The effect of dose and concentration on D-xylose absorption in healthy,immature dogs

Nine combinations of dosages and concentrations of D-xylose were given orally to eight clinically normal, immature dogs. The concentrations and dosages of D-xylose consisted of 5%, 10%, and 20% at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg. Serum samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 minutes. Serum xylose was quantitated using the phloroglucinol microassay technique. A peak in serum xylose concentration was seen for each treatment combination at 60 or 90 minutes after dosing. The dosage effect was important in influencing serum xylose values (P < 0.0001). As the test solution dosages increased from 250 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg, serum xylose values (when dosage was analyzed over the length of the entire test) rose linearly (R(2) = 0.98). The treatment combinations of 5% and 20% xylose solutions dosed at 750 mg/kg produced the highest serum xylose values at the 60- and 90-minute peak intervals. The independent effect of concentration was significant (p < 0.001) but was overridden by the stronger dosage effect. Serum xylose concentrations varied little statistically (p > 0.05) when the 5%, 10%, and 20% solutions were compared at a specific dosage.     

Marked pleural effusion causing right atrial collapse simulating cardiac tamponade in a dog

A 16-month-old, female German shepherd dog was presented with severe bicavitary effusions. A diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed by thoracic radiography. An echocardiogram performed prior to surgical repair of the hernia revealed signs of cardiac tamponade, with right atrial collapse, in the absence of pericardial effusion. Right atrial collapse was presumed to be secondary to severe pleural effusion. At surgery, no pericardial disease was identified. Surgical correction of the diaphragmatic hernia resulted in resolution of the pleural and peritoneal effusions. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated resolution of the signs of cardiac tamponade.     

Efficacy of famotidine for the prevention of exercise-induced gastritis in racing Alaskan sled dogs

BACKGROUND: Omeprazole reduces the severity of exercise-induced gastritis but not the prevalence of gastric lesions in sled dogs. The frequent feeding of sled dogs during competition likely results in decreased absorption of omeprazole and, thereby, decreased efficacy. HYPOTHESIS: Famotidine, a histamine-2 blocker with good bioavailability in the presence of food, would reduce the incidence and severity of exercise-induced gastric disease in sled dogs. ANIMALS: Sixteen fit Alaskan sled dogs (4 female, 12 male, all intact, age 2-6 years). METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (22 mg famotidine PO q24h) or control groups (n = 8 per group). Famotidine was administered with a meal to the treatment group once daily for 7 days before a challenge and once during exercise. Control dogs were fed an identical diet as the principal group. The 16 dog team completed a 100-mile exercise challenge in 18 hours. A gastroscopy was performed 24 hours after the challenge. The appearance of the mucosa was scored by an individual by using a scoring system. RESULTS: Treatment with famotidine significantly reduced the severity score compared with control (P = .0004). No adverse effects of treatment were reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Famotidine is effective in reducing the severity of exercise-induced gastric disease in racing Alaskan sled dogs, with minimal to no adverse effects, and may be recommended for prophylactic use in short distance races.