Epsiprantel, a new tapeworm remedy. Preliminary efficacy studies in dogs and cats

The anthelmintic potential of epsiprantel, 2-(cyclohexylcarbonyl)-4-oxo-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,12b-octahydropyrazin [2,1-a] [2]benzapine, was revealed using the tapeworms Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis in the cat, and Taenia pisiformis and T. hydatigena in the dog. Subsequent controlled tests in cats demonstrated oral efficacy of 100% against D. caninum with a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Although consistently 100% effective against T. taeniaeformis at 5 mg/kg, a single worm was found in one cat treated at 7.5 mg/kg. In experimental infections of Taenia pisiformis in dogs, 100% activity was achieved from a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg. No adverse reaction or drug-associated toxicity were observed at dose levels used.     

Use of clomipramine in the treatment of anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive disorders in cats

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a treatment protocol for anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive disorders in cats.
Design A study was undertaken to assess the clinical response in cats diagnosed with anxiety-related or obsessive-compulsive disorders to a treatment regimen that included clomipramine and behaviour modification.
Procedure The study group of 11 cats was acquired through referral. A detailed behavioural and clinical history was obtained. Presenting signs were urine spraying in seven cases, overgrooming in three and excessive vocalisation in one. Clomipramine was administered orally once daily. The mean starting dose was 0.4 mg/kg. If necessary, the dose was adjusted according to the clinical response of each cat. A behaviour modification program was designed and the owner instructed on its implementation. Cats were to continue on medication for at least 1 month after clinical signs disappeared, then medication withdrawal was to be attempted by decreasing the clomipramine dose progressively at weekly intervals while the behaviour modification program continued.
Results In all cases the presenting clinical sign was largely improved or disappeared. One cat was removed from the study by the owner. Four cats became lethargic at higher doses, but this resolved when the clomipramine dose was reduced. The average maintenance dosage was 0.3 mg/kg once daily. Clomipramine withdrawal was attempted in two cases: the behaviour returned in one case and the medication was reinstated at 0.3 mg/kg twice daily.
Conclusion Clomipramine was effective in controlling the signs of anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive disorders in 10 of 10 assessable cases when used in combination with behaviour modification. Clomipramine was well tolerated.     

The optimal intravenous dose of midazolam after intravenous ketamine in healthy awake cats

The effects of intravenous administration of variable-dose midazolam (0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) were studied in twenty-four healthy unmedicated cats from time of administration until full recovery. End-points were chosen to determine the optimal dose to allow a short period of restraint without noxious stimuli, a short period of restraint with noxious stimuli and endotracheal intubation. Recovery characteristics, as well as undesirable behaviours observed during recovery, were also recorded. The dose of midazolam to achieve lateral recumbency with head down was found to be 0.016 mg/kg in 50% of the population (ED₅₀) and 0.054 mg/kg in 95% (ED₉₅) of the population. A midazolam dose of 0.286 mg/kg was required to prevent conscious perception of a stimulus to the ulnar nerve in 50% of the population and 0.652 mg/kg in 95% of the population. The ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of midazolam required to prevent swallowing in response to a laryngoscope placed on the back of the tongue were found to be 0.265 mg/kg and 0.583 mg/kg, respectively. The ED₅₀ doses of 0.265 mg/kg for intubation and 0.286 mg/kg for restraint with noxious stimulation were close to the tested dose of 0.3 mg/kg. At that dose, the lack of responses lasted 3.67 ± 2.27 min for laryngoscope and 2.50 ± 2.20 min for ulnar nerve stimulation, with recovery to walking with ataxia taking 41.50 ± 15.18 min and complete recovery taking 3.6 ± 1.3 h. The predominant behavioural pattern during recovery was found to be normal, but some cats also exhibited abnormal behavioural patterns. Nine of the twelve cats exhibited an abnormal arousal state, with 4 being restless and 5 being sedated. Seven of the twelve cats exhibited an abnormal behaviour when approached, with three of the cats being more difficult to approach and four of the cats being easier to approach. Eight of the twelve cats exhibited an abnormal behavioural pattern when restrained, with the cats equally divided between more difficult and easier to restrain. Five of the twelve cats vocalized more during the recovery. The ED₅₀ of 0.042 mg/kg to induce chemical restraint without a noxious stimulus is close to the tested dose of 0.05 mg/kg. At that dose, cats remained lateral with head down for 5.49 ± 4.02 min, took 25.96 ± 5.77 min to walk with ataxia and 1.7 ± 0.4 h for complete recovery. The predominant behavioural patterns during recovery were normal, with several cats exhibiting some abnormal patterns. Two cats were sedated, one cat was more difficult to approach, one cat was easier to restrain and three cats were more vocal.     

The effect of opioid and acepromazine premedication on the anesthetic induction dose of propofol in cats

The median effective dosage (ED50) for induction of anesthesia with propofol was determined by using the up-and-down method in 31 unpremedicated cats, in 30 cats premedicated with butorphanol, 0.4 mg/kg body weight (BW), and acepromazine, 0.1 mg/kg BW, intramuscularly, and in 30 cats premedicated with morphine, 0.2 mg/kg BW, and acepromazine, 0.1 mg/kg BW, intramuscularly. The dose required for a satisfactory anesthetic induction in 50% of unpremedicated cats (ED50) was 7.22 mg/kg BW and of premedicated cats was 5.00 mg/kg BW. The reduction in dose was statistically significant in both premedicated groups compared with no premedication. There was no significant difference in ED50 between premedication regimes. Cyanosis was the most common adverse effect observed in all groups following anesthetic induction with propofol.     

Systemic uptake of buprenorphine by cats after oral mucosal administration

The plasma concentration of buprenorphine was measured by radioimmunoassay in six female cats after the administration of 0.01 mg/kg (0.033 ml/kg) buprenorphine hydrochloride solution into the side of the cat's mouth. Blood samples were taken through a preplaced jugular catheter before and one, two, four, six, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, and two, four, six, 12 and 24 hours after the dose was administered. The buprenorphine was accepted well by all the cats and did not cause salivation or vomiting. Its median peak plasma concentration was 7.5 ng/ml and was reached after 15 minutes. The pharmacokinetic data were similar to the pharmacokinetic data obtained after the intramuscular and intravenous administration of buprenorphine to cats from the same colony, suggesting that the mucosal route of administration should be as effective as intravenous and intramuscular injections. In addition, the pH of the oral cavity of 26 cats was measured with pH paper, and 100 cat owners were asked their preferred method of administering drugs to cats. The pH of the cats' mouths was between 8 and 9, and the technique preferred by the cat owners was the use of drops placed in the mouth.     

Metronidazole neurotoxicosis in two cats

Two cats were presented for neurological dysfunction from suspected metronidazole toxicity. One cat was receiving 111 mg/kg body weight per day of metronidazole for 9 weeks. After 9 weeks, the dose was increased to 222 mg/kg body weight per day, and 2 days later the cat began to experience progressive neurological signs that culminated in generalized seizures. The second cat was receiving metronidazole at a total dose of 58 mg/kg body weight per day for 6 months. This cat experienced acute onset of ataxia and alteration in mentation. Laboratory evaluations in both cases were without significant findings. The neurological signs in both cats resolved within days of initiating supportive therapy and withdrawal of the drug. This report describes the two cases and discusses the etiology of metronidazole neurotoxicosis.     

Cisplatin Toxicity in Cats

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum; Platinol, Bristol, Syracuse, NY) was administered to 11 cats, divided into three groups of experimental and clinical patients. In group 1, cisplatin was administered at a dose of 60 mg/m2 to four cats. In an attempt to avoid renal toxicity, saline diuresis was induced by administering 0.9% saline solution intravenously at a rate of 20 ml/kg/hr for 4 hours before and 2 hours after cisplatin administration. All four cats became dyspneic and died 48-96 hours after cisplatin administration. Postmortem findings included severe hydrothorax, pulmonary edema, and mediastinal edema. In group 2, four experimental cats entered a trial comparing the effects of saline diuresis and cisplatin (60 mg/m2) with the effects of saline diuresis and placebo (0.9% saline solution). The cats in the saline control group remained completely normal, while the cats that received cisplatin developed clinical signs and gross postmortem pulmonary changes identical to those in the first group of cats. Histopathologic examination showed that the alveolar septa were thickened and congested, and contained macrophages, occasional neutrophils, thrombi, and small foci of necrosis and fibrin. Microangiopathic changes were seen in the alveolar capillaries. In the third group, three additional cats were treated with a lower dose of cisplatin. Two cats that received 40 mg/m2 of cisplatin developed pulmonary changes similar to, but less severe than, those seen in the cats that received the higher dose of cisplatin. One cat treated with 20 mg/m2 of cisplatin showed no pulmonary changes ante mortem or post mortem. This series of 11 clinical and experimental cases identifies an apparent species-specific, dose-related, primary pulmonary toxicity of cisplatin in cats.     

P-73 Evaluation of the practicality and efficacy of cryotherapy in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Facial dermatitis in cats is a poorly understood clinical problem observed in Persian and Himalayan cats. This report describes three cases of idiopathic facial dermatitis in the Persian cat controlled with cyclosporine. The syndrome was observed in a 5-year-old intact female, a 1.5-year-old intact male, and a 3-year-old neutered male Persian cat. The lesions developed over 2 years, 2 months and 18 months, respectively. Cutaneous lesions were mainly localized to the face. A black patchy waxy exudate matted the hair, especially on the chin. Mild crusts and black exudate were also noted on the vulvar folds in one case and on the ventral aspect of the neck in another case. Erythematous, ceruminous otitis was observed in one case. The histopathological findings were exactly the same for all three cases and compatible with idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat, or eventually an allergic reaction. All cases were managed with cyclosporine (Neoral^® 6–7 mg/kg/day). Lesions were completely controlled after 4–6 weeks. During a 6-month follow-up for two cases, the lesions seemed to be more resistant to therapy. For these two cats, secondary infections with cocci and Malassezia occasionally occurred. No adverse reactions were observed in our three treated cats.
Funding: Self-funded.     

Critical evaluation of taeniacidal antibiotic S15-1 (SQ 21, 704) for removal of natural tapeworm infections in dogs and cats

The new taeniacidal antibiotic S15-1 (SQ 21,704) was evaluated against naturally occuring infections of Taenia pisiformis in 53 dogs, Dipylidium caninum in 35 dogs, T taeniaformis in 18 cats, and D caninum in 33 cats. It all instances, the compound was administered in gelatine capsules in a single oral dose. The doses tested were between and 200 mg/kg of body weight in dogs and between 15 and 45 mg/kg in cats. In dogs, doses of 25 mg/kg and greater were 100% effective against T pisiformis, whereas a dose of 50 mg/kg was necessary to clear D caninum. In cats, a single oral dose of 22.5 mg/kg was 100% efficacious against T taeniaeformis, and a single dose of 45 mg/kg (the largest dose tested) clearly seven of eight cats of D caninum. The efficacy was limited to tapeworms only; there was no efficacy against nematodes. The antibiotic was well tolerated by both species with no drug-related vomiting or other side-effects observed.     

Itraconazole for the Treatment of Histoplasmosis in Cats

Eight cats with histoplasmosis were treated with itraconazole at 5 mg/kg per dose PO bid. There were multiple sites of infection, and 2 of the cats had hypercalcemia that was attributed to the histoplasmosis. All 8 cats were eventually cured, but 2 cats experienced recurrences of disease after completion of therapy, requiring 2 to 3 additional months of itraconazole. There were no clinically relevant adverse effects during treatment. Although a limited number of cats were treated, the study suggests that itraconazole is a well-tolerated and effective drug for the treatment of histoplasmosis in the cat.     

Treatment of feline giardiasis with metronidazole

Seven cats from a single household with 17 cats were shedding cysts of Giardia species as detected by a modified zinc sulfate concentration technique. All the cats were housed individually in Horsfal isolation units for the duration of the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up monitoring. Each of the infected cats was treated with metronidazole at a dose of 22 mg per kg of body weight, twice a day, for 5 days. Post-treatment examination of four or five stool samples from each cat during the following 17 days did not reveal the presence of any giardial cysts in the treated cats. After treatment, the diarrhea either ceased or was markedly diminished. Therefore, metronidazole appears to be an effective form of therapy for feline giardiasis.     

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone in cats after single and multiple intravenous administration of Alfaxan® at clinical and supraclinical doses

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone in a 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin alfaxalone formulation (Alfaxan^®, Jurox Pty Ltd, Rutherford, NSW, Australia) in cats after single administration at clinical and supraclinical dose rates and as multiple maintenance doses. First, a prospective two‐period cross‐over study was conducted at single clinical and supraclinical doses. Second, a single group multiple dose study evaluated the effect of maintenance doses. Eight (five female and three male) domestic cats completed the cross‐over experiment and six female cats completed the multiple dose study. In the first experiment, alfaxalone was administered intravenously (IV) at 5 or 25 mg/kg with a washout period of 14 days. In the second experiment, alfaxalone was administered IV at 5 mg/kg followed by four doses each of 2 mg/kg, administered at onset of responsiveness to a noxious stimulus. Blood was collected at prescribed intervals and analysed by LCMS for plasma alfaxalone concentration. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics were used to analyse the plasma alfaxalone data. The plasma clearance of alfaxalone at 5 and 25 mg/kg differed statistically at 25.1 and 14.8 mL/kg/min respectively. The elimination half lives were 45.2 and 76.6 min respectively. Alfaxalone has nonlinear pharmacokinetics in the cat. Nevertheless, for cats dosed with sequential maintenance doses, a regression line through their peak plasma concentrations indicated that there was no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic accumulation. The duration of nonresponsiveness after each maintenance dose was similar at approximately 6 min, indicating a lack of accumulation of pharmacodynamic effect. The cardiovascular and respiratory parameters measured in cats after administration of the labelled doses of Alfaxan^® were stable. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of alfaxalone in cats are nonlinear. At clinical dose rates, however, neither alfaxalone nor its effects accumulated to a clinically relevant extent. Further, in the un‐premedicated cat the induction and maintenance of surgical anaesthesia was free of untoward events after a dose of 5 mg alfaxalone/kg body weight followed by four sequential doses of 2 mg/kg as needed (i.e., approximately 7 to 8 mg/kg/h).     

Effects of lufenuron treatment in cats on the establishment and course of Microsporum canis infection following exposure to infected cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of lufenuron treatment in cats on the establishment and course of Microsporum canis infection following exposure to infected cats. DESIGN: Experimental trial. ANIMALS: 24 healthy juvenile domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE: 8 cats were given lufenuron PO (133 mg/cat/mo, equivalent to a dose of 100 to 130 mg/kg [45 to 59 mg/lb] at the beginning of the study and 25 to 35 mg/kg [11 to 16 mg/lb] at the end of the study), and 8 were given lufenuron SC (40 mg every 6 months). The remaining 8 were used as untreated control cats. After 4 months, cats were challenged by the introduction of cats with mild, experimentally induced M canis infection into the rooms where cats were housed. Extent of resulting infections in the na?ve cats was monitored for 22 weeks by physical examination and fungal culture. RESULTS: All lufenuron-treated and control cats became infected with M canis. Cats treated with lufenuron had significantly lower infection scores, compared with control cats, during the early weeks following exposure, and there was a more prolonged initial progression phase of the infection. Once infections reached peak intensity, they resolved over similar periods in lufenuron-treated and control cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that oral or SC administration of lufenuron to cats, at the dosages used and under the conditions of this study, did not prevent establishment of dermatophytosis following exposure to infected cats. Infection was established more slowly among cats treated with lufenuron, but once established, infection resolved in approximately the same amount of time in lufenuron-treated as in control cats.     

P‐70 Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine

Facial dermatitis in cats is a poorly understood clinical problem observed in Persian and Himalayan cats. This report describes three cases of idiopathic facial dermatitis in the Persian cat controlled with cyclosporine. The syndrome was observed in a 5‐year‐old intact female, a 1.5‐year‐old intact male, and a 3‐year‐old neutered male Persian cat. The lesions developed over 2 years, 2 months and 18 months, respectively. Cutaneous lesions were mainly localized to the face. A black patchy waxy exudate matted the hair, especially on the chin. Mild crusts and black exudate were also noted on the vulvar folds in one case and on the ventral aspect of the neck in another case. Erythematous, ceruminous otitis was observed in one case. The histopathological findings were exactly the same for all three cases and compatible with idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat, or eventually an allergic reaction. All cases were managed with cyclosporine (Neoral^® 6–7 mg/kg/day). Lesions were completely controlled after 4–6 weeks. During a 6‐month follow‐up for two cases, the lesions seemed to be more resistant to therapy. For these two cats, secondary infections with cocci and Malassezia occasionally occurred. No adverse reactions were observed in our three treated cats. Funding: Self‐funded.     

The behaviour of healthy awake cats following intravenous and intramuscular administration of midazolam

The onset of action and behavioural effects following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of 0.05, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg of midazolam were studied for 2 h in 20 awake, healthy cats. All cats, except one that received 0.05 mg/kg i.m., showed effects of the drug, whereas no effects were observed in cats administered only the vehicle in which midazolam was dissolved. The onset of action was rapid following both i.v. and i.m. administration, some cats became ataxic, while others assumed positions of sternal or lateral recumbency. Even after administration of the highest dose (5.0 mg/kg), anaesthesia was not induced, with swallowing reflexes and conscious perception of a clamp placed on the tail still present in all cats. An abnormal arousal state was observed in many cats after administration of midazolam. During the first hour, restlessness was more commonly observed, while from 1 to 2 h, sedation was more prominent in cats that received the highest dose. Ataxia occurred in all but one cat, was short-lived in cats that received the lower doses, but still present at 2 h in all cats that received 2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg. Midazolam caused some of the cats to behave differently when approached and restrained compared with behavioural patterns identified prior to administration of the drug. The cats were more likely to behave abnormally following i.v. administration rather than i.m. administration and, for the most part, abnormal behaviour was equally distributed between the two extremes; cats being easier to approach and restrain and cats being more difficult to approach and restrain. Food consumption increased significantly, during the 2 h period, following all i.m. doses and all but the highest (5.0 mg/kg) i.v. dose, with most of the food being consumed in the first hour after administration.     

Sporotrichosis: a retrospective evaluation of 23 cases seen in northern California (1987–2007)

Sporotrichosis is an uncommon to rare cutaneous and subcutaneous mycosis of animals and humans caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii . Twenty-three mammalian cases of sporotrichosis examined between 1987 and 2007 at the University of California, Davis – Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the historical, clinical, diagnostic and treatment findings. Cats were the most common species affected ( n  = 14). In addition, sporotrichosis was diagnosed in four dogs, four horses and a donkey. Six of 23 cases were diagnosed with the localized cutaneous form of sporotrichosis (four cats, one dog, one horse), 10 with the cutaneous-lymphatic form (four cats, two dogs, three horses and a donkey), and seven with the disseminated form (six cats, one dog). Two of 23 cases did not have skin lesions at the time of diagnosis (one cat, one dog). The most common mode of diagnosis was demonstration of S. schenckii on histopathological evaluation of tissue. In contrast with most previously described sporotrichosis infections in cats, few to no fungal organisms were seen in histopathological samples (haematoxylin and eosin and special stains) in five of the 14 cats. Treatments received included itraconazole (12 cats, one dog), ketoconazole (three dogs), fluconazole (one cat, one donkey), sodium iodide (four horses, one cat) and potassium iodide (one cat, one horse, one donkey). The prognosis for successful treatment was good in all species. Fluconazole was successful in inducing resolution of the cutaneous lesions and controlling the infection in one cat with disseminated sporotrichosis.     

The safety of high‐dose buprenorphine administered subcutaneously in cats

The safety of a proprietary formulation of buprenorphine hydrochloride administered subcutaneously (SC) to young cats was investigated in a blinded, randomized study. Four cohorts of eight cats aged approximately 4 months were administered saline, 0.24, 0.72 or 1.20 mg/kg/day buprenorphine SC for nine consecutive days, representing 0×, 1×, 3× and 5× of the intended dose. Cats were monitored daily for evidence of clinical reactions, food and water intake and adverse events (AEs). Physical examinations, clinical pathology, vital signs and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were evaluated at protocol‐specified time points. Complete necropsy and histopathologic examinations were performed following humane euthanasia. Four buprenorphine‐treated cats experienced AEs during the study, two unrelated and two related to study drug administration. The two cats with AEs considered related to drug administration had clinical signs of hyperactivity, difficulty in handling, disorientation, agitation and dilated pupils in one 0.24 mg/kg/day cat and one 0.72 mg/kg/day cat. All of these clinical signs were observed simultaneously. There were no drug‐related effects on survival, injection response, injection site inspections, body weight, food or water consumption, bleeding time, urinalysis, respiration rate, heart rate, ECGs, blood pressures, body temperatures, macroscopic examinations or organ weights. Once daily buprenorphine s.c. injections at doses of 0.24, 0.72 and 1.20 mg/kg/day for 9 consecutive days were well tolerated in young domestic cats.     

Acetaminophen Toxicosis In 17 Cats

Seventeen cases of acetamninophen intoxication in cats were identified over a 12-year period. Information obtained from the medical records included the signalment, amount acetaminophen ingested, time from ingestion until treatment was initiated, clinical signs, physical examination, clinical pathology, treatment and outcome. The most common cause intoxication was owner administration. In cats that died or were euthanized the dose administered ranged from 10mg/kg to 17Omg/kg, while in cats that survived the dosage ranged from 10mg/kg to 400mg/kg. The most common clinical signs were depression, increased respiratory rate, respiratory distress, pale/muddy mucous membranes, and hypothermia. Twelve cats survived. Ten of these cats had treatment initiated within 14 hours after ingestion. One cat that survived had treatment initiated 24 hours after ingestion, and a second cat that survived had treatment initiated 48 hours after ingestion. Time between ingestion and initiation treatment may be as important if not more important than the actual dosage acetaminophen administered.     

Antinociceptive Effects of Oxymorphone-Butorphanol-Acepromazine Combination in Cats

Objective—To determine the antinociceptive effects of oxymorphone, butorphanol, and acepromazine individually and in combination to a noxious visceral stimulus in cats. Study Design—Randomized, blinded controlled study. Animals—Eight healthy mixed-breed cats (four male, four female) weighing 4.4 ± 1.2 kg and aged 1 to 2 years old. Methods—A silastic balloon catheter was inserted per rectum and inflated at various pressures. Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure) were also recorded. Subjects were administered individual and combined intravenous (IV) doses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/kg oxymorphone and 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/kg butorphanol. A further study of various ratios of butorphanol and oxymorphone (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3), at a combined equivalent dose of 0.1 mg/kg, was performed in four cats per dose combination. In a separate study, four cats were administered combined IV doses of 0.05 mg/kg each of oxymorphone and butorphanol or 0.05 mg/kg each of oxymorphone, butorphanol, and acepromazine. Results—Combined doses of 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg of oxymorphone and butorphanol showed mainly additive with some synergistic antinociceptive interactions and the combined dose of 0.2 mg/kg of each agent demonstrated additional antinociceptive effects, P < .05. Additional studies showed that various ratios of the two agents at a total combined dose of 0.10 mg/kg IV did not produce levels of antinociception that were significantly different from each other, P > .05. Acepromazine (ACE) significantly increased the magnitude of antinociception at 15 minutes when administered in combination with oxymorphone and butorphanol, P < .05. Also, physiological variables were unaffected by these drug combinations. Conclusions—Low doses of oxymorphone and butorphanol in combination can produce greater levels of antinociception than when used individually. ACE, in conjunction with oxymorphone and butorphanol, produced even greater levels of antinociception than the two-opioid drug combination. Clinical Relevance—Oxymorphone, butorphanol, and ACE can be used in combination to produce additive or synergistic effects without adverse effects in cats. These data suggest that ACE and butorphanol at low doses given as preanesthetic medication followed by a mu opioid (eg, oxymorphone) after surgery at low doses may provide an effective method of pain management in the cat.     

Clinical evaluation of Alfaxan-CD® as an intravenous anaesthetic in young cats

Objective   To describe and evaluate the use of Alfaxan-CD ® as an intravenous anaesthetic in young cats.
Design   Thirty-five Domestic Short-hair cats aged from 3 to 12 months were admitted into the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital-Sydney for elective surgery. Anaesthesia was induced with Alfaxan-CD® and maintained with isoflurane: 22 cats received no premedication and 13 cats received acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg) subcutaneously 30 min prior to induction.
Qualitative and quantitative data for induction and recovery were recorded. Physiological parameters were recorded at 0, 2 and 5 min post induction, and every 5 min thereafter until the end of the procedure.
Results   Intravenous injection of Alfaxan-CD® resulted in rapid induction of anaesthesia with a mean time to intubation of 122 s. The mean dose of Alfaxan-CD® used was 4.2 mg/kg in unpremedicated cats and 2.7 mg/kg in premedicated cats. All cats maintained a heart rate above 95 beats/min. No cat developed hypoxaemia. Hypercapnoea was detected in 4 cats and hypotension was observed in 18 cats. Time to extubation ranged from 1 to 9 min. The mean time to sternal recumbency for premedicated cats was 11 min; 77% of premedicated cats and 23% of unpremedicated cats had a recovery score of 1 or 2.
Conclusion   Alfaxan-CD® is an effective anaesthetic agent in young healthy cats, providing a smooth induction and rapid recovery. Cats that were premedicated with acepromazine and butorphanol prior to induction with Alfaxan-CD® had better recovery scores than those that were not premedicated.