Effect of alpha-casozepine (Zylkene) on anxiety in cats

The putative effects of a tryptic bovine αs1-casein hydrolysate on anxious disorders in cats was investigated. This product is known as alpha-casozepine and patented under the name of Zylkene (Ingredia, Arras, France). Within veterinary practices, 34 cats were recruited by certified behaviorist surgeons. This 56-day trial against placebo showed the statistically positive effect of this product in the management of anxious disorders such as social phobias in cats. Global score, as well as different items (fear of strangers, contact with familiars, general fears, fear-related aggressions, autonomic disorders), were all significantly improved by the use of this natural decapeptide.     

Clomipramine and selegiline: do they influence impulse control?

Anxiety disorders in dogs are often accompanied by loss of impulse control and can result in inappropriate behaviour such as destructiveness, excessive barking and aggression. The reduction of these undesirable actions is the focus of behaviour therapy. Clomipramine and selegiline have been approved for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, but there are anecdotal reports that they produce inconsistent therapeutic effect. Hence, the aim of this study was to verify the efficacy of clomipramine and selegiline for regulating impulse control by using a rat model based on the delay of reward procedure. The principle is that the animal has to decide between an immediate small food reward, normally preferred by impulsive animals, and a delayed large food reward. In this study, acute effects of clomipramine (0.3-10.0 mg/kg), selegiline (0.3-3.0 mg/kg), and diazepam (1.0-3.0 mg/kg) on the impulsive behaviour of two breeding lines of rats with different anxiety-related behaviour were investigated. Neither clomipramine nor selegiline had an effect on impulse control in either breeding line. However, motor activity was decreased by clomipramine and increased by selegiline. Diazepam led to an increase in impulsive behaviour of one rat line concomitant with an increase in motor activity. The results of this rat model for studying impulsive behaviour suggest that a single administration of selegiline and clomipramine has no influence on impulsive behaviour.     

A randomized multicenter trial of Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab antivenom for the treatment of rattlesnake envenomation in dogs

Objective – To determine clinical efficacy of the Crotalidae polyvalent immune F_ab (ovine) antivenom (OPCA) against progressive crotalid envenomation in the dog as reflected in stabilization or improvement of snakebite severity scores (SSS). Additionally, due to the potential decreased half‐life of the F_ab antibodies in dogs we compared SSS between dogs receiving 2 different dosing regimes. Design – Prospective, clinical trial. Setting – Five veterinary emergency and critical care facilities. Animals – One hundred and fifteen client‐owned Crotalid (rattlesnake) snake bitten dogs in whom worsening of the envenomation syndrome was observed before OPCA treatment. Interventions – In a multicenter randomized clinical trial a single dose (1 vial) of OPCA alone was compared with 2 doses (1/2 vial each) administered 6 hours apart. Standard supportive care was provided in all cases. Measurements and Main Results – Data were available for 115 patients, 9 of which were fatalities. All patients' clinical condition was documented with a standardized SSS system accounting for each major body system. Each fatality received maximum severity scores of 20. The mean severity score of the 115 patients decreased from 4.19 to 3.29 points and there was no difference between the 2 treatment groups. The mean severity score of the 107 patients without fatalities decreased from 4.16 to 2.15. Antivenin‐related acute reactions occurred in 6 dogs (6%), and no serum sickness occurred within the 95 cases contacted at the 2‐week posttreatment follow‐up. Conclusions – In the first randomized trial in dogs of antivenin in the United States, OPCA effectively stabilized or terminated venom effects. There were no statistical differences detected between treatment groups within the study time frame.     

Inefficacy of selegiline in treatment of canine pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate selegiline, a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, for treating dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial using client-owned dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated at The University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, from September 1999 to July 2001. PROCEDURE: Eleven dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated with selegiline were monitored at days 10, 30 and 90 by clinical examination, tetracosactrin stimulation testing, urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio measurement and client questionnaire. Endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone measurements were also performed on most dogs on days 0 and 90. No dog treated with selegiline had satisfactory control of disease. CONCLUSION: Selegiline administration was safe and free of side-effects at the doses used, but did not satisfactorily control disease in pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism affected dogs.     

The use of multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) as an alternative to specimen preparation for anatomical instruction

The purpose of the study reported here was to establish a method of teaching veterinary anatomy, including radiologic anatomy, for clinical practice using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). Two clinically healthy dogs and three cats were scanned using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT). Images were made by means of imaging processing software. At the workstation, by observing the transverse, dorsal-plane, or sagittal sections and three-dimensional (3D) images simultaneously, it is much easier to understand the 3D anatomical structure. With this educational support system, anatomical figures can be explained using living animals instead of specimens. In addition, clinical representative examples can be used to show anatomical disorders to students. Veterinary students (N = 62) who filled out a questionnaire evaluating how the method aided their understanding of both experimental study and clinical examples gave it a score of 88.2 +/- 20.6 (Mean +/- SD) on a visual analog scale. This system can enhance veterinary students' understanding and interest in anatomy and can enable us to offer them a quality veterinary medical education. We concluded that CAD is a useful new option not only for clinical service but also for veterinary education.     

Efficacy and safety of selamectin against Sarcoptes scabiei on dogs and Otodectes cynotis on dogs and cats presented as veterinary patients

A series of randomized, controlled and masked field studies was conducted in veterinary patients to evaluate the efficacy of selamectin, a novel avermectin, in the treatment of naturally occurring Sarcoptes scabiei infestations on dogs and Otodectes cynotis infestations on dogs and cats. A total of 342 dogs and 237 cats participated in these studies, which were conducted at 40 veterinary practices in the USA and Europe. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment with selamectin or a positive-control product (existing approved products). Selamectin was administered as a unit dose providing a minimum of 6mgkg(-1) (range: 6-12mgkg(-1)) in a topical preparation applied to the skin in a single spot on day 0 (O. cynotis in cats, n=144), or on days 0 and 30 (O. cynotis and S. scabiei in dogs, n=83 and n=122, respectively). The presence of parasites was assessed before treatment and at 30 days (for all studies) and 60 days (for O. cynotis and S. scabiei dog studies) after first treatment. The animals were also evaluated clinically at each assessment period. Based on skin scrapings, the efficacy of selamectin against S. scabiei infestations on dogs was >95% by day 30, and 100% by day 60. Against O. cynotis, selamectin eliminated mites in 94-100% of cats by day 30, and in 90% of dogs by day 60. The positive-control products achieved similar results. Thus, selamectin was safe and effective against ear mites in dogs and cats and sarcoptic mange in dogs when used in field (veterinary patient) studies in dogs and cats of a wide variety of ages and breeds.     

Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a diet (CALM CANINE) supplemented with alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan on the stress response of anxious dogs with a focus on anxiety-related behavioral parameters and physiological parameters. Forty-four privately owned dogs were first fed with the control diet, followed by the study diet, each for an 8-week period, with a transitional period of 1 week between the diets. After 7 weeks on a particular diet, owners reported their dogs' behavior by filling out a questionnaire. Using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, the effect of the study diet was found to be significant for 4 anxiety-related behavioral parameters, possibly mirroring a placebo effect. After 7 weeks on each diet, the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) was measured to assess the stress response to a visit to a veterinary practice for toenail clipping. UCCR was measured to complement the interpretation of behavioral data with regard to the stress susceptibility of the dogs. A positive correlation was found between baseline UCCR, as measured in the home situations, and poststressor UCCR. The stressor-induced increase was significantly lower in the dogs when they were fed the study diet than earlier when they were fed the control diet. The supplementation of casozepine or the proportion of protein in a given diet could have been a determining factor. The study diet seems to improve the ability of an individual to cope with stress and may reduce anxiety-related behavior in anxious dogs.     

Field evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime in the treatment and prevention of naturally acquired flea infestations and treatment of intestinal nematode infections in dogs in Europe

Two separate randomised, blinded, multicentre field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of spinosad and milbemycin oxime (MO) (Trifexis^®, Elanco Animal Health) in the treatment and prevention of naturally acquired flea infestations and intestinal nematode infections in European dogs. Treatments using Trifexis^® and each control veterinary product (CVP) were administered once on Day 0 in both field studies.In the flea field trial, 11 veterinary clinics in France participated in the study. On Day 0, whole body flea comb counts were conducted on all dogs being evaluated for enrolment. Dogs with ≥7 fleas on Day 0 were enrolled, treated once on Day 0 with spinosad/MO or the CVP (Stronghold^®; selamectin) and then underwent post-treatment flea counts on Days 14 and 30. There were 150 spinosad/MO treated dogs and 71 CVP treated dogs included in the flea effectiveness population. Effectiveness against fleas (% reduction in geometric means; GM) was 98.97% and 97.37% for the spinosad/MO treated dogs, and 97.43% and 93.96% for the CVP dogs on Days 14 and 30, respectively, compared to the pre-treatment baseline flea counts. Of the spinosad/MO dogs, 89.3% and 80.0% had no live fleas on Days 14 and 30, compared to 77.5% and 70.4% of the CVP dogs, respectively.In the nematode field trial, data from 10 veterinary clinics in France and 19 in Ireland were pooled. Faecal samples from dogs at each clinic were analysed. A positive result at screening (parasite eggs from Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis or Ancylostoma caninum) allowed for enrolment. Dogs were randomised to spinosad/MO or the CVP (Milbemax^®; MO/praziquantel). On Day 8, a post-treatment faecal sample was taken and analysed. Of 2333 dogs screened for nematode eggs, 238 dogs were positive with one or more of these nematodes, and 229 were enrolled in the study. Of the 229 dogs, 151 were treated with a single dose of spinosad/MO, and 77 were treated with a single dose of CVP. Post-treatment effectiveness against all nematodes (% reduction GM) was achieved with reductions of 98.57% and 97.57% for the spinosad/MO treated dogs and CVP dogs, respectively, as compared to the pre-treatment baseline faecal egg counts.Trifexis^® was shown to be safe and effective against natural infestations of fleas as well as mixed and single intestinal nematode infections in client owned dogs in Europe when administered as a single oral administration at the recommended dose.     

Efficacy of Fipronil (9.8% w/w) + (S)-Methoprene (8.8% w/w) and Imidacloprid (8.8% w/w) + Permethrin (44% w/w) against Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick) on Dogs.

This study evaluated overall efficacy, percentage of dogs free of live ticks, retention of ticks, and efficacy against retained ticks of fipronil (9.8% w/w) + (S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w) and imidacloprid (8.8% w/w) + permethrin (44% w/w) spot-on topical solutions against Dermacentor variabilis infesting dogs. Fipronil + (S)-methoprene provided significantly (P less than .05) greater tick control compared with the control dogs for the entire 30-day study period. Conversely, the combination product of imidacloprid + permethrin demonstrated activity significantly (P less than .05) different from control dogs only up to day 23. Significantly (P less than .05) more dogs treated with fipronil + (S)-methoprene were free of live ticks compared with controls on days 3, 9, and 16. There was never a significant difference (P greater than .05) between control and imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs in numbers of dogs free of live ticks. After the initial 10-minute tick exposure, lower numbers of ticks were retained on the imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs than on the fipronil + (S)-methoprene-treated dogs. However, when evaluating the effectiveness of the acaricides on "retained ticks," it appears that while some of the ticks were rapidly knocked down on the imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs, efficacy against ticks still retained at 10 minutes was never greater than 50%.     

Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) for ameliorating separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs

Dogs hospitalized in veterinary clinics are likely to show signs of separation-induced anxiety from hospitalization. The study assessed the effect of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) on 10 typical separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs. A DAP treated group (n = 24) was compared with a placebo control group (n = 19). There was overall amelioration of the signs without ‘vigilance’ and ‘anorexia’ in the DAP-treated dogs; marked decreases were noted in elimination (P = 0.038), excessive licking (P = 0.005), and pacing (P = 0.017). The results suggest that the use of DAP could decrease separation-induced anxiety, distress, and fear in inpatients, and possibly facilitate recovery in hospitalized dogs.     

Robenacoxib vs. carprofen for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis; a randomized, noninferiority clinical trial

Robenacoxib is a member of the coxib class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), with high selectivity for the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoform of COX. In this study, the efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib were compared with those of carprofen in canine osteoarthritis in a multi-centre, prospective, randomized, blinded, positive-controlled noninferiority clinical trial. Both drugs were administered orally once daily at recommended dosages: robenacoxib at 1-2 mg/kg (n = 125 dogs) and racemic carprofen at 2-4 mg/kg (n = 63 dogs) for a total of 12 weeks. The efficacy of the test compounds was assessed by veterinary investigators and owners using numerical rating scales at baseline and days 7, 14, 28, 56 and 84. In both groups, all scores were significantly (P < 0.0001) improved compared with baseline at all time points (days 7-84). Robenacoxib had noninferior efficacy to carprofen for the primary endpoint, the global functional disability, both for all dogs and for the subgroup of dogs in which robenacoxib was not administered during meals. Noninferiority was also demonstrated for three of six veterinary investigator secondary endpoints and four of six owner efficacy endpoints. For haematology and clinical chemistry variables, there were some significant differences from baseline levels but no differences between groups. There were no differences between groups in the frequencies of adverse events, which were reported in 46% dogs with robenacoxib and 52% with carprofen (P = 0.44), which were most frequently mild events affecting the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, noninferior efficacy and tolerability of robenacoxib compared with carprofen was demonstrated in dogs with osteoarthritis.     

Efficacy of nitenpyram as a systemic flea adulticide in dogs and cats

In a clinical trial involving 123 cats and 88 dogs, the efficacy of tablets containing nitenpyram against natural flea infestations was investigated. The animals were selected from the routine cases of nine veterinary clinics in the UK and 143 were treated with the tablets and 68 control animals were treated with placebo tablets. Each animal was maintained in an individual cage. The time when the first fleas fell off each animal was recorded between 30 minutes and five hours after treatment, and six hours after treatment the numbers of live, moribund or dead fleas on each animal were determined, and the flea survival rate was calculated. The drug's efficacy was assessed by comparing the mean survival rates of fleas on the treated and control animals. Fleas started to fall from the animals 30 minutes after treatment and two hours after treatment some fleas had detached from 81 per cent of the treated animals. After six hours the efficacy of the drug reached 96.7 per cent on dogs and 95.2 per cent on cats, and 85.9 per cent of the fleas were found off the treated animals, compared with 1.8 per cent in the controls. No adverse drug reactions were recorded during the trial.     

Ventilatory failure, ventilator management, and outcome in dogs with cervical spinal disorders: 14 cases (1991-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for ventilatory failure in dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of cervical spinal disorders and to document ventilator management, clinical course, and long-term outcome of dogs that experienced ventilatory failure in association with cervical spinal disorders or their management. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs with cervical spinal disorders that required positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) were identified, and signalment, concurrent diseases, neurologic status at initial examination, clinical course, pulmonary function before, during, and after PPV, management techniques, complications, and outcome were recorded. Dogs that underwent surgery and required PPV were compared with dogs that underwent cervical spinal surgery during the same period that did not require PPV. RESULTS: 14 dogs with cervical spinal disorders required PPV to treat hypoventilation, including 13 of 263 (4.9%) dogs that underwent surgery for cervical spinal disorders. Lesions between the second and fourth cervical vertebrae and treatment by means of a dorsal decompressive laminectomy were associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative hypoventilation. Pulmonary gas exchange function was normal or nearly normal throughout the course of PPV in dogs that survived. Ten dogs survived, and 9 of the 10 regained neurologic function. All 9 dogs that regained neurologic function had deep pain perception on initial examination at the veterinary teaching hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a small percentage of dogs with cervical spinal disorders may require perioperative ventilatory support. With prolonged PPV and aggressive management, a good outcome may be achieved in dogs similar to those described in the present study.     

Treatment of bitches with acquired urinary incontinence with oestriol.

Oestriol, a naturally occurring short-acting oestrogen, was used to treat acquired urinary incontinence in 129 bitches selected by 48 veterinary practitioners in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. The dogs were treated daily for 42 days with oestriol tablets, using a self-controlled study design. The dogs were examined and blood sampled at the beginning and end of the trial. According to the veterinary practitioners 83 per cent of the dogs either became continent or improved, but the others showed no change or became worse. The owners reported similar results: 82 per cent of the dogs responded to treatment and the others did not. The dose and treatment schedule for each dog were established on the basis of clinical efficacy. Mild and transient oestrogenic effects such as swelling of the vulva and attractiveness to male dogs were observed soon after the treatment began and at the higher dose schedule used in 12 of the dogs. A haematological examination of 114 of the dogs revealed no abnormalities.     

Therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of milbemycin oxime (Interceptor) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally exposed dogs

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic and prophylactic activity of milbemycin oxime (Interceptor, Novartis Animal Health) against the eye-worm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infection. In Trial 1, the therapeutic efficacy of milbemycin oxime was evaluated in 55 naturally infected dogs treated with min. 0.5mg/kg milbemycin oxime. The dogs were clinically examined for the presence of eyeworms before and again 7 days after treatment. Dogs still positive were given a second treatment and re-checked again a week later. Forty-eight of the 55 dogs tested negative 1 week after treatment (87.3% reduction of infection rate). Following the second treatment 6 of these 7 dogs tested negative 1 week later resulting, after two treatments, in a reduction of infection rate of 98.2%. In Trial 2, the prophylactic efficacy of milbemycin oxime was evaluated in 60 uninfected dogs. Thirty dogs were treated with milbemycin oxime monthly from June to November with the recommended dose rate for the prevention of heartworm disease (> or =0.5mg/kg), 30 dogs served as untreated controls. At the end of the trail 1 dog in the treated group and 10 dogs in the control group became infected during the trial. The incidence of infection differed significantly between treated and control dogs (p=0.0056). The efficacy of the prophylactic use of a monthly treatment with milbemycin oxime showed 90% efficacy in reducing T. callipaeda infection rate.     

Prevalence of borreliosis,anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and Dirofilaria immitis in dogs and vectors in Voronezh Reserve (Russia)

Most of the dogs studied for the prevalence of CVBD have previously received acaricidal and insecticidal treatments. In the present work, a very specific population of dogs (Group 1) that had never been treated against ticks and mosquitoes was studied. Moreover, the territory occupied by this population has also never been treated, because it is a protected area – Voronezh Natural Reserve. Canine patients from veterinary clinics (Group 2) that had been treated against VBD vectors were studied for comparison.     

Characterization of the use of antiemetic agents in dogs with parvoviral enteritis treated at a veterinary teaching hospital: 77 cases (1997-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the use of antiemetic agents in dogs with canine parvovirus (CPV)-associated enteritis in a veterinary teaching hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 77 dogs with CPV-associated enteritis. PROCEDURE: Medical records of 560 dogs with confirmed CPV-associated enteritis that were admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included vaccination against CPV infection within the preceding 2 weeks, hospitalization for < 24 hours or removal from the hospital against advice, or an incomplete record. Signalment, duration of hospitalization, and daily antiemetic administrations were assessed; WBC counts and clinical findings were used to classify dogs as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). RESULTS: 77 dogs were included in the study; 55 (71%) received antiemetics (53 received metoclopramide at least once). Seventy-one dogs survived, and 6 dogs died (all 6 received antiemetics). Compared with dogs that did not receive antiemetics, duration of hospitalization was significantly longer for antiemetic-treated dogs. Daily values of rectal temperature and heart and respiratory rates did not predict administration of antiemetics or duration of hospitalization; however, compared with survivors, SIRS developed more frequently among nonsurvivors. Assessment of emetic events recorded hourly for 17 dogs indicated that antiemetic treatment did not control emesis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many dogs with CPV-associated enteritis had persistent vomiting despite antiemetic administration. The apparent difference in duration of hospitalization between antiemetic-treated dogs and other dogs may reflect a difference in disease severity between groups, although antiemetic-associated adverse events (e.g., signs of depression, hypotension, and immune modulation) may prolong hospitalization.     

Validation of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) as an overall indicator of population mental health and well-being in the UK veterinary profession

The Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) was evaluated as an indicator of mental health and well-being within the veterinary profession in a cross-sectional study among a representative sample of 3200 veterinary surgeons practising in the UK. The WEMWBS mean score for the sample was 48.85 (95% confidence interval 48.43–49.28). The score showed a negative correlation with anxiety and depressive symptoms and a positive correlation with favourable psychosocial working conditions. A 1 unit increase in score was associated with reduced odds of reporting having experienced suicidal thoughts in the previous 12 months, and reduced odds of reporting depressive or anxiety symptoms of clinical significance. The results support the validity of the scale as an overall indicator of population mental health and well-being for this occupational group.