Dermatographism in a horse,responsive to cetirizine treatment

Dermatographism is a common condition in man that occurs when pressure is applied to the skin and mast cells are triggered to release histamine, causing local urticarial lesions. This case report concerns a 4-year-old Quarter Horse gelding that was presented with pressure induced urticaria. Moderate pressure on the skin induced nonpruritic urticaria-like swelling after approximately 3–5 min, which lasted for approximately 2–3 h. Initial treatment with cyproheptadine gave an incomplete response and unacceptable sedation as a side effect. On the second generation antihistamine cetirizine (0.2 mg/kg bwt twice daily), dermatographism was no longer present and no side effects occurred. Treatment was continued for 4 months, with at least three attempts to discontinue therapy resulting in recurrence of lesions within 24 h. Lesions resolved each time within 24 h of recommencing therapy. Dermatographism did not recur after the horse was moved to another location despite discontinuation of therapy. This report describes a case of equine dermatographism responsive to cetirizine.     

Comparative analysis of in vitro proliferative,migratory and pro-angiogenic potentials of bovine fetal mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue

Veterinary Research Communications - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in virtually all tissues, where they self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types. Cumulative data indicate...     

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of parenterally administered doramectin in cattle

Plasma concentrations of doramectin in 40 cattle dosed by subcutaneous (sc) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection (200 μg/kg) were compared to assess the bioequivalence of the two routes of administration. Peak concentration ( C _max), and areas under the concentration curve ( AUC_0– ) were determined from plasma concentrations. Animals treated by the sc route showed a mean AUC_0– of 457 ± 66 ng±day/mL (± SD) and a mean C _max of 27.8 ± 7.9 ng/mL. Results from the i.m. treatment group showed a mean AUC _0– of 475 ± 82 ng-day/mL and a mean C _max of 33.1 ± 9.0 ng/mL Absorption constants ( k _a) determined by modelling were 0.542 ± 0.336 day^-1after sc administration and 0.710 ± 0.357 day^-1after i.m. administration. The 90% confidence limits on the difference between mean AUC _0– values for the sc and i.m. groups fell within 20% of the mean value for the subcutaneous group. C _max was somewhat greater for the i.m. route. The 90% confidence limits on the difference in mean In ( T _max+1) also fell within 20% of the mean sc value. Based on this analysis, bioequivalence of the sc and i.m. formulation has been established.     

Prolonged-release hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablets of furosemide for administration to dogs

Furosemide is a problematic drug in a prolonged-release product because its absorption is site specific, taking place mainly in the upper parts of the alimentary tract. The aim of the study reported here was to develop prolonged-release furosemide formulations for dogs. The type of preparation selected was a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablet. Evaluation was based on dissolution studies, on in vivo disintegration studies in the canine stomach and on bioavailability studies in Beagle dogs. The variables tested were the viscosity grade of the polymer, the amount of polymer and presence or absence of an alkaline compound (potassium carbonate) in the formulation. When potassium carbonate was included, furosemide was absorbed so slowly that drug administration once daily would give plateau drug plasma concentrations, even though the elimination half-life of furosemide is only about one hour.     

Anal leiomyoma in a Holstein heifer.

A 2-year-old heifer was presented with masses on her anus that were interfering with cervical manipulation during embryo flushing. The masses had broad stalks attached within the anal sphinchter. Recovery was without incident after surgical resection. No recurrence of the masses had occurred 3 months later. Histologic diagnosis was benign leiomyoma.