Effect of cation–anion balance in feed on urine pH in rabbits in comparison with other species

In the present investigation, the impact of diet composition on urine pH in rabbits was compared with previous studies on rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs and horses. A total of 13 dwarf rabbits were fed six different diets with a cation–anion balance (CAB) between ?39 and +320 mmol/kg dry matter (DM) using ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) as an acidifier. CAB was calculated as follows: CAB (mmol/kg DM) = 49.9*Ca + 82.3*Mg +43.5*Na + 25.6*K ? 59*P ? 62.4*S ? 28.2*Cl; minerals in g/kg DM. Urine, faeces and blood were collected. Urine pH ranged from 5.26 ± 0.22 at a CAB of ?39 mmol/kg DM to 8.56 ± 0.24 at a CAB of +320 mmol/kg DM. A low CAB in the feed reduced blood pH and blood base excess significantly. Renal excretion of Ca, P, Na and Mg and water was significantly higher in rabbits eating acidifying diets. In comparison with other species, rabbits reacted to acidifying diets in a similar way as cats, dogs and pigs. Rabbits on a mildly alkalizing diet, however, had a trend to higher urine pH than other monogastric species on such diets (cats, dogs, pigs, horses).     

我国奶牛饲料产奶净能值测算方法的研究

本文将国内有关的奶牛消化代谢试验和单一饲料消化率试验材料进行整理和统计分析,制定出适合我国实际情况的根据饲料可消化能推算饲料产奶净能的回归公式,完善了我国的奶牛饲养标准。     

Effect of food intake on urine pH in cats

Ninety adult cats were fed an experimental canned meat-based cat food at levels necessary to maintain weight for 11 days. On the 12th day the cats were split into six groups of 15 cats each and fed 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 per cent of their previous food allotment. Four hours after the food was offered a urine sample was obtained via cysto-centesis. The pH of the urine sample was determined and the sample microscopically evaluated for the presence of struvite crystals. Post prandial urine pH was found to be a linear function of the amount of food consumed: (urine pH = 6–15 + [food intake (g) × 0–015]; P = 0-000). The presence of struvite crystals was dependent on urine pH while amorphous crystals were not. These data suggest that ad libitum feeding (nibble eating) may be beneficial in the management of feline struvite urolithiasis by reducing the magnitude of the post prandial alkaline tide. It also supports the suggestion that struvite crystal formation is largely a function of urinary pH.     

Dietary NaCl does not affect blood pressure in healthy cats

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary salt intake on systolic blood pressure, water intake, urine output, and urine concentration in cats. Ten healthy young adult cats (mean age 2.5 years) were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a control diet (0.46% Na and 1.33% Cl on a dry matter [DM] basis) or a diet with a moderately increased salt content (1.02% Na and 2.02% Cl on a DM basis) for 2 weeks. After a 1-week wash-out period, each group was switched to the opposite diet for 2 weeks. During each 2-week study period, food and water intake, urine volume, urine specific gravity, and urine osmolality were measured daily. Systolic blood pressure (calculated as the mean of 5 readings measured with a Doppler flow detector) was assessed twice daily. No significant effect of diet composition was found on systolic blood pressure, and blood pressure measurements remained within reference limits throughout the study in all 10 cats. However, animals fed the higher salt diet had significantly increased water intake and urine osmolality, and significantly decreased urine specific gravity in comparison to animals fed the control diet. Examination of results of this preliminary study suggests that feeding a diet with moderately increased salt content increases water intake and causes diuresis without increasing systolic blood pressure in healthy adult young cats.     

A retrospective study of serum β-hydroxybutyric acid in 215 ill cats: clinical signs, laboratory findings and diagnoses

Serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid (sBHBA) are increased in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hepatic lipidosis (HL). This study assessed sBHBA as a diagnostic tool in 215 consecutively-enrolled ill cats in the general population in a veterinary hospital. At the time of presentation, sBHBA was within the reference range in 158/215 (73.5%) cats (median 0.27; range 0.00-0.49 mmol/L) and elevated in 57/215 (26.5%) cats (median 0.87; range 0.51-21.45 mmol/L). Compared to cats with normal sBHBA, those with increased sBHBA had higher frequencies of anorexia, weight loss, icterus, polyuria/polydipsia, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, pancreatitis, HL, DM and DKA. They had higher concentrations of bilirubin and triglycerides and lower concentrations of potassium, chloride and total protein. There were positive correlations (P<0.01) between sBHBA and urinary glucose (r=0.42) and ketones (r=0.76), but there were no group differences in dipstick levels of urinary ketones. Cats with DM/DKA and with HL had significantly higher sBHBA compared to other cats. Receiver operator characteristics analysis of sBHBA as a predictor of HL showed that sBHBA was a good predictor of HL. Increased sBHBA occurs frequently in ill cats and provides useful diagnostic information, especially in DM/DKA and HL.     

Plasma and urine concentrations of marbofloxacin following single subcutaneous administration to cats

The pharmacokinetic properties of marbofoxacin, a third generation fluoroquinolone, were investigated in 12 healthy adult cats after single subcutaneous (SC) administration of 2 mg/kg BW (Part I, n=8 cats) and 4 mg/kg BW (Part II, n=4 cats). In each part of the study blood and urine samples were collected before treatment and thereafter for 5 days. The plasma and urine concentrations of marbofloxacin were determined by HPLC with UV detection. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed for each treated animal using an open one-compartment-model with first-order elimination after SC dosing. Marbofloxacin in plasma (means): Maximum concentrations (Cmax) of about 1.2 and 3.0 microg/ml were measured 2.3 and 4 hours (tmax) after dosing of 2 and 4 mg/kg BW, respectively. Elimination from the body was low with a total clearance (Cl/F) of approximately 0.1 l/h/kg for both dosages. The half-life (t 1/2) for this process was calculated with 8-10 hours. AUC increased almost proportional when doubling the dose, i.e., 19.77 +/- 6.25 microg * h/ml (2 mg/kg BW) and 51.26 +/- 11.83 microg * h/ml (4 mg/kg BW). Plasma kinetics measured were in accordance with data from literature. Marbofloxacin in urine (means): Maximum drug concentrations were detected 4 and 8 hours after dosing with 70 microg/ml (2 mg/kg BW) and 160 microg/ml (4 mg/kg BW), respectively. Inhibitory effects of the urinary matrix on the antimicrobial activity of the drug were taken into account when performing PK/PD calculations. However, a concentration-dependent bactericidal activity (Cmax/MIC > 8-10) which is claimed for fluoroquinolones was sufficiently met with focus on Escherichia (E.) coli (MIC90 0.5 microg/ml). In the same matrix a threshold value of 1.0 microg/ml was undercut 82 and 116 hours after SC dosing, respectively. Hence, a time-dependent bacteria killing kinetic (T > MIC) which may be of relevance for some Gram-positive germs like Staphylococcus spp. (MIC90 1.0 microg/ml) should be covered, too.     

Effects of physiological covariables on pharmacokinetic parameters of clomipramine in a large population of cats after a single oral administration

This study was conducted to confirm an interindividual variability in pharmacokinetic parameters of clomipramine in a large population of cats and to identify potential covariables that would explain the presence of such pharmacokinetic variability after a single dose of Clomicalm. Clomipramine hydrochloride was administered orally according to a weight-dose chart from 0.32 to 0.61 mg/kg, to 76 cats and five blood samples were then taken by direct venipuncture at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. Plasma concentrations of clomipramine and desmethylclomipramine (DCMP) were measured by LC-MS/MS. The Standard Two-Stage technique was used to assess differences and detect correlations between pharmacokinetic parameter estimates and individual covariables. A large interindividual variability in all pharmacokinetic parameters (CV% 64-124) was detected. Statistically significant gender-related differences were detected in MR and Cl/F, where female cats had a higher mean MR (0.53) and faster Cl/F (0.36 L/h.kg) than males (0.36 and 0.21 L/h.kg, respectively). No correlation could be found between clomipramine AUC0-24 h or DCMP AUC0-24 h and sedation scores. Further feline studies are required to assess these findings after multiple dosing of clomipramine and DCMP to allow clinical extrapolation.     

Prediction of digestible energy value of extruded dog food: comparison of methods

The proposal of National Research Council (NRC), based on the use of modified Atwater factors, is nowadays the widely used method to estimate digestible energy (DE) content of pet foods. Recently, alternative methods have been suggested for predicting energy content of commercial canine dry food. Factorial equations including food fibre content as estimator, in vitro digestions methods or near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques have been considered as good approaches to predict the energy content of dog foods. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of some of those estimation methods. Seventeen samples of commercial extruded dog food were used to validate and compare some estimation methods of energy digestibility (Ed, %) and DE value [MJ/kg dry matter (DM)]. The apparent Ed and DE of each food were previously determined by in vivo trials. In vivo Ed and DE of foods ranged from 79.30% to 91.05% and from 16.25 to 21.82 MJ/kg DM, respectively, and their crude fibre (CF) content ranged from 0.72% to 3.28% (in DM base). The % Ed of each sample was estimated by the factorial equation (% Ed = 91.2 - 1.43 x CF %) and by the in vitro digestion method [% Ed(in vitro) = -2.45 + 0.98 organic matter (OM) disappearance(in vitro)%]. The set of samples also was analysed by NIRS, using a calibration equation developed from a set of 69 samples of commercial extruded dog food (0.76 and 0.89 cross-validation r(2) and 2.33 and 0.61 cross-validation SE for Ed and DE respectively). The in vitro method gave better estimations of Ed in vivo than NIRS and factorial methods, although all the methods assessed showed a very good and similar accuracy in the prediction of DE value. These three methods showed a slight better accuracy than that previously proposed by the NRC. To consider constant digestibility values of nutrient content of food can result in bias and error in the estimated energy values. The alternative prediction methods used in this study take into account differences of ingredient composition and availability of nutrients of different extruded dog foods thus could be better systems of valuating energy content in a wider range of different kind of foods than in use method.     

Relationship between urine ammonium ion excretion and urine anion gap in dogs.

Acidemia stimulates renal ammonia production and excretion. This adaptive response allows increased H+ secretion and generation of new bicarbonate. To determine whether a relationship existed between urine ammonium (NH4+) concentration and excretion and urine anion gap (Na+ + K(+)- Cl-), ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) was administered per OS for 5 days to induce systemic acidemia in 12 healthy Beagles. During NH4Cl administration, a strong, statistically significant (P less than 0.0001) relationship was apparent between urine NH4+ concentration measured in millimoles per liter and urine anion gap. Regression equation: urine [NH4+] = 8.2 - 0.416 x urine anion gap; r = -0.897. A statistically significant (P = 0.0001) relationship existed between urine NH4+ excretion measured in millimoles per kilogram of body weight per day and urine anion gap. Regression equation: urine NH4+ excretion = 0.74 - 0.38 x urine anion gap; r = -0.768. As urine NH4+ concentration or excretion increased, urine anion gap became more negative. Before NH4Cl administration (no systemic acidemia), a weak, but statistically significant (P = 0.015) relationship was observed between urine NH4+ concentration and urine anion gap. Regression equation: urine [NH4+] = 65.2 - 0.141 x urine anion gap; r = -0.41. However, a relationship was not evident between urine NH4+ excretion and urine anion gap before NH4Cl administration. Hence, urine anion gap is a reliable index of urine NH4+ concentration and excretion only in dogs with metabolic acidosis. In human beings with distal renal tubular acidosis, NH4+ excretion is inappropriately low and results in a positive urine anion gap.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Role of sulfur and chloride in the dietary cation-anion balance equation for lactating dairy cattle

Ten Holstein cows averaging 120 d in lactation were arranged in replicated 5 x 5 Latin squares with 3-wk periods to evaluate the role of sulfur (S) in the dietary cation-anion balance equation. Diets were based on corn silage in Exp. 1 and sorghum silage in Exp. 2. Supplemental S and chloride (Cl) from the double sulfate of potassium and magnesium and CaCl2 were used to manipulate dietary cation-anion balance from 0 to +30 meq when expressed as meq [(Na + K)-(Cl + S)]/100 g diet DM and from +19 to +49 meq when expressed as meq [(Na + K)-Cl]/100 g diet DM. Blood pH was not affected by cation-anion balance, although both S and Cl supplementation tended to lower pH. Blood HCO3- and urine pH decreased and plasma calcium (Ca) and urinary Ca excretion increased as anion was added to the diet. Milk fat production tended to be increased by the low S supplementation. Dietary Cl and S had similar effects on acid-base status. Therefore, we suggest that S be included with Cl in the dietary cation-anion balance equation for lactating dairy cows as follows: meq [(Na + K)-(Cl + S)]/100 g diet DM. Although response of acid-base status to S and Cl was similar, as more data comparing the acidogenicity of S vs Cl become available, it may be necessary to include a modifying coefficient for S in the equation to adjust for differences between S and Cl in acid-generating potential. This coefficient may be further dependent on the dietary source of S.     

Twenty-four hour urinary protein loss in healthy cats and the urinary protein-creatinine ratio as an estimate

Urinary protein loss was determined in 12 healthy cats. Voided urine was collected and protein quantitated by the Coomassie blue method. Mean protein loss for all cats was 12.65 mg/kg/24 h (5.45 SD). Protein loss for male cats (n = 6) was 16.62 mg/kg/24 h (3.3 SD), which was significantly different (P less than 0.01) from 8.69 mg/kg/24 h (4.09 SD) for females (n = 6). A single urine protein-creatinine ratio correlated well with the total urinary protein loss in mg/kg/24 h. The correlation coefficient for the protein-creatinine ratio in voided urine (UPCV) vs 24-hour urinary protein (UP-24) loss was 0.968, and that for the protein-creatinine ratio in urine obtained by cystocentesis (UPCC) vs UP-24 was 0.945. The regression equations were UPCV = 0.02145 + 0.02338 x UP-24 (mg/kg), and UPCC = 0.02667 + 0.02133 x UP-24 (mg/kg). Using the mean value plus 3 SD of urinary protein loss from the healthy cats in this study, a healthy cat would be expected to have a urinary protein loss of less than 29 mg/kg/24 h. A protein-creatinine ratio from a single urine sample provides an accurate estimate of urinary protein loss in healthy cats.     

Characterization of acid-base disturbances and effects on calcium and phosphorus balances of dietary fixed ions in pregnant or lactating does

Effects of fixed cation-anion balance on acid-base status and calcium and phosphorus balances were examined. Pregnant and lactating goats were fed a diet of alfalfa hay, concentrate and minerals to vary the cation-anion balance [meq sodium (Na) + meq potassium (K)-meq chloride (Cl)]/100 g diet dry matter (DM) over the range found in ruminant feeds. Small but significant effects on ruminal pH, fermentation and dilution rate were observed. Metabolic acid-base status of pregnant and lactating goats was normal when (Na + K - Cl) balance was 40 to 50 meq/100 g DM. The other treatments drastically altered plasma electrolyte concentrations, causing metabolic acid-base disturbances and profound changes in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Subclinical hypernatremic, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis was induced by a dietary fixed cation excess (Na + K - Cl) of greater than 85 meq/100 g DM (typical of buffered, alfalfa diets) and caused hypocalciuria, diminished calcium and phosphorus absorption, and possibly diminished dietary calcium absorption and resorption of calcium from bone. Subclinical hyperchloremic, hyponatremic metabolic acidosis from a diminished dietary fixed cation-anion balance (Na + K - Cl) of less than 10 meq/100 g DM (typical of nonbuffered corn silage or grain diets) caused hypercalciuria, enhanced calcium and phosphorus absorption and apparently enhanced calcium resorption from bone. Apparent effects on absorption and resorption depended on calcium and phosphorus intakes. Alterations in goats performance were not demonstrable. Dietary excesses of fixed cations over anions (meq Na + K - Cl/100 g diet DM greater than 50) cause metabolic alkalosis in ruminants, whereas fixed anion excesses (meq Na + K - Cl/100 g diet DM less than 40) cause metabolic acidosis. Content of electrolytes in diets should be reported in all nutrition trials with ruminants for assessment of metabolic acid-base status.     

Effects of dietary strong acid anion challenge on regulation of acid-base balance in sheep

The acid-base status of the extracellular fluid is directly affected by the concentrations of strong basic cations and strong acid anions that are absorbed into the bloodstream from the diet. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a model for dietary acid challenge in sheep by decreasing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) using NutriChlor (HCl-treated canola meal), an anionic feed supplement. Ten fully fleeced sheep (Rideau-Arcott, 54.3 +/- 6.7 kg of BW) were fed either a control supplement [200 g/d of canola meal, DCAD = 184 mEq/kg of DM, calculated as (Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + S2-)] or an anionic supplement (AS; 200 g/d of NutriChlor, DCAD = -206 mEq/kg of DM) offered twice daily at 0700 and 1100 in a randomized complete block design. The sheep were individually housed and limit-fed a basal diet of dehydrated alfalfa pellets (22% CP and 1.2 Mcal of NE(g)/kg, DM basis) at 1.1 kg of DM/d offered twice daily at 1000 and 1300. Two days before the beginning of the experiment, the sheep were fitted with vinyl catheters (0.86-mm i.d., 1.32-mm o.d.) in the left jugular vein to facilitate blood sampling. Blood and urine samples were obtained daily from 1100 to 1130 on d 1 through 9 and at 0700, 1000, 1300, 1600, and 1900 on d 10. Blood was analyzed for hematocrit, plasma pH, gases, strong ions, and total protein. Urine samples were analyzed for pH. The AS induced a nonrespiratory acid-base disturbance associated with lower (P < 0.05) plasma pH (7.47 vs. 7.39), lower (P < 0.05) urine pH (8.13 vs. 6.09), and lower (P < 0.05) strong ion difference (42.5 vs. 39.5). The AS reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma glucose, base excess, and bicarbonate and increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of K+ and Cl-. Lowering DCAD increased (P < 0.05) Ca2+ concentrations in plasma by 13%. In conclusion, this dietary model successfully induced a significant acid-base disturbance in sheep. Although the acidifying effects of negative DCAD in the diet may have short-term prophylactic effects of elevating the concentration of Ca2+ in plasma, negative DCAD may have detrimental effects on acid-base balance.     

Evaluation of plasma-ionized magnesium concentration in 122 dogs with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

The goal of this study was to evaluate plasma-ionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentration in a large group of dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus and to determine whether dogs with diabetes mellitus have hypomagnesemia, as reported in diabetic humans and cats. Plasma iMg2+ concentrations were retrospectively evaluated at the time of initial examination of 122 diabetic dogs at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Diabetic dogs were defined as having uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM, 78 dogs) diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, 32 dogs), or ketotic nonacidotic diabetes mellitus (DK, 12 dogs) on the basis of presence or absence of metabolic acidosis or ketonuria. Twenty-two control dogs were used to determine reference values for plasma iMg2+ concentration in healthy dogs. Plasma iMg2+ concentration also was evaluated in 19 nondiabetic dogs with acute pancreatitis because many of the dogs with DKA had concurrent acute pancreatitis. Plasma iMg2+ concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DKA (median 0.41 mmol/L, reference range 0.14-0.72 mmol/L) than in dogs with DM (0.33 mmol/L, 0.17-0.65 mmol/L; P = .0002) or the control group (0.32 mmol/L, 0.26-0.41 mmol/L; P = .006). There were no significant differences between plasma iMg2+ concentrations in dogs with DM or DK compared with control dogs. We conclude that dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus do not have marked hypomagnesemia on initial examination at a tertiary care center.     

Evaluation of ammonium chloride as a urinary acidifier in the cat

Twenty-four cats were fed a dry commercial cat food once daily for 2 weeks and then ad libitum for 2 weeks. Urine pH was measured 4 times daily the last 3 days of each feeding period. Subsequently, the cats were allotted to 2 equal groups and fed ad libitum an experimental, dry ration with or without 1.5% ammonium chloride for 11 months. During this period, urine pH was measured at 1, 3, 6, and 9 weeks, then monthly through 29 weeks, and then every 6 weeks for the duration of the study. When the cats were fed ad libitum, urine pH remained constant throughout the day, regardless of ration. In cats fed once daily, urine pH increased to 7.6 by 2 hours after feeding and remained between 6.6 and 7.6 for 9 hours. Urine pH remained constant throughout the study when cats were fed the experimental ration with or without 1.5% ammonium chloride, but was significantly different (P less than 0.01) between the 2 groups, 5.9 +/- 0.3 (n = 1,035) and 7.0 +/- 0.5 (n = 616), respectively. Ammonium chloride consumption had no effect on food and water consumption or body weight. It was concluded that ammonium chloride was an effective urinary acidifier for a prolonged time, maintained urine pH below 6.6, and did not decrease food intake when given at a concentration of 1.5% of the diet.     

快速估测反刍动物瘤胃微生物蛋白在小肠流量的方法

选用瘤胃尚未发育的初生小尾寒羊羔羊及梅花仔鹿各4只,人工哺乳,随牛奶分别饲喂给羔羊和仔鹿5个水平的核酸。羔羊尿中嘌呤衍生物的总量(Y,mmol/d)随着摄入嘌呤量(X,mmol/d)的增加而增加。其线性方程为:Y=0.752+0.662X(r=0.995,P<0.001)。仔鹿尿中嘌呤衍生物的总量(Y,mmol/d)随着摄入嘌呤量(X,mmol/d)的增加也明显增加,线性方程为:Y=0.559+0.326X(r=0.990,P=0.001)。利用紫外分光光度计测定的羔羊尿中尿酸当量值与嘌呤摄入量呈强正相关(r=0.994,P<0.01)。由此推算出利用尿中尿酸当量值来估测羊小肠微生物氮流量(Y,g/d)的方程为:Y=0.417+0.396X;推算出的利用尿中尿酸当量值估测鹿小肠微生物氮流量(Y,g/d)的方程为:Y=-4.137+1.245X。X(mmol/d)为测得的羊或鹿尿中尿酸当量值。     

Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus

O bjectives : To compare the results of urine and plasma ketone dip test in a group of diabetic cats with possible ketosis or ketoacidosis, using laboratory plasma β-hydroxybutyrate measurements as the gold standard.
M ethods : According to clinical examinations, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate measurements and venous blood gas analysis, 54 cats with diabetes mellitus were classified as non-ketotic (n=3), ketotic (n=40) or ketoacidotic (n=11). Plasma and urine acetoacetate concentrations were determined using urine reagent strips.
R esults : Although there was a significant positive correlation between blood and urine ketone measurements (r=0·695, P<0·001), the results differed significantly (Z=−3·494, P<0·001). Using the differential positive rates, the best cut-off value to detect cats with ketoacidosis was 1·5 mmol/l for urine and 4 mmol/l for plasma. The sensitivity/specificity was 82/95 per cent for urine and 100/88 per cent for plasma, respectively.
C linical S ignificance : The urine and plasma ketone dip tests have a different diagnostic accuracy, and results have to be interpreted differently. Because of its high sensitivity, the plasma ketone dip test performs better than the urine ketone dip test to identify cats with impending or established ketoacidosis.     

Total selenium concentrations in canine and feline foods commercially available in New Zealand

AIMS: To determine the total selenium concentrations in petfoods commercially available in New Zealand and to establish whether these meet the current minimum recommended requirements of selenium in foods for cats and dogs. METHODS: Samples (n=89) from petfoods commercially available in New Zealand were analysed for total selenium concentration using a fluorometric method. Data, expressed on a dry matter (DM) basis, were analysed according to petfood type (dog or cat, and wet or dry), predominant flavour (chicken, seafood, chicken and seafood, beef, meat mix, other), manufacturer and country of manufacture. RESULTS: Fifty percent of petfoods purchased for this study were manufactured in Australia, and the remainder were produced in the United States of America (USA), New Zealand or Thailand. Mean total selenium concentrations were similar (0.61-0.80 mg/kg DM) in petfoods produced in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, but higher (mean 3.77 mg/kg DM; p<0.05) in petfoods produced in Thailand. Petfoods produced in Australia, New Zealand and the USA contained a variety of predominant flavours, whereas petfoods from Thailand contained only seafood flavour. Seafood-based flavours had the highest selenium concentrations in both cat and dog foods. Wet and dry dog foods had similar concentrations of selenium to dry cat foods, but wet cat foods had higher and more variable concentrations of selenium than these others (p<0.05). The mean selenium concentrations in cat and dog foods were 1.14 and 0.40 mg/kg DM, respectively, and there were no significant differences between manufacturers. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium concentrations in commercial petfoods sold in New Zealand appeared to meet recommended dietary requirements, although the range of concentrations was highly variable. Whether these recommendations are adequate for the maintenance of optimal health in cats and dogs has yet to be determined. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overt selenium deficiency disorders are unlikely in dogs and cats in New Zealand fed commercial petfoods unless the bioavailability of selenium in particular petfoods is low.     

Use of urine albumin/creatinine ratio for estimation of proteinuria in cats and dogs

The clinical utility of the urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UAC) using a simplified analyzer for estimation of proteinuria was studied in cats and dogs. Measurement results for diluted feline and canine albumin standard solutions showed linearity. Although conversion formulas (y=1.28x+1.04 and y=1.67x+10.47 for cats and dogs, respectively) were necessary, urine albumin concentrations could be determined in both animals. In cats and dogs with proteinuria, the UAC changed parallel with the urine protein/ creatinine ratio (UPC), and the Log UAC and Log UPC were significantly correlated (r=0.803 (p<0.01) in cats, r=0.801 (p<0.01) in dogs). The UAC using an UAC analyzer could be used clinically as one of the basic in-hospital laboratory tests for estimation of proteinuria in cats and dogs.     

Changes in oxygen content and acid-base balance in arterial and portal blood in response to the dietary electrolyte balance in pigs during a 9-h period after a meal

The effect of two dietary electrolyte balance (dEB, Na+ + K+ - Cl-) levels on arterial and portal blood oxygen content, blood pH, and acid-base status in pigs was studied during a 9-h period after a meal, using a crossover experimental design. The dEB levels were established by changing the Cl- level in the diets. Four pigs with a mean weight of 45 kg were surgically fitted with catheters in the carotid artery and portal vein. Two dEB levels (-100 and 200 mEq/kg) were evaluated in two periods of 1 wk each. Feed was given at 2.6 times the maintenance requirement for energy in two meals per day. Water was freely available. Blood samples were taken at 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 h after feeding. Blood hemoglobin; O2 pressure; O2 saturation; O2 content; pH; PCO2; HCO3-; base excess; and Na+, K+, and Cl- contents were measured. Oxygen contents in arterial and portal blood were lower (P < 0.008) in the -100 mEq/kg group (5.78 and 4.82 mmol/L respectively) compared to the 200 mEq/kg group (6.18 and 4.99 mmol/L respectively). This was related to the lower hemoglobin content in the blood of animals in the -100 mEq/kg group. Arterial and portal blood pH were lower (P < 0.003) at -100 mEq/kg (7.46 and 7.37) than at 200 mEq/kg (7.49 and 7.43). The difference in blood pH between the two groups was sustained throughout the sampling period. The average values of arterial and portal blood for base excess and HCO3- content were higher (P < 0.001) at high dEB (6.96 and 31.0 mmol/L, respectively, for -100 mEq/kg and 12.54 and 35.9 mmol/ L, respectively, for 200 mEq/kg). The Na+ concentration in the blood was increased and K+ and Cl- concentrations were decreased (P < 0.02) by increasing dEB from -100 mEq/kg to 200 mEq/kg. Blood electrolyte balance level was higher (P < 0.001) in the 200 mEq/kg dEB group than in the -100 mEq/kg dEB group. In conclusion, dEB changed blood oxygen content and pH, and influenced the acid-base buffer system in pigs. Also, within each group, pigs maintained a relatively constant blood pH level during the 9-h period after feeding.