RARE EARTH INTENSIFYING SCREENS FOR VETERINARY RADIOGRAPHY: AN EVALUATION OF TWO SYSTEMS

Two rare earth radiographic intensifying screen-film systems were compared with a calcium tungstate screen-film systems in a series of clinically oriented trials. The calcium tungstate screen-film system was subjectively judged to have the highest overall image quality, primarily because of its wide latitude. Several rare earth screen-film combinations produced radiographs of excellent diagnostic quality. In general, image quality was inversely related to screen-film speed, whereas radiation protection was directly related to screen-film speed. Medium-speed rare earth screen-film combinations resulted in reductios of scatter radiation on the order of 30 to 70 percent compared with the par-speed film combination. Recommendations are made regarding the use of specific rare earth intensifying screen-film combinations in small and large animal diagnostic radiography.     

Rare earth intensifying screens in veterinary radiology

Radiation dose to personnel and low capacity X–ray equipment are obstacles to the optimal use of veterinary radiology. In order to find means to lower radiation dose and improve the quality of the radiographic image in veterinary radiology the authors have tested the so–called rare earth intensifying screens under experimental and clinical conditions. Of the basis of their findings they recommend the use of predominantly green light–emitting screen with lanthanum oxysulphide crystals activated with terbium, in combination with orthochromatic film. This combination was shown to give the best ratio image–screen noise. Considerable dose reduction was obtained with this system, and the image quality improved due to less blurring by motion.     

RADIOGRAPH QUALITY EVALUATION FOR EXPOSURE VARIABLES—A REVIEW

Good quality radiographs are essential for making accurate diagnoses. Many factors influence the quality of radiographs including the x-ray machine specifications and settings, the darkroom environment and processing, and the choice of ancillary x-ray equipment (cassette properties, film/screen selection, use and properties of a grid). In compiling a technique chart, many of these variables are standardized so as to provide dependable guidelines for selecting the appropriate exposure settings (mAs and kVp) for a radiographic study. The systematic evaluation of image blackening, peripheral blackening, and the visibility of the gross image detail and contrast will facilitate the development of a technique chart as well as determining the source of the problem and necessary exposure setting changes for radiographs that are suboptimal. A flow diagram is described that will assist with the systematic evaluation of radiographic quality and provide guidelines for correcting exposure errors.     

COMPARISON OF THE IMAGE QUALITY OF A HIGH‐RESOLUTION SCREEN–FILM SYSTEM AND A DIGITAL FLAT PANEL DETECTOR SYSTEM IN AVIAN RADIOGRAPHY

A conventional high‐resolution screen–film system was compared with a digital detector system. A total of 20 birds (14 pigeons and six psittacine birds) with an average body mass of 533 g were examined in dorsoventral as well as lateral projections. Digital radiographs were acquired with the same mAs as well as half the mAs used for the conventional radiographs. Three criteria and one overall assessment were defined for each of four anatomic regions and assessed by five veterinarians using a score system. Comparison of the ratings was done by visual grading analysis. For the majority of criteria, there was no significant difference regarding image quality between the digital and screen–film projections. However, for certain criteria the quality of the digital images was significantly superior. Using the same mAs as for the conventional radiographs, the humeral joint surfaces and the honeycomb structure of the lung were assessed as superior with the digital imaging system. The tracheal rings and the delineation of the trachea from the surrounding tissue were also superior with the digital system. Assessment of the trabecular structure of the humerus was superior when the full mAs was used compared with the reduced mAs. In conclusion the digital technique is equal or superior to the conventional screen–film high‐resolution system for pet birds of a medium size. With some limitations, a dose reduction is possible with the digital system.     

A REVIEW OF PORTAL SCREEN-FILM TECHNOLOGY AND FIVE RADIOLOGISTS' EVALUATIONS OF SOME EXISTING PRODUCTS

Portal radiographs, radiographs made to document the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment fields, are typically of poor image contrast. Recently, a new portal film and screened-cassette system was marketed, the Kodak EC-L system, with the claim of greatly improved image contrast. This new EC-L system was tested on a canine cadaver exposed to Cobalt-60 teletherapy gamma radiation, and image quality was compared to earlier marketed Kodak portal film products. The EC-L system was found to provide portal images of improved contrast/quality.     

Radiographic features of the limbs of juvenile and subadult loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

This study aimed to provide the normal radiographic anatomic appearance of the limbs of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar radiographs were taken of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of 15 juvenile and 15 subadult loggerhead sea turtles, 17 alive and 13 dead. For comparison, computed tomographic, gross anatomic, osteologic, and histologic studies were performed on the limbs of 5 of the sea turtles. Bones from the distal part of the fore and hind flippers were seen in detail with a mammographic film-screen combination. The pectoral and pelvic girdles, superimposed by the carapace, were better seen on standard radiographs with the use of rare-earth intensifying screens. Mammographic radiographs of the manus of 5 small juvenile turtles showed active growth zones. Visualization of bone contours in the distal part of the limbs was clearer than in mammals owing to the very few superimpositions. The presence of a substantial amount of cartilage in the epiphyses produced better visibility of limb ends. We conclude that use of a mammography film-screen combination is the best way to evaluate the bony and joint structures of the limbs of sea turtles. Radiography provides reliable images for clinical purposes. Considering the low cost and logistics of this technique, it is a practical ancillary test for marine animal rehabilitation centers to use.     

3种外源培养基材料对苜蓿根瘤菌活性的影响

以紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa)根瘤菌ACCC17631和ACCC17676为供试菌株,采用单因素试验和正交试验设计,研究了KH₂PO₄、黄腐酸、硝酸稀土对苜蓿根瘤菌活性的影响,以期得到最优培养基材料组合.结果表明:KH₂PO₄可极显著促进紫花苜蓿根瘤菌菌株ACCC17631的生长(P<0.01),最适添加浓度为300 mg·L^-1,对菌株ACCC17676的生长促进效果不显著;黄腐酸对2株菌的生长具有极显著促进作用(P<0.01),菌株ACCC17631的最适添加浓度为0.03%,菌株ACCC17676的最适添加浓度为0.02%;硝酸稀土可促进菌株ACCC17631生长,最适添加浓度为200 mg·L^-1;低浓度硝酸稀土对菌株ACCC17676具极显著生长促进作用(P<0.01),最适添加浓度为400 mg·L^-1.菌株ACCC17631最优材料组合为100 mg·L^-1 KH₂PO₄、0.03%黄腐酸与200 mg·L^-1硝酸稀土;菌株ACCC17676的最优材料组合为300 mg·L^-1 KH₂PO₄、0.02%黄腐酸与400 mg·L^-1硝酸稀土.     

Investigating the in vitro interactive effects of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in a canine osteosarcoma cell line

Introduction: Dogs with osteosarcoma suffer intense bone pain. Conventional palliative treatment options include ionizing radiation with or without systemic chemotherapy. Intravenous pamidronate is a first‐line therapeutic agent in people with painful skeletal metastases and is currently being evaluated for the management of osteolytic pain associated with canine osteosarcoma. The theoretical combination of radiation and pamidronate for managing bone pain appears to be a rational treatment option, however, in vitro experiments demonstrating additive or supraadditve cytotoxic effects of these two modalities would further support the clinical institution of this novel combination therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in a canine OSA cell line and to characterize the interaction between these two therapeutic modalities when used in combination. Methods: The canine osteosarcoma cell line, HMPOS, was subjected independently to varying doses of ionizing radiation (100 cGy, 300 cGy, 400 cGy, 600 cGy, 800 cGy, or 1000 cGy) or different concentrations of pamidronate (10, 25, 50, 66, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 μM). Cells were harvested following 48 hours of incubation and cell viability was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Dose‐response curves were generated, and a theoretical ED₅₀ for each treatment modality calculated. An ED₅₀ isobologram was created to determine if different combinations of ionizing radiation and pamidronate (isoboles) would demonstrate subadditive, additive, or supraadditve cytotoxic effects. Results: The ED₅₀ of ionizing radiation and pamidronate were 614 cGy and 65.3 μM, respectively. Of the six different isobole combinations evaluated, three produced supraadditve effects, one produced a subadditive effect, and two produced additive effects. Conclusions: Both ionizing radiation and pamidronate independently exert in vitro cytotoxic effects. Positive interactive effects can be generated, but only with specific isobole combinations. The results from this in vitro study support the use of specific combinations of ionizing radiation and pamidronate in order to maximize the cytotoxic properties of both treatment modalities.     

COMPARISON OF SINGLE-PHASE AND HIGH-FREQUENCY GENERATORS FOR X-RAY UNITS

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and performances between single-phase (SP) and high-frequency (HF) generators for x-ray units dedicated to veterinary radiology practice. A 30-kW SP and a 30-kW high HF generator connected to a rotating anode x-ray tube were used for the study. Source-film distance, screen/film combination, and film processing were kept the same during the experiment. The mAs value yielding a similar film optical density of a stair step phantom, as assessed by a densitometer and a similar dose, as assessed by a solid state detector, was estimated for different kVp values. The ratio of the mAs used with the SP generator to the equivalent mAs used with the HF generator to produce similar film density or radiation dose was calculated. Subject contrast was measured for different kVp values as the relative difference in film optical density between two steps of the phantom. The waveform of the tube current was recorded for the two generators using an oscilloscope. Motion artifact was produced on a lateral radiograph of a canine tarsus using the two generators. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing the variances of film density measurements made on the central step of the phantom on 10 consecutive images produced with the two generators. mAs ratios (SP/HF) to obtain similar film optical density ranged from 2 (for 90kVp) to 2.5 (for 70 kVp), and mAs ratios to obtain similar radiation dose ranged from 1.2 (for 100 kVp) to 1.4 (for 70 kVp). Image contrast was slightly higher for the SP than for the HF generator. Current waveform for the SP generator was half-sinusoidal and it was almost continuous for the HF generator. Motion artifact appeared as blur for the HF generator and as several regularly placed images of the subject for the SP generator. Reproducibility was significantly better for the HF than for the SP generator (P = 0.047). It was concluded that the HF generator was approximately two times more efficient, had a better reproducibility, and produced images with a lower contrast than the SP generator. Motion artifact appears differently due to different current waveform.     

茶多酚和酵母硒及其互作对绿壳蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及蛋黄中胆固醇和硒含量的影响

本研究旨在探讨茶多酚和酵母硒及其互作对绿壳蛋鸡生产性能、蛋品质及蛋黄中胆固醇和硒含量的影响。试验选用810只44周龄健康绿壳蛋鸡,随机分成9个组,每组5个重复,每个重复18只鸡。采用2因素3水平试验设计,在基础饲粮中分别添加不同剂量的茶多酚和酵母硒构成试验饲粮,茶多酚设0、200、400 mg/kg 3个添加水平,酵母硒(按硒计)设0、0.25、0.50 mg/kg 3个添加水平。预试期7 d,正试期28 d。结果表明:1)饲粮中添加茶多酚和酵母硒均有提高平均蛋重的趋势(P>0.05),添加200、400 mg/kg茶多酚能显著提高产蛋率且显著降低料蛋比(P<0.05);2)饲粮中添加茶多酚和酵母硒对蛋黄指数、蛋黄色泽和哈氏单位均有提高的趋势(P>0.05),添加0.50 mg/kg酵母硒能显著提高蛋形指数(P<0.05),同时使蛋壳厚度显著下降(P<0.05),添加200、400 mg/kg茶多酚能显著减缓鸡蛋在贮藏过程中哈氏单位的下降(P<0.01);3)饲粮中添加200、400 mg/kg茶多酚均能显著降低蛋黄胆固醇含量(P<0.01),添加0.25、0.50 mg/kg酵母硒均能显著提高蛋黄硒含量(P<0.01);4)茶多酚和酵母硒的互作对生产性能、蛋品质及蛋黄中胆固醇和硒含量均无显著影响(P>0.05)。由此可见,在基础饲粮中采用400 mg/kg茶多酚和0.25 mg/kg酵母硒的添加组合对蛋鸡生产性能和蛋品质不会产生拮抗作用,并可有效生产"富硒+低胆固醇"的绿壳鸡蛋。     

Comparison of computed radiography and conventional radiography in detection of small volume pneumoperitoneum

The role of digital imaging is increasing as these systems are becoming more affordable and accessible. Advantages of computed radiography compared with conventional film/screen combinations include improved contrast resolution and postprocessing capabilities. Computed radiography's spatial resolution is inferior to conventional radiography; however, this limitation is considered clinically insignificant. This study prospectively compared digital imaging and conventional radiography in detecting small volume pneumoperitoneum. Twenty cadaver dogs (15-30 kg) were injected with 0.25, 0.25, and 0.5 ml for 1 ml total of air intra-abdominally, and radiographed sequentially using computed and conventional radiographic technologies. Three radiologists independently evaluated the images, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis compared the two imaging modalities. There was no statistical difference between computed and conventional radiography in detecting free abdominal air, but overall computed radiography was relatively more sensitive based on ROC analysis. Computed radiographic images consistently and significantly demonstrated a minimal amount of 0.5 ml of free air based on ROC analysis. However, no minimal air amount was consistently or significantly detected with conventional film. Readers were more likely to detect free air on lateral computed images than the other projections, with no significant increased sensitivity between film/screen projections. Further studies are indicated to determine the differences or lack thereof between various digital imaging systems and conventional film/screen systems.     

孔雀石绿等染料物质残留检测过程中实验室污染的来源分析

为了分析孔雀石绿等残留检测过程中实验室污染的来源,本研究应用超高效液相-串联质谱法(UPLC-MS/MS)测定了常用实验室用品中孔雀石绿、无色孔雀石绿、结晶紫、无色结晶紫、亚甲基蓝的含量.纸样品用乙腈直接提取;笔样品采用书写痕迹后再用乙腈提取,UPLC-MS/MS定量测定.结果表明:在纸样品中,除了实验滤纸外,其它纸样品(如A4打印纸、报纸、标签纸等)均含有一定水平的目标物;笔样品中,除了铅笔2H、中性笔135012蓝、中性笔2180蓝色外,其它笔样品(如圆珠笔、记号笔、签字笔、水笔等)含有一定水平的目标物.为了降低实验室目标物污染风险,本文还对样品处理前和处理中的各个环节需要注意的问题做了较为详细的分析.本研究结果将有利于建立有效预防体系从而尽量避免样品在该类物质残留检测中的实验室本底污染和假阳性结果.     

杂交构树、玉米秸秆青贮和燕麦青干草不同配比的体外消化特性及组合效应

本试验旨在探究不同配比杂交构树、玉米秸秆青贮和燕麦青干草组合的体外消化特性及组合效应,以筛选出三种饲草间最适组合配比。采用单因素试验设计,将杂交构树、玉米秸秆青贮和燕麦青干草组成不同配比的混合粗饲料,以精粗比40:60混合作为发酵底物,进行48 h的山羊瘤胃体外发酵试验,共15个处理,每处理3个重复,测定48 h总产气量、pH、氨态氮、微生物蛋白、干物质降解率、中性洗涤纤维降解率、酸性洗涤纤维降解率,计算单项组合效应和多项组合效应。结果显示:混合饲草比单一饲草更能提高体外发酵效果,组合杂交构树:燕麦青干草=50:50、杂交构树:燕麦青干草=75:25、杂交构树:玉米秸秆青贮=50:50体外发酵效果不佳及多项组合效应为负,筛选出三个最优组合为玉米秸秆青贮:燕麦青干草=50:50、玉米秸秆青贮:燕麦青干草=25:75和杂交构树:玉米秸秆青贮:燕麦青干草=50:25:25,且玉米秸秆青贮:燕麦青干草比例1:1组合效应较好。     

Quantitation of histochemical staining of salivary gland mucin using image analysis in cats and dogs

Two different, computer-based, image analysis methods were employed to complement subjective assessment of patterns of mucin staining (by periodic acid Schiff/alcian blue, aldehyde fuchsin/alcian blue and potassium hydroxide-alcian blue/phenylhydrazine hydrocholoride) in digitised images of sections of major and minor salivary glands from cats and dogs. Image analysis based on red, green and blue (RGB) staining was not suitable for quantitation of histochemical staining of mucin in salivary glands. Image analysis based on hue, saturation and lightness (HSL) allowed quantitative assessment of staining by different stain components and of mixed staining, and enabled comparison of staining of different glands in dogs and cats. Quantitative analysis based on HSL allowed differentiation of differences in staining patterns of major and minor cat and dog salivary glands, and between the species; such differences would have been impossible to distinguish on subjective grounds alone. Quantitative assessment of normal salivary gland histochemistry allows comparison with staining patterns in disease.     

利用植物生长调节剂促控早熟禾、高羊茅生长速度的研究

利用植物生长调节剂对早熟禾、高羊茅的生长速度进行促控研究表明:返青初期,叶面喷施30～42.5mg/L赤霉素,每公顷750kg药液,可以促进生长,提早返青;叶面喷施300～600mg/L多效唑或200～400mg/kg烯效唑,每公顷750kg药液,可以控制生长,从而减少刈剪次数,喷施1次,药效可持续3个月。     

Normal canine excretory urogram: effects of dose, time, and individual dog variation

Ten healthy, young, adult mongrel dogs were given sodium iothalamate at dose levels of 200, 400, and 800 mg of iodine/0.45 kg of body weight on separate occasions by rapid IV injection; urinary bladders of the dogs were empty before injections were begun. Seven of the ten dogs were given an additional dose of sodium iothalamate (400 mg of iodine/0.45 kg) with the bladder partially distended with sterilized saline solution. Ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs were obtained immediately and at 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 120 minutes after injection of contrast medium. The kidneys, renal pelves, pelvic diverticula, and ureters were evaluated for radiographic density (radiopacity). The lengths and widths of the kidneys, pelves, and diverticula and the width of the ureters were determined, and those measurements were standardized by dividing the values by the corresponding length of the second lumbar vertebral body. From these evaluations, it was determined that postinjection radiographs should be obtained immediately and at 5, 20, and 40 minutes. The optimal dose of contrast medium was 400 mg of iodine/0.45 kg of body weight. It was also determined that the dose of contrast medium, as well as the time of postinjection radiography, significantly influenced many of the measurements (both linear and density) in the excretory urogram of normal dogs. Values for the measurements of the urinary structures based on the results of the present study are also presented.     

Anaesthesia with ketamine/medetomidine in the rabbit: influence of route of administration and the effect of combination with butorphanol

Objective To compare the characteristics of anaesthesia induced with ketamine/medetomidine administered by the subcutaneous and intramuscular routes and to assess the effects of the addition of butorphanol to this combination. Study design Prospective randomised study. Animals Six female New Zealand White rabbits. Methods Rabbits were given one of four combinations of ketamine and medetomidine (K/M) either subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM) on four successive occasions with a 7‐day interval between treatments. The dose combinations were; 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 SC; 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 IM; 15/0.5 mg kg^?1 SC, and 15/0.25 mg kg^?1 together with 0.4 mg kg^?1 butorphanol (K/M/B) SC. The effects of anaesthesia on arterial blood gas values and cardiovascular variables were recorded at predetermined time points. Toe and ear pinch reflexes were judged to determine the duration of surgical anaesthesia. Loss of the righting reflex was used to measure the duration of sleep time. Analyses used repeated measures analysis of variance. Results All groups lost the righting reflex and ear pinch response. Three animals in the groups that received K/M alone lost their toe pinch reflex, whereas four lost this reflex when given K/M/B. Time of onset of loss of the righting, toe and ear pinch reflexes did not differ significantly among the groups. The higher dose combination of medetomidine with ketamine and the combination of K/M/B produced a greater duration of loss of the ear pinch response than the lower dose of K/M administered by either route. No significant differences were found among the groups in the duration of loss of the toe pinch reflex. All animals developed a moderate bradycardia (mean heart rate <166 beats minute^?1) and moderate hypoxaemia (mean P_aO₂ < 6.0 kPa). Animals given butorphanol showed the greatest reduction in respiratory rate (31 ± 13 breaths minute^?1, p < 0.05) but this was not reflected in any significant differences in arterial PCO₂, PO₂ or pH among the groups. Conclusions Administration of K/M by the SC route produced equivalent effects in comparison to intramuscular administration. The addition of butorphanol increased the duration of anaesthesia, but produced a slight increase in the degree of respiratory depression. All dose rates resulted in hypoxaemia so oxygen should be administered when these combinations are used in rabbits. Clinical relevance Subcutaneous administration is both technically simpler and may cause less discomfort to the animal than IM injection, and so is preferred. The combination of K/M with butorphanol has relatively minor effects on the depth and duration of anaesthesia, so offers little advantage to the use of K/M alone.     

RADIOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE STOMACH

To obtain radiographic information concerning the equine stomach, a gastrographic contrast examination is required. This study describes this procedure in detail. A powerful radiographic unit, the tubehead linked to an image intensifier and suspended by an electromechanical overhead gantry system, is required. To obtain accurately positioned radiographs during the fluoroscopic examination, a cassette holder with a stationary grid is mounted at the entrance window of the image intensifier. The examination is performed in the unsedated standing horse after 24 hours of starvation, using a combination of survey radiography and fluoroscopic viewing after the inflation of air, followed by the administration of barium sulphate suspension by stomach tube. The gastrographic contrast examination is performed in three experimental animals and 23 abnormal horses. Pneumogastrophy appeared to be valuable to diagnose gastric tumors, to differentiate between gastric tumors and other masses in the cranial abdomen, and to visualize gastric parasites, even in large horses. The use of barium sulphate suspension does not result in an adequate double contrast of the stomach, but it may aid to diagnose esophagogastric or pyloric stenosis and gastric or duodenal ulcers.     

体外法评价玉米秸秆、谷草和玉米秸秆青贮饲料组合效应研究

本试验旨在利用体外产气法研究玉米秸秆(CS)、谷草(MS)与玉米秸秆青贮饲料(CSS)间的组合效应,筛选出不同饲料间的适宜组合比例。试验采用单因素试验设计,首先将玉米秸秆与谷草进行体外发酵试验,筛选出的最优组合,再与玉米秸秆青贮饲料组合进行试验,以上组合均以100∶0,80∶20,60∶40,50∶50,40∶60,20∶80,0∶100的比例进行,每个组合设3个重复,测定和分析不同粗饲料组合对体外产气量、干物质消失率、pH、微生物蛋白、氨态氮、挥发性脂肪酸的影响,计算出各组合的单项组合效应值和综合组合效应值。试验结果表明,不同饲料组合对产气量和干物质消失率影响显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01);不同饲料组合间pH差异不显著(P>0.05);各饲料组合间微生物蛋白产量差异显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01),玉米秸秆与谷草组合的微生物蛋白产量随玉米秸秆比例的减少而减少,再与玉米秸秆青贮饲料组合随玉米秸秆青贮饲料比例的增加而增加;不同饲料组合的氨态氮浓度差异显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01),含量为17.35~24.63 mg/dL;各饲料组合间的挥发性脂肪酸产量差异显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)。以多项组合效应指数评定的最优组合为:玉米秸秆和谷草的搭配比例为60∶40,玉米秸秆、谷草、玉米秸秆青贮饲料的搭配比例为12∶8∶80。     

Pharmacokinetics of combined intraperitoneal and incisional lidocaine in the dog following ovariohysterectomy

Topical application of local anesthetics provides safe analgesia following abdominal surgery in people. Conservative doses have been utilized to avoid toxicity. Toxic effects are proportional to amount of drug administered and the plasma concentration of the drug, allowing predictions of safety following pharmacokinetic studies. The maximum plasma level, the pharmacokinetics and the safety of lidocaine hydrochloride when administered by the combined intraperitoneal (8 mg/kg i.p. with epinephrine 1:400 000) and incisional (2 mg/kg with epinephrine 1:200 000) routes were studied in six mixed breed dogs following ovariohysterectomy. Rapid uptake of lidocaine produced a peak concentration of 1.45 +/- 0.36 microg/mL (mean +/- SD, range 0.80-1.86 microg/mL) by 0.37 +/- 0.26 h (range 0.11-0.81) after administration. The absorption half-life was 0.13 +/- 0.1 h. Plasma concentrations decreased rapidly and the elimination half-life was 1.17 +/- 0.11 h. No signs of toxicity were observed in these dogs in the 18 h following drug administration. The dose studied generated levels of lidocaine well below toxic.