Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy in Dogs: Safety and Clinical Efficacy.

Hymenoptera allergens are the main triggers for anaphylaxis in susceptible dogs and humans. Hymenoptera venom specific immunotherapy (VIT), the only disease-modifying treatment, has the potential to prevent future life-threatening reactions in human patients. Prospective clinical data on VIT efficacy in dogs are currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to show that VIT is not only safe but also efficacious in preventing anaphylaxis in dogs allergic to Hymenoptera. This uncontrolled prospective clinical trial included 10 client-owned dogs with a history of anaphylaxis following repeated Hymenoptera stings. The sensitization to bee and wasp allergens was demonstrated by intradermal testing (IDT) and allergen-specific IgE serology. For VIT induction (induction phase), dogs received a shortened rush immunotherapy protocol with aqueous allergens, which was then followed by monthly injections of 100 µg of alum-precipitated allergen (maintenance phase). VIT efficacy was determined by observing patients' clinical reactions to re-stings. No systemic adverse events were seen during the induction and maintenance phases. From the seven re-stung dogs, only one developed a mild angioedema at the site of the sting; the remaining dogs were asymptomatic. These results show that VIT represents a safe and effective treatment option for Hymenoptera-allergic dogs.

Outcomes of 434 dogs with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis treated with fluid therapy, lipid emulsion, or therapeutic plasma exchange.

BACKGROUND: Traditional management of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intoxication includes gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous administration of fluids (IVF), and gastroprotection. Intravenous administration of lipid emulsion (ILE) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are popular novel therapeutic strategies. HYPOTHESIS: Compare outcomes of dogs treated with IVF, ILE, and TPE for NSAID intoxications and evaluate outcome predictors for drug subgroups. ANIMALS: Four hundred thirty-four dogs with NSAID intoxications (2015-2020). METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of ibuprofen, carprofen, and naproxen intoxication. An ordinal outcome was defined as mild gastrointestinal, moderate kidney, or signs of severe central nervous system disease. RESULTS: Signs of neurological disease were overrepresented and acute kidney injury underrepresented in the TPE group among dogs exposed to kidney- or CNS-toxic doses (P = .05), though all TPE dogs with signs of neurological disease had evidence of neurotoxicity at presentation. Dogs treated with IVF had a higher maximal creatinine concentration (median, 1.1 mg/dL; range, 0.4-8.44 mg/dL) compared with IVF + ILE (median, 0.9 mg/dL; range, 0.4-6.2 mg/dL; P = .01). Increased maximum time to presentation (P < .001), higher baseline creatinine (P < .001) and PCV (P = .007), and absence of induced emesis (P < .001) were associated with greater clinical severity. Ibuprofen toxicosis was associated with more severe clinical signs compared with carprofen (P = .03). Overall survival rate was 99%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: NSAID toxicosis generally carries an excellent prognosis in dogs. Despite similar outcomes of lower incidence of AKI in the TPE group, and slightly lower maximal creatinine concentration in dogs treated with ILE vs IVF alone, ILE and TPE should be considered in the management of severe NSAID toxicosis.

Hemodialysis as emergency treatment of a severe baclofen intoxication in a 3 kg dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical efficacy and drug removal kinetics of hemodialysis (HD) as emergency treatment in a small size dog with severe baclofen intoxication. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old dog was presented in stupor to the emergency service a few hours after ingestion of up to 25 mg of baclofen. Medical stabilisation was attempted but was unsuccessful in improving the neurological condition and the patient rapidly progressed to coma. A 4-h session of HD was performed in emergency with near complete resolution of neurological signs and only mild disorientation by the end of the treatment. No adverse side effects occurred during HD. Baclofen concentration was measured serially during the session. Drug extraction ratio, clearance and mass removal by the dialyser were calculated. Dialytic elimination rate constant (Kd ) was seven times higher than the intrinsic elimination rate constant (Kintr ) and the half-life (t½) during HD was nearly nine times shorter than the endogenous one. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first case report providing pharmacokinetic data associated with HD treatment of severe baclofen intoxication in a dog.

Diagnosis of post-attenuation neurological signs syndrome in a cat with refractory status epilepticus and clinical response to therapeutic plasma exchange.

Case summary: An 8-year-old female spayed British Shorthair cat that underwent surgical portosystemic shunt (PSS) attenuation developed progressive neurological signs 7 days postoperatively. Neurological signs progressed, despite medical management, and seizure activity became rapidly refractory to anticonvulsants. The diagnosis of post-attenuation neurological signs (PANS) was made based on the timing of the occurrence of clinical signs following surgery, absence of hyperammonaemia and suggestive MRI findings of the brain. The cat developed status epilepticus that required treatment with general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation, from which the cat could not be effectively weaned without the recurrence of seizures. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) was performed as a rescue therapy for PANS and associated refractory status epilepticus. A total of two plasma volumes were processed during one single TPE session. The seizure activity resolved immediately after the TPE session, the cat showed progressive improvement of neurological signs and remained stable thereafter. No significant complications associated with the TPE were observed. The cat was discharged 11 days after admission and was fully recovered. Relevance and novel information: This is an unusual report of PANS diagnosed in a cat based on clinical and MRI findings. The cat developed refractory status epilepticus and had a positive outcome following TPE as rescue therapy. The MRI findings in this report could be useful for the diagnosis of PANS in cats. We speculate that TPE could be taken into consideration as a possible therapeutic intervention in PANS syndrome.

Outcomes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis treated with therapeutic plasma exchange in 62 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is gaining popularity for the management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) overdose in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Describe a population of dogs treated with TPE for NSAID overdose. ANIMALS: Sixty-two dogs with NSAID overdose treated with TPE. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of dogs treated with TPE for ibuprofen, carprofen, or naproxen overdose. RESULTS: The median dose of ibuprofen, carprofen or naproxen ingested was 533 mg/kg (range, 36-4857 mg/kg), 217 mg/kg (range, 88-625 mg/kg) and 138 mg/kg (range, 26-3000 mg/kg), respectively. Based on previously established toxic ranges for each NSAID, 2 (3.2%), 14 (22.6%), and 46 (74.2%) dogs ingested a gastrointestinal, renal, and neurological toxic dose, respectively. The median time between ingestion and presentation was 4 hours (range, 1-20 hours). The median number of plasma volumes processed was 1.6 (range, 0.4-2.2). The median TPE session duration was 2 hours (range, 1-4.5 hours). Circuit clotting developed during 8 (12.9%) sessions. Patient adverse events reported during 21 (33.8%) sessions consisted of urticaria (12.9%), asymptomatic hypocalcemia (9.6%), and hypotension (9.6%). The median duration of hospitalization was 2.25 days (range, 1-11 days). Sixty-one (98.4%) dogs survived to discharge, and none were rehospitalized. Thirty-one (91.1%) of the 34 dogs with at least 1 follow-up visit were not azotemic at the time of reevaluation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This population of dogs managed with TPE had excellent outcomes, even in cases of high NSAID dose ingestion. When TPE is available and the time frame is appropriate, this extracorporeal modality should be considered for the management of NSAID overdose.

Acute nephrotic-range glomerular proteinuria following ibuprofen intoxication in two cats.

Case series summary: In this report we describe the origin of protein loss and development of acute kidney injury after ibuprofen intoxication in two cats. Two 13-month-old neutered male domestic shorthair siblings were presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) and severe glomerular proteinuria following witnessed ibuprofen intoxication 3 days prior. Both cats presented with severe azotaemia (creatinine >900 µmol/l [>10 mg/dl]) and severe proteinuria (urine protein:creatinine [UPC] >20, normal <0.5). Urine protein electrophoresis upon presentation revealed mainly albumin and primary glomerular protein losses. The proteinuria and azotaemia resolved completely within 5 days of hospital treatment (8 days after ingestion). Urine protein electrophoresis, once the azotaemia and proteinuria resolved (UPC 0.11; normal <0.5), had a similar pattern to the one from admission. Both cats made a full recovery with supportive care. Relevance and novel information: This is the first clinical report of AKI with nephrotic-range protein losses following ibuprofen intoxication in cats. We propose that this finding is due to idiosyncratic glomerular injury, as described in humans.

Centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange in dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (2016-2018): 7 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique of centrifugal therapeutic plasma exchange (cTPE) in dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and summarize the outcome of the procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective review of cTPE performed at North Carolina State University from 2016 to 2018, through a search of the institutional database for cTPE and IMHA. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Seven dogs with confirmed IMHA were presented to a university teaching hospital ICU for cTPE. Six dogs were not responsive to standard medical management with immunosuppressive agents, while 1 dog presented before immunosuppressive agents were begun. INTERVENTIONS: All dogs underwent multiple cTPE procedures using 1 of 2 commercially available apheresis systems. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At presentation, the median HCT was 0.15 L/L (15.7%) (range, 0.10-0.19 L/L [10.3%-19%]) and the median total serum bilirubin was 32.5 mmol/L (1.9 mg/dl) (range, 15.4-597 mmol/L [0.9-34.9 mg/dl]). The median number of transfusions before cTPE was 1 (range, 1-4), with a median total of infused RBCs of 12.9 ml/kg (range, 8.8-37 ml/kg). cTPE with an exchange of ≥4 times total plasma volumes was used to decrease the level of circulating autoreactive antibodies. The median total plasma volumes exchanged was 4.5 times (range, 2.5-6.5 times) over 2-4 procedures. Anticoagulation was performed using a combination of systemic heparinization and regional citrate in all dogs. Six of 7 dogs (85.7%) were discharged from the hospital and were alive 90 days after discharge. One dog (14%) did not respond to cTPE (∼6.5 times total plasma volume exchanged) and was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS: cTPE is a feasible and relatively safe bridging treatment option for the management of canine IMHA.

Clinical features, outcome, and illness severity scoring in 32 dogs with urosepsis (2017-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, outcome, and utility of illness severity scoring in dogs diagnosed with urosepsis. DESIGN: Retrospective study (2017-2018). SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Thirty-two dogs diagnosed with urosepsis secondary to pyometra, prostatitis, or pyelonephritis. INTERVENTIONS:  None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Urosepsis was identified in 32 dogs, consisting of 9 of 32 (28.1%) with pyometra, 7 of 32 (21.8%) with prostatitis, and 16 of 32 (50%) with pyelonephritis. In total, 28 (87.5%) dogs survived to discharge, with the following group-specific survival rates: pyometra, 9 of 9 (100%); prostatitis, 5 of 7 (71.4%); and pyelonephritis, 14 of 16 (87.5%). Positive bacterial cultures were obtained in 27 of 32 (84.1%) dogs. The most commonly implicated pathogens were Escherichia coli (14/37 [37.8%]), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8/37 [21.6%]), and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (6/37 [16.2%]). Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) was identified in 21 of 32 dogs (65.6%). Although the presence of MODS was not different between survivors and nonsurvivors (P = 0.6), nonsurvivors had more dysfunctional organs (P = 0.04). Nonsurvivors also had higher Acute Patient Physiology and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEFAST ) scores compared to survivors (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Survival of dogs with urosepsis was good and may be higher than for other sources of sepsis. Compared to survivors, nonsurvivors had more dysfunctional organs and higher illness severity scores, which may be helpful in the assessment and management of dogs with urosepsis.

Use of extracorporeal therapy in a dog with heatstroke.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of extracorporeal therapy (ECT) in the management of a dog with complications stemming from heatstroke. CASE REVIEW: A 3-year-old intact male Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented for heat-related illness following strenuous exercise. Despite intensive supportive care, the dog developed progressive and refractory hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, neurologic dysfunction, acute kidney injury (AKI), and pulmonary dysfunction. Four ECT sessions were performed in this dog, consisting of 4 intermittent hemodialysis (HD) sessions, the first 2 of which concurrently utilized hemoperfusion with a cytokine adsorption filter. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were detected in samples collected during the first ECT session. Despite an initial decrease in their concentration, the concentrations of these cytokines ultimately rose over the course of the ECT session. Rapid and sustained glycemic and electrolyte control were achieved after the first ECT session, although AKI and muscle injury persisted. The dog survived to discharge and was nonazotemic 3 months following initial management. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Heatstroke is a common, potentially catastrophic, occurrence in dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first clinical use of ECT consisting of HD and cytokine adsorption in the management of severe heat-related illness in a dog. The use of ECT for the management of complications from severe heatstroke in dogs warrants further investigation.

Sedation and Anesthesia of Galapagos (Chelonoidis nigra), Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea), and African Spurred Tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata): A Retrospective Review (2009-2019).

Tortoises belong to the taxonomic family Testudinidae, which is considered one of the most imperiled families of the order Testudines. Anesthesia is often required for the medical and surgical management of large tortoises. The objectives of this retrospective study were to review drug regimens used to successfully anesthetize Galapagos (Chelonoidis nigra), Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and African spurred (Centrochelys sulcata) tortoises, and to compare the times to effect and to extubation in tortoises administered different premedication protocols. Anesthetic records of giant tortoises admitted to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine between January 2009 and December 2019 were reviewed. A total of 34 tortoises (six Aldabra, 23 Galapagos, and five African spurred) were included, resulting in 64 anesthetic events. Frequently used premedication protocols included an α2-adrenergic agonist and ketamine combined with either midazolam (group α2-adrenergic agonist, midazolam, ketamine, AMK; n = 34), a µ-opioid receptor agonist (group α2-adrenergic agonist, µ-opioid receptor agonist, ketamine, AOK; n = 13), or a µ-opioid receptor agonist and midazolam (group α2-adrenergic agonist, midazolam, µ-opioid receptor agonist, ketamine, AMOK; n = 10). Inhalant anesthetics (isoflurane, n = 21; sevoflurane, n = 23) were frequently used for maintenance of anesthesia following premedication. Out of the 34 total tortoises, 22 had only one anesthetic event, five had two anesthetic events, three had three anesthetic events, and four had four or more anesthetic events. Few adverse effects were observed and there was no mortality reported during the peri-anesthetic period. Sedation and general anesthesia of giant tortoises can be successfully performed with a combination of an α2-adrenergic agonist and ketamine in combination with midazolam and/or a µ-opioid receptor agonist.

Emergency treatment with intermittent hemodialysis for amikacin overdose in a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety and use of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) for the emergency treatment of a cat with an amikacin overdose. CASE SUMMARY: A cat was accidentally administered 400 mg (97.5 mg/kg, IV) of amikacin. Four hours after the time of the overdose, a single emergency IHD session to remove amikacin was performed. The 4-hour IHD treatment allowed for the active removal of approximately 110 mg of amikacin. The plasma concentration of amikacin from the beginning to the end of the session decreased from approximately 160 µg/mL to a nontoxic concentration of 10 µg/mL. Following IHD treatment, the cat developed an International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) grade IV acute kidney injury (AKI) with a peak creatinine of 486 µmol/L (5.5 mg/dL) and was hospitalized for 4 days for supportive management of AKI. At the time of discharge, 4 days following the overdose, the AKI had resolved. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report describing the use and safety of using IHD for emergency removal of amikacin overdose in a cat.

Ultrasound-guided paravertebral perineural glucocorticoid injection for signs of refractory cervical pain associated with foraminal intervertebral disk protrusion in four dogs.

CASE DESCRIPTION: 4 dogs, 7.5 to 10 years of age, were presented for evaluation of signs of chronic cervical pain and forelimb lameness secondary to cervical foraminal intervertebral disk protrusion (IVDP). All dogs were refractory to ≥ 2 weeks of conservative management including strict rest and pain management with anti-inflammatory drugs, methocarbamol, and gabapentin. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The MRI findings included left foraminal IVDP at C2-3 causing mild C3 nerve root compression (dog 1), multifocal degenerative disk disease with mild focal left-sided disk protrusion at C6-7 without associated spinal cord or nerve root compression (dog 2), left foraminal C6-7 IVDP with suspected focal spinal cord atrophy or mild compression (dog 3), and right foraminal C6-7 IVDP and multifocal cervical intervertebral disk degeneration with annulus fibrosus protrusion (dog 4). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Ultrasound-guided paravertebral perineural injections with methylprednisolone acetate (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb]) at the C3 nerve root in dog 1 and at the C7 nerve root in the other 3 dogs were performed. Injections were repeated at intervals of 4 weeks to 3 months on the basis of clinical response. None of the dogs had any complications from the procedures. For dogs 1 and 4, there was complete resolution of lameness and signs of cervical pain following perineural injections, and for dog 3, there was complete resolution of lameness and only minimal residual cervical pain. Dog 2 did not have long-lasting improvement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings indicated that ultrasound-guided paravertebral perineural injection can be an effective treatment of cervical foraminal IVDP for some dogs. Additional studies to determine appropriate case selection and better assess the overall success rate and risks associated with this technique are warranted.

Striate Artery Infarct After Bilateral Carotid Artery Ligation (BCAL) in a Dog: A Multimodal MRI Study.

Bilateral carotid artery ligation has been reported as a lifesaving procedure to control severe hemorrhage. However, reports are sparse and little information is available regarding the potential risks associated with this procedure. We report an ischemic brain infarct as a complication after vascular surgery. A 3-year old, male intact border collie was presented for acute onset of forebrain signs 5 days after bilateral carotid artery ligation. Multimodal brain MRI including morphologic sequences, MR angiography, diffusion- and perfusion-weighted images were performed. MRI revealed a well-defined intra-axial lesion of the left caudate nucleus, with increased T2 and decreased T1 signal intensity and moderate heterogeneous peripheral contrast enhancement. The cerebral blood flow was reduced relative to the contralateral caudate nucleus. Images were consistent with a subacute lacunar ischemic infarct of the left striate artery. Additionally, multiple arterio-arterial anastomosis arising from the vertebral arteries were visible in the angiography sequences. Ischemic infarct due to thromboembolism should be considered as a possible complication associated with bilateral carotid artery ligation. Collateral blood supply can develop as early as 5 days after surgery.

Efficacy of a single session in-series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in the management of carprofen overdose in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the efficacy of in-series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in 2 dogs with carprofen overdose. CASE SUMMARY: This report describes the treatment of 2 dogs following accidental carprofen overdoses who underwent a single in-series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis session. Serial serum carprofen concentrations were measured before, during, and after the session. The first patient's session lasted 5 hours, with the largest decrease in serum carprofen concentrations occurring during the first hour of treatment. The carprofen clearance during the following 4 hours of treatment decreased substantially compared to the first hour and was not different from the patient's intrinsic clearance of carprofen after the session was completed. Based on the findings from the first case, the second patient was treated with a 1 hour single hemoperfusion and hemodialysis session. Our results support the hypothesis that carprofen is not effectively removed by conventional hemodialysis and the efficacy of hemoperfusion is short lived due to rapid saturation of the charcoal filter. Once filter saturation occurs, the extracorporeal session is no longer efficacious. Using in-series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis is of benefit to correct the side effects seen with hemoperfusion alone, and hourly charcoal filter replacement may extend the efficacy of treatment in removing carprofen. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first published report of in-series hemoperfusion and hemodialysis being used to treat carprofen overdose in a dog. In these 2 cases, the intrinsic clearances of the patients were shown to be equivalent to that of standard hemodialysis alone, indicating that hemodialysis does not produce any advantage in carprofen clearance. In this limited report, we suggest that the efficacy of hemoperfusion in removing carprofen is short-lived, and extending the treatment beyond the first hour does not produce any therapeutic benefit. In order to extend the efficacy of hemoperfusion, hourly replacement of the charcoal filter should be considered.

Successful management of clinical signs associated with hepatic encephalopathy with manual therapeutic plasma exchange in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of manual therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to manage hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in a dog. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-year-old neutered female Dachshund presented for HE secondary to a previously diagnosed portosystemic shunt. The hyperammonemia and severe clinical signs of HE persisted despite extensive medical management. Therapeutic plasma exchange was performed for stabilization prior to surgical shunt ligation. A total of 1 plasma volume was processed during a single manual TPE session. The ammonia immediately prior to TPE was 235 µmol/L (reference interval, 10-30 µmol/L) and decreased to 117 µmol/L by the end of the session. The dog showed significant improvement in clinical signs shortly after the session and remained stable thereafter. Shunt ligation was performed 5 days later with no complications observed with TPE or postoperatively. The dog was discharged 3 days after surgery with no neurological signs and was doing well 100 days after surgery. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of manual TPE to manage HE in veterinary medicine. Therapeutic plasma exchange should be further investigated as a possible strategy to manage clinical signs of HE in patients that are refractory to medical management. Achieving this with manual TPE may be considered in patients that are too small for conventional TPE due to extracorporeal volume or in situations where conventional TPE is not available.

Trauma-induced primary hypoparathyroidism following severe bite wound injury to the neck in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of a dog with primary hypoparathyroidism secondary to cervical bite wounds. CASE SUMMARY: A 3-year-old male intact Chihuahua presented after being attacked by a large breed dog. The dog sustained severe cervical lacerations, exposing the trachea and jugular veins. A portion of the right thyroid gland was missing. The dog was stabilized before wound debridement and closure. Ionized calcium concentrations were within reference range at the time of presentation. Forty-eight hours after the initial trauma, the dog was presented in lateral recumbency with signs of hypovolemic shock, muscle tremors, and hyperthermia. Bloodwork showed severe ionized hypocalcemia with low normal parathyroid hormone concentration consistent with acute primary hypoparathyroidism. The dog was managed initially with IV calcium gluconate and calcitriol, then long-term oral calcium carbonate and vitamin D3. After 6 months, the dog was successfully weaned off calcium supplementation. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first described case of traumatic primary hypoparathyroidism after a bite injury to the neck in a dog.

Treatment of phenobarbital intoxication using hemodialysis in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of hemodialysis in 2 dogs with severe clinical signs from phenobarbital intoxication. SERIES SUMMARY: Two dogs ingested a toxic dose of phenobarbital, leading to severe neurological dysfunction and a comatose state. Both dogs received a 3-hour session of hemodialysis with complete resolution of clinical signs and returned to normal mentation by the end of the therapy. No negative side effects occurred and phenobarbital concentrations returned to therapeutic range during treatment. NEW INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report on the utility and safety of using hemodialysis for phenobarbital intoxication in dogs.

Clinical Application of Apheresis in Very Small Dogs Weighing <8 kg to Pediatric Patients.

Apheresis in low body weight children and adolescents is challenging due to a variety of technical and clinical issues including vascular access, low total blood volume, and hypotension. Although dogs have been a valuable preclinical model for apheresis, the procedure can be challenging since many pure-bred dogs are extremely small. Therefore, apheresis in these very small breeds presents very similar challenges as seen when performing the procedure in very low body weight people. We describe apheresis of four very small dogs, weighing from 4.6 to 7.6 kg, using either a COBESpectra and Spectra Optia apheresis system (Terumo BCT, Lakewood, CO, USA). Two dogs underwent large volume leukapheresis to collect mononuclear cells in preparation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and two dogs underwent therapeutic plasma exchange to treat an immune-mediated disease. In all cases, a dual-lumen hemodialysis catheter placed in the jugular vein provided adequate machine inlet and return flow rates. Machine priming was necessary to maintain hemodynamic stability during the beginning of the procedure, and rinseback was avoided for the same reason. Anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution, solution A was used for the large volume leukapheresis procedures and a combination of anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution, solution A and heparin was used for the therapeutic plasma exchange procedures. As such, serum iCa levels were regularly monitored and 10% calcium gluconate constant rate infusions were used to prevent citrate toxicity. All dogs completed the aphereses with no life-threatening adverse events. We conclude that aphereses in very small dogs is feasible if close attention is paid to hemodynamic stability and citrate toxicity.

Successful treatment of a severe cannabinoid toxicity using extracorporeal therapy in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of extracorporeal therapy (ECT) to treat severe cannabinoid intoxication in a dog with severe hyperlipidemia. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-month-old female intact Labrador Retriever presented with seizures and severe hyperesthesia that were refractory to multiple anticonvulsant medications and required induction of general anesthesia with propofol and mechanical ventilation. The dog's urine yielded a strong positive signal for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on urine drug test and exposure to THC oil was confirmed by the owner. Bloodwork revealed severe hyperlipidemia such that IV lipid emulsion was considered contraindicated. The dog was treated with a 3-hour ECT session, using charcoal hemoperfusion and hemodialysis in series. Neurologic signs improved during the session and mechanical ventilation was discontinued. Immediately after the session, the dog's mentation was significantly improved and seizures and hyperesthesia had ceased, although the dog remained moderately ataxic. The dog was hospitalized for 36 hours following the ECT session for continued monitoring. The dog fully recovered and was successfully discharged. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report to document ECT to treat THC intoxication in veterinary medicine. ECT may be considered as a treatment option for severe THC intoxication that is refractory to standard therapy or where severe hyperlipidemia precludes use of IV lipid emulsions.

Ultrasound-guided placement of pigtail cystostomy tubes in dogs with urethral obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Circumstances such as the inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter or a lack of surgeon availability may prevent immediate relief of urethral obstruction in dogs. In such situations, a cystostomy tube may be placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion until further treatment is possible. KEY FINDINGS: A case of a 5-year-old male neutered Swiss Mountain dog with an obstructive urolith at the level of the os penis is used to describe the technique. Multiple attempts to pass a urinary catheter under sedation were unsuccessful. A pigtail cystostomy tube was placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion. The dog was discharged from the hospital within 2 days after scrotal urethrostomy and the dog made a full recovery. Ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube was straightforward and without complications. SIGNIFICANCE: Ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube may be beneficial as it is not technically challenging, can be performed rapidly, and may avoid the need for general anesthesia. Additionally, ultrasound is readily available and an inexperienced ultrasonographer can easily locate the urinary bladder. This report serves to provide a detailed technique of ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube in dogs for emergency urinary diversion.