Anti‐diabetic effect of camel milk in alloxan‐induced diabetic dogs: a dose–response experiment

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of camel milk in alloxan‐induced diabetic dogs and to follow this effect at three doses of milk. Firstly, three groups of dogs were used: two groups composed each of four diabetic dogs and receiving raw camel milk (treatment 1) or cow milk (treatment 2), and four healthy dogs getting raw camel milk (treatment 3) were used as control. Each animal was treated with 500 ml of milk daily. Secondly, we compared the effects of three amounts of camel milk: 100 ml, 250 ml and 500 ml to treat the diabetic dogs. After week 3, the dogs treated with camel milk showed a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose (from 10.88 ± 0.55 to 6.22 ± 0.5 mmol/l) and total protein concentrations (from 78.16 ± 2.61 g/l to 63.63 ± 4.43 g/l). For cholesterol levels, there was a decrease from week 2 (from 6.17 ± 0.5 mmol/l to 4.79 ± 0.5 mmol/l). There were no significant difference in blood glucose, cholesterol or total protein concentrations in dogs drinking 250 and 500 ml of camel milk. The dogs treated with 100 ml of camel milk did not show any significant decrease in blood glucose levels, and cholesterol and total protein concentrations. The investigation was not limited to the improvement in glycemic balance, lipids and proteins control in diabetic dogs getting camel milk, but we also noted a stability of this state after the dogs stopped to drink milk. This effect depended on the quantity of camel milk used to treat diabetic dogs.     

Emphysematous cystitis in a chemically-induced diabetic dog

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare disorder caused by bacterial infection and characterized by gas accumulation within the bladder wall with cyst formation. This report describes the histopathological characteristics of emphysematous cystitis found in a diabetic female beagle induced by streptozotocin and alloxan. Macroscopically, multiple cyst-like structures were observed on the cut surface of the urinary mucosa. During fixation, small specimens cut from the mucosa floated on the surface of the fixative solution. Histopathologically, multiple cysts were lined with a single layer of flattened cells found to be immunohistochemically positive for vimentin, partially positive for α-smooth muscle actin or macrophage scavenger receptor, class A, and thought to be myofibroblasts, fibroblasts or macrophages. Multinucleated giant cells were observed around the cysts, and gram-negative short bacilli were observed in the lumen of the urinary bladder. From these findings, this case was diagnosed as emphysematous cystitis.     

Endogenous serum insulin concentration in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis

Objective: To determine endogenous serum insulin concentration in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and to compare it to endogenous serum insulin concentration in diabetic dogs with ketonuria but no acidosis (KDM), diabetic dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM) that did not have ketonuria or acidosis, and dogs with non‐pancreatic disease (NP). Design: Prospective study. Setting: Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Animals: Forty‐four client‐owned dogs; 20 dogs with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (7 dogs with DKA, 6 dogs with KDM, and 7 dogs with DM) and 24 dogs with non‐pancreatic disease. Interventions: Blood and urine samples were obtained at the time of admission to the hospital. Measurements and main results: Signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, and concurrent disease were recorded for all dogs. Blood glucose concentration, venous blood pH, venous blood HCO3^? concentration, urinalysis, and endogenous serum insulin concentration were determined in all dogs. Dogs with DKA have significantly decreased endogenous serum insulin concentrations compared to dogs with DM (P = 0.03) and dogs with non‐pancreatic disease (P = 0.0002), but not compared to dogs with KDM (P = 0.2). Five of 7 dogs with DKA had detectable endogenous serum insulin concentrations, and 2 of these dogs had endogenous serum insulin concentration within the normal range. Conclusions: Diabetic dogs with ketoacidosis have significantly decreased endogenous serum insulin concentration compared to dogs with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. However, most dogs with DKA have detectable endogenous serum insulin concentrations, and some dogs with DKA have endogenous serum insulin concentrations within the normal range.     

Evaluation of IGF-I levels and serum protein profiles of diabetic cats and dogs

In this study, we measured the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels and evaluated the serum protein profiles of diabetic, insulin-treated, and healthy cats and dogs. The total IGF-I concentrations were 33.74 ± 3.4 ng/mL for normal, 25.8 ± 4.5 ng/mL for diabetic, and 180.4 ± 31.4 ng/mL for insulin-treated cats. IGF-I concentrations were 46.4 ± 6.6 ng/mL for normal, 25.1 ± 4.1 ng/mL for diabetic, and 303.0 ± 61.3 ng/mL for insulin-treated dogs. Total serum protein profiles were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Fourteen bands ranging from 25 to 240 kDa in size were observed for cats, and 17 bands ranging from 25 to 289 kDa were observed for dogs. The densities of the bands differed among control, diabetic, and insulin-treated animals. In conclusion, we found that serum protein profiles and IGF-I concentrations were altered in both diabetic and insulin-treated animals. When judiciously interpreted in the light of other clinical and laboratory data, the techniques used in our study provide a valuable modality for measuring the severity of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.     

Use of aglepristone for the treatment of P4 induced insulin resistance in dogs

Insulin resistance (IR) in dogs is suspected when hyperglycemia is present despite administration of insulin doses greater than 1.0 to 1.5 UI/kg. IR is caused by increases in counter regulatory hormones concentrations (glucagon, glucocorticoids, catecholamines and growth hormone). This study was conducted to investigate the use of aglepristone (RU 46534), a P₄ receptor antagonist, for the treatment of IR diabetes mellitus in bitches during the luteal phase. All animals were treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin) and aglepristone (Alizin) 10 mg/kg subcutaneously at day 1, 2, 9 and 17 from diagnosis. At day 5, no significant variation in glycemia was shown. At day 12 and 20, serum glucose concentrations were significant lower (p < 0.05). From day 12 the insulin dose was reduced to 0.8 IU BID. Insulin was reduced in the following weeks and glycemia was controlled.     

Cardiopulmonary effects of sufentanil long acting on sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of sufentanil long acting (SLA) in sevoflurane-anaesthetized dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective study. Animals Forty female dogs (beagles) aged 1-2 years, weighing 11.97 +/- 1.40 kg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dogs were divided into five groups of eight. Two control groups were used: group A received intramuscular (IM), SLA (50 microg kg(-1)) alone, while group B received the SLA vehicle followed by sevoflurane anaesthesia for 90 minutes. In the other groups, SLA (50 microg kg(-1) IM) was given immediately before (group C(0)), 15 minutes before (group D(15)) or 30 minutes (group E(30)) before induction [with intravenous (IV) thiopental] of sevoflurane anaesthesia lasting for 90 minutes. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate (f(r)), arterial oxygen haemoglobin saturation and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Fe'SEVO) were measured every 10 minutes during anaesthesia and at 2, 4 and 24 hours after induction (not Fe'SEVO). Acid-base and blood gas analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sufentanil LA reduced heart rate and increased arterial CO(2) tensions during anaesthesia. Respiratory depression was least in group E(30) compared with groups C(0) and D(15). Bradycardia was present for at least 24 hours. Respiratory rate was least in group B although arterial O(2) and CO(2) tension values were acceptable up to 24 hours after anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-anaesthetic medication with SLA moderately aggravated the cardiopulmonary effects of sevoflurane. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In spite of a moderate depressant effect on cardiorespiratory parameters, SLA may be of use as pre-anaesthetic medication before sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation may occasionally be necessary.     

A comparison of anesthetic complications between diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a retrospective study

Objective To compare the incidence of anesthetic complications in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia and phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Procedure The medical and anesthetic records of all dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery at Davies Veterinary Specialists between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed. Anesthetic records were evaluated by an ECVAA Diplomate. Dogs for which records were incomplete were excluded. The anesthetic technique, including all drugs administered in the perioperative period, was recorded. The anesthetic complications investigated included hypotension (MAP (mmHg): ≥55 none/mild; ≤54 moderate/severe), bradycardia (<60 bpm associated with hypotension) and hypothermia (esophageal temperature <36.7 °C). Where hypotension was present, the method of and response to treatment was recorded. The incidence of severe hyperglycemia (blood glucose >13.75 mmol/L (250 mg/dL)) in the diabetic group was also assessed. Results 66 diabetic and 64 nondiabetic dogs were included in the study. Diabetic dogs were more likely to develop moderate and severe intraoperative hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. Forty‐four percent of diabetic dogs had at least one episode of severe hyperglycemia whilst anesthetized. Conclusions Diabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification are more likely to suffer the anesthetic complications of moderate and severe hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. The increased incidence and severity of hypotension in diabetic dogs may be explained by hypovolemia secondary to hyperglycemia and resultant osmotic diuresis.     

The effect of experimentally induced hypothyroidism on the isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of experimentally induced hypothyroidism on isoflurane (ISO) minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in dogs.Study designProspective experimental study.AnimalsEighteen adult female mongrel dogs, age 2–4 years and weighing 8.2–13.1 kg.MethodsHypothyroidism was induced in nine dogs by the intravenous administration of 1 mCi kg⁻¹ of ¹³¹Iodine. The remaining nine dogs served as controls. Dogs were studied 9–12 months after the induction of hypothyroidism. Anesthesia was induced with ISO in oxygen via a mask. The trachea was intubated, and anesthesia was maintained using ISO in oxygen using a semi-closed rebreathing circle system. The dogs were mechanically ventilated to maintain an end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration between 35 and 45 mmHg. End-tidal ISO concentrations were measured with an infrared gas analyzer. The MAC was determined in duplicate using a tail clamp technique. The mean values for the groups were compared using a two sample t-test.ResultsThe mean ± SD MAC of isoflurane in the hypothyroid and euthyroid dogs was 0.98 ± 0.31% and 1.11 ± 0.26%, respectively. The mean MAC of isoflurane in hypothyroid dogs was not significantly different from the mean MAC of isoflurane in the control dogs (p=0.3553).Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe MAC of ISO in dogs was not significantly affected by experimentally induced hypothyroidism. The dose of ISO in dogs with hypothyroidism does not need to be altered.     

Changes of cardiac function in diabetic dogs

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate cardiac function and compare the concentration of cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I (cTnI), galectin-3 (Gal-3), and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) in diabetic and control dogs.

Cardiovascular effects of desflurane following acute hemorrhage in dogs

Objective: To determine the cardiovascular effects of desflurane in dogs following acute hemorrhage. Design: Experimental study. Animals: Eight mix breed dogs. Interventions: Hemorrhage was induced by withdrawal of blood until mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped to 60 mmHg in conscious dogs. Blood pressure was maintained at 60 mmHg for 1 hour by further removal or replacement of blood. Desflurane was delivered by facemask until endotracheal intubation could be performed and a desflurane expiratory end‐tidal concentration of 10.5 V% was maintained. Measurements and main results: Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PaCO₂), and arterial pH were recorded before and 60 minutes after hemorrhage, and 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after intubation. Sixty minutes after hemorrhage, SAP, DAP, MAP, CVP, CO, CI, SV, PaCO₂, and arterial pH decreased, and HR and RR increased when compared with baselines values. Immediately after intubation, MAP and arterial pH decreased, and PaCO₂ increased. Fifteen minutes after intubation SAP, DAP, MAP, arterial pH, and SVR decreased. At 30 and 45 minutes, MAP and DAP remained decreased and PaCO₂ increased, compared with values measured after hemorrhage. Arterial pH increased after 30 minutes of desflurane administration compared with values measured 5 minutes after intubation. Conclusions: Desflurane induced significant changes in blood pressure and arterial pH when administered to dogs following acute hemorrhage.     

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.     

The effects of ketoconazole and cimetidine on the pharmacokinetics of oral tramadol in greyhound dogs

Tramadol is administered to dogs for analgesia but has variability in its extent of absorption, which may hinder its efficacy. Additionally, the active opioid metabolite (M1) occurs in low concentrations. The purpose of this study was to determine if administration of oral tramadol with suspected metabolism inhibitors (ketoconazole, cimetidine) would lead to improved bioavailability of tramadol and M1. Six healthy Greyhounds were included. They were administered tramadol orally and intravenously, M1 intravenously, oral tramadol with oral ketoconazole and oral tramadol with oral cimetidine. Oral tramadol bioavailability was low (2.6%). Ketoconazole and cimetidine significantly increased tramadol bioavailability to 18.2% and 20.3%, respectively. The mean maximum plasma concentration of tramadol alone was 22.9 ng/ml, and increased to 109.9 and 143.2 ng/ml with ketoconazole and cimetidine, respectively. However, measured tramadol plasma concentrations were below the minimum concentration considered effective in humans (228 μg/ml). In all treatment groups, measured M1 concentrations (<7 μg/ml) were below concentrations associated with efficacy in humans. To conclude, tramadol and M1 concentrations were low and variable in dogs after oral dosing of tramadol, even in combination with cimetidine or ketoconazole, but effective concentrations in dogs have not been defined.     

钒对肉鸡免疫器官发育的影响

取1日龄AA肉仔鸡144只，随机分为对照组和试验组，在试验组鸡的基础日粮中按0、30mg／kg添加钒。试验期共42d，每周末从每组取鸡6只，称重后扑杀，取胸腺、腔上囊和脾称重，Bouin液固定，制作石蜡切片，观察、摄像，研究钒对肉鸡胸腺、腔上囊和脾等免疫器官质量、器官指数和组织结构发育的影响。结果显示，试验组鸡的胸腺、腔上囊和脾平均质量和器官指数显著或极显著高于同日龄对照组（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）；试验组鸡的胸腺小叶皮质增厚，胸腺小体增多；腔上囊皱襞发达，腔上囊淋巴滤泡体积较大、皮质较厚、退化延缓；脾小结体积较大、生发中心明显，动脉周围淋巴鞘增厚，椭球增大。结果表明，在肉雏鸡的日粮中添加钒30mg／kg，可促进胸腺、腔上囊和脾的发育，延缓腔上囊的退化。     

The effects of medetomidine on radial nerve blockade with mepivacaine in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensory and motor effects of adding medetomidine to mepivicaine, administered either perineurally or systemically, for radial nerve block in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized cross-over study. ANIMALS: Six healthy Beagles, aged 18.7 +/- 6.3 months and weighing 10.4 +/- 1.3 kg. METHODS: Dogs were anesthetized briefly with sevoflurane on three separate occasions and received each treatment administered in random order: mepivacaine 5 mg kg(-1) perineurally around the radial nerve with saline 0.01 mL kg(-1) intramuscularly (CONTROL); mepivacaine 5 mg kg(-1) and medetomidine 0.01 mg kg(-1) combined, perineurally with saline 0.01 mL kg(-1) intramuscularly (MEDPN); mepivacaine 5 mg kg(-1) perineurally around the radial nerve with medetomidine 0.01 mg kg(-1) intramuscularly (MEDIM). All nerve blocks were performed with the aid of a nerve locator. Motor effects were evaluated based on the ability to bear weight. Sensory effects were evaluated by the response to a graded-electrical stimulus. These were evaluated at 5-minute intervals for the first hour, and at 10-minute intervals thereafter. Mean intervals were calculated as follows: time to motor block onset, duration of motor block, time to peak sensory block, duration of peak sensory block (i.e. period of no response to maximal stimulus intensity), and duration of residual sensory block (i.e. time to return to baseline sensory function). Treatment means were compared using a one-way analysis of variance for repeated measures and, where significant differences were noted, a Student-Newman-Keuls test was applied; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Medetomidine, administered either systemically or perineurally, significantly prolonged duration of peak motor block, peak sensory block, and residual sensory block compared with CONTROL. CONCLUSION: Medetomidine prolonged sensory and motor blockade after radial nerve block with mepivacaine in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medetomidine may prove to be a useful adjunct to peripheral nerve blockade with local anesthetics.