Changes in vitreous humor associated with postmortem interval in rabbits.

Concentrations of serum and vitreous humor constituents at time of death, and concentrations of vitreous humor constituents at time of death and at 7 postmortem intervals were compared in 70 domestic, female New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Urea nitrogen concentration was significantly (P = 0.0094) different, but was linearly correlated in serum and vitreous humor at time of death and at the 4- and 8-hour postmortem intervals. Concentrations of gamma-glutamyltransferase were not significantly different in serum and vitreous humor at time of death, nor were concentrations significantly different in vitreous humor at time of death and at the 4-hour postmortem interval. The vitreous humor concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase, bilirubin, cortisol, and IgG were neither similar to nor predictive of serum constituents. Vitreous humor can be used as a source for estimates of serum urea nitrogen and gamma-glutamyltransferase up to 8 and 4 hours after death, respectively.     

Clinical evaluation of amitraz for treatment of canine scabies

A liquid concentrate formulation of amitraz (Mitaban: Upjohn) was used to topically treat 181 dogs with scabies, at an active drug level of 250 ppm, or 10.6 ml of concentrate in 2 gal water. After the dogs were clipped and bathed, the diluted medication was applied and allowed to dry on the animal. All treated dogs were clinically improved and 97.8% cured after a single treatment; 3 dogs required 2 treatments and 1 dog 3 treatments. Otodectes cynotis and Cheyletiella yasguri in several dogs were also cleared after 1 treatment. Mild, transient sedation occurred in 12.4% of treated dogs, with transient vomiting, increased appetite and diarrhea in less than 1%.     

Effects of propofol on ultrasonic indicators of haemodynamic function in rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of intravenous propofol in rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, experimental study. ANIMALS: Thirty-one female New Zealand White rabbits. METHODS: Rabbits were allocated to one of two groups [propofol (P) or conscious (C)]. In C (n = 16) vascular dimensions were measured using ultrasound of the left common carotid artery (ACC) and the abdominal aorta (AA). Group P (n = 15) received propofol 4.0-8.0 mg kg(-1) intravenously (IV). Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol at 1.2-1.3 mg kg(-1) minute(-1). Subsequently, three propofol injections (8 mg kg(-1)) were given. Before and for 10 minutes after each injection the following vascular and haemodynamic variables were recorded (a) at the ACC after the first injection; and (b) at the AA after the second injection: vessel diameter [D, (mm)], peak systolic, minimum diastolic, end-diastolic and average blood flow velocities [psBFV, mdBFV, edBFV, Vave (cm second(-1))], average volumetric flow [VFave (mL s(-1))], resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and end-tidal CO(2) (Pe'CO(2)). Echocardiography was performed after the third propofol bolus injection to investigate changes in cardiac parameters [fractional shortening, FS (%)]. RESULTS: Intravenous propofol injections caused a significant decrease in vessel diameter, volumetric flow and edBFV, and significant increases in psBFV, RI and PI. Baseline levels for vessel diameter and psBFV were restored 6-8 minutes after injection. Propofol injection decreased FS significantly by 7 minutes after injection while MAP and HR were significantly reduced for 4 minutes. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injections of propofol (8 mg kg(-1)) produced an immediate, transient decrease in vascular diameters, a significant decrease in ventricular performance and an increase in peripheral vascular resistance (ACC and AA). Propofol should probably not be or only carefully used in rabbits with ventricular dysfunction.