platelets numbers were higher (p = 0.016, 0.032 and 0.017, respectively) in group B than in group A. For all 20 bitches, T-lymphocytes and the CD4+, CD5low+ T-cells were significantly decreased on day 3, but no significant differences were noted between groups. Minor mastectomy seemed to preserve innate immunity better than major mastectomy, but cellular immunity was rather equally affected.

Factors Affecting Intraoperative Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Dogs and Cats.

In animals, gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) may occur during anaesthesia, and it can lead to severe consequences such as oesophagitis and oesophageal stricture. This systematic review investigates the effect of fasting duration and anaesthetic and nonanaesthetic drugs on GOR in dogs and cats during general anaesthesia. Fifteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria in this systematic review. In thirteen studies the population was dogs, while in two studies the population was cats. In the meta-analysis, seven studies were included. Four studies on the effect of fasting duration on GOR in dogs were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 191 dogs had a fasting duration less than 5 h, while 311 dogs had a fasting duration more than 5 h. The heterogeneity of the studies was high and statistically significant (p = 0.0002, I2 = 85%), but the overall effect was statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.82, odds ratio = 0.81, 95% CI 0.15, 4.26), in favour of the low fasting duration (<5 h). Concerning the effect of antacids on GOR, three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies was low and nonsignificant (p = 0.13, I2 = 52%) and the overall effect was statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.24). The low number of studies and the diverse factors affecting the incidence of reflux prevented us from reaching valuable conclusions on the risk factors for GOR.

Evaluation of the Effect of the Inspired Oxygen Fraction on Blood Oxygenation during Inhalant Anaesthesia in Horses: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

In anaesthetized horses, pronounced ventilation/perfusion mismatching often occurs. Several authors have investigated the effect of lower inspired oxygen fractions (FiO2) to reduce formation of absorption atelectasis. This systematic review compared the effects of low (<0.6) and high (>0.8) FiO2 on the arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), the alveolar-to-arterial oxygen tension difference (P(A-a)O2), and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in horses during inhalation anaesthesia. Using the Systematic Review Protocol for Animal Intervention Studies, four experimental and one clinical investigations were deemed suitable for inclusion. A meta-analysis was performed on the four experimental studies. The PaO2 was significantly lower (p = 0.0007, mean difference -23.54 kPa, 95% CI -37.18, -9.90) with a lower FiO2. However, the P(A-a)O2 was also significantly lower (p < 0.00001, mean difference -20.80 kPa, 95% CI -26.28, -15.32) when using a low FiO2. For the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, only one study fitted the inclusion criteria, so no meta-analysis was performed. It is concluded that, while only a limited number of studies are available, the use of a higher FiO2 in horses during inhalation anaesthesia will result in higher levels of PaO2, but also a larger P(A-a)O2 difference. Further studies are needed to increase the level of evidence on this subject.

Use of propofol to induce food consumption by anorectic dogs following ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether IV propofol administration at a dose of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) could induce food consumption by anorectic female dogs following elective ovariohysterectomy. ANIMALS: 51 healthy female dogs that failed to eat voluntarily when food was offered 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. PROCEDURES: In a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial, dogs received propofol (2 mg/kg; n = 31) or an equivalent volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (20) IV 6 hours after ovariohysterectomy. Afterward, food was offered to the dogs and food consumption was reassessed. Pain, sedation, and stress were scored before and immediately after treatment. RESULTS: 27 of the 31 (87%) dogs in the propofol group consumed food immediately after administration of the assigned treatment, whereas only 1 of 20 (5%) dogs in the placebo group did. No difference in pain, sedation, or stress scores was identified between the 2 groups. Sedation scores for dogs in the propofol group increased immediately after propofol administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that food consumption following elective surgical procedures can be effectively induced in anorectic female dogs by IV administration of propofol at a dose of 2 mg/kg.

The Effect of the Preoperative Fasting Regimen on the Incidence of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in 90 Dogs.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different preoperative fasting regimens on the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in dogs under general anaesthesia. Ninety dogs undergoing non-abdominal and non-thoracic elective surgery were included in the study and equally allocated to three groups. Dogs received canned food providing half the daily resting energy requirements (RER) 3 h prior to premedication (group 3H), a quarter of the daily RER 3 h before premedication (group 3Q), and half the daily RER 12 h before premedication (group 12H). The animals were premedicated with acepromazine and pethidine, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane vaporised in oxygen. Oesophageal pH was monitored throughout anaesthesia. Demographic and surgery-related parameters were not different among groups. The incidence of GOR was 11/30 in group 3H (36.7%), 9/30 in group 3Q (30.0%) and 5/30 in group 12H (16.7%), which was not statistically different (p = 0.262). Reduction of the amount of the preoperative meal from half to a quarter of the daily RER did not reduce the incidence of GOR but resulted in a lower oesophageal pH (p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest that the administration of a meal 3 h before anaesthesia does not have any beneficial effect in the reduction of GOR incidence in dogs compared to the administration of a meal 12 h before anaesthesia.

Body Temperature Fluctuation After Ovariohysterectomy in Dogs in Luteal Phase, Inactive Phase and Pyometra: A Clinical Study of 77 Cases.

Progesterone (P4) has a thermogenic effect in the bitch and a decrease in P4 has been associated with a mild transient decrease in body temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, the extent and the pattern of possible hypothermia after ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in healthy dogs in luteal phase and in bitches with pyometra that underwent therapeutic OHE. Sixty-two healthy dogs and 15 dogs with pyometra that underwent standardized OHE were included. Rectal temperature was measured 1 hour preoperatively (pre-op) and 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours postoperatively (post-op). Serum P4 was measured 30 minutes pre-op and 6 and 24 hours post-op. Healthy dogs were classified in 3 groups based on their initial P4 concentration and in 3 separate groups based on their oestrus cycle stage. The temperature differentiation between the groups of the study was assessed using the repeated measures mixed-design ANOVA analysis. Temperature measured 18-42 hours post-op was significantly decreased compared to pre-op when initial P4 >8 ng/mL but not significantly decreased when P4 <8 ng/mL. Post-op temperature fluctuation in pregnant dogs showed no significant difference compared to dogs in diestrus. Dogs with pyometra had significantly lower temperature 6-48 hours post-op compared to all other groups. Conclusively, mild hypothermia (37.5-37.9°C) may be anticipated 18-42 hours after OHE performed in early diestrus or pregnancy in healthy dogs. More significant hypothermia (37.1-37.5°C) may be anticipated in normally recovering pyometra cases.

Colonic mucosal and serum expression of microRNAs in canine large intestinal inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders of still largely unknown etiology. Canine IBD diagnosis is time-consuming and costly as other diseases with similar signs should be initially excluded. In human IBD microRNA (miR) expression changes have been reported in GI mucosa and blood. Thus, there is a possibility that miRs may provide insight into disease pathogenesis, diagnosis and even treatment of canine IBD. The aim of this study was to determine the colonic mucosal and serum relative expression of a miRs panel in dogs with large intestinal IBD and healthy control dogs. RESULTS: Compared to healthy control dogs, dogs with large intestinal IBD showed significantly increased relative expression of miR-16, miR-21, miR-122 and miR-147 in the colonic mucosa and serum, while the relative expression of miR-185, miR-192 and miR-223 was significantly decreased. Relative expression of miR-146a was significantly increased only in the serum of dogs with large intestinal IBD. Furthermore, serum miR-192 and miR-223 relative expression correlated to disease activity and endoscopic score, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the existence of dysregulated miRs expression patterns in canine IBD and support the potential future use of serum miRs as useful noninvasive biomarkers.

Clinical investigations and treatment outcome in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) infected by cardio-pulmonary nematodes.

Recently, feline cardio-pulmonary nematodes have attracted high scientific interest, as they are increasingly reported from various areas. Most of these parasites have similar transmission patterns and/or host reservoirs, thus they may affect domestic and wild felids living in sympatry. In the present study, a case of multiple cardio-pulmonary parasitism in co-infection with other parasites in a European wildcat is presented. The animal, found exhausted, was hospitalised for recovery and parasitological, haematological, clinical and imaging examinations were performed. The parasitological examinations revealed 4 cardio-pulmonary nematodes, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus chabaudi, 3 intestinal parasites, i.e. Toxocara cati, ancylostomatids, Cystoisospora felis, 2 haemoparasites, i.e. Hepatozoon felis and elements morphologically compatible with small Babesia/Cytauxzoon spp., and Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis erinacei ticks. Treatment with a spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 1% (Advocate® spot-on solution for cats, Bayer) was decided and follow-up faecal examinations were performed until the release of the animal. By the end of the hospitalisation, all metazoan endoparasites were no longer detectable in faecal examinations, with the exception of a low number of A. abstrusus larvae. Thus, the animal was released after a second treatment with the same product. This is the first description of an apparently successful treatment of multiple cardio-respiratory parasitosis in a naturally infected wildcat showing compatible clinical signs. The evidence that Advocate® may be effective against A. chabaudi could be useful for treating infected, hospitalised, wildcats and it is promising in the case A. chabaudi infection will spread to domestic cats in a near future.

Transdiaphragmatic Gastrotomy for the Extraction of Distal Esophageal Foreign Bodies in 13 Dogs (1997-2016).

The records of 13 dogs with distal esophageal foreign body obstruction not amenable to endoscopic management that had transdiaphragmatic gastrotomy (TG) for the foreign body extraction were reviewed. West Highland white terriers were over-represented. Mean age of the dogs at presentation was 38.6 mo, and mean duration of clinical signs associated with esophageal foreign bodies was 5.8 days. A TG was performed via an eighth or ninth left intercostal thoracotomy, and clinical results were successful in 12 dogs. In 1 dog, gastrotomy failed to retrieve a foreign body and esophagotomy was performed. Foreign bodies that were removed included 3 fishhooks and 10 animal bones. Postoperatively, all dogs developed esophagitis, 1 dog showed esophageal stricture, and 1 dog died of pyothorax associated with esophageal perforation 1 day postsurgery. Overall, 12 dogs survived and were free of clinical signs after a median follow-up time of 17 mo. TG is an effective surgical technique for the retrieval of distal esophageal foreign bodies.