Biliary tract surgery in the dog: a review

The indications for surgery on the biliary system in the dog are discussed with reference to the anatomy, specific disease syndromes and associated clinical signs. Surgical procedures are described for the treatment of biliary tract obstruction or rupture, and applicable cases reported in the literature are reviewed. The pathogenesis of bile peritonitis is also briefly discussed.     

The usage of veterinary antibacterial drugs for mastitis in cattle in Norway and Sweden during 1990-1997.

The prescribing patterns and annual incidence of use of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of mastitis in cattle in Norway and Sweden during the period 1990-1997 were estimated from drug wholesaler statistics. Although the drugs included in this study are also used in other species and/or other indications, mastitis in cattle is by far the most-common indication for their use. We used these sales figures to evaluate trends in the use of antibacterial drugs and changes in the incidence of treatment in bovine mastitis in Norway and Sweden. To facilitate comparisons (correcting for differences in activity and dosage) between the relative proportions of antibacterial drugs used in bovine mastitis, we introduced defined daily dose cow (DDDcow) as unit of measurement. Tentative DDDcow for the various injectable drugs were derived from doses recommended in Norway and Sweden. For intramammary drugs administered in the form of single-dose applicators, one applicator was defined as the DDDcow. The prescribing patterns of antibacterial drugs in bovine mastitis in Norway and Sweden during the study period seemed to be influenced by treatment policies, substances and formulations approved and treatment cost; length of the withdrawal period also seemed to play a role.     

Use of anticholinergics in veterinary anaesthesia

This viewpoint examines the time-honoured and popular use of anti-cholinergics in veterinary anaesthesia. The disadvantages of routine use and specific indications for the use of these useful drugs are discussed.     

Extracorporal shock wave therapy in veterinary medicine.]

This article gives a general overview on a new therapy in equine orthopedics. In human medicine extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used for lithotripsy of stones of the urologic system and also in orthopedics. In equine medicine the therapy is almost exclusively applied for the treatment of orthopedic problems. The main indications are proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), lesions of tendons and ligaments, osteoporotic changes and spavin. In this paper the mode of action of shock waves and the different shock wave devices are discussed. Also, some information about an ongoing clinical trial at the Animal Hospital University of Zürich is given.     

Medical treatment of osteoarthritis in the horse - a review

The medical treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in the horse is one of the most utilized therapeutic regimens in the equine practice. It is important to understand the anatomy of synovial joints and the pathophysiology of the disease process to treat OA adequately. Once a thorough understanding of the disease process is comprehended the proper combination of systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intraarticular steroids, viscosupplementation and chondroprotectants can be used to treat the disease and inhibit further progression of degenerative changes to the cartilage surface. The equine practitioner is faced with many choices for controlling inflammation in OA. This review presents the background and appropriate uses of various NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, naproxen, and carprofen as well as their associated toxicities. Various steroid formulations exist for intraarticular (IA) administration and much has been learned in the past decade regarding correct dosage, frequency of administrations, indications and toxicity. This review presents IA steroids and their indications in addition to various chondroprotective drugs that also exist to control inflammation and provide viscosupplementation. Data are also given on disease modifying OA drugs such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate that have more recently become available to the equine practitioner.     

Epidural analgesia in the dog and cat

SUMMARY: A brief outline of the history of epidural analgesia is followed by a review of the anatomy of the epidural space with particular reference to epidural block. The technique of epidural injection in the dog is described as are the indications for the technique. These include the provision of anaesthesia for such procedures as orthopaedic surgery of the hind limb and caesarian section. The cardiovascular effects of epidural block are discussed and suggestions are made for the prevention of hypotension. The various drugs and their combinations which may be used for epidural administration are outlined. The commonest used local anaesthetic agents are bupivacaine and lidocaine. Epidural administration of opioid drugs is a relatively new technique which is used to provide intra- and post-operative analgesia. Morphine is the drug of choice for this indication.The use of other classes of drugs, such as the alpha 2 agonists and ketamine, are also considered. A variety of side-effects, contra-indications and complications are described together with methods for reducing their incidence and effects.     

Synthetic retinoids in veterinary dermatology

The synthetic retinoids, isotretinoin (Accutane) and etretinate (Tegison) are vitamin A analogs. They affect epithelial differentiation and thus have potential for therapy for disorders of epithelial maturation such as keratinization defects of cutaneous neoplasia. The pharmacology, indications for use, clinical experience, potential toxicities, and recommended monitoring of these drugs are discussed.     

Evaluation of anthelmintics, antiprotozoal drugs and ectoparasiticides for racing pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) available in The Netherlands

Anthelmintics, antiprotozoal drugs and ectoparasiticides specially marketed for use in racing pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) were evaluated by comparing dosages and indications given by the producers with data obtained from efficacy studies or empirical data. Of a total of 63 products, 59% were in accordance with the literature. Fifty-nine percent of the dosages and indications of anthelmintics were in accordance with scientifically obtained data, while for trichomonacides, coccidiostats and ectoparasiticides the figures were 47%, 59% and 100% respectively. Public health aspects of the consumption of medicated pigeons are discussed.     

Effects of pharmacological agents on gastrointestinal motility

The control mechanisms of gastrointestinal motility are complex. Extrinsic neurohormonal effects modulate an intrinsic system, often called the "gut brain," composed of nervous and neuropeptide components. To exert pharmacologic influence on GI motility, use is made of agents that mimic the external control system. Agents that stimulate opioid receptors, block adrenoceptors, block or facilitate acetylcholine action, or antagonize the action of prostaglandins are used to effect changes in GI motility. The major indications for pharmacologic intervention are to increase motility in constipation, to reduce it in most cases of diarrhea, and to restore propulsive coordination in postoperative ileus. In cases of clinical colic the primary requirement is control of pain. Agents used for this purpose may adversely affect motility, and choice requires knowledge of their actions in this respect. In addition, drugs used for other purposes, anthelmintics for instance, may also influence gut motility. A synopsis of the actions of the agents commonly employed in GI motility control and some associated drugs are displayed in Table 3. Recent advances in the understanding of drug action on the gut should help in the selection of drugs for clinical use.     

Anthelmintic drug resistance in the UK

The term 'anthelmintic drug resistance' describes the heritable ability of some nematode parasites to survive treatment with anthelmintic drugs at the recommended therapeutic dose levels. Genes for resistance appear to be present in many of the important pathogenic nematodes of ruminants and horses. Under intensive management systems, where heavy reliance is placed on anthelmintic drugs for worm control, the selection of resistant genotypes may result in increased reports of the drugs failing to control the nematode populations against which they are aimed. Anthelmintic resistance has been reported from many parts of the world, and in some countries multiple drug-resistant strains have emerged. In the UK, recent investigations indicate an increasing level of resistance to benzimidazoles among nematodes of sheep and horses. The incidence, diagnosis, epidemiology and implications of anthelmintic resistance are discussed.     

Part 1: Treatment of Snial Bait Toxicity in Dogs: Literature Review

Metaldehyde and methiocarb are two snail baits (molluscicides) which are commonly ingested by dogs and cause rapid onset of severe neurological symptoms. Rapid and appropriate treatment is essential for patient survival. This paper summarizes the literature on treatment of metaldehyde and methiocarb toxicity, based primarily on actual case reports from the past 35 years.
There are important differences between metaldehyde and methiocarb in their mechanisms and treatment. Metaldehyde's mechanism is unknown; methiocarb is a carbamate and parasympathomimetic. Pentobarbitone anesthesia and atropine have been the mainstays of treatment in metal-dehyde and methiocarb toxicity, respectively; their limitations and disadvantages are discussed. Other drugs and aspects of treatment, such as acetylpromazine, diazepam, gastric lavage, and hypetihermia, are also discussed.
Clinical signs are similar in both types of toxicity, but treatment may be complicated by the development of hyperthermia and atropine poisoning which also have similar clinical signs.     

Selection of antibiotics for meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: time to revisit some old drugs?

The aim of this review is to consider systemic therapy options for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). Infections caused by MRSP in small animals--particularly dogs--have been frustrating veterinarians in recent years. After a susceptibility test is performed, veterinarians are left to select from drugs that have not been frequently encountered on a susceptibility report. Some of these are old drugs that have not been used regularly by veterinary dermatologists. As MRSP is, by definition, resistant to all β-lactam antibiotics, including cephalosporins, penicillins and amoxicillin-clavulanate combinations, the β-lactam drugs are not an option for systemic treatment. As most MRSPs are multidrug resistant, familiar drugs, such as trimethoprim-sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, macrolides and lincosamides (clindamycin), are also not usually an option for treatment. Therefore, veterinarians are left with drugs such as rifampicin, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and vancomycin to choose from on the basis of an in vitro susceptibility test. Some of these drugs were originally approved over 50 years ago and may not be familiar to some veterinarians. Each of these drugs possesses unique properties and has particular advantages and disadvantages. Veterinarians should be particularly aware of the adverse effects, limitations and precautions when using these drugs. New drugs also have been developed for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in humans. These include linezolid, ceftaroline, daptomycin and tigecycline. Although these drugs are very infrequently--if ever--considered for veterinary use, the properties of these drugs should also be known to veterinary dermatologists.     

Formulation and (bio)availability problems of drug formulations in birds.

Most drugs used for the treatment of birds are not formulated for birds. Therefore the availability of drugs for birds and their administration routes largely depend on formulations available for man, mammals and to some extent poultry. The problems with the application of existing formulations, the drug concentrations and the many different avian species are discussed. The desire of the avian veterinarian for the combination of several active compounds presents special problems. This again requires extra data on the interactions in galenic, pharmaceutic, pharmacokinetic and dynamic phases, which are generally not readily available.     

Ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy and orchidectomy in rodents and rabbits

This article describes the surgical procedures for the ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy and orchidectomy in rodents and rabbits. The indications for each procedure are outlined and effective and safe anesthetics are described. Preoperative and postoperative care is also discussed.     

Drug therapy in cats: a systems approach

In the second part of this 4-part series, drug therapy in cats is discussed by use of a systems approach. Specifically, drugs that can be used safely for treatment of disorders affecting the feline gastrointestinal, central nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and urogenital systems are described. Many drugs that are used in dogs can be safely used in cats according to the same or similar dosing regimens. Several drugs that have traditionally been considered inappropriate (eg, morphine derivatives, primidone) can probably also be used, if cautiously, in cats. In contrast, use of several drugs that are safely used in other species should be avoided in cats (eg, selected emetics and antiemetics, phosphate salt enemas, and selected urinary antiseptics). Cats are more sensitive than dogs to the adverse side effects of a variety of drugs (eg, aspirin, digoxin, selected antiarrhythmics), and extra precautions must be taken when these drugs are used in cats. Finally, several drugs are used for the treatment of illnesses that tend to be unique to cats (eg, taurine and calcium-channel blockers in selected feline cardiovascular disorders).     

Advances in surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: a review

This review describes the indications for surgical treatment of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) infection in cattle and presents an overview of former surgical methods that have been modified for current use, including arthrotomy, resection of the distal sesamoid bone, resection of the DIJ and digital amputation. The post-operative life span, reasons for culling, pros and cons of claw-preserving techniques versus digital amputation, and pain management in general are also discussed. It would appear that severe claw diseases that result in septic arthritis of the DIJ do not necessarily lead to a reduced life span if cows are adequately treated and thorough aftercare is provided.     

Treatment for bovine Escherichia coli mastitis – an evidence‐based approach

Bovine mastitis caused by Escherichia coli can range from being a subclinical infection of the mammary gland to a severe systemic disease. Cow‐dependent factors such as lactation stage and age affect the severity of coliform mastitis. Evidence for the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment for E. coli mastitis is very limited. Antimicrobial resistance is generally not a limiting factor for treatment, but it should be monitored to detect changes in resistance profiles. The only antimicrobials for which there is some scientific evidence of beneficial effects in the treatment for E. coli mastitis are fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. Both are critically important drugs, the use of which in animals destined for food should be limited to specific indications and should be based on bacteriological diagnosis. The suggested routine protocol in dairy herds could target the primary antimicrobial treatment for mastitis, specifically infections caused by gram‐positive bacteria. In E. coli mastitis with mild to moderate clinical signs, a non‐antimicrobial approach (anti‐inflammatory treatment, frequent milking and fluid therapy) should be the first option. In cases of severe E. coli mastitis, parenteral administration of fluoroquinolones, or third‐ or fourth‐generation cephalosporins, is recommended due to the risk of unlimited growth of bacteria in the mammary gland and ensuing bacteremia. Evidence for the efficacy of intramammary‐administered antimicrobial treatment for E. coli mastitis is so limited that it cannot be recommended. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have documented the efficacy in the treatment for E. coli mastitis and are recommended for supportive treatment for clinical mastitis.     

Permanent transvenous cardiac pacing

Transvenous cardiac pacing is a commonly employed treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in dogs. Medical management of these conditions has not proven to be successful leaving pacing as the only viable alternative. The technique of pacemaker implantation is not difficult, but successful pacemaker therapy requires an understanding of electrophysiology, cardiac fluoroscopic anatomy, pacemaker instrumentation, and programming. Proper patient selection and identification of the underlying rhythm disturbance is essential to a successful clinical outcome. This article discusses the indications, equipment, techniques, complications, and outcome of permanent transvenous cardiac pacing.     

Geriatric pharmacology.

When faced with the geriatric dog or cat, the practitioner should consider the following: 1. Avoid using any drugs at all unless there are definite therapeutic indications. If the patient has some degree of renal insufficiency, try to select drugs that are hepatically metabolized and excreted in bile rather than eliminated by the kidneys (eg, doxycycline, tolfenamic acid). If hepatic insufficiency is present, select drugs that do not undergo metabolism before renal excretion (eg, penicillins, cephalosporins). 2. If therapeutic drug monitoring is available, tailor the drug dosage regimen to that specific patient (eg, phenobarbital, digoxin, amino-glycosides). 3. If therapeutic drug monitoring is unavailable, determine if there are clinically proven adjusted dosage regimens for specific drugs. The package insert on human pharmaceutics often gives guidelines for adjusting dosages in geriatric patients. 4. If the drug has not been sufficiently studied to have dosage adjustment recommendations, determine if there is sufficient information about its kinetics to estimate the proper drug dose in a geriatric patient. Some general guidelines for commonly used drugs in geriatric veterinary patients are provided in Table 1. In general, if the Vd changes in your patient, change the dose. If the elimination half-life changes, change the dosing interval. 5. Carefully monitor treated patients for signs of efficacy and toxicity.     

抗菌药物对动物免疫调节机能影响的研究进展

对常见抗菌药物的分类及其对动物免疫机能造成的影响进行了综述,并对其应对措施进行了初步探讨。抗菌药物除了具有清除体内微生物作用外,尚可直接或间接地调节机体的免疫功能。认识和阐明抗菌药物相关免疫调节机能,对临床上选择抗菌药物治疗具有积极意义。