Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin after intravenous and subcutaneous injection in obese cats

Six adult domestic shorthair obese cats were given 3-mg/kg gentamicin sulfate by rapid i.v. and by s.c. injection in a cross-over design. The plasma concentration-time data were analyzed using statistical moment theory with no assumption of a specific compartmental model. Means +/- SD for the half-life, which was calculated from the terminal slope of the log concentration-time curve, were 1.37 +/- 0.24 and 1.24 +/- 0.22 h following i.v. and s.c. injection, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 118.55 +/- 19.83 ml/kg, and total body clearance was 1.07 +/- 0.25 ml/kg/min. Bioavailability was 83.58 +/- 14.83% after s.c. administration. The calculated s.c. dose in obese cats to produce an average steady-state concentration of 4 micrograms/ml is 2.5 mg/kg every 8 h compared to 3 mg/kg in normal-weight cats.     

A comparison of corneal sensitivity between healthy cats and cats with corneal sequestra

In order to establish reference values for corneal sensitivity in ophthalmologically healthy persians (n = 40) and domestic short hair cats (n = 60) a prospective study was conducted. Furthermore corneal sensitivity in 48 cats with a corneal sequestrum was measured. Corneal sensitivity was recorded with the help of the aesthesiometer according to Cochet and Bonnet in five different corneal locations (central, nasal, dorsal, temporal, and ventral). The sensitivity for the central corneal region was recorded as amounting to 3.58 +/- 0.56 cm in ophthalmologically healthy domestic short hair cats and to 2.97 +/- 0.58 cm in healthy persian cats. The sensitivity of the central corneal area of a cat with a corneal sequester only amounts to 2.03 +/- 0.53 cm. Between the diseased and the healthy eyes no statistical difference could be demonstrated for any of the measured corneal locations. The sensitivity of the peripheral corneal locations is significantly lower than that of the central corneal region in all three groups examined.     

In vivo confocal microscopy in the normal corneas of cats, dogs and birds

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in veterinary ophthalmology and analyze the morphology of living, healthy cornea. ANIMALS EXAMINED: Thirty-seven dogs, 34 cats and five birds. PROCEDURE: Various corneal sublayers were visualized in the central region using an in vivo confocal corneal microscope (HRTII/RCM). RESULTS: An investigation method was developed and adapted for use on animals with varying skull forms and eye positions. Real-time images of the epithelial cells, the corneal stroma and the endothelial layer were obtained. The corneal stromal nerve trunks and the subepithelial and basal epithelial nerve plexus were visualized. In dogs, full corneal thickness (FCT) was 585 +/- 79 microm (mean +/- SD) and endothelial cell density (ECD) 3175 +/- 776 cells/mm(2) (mean +/- SD). In cats, FCT was 592 +/- 80 microm and ECD 2846 +/- 403 cells/mm(2). There were no significant differences between canine and feline FCT and ECD and no morphologic differences could be seen between dogs and cats. The bird images revealed a number of structural differences. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive IVCM allows accurate detection of corneal sublayers, corneal pachymetry, endothelial cell density and corneal innervation in various animal species. For clinical usage, patients must be under general anesthesia. The confocal images provided anatomic reference images of various healthy corneal structures in dogs, cats and birds.     

Pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in cats

Tobramycin was administered to cats and its serum concentration vs time data were analyzed by use of a noncompartmental model. In the first experiment, 5 mg of tobramycin/kg of body weight was administered IV, IM, and then SC to 6 cats, 3 weeks apart. After IV administration, the mean +/- SD total body clearance of tobramycin was 2.21 +/- 0.59 ml/min/kg, and the apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 0.19 +/- 0.03 L/kg. The mean residence time was 90.5 +/- 16.2 minutes, with a harmonic mean serum half-life of 68.9 +/- 9.7 minutes. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations were increased 3 weeks after the IV injection and also 3 weeks after the IM injection, which suggested possible renal damage. Moreover, large area under the curve values developed after IM and SC administrations, resulting in bioavailabilities of 159.5% and 189.9%, respectively, with no change in elimination rate. These results suggested a change in distribution, possibly caused by saturation of renal binding sites by residual tobramycin from the previous injection of 5 mg/kg. In experiment 2, 6 other cats were given 3 mg of tobramycin/kg by the same routes as before, but using a crossover design. Bioavailability after IM and SC administrations was 102.5% and 99.2%, respectively, indicating complete absorption of tobramycin. The BUN concentration increased in 3 cats, and serum creatinine concentration increased in 1 of these 3 cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of pharmacokinetics of fentanyl after intravenous and transdermal administration in cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of fentanyl citrate after IV or transdermal administration in cats. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult cats with a mean weight of 3.78 kg. PROCEDURE: Each cat was given fentanyl IV (25 mg/cat; mean +/- SD dosage, 7.19 +/- 1.17 mg/kg of body weight) and via a transdermal patch (25 microg of fentanyl/h). Plasma concentrations of fentanyl were measured by use of radioimmunoassay. Pharmacokinetic analyses of plasma drug concentrations were conducted, using an automated curve-stripping process followed by nonlinear, least-squares regression. Transdermal delivery of drug was calculated by use of IV pharmacokinetic data. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of fentanyl given IV decreased rapidly (mean elimination half-life, 2.35 +/- 0.57 hours). Mean +/- SEM calculated rate of transdermal delivery of fentanyl was 8.48 +/- 1.7 mg/h (< 36% of the theoretical 25 mg/h). Median steady-state concentration of fentanyl 12 to 100 hours after application of the transdermal patch was 1.58 ng/ml. Plasma concentrations of fentanyl < 1.0 ng/ml were detected in 4 of 6 cats 12 hours after patch application, 5 of 6 cats 18 and 24 hours after application, and 6 of 6 cats 36 hours after application. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats, transdermal administration provides sustained plasma concentrations of fentanyl citrate throughout a 5-day period. Variation of plasma drug concentrations with transdermal absorption for each cat was pronounced. Transdermal administration of fentanyl has potential for use in cats for long-term control of pain after surgery or chronic pain associated with cancer.     

Effects of cyclosporin A administration in cats

Cyclosporin A was administered orally to 10 cats for 28 consecutive days at a dosage of 20 mg/kg body weight daily divided into 2 equal doses. Serum trough CyA concentrations ranged from 134 to 902 ng/ml with a mean of 567 +/- 249 ng/ml (means +/- SD). Immunosuppression by CyA was suggested in 5 cats by significantly depressed lymphoblast transformation responses. Various hematologic, serum chemical, and urinalysis parameters were monitored on a weekly basis in 10 cats. Serum urea nitrogen concentration increased significantly from baseline values on days 7, 14, and 21, but not on day 28. Urine concentrating ability was unimpaired. Alanine aminotransferase activity was decreased significantly from baseline values at each sample period during CyA administration. Drug-related side effects were minor; one cat developed gingival hypertrophy which regressed within 21 days of CyA withdrawal.     

Effect of aspirin, furosemide, and commercial low-salt diet on digoxin pharmacokinetic properties in clinically normal cats

Steady-state serum digoxin concentration ([digoxin]) was measured for 48 hours in 6 healthy cats after they were treated with digoxin tablets (0.01 mg/kg of body weight, q 48 h) for 10 days and again after concurrent treatment of identical duration with orally administered digoxin, aspirin (80 mg, q 48 h), furosemide (2 mg/kg, q 12 h), and a commercial low-salt diet. The concurrent treatment substantially altered digoxin pharmacokinetic properties, with a resultant increase in peak (mean +/- SEM; from 2.1 +/- 0.35 to 3.3 +/- 0.6 ng/ml), 8-hour (from 1.4 +/- 0.35 to 2.5 +/- 0.64 ng/ml), and 48-hour mean (from 1.1 +/- 0.22 to 2.2 +/- 0.57 ng/ml) serum [digoxin]; an increase in the number of hours during which serum [digoxin] was in the toxic range (from 3 +/- 1.7 to 24.7 +/- 9.8 h); and a decrease in oral clearance (from 0.15 +/- 0.04 to 0.08 +/- 0.02 L/h.kg). Of these differences, all but the 8-hour serum [digoxin] were significant at P less than 0.05. Similar sampling procedures were performed in 3 cats after administration of digoxin alone (0.01 mg/kg, q 48 h) until steady-state conditions were reached (10 days) and again after an additional 10 days of treatment. Differences were not noticed in digoxin pharmacokinetic properties. Eight-hour serum [digoxin] was shown to correlate closely with the mean serum [digoxin] at steady-state conditions when digoxin was administered every 48 hours. Variation in digoxin pharmacokinetic properties was noticed between cats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Qualitative tear film and conjunctival goblet cell assessment of cats with corneal sequestra

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the tear film qualitatively and conjunctival goblet cell numbers in cats with and without corneal sequestra. ANIMALS STUDIED AND PROCEDURES: This was a prospective evaluation of 11 cats with corneal sequestra and 14 control eyes that were either the contralateral normal eye when the sequestrum was unilateral or from control cats of similar age with no ocular disease. All cats in this study were examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The ophthalmic examinations included a neuro-ophthalmic evaluation, Schirmer tear tests, fluorescein staining, tear film break-up times, applanation tonometry, biomicroscopy, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. The palpebral conjunctiva at the dorsal nasal, ventral nasal, dorsal temporal and ventral temporal fornices were biopsied after topical anesthetic was applied to the cornea and conjunctiva. The conjunctival biopsies were fixed in formalin and sectioned routinely and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff. These slides were examined by light microscopy by a blinded examiner. Goblet cell numbers were compared to conjunctival basal epithelial cell numbers by region. The goblet cell numbers by region from the eyes with sequestra was statistically compared to those from eyes without sequestra, with a student's paired t-test. Conjunctival swabs were collected from the cats with corneal sequestra and submitted for polymerase chain reaction for Herpes felis, Chlamydia psiitticia, and Mycoplasma felis. The corneal sequestra were removed by surgical keratectomy and fixed and stained routinely, and examined by light microscopy. RESULTS: No neurologic abnormalities were detected in any of the cats. The Schirmer tear tests (eyes with sequestra 14+/-5.1 mm/min; normal eyes 15+/-6.8 mm/min) and intraocular pressures (eyes with sequestra 21+/-6.6; normal eyes 22+/-5.8) were within normal reference ranges for cats. Biomicroscopic examinations revealed varied sizes and depths of brown- and amber-colored corneal sequestra. No abnormalities were noted on indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations. The tear film break-up time was 21 s (+/-12) for the normal eyes (n=14) and 14 s (+/-13) in eyes with corneal sequestra (n=11). The average goblet/epithelial cell ratios by region for the normal eyes and the eyes with sequestra respectively were 0.66, 0.56 for the dorsal nasal fornix, 0.68, 0.57 for the ventral nasal fornix, 0.63, 0.48 for the temporal dorsal fornix, and 0.55, 0.49 for the temporal ventral fornix. There were no significant differences in tear film break-up times and goblet cell numbers in eyes with corneal sequestra and those without sequestra. Three conjunctival swabs from two of 11 cats with sequestra were positive with PCR for Herpes felis virus. These included one cat with bilateral sequestra and one cat with unilateral corneal sequestrum. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of feline corneal sequestra does not appear to be linked primarily to abnormal goblet cell numbers, qualitative tear film abnormalities, and accelerated tear film break-up time.     

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 plasma sample storage on blood ammonia, bilirubin, and urea nitrogen concentrations: cats and horses

Ten horses, a pony, and 13 cats were used to evaluate base-line blood ammonia, bilirubin, and urea nitrogen concentrations and to determine The effects of prolonged cold storage (-20 degrees C) before assay. Base-line plasma ammonia concentrations in cats (0.992 +/- 0.083 [SE] micrograms/ml) did not change significantly after 48 hours of storage (0.871 +/- 0.073 micrograms/ml); however, they were increased 4.2- and 13-fold after 168 and 216 hours of storage, respectively. In contrast to base-line plasma-ammonia values in cats, those of horses were significantly (0.265 +/- 0.044 micrograms/ml) lower, and significantly increased from base-line values after 48 hours of storage (0.861 +/- 0.094 micrograms/ml) and continued to increase 25.6-fold at 168 hours and 18.4-fold at 216 hours. Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations in cats (25.8 +/- 1.06 mg/dl) and horses (11.2 +/- 0.749 mg/dl) did not change significantly during 168 hours of storage. Total plasma bilirubin values from both cats (0.19 +/- 0.049 mg/dl) and horses (0.75 +/- 0.064 mg/dl) also did not change significantly during storage. These results indicate that feline plasma samples for ammonia determinations may be stored at -20 degrees C for up to 48 hours, whereas equine plasma ammonia values tend to increase during that time. The reason for the increase remains unexplained. Both feline and equine plasma urea nitrogen and total bilirubin are stable for at least 168 hours of storage at -20 degrees C.     

Antinociceptive effects of tramadol and acepromazine in cats

Effects of tramadol and acepromazine on pressure and thermal thresholds were examined in eight cats. After baseline measurements, subcutaneous (SC) tramadol 1 mg/kg, acepromazine 0.1 mg/kg, tramadol 1 mg/kg with acepromazine 0.1 mg/kg, or saline 0.3 ml were given. Serial measurements were made for 24 h. Mean thermal thresholds did not change significantly [analysis of variance (ANOVA)] from baseline. The maximum thermal threshold increase above baseline was 2.8+/-2.8 degrees C at 6 h (P>0.05) after tramadol; it was above the 95% confidence interval (CI) at 0.75, 3 and 6 h. Pressure thresholds increased above baseline from 0.25 to 2 h after acepromazine (P<0.05) and from 0.5 to 3 h after the combination (P<0.05), with a maximum increase of 132+/-156 mmHg 0.25 h after acepromazine and 197+/-129 mmHg 0.5 h after the combination. Pressure thresholds were above the 95% CI from 0.25 to 2 h after acepromazine and from 0.5 to 3 h after the combination. SC tramadol at 1 mg/kg in cats had limited effect on thermal and pressure nociception, but this was enhanced by acepromazine. Acepromazine alone had pressure antinociceptive effects.     

Immune cell populations in the duodenal mucosa of cats with inflammatory bowel disease

The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of leukocytes infiltrating the duodenal mucosa of cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by using immunohistochemistry and computer-aided morphometry to assess whether immunologic markers would aid in characterization of IBD. Frozen and formalin-fixed duodenal biopsies were collected from cats referred for investigation of chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or both (n = 34). Reference ranges were previously established by using duodenal samples from healthy cats (n = 16). No significant difference was found in the number of immunoglobulin G+ (IgG+) or IgA+ in either the villous lamina propria or the crypt lamina propria between cats with IBD and control cats. T cells (CD3+) increased in number from crypt to the tip of the villi in biopsies from both diseased (mean +/- SD for each group was 18.8 +/- 6.6 and 17.7 +/- 4.2 cells/ 10,000 m2 in cryptal areas to 25.2 +/- 9.5 and 29.1 +/- 13.3 cells/10,000m2 in villous areas) and healthy animals (17.9 +/- 3.9 cells/10,000 microm2 in cryptal areas to 24.1 +/- 9.3 cells/10,000 microm2 in villous areas) and no significant difference was found between diseased and control cats. By contrast, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression by leukocytes with dendritic cell or macrophage morphology in the lamina propria was significantly greater in cats with IBD (13.3 +/- 4.2 cells/10,000 microm2 in cryptal area; P = .016) than in healthy cats (11.9 +/- 3.0 cells/10,000 microm2) and MHC class II expression by enterocytes also was more pronounced in these cats showing an overall intensity of expression of 7.1 +/- 4.0 cells/10,000 microm2 in cats with IBD as opposed to 0.0 +/- 0.0 cells/10,000 microm2 to 0.3 +/- 0.7 cells/10,000 microm2 in healthy cats. These findings suggest that a subtle immunologic dysregulation occurs in spontaneously arising feline IBD.     

Disposition and clinical use of bromide in cats

OBJECTIVE: To establish a dosing regimen for potassium bromide and evaluate use of bromide to treat spontaneous seizures in cats. DESIGN: Prospective and retrospective studies. ANIMALS: 7 healthy adult male cats and records of 17 cats with seizures. PROCEDURE: Seven healthy cats were administered potassium bromide (15 mg/kg [6.8 mg/lb], p.o., q 12 h) until steady-state concentrations were reached. Serum samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were obtained weekly until bromide concentrations were not detectable. Clinical data were obtained from records of 17 treated cats. RESULTS: In the prospective study, maximum serum bromide concentration was 1.1 +/- 0.2 mg/mL at 8 weeks. Mean disappearance half-life was 1.6 +/- 0.2 weeks. Steady state was achieved at a mean of 5.3 +/-1.1 weeks. No adverse effects were detected and bromide was well tolerated. In the retrospective study, administration of bromide (n = 4) or bromide and phenobarbital (3) was associated with eradication of seizures in 7 of 15 cats (serum bromide concentration range, 1.0 to 1.6 mg/mL); however, bromide administration was associated with adverse effects in 8 of 16 cats. Coughing developed in 6 of these cats, leading to euthanasia in 1 cat and discontinuation of bromide administration in 2 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Therapeutic concentrations of bromide are attained within 2 weeks in cats that receive 30 mg/kg/d (13.6 mg/lb/d) orally. Although somewhat effective in seizure control, the incidence of adverse effects may not warrant routine use of bromide for control of seizures in cats.     

Digestion of bentiromide and absorption of xylose in healthy cats and absorption of xylose in cats with infiltrative intestinal disease

The digestion of bentiromide and the absorption of D-xylose was measured in 17 clinically healthy cats. The plasma xylose concentrations of the healthy cats were compared with values from 9 cats with diffuse infiltrative intestinal disease. The cats were administered 16.7 mg of bentiromide/kg and 0.5 g of xylose/kg via a stomach tube. Plasma samples were obtained before administration and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. The maximum mean plasma p-aminobenzoic acid concentration occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 386 +/- 134 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SD). The maximum mean plasma xylose concentration also occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 26.0 +/- 9.2 mg/dl. Plasma concentrations of p-aminobenzoic acid and xylose were lower in healthy cats than those reported for healthy dogs. There was no significant difference between xylose concentrations in healthy cats and cats with infiltrative intestinal disease.     

Use of the anesthetic combination of tiletamine,zolazepam, ketamine,and xylazine for neutering feral cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the anesthetic combination tiletamine, zolazepam, ketamine, and xylazine (TKX) for anesthesia of feral cats at large-scale neutering clinics. DESIGN: Original study. ANIMALS: 7,502 feral cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were trapped by their caretakers for a feral cat neutering program from July 1996 to August 2000. The anesthetic combination TKX was injected IM into cats while they remained in their traps. Each milliliter of TKX contained 50 mg of tiletamine, 50 mg of zolazepam, 80 mg of ketamine, and 20 mg of xylazine. Females were spayed by veterinarians, whereas males were castrated by veterinarians or veterinary students. Yohimbine (0.5 mg, IV) was administered at the end of the procedure. Logs were kept of the individual drug doses, signalment of the cats, and any complications encountered. These data were analyzed retrospectively (1996 to 1999) and prospectively (2000). RESULTS: Of the 5,766 cats for which dosing records were complete, 4,584 (79.5%) received a single dose of TKX. The mean initial dose of TKX was 0.24 +/- 0.04 ml/cat, and the total mean dose of TKX was 0.27 +/- 0.09 ml. Overall mortality rate was 0.35% (26/7,502) cats, and the death rate attributable solely to potential anesthetic deaths was 0.23% (17/7,502) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of TKX for large-scale feral cat neutering clinics has several benefits. The TKX combination is inexpensive, provides predictable results, can be administered quickly and easily in a small volume, and is associated with a low mortality rate in feral cats.     

Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in cats

Six mixed-breed adult cats were given 5 mg of amikacin sulfate/kg of body weight by rapid IV, IM, and SC routes of administration. The serum concentration-vs-time data were analyzed, using a noncompartmental model. The harmonic mean +/- pseudo-SD of the effective half-life of amikacin was 78.8 +/- 19.3 minutes after IV administration, 118.7 +/- 14.4 minutes after IM administration, and 117.7 +/- 12.8 minutes after SC administration. The arithmetic mean +/- SD of mean residence time was 118.3 +/- 21.7 minutes, 173.4 +/- 19.9 minutes, and 171.7 +/- 19.1 minutes after IV, IM, and SC drug administration, respectively. The mean apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 0.17 +/- 0.02 L/kg, and the mean total body clearance was 1.46 +/- 0.26 ml/min/kg. Mean bioavailability was 95 +/- 20% after IM administration and 123 +/- 33% after SC drug administration. A recommended dosage of 10 mg/kg, q 8 h can be expected to provide a therapeutic serum concentration of amikacin with a mean steady-state concentration of 14 micrograms/ml. The SC route of administration is preferred, because of rapid absorption, good bioavailability, and ease of administration.     

Anesthetic and physiologic effects of tiletamine, zolazepam, ketamine, and xylazine combination (TKX) in feral cats undergoing surgical sterilization

Tiletamine (12.5 mg), zolazepam (12.5 mg), ketamine (20 mg), and xylazine (5 mg) (TKX; 0.25 ml, IM) combination was evaluated as an anesthetic in 22 male and 67 female adult feral cats undergoing sterilization at high-volume sterilization clinics. Cats were not intubated and breathed room air. Oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), and core body temperature were recorded. Yohimbine (0.25 ml, 0.5 mg, IV) was administered at the completion of surgery. TKX produced rapid onset of lateral recumbency (4+/-1 min) and surgical anesthesia of sufficient duration to complete surgical procedures in 92% of cats. SpO(2) measured via a lingual pulse oximeter probe averaged 92+/-3% in male cats and 90+/-4% in females. SpO(2) fell below 90% at least once in most cats. MBP measured by oscillometry averaged 136+/-30 mm Hg in males and 113+/-29 mm Hg in females. MBP increased at the onset of surgical stimulation suggesting incomplete anti-nociceptive properties. HR averaged 156+/-19 bpm, and RR averaged 18+/-8 bpm. Neither parameter varied between males and females or over time. Body temperature decreased significantly over time, declining to 38.0+/-0.8 degrees C at the time of reversal in males and 36.6+/-0.8 degrees C at the time of reversal in females. Time from anesthetic reversal to sternal recumbency was prolonged (72+/-42 min). Seven cats (8%) required an additional dose of TKX to maintain an adequate plane of anesthesia at the onset of surgery, and this was associated with significantly longer recovery times (108+/-24 min).     

Tolerability and efficacy of benazepril in cats with chronic kidney disease

The objective of the study was to test the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) benazepril in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A total of 192 cats with CKD with an initial plasma creatinine concentration > or = 2 mg/dL (> or = 177 micromol/L) and urine specific gravity < or = 1.025 were recruited into a double-blind, parallel-group, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Cats received daily (q24h) PO placebo (n = 96) or benazepril x HCl at a dosage of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg (n = 96) for up to 1,119 days. Most cats were fed exclusively a diet containing low amounts of phosphate, protein, and sodium. Benazepril produced a significant reduction in proteinuria, assessed by the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC, P = .005). This effect of benazepril was present in all subgroups tested, including cats with UPC <0.2, although the effect was largest in cats with higher UPCs. Plasma protein was maintained at higher concentrations with benazepril as compared with placebo during treatment in cats with initial UPC <1 (P = .038 versus P = .079 for all cats). There was no difference in renal survival time between the 2 groups when all 192 cats were compared. Mean +/- SD renal survival times were 637 +/- 480 days with benazepril and 520 +/- 323 days with placebo (P = .47). Mean +/- SD renal survival times in the 13 cats with initial UPC > or = 1 were 402 +/- 202 days with benazepril and 149 +/- 90 days with placebo (P = .27). Cats with initial UPC > or = 1 treated with benazepril had better appetite (P = .017) as compared with those treated with placebo. Benazepril was well tolerated. In conclusion, benazepril decreased proteinuria in cats with CKD.     

Single-injection method for evaluation of renal function with 14C-inulin and 3H-tetraethylammonium bromide in dogs and cats

A double-isotope single-injection method without urine collection for the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in dogs and cats was evaluated. The GFR was determined, using 14C-inulin and ERPF was determined, using [3H]tetraethylammonium bromide. Using a modified single exponential, 1-compartment mathematical model, the renal clearance of these solutes was estimated with a plasma radioactivity disappearance curve constructed from samples collected over a 150-minute time period. In 25 dogs, GFR, ERPF, and filtration fraction were 3.55 +/- 0.14 ml/kg/min, 10.51 +/- 0.72 ml/kg/min, and 0.34 +/- 0.02, respectively. In 25 cats, GFR, ERPF, and filtration fraction were 3.24 +/- 0.14 ml/kg/min, 8.14 +/- 0.53 ml/kg/min, and 0.39 +/- 0.02, respectively. This time-efficient and reliable method, using beta-emitting isotopes, yielded renal functional values well within the normal ranges reported by a variety of other isotopic and nonisotopic procedures. The advantages of the present procedure over previous double-isotope single-injection methods include the use of less costly, lower energy-using, and less penetrating beta emittors, as well as a shortened blood sampling schedule.     

Altered disposition of propylthiouracil in cats with hyperthyroidism

The oral and intravenous disposition of the anti-thyroid drug propylthiouracil (PTU) was determined in six clinically healthy cats and four cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism. Compared with the normal cats, the mean plasma elimination half-life of PTU was significantly (P less than 0.001) shorter in the hyperthyroid cats (77.5 +/- 5.8 minutes compared with 125.5 +/- 3.7 minutes) and the total body clearance of PTU was significantly (P less than 0.05) more rapid in the cats with hyperthyroidism (5.1 +/- 0.8 ml kg-1 min-1 compared with 2.7 +/- 0.2 ml kg-1 min-1). Following oral administration, both the bioavailability (59.7 +/- 4.9 per cent compared with 73.3 +/- 3.7 per cent) and peak plasma concentrations (14.5 +/- 1.6 micrograms ml-1 compared with 18.9 +/- 0.9 micrograms ml-1) of PTU were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in the hyperthyroid cats than in the control cats. No difference was noted, however, between the apparent volume of distribution for PTU in the two groups of cats. Overall, results of this study indicate that the oral bioavailability of PTU is decreased and PTU disposition is accelerated in cats with hyperthyroidism.