Radiographic contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal tract of eight dogs using carboxymethylcellulose mixed with a low concentration of barium sulphate

To evaluate the efficacy of a mixture of barium and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) suspension in upper gastrointestinal contrast studies, and to determine its optimal concentration and method for use, eight healthy beagle dogs underwent conventional upper gastrointestinal contrast imaging and a modified procedure using a mixture of barium sulphate and CMC. Four different procedures were carried out on the dogs at weekly intervals. In the first, the dogs were administered 10 ml/kg of 60 per cent barium suspension for conventional study of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The second, third and fourth procedures involved modified methods in which the dogs were given 10 ml/kg of a mixture of 25 per cent barium and 0.5 per cent CMC prepared to a low, moderate or high viscosity, respectively. All four procedures were evaluated by four criteria: the quality of the images obtained, the translucency and distensibility of the bowel, and the transit time. The method of imaging which used a moderately viscious CMC formulation provided excellent image quality, high translucency, a rapid transit time and suitable bowel distension to enable more precise diagnosis of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.     

Upper gastrointestinal examinations: a radiographic study of clinically normal beagle puppies

A total of 24 upper gastrointestinal examinations were performed on four weanling beagle puppies over six weeks, using liquid barium (10 ml/kg bodyweight of 60 per cent w/v barium sulphate suspension] and barium food (8 g/kg of crushed kibble dog food and 7 ml/kg bodyweight of 60 per cent w/v barium sulphate suspension) as contrast media. The radiographic appearance was similar to that noted in adult dogs except for the consistent location of the pylorus on or near the midline. Duodenal pseudoulcers were seen more often with liquid barium and the caecal shadows were identified more often with the longer examination time with barium food. The stomach of the puppies appeared to have discriminatory emptying function; that is, semi-solid food was emptied from the stomach at a slower rate (210 to 450 minutes) than liquid (60 to 90 minutes). Solid meals emptied faster in puppies than in adult dogs. Dosages of 13 to 15 mg/kg bodyweight for the liquid barium examination and 14 g of ground kibble and 16 ml of barium sulphate suspension per m² of body surface area for the barium food examination are suggested as more appropriate for contrast studies in puppies.     

THE NORMAL UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL EXAMINATION IN THE FERRET

Upper gastrointestinal examinations were performed in 11 unsedated ferrets and 4 ferrets sedated with ketamine and diazepam. Each animal received a 8-13 mL/kg body weight dosage of barium liquid (30% weight:volume). Radiographs were made immediately and at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min (mins) after the barium was administered. Gastric emptying began immediately. Mean total gastric emptying was longer in sedated ferrets (130 +/- 40 min versus 75 +/- 54 min); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Small intestinal transit time was less than 2 h in all ferrets. The barium-filled small bowel was best visualized on the 20- and 40-min radiographs and did not exceed 5-7 mm in width. Flocculation of barium in the small intestine and adherence of barium to the stomach mucosa was seen in almost all animals. The longitudinal colonic mucosal folds in the colon were well visualized in the normal upper gastrointestinal study and aided in distinguishing small intestine from large intestine. The use of ketamine and diazepam sedation did not significantly affect the parameters evaluated in the upper gastrointestinal study series.     

The Effect of Hetastarch on Serum Colloid Oncotic Pressure in Hypoalbuminemic Dogs

The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of action of a single dose of hetastarch, a synthetic colloid, in hypoalbuminemic dogs. Thirty hypoalbuminemic dogs (albumin concentration, 2,0 g/dL) received 1 dose of hetastarch each, with an average dose of 18.1 mL/kg. Doses ranged from 7.7 to 43.9 mL/kg, with the majority of doses (n = 26) in the range of 10 to 25 mL/kg. Dogs were allotted to one of several groups: all dogs, dogs with acute gastrointestinal protein loss, dogs with chronic gastrointestinal protein loss, all dogs with gastrointestinal protein loss, and dogs with nongastrointestinal protein loss. Colloid oncotic pressure was measured immediately before and immediately after hetastarch administration, and 12 hours after hetastarch administration. There was a significant ( P < .001) increase in the mean colloid oncotic pressure after hetastarch treatment in all groups, except in the group with acute gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment, the mean colloid oncotic pressure had decreased significantly ( P < .001) from the immediate post-treatment value in all groups, except in dogs in the groups with acute and chronic gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment the mean colloid oncotic pressure was not significantly ( P < .001) different from the baseline mean colloid oncotic pressure in any of the groups. Twenty-three dogs (77%) survived their illness and were sent home, whereas, 7 (23%) died or were euthanized. The effect of a single dose of hetastarch on raising colloid oncotic pressure in dogs with hypoalbuminemia decreases significantly within 12 hours of administration, and is no longer significantly above baseline values. We conclude that multiple dosing is necessary to prolong the beneficial effects of hetastarch.     

SMALL INTESTINAL EMPTYING TIME IN NORMAL BEAGLE DOGS

Gastric emptying time and small intestinal transit time in dogs are frequently discussed. However, it is often of interest to the radiologist to know what normal small intestinal emptying times should be. A total of 15 upper gastrointestinal studies was performed on five internal parasite-free, normal, standard Beagle dogs with three studies on each dog, 6 days apart. The ages and weights of the dogs ranged from 2–8 years and from 12.4–13.7 kg, respectively. Following 24-hour fasting, a dose of 10 ml/kg bw of 60% wt/vol barium sulfate suspension was administered through a stomach tube. Then, sequential radiographs were made at 30-minute intervals until the entire contrast medium column was in the colon and cecum. The mean, standard deviation, and range of gastric emptying time, small intestinal transit time, and small intestinal emptying time were 76 ± 16.7 (30–120), 73 ± 16.4 (30–120), and 214 ± 25.1 (180–300) minutes, respectively. This study offers the possibility that small intestinal emptying time may be used to further evaluate patients with suspected small intestinal partial obstruction, pseudo-obstruction, ischemia, or lymphangiectasia.     

Endoscopy of the gastroduodenal mucosa after carprofen, meloxicam and ketoprofen administration in dogs

Endoscopy was undertaken to examine the gastroduodenal mucosa of 24 healthy dogs after seven days and again after 28 days of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration. The dogs were divided into four groups. One group received ketoprofen (1 mg/kg every 24 hours), one group carprofen (2 mg/kg every 12 hours for seven days followed by 2 mg/kg every 24 hours), a third group meloxicam suspension (0·2 mg/kg every 24 hours), and the last group gelatin (one capsule every 24 hours). Serum biochemical and complete blood count parameters did not change significantly after NSAID administration. Gastroduodenal lesions were observed in 17 dogs, but in all cases these were mild to moderate. The dogs receiving gelatin or carprofen showed the fewest and the least severe lesions, although there was no statistically significant difference between the three test drugs and the control group (P 0–05). None of the dogs showed any clinical signs related to the gastrointestinal lesions.     

Contrast Radiography of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in the Dog: A Comparison of Micropulverized Barium Sulfate and U.S.P. Barium Sulfate Suspensions in Clinically Normal Dogs

Abstract— Sixty upper gastrointestinal radiographic examinations were done on five littennate mongrel dogs to compare a commercial micropulverized barium sulfate suspension and a hand-mixed U.S.P. barium sulfate suspension. Two different fasting times and three different dosage rates were used. Small bowel transit times were influenced significantly (p>0. 05) by the type of contrast agent employed, but not by the volume of medium or by the duration of fasting. Mucosal pattern, loop visibility, and continuity of contrast material were superior when the commercial preparation was used. Recommended dosages were 8–12 cc/kg for small and medium-sized dogs and 5–7 cc/kg for large dogs, using the commercial agent, or an equivalent concentration of U.S.P. barium sulfate suspension. Résumé—Soixante examens radiographiques du tractus gastro-intestinal supérieur ont été effectués sur 5 portées de chiens métis dans le but de comparer une suspension commerciale de sulfate de barium à l'état micropulvérist et une suspension de sulfate de barium U.S.P. (pharmcacopée des Etats Unis) mélangée à la main. On a utilisé deux temps de jeûne différents et illisible gammes de dosage. Les temps de transit courts étaient influencés de facon significative (p.o, 5) par le type d'agent contrastant utilisé mais non par le volume de milieu ou par la durée de jeûne. L'image de la mu-queuse, la visibilité des anses intestinales, la continuité du moyen de contraste étaient meilleures aprés utilisation de la préparation commerciale. Les doses recommandées sont 8–12 cc/kg par les animaux de petite et moyenne taille et de 5–7 cc/kg pour les gros chiens, aussi bien avec la préparation commerciale qu'avec une concentration équivalente de suspension de sulfate de bariun U.S.P. Zusammenfassung— Sechzig Röntgenuntersuchungen des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts wurden an fünf Bastardhunden des gleichen Wurfs durchgeführt, um eine mikropulverisierte Barium-sulfatsuspension des Handels mit einer handpräparierten USP-Bariumsulfatsuspension zu vergleichen Zwei verschiedene Fastenzeiten und drei verschiedene Dosierungen wurden angewendet. Die Durchgangszeiten durch den Dünndarm wirden wesentlich (p<0,05) vom Typ des verwendten Kontrastmittels, aber nicht vom Volumen des Mediums oder der Dauer des Fastens beeinflusst. Das Schleimhautrelief, die Erkennbarkeit der Darmschlingen und die Kontinuierlichkeit des Kontrastmittels waren bei Venvendung des Handelspräparats hervorragend. Die empfohlenen Dosen sind 8–12 ml/kg für kleine und mittelgrosse Hunde und 5–7 ml/kg fur grosse Hunde bei Venvendung des Handelspräparats oder einer äquivalenten Konzentration der USP-Bariumsulfatsuspension.     

A pharmacokinetic study of amoxycillin in febrile beagle dogs following repeated administrations of endotoxin

The pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin was studied in nine male beagle dogs under healthy and febrile conditions. In Period 1, dogs received 20 mg/kg of an oral suspension of amoxycillin. Intravenous doses of saline, 2 and 20 microg/kg of endotoxin (LPS from Escherichia coli serotype) were administered to dogs (three per group) prior to administration of 20 mg/kg of amoxycillin in Period 2. Rectal temperature and behavioral changes were recorded and blood samples were collected over 12 h for pharmacokinetic analysis. Amoxycillin was assessed in plasma using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Plasma concentrations were analysed using a one-compartment model with lag-time for absorption using an iterative two-stage method. As compared with control groups, amoxycillin clearance decreased significantly with preliminary treatments of 2 microg/kg endotoxin (0.209 vs. 0.140 L/h kg, P < 0.05) and 20 microg/kg endotoxin (0.214 vs. 0.075 L/h kg, P < 0.05). As a result of this, the area under curve for the 2 and 20 microg/kg endotoxin groups increased significantly 100.4 vs. 149.4 microg h/mL (P < 0.05) and 99.2 vs. 277.7 microg h/mL (P < 0.05), respectively. Other drugs currently used for the treatment of fever and septic shock should be re-evaluated using a febrile animal model to avoid improper dose administration.     

Treatment of Blastomycosis With Itraconazole in 112 Dogs

One hundred twelve client-owned dogs with blastomycosis were treated with itraconazole, 5 or 10 mg/kg/d. The first group of 70 dogs treated in 1987 and 1988 received 10 mg/kg/d (group 1), and the second group of 42 dogs treated after October 1988 received 5 mg/kg/d (group 2). Even though the groups were treated at different times, the dogs were similar in age and gender distribution, number of sites involved, and percent and severity of pulmonary involvement. The proportion of dogs cured with a 60–day course of itraconazole was similar for both groups (53.6% versus 54.3%) and for a second historical control group treated with amphotericin B (57%); the recurrence rate was also similar, 20%, 21.4%, and 20%, respectively. Dogs treated with itraconazole had similar mortality rates (25.7% at 5 mg/kg/d; 25% at 10 mg/kg/day) to those treated with amphotericin B (23%). Seventeen of the 23 dogs that died (74%), did so during the first week of treatment; these early deaths were usually attributed to respiratory failure. The only site of infection that was significantly associated with failure (death or recurrence) was the brain. There was a marked difference in survival times between dogs without lung disease or with mild lung disease compared with dogs with moderate or severe lung disease. Serum itraconazole concentrations reached steady state by 14 days of treatment. Dogs receiving 5 mg/kg/d of itraconazole (group 2) had mean serum concentrations of 3.55 ± 2.81 mg/mL (range, 0.67 to 10.8 μg/mL), whereas dogs receiving 10 μg/kg/d (group 1) had mean concentrations of 13.46 ± 8.49 μg/mL (range, 1.8 to 28 μg/mL) (P ≤ .001). There was no association between cure and serum itraconazole concentrations. Dogs in group 1 had significantly more adverse effects than dogs in group 2 (P= .046). Anorexia was the most common adverse effect, occurring in 14.9% of dogs in group 1. Only 8% of dogs in group 2 had adverse effects. Serum concentrations of itraconazole were positively correlated with serum alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Our findings indicate that itraconazole administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d is the drug of choice for blastomycosis in dogs.     

Sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine reduces early postoperative pain behavior and biochemical stress response after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy in dogs

This study investigated the use of sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine to relieve postoperative pain behavior and biochemical stress response after laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOVH) in dogs. Sixteen sexually intact female dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. The sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine (SIB) group received 4.4 mg/kg of sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine diluted to 0.25% with an equivalent volume of saline after pneumoperitoneum. The control group received 1.76 mL/kg of saline in a similar fashion. Both groups received preoperative periportal 5% bupivacaine (1 mL) before incision. Postoperative pain was measured using the short form of the Glasgow composite measures pain scale (CMPS-SF, 0-24). Serum cortisol and glucose concentrations were measured preoperatively and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24h postoperatively. The SIB group had significantly lower CMPS-SF compared to the control group 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12h after the operation. Cortisol concentrations were significantly increased from preoperative concentrations in the control group at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4h post operation and at 0.5 and 1h post operation in the SIB group. No significant differences were seen in serum glucose within each group. This report suggests that the use of sprayed intraperitoneal bupivacaine can be used as part of a multimodal approach for pain management after LOVH in dogs.     

苦楝皮驱除犬蛔虫试验效果研究

为了研究苦楝皮驱除犬蛔虫的试验效果,采用云南当地苦楝皮,将20只京巴犬分为4组,分别为对照组、低剂量组(5mL/kg)、中剂量组(15mL/kg)、高剂量组(25mL/kg)。以7d为1个投药周期,将炮制好的苦楝皮饲喂病犬,连续给药3个周期。通过采集粪便和实验室观察,计算出给药后虫卵转阴率,并确定最佳疗程及剂量。试验结果表明,3个剂量的苦楝皮对犬蛔虫都有驱除效力,但高剂量组综合效力最好,虫卵转阴率可以达到96.5%,且以7d为1个周期,连续用药3周可以达到对犬蛔虫病的基本治愈。     

Preliminary studies on the effectiveness of the novel pulicide, spinosad, for the treatment and control of fleas on dogs

Spinosad is a novel mode-of-action insecticide produced from a family of natural products derived from fermentation of the actinomycete, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Separate studies were undertaken to determine the minimum effective dose of spinosad given orally for the treatment of experimentally induced flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) on dogs, and to assess any potential impacts of feeding canned or dry food at the time of dosing. Both were randomized block (blocked by gender and pre-treatment flea counts), blinded parallel-arm studies, with dogs selected on health and ability to maintain pre-treatment flea populations. For dose selection, 48 dogs were allocated among six groups (8 dogs/group; 4 males, 4 females): placebo-treated negative control, spinosad in gelatin capsules at 15, 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg administered per os; and topical imidacloprid (10 mg/kg) as a positive control. Placebo and spinosad treatments were administered on Days 0, 30 and 60, imidacloprid only on Day 0. In a second study to assess the impact of food type at the time of dosing, three groups were formed: placebo-treated control (8 dogs; 4 males, 4 females), spinosad (30 mg/kg) administered with canned food (8 male dogs, 8 females); and spinosad (30 mg/kg) with dry food (8 males, 8 females). Treatments were administered on Days 0 and 30. To assess post-treatment persistent efficacy, flea infestations were repeated at regular post-treatment intervals, beginning on Day 5 through Day 89 in the dose selection study and Day 58 in the impact of food type and dosing study. Flea counts were performed 48 h post-infestation by study personnel who were blinded to treatments. In the dose selection study, compared to geometric mean live flea counts in the control group, each spinosad dose was highly effective (99.8–100%) at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment. Only the 30 and 40 mg/kg doses maintained high efficacy (97.2–100%) until 30 days after treatment, with no difference between the two. Imidacloprid was highly effective at Day 30, with significant difference only from the 15 mg/kg spinosad group. Because there was no significant difference between the higher spinosad rates, 30 mg/kg was selected as the optimal minimum effective dose. In the second study, spinosad was highly effective at all post-treatment flea counts (98–100%). Taken together, these studies demonstrate that repeated monthly oral treatments with spinosad at 30 mg/kg provide sustained control of C. felis on dogs. There were no treatment-related adverse events in either study, indicating that spinosad has potential to be used monthly as a safe and effective flea adulticide, providing sustained activity that matches that of currently used topical products.     

氟苯尼考双混悬型乳剂对人工感染猪胸膜肺炎的临床疗效试验

为了探讨氟苯尼考双混悬型乳剂的临床治疗效果,确定用药方案,本试验建立体重为15kg±1.5kg的杜×长×大三元杂交商品猪胸膜肺炎人工感染病理模型。以氟苯尼考注射液为对照组,采用氟苯尼考双混悬型乳剂高(40mg/kg)、中(20mg/kg)和低(10mg/kg)剂量组进行临床治疗与观察。结果表明,氟苯尼考双混悬型乳剂高、中试验组治愈率均为100%,显著高于低剂量组和药物对照组(P<0.05)。因此,临床治疗推荐采用中(20mg/kg)剂量组,3d1次,连用2次的给药方案。     

The Effect of Hetastarch (670/0.75) on Urine Specific Gravity and Osmolality in the Dog

Background: Urine specific gravity (USG) is used clinically to estimate urine osmolality (UOsm). Although USG has been shown to have a linear correlation with UOsm in dogs, the relationship is altered when there are significant numbers of high molecular weight (MW) molecules in the urine.
Hypothesis: USG would no longer predict UOsm in dogs given intravenous hetastarch (670/0.75)(HES).
Animals: Eight healthy employee-owned adult dogs.
Methods: Prospective, controlled experimental study. USG and UOsm were measured every 30 minutes from t=0 minutes to t=360 minutes. Dogs were administered 20mL/kg of either NaCl 0.9% (control group, n=4) or HES (treatment group, n=8) IV over 1 hour starting at t=90 minutes.
Results: There was a decrease in UOsm in both groups starting at t=120 minutes and continuing for the study duration, and there was no significant difference in UOsm between treatment and control groups across all time points. There was an appropriate decrease in USG from t=120 minutes for the control group. In the treatment group, USG increased significantly at t=120 minutes ( P = .0006), t=150 minutes ( P = .0002), and t=180 minutes ( P = .0044). The largest increase in USG occurred at t=150 minutes with a mean USG of 1.070 ± 0.021 (range 1.038-1.104).
Conclusions and clinical importance: Urine specific gravity should not be used to estimate urine solute concentration in dogs following the administration of 20mL/kg of HES. In a clinical setting, the evaluation of USG following this dose of HES may lead to an overestimation of urine concentration.     

Cardiovascular Effects of Enoximone and Epinephrine on Heparin Reversal With Protamine in Conscious Dogs

Objective—To compare enoximone with epinephrine as treatments for the cardiotoxic effects of protamine sulfate.
Study Design—Prospective randomized study.
Animal Population—12 healthy cross-bred dogs weighing 23 ± 4 kg.
Methods—The dogs were anesthetized with xylazine and ketamine to allow instrumentation. Femoral arterial and venous catheters were inserted for pressure monitoring and to allow drug infusion. A thermodilution catheter mounted with a fast response thermistor was inserted into the pulmonary artery via the jugular vein to measure cardiac output and right ventricular volumes. Heparin 300 units/kg followed by protamine 4.5 mg/kg were administered 45 minutes after the xylazine/ketamine. Four animals were not treated (controls), four received enoximone, and four were given epinephrine. Cardiopulmonary parameters were monitored for a period of 30 minutes.
Results—Cardiac index was 104 ± 15 mL/kg/min in the enoximone group, 72 ± 13 mL/kg/ min in the epinephrine group, and 63 ± 10 mL/kg/min in the control group ( P < .05 enoximone versus control and epinephrine). Right ventricular end systolic volume was 18 ± 3, 27 ± 4, and 29 ± 6 mL in the enoximone, epinephrine, and control groups ( P < .05 enoximone versus control and epinephrine). There were no differences in mean arterial pressure or pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance between the groups.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In this study, enoximone was more effective than epinephrine at reversing the hemodynamic changes associated with protamine sulfate administration.     

一株变异型猪流行性腹泻病毒的分离鉴定及其灭活疫苗的免疫效力试验

本研究旨在分离猪流行性腹泻病毒（porcine epidemic diarrhea virus,PEDV）变异株,通过悬浮培养工艺制备成高效价的PEDV灭活疫苗。2017年从中国多个规模化猪场采集腹泻病死仔猪的小肠及其内容物200份,通过RT-PCR方法进行PEDV检测并测序,筛选一株PEDV变异株,将其在2 L反应器里悬浮培养的Vero细胞上进行病毒分离与传代培养,收获的病毒液鉴定后测定TCID₅₀,经甲醛灭活后加入氢氧化铝胶佐剂配制成PEDV灭活疫苗,对其物理性状、稳定性、黏度、无菌等进行检验,检验合格后免疫妊娠母猪及所产仔猪,对其安全性和免疫效力进行研究。结果显示,200份病料中有86份为PEDV阳性,将筛选的PEDV变异株病料在Vero细胞上传至第5代时出现细胞病变,传至第10代收获病毒液,经鉴定后确定为PEDV变异毒株,并命名为PEDV-GF10株。收获的病毒液浓缩后测得病毒滴度可达1×10^8.0 TCID₅₀/mL。疫苗检验合格后在母猪产前40和25 d时试验组后海穴肌内注射4 mL疫苗,空白组不免疫,结果显示试验组与空白组母猪的生产情况无明显差异,所产3日龄仔猪分别免疫不同剂量后体温无显著差异,表明该疫苗对母猪和仔猪均安全性良好。随机挑选试验组与空白组母猪所产3日龄仔猪各20头,分别口服4 mL PEDV-F10病毒培养物,空白组母猪所产仔猪在攻毒24 h后PEDV发病率为100%,抗体均为阴性;试验组母猪所产仔猪只有10%出现了轻微的腹泻症状,仔猪获得了高达90%保护率,且仔猪被动免疫后抗体能持续至35 d以上。以上结果表明,PEDV-GF10变异株通过悬浮细胞培养后病毒滴度显著提高,研制的PEDV-GF10株灭活疫苗安全有效,能够对中国的PEDV变异株达到有效防控,为国内PED防控提供了理论依据。     

Nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B in dogs: a comparison of two methods of administration.

Two methods of administration of amphotericin B were compared for their ability to produce nephrotoxicity in 12 dogs. Six dogs received six alternate day doses of amphotericin B: 1 mg/kg administered as a rapid bolus in 25 mL 5% dextrose in water. Another six dogs received alternate day treatments of the same dose of amphotericin B in 1 L 5% dextrose in water over 5 h. Both treatment groups experienced significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate, as measured by inulin clearance, 24 h endogenous creatinine clearance, serum creatinine and serum urea. This reduction in glomerular filtration rate was most marked in the group receiving the drug as a rapid bolus. The inulin clearances decreased from 3.54 +/- 0.30 mL/min/kg (means +/- SEM) on day 0 to 1.15 +/- 0.25 mL/min/kg on day 12 in the slow infusion group and from 3.24 +/- 0.25 mL/min/kg on day 0 to 0.46 +/- 0.11 mL/min/kg on day 12 in the rapid bolus group. Renal lesions characteristic of amphotericin B administration were observed in all dogs tested. The dogs which received amphotericin B as a rapid bolus had a significantly greater number of tubular lesions than the slow infusion group. Systemic side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss, were observed in both treatment groups but were most severe in the rapid bolus group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

IMAGING ASSESSMENT OF THE MODIFIED DOUBLE CONTRAST BARIUM ENEMA USING CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE ON RADIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DOGS

A modified double contrast barium enema using carboxymethylcellulose was evaluated in beagle dogs and compared with dogs receiving a conventional barium enema. The experimental group was divided into three groups (1, 2, and 3) and given 30 ml/kg of different volume ratios of a barium vs. carboxymethylcellulose mixture. Each group underwent sonography following radiography. The volume ratio of one part barium to three parts carboxymethylcellulose was judged to be the optimal mixture, resulting in a general distribution of contrast and bowel radiolucency on radiographs and adequate postradiography sonography. The modified barium enema using carboxymethylcellulose is useful for assessing the general morphology and mucosal layers of the colon simultaneously on radiographs and ultrasonographs.     

Isolation and Identification of a Variant Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and the Immune Efficacy of Its Inactivated Vaccine

This study was aimed to isolate a mutant strain of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and prepare a PEDV inactivated vaccine with high valence by suspension culture process for immunizing against PEDV effectively in China.200 small intestines and theirs contents of diarrhea piglets died of diarrhea,collected from many large-scale pig farms in China,were detected by RT-PCR and sequenced,a mutant strain of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus was selected and put on the suspension-cultured Vero cells in a 2 L reactor for virus isolation and continuous cell culture,the harvested virus suspension,which was identified and determined TCID₅₀,was inactivated by formaldehyde and mixed with aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvant to prepare PEDV inactivated vaccine.After its physical behavior,stability viscosity,sterility test were checked out,the safety and immune efficacy were studied by immunizing the pregnant pigs and theirs piglets.The results were as follows:86 samples were detected positive in 200 samples,cytopathy occurred after the mutant strain samples screened were passaged to 5th generation,the virus suspension was harvested in 10th generation and identified as a mutant strain of PEDV,named PEDV-GF10 strain.The virus titer of harvested virus suspension was measured up to 1×10^8.0 TCID₅₀/mL after concentrated.After the vaccine was checked out,the sows,40 and 25 days before delivery in experimental groups,were injected into Xuehai acupoint with 4 mL vaccine and the pigs in blank group were free of immunifications.The results showed that there were no obvious differences in the production status of the sows in experimental groups and blank group and the temperature of theirs 3-day-old healthy piglets injected different doses of vaccine,and the vaccine was safe to the sows and piglets.Forty 3-day-old piglets producted by pregnant sows in experimental groups and blank group were randomly selected and taken 4 mL 1×10^8.0TCID₅₀/mL F10 virus culture.The PEDV morbidity of piglets in blank group was 100% after injection and the antibodies were negative;10% piglets in blank group had mild diarrhea symptoms,the protection rate was up to 90%,antibody of passive immunity in piglets lasted for more than 35 days.Virus titer of mutant strain of PEDV-GF10 improved a lot by suspension cell culture,the PEDV-GF10 inactivated vaccine was safe,and could effectively prevent and control the variation strain of PEDV in China.     

Glomerular filtration rate in dogs with leishmaniasis and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement is an indicator of kidney function. However, its usefulness in dogs at early stages of spontaneous chronic kidney disease (CKD) of glomerular origin, where routine laboratory techniques are not sufficiently sensitive, remains unproved. HYPOTHESIS: That GFR is reduced in proteinuric nonazotemic or mildly azotemic dogs with CKD secondary to leishmaniasis. ANIMALS: Twenty-six dogs with CKD secondary to leishmaniasis and 10 healthy dogs (control group). METHODS: CBC, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis (microalbuminuria and urine protein/creatinine ratio [UPC]) were performed in all dogs. GFR was calculated by measuring exogenous creatinine clearance. Based on degree of proteinuria and serum creatinine concentration (SCr), dogs were classified as group A (control; n = 10): UPC < 0.2, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group B (n = 8): UPC, 0.2-0.5, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group C (n = 10): UPC > 0.5, SCr < 1.4 mg/dL; group D (n = 5): SCr, 1.4-2 mg/dL; group E (n = 3): SCr > 2 mg/dL. Results: GFR (mL/kg/min) was 3.9 +/- 0.29, 4.4 +/- 0.74, 4.5 +/- 1.44, 2.8 +/- 0.97, and 1.5 +/- 0.43 for groups A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Eleven dogs (1 from group B, 3 from group C, 4 from group D, and all 3 dogs from group E) had an abnormally low GFR. Four dogs from group B and 5 dogs from group C had a GFR above the upper reference range (>4.5 mL/min/kg). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some proteinuric nonazotemic or mildly azotemic dogs with leishmaniasis have low GFR, but glomerular hyperfiltration occurs in other dogs.