Assessment of the circulating inflammatory mediator interleukin-8 in dogs with tracheal collapse.

Objective: Tracheal collapse (TC) is an obstructive respiratory disorder in dogs that can affect lifespan and quality of life. Systemic inflammation has been identified in other obstructive airway conditions in dogs and humans. We hypothesized a systemic pro-inflammatory state exists in dogs with TC. Animals: Dogs with TC (TC, n = 15) and healthy, non-affected controls (C, n = 15), were prospectively enrolled. Procedure: Signalment and body condition score (BCS) were recorded for all dogs. For TC dogs, cough duration, pharyngeal collapse, bronchial collapse, and previous stent placement were recorded. Plasma samples were banked at -80°C and batch-analyzed for interleukin-8 (IL-8). Differences between groups were evaluated. Results: Yorkshire terriers were overrepresented in the TC group. The TC group was older than the C group and had a higher BCS. Interleukin-8 was significantly greater in the TC compared to the C group. Interleukin-8 was not correlated with age sex, BCS, breed, cough duration, pharyngeal collapse, bronchial collapse, or stent placement. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Increased plasma IL-8 concentration supports the presence of systemic inflammation in canine TC. Dogs with TC were older than controls, with a higher BCS, but this did not account for the increased IL-8. Further investigation of IL-8 as a potential biomarker for monitoring TC progression and therapeutic response is warranted.

Évaluation du médiateur inflammatoire circulant interleukine-8 chez les chiens présentant un collapsus trachéal. Objectif: Le collapsus trachéal (TC) est un trouble respiratoire obstructif chez les chiens qui peut affecter la durée de vie et la qualité de vie. Une inflammation systémique a été identifiée dans d'autres affections obstructives des voies respiratoires chez les chiens et les humains. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse qu'un état pro-inflammatoire systémique existe chez les chiens atteints de TC. Animaux: Des chiens atteints de TC (TC, n = 15) et des témoins sains et non affectés (C, n = 15) ont été recrutés de manière prospective. Procédure: Les informations et le score d'état corporel (BCS) ont été enregistrés pour tous les chiens. Pour les chiens atteints de TC, la durée de la toux, le collapsus pharyngé, le collapsus bronchique et la mise en place antérieure d'un stent ont été enregistrés. Des échantillons de plasma ont été conservés à −80 °C et analysés par lots pour l'interleukine-8 (IL-8). Les différences entre les groupes ont été évaluées. Résultats: Les Yorkshire terriers étaient surreprésentés dans le groupe TC. Le groupe TC était plus âgé que le groupe C et avait un BCS plus élevé. L'interleukine-8 était significativement plus élevée dans le groupe TC que dans le groupe C. L'interleukine-8 n'était pas corrélée à l'âge, au sexe, au BCS, à la race, à la durée de la toux, au collapsus pharyngé, au collapsus bronchique ou à la mise en place d'un stent. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: L'augmentation de la concentration plasmatique d'IL-8 confirme la présence d'une inflammation systémique dans le TC canin. Les chiens atteints de TC étaient plus âgés que les témoins, avec un BCS plus élevé, mais cela n'expliquait pas l'augmentation de l'IL-8. Une étude plus approfondie de l'IL-8 en tant que biomarqueur potentiel pour surveiller la progression du TC et la réponse thérapeutique est justifiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Tensile strength and early healing of self-locking and surgeon's knots.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties and healing of ventral midline celiotomies (VMC) closed with a self-locking knot combination and forwarder start and Aberdeen end (F-A) vs a traditional knot combination and surgeon's start and end (S-S). STUDY DESIGN: In vivo, experimental. ANIMALS: Twenty-one horses. METHODS: Fourteen horses underwent VMC, which was closed with either an F-A (n = 7) or an S-S (n = 7) knot combination. Incisions were subjectively graded by masked evaluators for dehiscence, edema, and drainage. Biomechanical testing was performed on three abdominal segments, and histology was performed on one segment from each animal after humane euthanasia 10 days post-VMC. The abdominal wall of control horses (n = 7, no celiotomy) was collected for biomechanical testing. RESULTS: Forwarder start and Aberdeen end and S-S horses had less tensile strength compared with control horses (P ≤ .001). No differences were detected between treatment groups for any variable evaluated, including tensile strength (P = .975), location of failure (P = .240), and histologic healing at the knot (P = .600). CONCLUSION: Closure of VMC with self-locking knots resulted in biomechanical and healing features similar to those with a traditional closure technique, with neither restoring the tensile strength of the linea alba. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results of this study provide evidence to support a clinical trial to evaluate long-term performance of the F-A self-locking knot closure in horses.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hydromorphone hydrochloride in healthy horses.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the physiologic and behavioral effects and pharmacokinetic profile of hydromorphone administered intravenously (IV) to horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover study. ANIMALS: A group of six adult healthy horses weighing 585.2 ± 58.7 kg. METHODS: Each horse was administered IV hydromorphone (0.025 mg kg-1; treatment H0.025), hydromorphone (0.05 mg kg-1; treatment H0.05) or 0.9% saline in random order with a 7 day washout period. For each treatment, physiologic, hematologic, abdominal borborygmi scores and behavioral data were recorded over 5 hours and fecal output was totaled over 24 hours. Data were analyzed using repeated measures anova with significance at p < 0.05. Blood samples were collected in treatment H0.05 for quantification of plasma hydromorphone and hydromorphone-3-glucuronide and subsequent pharmacokinetic parameter calculation. RESULTS: Hydromorphone administration resulted in a dose-dependent increase in heart rate (HR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP). HR and SAP were 59 ± 17 beats minute-1 and 230 ± 27 mmHg, respectively, in treatment H0.05 at 5 minutes after administration. No clinically relevant changes in respiratory rate, arterial gases or temperature were observed. The borborygmi scores in both hydromorphone treatments were lower than baseline values for 2 hours. Fecal output did not differ among treatments and no evidence of abdominal discomfort was observed. Recorded behaviors did not differ among treatments. For hydromorphone, mean ± standard deviation for volume of distribution at steady state, total systemic clearance and area under the curve until the last measured concentration were 1.00 ± 0.29 L kg-1, 106 ± 21 mL minute-1 kg-1 and 8.0 ± 1.5 ng hour mL-1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hydromorphone administered IV to healthy horses increased HR and SAP, decreased abdominal borborygmi and did not affect fecal output.

Cardiopulmonary effects and recovery characteristics of horses anesthetized with xylazine-ketamine with midazolam or propofol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cardiopulmonary and recovery characteristics of horses administered total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with xylazine and ketamine combined with midazolam or propofol. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized crossover study. ANIMALS: A group of eight adult horses, aged 7-22 years, weighing 493-740 kg. METHODS: Horses were administered xylazine (1 mg kg-1) intravenously (IV), and anesthesia was induced with ketamine (2.2 mg kg-1) IV. Anesthesia was maintained for 45 minutes via IV infusion of xylazine (0.016 mg kg-1 minute-1) and ketamine (0.03 mg kg-1 minute-1) combined with midazolam at 0.002 mg kg-1 minute-1 (MKX), propofol at 0.05 mg kg-1 minute-1 (PKXlow) or propofol at 0.1 mg kg-1 minute-1 (PKXhigh). Additional ketamine was administered if a horse moved spontaneously. Cardiopulmonary variables, blood gases, lactate concentration, packed cell volume and total solids were recorded before sedation (baseline), at 10, 20, 30 and 45 minutes during TIVA and 10 minutes after standing. Recovery variables and quantitative recovery scores were compared. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Additional ketamine was required for 50% of MKX horses. Systolic arterial pressure was elevated in MKX at 20 minutes compared with baseline (p = 0.043), at 10 and 20 minutes compared with PKXhigh (p = 0.007, p = 0.024) and at 20 and 30 minutes compared with PKXlow (p = 0.009, p = 0.02). MKX horses (5/8) were hypertensive compared with PKXlow (1/8; p = 0.017). All horses became hypoxemic (PaO2 ≤80 mmHg; 10.7 kPa) during TIVA. Recovery variables did not differ among treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PKXlow and PKXhigh had similar cardiopulmonary and recovery performance compared with MKX. PKX combinations provided superior quality of anesthesia to that of MKX. A combination of propofol, ketamine and xylazine administered as TIVA can be used in horses to provide anesthesia for short procedures. Supplemental oxygen is recommended.

Effects of intravenous terbutaline on heart rate, arterial pressure and blood gases in anesthetized horses breathing air.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intravenous (IV) administration of terbutaline on PaO2, PaCO2, pH, heart rate (HR) and arterial pressures in healthy, laterally recumbent horses breathing ambient air under total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: Eight healthy adult horses were enrolled. Six horses, four mares and two geldings weighing 433-624 kg, completed the study. METHODS: Horses were sedated with xylazine (1.0 mg kg-1) IV for placement of arterial and venous catheters. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.1 mg kg-1) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg-1) IV and maintained with an IV infusion of guaifenesin (50 mg mL-1), ketamine (2 mg mL-1) and xylazine (0.5 mg mL-1) at 1.9 ± 0.3 mL kg-1 hour-1. Horses were in left lateral recumbency and breathed air spontaneously. Arterial blood was collected for pH and blood gas analysis during xylazine sedation, 15 minutes after induction of anesthesia, immediately before and 5, 15 and 30 minutes after administration of terbutaline (2 µg kg-1), and when the horse was standing after recovery from anesthesia. HR, systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures were recorded at 5 minute intervals during anesthesia. Normal data were analyzed with anova and non-normal data were analyzed with a Friedman test with a p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean PaO2 decreased from baseline to <60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) during anesthesia (p < 0.0001) and did not improve after administration of terbutaline. After terbutaline administration, HR increased (p = 0.002), and SAP, MAP and DAP decreased (p < 0.001) with the greatest changes occurring immediately after terbutaline administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Terbutaline (2 µg kg-1) IV did not improve PaO2 and was associated with adverse cardiovascular effects during TIVA in healthy, laterally recumbent horses breathing air.

Diagnostic Imaging of the Lower Respiratory Tract in Neonatal Foals: Radiography and Computed Tomography.

Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and monitoring of lower respiratory disease in neonatal foals. Radiography is most widely available to equine practitioners and is the primary modality that has been used for the characterization of respiratory disease in foals. Computed tomography imaging, although still limited in availability to the general practitioner, offers advantages over radiography and has been used diagnostically in neonatal foals with respiratory disease. Recognition of appropriate imaging protocols and patient-associated artifacts is critical for accurate image interpretation regardless of the modality used.

Update on interstitial pneumonia.

Interstitial pneumonias encompass a wide variety of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and include the specific diseases equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis and acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress. These diseases have been diagnosed in all age groups of horses, and numerous agents have been identified as potential causes of interstitial pneumonia. Despite the varied causes, interstitial pneumonia is uniformly recognized by the severity of respiratory disease and often poor clinical outcome. This article reviews the causal agents that have been associated with the development of interstitial pneumonia in horses. Pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options are discussed.

Detection of canine obstructive nasal disease using infrared thermography: A pilot study.

Infrared thermography detects variations in heat signature and is utilized in other species to non-invasively identify respiratory disease. This study aimed to determine if infrared thermography could be used to detect nasal disease in dogs. Eight dogs presenting for nasal disease (ND group) and ten healthy control dogs (C group) were enrolled. Dorsal and rostral images of the nose were acquired using a Fluke TiX580 60Hz thermal imaging camera. Images were analyzed using the accompanying software. Regions of interest were defined over the right and left nasal passages to determine the maximum (max), average (avg), and minimum (min) temperatures. Temperatures were compared between ND and C groups, and correlation to disease state (ND or C) was evaluated. Temperature differences and imaging patterns were subjectively compared with diagnosis based on computed tomography (CT) and histopathology. The ND group consisted of 5 spayed females and 3 neutered males. Clinical sings included unilateral epistaxis (n = 4); bilateral serous discharge and sneezing (n = 1); bilateral mucopurulent discharge, epistaxis, and sneezing (n = 1); unilateral mucoid discharge, epistaxis and sneezing (n = 1); and sneezing and unilateral epistaxis (n = 1). Temperatures were significantly different between ND and C groups on dorsal (max p = <0.001, avg p = 0.001, min p = <0.001) and rostral (max p = <0.001, avg p = <0.001, min p = 0.005) images. Temperature positively correlated to disease status (ND vs C group) in both dorsal and rostral images. Subjective analysis of images allowed correct identification of abnormal or normal 27/36 times. Obstructive nasal disease results in a local temperature increase in the affected nasal passage that can be non-invasively detected by infrared thermography.

Ultrasound dilution cardiac output and echocardiography findings in anesthetized mature alpacas (Vicugna pacos) during normotension, hypotension and hypertension.

Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) have physiologic adaptations to live at high altitude. These adaptations may result in unexpected responses to changes in cardiac performance and blood pressure during general anesthesia. There are few studies evaluating cardiovascular variables in anesthetized alpacas. The purpose of this study was to report cardiovascular performance in anesthetized mature alpacas during normotension, hypotension, and hypertension using ultrasound dilution and echocardiography. Six adult alpacas, 3 females and 3 castrated males, weighing 62.6 to 88.7 kg were anesthetized and maintained with isoflurane and placed in right lateral recumbency. Each alpaca underwent ultrasound dilution and echocardiography measurements during three cardiovascular phases, normotension, hypotension via increased isoflurane concentration, and hypertension via phenylephrine infusion. Variables were analyzed with a Friedman test and a post hoc Dunn's test when significant. A p < 0.05 was used for significance. Cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, stroke volume, total ejection fraction, left ventricular internal diameter during diastole, and total stroke volume indexed to body weight were greater for hypertension compared to hypotension. Total ejection fraction, stroke volume, and left ventricular ejection time were greater for hypertions compared to normotension. There was no difference between ultrasound dilution and echocardiography determined cardiac output measurements within each cardiovascular phase. Phenylephrine appeared to have increased ventricular performance and/or increased preload in anesthetized, mature alpacas. For detecting change in cardiovascular status in anesthetized alpacas, ultrasound dilution and echocardiography may be useful.

Evaluation of Nasal Oxygen Administration at Various Flow Rates and Concentrations in Conscious, Standing Adult Horses.

This study evaluated the effects of various flow rates and fractions of oxygen on arterial blood gas parameters and on the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) delivered to the distal trachea. Oxygen was administered to 6 healthy, conscious, standing, adult horses via single nasal cannula positioned within the nasopharynx. Three flow rates (5, 15, 30 L/min) and fractions of oxygen (21, 50, 100%) were delivered for 15 minutes, each in a randomized order. FIO2 was measured at the level of the nares and distal trachea. Adverse reactions were not observed with any flow rate. FIO2 (nares and trachea) and PaO2 increased with increasing flow rate and fraction of oxygen (P < .0001). FIO2 (trachea) was significantly less than FIO2 (nares) at 50% and 100% oxygen at all flow rates (P < .0001). Differences in PaO2 were not observed between 100% oxygen-5L/min and 50% oxygen-15L/min and or between 100% oxygen-15L/min and 50% oxygen-30L/min. Tracheal FIO2 for 100% oxygen-15L/min was increased compared to 50% oxygen-30L/min (P < .0001). Respiratory rate, ETCO2, PaCO2, and pH did not differ between treatments. Administration of 50% oxygen via nasal cannula at 15 and 30 L/min effectively increased in PaO2 and was well tolerated in conscious, standing, healthy horses. While these results can be used guide therapy in hypoxemic horses, evaluation of the administration of 50% oxygen to horses with respiratory disease is warranted.

The Effect of Inhaled Albuterol on PaO2 in Anesthetized Horses Receiving a FiO2 of 0.5 or >0.95.

Impairment of oxygen uptake can occur during general anesthesia in horses resulting in hypoxemia. Multiple treatments have been investigated for correction of hypoxemia with varying levels of success. In clinical trials, albuterol, a short-acting ß2 adrenergic agonist, improved arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) in anesthetized horses unresponsive to adjustments in mechanical ventilation and administration of positive inotropic drugs. However, controlled studies comparing the magnitude of change and duration of effect of albuterol on PaO2 in healthy, nonhypoxemic anesthetized horses are lacking. In a prospective study, 14 horses were anesthetized and received a FiO2 of 0.5 (n = 7) or > 0.95 (n = 7). Horses were maintained on isoflurane and mechanically ventilated. After 15 minutes, baseline PaO2 was determined. Within each FiO2 group, five horses were administered inhaled albuterol (2 µg/kg) and two horses received no treatment. At 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes after baseline, PaO2 was measured. Data for horses that received albuterol were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance with significance at P < .05. Horses that received albuterol had an increase in PaO2 for at least 40 minutes after baseline. Albuterol administered via inhalation, was associated with an increased PaO2 of at least 40 minutes compared to baseline in healthy, nonhypoxemic horses undergoing anesthesia at similar depth, using a FiO2 of 0.5 and > 0.95. Side effects were mild and consisted of increased heart rate and sweating. Albuterol administered at 2 µg/kg via inhalation may be useful for increasing PaO2 in anesthetized horses.

Effects of a single dose of orally and rectally administered misoprostol in an in vivo endotoxemia model in healthy adult horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe misoprostol pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory efficacy when administered orally or per rectum in endotoxin-challenged horses. ANIMALS: 6 healthy geldings. PROCEDURES: A randomized 3-treatment crossover design was performed with a minimum washout period of 28 days between treatment arms. Prior to endotoxin challenge (lipopolysaccharide, 30 ng/kg IV over 30 minutes), horses received misoprostol (5 µg/kg once) per os (M-PO) or per rectum (M-PR) or water as control (CON). Clinical parameters were evaluated and blood samples obtained to measure plasma misoprostol free acid concentration, leukocyte counts, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) leukocyte gene expression and serum concentrations. RESULTS: In the M-PO treatment arm, maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration-versus-time curve (mean ± SD) were higher (5,209 ± 3,487 pg/mL and 17,998,254 ± 13,194,420 h·pg/mL, respectively) and median (interquartile range) time to maximum concentration (25 min [18 to 34 min]) was longer than in the M-PR treatment arm (854 ± 855 pg/mL; 644,960 ± 558,866 h·pg/mL; 3 min [3 to 3.5 min]). Significant differences in clinical parameters, leukocyte counts, and TNFα or IL-6 gene expression or serum protein concentration were not detected. Downregulation of relative gene expression was appreciated for individual horses in the M-PO and M-PR treatment arms at select time points. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considerable variability in measured parameters was detected among horses within and between treatment arms. Misoprostol absorption and systemic exposure after PO administration differed from previous reports in horses not administered LPS. Investigation of multidose administration of misoprostol is warranted to better evaluate efficacy as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic.

Meningitis After Tooth Extraction and Sinus Lavage in a Horse.

A five-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of chronic, malodorous, unilateral nasal discharge, and suspected maxillary cheek tooth root abscess. Skull radiographs revealed bilateral sinusitis suspected secondary to tooth root abscessation of 109 and 210. Following oral extraction of 109, bilateral conchofrontal sinus trephination and lavage; fever, tachycardia, and cervical stiffness developed. A lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid tap was performed, and a presumptive diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was made. Targeted therapy consisted of antibiotic treatment with penicillin, enrofloxacin, and metronidazole, as well as antiinflammatory treatment with flunixin meglumine, dexamethasone, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Following the resolution of fever, tachycardia, and cervical stiffness, the second abscessed tooth, 210, was extracted. The mare was discharged receiving enrofloxacin. Twelve months later, the mare continued to do well with no residual signs of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis should be regarded as a life-threatening, although rare, the complication of dental or sinus surgery in horses. Early diagnosis and therapy may result in a successful outcome.

Quantitative assessment of left ventricular volume and function by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, ultrasound velocity dilution, and gated magnetic resonance imaging in healthy foals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare measurements of left ventricular volume and function derived from 2-D transthoracic echocardiography (2DE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and the ultrasound velocity dilution cardiac output method (UDCO) with those derived from cardiac MRI (cMRI) in healthy neonatal foals. ANIMALS: 6 healthy 1-week-old Standardbred foals. PROCEDURES: Foals were anesthetized and underwent 2DE, TEE, and cMRI; UDCO was performed simultaneously with 2DE. Images acquired by 2DE included the right parasternal 4-chamber (R4CH), left apical 4- and 2-chamber (biplane), and right parasternal short-axis M-mode (M-mode) views. The longitudinal 4-chamber view was obtained by TEE. Measurements assessed included left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), ejection fraction, stroke volume (LVSV), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac index (CI). Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare measurements derived from biplane, R4CH, and M-mode images and UDCO with cMRI-derived measurements. Repeatability of measurements calculated by 3 independent reviewers was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Compared with cMRI, all 2DE and TEE modalities underestimated LVEDV and LVESV and overestimated ejection fraction, CO, and CI. The LVSV was underestimated by the biplane, R4CH, and TEE modalities and overestimated by UDCO and M-mode methods. However, the R4CH-derived LVSV, CO, and CI were clinically comparable to cMRI-derived measures. Repeatability was good to excellent for measures derived from the biplane, R4CH, M-mode, UDCO, and cMRI methods and poor for TEE-derived measures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All assessed modalities yielded clinically acceptable measurements of LVEDV, LVESV, and function, but those measurements should not be used interchangeably when monitoring patient progress.

Clinical Feasibility and Airway Deposition of Nebulized Voriconazole in Healthy Horses.

Voriconazole (VRC) is a potential treatment for pneumomycosis in horses. The objectives of this study were to determine if the delivery of Vfend using a Flexineb nebulizer produced clinically significant [VRC] in lower airways. The hypothesis was that [VRC] after delivery by nebulization would be greater in the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid than plasma. A secondary objective was to determine [VRC] in upper airways through the collection of nasopharyngeal wash (NPW) samples. Voriconazole solution [Vfend-6.25 mg/mL, 100 (n = 2), 200 (n = 3), 500 (n = 1) mg] was nebulized once in 6 healthy geldings. Clinical responses, duration of nebulization, and [VRC] at various time points (up to 8 hours) in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatant and cell pellet, and NPW samples were recorded. Voriconazole (Vfend-6.25 mg/mL, 200 mg) was nebulized in 5 additional, healthy geldings, and [VRC] was measured in NPW samples pre- and postnebulization at time points up to 8 hours. The antifungal activity of BALF and NPW samples was determined using agar disk diffusion. Concentrations of voriconazole were below detection in plasma, BALF supernatant, and cell pellets for all time points and doses except the BALF cell pellet (0.4 µg/g) immediately after nebulization of 500 mg. For 5 horses, administered 200 mg of Vfend, mean [VCR] in NPW at the end of nebulization and 1, 6, and 8 hours postnebulization were: 30.8 ± 29, 1.0 ± 0.84, 0.2 ± 0.19, and 0.34 ± 0.67 µg/mL, respectively. Only NPW samples obtained immediately postnebulization showed antifungal activity. A nebulized Vfend solution is not recommended for the treatment of pneumomycosis in horses.

Cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in healthy anesthetized alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cardiopulmonary effects of dobutamine and norepinephrine infusion in isoflurane-anesthetized healthy alpacas. ANIMALS: 8 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Initial baseline cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic variables were obtained 30 minutes after induction of isoflurane anesthesia in 8 alpacas (3 females and 5 sexually intact males). Four treatments (dobutamine at 4 and 8 microg/kg/min and norepinephrine at 0.3 and 1 microg/kg/min) were administered in random order via constant rate infusion over 15 minutes, followed by repeat measurements of cardiopulmonary values and a 20-minute washout period. Subsequent baseline and posttreatment measurements were similarly repeated until both drugs and dosages were administered to each animal. Baseline data in awake alpacas were obtained 18 to 24 hours following recovery from anesthesia. RESULTS: Both dobutamine and norepinephrine significantly increased cardiac index and arterial blood pressure from baseline values. Similar increases in hemoglobin concentration, oxygen content, and oxygen delivery were observed following administration of each drug at either dosage. Only dobutamine, however, reduced relative oxygen consumption while improving overall tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, heart rate was selectively enhanced by dobutamine and systemic vascular resistance by norepinephrine. Norepinephrine infusion resulted in dose-dependent changes in cardiopulmonary variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that both dobutamine and norepinephrine were appropriate choices to improve cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, and overall oxygen delivery in alpacas with isoflurane-induced hypotension. Careful titration by use of low infusion rates of dobutamine and norepinephrine is recommended to avoid potential arrhythmogenic effects and excessive vasoconstriction, respectively.

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally and rectally administered misoprostol in adult horses.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of a clinically relevant dose of misoprostol administered PO or per rectum (PR) to horses. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES: In a randomized 3-way crossover design, horses received a single dose of misoprostol (5 µg/kg) administered PO (with horses fed and unfed) and PR, with a minimum 3-week washout period separating the experimental conditions. Blood samples were obtained before and at various points after drug administration (total, 24 hours), and plasma concentrations of misoprostol free acid were measured. RESULTS: Mean maximum plasma concentration of misoprostol was significantly higher in the PR condition (mean ± SD, 967 ± 492 pg/mL) and unfed PO condition (655 ± 259 pg/mL) than in the fed PO condition (352 ± 109 pg/mL). Mean area under the concentration-versus-time curve was significantly lower in the PR condition (219 ± 131 pg•h/mL) than in the unfed (1,072 ± 360 pg•h/mL) and fed (518 ± 301 pg•h/mL) PO conditions. Mean time to maximum concentration was ≤ 30 minutes for all conditions. Mean disappearance half-life was shortest in the PR condition (21 ± 29 minutes), compared with values for the unfed (170 ± 129 minutes) and fed (119 ± 51 minutes) PO conditions. No adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Misoprostol was rapidly absorbed and eliminated regardless of whether administered PO or PR to horses. Rectal administration may be a viable alternative for horses that cannot receive misoprostol PO, but this route may require more frequent administration to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations.

Viral testing of 18 consecutive cases of equine serum hepatitis: A prospective study (2014-2018).

BACKGROUND: Three flaviviruses (equine pegivirus [EPgV]; Theiler's disease-associated virus [TDAV]; non-primate hepacivirus [NPHV]) and equine parvovirus (EqPV-H) are present in equine blood products; the TDAV, NPHV, and EqPV-H have been suggested as potential causes of serum hepatitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of these viruses in horses with equine serum hepatitis. ANIMALS: Eighteen horses diagnosed with serum hepatitis, enrolled from US referral hospitals. METHODS: In the prospective case study, liver, serum, or both samples were tested for EPgV, TDAV, NPHV, and EqPV-H by PCR. RESULTS: Both liver tissue and serum were tested for 6 cases, serum only for 8 cases, and liver only for 4 cases. Twelve horses received tetanus antitoxin (TAT) 4-12.7 weeks (median = 8 weeks), 3 horses received commercial equine plasma 6-8.6 weeks, and 3 horses received allogenic stem cells 6.4-7.6 weeks before the onset of hepatic failure. All samples were TDAV negative. Two of 14 serum samples were NPHV-positive. Six of 14 serum samples were EPgV-positive. All liver samples were NPHV-negative and EPgV-negative. EqPV-H was detected in the serum (N = 8), liver (N = 4), or both samples (N = 6) of all 18 cases. The TAT of the same lot number was available for virologic testing in 10 of 12 TAT-associated cases, and all 10 samples were EqPV-H positive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We demonstrated EqPV-H in 18 consecutive cases of serum hepatitis. EPgV, TDAV, and NPHV were not consistently present. This information should encourage blood product manufacturers to test for EqPV-H and eliminate EqPV-H-infected horses from their donor herds.

Respiratory mechanics in sedated and nonsedated adult llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the use of noninvasive pulmonary function testing in sedated and nonsedated llamas and establish reference range parameters of respiratory mechanical function. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult llamas. PROCEDURES: Pulmonary function testing in llamas included the following: measurement of functional residual capacity (FRC) via helium dilution, respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) to assess breathing pattern and flow limitations, esophageal-balloon pneumotachography, and a monofrequency forced oscillatory technique (FOT; 1 to 7 Hz) before and after IM administration of xylazine (0.2 mg/kg). RESULTS: The following mean +/- SD measurements of respiratory function were obtained in nonsedated llamas: FRC (5.60 +/- 1.24 L), tidal volume (1.03 +/- 0.3 L), dynamic compliance (0.83 +/- 0.4 L/cm H(2)O), pulmonary resistance (R(L); 1.42 +/- 0.54 cm H(2)O/L/s), and respiratory system resistance (2.4 +/- 0.9, 2.3 +/- 0.7, 2.2 +/- 0.6, 2.7 +/- 0.7, and 2.5 +/- 0.5 cm H(2)O/L/s at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 Hz, respectively) by use of FOT. Measurements of flow limitations via RIP were comparable to other species. Sedation with xylazine induced significant increases in R(L) and maximum change in transpulmonary pressure. Following sedation, a mean 127% increase in R(L) and mean 116% increase in respiratory system resistance were observed across 1 to 7 Hz. The magnitude of change in respiratory system resistance increased with decreasing impulse frequency, suggesting bronchoconstriction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Noninvasive pulmonary function testing is well tolerated in untrained unsedated llamas. These techniques have clinical applications in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract disease, although testing should not be performed after sedation with xylazine.

Comparison of jugular and transverse facial venous sinus blood analytes in healthy and critically ill adult horses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare blood gas, electrolyte, and metabolic analysis results between blood obtained by jugular and transverse facial venous sinus (TFVS) venipuncture in healthy adult horses and sick adult horses presented for emergency evaluation. DESIGN: Prospective, experimental study, from June 2012 to October 2013. SETTING: Large animal university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Ten healthy adult University-owned horses and 48 client-owned adult horses (≥2 years old) presenting to the large animal hospital emergency service for medical or surgical evaluation of systemic illness. INTERVENTIONS: Venipunctures (jugular vein [JV] and TFVS) were performed using preheparinized syringes and obtained prior to institution of medical therapy. Samples were analyzed in random order within a 10-minute interval using a point-of-care blood gas analyzer (NOVA Critical Care Xpress) that also reports electrolyte and metabolite results. Comparisons between venipuncture sites were analyzed using the Student's paired t-test for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon paired test for nonnormally distributed data. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess agreement between venipuncture sites. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences found between variables for JV and TFVS in healthy horses. In sick horses, JV measurements were greater than TFVS for ionized calcium (P = 0.002) and glucose (P = 0.001), and less than TFVS for hematocrit (P = 0.015). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated small biases but overall agreement between sites. CONCLUSIONS: The TFVS can be used interchangeably with JV for venous blood gas analysis in healthy horses. In sick horses, identified differences were small and likely not clinically important. The reliability of this point-of-care blood gas analyzer for measurement of hematocrit remains to be determined.