Neurophysiological assessment of the sedative and analgesic effects of a constant rate infusion of dexmedetomidine in the dog

The sedative and analgesic effects of continuous rate infusion (CRI) of dexmedetomidine (DEX) were investigated in Beagle dogs (n = 8) using auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials (AEPs and SEPs) recorded before, during and after a CRI of saline or DEX (1.0, 3.0, 5.0 μg/kg bolus, followed by 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 μg/kg/h CRI, respectively).The results showed a significant reduction in AEP at doses of 1.0 μg/kg/h and above and a significant reduction of the SEP at doses of 3.0 and 5.0 μg/kg/h. Neither the AEP nor the SEP was further reduced at 5.0 μg/kg/h when compared to 3.0 μg/kg/h, although a slower return towards baseline values was observed at 5.0 μg/kg/h. The mean plasma levels (±SEM) of DEX during infusion were 0.533 ± 0.053 ng/mL for the 1.0 μg/kg/h dose, 1.869 ± 0.063 ng/mL for the 3.0 μg/kg/h dose and 4.017 ± 0.385 for the 5.0 μg/kg/dose. It was concluded that in adult dogs, a CRI of DEX had a sedative and analgesic effect that could be described quantitatively using neurophysiological parameters. Sedation was achieved at lower plasma levels than required for analgesia, and DEX had a longer (but not larger) effect with infusion rates above 3.0 μg/kg/h.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Pug Dogs

Background: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) are not well documented.
Objectives: To describe common MRI features of NME, to compare the MRI features to histopathologic findings, and to determine whether or not MRI lesions are predictive of survival time.
Animals: Eighteen Pugs with NME.
Methods: Retrospective MRI case study of Pugs identified by a search of medical records at 6 veterinary institutions. Eighteen dogs met inclusion criteria of histopathologically confirmed NME and antemortem MRI exam. MRI lesions were characterized and compared with histopathology with the kappa statistic. Survival times were compared with MRI findings by use of Mann-Whitney U -tests and Spearman's ρ.
Results: Twelve of 18 lesions were indistinctly marginated with mild parenchymal contrast enhancement. Prosencephalic (17/18) lesion distribution included the parietal (16/18), temporal (16/18), and occipital (16/18) lobes. There were cerebellar (4/18) and brainstem (3/18) lesions. Asymmetric lesions were present in both gray and white matter in all dogs. Falx cerebri shift was common (11/18), and 6 dogs had brain herniation. Leptomeningeal enhancement was present in 9/18 dogs. A moderate positive association was found between parenchymal contrast enhancement and both necrosis (κ= 0.45; P = .045) and monocytic inflammation (κ= 0.48; P = .025). Higher MRI lesion burden was correlated with longer time from disease onset to MRI ( P = .045). MRI lesion burden did not correlate to survival time.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Asymmetric prosencephalic grey and white matter lesions with variable contrast enhancement were consistent MRI changes in Pugs with confirmed NME. While not pathognomonic for NME, these MRI characteristics should increase confidence in a presumptive diagnosis of NME in young Pugs with acute signs of neurologic disease.     

Total bilirubin is an independent predictor of death in dogs with degenerative valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy

IntroductionThere is little published regarding the association between canine cardiovascular disease and the hepatic system. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between hepatic parameters, survival, and disease stages of dogs with either dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or degenerative valvular disease (DVD).Animals, materials, and methodsRetrospective study analyzing hepatic parameters in dogs with DVD or DCM in American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage B or C and healthy control dogs. Associations between liver parameters, type and stage of disease, and survival were investigated.ResultsNinety-nine dogs were included in the study: 61 DVD, 22 DCM, and 16 controls. Differences in liver parameter concentrations between DCM, DVD, and disease stages were found. Univariate analysis identified alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.02), and total bilirubin (P = 0.005) as predictors of mortality. In the multivariate analysis, total bilirubin remained an independent predictor of mortality.ConclusionsThe observed differences between DCM, DVD, and disease stages are likely consistent with disease-specific hemodynamics and progression of disease. This and the role of total bilirubin as an independent predictor for mortality indicate that in dogs with DVD and DCM the cardiovascular–hepatic interaction might be of relevance for disease progression and outcome, as reported for humans with cardiac disease. Further studies into the role of hepatic function in canine cardiac disease are required.     

广州城市绿地狗只服务设施现状及发展方向

针对广州市宠物犬只与人在城市绿地使用上所产生的社会矛盾,讨论可行的解决措施。研究过程分为广州城市绿地宠物犬只服务设施现状和对发达地区遛狗公园进行实地考察,通过归纳与筛选,从广州本土的实际出发提出合理的解决办法。     

Predicting place attachment among walkers in the urban context: The role of dogs,motivations, satisfaction,past experience and setting development

Place attachment knowledge informs urban green space management to maximize positive visitor experiences. However, little is known about how place attachment differs between urban green space settings and users, particularly dog walkers or owners. This study explored place attachment and the better-known influence of variables such as motivation, satisfaction and visit frequency, as well as the understudied contributions of dog-ownership status and degree of setting development. In total, 450 on-site walkers and dog walkers in two cities and four green spaces with different levels of development were interviewed. Regression analyses revealed motivations, satisfaction and visit frequency predicted place attachment. Place attachment strength differed between walkers and dog walkers: dog walkers were more likely to have higher place identity and place dependence. Similarly, visitors to the urban green spaces with the lowest degree of development were highest on place dependence and identity. Implications and future research ideas are shared.