Effect of oral trazodone on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs

Objective

To determine the effect of oral trazodone on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in dogs.

Transient Fanconi syndrome in Quarter horses

Two Quarter horses with weight loss had glucosuria, euglycemia, and a mild metabolic acidosis suggesting a proximal renal tubular defect. Further testing revealed transient generalized aminoaciduria, lactic aciduria, and glucosuria, indicating Fanconi syndrome. Both horses recovered with supportive therapy. This is the first report of acquired Fanconi syndrome in horses.     

Amphibian ocular malformation associated with frog virus 3

During an on-going amphibian ecology study, a free-ranging American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) metamorph was captured in a pitfall trap adjacent to a constructed farm pond at the Plateau Research and Education Center (PREC) on the Cumberland Plateau near Crossville, Tennessee, USA. Grossly, the right eye was approximately 50% the size of the left. Stereo and light microscopic examination revealed two granulomas within the orbit. Electron microscopic examination revealed virus particles scattered throughout one structure but mostly aggregated toward the center. Subsequent PCR and sequencing (GenBank accession Number EF175670) confirmed frog virus 3 (FV3). This represents the first report of a malformation in an anuran associated with FV3.     

Socio-economic factors influencing control of vector-borne diseases in the pastoralist system of south western Uganda

Research in control of tick-borne diseases and trypanosomosis, and their vectors, namely, ticks and tsetse flies respectively, has been on going for decades. However, very little attention has been paid to the socio-economic factors that are likely to influence the outcome of the interventions in the control of these diseases. Thus, this study was designed to investigate these factors, mainly the intra-household factors influencing decision-making in the control of Vector-borne diseases in the pastoralist areas of Uganda. These factors included: indigenous technical knowledge, household economic factors, and gender. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the collection and analysis of data. The tools used for data collection included among others, participatory learning and action (PLA), and Case studies. The findings included the following: In pastoralist households, a big proportion of the household budget was allocated to vector-borne diseases control. In the male-headed households, men dominated decision-making on vector-borne diseases control, although the goals and priorities of men and women in these households were not the same. Also, vector-borne disease control was predominantly by use of modern veterinary drugs, and pastoralists treated sick cattle by themselves even in situations where there were veterinary personnel.     

Arrhythmias and transient changes in cardiac function after topical administration of one drop of phenylephrine 10% in an adult cat undergoing conjunctival graft

HistoryA 2-year-old, entire female, Somali cat weighing 3.8 kg was admitted for a conjunctival graft on the right eye, for treatment of an acute descemetocele. Medetomidine 4.2 μg kg^?1 and methadone 0.2 mg kg^?1 were administered by intramuscular injection as preanaesthetic medication. Anaesthesia was induced using diazepam 0.26 mg kg^?1 and propofol 4 mg kg^?1 administered by intravenous (IV) injection. Following endotracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane delivered in oxygen (1 L minute^?1) and nitrous oxide (2 L minute^?1) via a non-rebreathing system. Twenty minutes after induction of anaesthesia, one drop of a 10% phenylephrine hydrochloride solution was administered topically to the right eye.Physical examinationAfter phenylephrine administration, a decrease in heart rate (from 95 to 80 beats minute^?1) and an increase in arterial blood pressure occurred. The pulse then became difficult to palpate manually and multifocal ventricular premature contractions were observed on the electrocardiogram.ManagementNitrous oxide was discontinued and the isoflurane vaporizer setting was decreased from 1.5% to 0.5%. Lidocaine 1 mg kg^?1 IV was administered, this resulted in ventricular bigeminy. The quality of the femoral pulse improved and was regular in rhythm and character. Surgery was completed as fast as possible. The bigeminy progressively disappeared and before disconnecting the cat from the breathing system, there was a normal sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 85 beats minute^?1.Follow-upEchocardiography was performed during recovery and showed mitral and aortic valve insufficiency and dilation of the left ventricle, suggesting a reduction in systolic function. Echocardiography was repeated the following day and was normal.ConclusionsIn order to diminish the potential for cardiovascular sequelae associated with systemic absorption of ocular phenylephrine, less concentrated solutions, smaller drop size or different instillation techniques should be considered for topical use in small patients.