The impact of therapeutic-dose induced intestinal enrofloxacin concentrations in healthy pigs on fecal Escherichia coli populations.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of therapy-induced intestinal tract concentrations of antimicrobials allows for interpretation and prediction of antimicrobial resistance selection within the intestinal microbiota. This study describes the impact of three different doses of enrofloxacin (ENR) and two different administration routes on the intestinal concentration of ENR and on the fecal Escherichia coli populations in pigs. Enrofloxacin was administered on three consecutive days to four different treatment groups. The groups either received an oral bolus administration of ENR (conventional or half dose) or an intramuscular administration (conventional or double dose). RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of fecal samples showed high ENR concentrations in all groups, ranging from 5.114 ± 1.272 µg/g up to 39.54 ± 10.43 µg/g at the end of the treatment period. In addition, analysis of the luminal intestinal content revealed an increase of ENR concentration from the proximal to the distal intestinal tract segments, with no significant effect of administration route. Fecal samples were also screened for resistance in E. coli isolates against ENR. Wild-type (MIC≤0.125 µg/mL) and non-wild-type (0.125 < MIC≤2 µg/mL) E. coli isolates were found at time 0 h. At the end of treatment (3 days) only non-wild-type isolates (MIC≥32 µg/mL) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the observed intestinal ENR concentrations in all groups showed to be both theoretically (based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles) and effectively (in vivo measurement) capable of significantly reducing the intestinal E. coli wild-type population.

Using domperidone to induce and sustain hyperprolactinemia in late-pregnant gilts.

Prolactin controls mammary development as well as the lactogenic and galactopoietic processes in sows and increasing prolactin during gestation can augment milk yield. The dopamine receptor antagonist domperidone can increase circulating prolactin concentrations in pigs, but the ideal dose to achieve sustained hyperprolactinemia remains unknown. An experiment was performed to develop a protocol for using domperidone in studies of rapid and sustained hyperprolactinemia in late-pregnant gilts. On day 90 of gestation, gilts were divided into 4 groups: (1) intramuscular (IM) injections of canola oil (3 mL, controls [CTL], n = 9), (2) IM injections with 0.1 mg/kg BW of domperidone (low [LO], n = 8), (3) IM injections with 0.5 mg/kg BW of domperidone (medium [ME], n = 11), and (4) IM injections with 1.0 mg/kg BW of domperidone (high [HI], n = 11). Injections were given daily at 8:05 from days 90 to 109 of gestation. Treated gilts also received domperidone per os (0.5 mg/kg BW) at 8:00 and 20:00 on days 89, 90, and 91 of gestation. Three jugular blood samples were collected from all gilts at 6-h intervals on days 89, 90, and 91 of gestation, then twice daily on days 92, 93, and 94. Thereafter, samples were obtained at 8:00 every other day until day 114 of gestation. Blood was sampled serially from 9 CTL and 11 HI gilts on days 89 and 94 of gestation. On day 89 of gestation, prolactin concentrations for LO, ME, and HI gilts increased within 6 h of domperidone per os (P < 0.001). From days 89 until 93 of gestation, the area under the curve (AUC) for LO, ME, and HI gilts was greater than that for CTL gilts (P < 0.001), whereas from days 89 until 114, ME and HI gilts had greater AUC than CTL and LO gilts (P < 0.05). Results demonstrate that the combination of per os treatment with IM injections of 0.5 mg/kg of domperidone in an oil emulsion leads to the rapid and sustained release of prolactin over 24 d in late-pregnant gilts. Higher doses of domperidone failed to further increase circulating prolactin levels. These findings provide a useful strategy to induce sustained hyperprolactinemia in late-pregnant gilts.

Two-point ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane injection in canine cadavers - a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the spread of a two-point transversus abdominis plane (TAP) injection in canine cadavers. Compared with previous techniques, the two-point TAP injection was developed to increase the consistency of local anaesthetic spread to the nerve segments T11, T12, L1, L2 and L3. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Five fresh canine cadavers. METHODS: Two-point TAP injections were performed under ultrasound guidance by a single trained individual in canine cadavers (15.7-43.0 kg). Each hemi-abdomen was infiltrated and evaluated independently for a total of 10 evaluations of the technique. The first injection was performed at the level of the costo-chondral junction of the thirteenth rib, and the second injection was performed cranial to the tuber coxae. Each injection comprised 0.3 mL kg-1 methylene blue solution (0.0015 mg mL-1). Ten minutes after the injections, abdominal wall dissection was performed, and any nerves stained for a minimum of 10 mm along their long axis were identified and recorded. RESULTS: During all injections, separation of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles was observed on ultrasound. On dissection, branches of T12, T13, L1, L2 and L3 were adequately stained in 30%, 100%, 100%, 90% and 90% of injections, respectively. No staining of branches of T11 occurred in any of the cadavers. In one hemi-abdomen, branches of L1 and L3, but not L2, were stained. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study indicates that the two-point TAP injection delivers consistent dye dispersion to adequately stain branches of T13, L1, L2 and L3, with no coverage of T11 and poor coverage of T12, in fresh canine cadavers. An in vivo study using local anaesthetic should be performed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of this technique in mid to caudal abdominal surgeries.

Effect of dietary supplements of biotin, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12, or both on postpartum lactation performance in multiparous dairy cows.

The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of biotin, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 (VB12), or both beginning at the prepartum period on feed intake and lactation performance in postpartum dairy cows. Forty-eight dairy cows were allocated into 12 blocks, based on parity and milk yield of the previous lactation cycle, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. Supplementation of VB12 (weekly intramuscular injections of 0 or 10 mg) and biotin (dietary supplements of 0 or 30 mg/d) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design of 12 blocks with repeated measures. The study started at 3 wk before the expected calving date and ended at 8 wk after calving. Feed intake and lactation performance (milk yield and composition) were recorded weekly after calving. Blood variables were measured on d -10, 0, 8, 15, 29, 43, and 57 relative to calving. When VB12 was given, the cows had greater feed intake, better lactation performance and lower body weight loss in the postpartum period compared with animals without injection of VB12. The VB12-injected cows had lower plasma nonesterified fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations but higher plasma superoxide dismutase activity compared with cows without VB12. Cows fed a biotin supplement had higher milk protein yield (6 and 8 wk) and lactose yield (6-8 wk), compared with animals without biotin. However, under the present experimental conditions, we found no additive effect of a combined supplement of biotin and vitamin B12 on lactation performance of dairy cows.

Peripherally injected ghrelin and leptin reduce food hoarding and mass gain in the coal tit (Periparus ater).

In birds little is known about the hormonal signals that communicate nutritional state to the brain and regulate appetitive behaviours. In mammals, the peptide hormones ghrelin and leptin elevate and inhibit consumption and food hoarding, respectively. But in birds, administration of both ghrelin and leptin inhibit food consumption. The role of these hormones in the regulation of food hoarding in avian species has not been examined. To investigate this, we injected wild caught coal tits (Periparus ater) with leptin, high-dose ghrelin, low-dose ghrelin and a saline control in the laboratory. We then measured food hoarding and mass gain, as a proxy of food consumption, every 20 min for 2 h post-injection. Both high-dose ghrelin and leptin injections significantly reduced hoarding and mass gain compared with controls. Our results provide the first evidence that hoarding behaviour can be reduced by both leptin and ghrelin in a wild bird. These findings add to evidence that the hormonal control of food consumption and hoarding in avian species differs from that in mammals. Food hoarding and consumptive behaviours consistently show the same response to peripheral signals of nutritional state, suggesting that the hormonal regulation of food hoarding has evolved from the consumption regulatory system.

Ultrasound-guided lateral and subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in calves: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and assess the ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block feasibility in calf cadavers, to compare two injection volumes and to evaluate possible undesired solution spreads. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive, anatomic study. ANIMALS: A group of 15 bovine cadavers weighing 47±11 kg (mean±standard deviation). METHODS: Lateral (n = 24) and subcostal (n = 12) TAP block approaches were assessed. For each approach, two volumes (0.2 or 0.4 mL kg-1) of toluidine blue and contrast medium were injected using both sides of the animals. Nerve staining was assessed by anatomical dissection and spread of injectate by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Objective and subjective technique feasibility was evaluated by a specific score (poor, good, excellent). RESULTS: Using the lateral approach, 58%, 92% and 25% and 75%, 83% and 25% of the thirteenth thoracic, first and second lumbar nerves were stained by 0.2 and 0.4 mL kg-1, respectively. Craniocaudal and dorsoventral solution spread and number of blocks that adequately stained an individual nerve were not significantly different between the volumes. Using the subcostal approach, 67%, 83%, 67%, 67% and 50%, and 83%, 100%, 83%, 83% and 50% of the eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth thoracic nerves were stained by 0.2 and 0.4 mL kg-1, respectively. With both techniques, no intraspinal and one intraperitoneal spread were observed. Objective and subjective feasibility score was excellent for both approaches in the majority of the cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TAP injections were easy to perform with both techniques in calf cadavers. The volume of injectate did not influence spread. The authors conclude that a combination of the two approaches is necessary, but perhaps not sufficient, to stain all of the nerves innervating the ventral abdominal wall. Further studies are required to refine the technique and evaluate its efficacy in preventing nociception in calves.

Decreased STEC shedding by cattle following passive and active vaccination based on recombinant Escherichia coli Shiga toxoids.

The principal virulence factor of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), the eponymous Stx, modulates cellular immune responses in cattle, the primary STEC reservoir. We examined whether immunization with genetically inactivated recombinant Shiga toxoids (rStx1MUT/rStx2MUT) influences STEC shedding in a calf cohort. A group of 24 calves was passively (colostrum from immunized cows) and actively (intra-muscularly at 5th and 8th week) vaccinated. Twenty-four calves served as unvaccinated controls (fed with low anti-Stx colostrum, placebo injected). Each group was divided according to the vitamin E concentration they received by milk replacer (moderate and high supplemented). The effective transfer of Stx-neutralizing antibodies from dams to calves via colostrum was confirmed by Vero cell assay. Serum antibody titers in calves differed significantly between the vaccinated and the control group until the 16th week of life. Using the expression of activation marker CD25 on CD4+CD45RO+ cells and CD8αhiCD45RO+ cells as flow cytometry based read-out, cells from vaccinated animals responded more pronounced than those of control calves to lysates of STEC and E. coli strains isolated from the farm as well as to rStx2MUT in the 16th week. Summarized for the entire observation period, less fecal samples from vaccinated calves were stx1 and/or stx2 positive than samples from control animals when calves were fed a moderate amount of vitamin E. This study provides first evidence, that transfer to and induction in young calves of Stx-neutralizing antibodies by Shiga toxoid vaccination offers the opportunity to reduce the incidence of stx-positive fecal samples in a calf cohort.

Prospective long-term evaluation of parenteral hydroxocobalamin supplementation in juvenile beagles with selective intestinal cobalamin malabsorption (Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome).

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on maintenance treatment for Beagles with hereditary selective cobalamin (Cbl) malabsorption (Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome, IGS) are lacking. In our experience, measurement of methylmalonic acid (MMA), a Cbl-dependent metabolite, seems more helpful to monitor Cbl status as compared with serum Cbl concentrations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a standardized Cbl supplementation scheme in Beagles with IGS. We hypothesized that a single parenteral dose of 1 mg hydroxocobalamin (OH-Cbl) would maintain clinical and metabolic remission for up to 2 months. ANIMALS: Six client-owned juvenile Beagles with genetically confirmed IGS and 28 healthy control dogs. METHODS: Prospective study. Monthly IM OH-Cbl (1 mg) supplementation was done over a median of 9 months (range, 6-13) in 6 dogs, followed by bimonthly (every 2 months) injections in 5 dogs over a median of 6 months (range, 3-10). Health status was assessed by routine clinical examinations at injection time points and owner observations. Voided urine samples were collected immediately before OH-Cbl injections for measurement of MMA-to-creatinine concentrations using a gas-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. RESULTS: All dogs were clinically healthy while receiving monthly and bimonthly OH-Cbl supplementation. Urinary MMA results in healthy dogs ranged from 1.3 to 76.5 mmol/mol creatinine (median, 2.9). Median urinary MMA concentrations did not differ between dogs with IGS receiving monthly (n = 49; 5.3 mmol/mol creatinine; range, 2.3-50.4) and bimonthly (n = 31; 5.3 mmol/mol creatinine; range, 1.6-50) injections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A maintenance parenteral dose of 1 mg OH-Cbl monthly or bimonthly appears adequate in Beagles with IGS monitored by metabolic testing.

Transversus abdominis plane block in ponies: a preliminary anatomical study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a single-site transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block technique in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, descriptive, experimental anatomical study. ANIMALS: Four adult pony cadavers. METHODS: Freshly euthanized ponies were positioned in dorsal recumbency. A 6-13 MHz linear ultrasonic probe was used to scan the abdominal wall bilaterally midway between the last rib and iliac crest in search of the TAP location. By modifying the technique to accommodate the equine anatomy, the TAP was successfully visualized with the transducer positioned in a transverse plane with its side indicator over the intercept of two lines, one connecting the most cranial aspect of the iliac crest and the most caudal extent of the last rib and another originating just caudal to the umbilicus and extending laterally. Each hemiabdomen was injected with 0.5 mL kg-1 of a 1:1 solution of 1% methylene blue and 0.5% bupivacaine via a 21 gauge 10 cm stimulating needle inserted ventral-dorsally and in plane with the ultrasound beam. Approximately 3 hours after injection, the abdomen was dissected and nerves stained over 1 cm in length were identified. RESULTS: Staining was evident from the fourteenth thoracic (T14) to the third lumbar (L3) nerves. The ventral branches of the fifteenth to the eighteenth thoracic nerves (T15-T18) and first and second lumbar nerves (L1 and L2) were stained in three, six, eight, eight, eight and seven of eight injections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nerves T16-L2 had over 75% success rate in staining, suggesting that this technique would block transmission from T16 to L2, assuming that staining indicates potential nerve block. Dorsal spread occurred in three of eight hemiabdomens. Further studies developing techniques for the cranial abdomen and adjusting volume and concentration of injectate are warranted.

Mineralization in newborn calves contributes to health, improve the antioxidant system and reduces bacterial infections.

The first phase of life of dairy calves has elevated mortality indices linked with low immunity and sanitary challenges, mainly bacterial infections are involved in the pathogenesis of diarrhea, the leading cause of death. Also, other important problem is the nutritional deficiencies, such as the mineral deficiency. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether an intramuscular mineral supplementation based on selenium, copper, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus possess beneficial effects on health of dairy calves. For this, ten calves were divided in two groups: the group A was supplemented with injectable mineral, while the group B was used as control group (without mineral supplementation). The mineral complex was administrated via intramuscularly at dose of 3 mL/animal on days 2 and 14 post-birth. The total blood was collected on days 2, 10, 20 and 30 of life of animals in order to analyze the antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), blood count and seric biochemistry linked with proteic, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Feces samples were also collected on days 10, 20 and 30 of life of animals to perform the total bacterial count, parasitological exam and fecal consistency score. Moreover, the weight and corporal temperature were also evaluated. The mineral supplementation presented beneficial properties to calves from birth to the 30th of life through the increase on activity of antioxidant enzymes, improvement of immunity, and avoiding problems linked with diarrhea and anemia, can be considered an interesting approach to prevent these alterations linked with high mortality in the period of life.

Effects of intramuscularly administered enrofloxacin on the susceptibility of commensal intestinal Escherichia coli in pigs (sus scrofa domestica).

BACKGROUND: In the European Union, various fluoroquinolones are authorised for the treatment of food producing animals. Each administration poses an increased risk of development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of parenteral administration of enrofloxacin on the prevalence of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin susceptibilities in the commensal intestinal E. coli population. METHODS: E. coli isolates from faeces of twelve healthy pigs were included. Six pigs were administered enrofloxacin on day 1 to 3 and after two weeks for further three days. The other pigs formed the control group. MIC values were determined. Virulence and resistance genes were detected by PCR. Phylogenetic grouping was performed by PCR. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were analysed in sedimentation samples by HPLC. RESULTS: Susceptibility shifts in commensal E. coli isolates were determined in both groups. Non-wildtype E. coli could be cultivated from two animals of the experimental group for the first time one week after the first administration and from one animal of the control group on day 28. The environmental load with enrofloxacin in sedimentation samples showed the highest amount between days one and five. The repeated parenteral administration of enrofloxacin to pigs resulted in rapidly increased MIC values (day 28: MIC up to 4 mg/L, day 35: MIC ≥ 32mg/L). E. coli populations of the control group in the same stable without direct contact to the experimental group were affected. CONCLUSION: The parenteral administration of enrofloxacin to piglets considerably reduced the number of the susceptible intestinal E. coli population which was replaced by E. coli strains with increased MIC values against enrofloxacin. Subsequently also pigs of the control were affected suggesting a transferability of strains from the experimental group through the environment to the control group especially as we could isolate the same PFGE strains from both pig groups and the environment.

Effects of a mixture of medetomidine, midazolam and butorphanol on anesthesia and blood biochemistry and the antagonizing action of atipamezole in hamsters.

Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) are useful laboratory rodents for studying human infectious diseases, metabolic diseases and cancer. In other rodents, such as mice and rats, a mixture of medetomidine, midazolam and butorphanol functions as a useful anesthetic, although it alters some blood biochemical parameters. In this study, we examined the effects of this mixture on anesthesia and blood biochemical parameters, and the action of atipamezole, a medetomidine antagonist, in hamsters. Intramuscular injection of a mixture of medetomidine, midazolam and butorphanol at doses of 0.15, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, had a short induction time (within 5 min) and produced an anesthetic duration of approximately 100 min in hamsters. We also demonstrated that 0.15 mg/kg of atipamezole, corresponding to the same dose as medetomidine, made hamsters recover quickly from anesthesia. The anesthetic agent markedly altered metabolic parameters, such as plasma glucose and insulin; however, 0.15 mg/kg of atipamezole returned these levels to normal range within approximately 10 min after the injection. The anesthetic also slightly altered mineral levels, such as plasma inorganic phosphorus, calcium and sodium; the latter two were also improved by atipamezole. Our results indicated that the mixture of medetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol at doses of 0.15, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, functioned as an effective anesthetic, and atipamezole was useful for antagonizing both anesthesia and biochemical alteration in hamsters.

Studies on the antibody response and side effects after intramuscular and intraperitoneal injection of Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) with different oil-based vaccines.

Atlantic lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) is used as a biological delousing agent for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis K.) infestations in Norwegian aquaculture. Here, we present a study on the antibody response and vaccine side effects after intramuscular and intraperitoneal injection of lumpfish with two vaccines. Both vaccines contained bacterial antigens from atypical Aeromonas salmonicida A-layer types V and VI, Vibrio anguillarum serotype O1 and Moritella viscosa sp., but one vaccine contained a vegetable oil-based adjuvant, while the other contained a mineral oil-based adjuvant. Intramuscular injection of the mineral oil-based vaccine caused a high acute mortality of fish within 48 hr after immunization. Intraperitoneal injection of the mineral oil-based vaccine resulted in a lower severity of intra-abdominal side effects than the vegetable oil-based vaccine. Intramuscular injection of the mineral oil-based vaccine resulted in a significantly higher antibody response against A. salmonicida when compared to controls and the vegetable oil-based vaccine group. The antibody response was poor against V. anguillarum and M. viscosa for all groups. Our results indicate that intramuscular injection of oil-based vaccines might be feasible for providing immunological protection for Atlantic lumpfish against bacterial diseases, especially atypical A. salmonicida, but more work is required to identity optimal adjuvants.

Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur sodium in equine pregnancy.

Eleven pregnant pony mares (D270-326) were administered ceftiofur sodium intramuscularly at 2.2 mg/kg (n = 6) or 4.4 mg/kg (n = 5), once daily. Plasma was obtained prior to ceftiofur administration and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hr after administration. Eight pony mares were re-enrolled in the study at least 3 days from expected foaling to ensure steady-state concentrations of drug at the time of foaling. Mares were administered ceftiofur sodium (4.4 mg/kg, IM) daily until foaling. Parturition was induced using oxytocin 1 hr after ceftiofur sodium administration. Allantoic and amniotic fluid, plasma, and colostrum samples were collected at time of foaling. Serial foal plasma samples were obtained. Placental tissues were collected. Desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (DCA) concentrations were measured in samples by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean (±SD) peak serum concentrations of DCA were 3.97 ± 0.50 µg/ml (low dose) and 7.45 ± 1.05 µg/ml (high dose). Terminal half-life was significantly (p = .014) shorter after administration of the low dose (2.91 ± 0.59 hr) than after administration of the high dose (4.10 ± 0.72 hr). The mean serum concentration of DCA from mares at time of foaling was 7.96 ± 1.39 µg/ml. The mean DCA concentration in colostrum was 1.39 ± 0.70 µg/ml. DCA concentrations in allantoic fluid, amniotic fluid, placental tissues, and foal plasma were below the limit of quantification (<0.1 µg/ml) and below the minimum inhibitory concentration of ceftiofur against relevant pathogens. These results infer incomplete passage of DCA across fetal membranes after administration of ceftiofur sodium to normal pony mares.

Effects of intramuscular injections of folic acid, vitamin B12, or both, on lactational performance and energy status of multiparous dairy cows.

The purpose of this experiment was to gain understanding on changes in energy partitioning when folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements, alone or combined, were given by weekly intramuscular injections from 3 wk before the expected calving date until 7 wk postpartum. Twenty-four multiparous cows were assigned to 6 blocks of 4 cows each according to previous 305-d lactation yield to either 0 or 320 mg of folic acid and 0 or 10 mg of vitamin B12 in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Plasma concentration of folates was increased by folic acid supplement, and this increase was greater with the combined supplement. Vitamin B12 supplement increased plasma concentration of vitamin B12. Even though postpartum energy balance was similar among treatments, postpartum body condition score was higher for cows receiving folic acid supplement compared with cows that did not. Milk yield of cows receiving folic acid supplement reached a plateau earlier than for cows that did not. Fat and protein, as well as total solid concentrations and yields, were unaffected by treatments. Postpartum plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were higher and postpartum plasma concentration of nonesterified fatty acids was lower for cows that received weekly folic acid supplement compared with cows that did not. Plasma concentration of methylmalonic acid was low and unaffected by treatments, suggesting that vitamin B12 supply was not limiting, even for unsupplemented cows. Postpartum plasma concentrations of Cys, His, Phe, and Tyr were increased, whereas plasma concentration of Gly was decreased, by folic acid supplement. In the present study, supplementary folic acid altered energy partitioning in early lactation as suggested by similar milk total solid yield and postpartum energy balance, lower plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration and body condition score losses, and higher plasma glucose and insulin concentrations for cows receiving folic acid supplement compared with cows that did not.

Effects of dexmedetomidine administered at acupuncture point GV20 compared to intramuscular route in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative effects produced by dexmedetomidine in dogs, administered either intramuscularly or into the Governing Vessel 20 acupuncture point. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six dogs were sedated with 125 µg/m2 dexmedetomidine injected either intramuscularly in the gluteal muscles or subcutaneously into the acupuncture point and in random order. Sedation and analgesia were assessed blindly before and after treatments at regular intervals for 90 minutes or until the dogs fully recovered. Duration and quality of sedation were assessed with a numerical sedation rating scale and a dynamic and interactive visual analogue scale. Analgesia was also assessed with a numerical rating scale. Heart and respiratory rates and rectal temperatures were recorded. RESULTS: Sedative and analgesic scores were significantly increased when dexmedetomidine was administered at the Governing Vessel 20 acupuncture point compared with the routine intramuscular route. Duration of sedation was longer in the acupuncture site injection group compared to the intramuscular group (93 ±38 and 41 ±16 minutes). Bradycardia was significantly more pronounced in the acupuncture site group than the intramuscular group, whereas respiratory rates and rectal temperatures did not differ between administration routes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Administration at the Governing Vessel 20 acupuncture point increased the duration and degree of sedation and analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine compared with the intramuscular route.

Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids on cellular immune response of piglets after cyclosporin A injection.

The present study investigated the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the cellular immune response of piglets after cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment. The experimental study had a 2×2 factorial design, and the main factors consisted of diets (0% or 2% CLA) and immunosuppression treatments (CsA or saline injection). CsA injection significantly increased feed : gain (F : G) of piglets (P<0.05); however, dietary CLA significantly decreased F : G of piglets (P<0.05). Dietary CLA partly ameliorated the deterioration of the feed conversion rate caused by CsA treatment (P<0.01). CsA treatment significantly decreased the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the thymus (P<0.01). Dietary CLA increased the percentages of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive and CD8+ single-positive T lymphocytes in the thymus (P<0.05), and had the trend to inhibit the decrease of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the thymus after CsA injection (P=0.07). CsA treatment significantly depleted the peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes (P<0.01). Dietary CLA significantly increased the number of peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production (P<0.05), and inhibited the decreases of peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes counts (P<0.01) as well as IL-2 production (P<0.05) after CsA treatment. Dietary CLA partly rescued the decrease of lymphocyte proliferation after CsA injection (P<0.05). In summary, dietary CLA effectively ameliorated CsA-induced cellular immunosuppression in piglets.

Evaluation and comparison of xylazine hydrochloride and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for the induction of emesis in cats: 47 cases (2007-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare i.m. administration of xylazine hydrochloride and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for the induction of emesis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 47 cats with a history of suspected ingestion of a toxic substance or foreign material between June 2007 and June 2013. PROCEDURES: Data collected for analysis from the medical records included signalment, drug dose and route of administration, whether a repeated dose of the emetic agent was administered, and outcome (emesis, yes or no). RESULTS: Cats in the 2 treatment groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, or breed distribution. The range of doses of xylazine administered i.m. was 0.36 to 0.64 mg/kg (0.16 to 0.29 mg/lb). The range of doses of dexmedetomidine administered i.m. was 6 to 18 µg/kg (2.7 to 8.2 µg/lb). A repeated dose of xylazine or dexmedetomidine was given to 3 and 1 cats, respectively. Emesis was successfully induced in 24 of the 47 (51.1%) cats. Nine of the 21 (43%) cats that received xylazine vomited and 15 of the 26 (58%) cats that received dexmedetomidine vomited. Percentage of cats that vomited after either drug administration did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Following i.m. administration in cats, xylazine and dexmedetomidine were similarly effective for induction of emesis, indicating that dexmedetomidine is a comparable alternative to xylazine for this purpose. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal i.m. dose of dexmedetomidine for induction of emesis in cats.

Exogenous genistein in late gestation: effects on fetal development and sow and piglet performance.

Due to their functional similarity to estradiol, phytoestrogens could prove to be beneficial in late gestating sows. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of providing the phytoestrogen genistein during late pregnancy on the performance of sows and their litters. In total, 56 gilts were equally divided into the two following groups on day 90 of gestation: (1) controls (CTL); and (2) two daily i.m. injections of 220 mg of genistein (GEN). Treatments were carried out until farrowing. Jugular blood samples were collected from 16 gilts/treatment on days 89 and 110 of gestation, and on days 3 and 21 of lactation. Milk samples were also obtained from those sows on day 3 of lactation. A male piglet from 16 CTL and 15 GEN litters was slaughtered at 24 h postpartum and a blood sample was obtained. The liver, heart and visceral organs were weighed and the semitendinosus (ST) muscle was collected and carcass composition was determined. The treatment increased (P0.1) on weight or backfat loss of sows during lactation, milk composition or weights of piglets. The pre-weaning mortality rate of piglets was very low (0.1). However, carcasses from GEN litters contained more fat than those from CTL litters (9.63% v. 8.34%, P0.1). In conclusion, injecting gilts with 440 mg/day of genistein in late gestation increased IGF1 concentrations in gilts and carcass fat in neonatal piglets, but had minimal effect on muscle development of piglets at birth and on the performance of lactating sows and their litters.

Physiologic and biochemical effects of electroacupuncture combined with intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine to provide analgesia in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate physiologic and biochemical effects of electroacupuncture and dexmedetomidine administration to goats. ANIMALS: 30 healthy adult goats. PROCEDURES: Goats were allotted to 5 groups (6 goats/group) and received electroacupuncture, dexmedetomidine (5 or 20 µg/kg, IM), electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg, IM), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (IM [control treatment]). Pain threshold, cardiorespiratory effects, rectal temperature, and hematologic and biochemical variables were assessed. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine (20 µg/kg) increased pain threshold and decreased heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. Pain threshold of goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) was higher than that of goats receiving electroacupuncture or of goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 5 µg/kg at 30 minutes, but did not differ from that of goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 20 µg/kg. Compared with goats administered dexmedetomidine at 20 µg/kg, goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine at 5 µg/kg had a higher heart rate from 30 to 60 minutes and a higher respiratory rate from 5 to 60 minutes. Electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) did not affect rectal temperature. Serum glucose concentrations of goats receiving electroacupuncture plus dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) were higher than for goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 5 µg/kg at 30 minutes but not for goats receiving dexmedetomidine at 20 µg/kg. Creatinine and BUN concentrations, alanine or aspartate aminotransferase activities, and hematologic variables of treated goats did not change. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Electroacupuncture in combination with a low dose of dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg, IM) administered to goats provided antinociception.