THE SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF SOLID PHASE GASTRIC EMPTYING IN NORMAL CATS

The gastric emptying half-time of solid food in normal cats was determined using a scintigraphic technique. ^99mTc-sulfur colloid was applied to dry food. Sequential images were acquired post prandial, and the gastric emptying half-time was determined for several different acquisition and processing parameters. Good correlation was found between different acquisition and processing methods, some of which made use of edge detection applications, while others used different views, or number of views from which the gastric emptying half-time was calculated. The mean ± standard deviation, (range) and median of the gastric emptying half-time determined using the geometric mean of total counts in hand-drawn regions of interest from the lateral and ventral images were 2.47 × 0.71, (1.42–3.61) and 2.37 hours respectably.     

Ibuprofen Ingestion in Ferrets: 43 Cases January 1995–March 2000)

Objective: To summarize typical clinical signs, characterize the anticipated course of action, and give treatment recommendations for ibuprofen ingestion in ferrets.
Design: Retrospective study
Patients: Records of 43 cases of ibuprofen ingestion in ferrets that were reported between January 1996-March 2000, to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).
Measurements and Main Results: Twenty-seven (93.1%) ferrets that had ingested ibuprofen developed neurologic signs, such as depression, coma, ataxia, recumbency, tremors, and weakness. In addition, 16 cases (55.2%) had one or more GI effects including anorexia, vomiting, retching or gagging, diarrhea, and melena. Polydipsia, polyuria, dysuria, renal failure, weight loss, shallow breathing, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and hypothermia were also reported. Death was reported in 4 cases. The lowest dose associated with death was 220 mg/kg.
Conclusion: Data in this study indicate that clinical signs of ibuprofen toxicosis in ferrets are more severe than those expected at similar dosages in dogs. The reason for this difference is poorly understood since the pathophysiology of ibuprofen is relatively unknown in ferrets. The onset of clinical signs appeared to occurr soon after ingestion and the toxic effects in ferrets typically involve the CNS, GI and renal systems. Treatment for ibuprofen toxicosis in the ferret includes stabilization, gastrointestinal decontamination, fluid diuresis, GI protection, and supportive care.(J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2001; 11(1):53–59)     

ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT TO INCREASE QUALITY AND REDUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE IN THE EQUINE NUCLEAR MEDICINE LABORATORY

The construction of ancillary equipment used to improve image quality and reduce personnel radiation exposure in the equine nuclear medicine laboratory is illustrated. The devices include a self supporting lead sheet for shielding the distal limb or limb pair, a hanging lead sheet for shielding the proximal limb, a lead square for shielding the urinary bladder or jugular catheter, a restraining board for acquiring a palmar view of the foot, a head support to stabilize the head for imaging and a head support for stabilizing the neck for imaging. The restraining board and head supports decrease patient motion, improve image quality, and decrease the number of repeat acquisitions so that the time to perform the complete study is shortened. The self supporting shielding device allows the handlers to increase their distance from the horse which enhances radiation safety.     

EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION ON ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY IN THE SEVENTH LUMBAR SPINAL GANGLION OF THE DOG: MEASUREMENT USING INTRAOPERATIVE DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure the effects of four experimental nerve root compression treatments (central compression, central-plus-lateral compression, lateral compression, and compression release) on arterial blood flow velocities in the seventh lumbar spinal ganglion of three dogs. Graphed blood flow velocity changes (change = treatment value − pretreatment value) were below baseline during the first three compression treatments and above baseline following compression release. Mean blood flow velocity changes for both central-plus-lateral compression and lateral compression differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for central compression. Changes for central-plus-lateral compression did not differ (p > 0.05) from changes for lateral compression. Changes among the first three compression treatments differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for compression release. No histologic abnormalities were identified in compressed nerve tissues, compared to contralateral controls. These findings indicate that stenosis within the L7-S1 intervertebral foramen may cause ischemia of the L7 spinal ganglion in dogs.     

Survival,Complications, and Analysis of Risk Factors after Renal Transplantation in Cats

Objective— To report survival, complications, and analyze risk factors for survival after renal transplantation (RTr) and cyclosporine‐A based immunosuppression in cats. Study Design— Historical cohort. Animals— Cats (n=60). Methods— Data were obtained from medical records of cats that had RTr. Influence of various perioperative factors on survival and complications was evaluated. Occurrence of postoperative hypertension (HT), seizures, infection, acute allograft rejection (AR), congestive heart failure (CHF), and delayed graft function (DGF) was evaluated. Results— Survival to discharge after RTr was 77.5%. Estimated median overall survival time was 613 days; 6 month and 3 year overall survival proportions were 65% and 40%, respectively. Age, weight, and blood pressure influenced overall survival. Increased preoperative creatinine concentration, blood urea nitrogen, postoperative creatinine concentration, left ventricular wall thickness, and reduced creatinine reduction ratio influenced survival until discharge. HT was identified in 9/30 (30%) cats; however, no risk factors were identified, nor was HT related to seizures. AR was identified in 8/62 (13%) grafts. Infection, predominantly bacterial, developed in 22/60 (37%) cats. CHF occurred in 7/60 (12%) cats before discharge. Cats experiencing CHF were younger, had an increased incidence of heart murmurs, and poor initial graft function. DGF was identified in 5 cats and seizures in 2 cats. Conclusions— RTr affords cats with CRF long survival times. Older cats and cats with severe azotemia, HT, and cardiovascular disease may have increased mortality after RTr. Complications after RTr were common. Clinical Relevance— Clinicians should be aware of these risk factors when recommending feline RTr.