Hematology and serum biochemistry values of trapped, healthy, free-ranging rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) and their association with age, sex, and gestational status

BACKGROUND: The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) is an herbivore prevalent from South Africa to Turkey, and a most common zoo animal. Although many studies of hyrax diseases and physiology are available, clinicopathologic data are limited. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish comprehensive hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for trapped, apparently healthy, free-ranging rock hyraxes using modern laboratory methods and to assess differences related to sex, gestation, and age. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 27 healthy, free-ranging hyraxes under anesthesia. Gender, body weight, and gestational status were recorded. Hematologic (n = 25) and serum biochemical (n = 22) analyses were performed using standard automated methodology. Data for male vs female, adult vs juvenile, and pregnant vs nonpregnant female hyraxes were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Associations between variables were assessed using Pearson's or Spearman rank correlation tests. RESULTS: Significant age- and sex-related, but not gestation-related differences were observed in several variables. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphorus concentration were significantly higher in juveniles compared with adults. A unique type of monocyte comprised 1-3% of leukocytes in 4 hyraxes. Markedly high serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was observed in most hyraxes. CONCLUSIONS: The large number of animals and the availability of sex, age, and gestational data in this study will be useful to zoo and wildlife veterinarians working with rock hyraxes. High serum concentrations of betahydroxybutyric acid in the rock hyrax, compared with dogs, cats, and ruminants, may be related to its unique digestive system. High CK activity may have been the result of a capture myopathy-like syndrome. The unique monocytes in hyraxes resemble those of elephants and are a novel finding in this species.     

16例犬钩端螺旋体病例的回顾性分析

为了解犬钩端螺旋体病的临床特点和诊疗方法,对2017年10月至2018年7月在浙江大学动物医院确诊的16例钩端螺旋体病犬的发病和诊疗情况进行了回顾分析。PCR诊断钩端螺旋体免疫的公犬是高发群体,雨水较多的月份发病率高于雨水少的月份,由于周边地区金毛、贵宾和田园犬的保有量相对其他品种要高,故在患犬中占比较高。病初主要表现为呕吐、脱水、精神委靡、结膜潮红、食欲废绝等症状。临床检查发现血尿素氮、血肌酐、血磷等指标明显升高,白细胞不同程度升高,部分病例出现贫血。B超检查可见肾肿大、肾实质损伤。主要酸碱紊乱类型为代谢性酸中毒和呼吸性酸中毒,低钠血症最为常见,并发症有肝损伤、胰腺炎、肺炎等。     

中国临床医学与国际水平之间的差距文献计量分析

利用ESI(Essential Scientific Indicators)数据库,通过对10年(2001年1月1日-2010年12月31日)临床医学文献的统计分析,揭示了该领域产文量和影响力较高的国家机构和期刊排名。中国临床医学文献的被引量显示了我国临床医学与国际水平之间的差距。     

红景天的研究进展

 红景天是重要的藏药之一,具有多种药效,自20世纪50年代起人们已经开始对它进行研究。对近两年来国内外对红景天的研究,包括其化学成分、有效成分的分离提取、药理与临床应用、毒理、组织培养等各方面进行了综述。     

Influence of general anaesthesia on the intravenous acetaminophen pharmacokinetics in Beagle dogs

ObjectiveTo determine if general anaesthesia influences the intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetics (PK) of acetaminophen in dogs.Study designProspective, crossover, randomized experimental study.AnimalsA group of nine healthy Beagle dogs.MethodsAcetaminophen PK were determined in conscious and anaesthetized dogs on two separate occasions. Blood samples were collected before, and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after 20 mg kg^–1 IV acetaminophen administration. Haematocrit, total proteins, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine were determined at baseline and 24 hours after acetaminophen. The anaesthetized group underwent general anaesthesia (90 minutes) for dental cleaning. After the administration of dexmedetomidine (3 μg kg^–1) intramuscularly, anaesthesia was induced with propofol (2–3 mg kg^–1) IV, followed by acetaminophen administration. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 50% oxygen (Fe′Iso 1.3–1.5%). Dogs were mechanically ventilated. Plasma concentrations were analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography. PK analysis was undertaken using compartmental modelling. A Wilcoxon test was used to compare PK data between groups, and clinical laboratory values between groups, and before versus 24 hours after acetaminophen administration. Data are presented as median and range (p < 0.05).ResultsA two-compartmental model best described time–concentration profiles of acetaminophen. No significant differences were found for volume of distribution values 1.41 (0.94–3.65) and 1.72 (0.89–2.60) L kg^–1, clearance values 1.52 (0.71–2.30) and 1.60 (0.91–1.78) L kg^–1 hour^–1 or terminal elimination half-life values 2.45 (1.45–8.71) and 3.57 (1.96–6.35) hours between conscious and anaesthetized dogs, respectively. Clinical laboratory variables were within normal range. No adverse effects were recorded.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIV acetaminophen PK in healthy Beagle dogs were unaffected by general anaesthesia under the study conditions. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the PK in different clinical contexts.