HORSE SPECIES SYMPOSIUM: Canine intestinal microbiology and metagenomics: From phylogeny to function.

Recent molecular studies have revealed a complex microbiota in the dog intestine. Convincing evidence has been reported linking changes in microbial communities to acute and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, especially in canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most common microbial changes observed in intestinal inflammation are decreases in the bacterial phyla Firmicutes (i.e., Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and ) and Bacteroidetes, with concurrent increases in Proteobacteria (i.e., ). Due to the important role of microbial-derived metabolites for host health, it is important to elucidate the metabolic consequences of gastrointestinal dysbiosis and physiological pathways implicated in specific disease phenotypes. Metagenomic studies have used shotgun sequencing of DNA as well as phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) to characterize functional changes in the bacterial metagenome in gastrointestinal disease. Furthermore, wide-scale and untargeted measurements of metabolic products derived by the host and the microbiota in intestinal samples allow a better understanding of the functional alterations that occur in gastrointestinal disease. For example, changes in bile acid metabolism and tryptophan catabolism recently have been reported in humans and dogs. Also, metabolites associated with the pentose phosphate pathway were significantly altered in chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and indicate the presence of oxidative stress in dogs with IBD. This review focuses on the advancements made in canine metagenomics and metabolomics and their implications in understanding gastrointestinal disease as well as the development of better treatment approaches.

Alkalinization of amide local anaesthetics by addition of 1% sodium bicarbonate solution.

A number of methods exist by which the pH of local anaesthetic solutions may be increased. Most commonly, these require the addition of differing amounts of sodium bicarbonate solution according to the local anaesthetic drugs. Sodium bicarbonate (1%) was titrated against pH in six commonly used local anaesthetic solutions. Titration curves of pH and volume of sodium bicarbonate solution added are shown for this group of local anaesthetics. This study demonstrates that 1 mL of 1% sodium bicarbonate solution may be used to alkalinize this range of local anaesthetics without the risk of precipitation. We also conclude that Ropivacaine (at concentration 0.75% and 1.0%), is unsuitable for alkalinization since it precipitates at a pH of 6.0.

Maintenance and recovery characteristics after sevoflurane or propofol during ambulatory surgery in children with epidural blockade.

PURPOSE: To compare the maintenance and recovery characteristics after sevoflurane with those after propofol in children with epidural blockade. METHODS: Fifty unpremedicated, children ASA I-II, 2-8 yr of age, scheduled for elective urological surgery as outpatients, were randomly allocated to receive either: 1) sevoflurane for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia or 2) propofol for induction (2-3 mg.kg-1 i.v.) and for maintenance (5-10 mg.kg-1.hr-1 i.v.). All children received N2O 70% in oxygen before induction and throughout the anaesthetic, rocuronium for neuromuscular blockade and a lumbar or caudal epidural block before incision. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), recovery times and all side effects during maintenance and recovery were recorded by a blinded observer. Adverse events during the first 24 hr were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean HR increased 5-10% after induction in both groups reaching a maximum by five minutes. Heart rate returned to baseline by skin incision in the sevoflurane group and by 10 min after induction in the propofol group. During maintenance, HR decreased by 10-20% below baseline values by 20 min in the propofol group only, where it remained for the remainder of the anaesthetic. Similarly, SBP increased by 10% after induction of anaesthesia in both groups, but returned to baseline by 10 min. Light anaesthesia occurred in four (16%) children, all in the propofol group. Emergence and recovery indices were similar in the two groups. DISCUSSION: Sevoflurane and propofol exhibit similar maintenance and recovery profiles when combined with epidural analgesia in children undergoing ambulatory surgery.

The effect of glycopyrrolate on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements following laparoscopic sterilisation.

In order to evaluate the contribution of tubal spasm to pelvic pain following laparoscopic sterilisation, we have studied the effect of glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent with antispasmodic properties, on 60 ASA 1 and 2 patients presenting as day-cases for laparoscopic sterilisation using Filshie clips. In a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial, patients received either glycopyrrolate 0.3 mg or saline intravenously prior to induction of anaesthesia. Compared with the control group, patients receiving glycopyrrolate had significantly reduced immediate postoperative pain scores (p < 0.02) and required significantly less postoperative morphine (p < 0.01). Nausea, vomiting and anti-emetic requirements were also reduced though not significantly. We conclude that glycopyrrolate 0.3 mg at induction of anaesthesia is an effective method of improving the quality of recovery after day-case laparoscopic sterilisation using clips.