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The porcine stress syndrome is a genetic disorder of swine which, like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, is characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. We investigated the porcine stress syndrome as a possible animal model for neuroleptic malignant syndrome in two ways. First, we administered haloperidol and lithium carbonate, alone and in combination, to susceptible and resistant swine. Second, we attempted to prevent the syndrome by pretreating animals with bromocriptine. Porcine stress syndrome was induced in 2 of 3 susceptible and 1 of 3 resistant swine by combined treatment with lithium and haloperidol, but was not triggered by treatment with lithium or haloperidol alone. Pretreatment with bromocriptine conferred no protection against the syndrome.

A protocol for anaesthesia of healthy small animals (dogs and cats) is described with the emphasis on good technique. The anaesthetic period is considered in stages from pre-operative evaluation through to recovery.

The pharmacokinetics of dantrolene sodium were investigated in horses following both intravenous (2 mg/kg) and intragastric (4 mg/kg) administration. Two ponies also received dantrolene sodium intravenously (2 mg/kg) in a pilot study to obtain preliminary kinetic data and to determine urinary and biliary excretion of the intact drug. Distribution and elimination of dantrolene was rapid, resulting in an elimination half-life of 129 +/- 8 (SEM) min and a whole body clearance of 4.16 +/- 0.52 ml/min/kg. Following intragastric administration, dantrolene rapidly acheived peak concentrations within 1.5 h, but was incompletely absorbed, with a bioavailability of 39 +/- 10%. Small amounts of intact drug were recovered in urine and bile. Based upon disposition kinetics of dantrolene in these studies, intravenous and intragastric dosage regimens were determined which would maintain blood dantrolene concentrations within the predicted clinically effective range.