European Adder bites in dogs in southern Germany. A retrospective study over a 6.5-year period.

OBJECTIVE: In some regions of Germany dogs are presented to the veterinarian due to a snake bite, especially during the summer. These patients often show multiple clinical and laboratory deviations. Without a significant history diagnosis is commonly difficult. Aim of this retrospective study was to analyze exposure, physical examination and clinical pathology results as well as course and outcome in dogs presented after European adder bites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient history of 15 dogs diagnosed with European adder bites over a 6.5-year-period were evaluated retrospectively. Normality of data distribution was tested by D'Agostino and Pearson omnibus normality test. Data were analyzed by T-test and Wilcoxon-matched-pairs-signed rank-test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: All 15 dogs were presented within 1-48 hours after the snakebite. Most common clinical signs were local swelling and pain. Clinical pathology results on day 1 included haemoconcentration, leukocytosis and coagulopathy. On the second day of hospitalization heart rate and haematocrit declined significantly. Treatment included fluid therapy, antibiotic and antihistaminic drugs, glucocorticosteroids, antivenom and analgesics. One of 15 dogs died on the third day of hospitalization, all others were discharged. Duration of hospitalization was between 1 and 8 days (mean 4.2 ± 1.9 days). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs affected by European adder bites most often present with swelling and pain at the site of the bite, most frequently on the head and limbs. Patients require intensive symptomatic therapy including antibiotics and analgesics, if indicated. With adequate therapy survival rate is high. For some patients European adder bites may be lethal.

[Smoke inhalation in dogs and cats - a retrospective study over 5.5 years]. / Rauchvergiftungen bei Hunden und Katzen - eine retrospektive Studie über 5,5 Jahre.

OBJECTIVE: Particularly during household fires, inhalation of hot air and smoke, and the formation of carboxyhaemoglobin and cyanide lead to respiratory tract and lung injury in small animals. Additionally, oxygenation is impaired in most cases. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse smoke exposure, physical examination findings and clinical pathology results as well as their course in dogs and cats presented after smoke inhalation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient histories of dogs and cats that had been diagnosed with smoke inhalation between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2013 were analysed retrospectively. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test and analyses were performed using t-tests, the Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The analysis included data of 13 cats and nine dogs. The animals were presented within 12 hours after a household fire with sooting, coughing and polypnoea. Pretreatment in approximately 50% of patients consisted of oxygen, corticoids and bronchodilators. The most common clinical abnormalities were tachycardia, polypnoea and hypothermia as well as pink mucous membranes. Changes observed from clinical pathology analysis included the haemoconcentration, reticulocytosis, a left shift of the leucogram, mixed acid-base disorders and moderate carboxyhaemoglobinema. Therapy included oxygen and fluid therapy, antibiotic treatment, corticoids, bronchodilators and cleaning of the animal. One cat died and 21 animals were discharged 0-6 days after presentation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs and cats suffering from smoke inhalation were presented with respiratory disorders and dehydration. Outcome is good if the animals are treated early and adequately with oxygen and fluid therapy.

[Heatstroke in dogs in southern Germany. A retrospective study over a 5.5-year period]. / Hitzschlag bei Hunden in Süddeutschland. Eine retrospektive Studie über 5,5 Jahre.

OBJECTIVE: Heatstroke is a life-threating emergency in dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the sources of heat stroke in dogs, predisposing and prognostic factors, results of physical examination and clinical pathology as well as the course of this condition and appropriate treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient histories of 12 dogs diagnosed with heat stroke over a 5.5-year period were analysed retrospectively. Normality was tested using the Kolmogrow-Smirnow Test and analysed using T-tests, the Chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Heat stroke occurred most frequently during summer, particularly in the afternoon. The most common cause of heat stroke was heat exposition in a car. Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented. The most common clinical signs were polypnoea, tachycardia, hyperthermia and depression to prostration as well as gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Clinical pathology results included haemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and azotemia. Therapies employed included oxygen application, cooling, fluid therapy and administration of gastrointestinal protectants, antiemetics and antibiotics. Duration of hospitalization was 1-6 days. The overall mortality rate was 50%. Most of the non-survivors died or were euthanized within 24-48 hours after presentation. All animals remaining alive after 3 days survived and could be discharged from hospital. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Heat stroke is a life-threating condition, which can lead to shock, sepsis, coagulation disorders and multiorgan failure. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are important factors for a positive outcome. Furthermore, intensive monitoring and rapid therapy adaption as required are pivotal.

Lidocaine serum concentration after epidural administration in combination with morphine and fentanyl in rabbit--a preliminary study.

Morphine and fentanyl are often used as adjuvants in epidural anesthesia to prolong analgesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of addition of morphine or fentanyl to lidocaine on serum lidocaine concentrations in rabbits after epidural administration. During general anesthesia, rabbits of the group L received epidurally 2% lidocaine, rabbits of the group LM 2% lidocaine and morphine, and rabbits of the group LF 2% lidocaine and fentanyl. Blood for determination of serum lidocaine concentration was taken before anesthesia and in first 90 min after epidural administration. After 5, 10, and 25 min in the group L the lidocaine serum concentrations were the lowest, while in the group LM the lidocaine serum concentrations were the highest. Morphine and fentanyl did not cause significant changes of serum lidocaine concentration in rabbits and may be used as adjuvant in epidural anesthesia without significant increase in lidocaine absorption from epidural space.