Congenital Lobar Emphysema in a Kitten with Concomitant Hiatal Hernia and Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

A 2 mo old domestic shorthair kitten was presented for acute respiratory distress and severe ambulatory difficulties. Thoracic radiography revealed hyperinflation of the left cranial lung lobe and a mass with soft-tissue/gas opacity in the caudal mediastinum, leading to the suspicion of congenital lung lobe emphysema and hiatal hernia. Decreased bone radiopacity and suspected pathological fractures were also present. Complete clinicopathological analyses showed significant ionized hypocalcemia and suspicion of secondary hyperparathyroidism related to an inadequate diet. Lung lobectomy and reduction of the hiatal hernia following a median sternotomy and a cranial laparotomy were performed. IV and oral supplementation of calcium led to a full recovery and improvement in the kitten's walking. A histopathological analysis revealed pulmonary emphysema associated with hypoplastic and irregular bronchial cartilage. Congenital lobar emphysema is a rare disease in both humans and animals. This is the first veterinary report describing a kitten affected by congenital lobar emphysema combined with a hiatal hernia and additionally complicated by secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism with a good long-term outcome.

Evaluation of methadone concentrations in bitches and in umbilical cords after epidural or systemic administration for caesarean section: A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To measure plasma methadone concentrations in bitches and the umbilical cords of their puppies after systemic or epidural administration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 27 healthy pregnant female dogs undergoing caesarean section, 4.3 ± 2.3 years of age and weighing 19.9 ± 13.2 kg. METHODS: The dogs were randomly divided into three groups: 1) intramuscular methadone (0.3 mg kg-1) (group MET; n = 9); 2) epidural methadone (0.1 mg kg-1) (group METEPI; n = 9); and 3) epidural lidocaine (4.4 mg kg-1) [group CON (control group); n = 9]. Ten minutes before induction, methadone was administered intramuscularly to the group MET dogs. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored throughout the anaesthesia. After induction, epidural anaesthesia was administered to dogs in groups METEPI and CON. Before any treatment (T0) and, as soon as the last foetus was removed from the uterus (T1), venous blood samples were collected from each dog into heparinized tubes; the umbilical cords were collected and stored at -80 °C until pharmacological analysis was carried out. The samples were analysed using ultra performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The cardiorespiratory parameters of the bitches and of the puppies at birth, and the Apgar scores did not differ significantly between groups. At T1 both the median maternal methadone plasma concentration and the median methadone umbilical cord concentration were higher in group MET compared to group METEPI (p = 0.0018 and p = 0.004, respectively). The maternal plasma concentration was higher than the concentration in the umbilical cords (p = 0.05) in group METEPI but not in group MET (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epidural methadone (0.1 mg kg-1) administered to bitches undergoing caesarean section is associated with lower umbilical cord methadone concentrations as compared with intramuscularly administered methadone at higher dosages (0.3 mg kg-1).

Comparison of intraperitoneal ropivacaine and bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative analgesia following either intraperitoneal (IP) ropivacaine or bupivacaine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in the scope of multimodal analgesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 45 privately owned dogs undergoing OVH, aged 37 ± 28 months and weighing 11.3 ± 4.5 kg. METHODS: Dogs were premedicated with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) and morphine (0.5 mg kg-1) intramuscularly (IM). Anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Carprofen (4 mg kg-1) was injected subcutaneously after intubation. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either bupivacaine (group B; 3 mg kg-1) or ropivacaine (group R; 3 mg kg-1) IP prior to complete closure of the linea alba. At 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after extubation, sedation and postoperative pain were assessed, using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain scale (GCPS-SF), a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS), and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) measurement. Rescue morphine (0.2 mg kg-1) was administered in case of ≥ 5/20 or ≥ 6/24 in the GCPS-SF and/or >40 mm in the DIVAS. Parametric data were compared using the t test; nonparametric data were analysed with the two-sample Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The GCPS-SF score was significantly higher in group R at 8 hours. There was no other significant difference regarding sedation or analgesia between the groups. Rescue analgesia was administered to 15 dogs (R: 9/22; B: 6/22), with no significant difference between the groups. MNT values decreased in both groups at all time points when compared to baseline. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ropivacaine or bupivacaine IP in combination with morphine IM and carprofen SC provided comparable postoperative analgesia in dogs after OVH for 6 hours. However, the anaesthetic protocol used did not prevent the administration of rescue analgesia in 41% of animals.

Marsupialization and sclerotherapy with povidone iodine and ethanol of a branchial remnant cyst in an Arabian filly.

Branchial remnant cysts are an uncommon cause of masses of the throatlatch area in horses. Two methods of treatment have been proposed in literature, both with complications. This manuscript proposes a method (marsupialization and sclerotherapy) for the treatment of a cyst in a 1.5-year-old Arabian filly. Diagnosis was made by ultrasonographic, radiographic and endoscopic examinations, revealing an anechoic fluid-filled structure and a well-defined capsule not in communication with other structures. After emptying the cyst, the skin was sutured circumferentially to the cyst wall; it was then flushed first with a solution of ethanol and povidone-iodine, then with sterile saline. Eight months after surgery, the filly had no recurrence of the cyst and the stoma was healed.

Ultrasound guided spinal catheter insertion in piglet: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ultrasound (US) evaluation of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal tracts in piglets and to evaluate the feasibility of the ultrasound guided spinal catheter placement in newborn and paediatric piglets. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of two piglet cadavers (age, 7 and 14 days) and eight commercial crossbreed piglets divided into four groups according to age: 7 (P7), 14 (P14), 21 (P21) and 28 (P28) days. METHODS: In the first part of the study an ultrasound examination of the spinal tract was performed in piglet cadavers applying the transverse and the longitudinal approaches in sternal and lateral recumbencies. In the second phase, the piglets were anaesthetized with sevoflurane. A US examination with a 10 MHz linear probe was performed and a spinal catheter was introduced between the spinous processes of L2 and L3 lumbar vertebrae using an in-plane technique and its advancement was monitored with the probe. At the end of procedure, the catheter was removed. The piglets recovered from anaesthesia and were monitored for one week. RESULTS: In phase I the authors identified the paramedian longitudinal approach as the most feasible for spinal structure evaluation in piglets. In phase II, the paramedian longitudinal views enabled a good visualization of the spinal cord and of the catheter advancement up to the cisterna magna in groups P7 and P14. In groups P21 and P28 it was not possible to visualize the neuroaxial structures and the spinal catheter using the same approach. No clinical alterations were recorded during the procedure or the following days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: US-guided spinal catheter placement appeared a feasible technique in piglets younger than 14 days but it is not useful in older piglets.

Update on the anatomy of the brachial plexus in dogs: Body weight correlation and contralateral comparison in a cadaveric study.

A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the brachial plexus is pivotal for diagnostic, therapeutic and anaesthetic purposes in order to correctly locate the nerve and reduce the incidence of complications when performing surgery or a local anaesthetic block of the brachial plexus. In this study, the anatomy of the brachial plexus in dogs was reviewed; the depth and diameter of each nerve were evaluated, and the contralateral limbs were compared. Eighteen canine cadavers were included and were divided into: small (SB); medium (MB) and large (LB) breed dogs. After dissection, the spinal roots and the suprascapular, subscapular, axillary, radial, ulnar, median, and musculocutaneous nerves were identified. The following evaluations were recorded: the origin of the nerves from the spinal roots, the roots and the nerve diameters, and the distance of the nerves root from the skin at the level of the scapula-humeral joint and from the interscapular region. A total of thirty-six brachial plexuses were evaluated; all originated from the ventral rami of the C6 to T1 spinal nerves. In the LB dogs, the root and the nerve diameters were larger as compared with the other two groups. In this group, also the mean distance of T1 from the skin at the level of the scapula-humeral joint and the average distance of the nerve roots from the skin of the interscapular region were also greater as compared with the other groups. No significant differences were recorded between the contralateral limbs. In the dogs in the present study, the origin of the nerves of the brachial plexus were similar to those previously reported; however, the presence of minor individual variations was confirmed between the right and the left limbs within the same dog between the right and the left limb. This is the first time that the diameters and the depth of the nerves have been described and positively correlated with body weight.

Characterization of FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) Grades for Hip Dysplasia in Five Dog Breeds.

The aim of this retrospective study was to verify whether the radiographic morphologic differences detected within the first three grades of hip dysplasia (A, B, C) of each of the five selected breeds and within the same breeds were statistically significant enough to require a breed-specific evaluation. A total of 422 technical evaluation forms of hip dysplasia (HD) in Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain dogs, and German Shepherd dogs were obtained from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) archive. The data were evaluated using a descriptive statistical analysis. In Labrador Retrievers, the craniolateral acetabular rim and femoral head position were already altered in unaffected dogs; however, within the various FCI grades, the most severe changes involved the conformation of the femoral neck. All the radiographic parameters of the Golden Retriever hips changed progressively and evenly. Significant radiographic changes between FCI grades were found in the German Shepherd dogs, and the alterations involving the acetabulum were more severe and appeared earlier than in the femoral head and neck. In the Bernese Mountain dogs, the most severe alterations were in the position of the femoral head and joint space while the femoral head and neck showed no significant progression between grades. All the radiographic parameters of non-dysplastic Rottweilers were normal; however, the progression of the primary signs was similar to the other breeds, although with lower severity. In conclusion, no significant prevalence of the radiographic features was observed for any specific breed. However, significant individual breed variations in the primary radiographic parameters were found between dogs with and without dysplasia which could be useful for better understanding the consequences of biomechanical differences between breeds.

Lidocaine constant rate infusion in isoflurane anesthetized neonatal foals.

Introduction: In horses, lidocaine infusion is administered intraoperatively for analgesia and for a reduction of inhalant anaesthetic requirement. The objective of the study was to describe the anaesthetic effects of lidocaine infusion in isoflurane anaesthetised foals. Methods: Twelve foals (<3 weeks old) undergoing surgery were included in the study (LIDO group). Foals were premedicated with midazolam and butorphanol IV, anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and propofol IV and maintained with isoflurane. Lidocaine was administered intraoperatively at 0.05 mg/kg/min. Also, the anaesthetic records of 11 foals in which lidocaine was not administered intraoperatively were retrospectively evaluated and they were considered as a historical control group (HC). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and fraction of expired isoflurane were monitored continuously. Time of extubation, time to reach sternal recumbency and standing were recorded. The quality of recovery was assessed. Results: HR decreased in both groups compared with baseline values and intraoperatively the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively in the LIDO and HC groups). Intraoperatively the HR was significantly lower in the LIDO group (71.2 ± 13.4 bpm) compared with the HC group (87.1 ± 17.7 bpm) (p = 0.0236). The number of foals requiring inotropic support (LIDO n = 7 and HC n = 9) was not statistically associated with the treatment group (p = 0.371). The extubation time, the time to reach the sternal recumbency and the quality of recovery did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.7 and p = 0.6 respectively). Discussion: In conclusion, in anaesthetised foals the addition of lidocaine does not provide a sparing effect on isoflurane requirement, and it does not interfere with the quality of recovery, however it decreases significantly the HR, which is pivotal in foals for the maintenance of cardiac output and peripheral perfusion. Therefore, a continuous patient monitoring is essential.

The Spritztube: A New Device for the Extraglottic Intubation of Rabbits.

The Spritztube (ST) is an extraglottic airway device developed for humans. The aim of the study was to design an ST for rabbits and to evaluate its feasibility. The study was divided into two phases. Phase I: anatomical study on 12 rabbit cadavers to design 2 STs (8 and 10 Ch, external diameter) for rabbits. Phase II: fourteen privately owned rabbits were anaesthetised, and intubation was attempted using a ST. Tube size, the method for confirming the correct positioning, the number of attempts, the time needed for the correct positioning of the ST and complications were recorded. The ST placement was feasible in all rabbits. The positioning of the ST was completed in 2.1 ± 1 attempts in 43 ± 21.4 s. A correct placement was confirmed by the visualisation of the proximal cuff at visual inspection of the oral cavity (14/14), by the detection of the airflow (9/14 rabbits) and by the visualisation of a capnographic wave (14/14 rabbits). Only one rabbit developed respiratory distress after the ST placement. The results of the present study allowed designing a ST specific for rabbits which was used a supraglottic airway device for the maintenance of isoflurane anaesthesia in spontaneously breathing rabbits.

Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Dogs Undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery or Endoscopic Evaluation of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common event during general anaesthesia but is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. The oesophageal pH in anaesthetised dogs undergoing endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract (END group; n = 12) or orthopaedic surgery (ORT group; n = 12) was measured using an oesophageal probe. The dogs were sedated with acepromazine or with methadone or butorphanol, and anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane. Of the 24 dogs in this study, 21 (87.5%) had an episode of GER during anaesthesia. The incidence of GER, as well as the first, the minimum, and the maximum pH values, did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean maximum difference versus the first pH value was higher for dogs in the END group (-2.6 ± 3.5) as compared with those in the ORT group (-0.7 ± 2.5), although they were not statistically significant (p = 0.25). The administration of methadone or butorphanol had no significant effect on the development of acidic reflux or biliary reflux. In the acepromazine-sedated dogs, the incidence of GER did not differ significantly between patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure and those undergoing orthopaedic surgery; however, during endoscopy, fluctuations in the oesophageal pH can be expected, even without any clinical signs of GER.

Plasma Concentration Rise after the Intramuscular Administration of High Dose Medetomidine (0.13 mg/kg) for Semen Collection in Cats.

High dose medetomidine 0.13 mg/kg can be used for semen collection in cats with variable results in terms of quantity and quality. Therefore, a variation in terms of distribution and elimination among patients has been hypothesised. The aim of the study was to characterise the pharmacokinetics of medetomidine (0.13 mg/kg) administered intramuscularly (IM) in healthy male cats. Eighteen male cats undergoing castration were included, and medetomidine (0.13 mg/kg) was administered IM. Venous blood samples were collected at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75 and 90 minutes after medetomidine administration. Before orchiectomy, at T20, sperm collection was attempted. Plasma medetomidine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Semen collection was successful in 15/18 cats. The medetomidine plasma concentration following the IM administration of a bolus was best described using a non-compartment model. Time of maximum concentration was observed at 40 minutes (range 20-90); maximum concentration was 32.8 ng/mL (range 26.8-51.2). The median apparent clearance was 11.9 mL/kg/minute (range 0.7-43.8). In conclusion, medetomidine administered IM at 0.13 mg/kg reached its peak plasma concentration slowly and with variability among patients. In addition, it was characterised by low total body clearance probably due to the cardiovascular alterations associated with medetomidine administration.

Expression of Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2 During Colon Volvulus in the Horse.

Large colon volvulus in horses is associated with a poor prognosis, especially when ischemic-reperfusion injury of the affected intestinal tract develops. Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR2 in colonic pelvic flexure of horses spontaneously affected by large colon volvulus (CVH group). Eight horses admitted for severe abdominal colon volvolus and which underwent surgery were included. Colon samples were collected after enterotomy. Data previously obtained from healthy horses were used as a control group. Histologic evaluation was carried out to grade the severity of the colon lesions. Immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out on colon samples to evaluate PAR2 expression. In addition, the transcriptional profile of cytokines and chemokines was evaluated using RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array Horse Cytokines & Chemokines. Three out of the eight patients were euthanised due to clinical deterioration. Immunostaining for PAR2 was observed in the enterocytes, intestinal glands and neurons of the submucosal and myenteric plexi. In the CVH horses, the expression of PAR2 mesenger RNA (mRNA) did not differ significantly from that of the healthy animals; western blots of the mucosa of the colon tracts showed a clear band of the expected molecular weight for PAR2 (~44 kDa) and a band smaller than the expected molecular weight for PAR2 (25kDa), suggesting its activation. The gene expressions for C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1); interleukin 8 (IL8), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 beta (MIP-2BETA) were upregulated in the colic horses as compared with the colons of the healthy horses. Therefore, in the present study, the expression and activation of PAR2 in the colons of horses in the presence of an inflammatory reaction like that occurring in those with spontaneous colon volvulus was confirmed.

Proteinase Activated Receptor 4 in the Jejunum of Healthy Horses and of Horses With Epiploic Hernia.

Proteinase activated receptor 4 (PAR4) in the gastrointestinal tract is involved in the regulation of inflammation and pain pathways. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of PAR4 in the jejunum of healthy horses and in the pathologic tracts from horses undergoing surgery for herniation of the small intestine through the epiploic foramen. Eight healthy horses (Group H) and eight horses with epiploic hernia (Group EH) were included; the jejunum samples were collected at the slaughter or intraoperatively after enterectomy, respectively. To evaluate PAR4 expression in sections of the jejunum, immunofluorescence, western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. Immunohistochemistry of PAR4 in the jejunum of the healthy horses showed that receptors are predominantly expressed in the immune cell population scattered throughout the lamina propria of the mucosa and in the submucosa. Quantitative PCR data demonstrated that PAR4 mRNA was detectable in all of the samples analyzed without any difference between the H and the EH groups, however the PAR4 protein level was significantly lower in the jejunums of the EH horses. In the Group EH horses, PAR4 immunoreactivity was mainly expressed in the mast cells and was extensively distributed in the sierosa. In the lamina propria of mucosa of Group EH, leukocytes were less abundant than in Group H. In this study, the distribution and expression of PAR4 in the jejunums of the healthy horses and in those with spontaneous occurring epiploic hernia was demonstrated.

Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine: A Tool for Evaluating the Healing Process After Surgical Treatment for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs.

This study aims to validate a tool, the Bologna healing stifle injury index (BHSII), for the evaluation of the clinical picture and the healing after surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. The study included 158 client-owned dogs with CCL rupture and 20 healthy dogs. The BHSII is a questionnaire made up of 34 multiple-choice questions, divided into a part directed to the clinician and a part for the dog's owners. It was applied twice in the healthy dogs in order to test and retest the device. It was evaluated for reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical changes involving the dogs treated at the time of surgery, and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses were performed and the intraclass correlation coefficient test was ≥0.9 and the Cronbach-α was 0.84 suggesting good stability and good internal consistency of the tool. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was >0.9, indicative of the high accuracy of this tool. The clinician survey correlated with the owner questionnaire. In dogs with CCL rupture, the scores of the BHSII increased significantly postoperatively as compared with baseline. In conclusion, this clinical study proved the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the BHSII. The results achieved from the BHSII provided an instantaneous, collective complete vision of the healing process of the stifle joints treated. It can be considered a valid tool for collecting data and for assessing successful surgical treatment in clinical practice.

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 distribution and expression in equine small intestine tracts following herniation through the epiploic foramen.

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor for trypsin and mast cell tryptase; it is highly expressed at the intestinal level with multiple functions, such as epithelial permeability and intestinal motility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of proteinase-activated receptor 2 in the small intestine during herniation through epiploic foramen. In this prospective clinical study, eight horses admitted for colic and which underwent exploratory laparotomy were considered. During surgery, the jejunum or the ileum was sampled by enterectomy. Morphological examination (histology, PAR2 immunohistochemistry) and molecular biology analysis (western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction) were carried out on the resected intestinal samples. The Marginal Injured Tracts (MITs) and Central Injury Tracts (CITs) were defined as the oral and caudal marginal segments of the resected bowel tract and as the geometric centre of the intestinal ischaemic lesion length, respectively. The PAR2 immunoreactivity was particularly evident in the epithelial cells, with higher immunoreactivity in the MIT rather than in the CIT. Moreover, a different immune localisation was observed in the MITs at the cell membrane level and in the CITs in the cytoplasm. No statistical difference was observed in PAR2 mRNA and protein (44kDa) expression between the MIT and the CIT. The PAR2 protein content in the intestinal tracts which were removed from horses with herniation was lower when compared with the control animals. This study provided data concerning the PAR2 presence and distribution in horses with intestinal herniation through the epiploic foramen.

Cardiorespiratory effects of medetomidine and dexmedetomidine combined with tiletamine-zolazepam for the immobilization of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) under isoflurane general anesthesia.

The aim of this paper was to compare the cardiorespiratory effects of the two combinations (medetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam (MTZ) or dexmedetomidine-tiletamine-zolazepam (DTZ)) used for Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) immobilization. A retrospective analysis was carried out, reviewing the anesthetic records of captive bears. Sixty-six records were reviewed. The bears were immobilized, and general anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane vaporized in 100% oxygen. The mean sedation time and score were evaluated. The cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded every 10 minutes from intubation until extubation. Mean sedation time was 26.1 ± 14.5 minutes for the MTZ group and 25.6 ± 19.4 minutes for the DTZ group. The heart rate and the respiratory rate were higher in the bears immobilized with DTZ (66 ± 19 beats/min; 13 ± 5.2 breaths/min) as compared with the bears immobilized with MTZ (57 ± 14.5 beats/min; 10 ± 4.7 breaths/min) whereas the mean arterial pressure did not differ significantly between the groups. The body temperature was in the normal range throughout the procedures in all bears (MTZ 36.3 ± 0.9°C; DTZ 37 ± 1°C). In conclusion, the two protocols used in this study have been proven to be safe and reliable for the immobilization of Asiatic black bears, and the DTZ combination seemed to be associated with less cardiorespiratory depression than the MTZ one.

Behavioral Assessment of Vision in Pigs.

Swine (Sus scrofa) are often the 'gold standard' laboratory animal for ophthalmology research due to the anatomic and physiologic similarities between the porcine and human eye and retina. Despite the importance of this model, few tools for behavioral vision assessment in pigs are available. The aim of this study was to identify and validate a feasible and reproducible behavioral test to assess vision in a pig model of photoreceptor degeneration. In addition, a robust behavioral test will reduce stress and enhance enrichment by allowing animals opportunities for environmental exploration and by reducing the number of invasive experimental procedures. Two distinct behavioral approaches were tested: the obstacle-course test and temperament test. In the obstacle-course test, pigs were challenged (after an initial training period) to navigate a 10-object obstacle course; time and the number of collisions with the objects were recorded. In the temperament test, the time needed for pigs to complete 3 different tasks (human-approach, novel-object, and open-door tests) was recorded. The obstacle-course test revealed significant differences in time and number of collisions between swine with vision impairment and control animals, and the training period proved to be pivotal to avoid bias due to individual animal characteristics. In contrast, the temperament test was not altered by vision impairment but was validated to measure stress and behavioral alterations in laboratory pigs undergoing experimental procedures, thus achieving marked refinement of the study.

Pharmacokinetic profile and partitioning in red blood cells of romifidine after single intravenous administration in the horse.

The aims of this study were to assess the plasma concentrations of romifidine in horses after intravenous injection, to evaluate the red blood cell (RBC) partitioning of the anaesthetic drug, and to improve knowledge regarding its sedative effect in horses describing the pharmacokinetic model. Eight adult Standardbred horses received a single bolus of romifidine at a dosage of 100 µg/kg. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected immediately before romifidine administration (t0), and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150 and 180 min after injection. A sedation score was recorded at the same time. The romifidine concentrations in plasma and red blood cells were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plasma and red blood cell concentrations were correlated with the sedation at each time point. Romifidine produced a satisfactory level of sedation in all animals. The sedation was detectable in all horses for up to 105 min. All the animals returned to normal without any behavioural changes at 180 min. The romifidine concentrations in the red blood cells were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at all time points than those in the plasma. The T1/2ß was 148.67 ± 61.59 min and body clearance was 22.55 ± 6.67 mL/kg per min. The results showed that after a single bolus administration of romifidine, a partitioning in the RBCs was detected.

Constant-Rate Infusion of Dexmedetomidine to Manage Thiopental Anesthesia during Intracranial Surgery in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Macaques (Macaca spp.) are often used as animal models in biomedical research involving a neurosurgical approach. The development of new anesthetic techniques is pivotal for these studies. Studies in human anesthesia for intracranial surgery have shown that dexmedetomidine infusion reduces the incidence of cardiocirculatory complications in the perioperative period, reduces the need for supplemental analgesia, and provides an analgesic effect analogous to that of remifentanil. Data regarding the anesthetic effects of dexmedetomidine infusion in NHP including Macaca spp. are currently unavailable. The study population comprised 5 healthy cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that underwent intracranial surgery. On the day of surgery, the subjects were sedated with intramuscular ketamine (8 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (0.02 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with thiopental (3 mg/kg IV) and maintained by using constant-rate infusion of thiopental (3 mg/ kg/h); analgesia was provided by constant-rate infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.012 mg/kg/h). Atipamezole (0.1 mg/kg IM) was administered at the end of the surgical procedure. The median heart rate increased after sedation, reaching its highest level at 60 min (91.0 6.9 bpm); the highest systolic blood pressure (119.6 10.5 mm Hg) occurred at 75 min. No animal experienced respiratory arrest, and all recovered within 6 min after atipamezole administration. In cynomolgus macaques, dexmedetomidine constant-rate infusion provided adequate analgesia and stable hemodynamic control. Using dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to thiopental-maintained anesthesia may be advantageous in healthy NHP undergoing intracranial surgery.