The effects of ketamine‐midazolam anesthesia on intraocular pressure in clinically normal dogs

Objective To determine the effects of intravenous ketamine‐midazolam anesthesia on intraocular pressure (IOP) in ocular normotensive dogs. Animals Thirteen adult mixed‐breed dogs. Procedures Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 7) and control (n = 6) groups. Dogs in the treatment group received intravenous ketamine 15 mg/kg and midazolam 0.2 mg/kg and dogs in the control group received intravenous saline. The time of intravenous drug injection was recorded (T₀). Measurements of IOP were then repeated 5 min (T₅) and 20 min (T₂₀) following the intravenous administration of ketamine‐midazolam combination and saline in both groups. Results Measurements showed normal IOP values in both groups. The mean ± SD baseline IOP values for treatment and control groups were 13.00 ± 1.47 and 10.33 ± 2.20, respectively. For baseline IOP values, there was no significant difference between treatment and control groups (P = 0.162). In the treatment group, the subsequent post‐treatment mean ± SD values were 15.64 ± 2.17 (5 min), and 14.92 ± 1.98 (20 min). There was no evidence of statistical difference between baseline values and post‐treatment values after treatment with ketamine‐midazolam (P₅ = 0.139; P₂₀ = 0.442). In control eyes, the mean ± SD values at 5 and 20 min were 10.41 ± 2.01 and 10.16 ± 1.69, respectively. There was no significant difference between baseline values and post‐treatment values in control group (P₅ = 1.000; P₂₀ = 1.000). Conclusion Ketamine‐midazolam combination has no clinically significant effect on IOP in the dog.     

A minimally invasive method for clinical trans‐diaphragmatic pressure measurement in anaesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo measure trans-diaphragmatic pressures, as an indication of diaphragmatic contractility, in anaesthetized dogs breathing normally, or during inspiratory obstruction (Mueller’s manoeuvre) in order to assess if the method is practicable for use in clinical circumstances.Study designPilot study.AnimalsTwenty eight client-owned dogs, ASA I or II, 1–10 years old, 5–30 kg bodyweight, which required anaesthesia for surgery, and were to be positioned in lateral recumbency.MethodsFollowing a standardized regimen of premedication and anaesthetic induction, anaesthesia was stabilized and maintained with isoflurane. Two commercially available balloon catheters were introduced orally, and advanced, one into the stomach and one into the mid-third of the oesophagus. Oesophageal and gastric pressures were measured from these catheters, and trans-diaphragmatic pressure (P_di) calculated and recorded continuously. At three separate time points during anaesthesia, for one breath, inspiration was obstructed (Mueller’s manoeuvre) and P_di was measured.ResultsPlacement of the catheters in the stomach was not easy, and failed in three cases. In five dogs, their size resulted in failure of correct placement of catheters. Good traces of all three pressures reflecting respiratory cycles were obtained from 20 dogs. During normal spontaneous breathing (mean ± SD [range]) P_di was 5 ± 2.1 (3–10) mmHg. During Mueller’s manoeuvre, P_di was 14.6 ± 4.5 (9–21) mmHg. Abnormal waveforms were seen included cardiac oscillations (five dogs), inadequate intra-gastric pressure tracing (one dog), deflections with a double peak (one dog), and multiple artifacts when there was increased heart rate and tachypnoea (two dogs in response to surgery).Conclusions and clinical relevanceMeasurement of trans-diaphragmatic pressure with balloon catheters was practicable in suitably sized dogs anaesthetized for clinical purposes and might be a useful tool in the assessment of diaphragmatic function. A range of catheters are required if the technique is to work in all dogs.     

The pharmacokinetics and analgesic effects of extended‐release buprenorphine administered subcutaneously in healthy dogs

Buprenorphine is a partial μ agonist opioid used for analgesia in dogs. An extended‐release formulation (ER‐buprenorphine) has been shown to provide effective analgesia for 72 hr in rats and mice. Six healthy mongrel dogs were enrolled in a randomized, blinded crossover design to describe and compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ER‐buprenorphine administered subcutaneous at 0.2 mg/kg (ER‐B) and commercially available buprenorphine for injection intravenously at 0.02 mg/kg (IV‐B). After drug administration, serial blood samples were collected to measure plasma buprenorphine concentrations using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry detection. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, sedation score, and thermal threshold latency were recorded throughout the study. Median (range) terminal half‐life, time to maximum concentration, and maximum plasma concentration of ER‐buprenorphine were 12.74 hr (10.43–18.84 hr), 8 hr (4–36 hr), and 5.00 ng/ml (4.29–10.98 ng/ml), respectively. Mild bradycardia, hypothermia, and inappetence were noted in both groups. Thermal threshold latency was significantly prolonged compared to baseline up to 12 hr and up to 72 hr in IV‐B and ER‐B, respectively. These results showed that ER‐buprenorphine administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg resulted in prolonged and sustained plasma concentrations and antinociceptive effects up to 72 hr after drug administration.     

Effects of ketamine‐diazepam and ketamine‐acepromazine combinations on intraocular pressure in rabbits

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of ketamine-diazepam and ketamine-acepromazine combinations on intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits.Study designRandomized clinical trial.AnimalsSixteen adult New Zealand white rabbits approximately one year old, weighing 2.3 ± 0.2 kg were used in this study.MethodsThe animals were randomly divided into two groups of eight each (KA and KD). The pre-treatment IOPs were recorded in both groups (T0). All rabbits in group KA received intramuscular ketamine-acepromazine (ketamine 30 mg kg^?1+ acepromazine 0.5 mg kg^?1). Ketamine-diazepam (ketamine 30 mg kg^?1 + diazepam 1 mg kg^?1) was administered intramuscularly in members of group KD. The IOP values were measured at 5 (T₅), 15 (T₁₅), and 20 (T₂₀) minutes after drug administration in both treatment groups.ResultsSignificant increases in IOP values were observed in both treatment groups at T_5, T₁₅, and T₂₀ in comparison to the baseline values. In group KA the mean ± SD IOP at T_5, T₁₅, and T₂₀ were 37 ± 13 (p < 0.001), 35 ± 4 (p < 0.001) and 34 ± 4 mmHg (p < 0.001). The post-treatment mean ± sd values in group KD were 23 ± 8 (p = 0.002), 23 ± 5 (p < 0.001) and 23 ± 6 mmHg (p = 0.001) at 5, 15, and 20 minutes respectively.Conclusion and clinical relevanceBoth ketamine-diazepam and ketamine-acepromazine combinations increased IOP after intramuscular administration in rabbits.     

Electrocardiography‐guided and retrospective analysis of central venous catheter placement in the dog

Objective To compare the success rates of central venous catheter placement (CVCP) in dogs using electrocardiograph (ECG)‐guided and external landmark (‘blind’) techniques. To report success rates determined retrospectively of CVCPs in dogs using external landmarks at a tertiary referral institution. Study design Prospective blinded comparison of techniques. Retrospective analysis of case records. Animals Adult Beagles weighing 11.9 ± 2.6 kg were used in the experimental group (n = 38). Various breeds of dogs were in the retrospective clinical group (n = 33). Methods Laboratory dogs were anesthetized and CVCPs were placed using a modified Seldinger technique. Catheter tip position was first based on external landmarks and then the catheter was repositioned using an ECG‐guided placement. The ECG‐guided technique used the V‐lead with the positive electrode attached to the guide wire. Catheter placement was determined by moving the catheter cephalad and caudad to the point of maximum p‐wave amplitude and then withdrawing the catheter 1–2 cm from this point. Catheter position with each technique was determined using a lateral thoracic radiograph. Retrospective data were collected from the medical records of dogs that had CVCPs using anatomical landmarks and corresponding thoracic radiographs. Results The number of successful CVCP attempts was the same for both prospective groups (21/38). There was no statistically significant difference in success between the ECG‐guided technique and the blind technique. From the retrospective investigation 10/33 of the cases that fit the criteria had correct CVCPs. Conclusions and clinical relevance The odds of correctly placing a central venous catheter by ECG‐guidance were the same as the external landmark technique. The ECG‐guided technique may be useful in situations where external landmarks are not readily available.     

Evaluation of the Perkins® handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of intraocular pressure in dogs and cats

Objective  To evaluate and to validate the accuracy of the Perkins^® handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of IOP in dogs and cats.
Animals  Twenty eyes from 10 dogs and 10 cats immediately after sacrifice were used for the postmortem study and 20 eyes from 10 clinically normal and anesthetized dogs and cats were used for the in vivo study. Both eyes of 20 conscious dogs and cats were also evaluated.
Procedure  Readings of IOP postmortem and in vivo were taken using manometry (measured with a mercury column manometer) and tonometry (measured with a Perkins^® handheld applanation tonometer). The IOP measurement with Perkins^® tonometer in anesthetized and conscious dogs and cats was accomplished by instillation of proxymetacaine 0.5% and of 1% fluorescein eye drops.
Results  The correlation coefficient ( r ²) between the manometry and the Perkins^® tonometer were 0.982 (dogs) and 0.988 (cats), and the corresponding linear regression equation were y  = 0.0893 x  + 0.1105 (dogs) and y  = 0.0899 x  + 0.1145 (cats) in the postmortem study. The mean IOP readings with the Perkins^® tonometer after calibration curve correction were 14.9 ± 1.6 mmHg (range 12.2–17.2 mmHg) in conscious dogs, and were 15.1 ± 1.7 mmHg (range 12.1–18.7 mmHg) in conscious cats.
Conclusion  There was an excellent correlation between the IOP values obtained from direct ocular manometry and the Perkins^® tonometer in dogs and cats. The Perkins^® handheld tonometer could be in the future a new alternative for the diagnosis of glaucoma in veterinary ophthalmology.     

Preparation and evaluation of cefquinome‐loaded gelatin microspheres and the pharmacokinetics in pigs

Cefquinome (CEF) is widely used for veterinary clinical applications because of its broad spectrum and high efficiency. However, frequent administrations are required due to its short elimination half‐life. In this study, cefquinome sulfate gelatin microspheres (CEF‐GMS) were prepared as a sustained‐release formulation using emulsion chemical cross‐linking technique. Physical properties, stability, sustained‐release property in vitro, and pharmacokinetics in pigs were assessed. The morphology of CEF‐GMS showed a good sphericity with porous structure on the surface, and the mean diameter was 8.80 ± 0.78 μm, with 90.60 ± 3.98% of the total in the range of 5–20 μm. There were no significant changes of all estimated indexes in the stability tests. In vitro drug release study showed that the release of CEF from CEF‐GMS was much slower than that from crude CEF in a release medium. Pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated following intramuscular administration of CEF‐GMS or Cefquinome sulfate injection (CEF‐Inj) in pigs at a dosage of 4 mg CEF/kg body weight. The plasma drug concentration–time data of CEF‐GMS and CEF‐Inj were both best fitted by two‐compartment models with first‐order absorption, and the elimination half‐life of CEF‐GMS was almost 10 times that of CEF‐Inj. Overall, CEF‐GMS might be used as a sustained‐release formulation of CEF for veterinary clinical applications.     

A clinical comparison between a non‐invasive blood pressure monitor using high definition oscillometry (Memodiagnostic MD 15/90 Pro) and invasive arterial blood pressure measurement in anaesthetized dogs

ObjectiveTo compare high definition oscillometry (HDO) to invasive blood pressure measurement in anaesthetized dogs.Study designProspective, clinical trial.AnimalsFifty dogs weighing 1.95–79 kg (mean 23.5 kg).Materials and methodsAnaesthetic and peri–anaesthetic management was chosen according to each dog's physical status and anaesthetist's preference. Direct arterial blood pressure measurements were performed using a catheter placed in the dorsal pedal artery and an electronic pressure transducer connected to a multiparameter monitor. Non–invasive blood pressure measurements were performed using an appropriately sized cuff placed around the tail base. Comparisons between the two methods were made using Bland and Altman plots. The data are reported as mean bias (lower, upper limits of agreement). Further analysis was performed after separating the data into the following categories based on invasive mean arterial blood pressure (MAP): high (MAP > 100 mmHg), medium (70 mmHg < MAP < 100 mmHg) and low (MAP < 70 mmHg) blood pressure (BP). The two methods were compared as used clinically.ResultsEight hundred measurement pairs for invasive and HDO BP readings were compared. Overall, the HDO measured lower values for SAP and DAP but higher for MAP than the invasive method. The lowest bias (upper, lower limits of agreement) were obtained for MAP, ?1 (?22, 19) mmHg. The biggest discrepancy between the methods was reflected by a large bias (limits of agreement) 5 (?34, 45) mmHg, was for SAP. The results for DAP were between those for SAP and MAP with a bias (limits of agreement) of 3 (?20, 27) mmHg. When the values were separated into the pressure range categories the HDO measured higher in the high, medium and low BP groups, with the exception of SAP in the low BP group.ConclusionsWhen considering the mean bias, the accuracy of HDO compared well with direct arterial blood pressure, but the precision was poor, as determined by wide limits of agreement.Clinical relevanceUsing trends and serial measurements rather than a single measurement for clinical decision making is recommended with both methods, when used as reported here.     

GnRH‐agonist deslorelin implant alters the progesterone release pattern during early pregnancy in gilts

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) during recognition and establishment of pregnancy in the gilt. Therefore, the effects of eliminating episodic LH pulses on P patterns were determined during early pregnancy. To this end, a slow‐release GnRH implant deslorelin was used for GnRH down‐regulation. A group of gilts (GnRHa, n = 8) was implanted with the GnRH‐agonist on Day 11 of pregnancy, while a control group (C, n = 5) was treated with a non‐impregnated placebo implant. Blood was collected via a vena cava caudalis catheter at 10‐min intervals for 8 hr on Day 16 and 21 of pregnancy. As expected, the GnRH implant reduced LH secretion (p < 0.01) and abolished LH pulses completely at Day 16 and Day 21 of pregnancy. On Day 16, there was no difference in P levels between the treatments. However, on Day 21, the GnRH‐agonist treatment led to significantly increased P concentrations (p < 0.01) compared with the control gilts. Progesterone was secreted in a pulsatile manner in both treatment groups and no relationship between LH pulsatility and P pulsatility was observed. In conclusion, abolishment of LH pulsatility did not affect the pulsatile pattern of P secretion but led to an unexpected overall increase in P on Day 21 of pregnancy; this effect was delayed and occurred 10 days after commencing treatment with the GnRH depot agonist. The elevation of P on Day 21 of pregnancy in the GnRHa group suggests either a reduced negative feedback effect or an increased autocrine response by the corpora lutea.