Comparative antimicrobial efficacy of 4 surgical hand-preparation procedures prior to application of an alcohol-based hand rub in veterinary students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of skin preparations before application of an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) on bacterial counts before and after elective surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Veterinary students (n = 103) performing ovariohysterectomies on 140 dogs. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to 1 initial surgical preparation on the day of surgery: A - hand preparation with medicated solution (4% w/v chlorhexidine bigluconate followed by an ABHR; B - application of a medication solution (benzalkonium chloride 0.1%-1% and polymeric biguanide hydrochloride 0.01%-0.1%) followed by an ABHR; C - nonmedicated pH-neutral soap hand wash followed by ABHR, and D - direct application of an ABHR. Samples were taken by pressing the distal finger tips to an agar plate before the hand preparation, after the hand preparation (n = 3), after ABHR application, and 120 minutes later. Colony-forming units (CFUs) for samples were determined. Total log CFU and CFU log10 reduction were calculated and used for comparison with P < .05. RESULTS: Two hours after surgery commenced, the participants of groups that performed a hand preparation had lower total CFUs than those that did not perform a hand preparation (P = .001). In particular, the number of CFUs was lower when ABHR was performed after application of pHN compared to direct ABHR (P = .001). CONCLUSION: In this population, performing a hand preparation with pHN prior to applying an ABHR had better antimicrobial effect for the duration of surgery than not performing a hand preparation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons should wash their hands prior to ABHR before starting their first surgery of the day, even when hands appear clean.

Thalidomide Use for Complicated Central Nervous System Tuberculosis in Children: Insights From an Observational Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Much of the neurological sequelae of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB) is due to an excessive cytokine-driven host-inflammatory response. Adjunctive corticosteroids, which reduce cytokine production and thus dampen the inflammation, improve overall survival but do not prevent morbidity. This has prompted investigation of more targeted immunomodulatory agents, including thalidomide. METHODS: We describe a retrospective cohort of 38 children consecutively treated with adjunctive thalidomide for CNS TB-related complications over a 10-year period. RESULTS: The most common presenting symptom was focal motor deficit (n = 16), followed by cranial nerve palsies and cerebellar dysfunction. Three of the 38 children presented with large dural-based lesions, manifesting as epilepsia partialis continua (EPC), 4 presented with blindness secondary to optochiasmatic arachnoiditis, and 2 children developed paraplegia due to spinal cord TB mass lesions. Duration of adjunctive thalidomide therapy (3-5 mg/kg/day) varied according to complication type. In children compromised by TB mass lesions, the median treatment duration was 3.9 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2.0-5.0 months), whereas in children with optic neuritis it was 2.0 months (IQR, 1.3-7.3 months) and in EPC it was 1.0 months (IQR, 1-2.5 months). Satisfactory clinical and radiological response was observed in 37 of the children. None of the children experienced rashes, hepatitis, or hematologic derangements or complained of leg cramps. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest cohort of adult or pediatric patients treated with adjunctive thalidomide for CNS TB-related complications. The drug has proved to be safe and well tolerated and appears to be clinically efficacious. The potential role of thalidomide or analogues in the treatment of other tuberculous meningitis-related complications requires further exploration.

Experimental Babesia rossi infection induces hemolytic, metabolic, and viral response pathways in the canine host.

BACKGROUND: Babesia rossi is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the canine population of sub-Saharan Africa, but pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Previous studies of B. rossi infection were derived from clinical cases, in which neither the onset of infection nor the infectious inoculum was known. Here, we performed controlled B. rossi inoculations in canines and evaluated disease progression through clinical tests and whole blood transcriptomic profiling. RESULTS: Two subjects were administered a low inoculum (104 parasites) while three received a high (108 parasites). Subjects were monitored for 8 consecutive days; anti-parasite treatment with diminazene aceturate was administered on day 4. Blood was drawn prior to inoculation as well as every experimental day for assessment of clinical parameters and transcriptomic profiles. The model recapitulated natural disease manifestations including anemia, acidosis, inflammation and behavioral changes. Rate of disease onset and clinical severity were proportional to the inoculum. To analyze the temporal dynamics of the transcriptomic host response, we sequenced mRNA extracted from whole blood drawn on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Differential gene expression, hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment analyses identified genes and pathways involved in response to hemolysis, metabolic changes, and several arms of the immune response including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and response to viral infection. CONCLUSIONS: This work comprehensively characterizes the clinical and transcriptomic progression of B. rossi infection in canines, thus establishing a large mammalian model of severe hemoprotozoal disease to facilitate the study of host-parasite biology and in which to test novel anti-disease therapeutics. The knowledge gained from the study of B. rossi in canines will not only improve our understanding of this emerging infectious disease threat in domestic dogs, but also provide insight into the pathobiology of human diseases caused by Babesia and Plasmodium species.

Disease severity and blood cytokine concentrations in dogs with natural Babesia rossi infection.

AIMS: Babesia rossi causes severe disease in dogs. Here, we describe the association between serum cytokine concentrations and disease severity. METHODS: Seventeen controls and 55 PCR confirmed B rossi-infected dogs were included. Diseased dogs were subdivided into 23 critically ill and 32 relatively well cases. Serum concentrations of 11 cytokines and biochemical markers of disease severity were determined. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected for IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1 and TNF-α between the groups. Generally, the more complicated the disease, the more pro-inflammatory the cytokine milieu. IL-8 showed a reverse trend and was negatively correlated with disease severity. IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α were also significantly higher in the dogs that died (n = 9) compared to the dogs that survived (n = 46). IL-8 showed the opposite. MCP-1 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with biochemical markers of severity. Glucose was negatively correlated with IL-6. Cortisol, peripheral parasite density and band neutrophil count were positively correlated, whilst thyroid hormone was negatively correlated with IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: As in malaria and sepsis, B rossi infection induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine storm that correlates with disease severity and adverse outcome. The multiplicity of cytokines involved argues for redundancy in the system once the disease is established.

Standardized Methods for Enhanced Quality and Comparability of Tuberculous Meningitis Studies.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains a major cause of death and disability in tuberculosis-endemic areas, especially in young children and immunocompromised adults. Research aimed at improving outcomes is hampered by poor standardization, which limits study comparison and the generalizability of results. We propose standardized methods for the conduct of TBM clinical research that were drafted at an international tuberculous meningitis research meeting organized by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam. We propose a core dataset including demographic and clinical information to be collected at study enrollment, important aspects related to patient management and monitoring, and standardized reporting of patient outcomes. The criteria proposed for the conduct of observational and intervention TBM studies should improve the quality of future research outputs, can facilitate multicenter studies and meta-analyses of pooled data, and could provide the foundation for a global TBM data repository.

The effect of alphacypermethrin-treated mesh protection against African horse sickness virus vectors on jet stall microclimate, clinical variables and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites of horses.

BACKGROUND: African horse sickness (AHS) is of importance to health and international trade in horses worldwide. During export from and transit through AHS endemic countries or zones, physical and chemical measures to protect horses from the vectors of AHS virus (AHSV) are recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health. Protection of containerized air transport systems for horses (jet stalls) with alphacypermethrin insecticide-treated high density polyethylene mesh is effective in reducing the Culicoides midge vector attack rate. In order to determine the effect of this mesh on jet stall ventilation and horse welfare under temperate climatic conditions, jet stall microclimate, clinical variables and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels of 12 horses were monitored during overnight housing in either a treated or untreated stall in two blocks of a 2 × 3 randomized crossover design. RESULTS: Temperature difference between the treated stall and outside was significantly higher than the difference between the untreated stall and outside at 1/15 time points only (P = 0.045, r = 0.70). Relative humidity (RH) difference between the treated stall and outside did not differ from the untreated stall and outside. Temperature and RH in the treated stall were highly and significantly correlated with outside temperature (r = 0.96, P < 0.001) and RH (r = 0.95, P < 0.001), respectively. No significant differences were detected between rectal temperatures, pulse and respiratory rates of horses in the treated stall compared to the untreated stall. Mean FGM concentrations for horses housed in the treated stall peaked earlier (24 h) and at a higher concentration than horses housed in the untreated stall (48 h), but were not significantly different from baseline. No significant difference was detected in FGM concentrations when the treated and untreated stall groups were compared at individual time points up to 72 h after exiting the jet stall. CONCLUSIONS: Alphacypermethrin-treated HDPE mesh could be used under temperate climatic conditions to protect horses in jet stalls against AHSV vectors, without compromising jet stall microclimate and horse welfare.

Host immune response to tuberculous meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe complication of tuberculosis predominantly affecting young children. Early treatment is vital to prevent morbidity and mortality, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. The lack of sensitive methods for early diagnosis is the most common cause of delay. Attempts have been made to develop simplified tests for tuberculosis, but their diagnostic power remains poor. The clinical picture of TBM is mainly driven by the host's immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis; therefore, identification of disease-specific biomarkers may have diagnostic and therapeutic value and improve our understanding of its pathogenesis. METHODS: We investigated disease-specific biomarkers of childhood TBM in a cohort of children aged 3 months-13 years with symptoms and signs suggestive of meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from 56 patients with and 55 patients without TBM were assessed for 28 soluble mediators. RESULTS: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed a disease-specific pattern of biomarkers for TBM relative to other types of meningitis. A biomarker-based diagnostic prediction model for childhood TBM based on CSF concentrations of interleukin 13 (cutoff value, 37.26 pg/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor (cutoff value, 42.92 pg/mL), and cathelicidin LL-37 (cutoff value, 3221.01 pg/mL) is presented with a sensitivity of 0.52 and a specificity of 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the potential of biosignatures in the host's CSF for diagnostic applications and for improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of TBM to discover strategies to prevent immunopathological sequelae.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sterilization of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

OBJECTIVE: To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. ANIMALS: Female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) (n = 21). METHODS: Cheetahs were randomly divided to receive either ovariectomy (n = 11) or salpingectomy (n = 10). The use and complications of a SILS port was evaluated in all of cheetahs. Surgery duration and insufflation volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) were recorded and compared across procedures. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications using a SILS port. The poorly-developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa facilitated access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy in the cheetah. The median surgery duration for ovariectomy was 24 minutes (interquartile range 3) and for salpingectomy was 19.5 minutes (interquartile range 3) (P = .005). The median volume of CO2 used for ovariectomy was 11.25 L (interquartile range 3.08) and for salpingectomy was 4.90 L (interquartile range 2.52), (P = .001) CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be performed in the cheetah using SILS without perioperative complications. Salpingectomy is faster than ovariectomy and requires less total CO2 for insufflation.

LAPAROSCOPIC SALPINGECTOMY IN TWO CAPTIVE LEOPARDS (PANTHERA PARDUS) USING A SINGLE PORTAL ACCESS SYSTEM.

Laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed in two adult leopards (Panthera pardus) using a single portal access system, with a multicannulated single-incision laparoscopic surgery port, without any complications. The poorly developed ovarian bursa provided easy access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy. Laparoscopic salpingectomy can be safely performed in the leopard using a single portal access system.

Uniform research case definition criteria differentiate tuberculous and bacterial meningitis in children.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) research is hampered by low numbers of microbiologically confirmed TBM cases and the fact that they may represent a select part of the disease spectrum. A uniform TBM research case definition was developed to address these limitations, but its ability to differentiate TBM from bacterial meningitis has not been evaluated. METHODS: We assessed all children treated for TBM from 1985 to 2005 at Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. For comparative purposes, a group of children with culture-confirmed bacterial meningitis, diagnosed between 2003 and 2009, was identified from the National Health Laboratory Service database. The performance of the proposed case definition was evaluated in culture-confirmed TBM and bacterial meningitis cases. RESULTS: Of 554 children treated for TBM, 66 (11.9%) were classified as "definite TBM," 408 (73.6%) as "probable TBM," and 72 (13.0%) as "possible TBM." "Probable TBM" criteria identified culture-confirmed TBM with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100%; sensitivity was increased but specificity reduced when using "possible TBM" criteria (sensitivity 100%, specificity 56%). CONCLUSIONS: "Probable TBM" criteria accurately differentiated TBM from bacterial meningitis and could be considered for use in clinical trials; reduced sensitivity in children with early TBM (stage 1 disease) remains a concern.

Comorbidity and dementia: a scoping review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that amongst people with dementia there is a high prevalence of comorbid medical conditions and related complaints. The presence of dementia may complicate clinical care for other conditions and undermine a patient's ability to manage a chronic condition. The aim of this study was to scope the extent, range and nature of research activity around dementia and comorbidity. METHODS: We undertook a scoping review including all types of research relating to the prevalence of comorbidities in people with dementia; current systems, structures and other issues relating to service organisation and delivery; patient and carer experiences; and the experiences and attitudes of service providers. We searched AMED, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, NHS Evidence, Scopus, Google Scholar (searched 2012, Pubmed updated 2013), checked reference lists and performed citation searches on PubMed and Google Scholar (ongoing to February 2014). RESULTS: We included 54 primary studies, eight reviews and three guidelines. Much of the available literature relates to the prevalence of comorbidities in people with dementia or issues around quality of care. Less is known about service organisation and delivery or the views and experiences of people with dementia and their family carers. There is some evidence that people with dementia did not have the same access to treatment and monitoring for conditions such as visual impairment and diabetes as those with similar comorbidities but without dementia. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of comorbid conditions in people with dementia is high. Whilst current evidence suggests that people with dementia may have poorer access to services the reasons for this are not clear. There is a need for more research looking at the ways in which having dementia impacts on clinical care for other conditions and how the process of care and different services are adapting to the needs of people with dementia and comorbidity. People with dementia should be included in the debate about the management of comorbidities in older populations and there needs to be greater consideration given to including them in studies that focus on age-related healthcare issues.

The value of transcranial Doppler imaging in children with tuberculous meningitis.

PURPOSE: Transcranial Doppler imaging (TCDI) is potentially a valuable investigational tool in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM), a condition often complicated by pathology relevant to Doppler imaging such as raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral vasculopathies. METHODS: Serial TCDI was performed on 20 TBM children with the aim of investigating cerebrovascular haemodynamics and the relationship between pulsatility index (PI) and ICP. RESULTS: We observed a poor correlation between ICP and PI in children with communicating hydrocephalus (p = 0.72). No decline in PI was noted following 7 days of medical therapy for communicating hydrocephalus (p = 0.78) despite a concomitant decline in ICP. Conversely, a decline in PI was noted in all four children with non-communicating hydrocephalus who underwent cerebrospinal fluid diversion. High blood flow velocities (BFV) in all the basal cerebral arteries were observed in 14 children (70 %). The high BFV persisted for 7 days suggesting stenosis due to vasculitis rather than functional vasospasm. Complete middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, subnormal mean MCA velocities (<40 cm/s) and PIs (<0.4) correlated with radiologically proven large cerebral infarcts. CONCLUSIONS: TCDI-derived PI is not a reliable indicator of raised ICP in children with tuberculous hydrocephalus. This may be attributed to individual variation of tuberculous vascular disease, possibly compromising cerebral vascular compliance and resistance. Basal artery stenosis secondary to vasculitis is observed during the acute stage of TBM in the majority of children.

Prevalence of co-infections with Ehrlichia spp. or Theileria spp. in dogs naturally infected with babesiosis in the Eastern Cape province.

BACKGROUND: Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are tick-borne infections of great significance in South Africa. Theileriosis in dogs in South Africa is still poorly understood. Co-infection with multiple tick-borne diseases has been documented and is perceived as a common occurrence in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infections with Ehrlichia canis or Theileria equi in dogs with babesiosis in the Eastern Cape province. There is a lack of data on canine tick-borne disease distribution in this region. Possible associations of population characteristics and haematological and biochemistry measures with a co-infection of E. canis or T. equi in these dogs were also investigated. METHOD: The study population included 150 dogs naturally infected with babesiosis that presented to the Mdantsane State Veterinary Clinic between January 2021 and November 2021. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the Babesia spp. that the dogs were infected with and to identify co-infections. Association with co-infection for the following parameters were evaluated: sex, breed, age, duration of illness, leukocyte count, band neutrophil count, monocyte count, platelet count, ARC, and serum globulin concentration. Positive and negative predictive values of monocytosis, leukopenia, band neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and non-regenerative absolute reticulocyte count for co-infection were also calculated. RESULTS: Babesia rossi was identified in 149/150 samples and B. vogeli in only 1/150 samples. A co-infection prevalence of 2.0% (3/149; 95% CI: 0.4-5.7) with B. rossi and E. canis was found. No other co-infections were reported. No investigated variables showed significant associations with co-infections. Monocytosis, in particular, was not associated with co-infection. CONCLUSION: Co-infection with other tick-borne diseases in dogs with babesiosis is uncommon in the Eastern Cape province. These findings raise the possibility that B. rossi may have a protective effect against other tick-borne diseases.

Laparoscopic sterilization of the African Lioness (Panthera leo).

OBJECTIVE: To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the African lioness (Panthera leo). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive clinical study. ANIMALS: Female lions (n = 16). METHODS: Lionesses were randomly divided into 2 groups: O = ovariectomy (n = 8) and S = salpingectomy (n = 8) for laparoscopic surgery. Two Veress needle placement techniques were used. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications. The poorly developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa rendered the uterine tube more accessible for salpingectomy compared to the dog making the procedure easier in the lioness. Similarly, salpingectomy is a relatively easier procedure compared with ovariectomy especially when the modified Hasson technique for Veress needle placement is used. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be safely performed in the African lioness.

Fiber type and metabolic characteristics of skeletal muscle in 16 breeds of domestic dogs.

The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) species comprises hundreds of breeds, each differing in physical characteristics, behavior, strength, and running capability. Very little is known about the skeletal muscle composition and metabolism between the different breeds, which may explain disease susceptibility. Muscle samples from the triceps brachii (TB) and vastus lateralis (VL) were collected post mortem from 35 adult dogs, encompassing 16 breeds of varying ages and sex. Samples were analyzed for fiber type composition, fiber size, oxidative, and glycolytic metabolic capacity (citrate synthase [CS], 3-hydroxyacetyl-coA dehydrogenase [3HAD], creatine kinase [CK], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] enzyme activities). There was no significant difference between the TB and VL in any of the measurements. However, there were large intra species variation, with some variables confirming the physical attributes of a specific breed. Collectively, type IIA was the predominant fiber type followed by type I and type IIX. The cross-sectional areas (CSA) of the fibers were all smaller when compared to humans and similar to other wild animals. There was no difference in the CSA between the fiber types and muscle groups. Metabolically, the muscle of the dog displayed high oxidative capacity with high activities for CS and 3HAD. Lower CK and higher LDH activities than humans indicate a lower and higher flux through the high energy phosphate and glycolytic pathways, respectively. The high variability found across the different breeds may be attributed to genetics, function or lifestyle which have largely been driven through human intervention. This data may provide a foundation for future research into the role of these parameters in disease susceptibility, such as insulin resistance and diabetes, across breeds.

Regenerative response in dogs naturally and experimentally infected with Babesia rossi.

BACKGROUND: The regenerative response following Babesia rossi infection in dogs is mild, despite severe hemolytic anemia. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the admission absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) and reticulocyte indices in 103 dogs naturally infected with B. rossi with 10 dogs suffering from immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and 14 healthy control dogs. The regenerative response was also evaluated in five dogs experimentally infected with B. rossi. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of records generated on the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer. RESULTS: The median hematocrits (HCT) of the B. rossi and IMHA groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < .001 for both); however, no differences were seen between the B. rossi and IMHA groups. Compared with the control group, the median ARC was significantly higher in the B. rossi (p = .006) and IMHA (p = .019) groups but significantly lower in the B. rossi group than the IMHA group (p = .041). In the experimentally infected dogs, there was a sudden decrease in the ARC approximately 48 h after the detection of peripheral parasitemia, which was followed by an increase after treatment. Reticulocytes of naturally infected B. rossi dogs were larger, with more variation in cellular volume. The reticulocytes of the experimentally infected dogs decreased in size with decreasing hemoglobin concentrations as the study progressed. CONCLUSIONS: The regenerative response in dogs naturally infected with B. rossi is inadequate, given the severity of the anemia observed, and it might be a result of direct suppressive action by the parasite or host response on the bone marrow.

Tuberculous meningitis: barriers to adherence in home treatment of children and caretaker perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: In-hospital treatment of children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is not a feasible option in many resource-poor countries. Home-based treatment has shown to be a viable alternative. Adherence is an important factor determining success of treatment. OBJECTIVE: Identify possible barriers to adherence of home-based treatment and caretaker perception of the disease. METHOD: A qualitative study consisting of 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews was performed based on principles of the health belief model. RESULTS: Barriers of adherence identified include poor understanding of the disease and transmission route, difficulty with medication administration and side effects, lack of access to the health-care facility, long waiting times and hidden costs of transportation. Caretakers showed good appreciation of the adverse effects of noncompliance and benefits obtained from taking treatment in the home environment. CONCLUSION: Improved doctor-patient communication, information brochures, structural changes to hospital settings, provision of financial and peer support all contribute to optimal TBM home-based treatment.

Effects of a constant rate infusion of magnesium sulphate in healthy dogs anaesthetized with isoflurane and undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4) ) as a bolus followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) on anaesthetic requirements, neuroendocrine stress response to surgery, haemostasis and postoperative analgesia in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: Sixteen female dogs. METHODS: After intramuscular premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1) ) and morphine (0.3 mg kg(-1) ), anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.2 mg kg(-1) ) and propofol (2 mg kg(-1) ) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen in all dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, M and C. Group M received MgSO(4) (50 mg kg(-1) over 15 minutes, followed by a 15 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) CRI). Group C received an equivalent bolus and CRI of lactated Ringer's solution. In addition, all dogs received lactated Ringer's solution (10 mL kg(-1) over 15 minutes followed by 10 mL kg(-1) hour(-1) ). End-tidal isoflurane and carbon dioxide tensions, cardio-respiratory variables, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured at different time points. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed pre- and post-anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between groups were found in any of the measured variables. However, the alpha angle and maximal amplitude recorded by TEG in group M were significantly increased post-anaesthesia, but remained within the reference interval. One dog in Group M and two in Group C received rescue analgesia during recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As used in this study, MgSO(4) failed to decrease isoflurane requirements, postoperative pain and stress hormone concentrations; however, it did not produce any cardio-respiratory or major haemostatic side effects. Administration of intravenous MgSO(4) together with an opioid during ovariohysterectomy in dogs does not seem to provide any clinical advantage.

Influence of high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets on serum lipid and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets exert differential effects on serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats. METHODS: A randomised, crossover diet trial was performed in 35 healthy shelter cats. Following baseline health assessments, cats were randomised into groups receiving either a high-protein or high-carbohydrate diet for 4 weeks. The cats were then fed a washout diet for 4 weeks before being transitioned to whichever of the two studied diets they had not yet received. Fasting serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations were determined at the end of each 4-week diet period. RESULTS: Cats on the high-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower serum cholesterol (P <0.001) concentrations compared with baseline measurements. Cats on the high-protein diet had significantly higher serum cholesterol (P <0.001) and triglyceride (P <0.001) concentrations, yet lower fructosamine (P <0.001) concentrations compared with baseline measurements. In contrast, overweight cats (body condition score [BCS] >5) had lower cholesterol (P = 0.007) and triglyceride (P = 0.032) concentrations on the high-protein diet than cats within other BCS groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Diets higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates appear beneficial for short-term glucose control in healthy cats. A high-protein diet was associated with significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in healthy cats, even though the increase was significantly less pronounced in cats with a BCS >5. This finding suggests that overweight cats process high-protein diets, cholesterol and triglycerides differently than leaner cats.

The dataset for the inflammatory response during experimental infection and treatment of dogs with Babesia rossi.

Babesia rossi causes severe morbidity and mortality in dogs in sub-Saharan Africa. This was an experimental study designed to observe systemic changes caused by Babesia rossi infection within a canine disease model as well as investigate the influence of inoculum dose and treatment on the progression of inflammation and clinical disease. Six healthy male beagle dogs formed the study population, one dog was splenectomised and used to raise the infectious inoculum, three were administered a high B. rossi infectious dose and two a low infectious dose. Clinical examination, complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined daily. Cytokines were quantified on stored plasma collected during the study, using a canine specific cytokine magnetic bead panel (Milliplex©). The experiment was terminated, and treatment administered once predetermined experimental or humane endpoints were reached. The data and information provided in the following article is the summary of all data points collected over the course of the eight-day experimental infection.