Effect of intermittent bladder flushing on recurrence rate in feline urethral obstruction: 72 cases.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intermittent bladder flushing on recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) at 7 d and 30 d after discharge and the risk of bacteriuria as a result of indwelling urethral catheterization. Animals: There were 72 cats with suspected obstructive feline idiopathic cystitis admitted to the hospital. Procedures: Cats were randomly assigned to either intermittent bladder flushing (n = 34) or no-flush (control) groups (n = 38). Bladder flushing was performed with 5 mL/kg of sterile 0.9% saline, q8h during indwelling urinary catheterization. Urine was tested for bacteriuria by a point-of-care test at the time of urinary catheterization and via cystocentesis following catheter removal before discharge. Risk of rUO by groups and its association with other variables were evaluated. Results: The age (median: 3.0 years) in the flush group was younger (P = 0.01), and the length of hospitalization (> 24 hours) was longer (P < 0.01) than that of the control group. Overall rUO was 6.6% on Day 7 and 21.8% on Day 30 after discharge, but there was no significant difference between groups. A shorter duration of catheterization (< 24 hours) was associated with higher risk of rUO (odds ratio: 6.0). The incidence of catheter-related bacteriuria was 14.5% and was not significantly different between groups (13.8% and 15.2% in the flush and control, respectively). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Intermittent bladder flushing during hospitalization appears safe but did not decrease the incidence of rUO. The incidence of bacteriuria following catheterization was not affected by intermittent bladder flushing.

Effet des rinçages intermittents de la vessie sur le taux de récidive de l'obstruction urétrale féline: 72 cas. Objectif: Évaluer l'effet du rinçage intermittent de la vessie sur l'obstruction urétrale récurrente (rUO) à 7 jours et 30 jours après le congé et le risque de bactériurie résultant d'un cathétérisme urétral à demeure. Animaux: Il y avait 72 chats suspects de cystite idiopathique féline obstructive admis à l'hôpital. Procédures: Les chats ont été assignés au hasard à des groupes avec rinçage intermittent de la vessie (n = 34) ou sans rinçage (témoin) (n = 38). Le rinçage de la vessie a été effectué avec 5 mL/kg de solution saline stérile à 0,9 %, toutes les 8 heures pendant le cathétérisme urinaire à demeure. L'urine a été testée pour la bactériurie par un test au point de service au moment du cathétérisme urinaire et par cystocentèse après le retrait du cathéter avant le congé. Le risque de rUO par groupes et son association avec d'autres variables ont été évalués. Résultats: L'âge (médiane: 3,0 ans) dans le groupe rinçage était plus jeune (P = 0,01) et la durée d'hospitalisation (> 24 heures) était plus longue (P < 0,01) que celle du groupe témoin. La rUO globale était de 6,6 % au jour 7 et de 21,8 % au jour 30 après le congé, mais il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les groupes. Une durée de cathétérisme plus courte (< 24 heures) était associée à un risque plus élevé de rUO (rapport de cotes: 6,0). L'incidence de la bactériurie liée au cathéter était de 14,5 % et n'était pas significativement différente entre les groupes (13,8 % et 15,2 % dans le rinçage et le témoin, respectivement). Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Le rinçage intermittent de la vessie pendant l'hospitalisation semble sans danger mais n'a pas diminué l'incidence de rUO. L'incidence de la bactériurie après cathétérisme n'a pas été affectée par le rinçage intermittent de la vessie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Effects of tramadol and o-desmethyltramadol on canine innate immune system function.

OBJECTIVE: Tramadol is a commonly used opioid analgesic in dogs, particularly in dogs with a compromised immune system. An opioid may be selected for its immunomodulatory effects. Consequently, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tramadol on immune system function by evaluating the effect of tramadol and o-desmethyltramadol (M1) on the function of canine leukocytes in vitro. The hypothesis was that tramadol and M1 would not alter polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis, PMN oxidative burst, or stimulated leukocyte cytokine production capacity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro pharmacodynamic study. ANIMALS: Six healthy dogs. METHODS: Blood from six dogs was obtained and incubated with various concentrations of tramadol and M1. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were assessed using flow cytometry, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PG)-stimulated leukocyte production of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine specific multiplex assay. RESULTS: No differences were detected in phagocytosis or oxidative burst with any drug concentration. Tramadol did not alter leukocyte cytokine production, however, M1 significantly blunted IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS: Tramadol and its metabolite M1 were sparing to PMN phagocytosis and oxidative burst in dogs in vitro. Tramadol did not alter leukocyte cytokine production, however, M1 blunted IL-10 production at clinically achievable concentrations suggesting that M1 may promote a proinflammatory shift. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data suggest that tramadol has minimal effect on phagocytosis and oxidative burst, and may promote a proinflammatory shift. Therefore, tramadol may be an ideal opioid analgesic in dogs at high risk of infection. Further investigation in vivo is warranted.

Avoidance of swallowing saliva: a symptom related to aberrant basal ganglia functions?

We report two patients with avoidance of swallowing saliva despite intact swallowing functions. One, with mild, de novo Parkinson's disease, had a fear that his saliva was contaminated and would harm him. The other, with a history of CNS germinoma in remission for 3 years following chemotherapy, expectorated because his saliva was distasteful and disgusting. He had a lesion involving the left pallidum. Both appeared obsessed with the idea of saliva contamination and both expectorated compulsively, presenting obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. OCD-like behavior may be induced in association with pathological conditions in which aberrant basal ganglia functions are present.

Effects of parenteral fish oil on plasma nonesterified fatty acids and systemic inflammatory mediators in dogs following ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of intravenous (IV) infusion of fish oil (FO) emulsion following ovariohysterectomy (OVH) on inflammatory mediators and plasma omega-3 nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine privately owned dogs undergoing routine OVH. INTERVENTIONS: Postoperative 3-hour IV infusion of saline (n = 9), FO (Omegaven, n = 10), or soybean oil (SO, intralipid, n = 10) emulsion and blood collected before, 5 and 24 hours following OVH for plasma NEFA and RBC membrane fatty acids (FAs) concentrations, leukocyte cytokine production capacity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma omega-3 NEFA, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and total long-chain omega-3 FA significantly increased shortly after FO infusion (8.8 ± 3.3 µM, 13.6 ± 5.6 µM, and 25.1 ± 9.6 µM, respectively) compared to SO (0.7 ± 0.9, 2.3 ± 1.8, and 4.2 ± 3.0 µM, respectively) and saline infusion (1.6 ± 2.5, 2.6 ± 3.1, and 5.9 ± 6.4 µM, respectively). Plasma CRP concentration significantly increased after OVH, but with no significant group differences. A weak negative correlation occurred between post-OVH CRP and postinfusion total long-chain omega-3 FA concentrations (r2 = 0.21, P = 0.014). Stimulated leukocyte interleukin (IL) 6 production capacity increased (P = 0.001) after OVH in all groups; SO infusion resulted in reduced leukocyte IL-6 production capacity (1048.1 ± 277.7 pg/mL) compared to FO (1299.9 ± 302.1 pg/mL, P = 0.048) and saline infusions (1499.0 ± 363.1 pg/mL, P = 0.01). No significant group difference was observed in leukocyte IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor α production capacities. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative administration of FO emulsion increases plasma omega-3 NEFA concentrations promptly, but does not significantly attenuate CRP production or leukocyte cytokine production capacity. FO infusion at the dosage used in the present study can be safely used in dogs, but it was not clearly beneficial in decreasing post-OVH indices of inflammation.

Bisphenol A (BPA) in the serum of pet dogs following short-term consumption of canned dog food and potential health consequences of exposure to BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely present endocrine disruptor chemical found in many household items. Moreover, this chemical can bioaccumulate in various terrestrial and aquatic sources; thereby ensuring continual exposure of animals and humans. For most species, including humans, diet is considered the primary route of exposure. However, there has been little investigation whether commercial-brands of dog foods contain BPA and potential health ramifications of BPA-dietary exposure in dogs. We sought to determine BPA content within dog food, whether short-term consumption of these diets increases serum concentrations of BPA, and potential health consequences, as assessed by potential hematological, serum chemistry, cortisol, DNA methylation, and gut microbiome changes, in dogs associated with short-term dietary exposure to BPA. Fourteen healthy privately-owned dogs were used in this study. Blood and fecal samples were collected prior to dogs being placed for two-weeks on one of two diets (with one considered to be BPA-free), and blood and fecal samples were collected again. Serum/plasma samples were analyzed for chemistry and hematology profiles, cortisol concentrations, 5-methylcytosine in lymphocytes, and total BPA concentrations. Fecal samples were used for microbiome assessments. Both diets contained BPA, and after two-weeks of being on either diet, dogs had a significant increase in circulating BPA concentrations (pre-samples=0.7±0.15ng/mL, post-samples=2.2±0.15ng/mL, p<0.0001). Elevated BPA concentrations positively correlated with increased plasma bicarbonate concentrations and associated with fecal microbiome alterations. Short-term feeding of canned dog food increased circulating BPA concentrations in dogs comparable to amounts detected in humans, and greater BPA concentrations were associated with serum chemistry and microbiome changes. Dogs, who share our internal and external environments with us, are likely excellent indicators of potential human health concerns to BPA and other environmental chemicals. These findings may also have relevance to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

Evaluation of jejunostomy tube feeding after abdominal surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of postoperative intrajejunal feeding and to evaluate the association of preoperative plasma albumin concentrations with intrajejunal feeding-related complications and clinical outcome. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Sixty-four dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Jejunostomy tube placement during abdominal surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Most dogs (81%) survived. The median intrajejunal feeding period was 2.1 days (range: 1-16 days; n = 64). Only 3 (5%) dogs received their estimated resting energy requirement by intrajejunal feeding. Of dogs that were fed intrajejunally (58 out of 64), most (55 out of 58) received intrajejunal feeding within 24 hours after surgery. Energy provision via the jejunal feeding tube did not differ between dogs with and without complications (P = 0.592), or between nonsurvivors and survivors (P = 0.298). Thirty-five dogs ate voluntarily concurrently with intrajejunal feeding. Of dogs that ate voluntarily concurrently with intrajejunal feeding for ≤50% of the postoperative period, most (74%) survived to discharge. Complications were seen in 22% of dogs, and none were life-threatening; gastrointestinal signs were most common. There was no difference in preoperative plasma albumin concentration between dogs with and without complications (P = 0.432) and between nonsurvivors and survivors (P = 0.727). Fecal score was not significantly different between the 2 liquid diets studied (FormulaV Enteral Care HLP and CliniCare Canine/Feline; P = 0.927). CONCLUSIONS: A jejunostomy tube placed during abdominal surgery was likely to be used at the study institution. Few complications were seen and none were life-threatening. Intrajejunal feeding was initiated early after surgery and did not interfere with the initiation of voluntary oral intake. Fecal scores were high and were useful for an objective assessment of fecal consistency in dogs with intrajejunal feeding.

Morphine and buprenorphine do not alter leukocyte cytokine production capacity, early apoptosis, or neutrophil phagocytic function in healthy dogs.

Opioids have immunomodulatory properties in many species, but there is little information pertaining to these properties in dogs. Our objective was to compare the in vivo effects of morphine, buprenorphine, and control solution on innate immune system function and apoptosis in healthy dogs. Six adult dogs received a 24-hour infusion of morphine, buprenorphine, or control solution (saline) in a randomized, controlled, crossover block design. Leukocyte apoptosis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst were evaluated using flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycan-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were determined using canine specific multiplex assays. No significant treatment effects were detected among groups. These data suggest that healthy dogs could be less sensitive to the immunomodulatory effects of acute opioid administration compared with other species. Larger investigations in healthy and immunologically challenged dogs are recommended prior to application of these results in clinical patients.

Resveratrol decreases oxidative burst capacity and alters stimulated leukocyte cytokine production in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Resveratrol, a naturally-occurring phytophenol, has been shown to bolster immune surveillance and reverse immunosenescence in a dose dependent manner in rodents and humans. Although safety and pharmacokinetic studies have been completed in dogs, the immunomodulatory effects of resveratrol in dogs has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of resveratrol on canine innate immune system function in vitro. The hypothesis was that similar to other species, low concentrations of resveratrol would stimulate while high concentrations would depress innate immune system function. METHODS: Whole blood was collected from six healthy, adult, client-owned dogs and was incubated with resveratrol at final concentrations of 6000 ng ml(-1), 3000 ng ml(-1), 1000 ng ml(-1), or control solution for 4h. Following incubation, phagocytosis and oxidative burst were evaluated using flow cytometry, and LPS-, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) - and peptidoglycan (PG)-stimulated leukocyte production of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine specific multiplex assay. RESULTS: Phagocytosis was not altered by resveratrol at any concentration compared to control. However, while the number of PMNs capable of performing oxidative burst did not change, the robustness of the reaction following stimulation with Escherichia coli and PMA was reduced in a dose dependent manner. In addition, LPS-, LTA-, PG, and PBS-stimulated TNF production was increased following incubation with all concentrations of resveratrol compared to control, and this effect was dose dependent. LTA-stimulated IL-6 was increased with resveratrol compared to control. Furthermore, LTA-stimulated IL-10 was decreased with 6000 ng ml(-1) and 3000 ng ml(-1) concentrations of resveratrol and PG-stimulated IL-10 production was decreased with all concentrations of resveratrol compared to control. The LPS-, LTA-, and PG-stimulated TNF:IL-10 ratio was increased with 6000 ng ml(-1) of resveratrol compared to control and lower resveratrol concentrations. CONCLUSION: While resveratrol was sparing to PMN phagocytosis, it reduced the robustness of PMN oxidative burst. Resveratrol also increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory leukocyte cytokine production capacity in vitro. These data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may depress oxidative burst reactions while promoting pro-inflammatory leukocyte cytokine production and decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based on these findings, further in vivo study regarding the effects of resveratrol on PMN oxidative burst capability and leukocyte cytokine production capacity are indicated prior to routine supplementation.

Effects of opioids on phagocytic function, oxidative burst capacity, cytokine production and apoptosis in canine leukocytes.

Opioids alter immune and apoptotic pathways in several species. They are commonly used in companion animals affected with infectious and/or inflammatory disease, but the immunomodulatory and apoptotic effects of these drugs in dogs are relatively unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of morphine, buprenorphine and fentanyl on canine phagocyte function, oxidative burst capacity, leukocyte cytokine production, and lymphocyte apoptosis. Blood from six healthy adult dogs was incubated in the presence or absence of morphine (200 ng/mL), buprenorphine (10 ng/mL) or fentanyl (10 ng/mL) for 3 h (phagocytic function; cytokine production) or 8 h (apoptosis). Neutrophil phagocytosis of opsonized Escherichia coli, respiratory burst capacity after stimulation with opsonized E. coli or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and Annexin V-FITC staining of apoptotic lymphocytes were evaluated using flow cytometry. Leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 was assessed after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or peptidoglycan. Morphine promoted a more intense respiratory burst. Morphine, buprenorphine and fentanyl all promoted LPS- or LTA-induced TNF-α and IL-10 production. However, the opioids tested did not alter TNF-α:IL-10 ratios. Morphine, buprenorphine and fentanyl all inhibited neutrophil apoptosis, an effect that was not concentration dependent in nature. These data indicate that opioids alter immune and apoptotic pathways in dogs. The possible effects of opioids on immune and cellular responses should be considered when designing studies and interpreting outcomes of studies involving administration of opioids in dogs.