A Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Meloxicam and Ketoprofen following Oral Administration to Healthy Dogs

Ketoprofen (KTP) and meloxicam (MLX) are non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs used extensively in veterinary medicine. The pharmacokinetics of these drugs were studied in eight dogs following a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg of KTP as a racemate or 0.2 mg/kg of MLX. The concentrations of the drugs in plasma were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). There were differences between the disposition curves of the KTP enantiomers, confirming that the pharmacokinetics of KTP is enantioselective. (S)-(+)-KTP was the predominant enantiomer; the S:R ratio in the plasma increased from 2.58 +/- 0.38 at 15 min to 5.72 +/- 2.35 at 1 h. The area under the concentration time curve (AUC) of (S)-(+)-KTP was approximately 6 times greater than that of (R)-(-)-KTP. The mean (+/- SD) pharmacokinetic parameters for (S)-(+)-KTP were characterized as Tmax = 0.76 +/- 0.19 h, Cmax = 2.02 +/- 0.41 microg/ml, t1/2el = 1.65 +/- 0.48 h, AUC = 6.06 +/- 1.16 microg.h/ml, Vd/F = 0.39 +/- 0.07 L/kg, Cl/F = 170 +/- 39 ml/(kg.h). The mean (+/- SD) pharmacokinetic parameters of MLX were Tmax = 8.5 +/- 1.91 h, Cmax = 0.82 +/- 0.29 microg/ml, t1/2lambda(z) = 12.13 +/- 2.15 h, AUCinf = 15.41 +/- 1.24 microg.h/ml, Vd/F = 0.23 +/- 0.03 L/ kg, and Cl/F = 10 +/- 1.4 ml/(kg.h). Our results indicate significant pharmacokinetic differences between MLX and KTP after therapeutic doses.     

Preliminary observations on the effects of Meloxicam in a new model for acute intra-articular inflammation in dogs

The effects of intra-articular injection, on two occasions, 3 weeks apart, of the contrast agent Urografin on the cytological and biochemical characteristics of synovial fluid (SF) were examined in two studies in dogs. The first study provided baseline data in two non-medicated dogs. The second study used a cross-over design whereby 4 dogs received a 7-day oral treatment with either a placebo or meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg body weight daily) with a washout period of 3 weeks, in order to determine the effect of this new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) on the response to Urografin injection. SF samples were collected under general anaesthesia prior to and at 24 and 72 h after each Urografin injection. The volume, relative viscosity, white blood cell count and concentrations of protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hyaluronic acid of these samples were determined.The results from both studies indicate that intra-articular injection of Urografin provoked a mild local transient inflammatory response, the most dramatic evidence of which was an increase in the white blood cell count in the SF after 24 h. In the second study, comparison of the synovial fluid measurements of the placebo-treated dogs at 24 h after Urografin injection with those prior to injection revealed significant increases in SF volume, white blood cell count, protein concentration and LDH activity and a significant reduction in relative viscosity. At 72 h after injection, only the white blood cell count and relative viscosity were significantly different from the pre-injection values. All of these measurements were, however, associated with high coefficients of variation, which must be taken into account in assessing the usefulness of the model for drug-testing purposes. Nevertheless, the administration of meloxicam significantly reduced the SF volume and white blood cell count at 24 h relative to the effects of concurrent placebo treatment. The general health status of the animals was not disturbed at any time as assessed by clinical and haematological observations. No adverse reactions were observed.Abbreviations LDH lactate dehydrogenase - NSAID non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - SF synovial fluid - WBC white blood cell count     

The Effect of Tramadol and Indomethacin Coadministration on Gastric Barrier Function in Dogs

Background

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic that is often used in conjunction with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The effect of coadministration of tramadol and indomethacin on gastric barrier function in dogs is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

That coadministration of a nonselective NSAID (indomethacin) and tramadol would decrease recovery of barrier function as compared with acid‐injured, indomethacin‐treated, and tramadol‐treated mucosa.

Animals

Gastric mucosa of 10 humanely euthanized shelter dogs.

Methods

Ex vivo study. Mounted gastric mucosa was treated with indomethacin, tramadol, or both. Gastric barrier function, prostanoid production, and cyclooxygenase expression were quantified.

Results

Indomethacin decreased recovery of transepithelial electrical resistance after injury, although neither tramadol nor the coadministration of the two had an additional effect. Indomethacin inhibited production of gastroprotective prostanoids prostaglandin E₂ (acid‐injured PGE ₂: 509.3 ± 158.3 pg/mL, indomethacin + acid injury PGE ₂: 182.9 ± 93.8 pg/mL, P < .001) and thromboxane B₂ (acid‐injured TXB ₂: 233.2 ± 90.7 pg/mL, indomethacin + acid injury TXB ₂: 37.9 ± 16.8 pg/mL, P < .001), whereas tramadol had no significant effect (PGE ₂ P = .713, TXB ₂ P = .194). Neither drug had an effect on cyclooxygenase expression (COX‐1 P = .743, COX‐2 P = .705). Acid injury induced moderate to marked epithelial cell sloughing, which was unchanged by drug administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There was no apparent interaction of tramadol and a nonselective cyclooxygenase in this ex vivo model. These results suggest that if there is an adverse interaction of the 2 drugs in vivo, it is unlikely to be via prostanoid inhibition.     

Effects of meloxicam or tolfenamic acid administration on the pain and stress responses of Merino lambs to mulesing

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of two long-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at reducing the pain and stress responses to mulesing in lambs. PROCEDURES: Merino lambs (n = 60) were allocated at 5 weeks of age to six treatment groups: (1) sham mules; (2) mules; (3) tolfenamic acid-sham mules; (4) tolfenamic acid administered 45 min before mulesing; (5) tolfenamic acid at the time of mulesing; (6) meloxicam at the time of mulesing. Plasma cortisol was measured at -0.75, -0.25, 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h relative to mulesing. Beta-endorphin concentrations in plasma were determined at 0, 0.5, 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Haematology was performed on blood samples taken at -0.75, 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Plasma haptoglobin was measured at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. Rate of wound healing was determined 72 h post mulesing, and animal behaviour, including posture, was measured for 6 h after mulesing. RESULTS: The mulesed lambs exhibited large increases in plasma concentrations of cortisol, beta-endorphin and haptoglobin. All mulesed animals lost weight significantly in the week after mulesing, regardless of analgesic administration, but the difference in weight between mulesed and unmulesed lambs was less at the final measurement, 2 weeks after mulesing. Mulesed lambs spent significantly less time lying ventrally than control lambs. All lambs that were mulesed, including those administered NSAIDs, spent more time standing with a hunched posture and less time walking normally than control lambs. CONCLUSIONS: The NSAID treatments applied 45 min before or at the time of mulesing at the dose levels used in this study were not effective in reducing the acute response of lambs to mulesing.     

氟尼辛葡甲胺对大鼠小鼠的抗炎镇痛作用研究

氟尼辛葡甲铵盐是一种动物专用的非甾体抗炎药,具有镇痛和解热功能,但抗炎是其主要功效。本试验通过对鸡蛋清诱导的大鼠踝关节炎性肿胀模型和冰醋酸所致小鼠疼痛扭体反应来研究其抗炎镇痛效果。与对照组相比,FM高中低各剂量组(0.55、1.1、2.2 m g/kg)对大鼠足关节炎症均有显著的对抗作用(P<0.05,P<0.01),呈明显的量效关系。高剂量组(2.2m g/kg)抗炎功效明显优于吲哚美辛组(2.25 m g/kg)和地塞米松组(2.52 m g/kg)。中剂量组(1.1 m g/kg)作用堪比吲哚美辛,而低剂量组(0.55 m g/kg)稍逊于地塞米松。与同类对照药双氯芳酸钠(16.25 m g/kg)和安乃近(32.5 m g/kg)相比,结果显示FM(2.5 m g/kg)对小鼠扭体抑制作用最强,抑制率高达82.69%。     

隆朋麻醉对犬红细胞免疫黏附性及红细胞膜流动性的影响

本试验旨在研究隆朋麻醉对犬红细胞黏附性和膜流动性的影响。试验选用健康本地犬12只,肌肉注射隆朋3.0 mg/kg,于麻醉前（即0 h对照组）、麻醉后2、8、24、72、120、168 h动态采集5 mL外周静脉血,离心分离红细胞,制取红细胞悬液并制备试验用红细胞膜,进行C3b受体花环率和免疫复合物花环率的检测及红细胞膜流动性的检测。C3b受体花环率在麻醉后2 h出现下降趋势,但与对照组相比差异不显著（P>0.05）,注射隆朋后8 h低于对照组且差异极显著（P<0.01）,此后开始恢复,到麻醉后168 h基本恢复正常,与对照值相比差异不显著（P>0.05）。而免疫复合物花环率则呈现相反的趋势,其在注射隆朋后出现先上升后下降的趋势。免疫复合物花环率在注药后2~24 h高于对照组且差异极显著（P<0.01）,72 h基本恢复,与对照组相比差异不显著（P>0.05）。使用荧光偏振法测定红细胞膜的流动性,结果表明,注射隆朋后犬红细胞膜流动性增加,但与对照组相比差异不显著（P>0.05）。隆朋麻醉对犬红细胞免疫黏附性及膜流动性皆存在影响,但对其膜流动性的影响不显著（P>0.05）。     

硫化氢对顺铂致犬肾脏氧化损伤及炎症的缓解作用

【目的】 探究硫化氢（H₂S）对顺铂诱导的犬急性肾损伤（AKI）的影响。【方法】 将18只健康成年比格犬随机分为对照组（C）、顺铂组（cis）和硫化氢+顺铂组（H+cis）,每组6只。对照组犬经头静脉注射生理盐水,cis组犬经头静脉注射5 mg/kg顺铂,H+cis组犬在注射顺铂前30 min经头静脉注射1 mg/kg NaHS溶液,每隔24 h注射1次,一共3次。注射顺铂72 h后对犬进行麻醉,静脉采血用于检测血清肌酐（Scr）和尿素氮（BUN）,HE染色观察各组肾脏病理变化,生化试剂盒检测犬肾脏中谷胱甘肽（GSH）、过氧化氢（H₂O₂）和一氧化氮（NO）含量,实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting法检测犬肾脏中白介素-1β（IL-1β）、IL-10、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、核因子-κB （NF-κB）、环氧合酶2（COX2）、诱导型一氧化氮合成酶（iNOS）、IL-6、IL-4的相对表达量。【结果】 cis组Scr和BUN水平极显著高于对照组（P<0.01）,H+cis组Scr和Bun水平极显著低于cis组（P<0.01）。病理检测结果显示,cis组犬肾脏组织发生明显病理学变化,而H+cis组犬肾脏组织病理变化有所减轻。生化检测结果表明,与C组相比,cis组肾脏中GSH含量极显著下降（P<0.01）,H₂O₂和NO含量极显著增加（P<0.01）;与cis组相比,H+cis组犬肾脏中GSH含量极显著上升（P<0.01）,而H₂O₂和NO含量极显著下降（P<0.01）。实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting检测结果表明,与C组相比,cis组促炎因子IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、NF-κB和COX2的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量均显著或极显著升高（P<0.05;P<0.01）,而抗炎因子IL-4和IL-10的mRNA和蛋白相对表达量均极显著下降（P<0.01）;与cis组相比,H+cis组犬肾脏中抗炎因子IL-4和IL-10的mRNA及蛋白表达量极显著升高（P<0.01）,而促炎因子IL-β、IL-6、TNF-α、NF-κB和COX2的mRNA及蛋白相对表达量均极显著下降（P<0.01）。【结论】 H₂S通过提高肾脏抗氧化能力,抑制炎症因子表达来改善顺铂诱导的犬AKI。     

纳米硒对犬肾衰中肾组织离子转运体表达及凋亡的影响

旨在探究纳米硒作为治疗药物对腺嘌呤诱导急性肾衰犬肾组织离子转运体表达及凋亡的影响。20只体重约4 kg年龄1岁左右的贵宾犬在做基本健康检查并适应性喂养两周后,随机分为空白对照组(Control,饲喂基础日粮30 d)、急性肾衰造模组[Model,15 d基础日粮+15 d腺嘌呤75 mg·(kg·d)^-1]、常规输液治疗组[Infusion,15 d腺嘌呤75 mg·(kg·d)^-1+15 d静注葡萄糖氯化钠60 mL·(kg·d)^-1、呋塞米2~4 mg·kg^-1]、纳米硒治疗组[Nano-Se,15 d腺嘌呤,75 mg·(kg·d)^-1+15 d纳米硒0.5 mg·(kg·d)^-1]、纳米硒预防组[Prevention,15 d纳米硒0.5 mg·(kg·d)^-1+15 d腺嘌呤75 mg·(kg·d)^-1],每组4只犬。通过血液生化分析,尿常规分析,肾组织石蜡切片免疫组化,Western blot,RT-qPCR检测相关蛋白基因表达水平。结果表明：纳米硒治疗与预防有效降低肾衰特征指标CRE、BUN,恢复肾衰异常尿常规指标尿比重、尿pH,改善肾衰犬机体钙磷代谢;纳米硒治疗对比急性肾衰造模组可有效增加肾组织CaSR、WNKs mRNA与蛋白表达量(P<0.05),降低NKCC2 mRNA与蛋白表达量(P<0.05),从而减弱了急性肾衰中过度代偿的重吸收功能;纳米硒治疗较肾衰造模组肾组织促凋亡Bax、Caspase3/9 mRNA与蛋白表达量显著下调(P<0.05),降低急性肾衰中肾的凋亡效应。     

Protective Effects of Sunscreens on Sunburn and Suntan Reactions in Cross-bred Mexican Hairless Dogs

Résumé— Les réponses cutanées à l'exposition solaire (radiations UV: 290–400 nm) et l'effet protecteur de deux sortes d'écrans solaires vis-à-vis des coups de soleil et du bronzage ont étéétudié chez des chiens nus descendants de chiens nus Méxicains par trois méthodes (colorimétrie, comptage des mélanocytes DOPA positifs et histologie cutanée). Après la premiére exposition aux UV, alors qu'aucune modification de couleur de la peau (érythème) n'était constatée, les modifications histologiques étaient patentes. Ensuite, après une exposition prolongée, les modifications de couleur étaient nettes (bronzage) et corrélées avec le nombre de mélanocytes DOPA-positifs. Après le troisième jour d'exposition, les mélanocytes étaient retrouvés dans tout l'épiderme des sites non protégés par les écrans solaires et aucune modification de la couleur ni des nombres de mélanocytes n'a été observé dans les zones protégées par les écrans solaires. Histologiquement, seules des modifications mineures ont été notées après 3 à 6 jours d'irradiation UV et il existait des diférences significatives selon la valeur de protection des différents écrans solaires. Par conséquent les écrans solaires protègent efficacement la peau de chiens nus des coups de soleil et du bronzage induits par les expositions solaires. [Kimura, T., Doi, K. Protective effects of sunscreens on sunburn and suntan reactions in cross-bred Mexican hairless dogs (Effet protectuer des écrans solaires vis-à-vis du bronzage et des coups de soleil chez les chiens nus méxicains et croisés). Resumen— Se estudiaron las respuestas cutáneas a la exposición solar (radiación UV 290–400 nm) y los efectos protectores de dos tipos de pantallas solares sobre las quemaduras y bronceados solares en descendientes pelones de perros Pelones Mejicanos utilizando tres métodos distintos [colorimetría, histología y contaje de melanocitos positivos a la dihidroxifenilalanina (DOPA)]. Después de la primera exposición a la radiación UV no se detectó cambio en la coloración de la piel (eritema) aunque si se observaron alteraciones histológicas. Posteriormente, tras sucesivas exposiciones, los cambios de coloración se hicieron visibles (bronceado) y se halló correlación con el número de melanocitos DOPA-positivos. En el tercer dia de exposición, se detectaban melanocitos en toda la epidermis de las zonas desprotejidas pero no se observó ningún cambio de coloración ni aumento de melanocitos en las zonas protejidas por pantallas solares. Histológicamente sólo se detectaron ligeros cambios en la piel protejida al cabo de 3 y 6 dias de radiación UV y existian diferencias entre zonas protejidas con pantallas de diferentes valores SPF. Concluimos que las pantallas solares protegieron la piel de los perros pelones de las quemaduras y bronceado solares. [Kimura, T., Doi, K. Protective effects of sunscreens on sunburn and suntan reactions in cross-bred Mexican hairless dogs (Effectos protectores de las pantallas solares sobre las quemaduras y bronceados solares en perros Pelones Mejicanos cruzados). Zusammenfassung— Es wurden die Hautreaktionen auf Sonnenbestrahlung (UV-Strahlen von 290–400 nm) und die Schutzwirkung von 2 Arten von Sonnenschutzmitteln auf Sonnenbrand und Verfärhungsreaktionen bei haarlosen Abkümmlingen von Mexikanischen Nackthunden mittels dreier Methoden untersucht (Colorimeter, Dihydroxyphenylalanin (DOPA)-positiver Melanozytenzählung und Hauthistologie). Nach der ersten Exposition gegenüber UV-Strahlung konnten histologiesche Veränderungen festgestellt werden, obwohl keine Veränderung der Hautfarbe (Erythem) sichtbar war. Bei der darauffolgenden Exposition traten Farbveränderungen auf (Verfärbungen) und korrelierten mit den Veränderungen der Zahl der festgestellten DOPA-positiven Melanozyten. Am dritten Tag der Exposition konnten Melanozyten in der Epidermis an nicht durch Sonnenschutz bedeckten Stellen festgestellt werden, während an den son-nengeschützten Stellen weder Farbveränderungen noch Melanozytenvermehrung stattfanden. Histologisch konnten auch nach 0 bis 6 Tagen Bestrahlung nur geringgradige Veränderungen in der behandelten Haut ermittell werdem. Es bestanden Unterschiede zwischen Stellen mit Sonneschutzmitteln verschiedener Lichtschutzfaktoren. Sonnenschutzmittel schützen also die Haut von haarlosen. Hurden gegen Sonnenbrand und Verfärbungereaktionen, die durch Sonnenbestrahlung ausgelöst wird. [Protective effects of sunscreens on sunburn and suntan reactions in cross-bred Mexican hairless dogs (Auswirkung von Sonnenschutzmitteln auf Sonnenbrand und Ver färbungsreaktionen bei Mischlingen von Mexikanischen Nackthunden). Abstract— Skin responses to solar exposure (UV radiation: 290–400 nm) and protective effects of two kinds of sunscreens on sunburn and suntan reactions were examined in hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs using three methods [colorimeter, dihydroxyphenylalanin (DOPA)-positive melanocyte count and skin histology]. After the first exposure to UV irradiation, while skin color change (erythema) was not detected, histologic changes were apparent. Thereafter, with subsequent exposure, color changes were apparent (tanning) and correlated with changes in numbers of DOPA-positive melanocytes detected. By the third day of exposure, melanocytes were detected throughout the epidermis in sites unprotected by sunscreens but no color change nor increase in melanocytes was noted in sunscreen-protected sites. Histologically, only minor changes were noted in treated skin after 3 and 6 days of UV irradiation, and there were differences between sites treated with sunscreens of different SPF values. Thus, sunscreens effectively protected the skin of hairless dogs from sunburn and suntan reactions induced by solar exposure.     

黄芪注射液对犬心脏双向变时作用的初步观察

为了观察黄芪注射液对正常犬和二尖瓣关闭不全病理模型 (MR)犬的变时作用 ,并探讨其机制 ,在异氟烷吸入麻醉下 ,对正常及外科方法制作的犬亚急性二尖瓣关闭不全模型 (术后 5 0天后 )一次性静脉推注含生药 2 g/ m L的黄芪注射液 1 .2 5 m L/ kg,通过体表心电图测定心率和 PQ、QRS、RR、QT,并计算 QTC(QT/ RR)间期。在正常犬 ,开始注射黄芪注射液后 ,心率出现先减少后恢复再持续减少和显著变化。 MR模型犬开始注射液后 ,心率出现先升高后恢复再持续升高的显著变化。 MR模型犬的心率减慢变化与 RR、PQ、QT、QTc呈高度显著负相关 (P<0 .0 1 )。表明黄芪注射液对正常比格犬 ,具有加快心率的正性变时作用。对二尖瓣闭锁不全 (MR)模型犬具有减缓心率的负性变时作用。黄芪注射液的变时作用似与机体的机能状态有关 ,呈现双向调节作用。     

抗菌药在犬、猫临床上的合理应用

菌药在犬、猫临床上使用最广泛和最重要的抗感染药物,对控制犬、猫疾病起着巨大的作用,但目前不合理使用尤其是滥用的现象较为严重,不仅造成药品的浪费,而且导致犬、猫的不良反应增多,产生细菌耐药性,对动物造成伤害,甚至导致医疗事故的发生等。作者针对犬、猫疾病特点,结合犬、猫临床疾病防治经验和体会,对用于犬、猫临床上的常见抗菌药物进行了概括与总结,为在犬、猫临床上正确使用抗菌药物提供一个参考。     

Effects of Brimonidine Ingestion on Cardiovascular Responses and Renal Function in Conscious Dogs

The effects of brimonidine, an α₂-adrenoceptor agonist, on blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, renal function and some blood parameters were investigated in 10 dogs. Dogs were divided into two groups, low dose (LD; 0.2 mg/kg) and high dose (HD; 0.5 mg/kg) of brimonidine given orally. The α₂-adrenergic antagonist yohimbine hydrochloride was injected to dogs at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg in both groups at the fifth hour after brimonidine administration. The results demonstrated that after administration of brimonidine, mean arterial blood pressure decreased dramatically at 2 h by 23% and 20% in LD and HD groups, respectively. Heart rate was decreased in a similar manner and both remained low at 5 h after brimonidine administration. Respiratory rate was decreased by 50%, while the electrocardiogram showed prolongation of the PR interval. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal blood flow were reduced when measured at 4 h after brimonidine ingestion in both groups, but the effect was more pronounced in the LD group. Brimonidine caused natriuresis and kaliuresis in both LD and HD groups. The packed cell volume was decreased and hyperglycaemia was detected. Most of the effects can be reversed completely after administration of yohimbine. However, yohombine can restore GFR only partially. These data suggest that brimonidine caused cardiovascular and respiratory depression. The adverse effects of this drug can be antagonized by yohimbine, suggesting that these effects were mediated via the α₂-adrenoceptor.     

Effects of buprenorphine, carprofen and saline on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a prototype pressure stimulus device for use in the cat and to compare with a known thermal threshold device. ANIMALS: Eight healthy adult cats weighing between 3.0 and 4.9 kg. METHODS: Pressure stimulation was given via a plastic bracelet taped around the forearm. Three 2.4 mm diameter ball bearings, in a 10-mm triangle, were advanced against the craniolateral surface of the antebrachium by manual inflation of a modified blood pressure bladder. Pressure in the cuff was recorded at the end point (leg shake and head turn). Thermal threshold was also tested. Stimuli were stopped if they reached 55 degrees C or 450 mmHg without response. After four pressure and thermal threshold baselines, each cat received SC buprenorphine 0.01 mg kg(-1), carprofen 4 mg kg(-1) or saline 0.3 mL in a three period cross-over study with a 1-week interval. The investigator was blinded to the treatment. Measurements were made at 0.25. 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after injection. Data were analyzed by using ANOVA. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in thermal or pressure threshold after administration of saline or carprofen, but thermal threshold increased from 60 minutes until 8 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05). The maximum increase in threshold from baseline (DeltaT(max)) was 3.5 +/- 3.1 degrees C at 2 hours. Pressure threshold increased 2 hours after administration of buprenorphine (p < 0.05) when the increase in threshold above baseline (DeltaP(max)) was 162 +/- 189 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pressure device resulted in thresholds that were affected by analgesic treatment in a similar manner but to a lesser degree than the thermal method. Pressure stimulation may be a useful additional method for analgesic studies in cats.     

A study of the pharmacokinetics and thromboxane inhibitory activity of a single intramuscular dose of carprofen as a means to establish its potential use as an analgesic drug in white rhinoceros

The alleviation of pain and prevention of suffering are key aspects of animal welfare. Unfortunately, analgesic drugs are not available for all species. White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum ), representing one of such species, which survive poaching attempts inflicted with severe facial injuries and gunshot wounds, nonetheless require analgesic support. To improve treatment conditions, this study explored the use of carprofen for the treatment of pain and inflammation in white rhinoceros. The pharmacokinetics of 1 mg/kg intramuscular carprofen was evaluated in six healthy white rhinoceros. The half‐life of λ_z and mean residence time was 105.71 ± 15.67 and 155.01 ± 22.46 hr, respectively. The area under the curve and the maximum carprofen concentration were 904.61 ± 110.78 μg ml^?1 hr^?1 and 5.77 ± 0.63 μg/ml, respectively. Plasma TXB ₂ inhibition demonstrated anti‐inflammatory properties and indicated that carprofen may be effective for a minimum of 48 hr in most animals. With its long half‐life further indicating that a single dose could be effective for several days, we suggest that carprofen may be a useful drug for the treatment of white rhinoceros.     

Effects of Aging on Inner Ear Morphology in Dogs in Relation to Brainstem Responses to Toneburst Auditory Stimuli

Background: Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common form of hearing loss in humans and is increasingly recognized in dogs.
Hypothesis: Cochlear lesions in dogs with ARHL are similar to those in humans and the severity of the histological changes is reflected in tone audiograms.
Animals: Ten geriatric dogs (mean age: 12.7 years) and three 9-month-old dogs serving as controls for histological analysis.
Methods: Observational study. Auditory thresholds were determined by recording brainstem responses (BERA) to toneburst auditory stimuli (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 32 kHz). After euthanasia and perfusion fixation, the temporal bones were harvested and processed for histological examination of the cochleas. The numbers of outer hair cells (OHCs) and inner hair cells (IHCs) were counted and the spiral ganglion cell (SGC) packing density and stria vascularis cross-sectional area (SVCA) were determined.
Results: A combination of cochlear lesions was found in all geriatric dogs. There were significant reductions ( P .001) in OHC (42%, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 24–64%) and IHC counts (21%, 95% CI; 62–90%) and SGC packing densities (323, 95% CI; 216–290) in the basal turn, SVCA was smaller in all turns. The greatest reduction in auditory sensitivity was at 8–32 kHz.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: ARHL in this specific population of geriatric dogs was comparable histologically to the mixed type of ARHL in humans. The predominance of histological changes in the basal cochlear turn was consistent with the large threshold shifts observed in the middle- to high-frequency region.     

Effects of a topical anaesthetic formulation and systemic carprofen, given singly or in combination, on the cortisol and behavioural responses of Merino lambs to castration

Objective   To determine the effectiveness of a topical anaesthetic formulation (Tri-Solfen) with or without the administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (carprofen) on the pain and distress response associated with ring or surgical castration of ram lambs.
Procedures   Merino ram lambs (n = 78) were allocated to 10 treatment groups: 4 groups of knife-castrated lambs and 4 groups of ring-castrated lambs received carprofen (4 mg/kg SC) and Tri-Solfen; 2 control groups (sham) received carprofen at 0 or 4 mg/kg SC. Measurements included plasma cortisol and haptoglobin concentrations, haematology, and behaviour, including posture.
Results   Knife-castrated lambs had higher peak cortisol and integrated cortisol responses for the first 6 h after treatment and greater concentration s of circulating acute phase proteins than ring-castrated lambs, both of which were significantly different from the sham controls. Tri-Solfen applied to the knife castration wound significantly reduced both the peak plasma cortisol concentration and the integrated cortisol response for the first 6 h and improved lying behaviour in the first 12 h. Carprofen reduced the cortisol response to knife castration at 30 min, but elevated the cortisol responses at 24 and 48 h. Carprofen nearly halved the number of acute pain behaviours associated with ring castration. There were no significant additive or synergistic effects from combining the analgesic treatments. Tri-Solfen applied to the tail wound provided no detectible benefits during ring castration + tail docking.
Conclusions   The physiological and behavioural responses suggest that ring castration has less impact on the lamb than knife castration. The specific analgesic treatments can provide modest amelioration of the pain and discomfort associated with castration. Alternative doses or application methods may enhance their efficacy.     

电针疗法对AKI犬的肾功能、钙磷代谢、抗氧化能力以及NRF2信号通路的影响

急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury, AKI)目前已成为犬最主要的一种肾系疾病,尤其在老年犬中发病率逐年上升。近年来,针刺疗法在宠物临床已得到广泛的应用,并逐渐从治疗瘫痪等外科疾病向治疗宠物内科疾病的方向发展。本研究以腺嘌呤为造模药物建立急性肾损伤犬模型,采用电针疗法进行治疗。研究电针疗法对于犬的肾功能、钙磷代谢、抗氧化能力以及对于NRF2通路相关蛋白的影响,探究电针疗法对犬的急性肾损伤的治疗作用。选取24只3～4 kg健康比格犬,随机分为对照组、造模组、常规治疗组、电针干预组、电针治疗组和联合治疗组。第1～15天为造模期,第16～30天为治疗期。试验结束后检测尿比重、血清中尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(CREA)、尿酸(UA)、钙(Ca²⁺)和磷(P³⁺)的变化;影像诊断X光检测肾变化情况;检测血清及肾组织的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA);病理组织学观察各组试验犬肾组织病变的严重程度;采用qRT-PCR和Western blot方法检测各组试验犬肾组织中与抗氧化相关基因和蛋白的表达情况;用免疫组织化学的方法检测肾组织中...     

Effects of tramadol alone,in combination with meloxicam or dipyrone,on postoperative pain and the analgesic requirement in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of tramadol alone, or in combination with dipyrone or meloxicam, on postoperative pain and analgesia requirement after unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy in dogs.Study designProspective, randomized, clinical study.AnimalsTwenty seven bitches undergoing unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy.MethodsAnesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of morphine. Before the end of surgery, dogs were randomly assigned to receive intravenous tramadol alone (3 mg kg^?1, group T), combined with dipyrone (30 mg kg^?1, group TD) or meloxicam (0.2 mg kg^?1, group TM). Dogs received additional doses of tramadol (groups T and TM) or tramadol with dipyrone (group TD) at 8 and 16 hours after extubation. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer before anesthesia (baseline) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 24 hours after extubation using a visual analog scale (VAS) and a modified Glasgow scale. Rescue analgesia (morphine, 0.5 mg kg^?1) was administered if the Glasgow pain score was >3.5.ResultsThere were no significant differences among groups in pain scores evaluated by the VAS or the Glasgow scale. In groups T, TD and TM, pain scores were significantly higher than at baseline for 6, 8 and 2 hours, respectively. Rescue analgesia was administered to 3/9, 2/9 and 1/9 dogs in groups T, TD and TM, respectively (p > 0.05) [Correction added on 15 August 2013, after first online publication: ‘T, TM and TD’ was changed to ‘T, TD and TM’.].Conclusions and clinical relevanceUnder the conditions of this study, tramadol alone or in combination with dypyrone or meloxicam provided effective analgesia for 24 hours in most dogs after unilateral mastectomy with or without ovariohysterectomy. Further evaluation of combination therapies is needed in larger groups of dogs.