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Objective To assess the effect of continuous wound infusion (CWI) with preperitoneal ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia and compare it with the epidural administration of ropivacaine and morphine in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Study design A parallel, randomized, clinical, prospective and nonblinded study. Animals A group of 38 Greyhound bitches. Methods In the catheter group (CathG), CWI with ropivacaine 1% (1 mg kg–1 + 0.8 mg kg–1 hour–1) was applied to the preperitoneal space over the surgical incision. In the epidural group (EpiG), ropivacaine 0.5% (1.3 mg kg–1) and morphine (0.1 mg kg–1) were epidurally administered. Occipital-coccygeal length was used to calculate the volume for the epidural. Pain was scored using a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS) and Glasgow composite measure pain scale–short form (CMPS-SF) before anaesthesia and at 2, 4, 6, 18, 21 and 24 hours after extubation. Incisional sensitivity using a dynamometer (MWTs-incision) was evaluated simultaneously. Plasma ropivacaine and cortisol concentrations, degree of sedation, motor blockade and response to interdigital clamping were measured or assessed. A two-way mixed analysis of variance and a Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyse data; p Results No differences were detected in the DIVAS (p = 0.301), CMPS-SF (p = 0.600) scores, MWTs-incision measurements (p = 0.257) and cortisol values (p = 0.878) between the groups. Rescue analgesia was required in two dogs, one in each group, at 2 hours. Sedation, motor blockade and negative response to interdigital clamping were detected in EpiG at 2, 4 and 6 hours. Mean plasma ropivacaine values were higher in CathG (0.475 ± 0.164 ng mL–1) than in EpiG (0.184 ± 0.213 ng mL–1; p = 0.001). Conclusion and clinical relevance Compared with epidural ropivacaine and morphine, CWI with preperitoneal ropivacaine is an effective analgesic technique for postoperative pain management in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy without motor blockade.

Objective To review monitors currently available for the assessment of nociception-antinociception in veterinary medicine. Databases used PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The results were initially filtered manually based on the title and the abstract. Conclusions The provision of adequate antinociception is difficult to achieve in veterinary anaesthesia. Currently, heart rate and arterial blood pressure are used to monitor the response to a noxious stimulus during anaesthesia, with minimum alveolar concentration-sparing effect and stress-related hormones used for this purpose in research studies. However, since none of these variables truly assess intraoperative nociception, several alternative monitoring devices have been developed for use in humans. These nociceptive-antinociceptive monitoring systems derive information from variables, such as electroencephalography, parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) response, sympathetic nervous system response and electromyography. Several of these monitoring systems have been investigated in veterinary medicine, although few have been used to assess intraoperative nociception in animals. There is controversy regarding their effectiveness and clinical use in animals. A nociceptive-antinociceptive monitoring system based on the PNS response has been developed for use in cats, dogs and horses. It uses the parasympathetic tone activity index, which is believed to detect inadequate intraoperative nociception-antinociception balance in veterinary anaesthesia. Nonetheless, there are limited published studies to date, and cardiovascular variables remain the gold standard. Consequently, further studies in this area are warranted.

Background Local anaesthetics are being combined clinically with amikacin in intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP), with limited knowledge on the analgesia provided and its onset and duration of action after tourniquet application and release. Objective To evaluate the systemic clinical effect, limb withdrawal to nociceptive stimulation, and plasma and synovial fluid concentrations after IVRLP with lidocaine or mepivacaine in standing sedated horses. Study design Prospective, controlled, randomised, cross-over study. Methods Six healthy adult horses were sedated and received IVRLP with lidocaine, mepivacaine or saline (negative control), or perineural anaesthesia of the medial and lateral palmar and palmar metacarpal nerves (positive control) in one forelimb with a 3-week washout period between trials. Electrical and mechanical stimuli were used to test nociceptive threshold of the limb before and after IVRLP/perineural anaesthesia. For lidocaine and mepivacaine trials, blood was collected from the jugular vein and synovial fluid from the radiocarpal joint before, during and out to 24 hours after IVRLP. Drug concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Nociceptive thresholds for lidocaine, mepivacaine and perineural anaesthesia trials were significantly increased compared with saline and baseline values at 10, 20 and 30 minutes, with no differences between anaesthetic trials. During this time, horses had lower heart rates than IVRLP with saline. After tourniquet release at 30 minutes, nociceptive thresholds for lidocaine and mepivacaine trials gradually returned to baselines, whereas perineural anaesthesia trial remained unchanged out to an hour. Plasma lidocaine and mepivacaine concentrations were ≤50 ng/mL while the tourniquet was in place, significantly increasing 10 minutes after tourniquet release. Maximal lidocaine and mepivacaine concentrations in synovial fluid were reached 25 minutes after IVRLP injection. Main limitations Amikacin was not included in the perfusate. Conclusion Similar to perineural anaesthesia, IVRLP with lidocaine or mepivacaine provides anti-nociception to the distal limb in standing sedated horses while a tourniquet is applied with concentrations remaining below toxic levels in plasma and synovial fluid.

Background Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is an important clinical occurrence seen in common diseases, such as gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs or colic in horses. Limited data is available on the use of methylene blue in veterinary medicine for intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. The present study aimed to compare the hemodynamic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical effects of two doses of methylene blue in two rabbit model groups In one group, 5 mg/kg IV was administered, and in another, 20 mg/kg IV was administered following a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 2 mg/kg/h that lasted 6 h. All the groups, including a control group had intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using caspase-3. Results During ischemia, hemodynamic depression with reduced perfusion and elevated lactate were observed. During reperfusion, methylene blue (MB) infusion generated an increase in cardiac output due to a positive chronotropic effect, an elevation of preload, and an intense positive inotropic effect. The changes in heart rate and blood pressure were significantly greater in the group in which methylene blue 5 mg/kg IV was administered (MB5) than in the group in which methylene blue 20 mg/kg IV dose was administered (MB20). In addition, lactate and stroke volume variations were significantly reduced, and vascular resistance was significantly elevated in the MB5 group compared with the control group and MB20 group. The MB5 group showed a significant decrease in the intensity of histopathological lesion scores in the intestines and a decrease in caspase-3 areas, in comparison with other groups. Conclusions MB infusion produced improvements in hemodynamic parameters in rabbits subjected to intestinal IR, with increased cardiac output and blood pressure. An MB dosage of 5 mg/kg IV administered at a CRI of 2 mg/kg/h exhibited the most protective effect against histopathological damage caused by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Further studies with MB in clinical veterinary pathologies are recommended to fully evaluate these findings.

Objective To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and conduct a clinical laboratory evaluation of acetaminophen in Beagle and Galgo Espanol (GE) dogs. Study design Prospective randomized experimental trial. Animals A total of 20 healthy dogs – 10 Beagles and 10 GE (six males and four females in both groups). Methods Acetaminophen (10 and 20 mg kg–1) was administered intravenously (IV) to the dogs on two different occasions. Plasma concentrations were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. PK analysis was undertaken using compartmental modelling with ADAPT 5 software. Simulations after multiple IV doses were investigated. Clinical laboratory values such as red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, total proteins, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine were measured before and 24 hours after acetaminophen administration in combination with clinical examination to assess side effects resulting from the drug. Results A two-compartmental model best described time–concentration profiles of acetaminophen. PK parameters were different as a result of a breed effect. For doses of 10 and 20 mg kg–1, respectively, clearance values were 1.70 (1.15–2.27) and 1.62 (1.06–2.86) L kg–1 hour–1 for Beagles and 1.18 (0.70–1.39) and 1.08 (0.67–1.35) L kg–1 hour–1 for GE; elimination half-life values were 2.64 (0.52–4.46) and 2.86 (0.87–4.63) hours for Beagles and 3.49 (1.89–7.80) and 4.57 (2.08–8.90) hours for GE. Significant differences were also found between GE and Beagles in the RBC count, Ht, Hb, WBC count and serum ALT before drug administration, and these differences were maintained 24 hours later, independent of the dosage used. For each breed, no side effects resulting from IV acetaminophen administration were observed at doses of either 10 or 20 mg kg–1. Conclusions and clinical relevance IV PK of acetaminophen was different between Beagles and GE dogs. Side effects were not detected. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the PK in a clinical context.

Objective To evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of dexketoprofen and methadone using a noninferiority trial, during the first 24 postoperative hours in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Study design Randomized, blinded clinical study. Animals A total of 38 healthy dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Methods Dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine [1 μg kg–1 intravenously (IV)] followed by dexketoprofen (1 mg kg–1 IV; group DK) or methadone (0.2 mg kg–1 IV; group M). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in 60% oxygen. Postoperatively, dexketoprofen was administered every 8 hours (group DK) and methadone every 4 hours (group M). Analgesia was assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 18 and 24 hours after extubation using a dynamic and interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS), the short form of the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF), mechanical wound thresholds (MWTs) and plasma cortisol levels. If CMPS-SF score was ≥5, rescue analgesia was administered. Data were analysed using a general linear mixed model, Mann–Whitney U test and chi-squared test as appropriate; a p value Results The CMPS-SF and DIVAS scores were significantly higher in group M compared with group DK and remained higher for a longer period in group M, although the differences were not clinically significant. No significant differences were found in MWT assessment between groups. Plasma cortisol level significantly increased 2 hours after extubation, without significant differences between treatments. Rescue analgesia was administered to three animals (one in group DK; two in group M). Conclusion and clinical relevance We conclude that 1 mg kg–1 IV dexketoprofen administered every 8 hours during the first 24 hours postoperatively is noninferior to methadone in controlling pain after orthopaedic surgery in dog, although frequent pain assessments are recommended to adjust the analgesia plan.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la página web de la revista en la siguiente URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09712119.2017.1337017 Tendon injuries are the most frequent musculoskeletal problems, constituting 30–50% of all sport-related lesions. Efficient handling of early stage tendon injury and healing can accelerate tendon repair as well as improve the quality of newly formed tendons. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is an autologous biological therapy that has been proposed to treat tendon injuries. To elucidate the effect of this treatment on the early stage of tendon healing, 14 sheep were used to perform the present study. The right Achilles tendon was surgically severed and repaired with sutures. Seven animals were treated with PRGF and the other seven with saline solution after surgical tendon reconstruction. Tendons were ultrasound-guide infiltrated 1 week after the induced injury. Two weeks later, the sheep were euthanized and histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The tendons with PRGF showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to those treated with saline solution. Analysis of the blood vessels, morphometric data of fibroblast nuclei, and collagen fibres in the extracellular matrix did not show statistical differences between groups. These findings suggest the important role that PRGF therapy plays in the modulation of inflammatory response in Achilles tendon injuries, leading to acceleration of the tendon healing process, shortening the convalescence period.

Objective To determine the effects of two dexmedetomidine continuous rate infusions on the minimum infusion rate of alfaxalone for total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), and subsequent haemodynamic and recovery effects in Greyhounds undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. Study design Prospective, randomized and blinded clinical study. Animals Twenty-four female Greyhounds. Methods Dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine 3 μg kg−1 and methadone 0.3 mg kg−1 intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with IV alfaxalone to effect and maintained with a TIVA mixture of alfaxalone in combination with two different doses of dexmedetomidine (0.5 μg kg−1 hour−1 or 1 μg kg−1 hour−1; groups DEX0.5 and DEX1, respectively). The alfaxalone starting dose rate was 0.07 mg kg−1 minute−1 and was adjusted (± 0.02 mg kg−1 minute−1) every 5 minutes to maintain a suitable depth of anaesthesia. A rescue alfaxalone bolus (0.5 mg kg−1 IV) was administered if dogs moved or swallowed. The number of rescue boluses was recorded. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure and arterial blood gas were monitored. Qualities of sedation, induction and recovery were scored. Differences between groups were tested for statistical significance using a Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney U test as appropriate. Results There were no differences between groups in sedation, induction and recovery quality, the median (range) induction dose of alfaxalone [DEX0.5: 2.2 (1.9–2.5) mg kg−1; DEX1: 1.8 (1.2–2.9) mg kg−1], total dose of alfaxalone rescue boluses [DEX0.5: 21.0 (12.5–38.8) mg; DEX1: 22.5 (15.5–30.6) mg] or rate of alfaxalone (DEX0.5: 0.12 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 minute−1; DEX1: 0.12 ± 0.03 mg kg−1 minute−1). Conclusions and clinical relevance Co-administration of dexmedetomidine 1 μg kg−1 hour−1 failed to reduce the dose rate of alfaxalone compared with dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg kg−1 hour−1 in Greyhounds undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. The authors recommend an alfaxalone starting dose rate of 0.1 mg kg−1 minute−1. Recovery quality was good in the majority of dogs.

BACKGROUND The bispectral index (BIS) has been evaluated as an indicator of central nervous system (CNS) depression in horses during general anaesthesia. The spectral entropy is another electroencephalographic device and it has not been evaluated yet in horses. OBJECTIVES To determine if spectral entropy can assess anaesthetic depth during the different phases of anaesthesia, define the value of state and response entropy during surgical plane of anaesthesia and compare them with BIS. STUDY DESIGN Clinical, prospective, non-blinded observational study. METHODS Thirty-five horses ASA I or II undergoing scheduled surgical procedure were used. BIS and electromyography (EMG) with a BIS monitor and state and response entropy with a spectral entropy monitor were recorded at baseline after receiving 5 µg/kg bwt i.v. of medetomidine (sedation period), during the anaesthetic maintenance with isoflurane and medetomidine (intraoperative period) and once the trachea was extubated (recovery period). A general linear model for repeated measurements was employed. Correlation and agreement between methods were also assessed. Data are presented as mean ± SD. RESULTS State entropy, response entropy and EMG showed significant differences according to the anaesthetic period (P

Objective To determine if acute opioid tolerance (AOT) or opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) could develop and limit the remifentanil-induced reduction in the sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). The response to mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) was evaluated and related to OIH. Study design A crossover, randomized, experimental animal study. Animals A total of nine Beagle dogs. Methods The dogs were anaesthetized with sevoflurane in 50% oxygen. Baseline sevoflurane MAC was measured (MACb1). Remifentanil (0.3 μg kg–1 minute–1) or 0.9% saline constant rate infusion (CRI) was administered intravenously (IV). Sevoflurane MAC was determined 20 minutes after CRI was initiated (MACpostdrug1), 30 minutes after MACpostdrug1 determination (MACpostdrug2) and after 1 week (MACb2). The MNT was determined at baseline (before anaesthesia), 3 and 7 days after anaesthesia. An increase of MACpostdrug2 ≥0.25% compared to MACpostdrug1 was considered evidence of AOT. A decrease in MNT at 3 and 7 days or an increase in MACb2 or both with respect to MACb1 were considered evidence of OIH. Results Remifentanil CRI reduced sevoflurane MACpostdrug1 by 43.7% with respect to MACb1. MACpostdrug2 was no different from MACpostdrug1 with the saline (p = 0.62) or remifentanil (p = 0.78) treatments. No significant differences were observed in the saline (p = 0.99) or remifentanil (p = 0.99) treatments between MACb1 and MACb2, or for MNT values between baseline, 3 and 7 days. Conclusion and clinical relevance In dogs, under the study conditions, remifentanil efficacy in reducing sevoflurane MAC did not diminish in the short term, suggesting remifentanil did not induce AOT. Hyperalgesia was not detected 3 or 7 days after the administration of remifentanil. Contrary to data from humans and rodents, development of AOT or OIH in dogs is not supported by the findings of this study.

Objective To assess the effect of two rates of infusion of dexmedetomidine on the bispectral index (BIS) in dogs anaesthetized with alfaxalone constant rate infusion (CRI). Study design Prospective, randomized, ‘blinded’ experimental study. Animals Six healthy Beagles (three females and three males). Methods Dogs received as premedication saline (group D0), 1 μg kg −1 (group D1) or 2 μg kg −1 (group D2) dexmedetomidine, intravenously (IV). Anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone (6 mg kg −1 to effect IV) and maintained with alfaxalone at 0.07 mg kg −1 minute −1 and a CRI of saline (D0) or dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg kg −1 hour −1 (D1) or 1 μg kg −1 hour −1 (D2) for 90 minutes. BIS, electromyography (EMG), signal quality index (SQI) and suppression ratio (SR) were measured at 10 minute intervals and the median values were calculated. Nociceptive stimuli were applied every 30 minutes and BIS and cardiorespiratory values were compared before and after stimuli. Cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded throughout the study. Results BIS and EMG values differed significantly among groups, being lower in D2 (71 ± 8) than in D0 (85 ± 10) and D1 (84 ± 9). SQI was always over 90% and SR was zero throughout all the treatments. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-stimulus values of BIS, EMG and SQI for any treatment, although in D0 and D1, heart rate, respiratory rate and arterial pressures increased significantly after the nociceptive stimulus. Conclusions and clinical relevance Administration of dexmedetomidine (2 μg kg −1 + CRI 1 μg kg −1 hour −1 ) decreases the BIS values and avoids the autonomic responses of a nociceptive stimulus during alfaxalone anaesthesia at 0.07 mg kg −1 minute −1 in dogs. However, further studies are needed to verify whether this combination produces an adequate degree of hypnosis under surgical situations.

Background The study of brain energy metabolism (BEM) markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a potential diagnostic and prognostic tool for many central nervous system (CNS) diseases. To date, in veterinary medicine, few studies are reporting physiologic ranges for some BEM markers. Recently, the influence of anesthetic drugs on BEM markers has been described in mice; subsequently, the study of CSF-BEM markers has gained increasing attention. Objectives The effects of anesthetic agents on BEM are poorly understood in dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of propofol, isoflurane, and the duration of anesthesia on CSF-BEM markers in dogs. Methods Nine dogs were anesthetized at two different periods, one month apart. In the first period, the dogs were intravenously anesthetized with propofol (PRO-group), and in the second period, the dogs received inhalant anesthesia with isoflurane (ISO-group). In both cases, CSF and blood were collected 15 minutes (T0) and 3 hours after induction (T3) and analyzed for lactate, pyruvate, glucose, creatine kinase, glutamate, and electrolyte concentrations. Results CSF lactate (CSF-L) showed variation depending on the anesthetic agent and time, being significantly lower after 3 hours of anesthesia in the PRO-group and showing a trend to increase over time in the ISO-group. No changes were detected over time or between groups in CSF glutamate, glucose, or electrolytes. Conclusions The results of this study support that the anesthetic drug choice and length of the general anesthesia should be considered when CSF-L analyses are interpreted in dogs.

Objective To (1) evaluate lithium dilution (LiDCO) and transpulmonary thermodilution (PiCCOTD) in relation to traditional thermodilution (PAC-TD) for determining cardiac output (CO) in 3 different hemodynamic states in dogs and to (2) compare the continuous CO values obtained using power analysis (PulseCO) with continuous PiCCO (PiCCOc). Design Prospective randomized study. Setting University research laboratory. Animals Fourteen healthy Beagles. Interventions CO was measured using PAC-TD, LiDCO, and PiCCOTD in 3 different hemodynamic states induced in random order and defined on the basis of the mean arterial pressure (MAP). Normodynamic state was defined as the baseline MAP and 1 MAC sevoflurane. The hypodynamic state was induced with a deep level of sevoflurane anesthesia. The hyperdynamic state was induced with noradrenaline. After these measurements were obtained in each hemodynamic state, CO was monitored continuously for 30 min using PulseCO and PiCCOc. Agreement was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients, and a trend score was determined for the continuous CO measurements. Measurements and Main Results There was good agreement among the 3 modalities of CO measurement in each hemodynamic state. The mean CIPAC-TD/CIPICCOTD bias was −0.04 ± 1.19 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −2.37/1.93 L/min/m2), and the mean CIPAC-TD/CILiDCO bias was −0.11 ± 1.55 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −3.04/2.93 L/min/m2). The mean CIPulseCO-CIPiCCOc bias was −0.04 ± 1.91 L/min/m2 (limits of agreement, −1.95/1.87 L/min/m2), which suggested good agreement. The CIPulseCO-CIPiCCOc trend score, calculated from 252 paired comparisons, was 93.3% positive after zone exclusion (∆CI < 15%). Conclusions Both LiDCO and PiCCOTD agreed well with PAC-TD for the measurement of CO under different hemodynamic conditions. Moreover, PiCCOc appears to be an accurate method for monitoring continuous CO in dogs as its performance for measurement was similar to that of PulseCO.

Background Several studies indicate that changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition depend on the disease stage and reflect modification of brain energy metabolism (BEM). Also, it has been reported that a decline in cognitive functions may be mitigated by incorporating nutraceuticals in the diet. Objective Assuming the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals on BEM and oxidative damage, the aim of this study was to determine if the administration of a nutraceutical compound results in changes of select CSF biomarkers in healthy adult Beagle dogs. Methods Two separate CSF and blood samples were obtained from 11 healthy adult Beagle dogs, before and after 50 days of treatment with a veterinary combined nutraceutical. CSF analysis included a total nucleated cell count, total protein, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, pyruvate, and lactate concentrations, and calculation of lactate/pyruvate ratio. CBC and serum biochemistry were also performed. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the significance of the changes after nutraceutical treatment. Results All studied variables remained within reference intervals, before and after treatment. A significant increase in CSF sodium and glucose concentration, and a decrease in lactate levels, was observed after treatment (P

Background The use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has been proposed to improve the healing of Achilles tendon injuries, but there is debate about the effectiveness of this therapy. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the histological effects of PRGF, which is a type of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma, on tendon healing. Methods The Achilles tendons of twenty-eight sheep were divided surgically. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of seven animals each. The repaired tendons in two groups received an infiltration of PRGF intraoperatively and every week for the following three weeks under ultrasound guidance. The tendons in the other two groups received injections with saline solution. The animals in one PRGF group and one saline solution group were killed at four weeks, and the animals in the remaining two groups were killed at eight weeks. The Achilles tendons were examined histologically, and the morphometry of fibroblast nuclei was calculated. Results The fibroblast nuclei of the PRGF-treated tendons were more elongated and more parallel to the tendon axis than the fibroblast nuclei of the tendons in the saline solution group at eight weeks. PRGF-treated tendons showed more packed and better oriented collagen bundles at both four and eight weeks. In addition to increased maturation of the collagen structure, fibroblast density was significantly lower in PRGF-infiltrated tendons. PRGF-treated tendons exhibited faster vascular regression than tendons in the control groups, as demonstrated by a lower vascular density at eight weeks. Conclusions PRGF was associated with histological changes consistent with an accelerated early healing process in repaired Achilles tendons in sheep after experimental surgical disruption. PRGF-treated tendons showed improvements in the morphometric features of fibroblast nuclei, suggesting a more advanced stage of healing. At eight weeks, histological examination revealed more mature organization of collagen bundles, lower vascular densities, and decreased fibroblast densities in PRGF-treated tendons than in tendons infiltrated with saline solution. These findings were consistent with a more advanced stage of the healing process. Clinical implications Based on the findings in this animal model, PRGF infiltration may improve the early healing process of surgically repaired Achilles tendons.

BACKGROUND Replacement therapies based on the use of convection have value for the removal of inflammatory mediators. Such therapies have been proposed for the management of septic shock, but diffusion has not proved useful in this scenario, unless high-flow membranes are used. The exact role of diffusion in these cases remains to be clarified because continuous replacement therapies are usually delivered with low-flow membranes and mixed convection-diffusion modalities. However, studies specifically addressing this problem have not been performed. Our aim was to define the efficacy of hemofiltration (convection) and hemodialysis (diffusion) in cytokine clearance and hemodynamic improvement in an experimental model of septic shock. METHODS Shock was induced in 15 beagle dogs (weight 10-15 kg) by infusion of 1 mg/kg of ultrapure Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide diluted in 20 mL saline for 10 minutes. Five animals were followed without interventions (controls), five animals were treated with convection (100 mL kg h) for 6 hours, and five animals were treated with diffusion (100 mL kg h) for 6 hours. RESULTS All subjects in the control group died during the study, whereas all treated subjects survived. Mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, systolic variability volume, systemic vascular resistances, dPMax, and pulmonary compliance improved in treated subjects. However, the differences in mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were significant only in the convection group and not in the diffusion-treated group.Tumor necrosis factor α rose equally in all groups and decreased only in treated subjects. Interleukin 6 rose in the three groups but decreased only in the convection group and remained unchanged in the control and diffusion groups. CONCLUSION Convection and diffusion improved survival and hemodynamic parameters in a septic shock model. Improvement was more pronounced with convection, a difference that may be explained by convective clearance of cytokines.

Resumen Objetivo Definir un modelo experimental de shock septico que pueda aplicarse al entrenamiento en el manejo inicial del shock septico, de forma concreta mediante el uso de tecnicas de depuracion extrarrenal (TDE). Diseno Estudio experimental de casos-control. Ambito Hospital veterinario universitario. Sujetos Diez perros Beagle (peso 12-15 kg). Intervenciones Se provoco shock infundiendo 1 mg/kg de lipopolisacarido de Escherichia coli (LPS) en 20 ml salino en 10 min, con un seguimiento posterior de 6 h. Cinco animales no recibieron intervencion para definir el curso del shock y 5 fueron tratados con hemofiltracion de alto volumen (HVHF, 100 ml/kg/h) para valorar la rapidez de respuesta. Variables de interes Se monitorizaron presiones (arterial y pulmonar), parametros hemodinamicos, tonometria gastrica y funcion respiratoria. Resultados A los 2 min el efecto de la infusion de LPS era apreciable y al final de la infusion los 10 animales mostraban shock severo. A las 2 h se apreciaban diferencias en gasto cardiaco, variabilidad de volumen sistolico y CO 2 mucoso entre tratados y no tratados. En 4 h la diferencia era evidente tambien en presion arterial media. Ningun control y todos los tratados sobrevivieron las 6 h del experimento. Posteriormente, hemos desarrollado un taller docente basado en este protocolo que se ha aplicado en cinco cursos de formacion (www.ccmijesususon.com; www.crrtcordoba.com.es/), obteniendo los resultados previstos. Conclusiones Este modelo de shock muestra una respuesta predecible en el tiempo, una latencia muy corta y una mejoria en animales tratados suficientemente rapida como para aplicarlo en talleres de formacion. Es util para el entrenamiento en HVHF y, asimismo, podria aplicarse en otros escenarios de manejo precoz del shock septico.

Objetivo: Definir un modelo experimental de shock séptico que pueda aplicarse al entrenamiento en el manejo inicial del shock séptico, de forma concreta mediante el uso de técnicas de depuración extrarrenal (TDE). Diseño: Estudio experimental de casos-control. Ámbito: Hospital veterinario universitario. Sujetos: Diez perros Beagle (peso 12-15kg). Intervenciones: Se provocó shock infundiendo 1mg/kg de lipopolisacárido de Escherichia coli (LPS) en 20ml salino en 10min, con un seguimiento posterior de 6h. Cinco animales no recibieron intervención para definir el curso del shock y 5 fueron tratados con hemofiltración de alto volumen (HVHF, 100ml/kg/h) para valorar la rapidez de respuesta. Variables de interés: Se monitorizaron presiones (arterial y pulmonar), parámetros hemodinámicos, tonometría gástrica y función respiratoria. Resultados: A los 2 min el efecto de la infusión de LPS era apreciable y al final de la infusión los 10 animales mostraban shock severo. A las 2h se apreciaban diferencias en gasto cardíaco, variabilidad de volumen sistólico y CO2 mucoso entre tratados y no tratados. En 4h la diferencia era evidente también en presión arterial media. Ningún control y todos los tratados sobrevivieron las 6h del experimento. Posteriormente, hemos desarrollado un taller docente basado en este protocolo que se ha aplicado en cinco cursos de formación (www.ccmijesususon.com; www.crrtcordoba.com.es/), obteniendo los resultados previstos. Conclusiones: Este modelo de shock muestra una respuesta predecible en el tiempo, una latencia muy corta y una mejoría en animales tratados suficientemente rápida como para aplicarlo en talleres de formación. Es útil para el entrenamiento en HVHF y, asimismo, podría aplicarse en otros escenarios de manejo precoz del shock séptico. Objective: To define a septic shock experimental model that can be used in for training in the early management of septic shock, specifically by extracorporeal depuration (ECD). Design: A case-control experimental study. Setting: Veterinary university hospital. Subjects: Ten Beagle dogs (weight 12-15kg). Interventions: Shock was induced using 1mg/kg Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) diluted in 20mL saline infused in 10minutes, with a subsequent follow-up at 6hours. There was no intervention in 5 animals in order to define the natural course of the shock and 5 underwent high volume hemofiltration (HVHF, 100mL/kg/h) to define delay in response to treatment. Variables: Pressures (arterial and pulmonary), hemodynamic parameters, gastric tonometry and respiratory function were recorded. Results: The LPS effect was evidenced at 2minutes of the infusion and the 10 animals showed severe shock at the end of the infusion. At 2-hours, changes between treated and non-treated animals were seen in cardiac output, systolic volume variability and mucous CO2. Mean arterial pressure was significantly different at four hours. All non-treated subjects died during the 6-hour follow-up and all the treated animals survived for this period. Based on these results, we developed a workshop that has been used in five courses (www.ccmijesususon.com - www.crrtcordoba.com.es/), obtaining the previous results. Conclusions: Our shock model shows a predictable behavior, very short latency and a sufficiently rapid improvement in the treated animals for it to be applied in training workshops. It is useful for training in the high-volume hemofilitration (HVHF) and can be used for training in the early management of septic shock.

The relationships between bispectral index (BIS), cardiovascular variables and minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) multiples of sevoflurane in puppies were determined. Five puppies were anesthetized with sevoflurane on two occasions. First, the individual sevoflurane MAC values were determined for each puppy. Secondly, dogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane at each of 5 MAC multiples, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 MAC administered in random order. Hemodynamic parameters and BIS data were collected for 20 min. Somatic stimulus was then applied and the same parameters and data were collected for 6 min. Correlation between BIS and end tidal sevoflurane and between BIS and hemodynamic parameters were studied. We found positive significant correlation in both cases. BIS is lower in puppies that in adults at the same alveolar anesthetic concentrations and sevoflurane appears to be a safe anesthetic in puppies.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of constant rate infusion of medetomidine on the anaesthetic requirements of desflurane in dogs. For this, six healthy dogs were studied. Measurements for baseline were taken in the awake, unsedated dogs, then each dog received intravenously (i.v.) three anaesthetic protocols: M (no medetomidine infusion), M0.5 (infusion of medetomidine at 0.5 microg/kg/h, i.v.) or M1 (infusion of medetomidine at 1 microg/kg/h, i.v.). All dogs were sedated with medetomidine (2 microg/kg, i.v.) and measurements repeated in 10 min. Induction of anaesthesia was delivered with propofol (3 mg/kg, i.v.) and maintained with desflurane for 90 min to achieve a defined surgical plane of anaesthesia in all cases. After tracheal intubation infusion of medetomidine was initiated and maintained until the end of anaesthesia. Cardiovascular, respiratory, arterial pH (pHa) and arterial blood gas tensions (PaO(2), PaCO(2)) variables were measured during the procedure. End tidal desflurane concentration (EtDES) was recorded throughout anaesthesia. Time to extubation, time to sternal recumbency and time to standing were also noted. Heart rate and respiratory rate were significantly decreased during sedation in all protocols compared to baseline values. Mean heart rate, mean arterial pressure, systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO(2), pHa, PaO(2), and PaCO(2) during anaesthesia were similar for all protocols. EtDES for M (8.6 +/- 0.8%) was statistically higher than for M0.5 (7.6 +/- 0.5%) and M1 (7.3 +/- 0.7%) protocols. Infusion of medetomidine reduces desflurane concentration required to maintain anaesthesia in dogs.

Thirty-two dogs were used in this prospective, randomized, clinical and double-blinded study. Dexmedetomidine was administered at 1 μg/kg IV, and randomly each dog received dexketoprofen 1 mg/kg IV (group DK) or methadone 0.2 mg/kg IV (group M). Dogs were induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. During surgery, the isoflurane concentration was changed depending on clinical signs of depth of anesthesia. Fentanyl and propofol could be used as required. Qualities of sedation and recovery were evaluated. A generalized linear mixed model or Mann-Whiney U test was used, and P

This study compared the post-operative analgesic efficacy of continuous lidocaine administration with that of intramuscular (IM) methadone in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Thirty-eight dogs were divided randomly into two groups. Following surgery, the lidocaine group (L) received a continuous lidocaine infusion (2 mg/kg/h) through a wound catheter inserted in the pre-peritoneal space; the control group (C) received methadone (0.2 mg/kg IM). A dynamic and interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS), the Scale-Form Glasgow Composite Measure Scale (CMPS-SF), mechanical wound thresholds, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were assessed pre-operatively and 2, 4, 6, 18, and 24 h after surgery. The presence of the wound catheter prevented the evaluator from remaining blinded to group allocations. Plasma lidocaine and cortisol levels were measured 2, 6, 18, and 24 h after surgery. There were no intergroup differences in any pain assessment scale scores at any time point. Stable intravenous lidocaine levels were observed. Four animals in the control group but none in the lidocaine group required rescue analgesia. There were no differences in complication rates between groups. Continuous locoregional lidocaine delivered via a wound catheter between the parietal peritoneum and abdominal muscle offers effective analgesia in dogs during ovariohysterectomy and appears to be a promising analgesic option in veterinary surgery.

TUMOURS in the mouth are common in dogs and cats, con-stituting 3 per cent to 6 per cent of all tumours in these species (Harvey and Emily 1993). Mouth tumours can be differentiated into odontogenic (most commonly benign) and non-odon-togenic (most commonly malignant) tumours. Three cases of odontogenic myxoma have been reported in the veterinary literature: in a horse (Chandra and others 1999), a primate (Shalev and others 1980) and a dog (Gupta and others 2005). However, odontogenic myxosarcoma has not been described. In human beings, odontogenic myxoma is more common, and 150 cases have been reported (Burt and Zawkowski 1995); odontogenic myxosarcoma is rare, and few cases have been described (Lamberg and others 1984, Pahl and others 2000).In dogs, myxosarcomas have been found in a variety of locations. Although these tumours have a similar anatomi-cal distribution to that of myxomas, the relationship between these two tumours is uncertain, due largely to the few studies that have characterised the morphological features of myxo-sarcomas (Maitra and others 2003). The transformation of the benign variant to the malignant variant of the tumour has not been described. Such transformations have been reported for fibromas to fibrosarcomas in human beings (Chan and others 1997). This short communication describes the investigation and treatment of an odontogenic myxosarcoma in a dog.A 14-year-old male Teckel was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Cordoba. The dog had an irregular mass on the right mandible (Fig 1) involving the region from the canine tooth to the second molar. The owner reported that he had first noticed the mass 12 months previ-ously, but in the past month the mass had grown quickly; the animal was lethargic and had halitosis and blood in its saliva. The mass had been partly resected four months previously at another clinic, and the referring veterinarian indicated that the dog had been treated systemically with corticosteroids (1 mg/kg prednisolone given orally once daily) without any improvement of the clinical signs until presentation to the hospital. The dog’s drinking and eating habits were normal or only slightly reduced. After the corticosteroid treatment had begun, the dog had shown polydipsia and polyuria but therapy did not improve the dog’s condition. The mandibular lymph nodes were not enlarged.Haematological analysis revealed normochromic and normocytic anaemia (2·4 10x12 red blood cells/l, normal range 5 x 10

Made available in DSpace on 2015-11-03T15:27:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-11-04T10:15:33Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 WOS000348180700020.pdf: 150010 bytes, checksum: fc6da0066849673029831c2ab67618da (MD5) This study focused on the validation of the Spanish version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale to assess postoperative pain in cats. The original scale in Portuguese was translated into Spanish by two independent translators, and summarised in one version by a third individual. The summarised version was back-translated and minor adjustments were made. The scale was reviewed by three anesthesiologists with Spanish as their first language, and the final version was submitted to psychometric testing. Thirty cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were video recorded during the perioperative period. Six observers from different spanish speaking countries, who had Spanish as the first language watched the videos and determined the pain scores using the Spanish version of the scale, identifying the cats that should receive analgesics. Videos were reanalysed in a different order about 2 months after the first assessment. The sensitivity to change, content and construct validity were established by the significant change in pain scores in response to surgery and analgesics. The agreement between the evaluations of the 'gold standard'(researcher that developed the scale) and the other observers confirmed the criterion validity. Inter- and intra-rater reliability, evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficient, ranged from good to very good for all scale items. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia identified by Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was > 7 with 92% of sensitivity and 91% of specificity. The Spanish version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale is interpretable (has an optimal analgesic intervention score), valid and reliable instrument for assessing acute pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. El objetivo de este estudio fue validar la versión en español de la escala multidimensional de la UNESP-Botucatu para evaluar el dolor postoperatorio en gatos. La escala original en portugués se tradujo al español y una versión sintetizada fue retrotraducida tras realizar pequeños ajustes. Tres anestesiólogos revisaron la escala (español de lengua materna), y la versión final se sometió a test psicométricos. Treinta gatas sometidas a ovariohisterectomía fueron filmadas durante el periquirúrgico. Seis observadores de diferentes culturas y con el español como lengua materna evaluaron los videos determinando las puntuaciones de dolor utilizando la escala en español, identificando a los animales que debían recibir analgesia adicional. Los videos se reevaluaron aproximadamente dos meses después del primer análisis. La sensibilidad al cambio, validez del contenido y constructo del instrumento se establecieron gracias a las alteraciones significativas en las puntuaciones de dolor en respuesta a la cirugía y analgesia. La concordancia entre las evaluaciones del patrón de referencia (investigador que desarrolló la escala) con los demás observadores confirmó la validez de criterio. La confiabilidad inter e intraobservadores evaluada mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase varió entre buena y muy buena en todos los ítems de la escala. La puntuación para intervención analgésica, identificada por la curva Receiver Operating Characteristic, fue de > 7 con una sensibilidad del 92% y una especificidad del 91%. La versión en español de la escala multidimensional de la UNESP-Botucatu es un instrumento interpretable (presenta una puntuación para intervención analgésica), válido y confiable para evaluar el dolor agudo en gatas sometidas a ovariohisterectomía. Universidad de la República, Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad de Córdoba, Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidade Estadual Paulista, Departamento de Cirurgia e Anestesiologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu

Objective To determine the anaesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of a constant rate infusion of fentanyl in sheep anaesthetized with isoflurane and undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Study design Prospective, randomised, ‘blinded’ controlled study. Animals Twenty healthy sheep (weight mean 41.1 ± SD 4.5 kg). Methods Sheep were sedated with intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine (4 μg kg−1) and morphine (0.2 mg kg−1). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (1 mg kg−1 minute−1 to effect IV) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of fentanyl 10 μg kg−1 hour−1 (group F) or saline (group P) for 100 minutes. The anaesthetic induction dose of propofol, isoflurane expiratory fraction (F e ’iso) required for maintenance and cardiorespiratory measurements were recorded and blood gases analyzed at predetermined intervals. The quality of recovery was assessed. Results were compared between groups using t-tests or Mann–Whitney as relevant. Results The propofol induction dose was 4.7 ± 2.4 mg kg−1. F e ’iso was significantly lower (by 22.6%) in group F sheep than group P (p = 0). Cardiac index (mean ± SD mL kg−1 minute−1) was significantly (p = 0.012) lower in group F (90 ± 15) than group P (102 ± 35). Other measured cardiorespiratory parameters did not differ statistically significantly between groups. Recovery times and recovery quality were statistically similar in both groups. Conclusions and clinical relevance Fentanyl reduced isoflurane requirements without clinically affecting the cardiorespiratory stability or post-operative recovery in anaesthetized sheep undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

The pharmacokinetic of the individual S-(+)-enantiomer of ketoprofen, S-(+)-ketoprofen, after intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration was determined in six dogs at 1 and 3 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The concentration–time curves were analyzed by non-compartmental methods. Steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) and clearance (Cl) of S-(+)-ketoprofen after IV administration were 0.22 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.03 L/kg, and 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.09 ± 0.01 L/h/kg, at 1 and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Following PO administration, S-(+)-ketoprofen achieved maximum plasma concentrations of 4.91 ± 0.76 and 12.47 ± 0.62 μg/ml, at two dose levels, respectively. The absolute bioavailability after PO route was 88.66 ± 12.95% and 85.36 ± 13.90%, respectively.

The temperament of Spanish fighting bulls precludes safe handling and necessitates chemical restraint as for wildlife species. A tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine combination (TZX) is widely used in wild ruminants (Caulkett and others 2000). However, there is scarce information on the use of opioids, such as butorphanol or morphine in ruminants (Machado and others 1998, Fierheller and others 2004, Prado and others 2008). Atipamezole has been used successfully in ruminants to antagonise drug combinations including α2 agonists (Arnemo and Soli 1993, Rioja and others 2008). The present study was performed to evaluate the cardiorespiratory and neurological effects of butorphanol and morphine in Spanish fighting bulls during TZX anaesthesia antagonised with atipamezole. The study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Cordoba (N° 719/2010). The study included 10 Spanish fighting bulls (5 males and 5 females) weighing 230±20 kg and aged 2±0.3 years. Each was anaesthetised using four different protocols administered in random order with a washout period of 10 days. The control protocol (C) consisted of tiletamine (0.5 mg/kg), zolazepam (0.5 mg/kg) (Zoletil 100; Virbac, Spain), and xylazine (1 mg/kg) (Xilagesic 20 per cent; Laboratory Calier, Spain) administered intramuscularly. The other protocols added butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg) (B) (Torbugesic 1 per cent; Fort Dodge Veterinaria, Spain) or morphine ((0.2 mg/kg) (M2) or (0.4 mg/kg) (M4)) (Morphine 2 per cent; Braun Medical, Spain) …

Objective To evaluate clinical effects of romifidine and low doses of tiletamine‐zolazepam (TZ) in dogs. Study design Randomized “blinded” cross‐over study. Animals Six healthy beagle dogs (two males, four females). Methods In separate preliminary experiments dogs received intravenous (IV) tiletamine‐zolazepam (TZ) at 1 and 2 mg kg −1 . For the main trial, dogs received romifidine (R) followed 5 minutes later by IV at six dose regimens: R40TZ1, R60TZ1, R80TZ1 (Romifidine at 40, 60, 80 μg kg −1 and TZ at 1 mg kg −1 ), R40TZ2, R60TZ2 and R80TZ2 (Romifidine at 40, 60, 80 μg kg −1 and TZ at 2 mg kg −1 ). Dogs underwent endotracheal intubation, but breathed room air. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured and arterial blood analyzed. Quality of sedation, duration of anaesthesia and time to recovery (TR) were recorded. Data were analysed by anova or Friedman test as relevant. Results Endotracheal intubation was possible with all romifidine/TZ combinations but not with TZ alone. Mean times (minutes) from TZ injection to return of pedal reflex were 1–3 minutes for TZ alone, and 9–17 minutes for romifidine combinations. In the main trial (romifidine combinations) mean time (minutes) to standing increased with increasing dosage (R40TZ1 13; R80TZ2 32). Five minutes after TZ administration, when compared with baseline arterial blood pressures and arterial carbon dioxide had increased, and respiratory rate, pH and arterial oxygen tensions decreased, these changes becoming statistically significant with the higher dose rates. One dog in R60TZ2 and three dogs in R80TZ2 became hypoxaemic. Conclusions and clinical relevance Romifidine improves the quality and lengthens the duration of anaesthesia induced by TZ. The combination provides a suitable protocol for induction of or short‐term anaesthesia in healthy dogs. However, the higher doses cause cardiovascular stimulation and respiratory depression, and precautions should be taken accordingly.

The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of dexketoprofen, tramadol, and buprenorphine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Seventy-five adult female dogs were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous injection (IV) of 1mg/kg of dexketoprofen (D), 0.02 mg/kg of buprenorphine (B) or 2mg/kg of tramadol (T). Pain assessment was performed during 48 h after ovariohysterectomy using a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS) and Glasgow composite measure pain scale (CMPS-SF). Rescue analgesia was required in 43%, 21%, and 5% of dogs in the B, T, and D groups, respectively, with significant differences between B and D (p=0.010) groups. The DIVAS and CMPS-SF values of the B group were significantly higher than those of the T and D groups. The most common undesirable effect was dysphoria in dexketoprofen group. Tramadol and dexketoprofen provide superior postoperative analgesia compared with buprenorphine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Six Beagles were used in this prospective randomised crossover experimental study. Dexmedetomidine was administered at 0, 1 or 2 μg/kg IV for group C, LDA and HDA, respectively. Animals were induced and maintained with alfaxalone at 0.07 mg/kg/min with a CRI dexmedetomidine dose of 0, 0.5 or 1 μg/kg/h for group C, LDA and HDA, respectively. Cardiorespiratory variables, arterial blood gases and depth of anaesthesia were recorded. The recovery times and quality of recovery were scored. Group HDA produced a greater increase in the depth of anaesthesia than LDA. However, with both protocols, CI was halved compared to normal values in dogs. The use of oxygen before and during the anaesthetic maintenance is advisable, mainly if dexmedetomidine is going to be use as a pre-medicant and maintenance agent. The quality of recovery was better in groups receiving dexmedetomidine, without causing an increase in recovery time.

Objective To compare the sedative effects of three doses of romifidine with one dose of medetomidine. Study design Prospective blinded experimental cross-over. Animals Five adult Domestic Short Hair cats. Methods Cats were administered romifidine at 80, 120 and 160 μg kg−1 or medetomidine at 20 μg kg−1 (M20) intramuscularly (IM). Sedative effects were assessed for 3 hours by summing the scores given to posture, auditory response, resistance to positioning, muscular relaxation, and response to noxious stimuli, giving a total sedation score (TS). The area under the curve (AUC) of TS ≥7 (the score considered as clinically useful sedation) was calculated. Times to stages of sedation were determined. Some physiological parameters were measured. Data to compare treatments were analysed by anova or Kruskal–Wallis test as relevant. Results All treatments gave a TS considered clinically useful. There were no significant differences between treatments for times to onset of sedation, maximum TS reached, or AUC. Differences between romifidine treatments for other sedation parameters were not significant but the time to maximum TS and to recovery was shortest in M20. Heart rate (HR) fell significantly with all treatments and, although with M20 it recovered at 65 minutes, it remained significantly depressed for 3 hours after all romifidine treatments. Most cats vomited, and/or hypersalivated after all treatments. Conclusions Doses of 80, 120 and 160 μg kg−1 romifidine IM produce sedation in cats which is similar to that following medetomidine 20 μg kg−1. Recovery from sedation and of physiological parameters was quickest after M20. Clinical relevance Doses of romifidine considerably lower than those investigated by previous authors give a clinically useful level of sedation, and their use might result in less side effects and a quicker recovery.

The use of spectral entropy to determine anaesthetic depth and antinociception was evaluated in sevoflurane-anaesthetised Beagle dogs. Dogs were anaesthetised at each of five multiples of their individual minimum alveolar concentrations (MAC; 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 MAC), and response entropy (RE), state entropy (SE), RE-SE difference, burst suppression rate (BSR) and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded before and after a painful stimulus. RE, SE and RE-SE difference did not change significantly after the stimuli. The correlation between MAC-entropy parameters was weak, but these values increased when 1.75 MAC results were excluded from the analysis. BSR was different to zero at 1.5 and 1.75 MAC. It was concluded that RE and RE-SE differences were not adequate indicators of antinociception and SE and RE were unable to detect deep planes of anaesthesia in dogs, although they both distinguished the awake and unconscious states.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0149472 The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of serum type II collagen cleavage epitope and serum hyaluronic acid as biomarkers for treatment monitoring in osteoarthritic dogs. For this purpose, a treatment model based on mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue combined with plasma rich in growth factors was used. This clinical study included 10 dogs with hip osteoarthritis. Both analytes were measured in serum at baseline, just before applying the treatment, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. These results were compared with those obtained from force plate analysis using the same animals during the same study period. Levels of type II collagen cleavage epitope decreased and those of hyaluronic acid increased with clinical improvement objectively verified via force plate analysis, suggesting these two biomarkers could be effective as indicators of clinical development of joint disease in dogs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate dexmedetomidine as a premedicant in dogs prior to propofol-desflurane anaesthesia, and to compare it with medetomidine. Six healthy dogs were anaesthetized. Each dog received intravenously (i.v.) five preanaesthetic protocols: D1 (dexmedetomidine, 1 microg/kg, i.v.), D2 (dexmedetomidine, 2 microg/kg, i.v.), M1 (medetomidine, 1 microg/kg, i.v.), M2 (medetomidine, 2 microg/kg, i.v.), or M4 (medetomidine, 4 microg/kg, i.v.). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (2.3-3.3 mg/kg) and maintained with desflurane. The following variables were studied: heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, respiratory rate (RR), arterial oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, end-tidal concentration of desflurane (EtDES) required for maintenance of anaesthesia and tidal volume. Arterial blood pH (pHa) and arterial blood gas tensions (PaO2, PaCO2) were measured during anaesthesia. Time to extubation, time to sternal recumbency and time to standing were also recorded. HR and RR decreased significantly during sedation in all protocols. Cardiorespiratory variables during anaesthesia were statistically similar for all protocols. EtDES was significantly different between D1 (8.1%) and D2 (7.5%), and between all doses of medetomidine. Desflurane requirements were similar for D1 and M2, and for D2 and M4 protocols. No statistical differences were observed in recovery times. The combination of dexmedetomidine, propofol and desflurane appears to be effective for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia in healthy dogs.

Romifidine is an a2-adrenergic agonist sedative used in smallanimals, with similar sedative actions to other drugs of itspharmacological group (England et al., 1996a). Romifidineinduces dose-dependent cardiovascular changes in dogs andthese changes are similar to those observed with other a2-adrenergic agonists: a marked decrease in heart rate (HR),atrioventricular blocks, biphasic effect of arterial blood pressureand reduction in cardiac output have been described (Englandet al., 1996a; England & Alibhai, 1997; Lemke, 1999; Pypendop& Verstegen, 2001; Sinclair et al., 2003).Propofol is an alternative to thiopentone for induction ofgeneral anaesthesia in dogs sedated with romifidine (Redondoet al., 2000), and has been shown to be effective in combinationwith romifidine and halothane anaesthesia in dogs (Redondoet al., 1999).Sevoflurane is a volatile anaesthetic that provides anaesthesiawith rapid and smooth induction and recovery (Clarke, 1999).Sevoflurane has a variable effect on HR, causes systemicvasodilation and produces dose-dependent decreases in meanarterial pressure (MAP), total peripheral resistance and cardiacoutput (Mutoh et al., 1997). Sevoflurane causes dose-relatedrespiratory depression characterized by a fall in respiratory rate(RR) (Mutoh et al., 1997; Clarke, 1999). Several preanaestheticcombinations have been used prior to sevoflurane anaesthesia(Branson et al., 2001; Mutoh et al., 2002; Polis et al., 2004), butthere have been no studies of the use of sevoflurane in dogssedated with romifidine.Marked synergism between premedication with a2-agonistsedatives and propofol has been reported, demonstrated by adose-related reduction in induction and infusion requirementsfor propofol (Cullen & Reynoldson, 1993; Hammond & England,1994; England et al., 1996b). Romifidine has also been shown tohave a marked anaesthetic-sparing effect on thiopentone andhalothane induction and maintenance of anaesthesia (England H 1 mg/mL) at 40 lg/kg i.v.• R80: romifidine at 80 lg/kg, i.v.• MED: medetomidine (Domtor, Pfizer Salud Animal SA, Madrid,Spain; 1 mg/mL) at 10 lg/kg, i.v.In all protocols, 15 min after sedative administration anaesthe-sia was induced with propofol (Diprivan; ICIFarma, SA Porrin˜oPontevedra, Spain; 10 mg/mL) administered i.v. at a slow dose-to-effect rate with small boluses (0.5 mg/kg, every 30 sec) until