Biochemical Effects of Routine Gonadectomy on Blood of Domestic Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo).

We studied domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) to evaluate the physiologic effects of routine surgery. Standard plasma biochemistry panels and 1H-NMR spectroscopy of heparinized whole blood were performed on samples taken 24 h prior to and immediately after surgery from female and male ferrets undergoing routine gonadectomy. Increases in plasma glucose, phosphorus, potassium, and creatine kinase concentrations associated with the duration of surgery were identified on plasma biochemistry panels. Whole-blood NMR spectra allowed us to identify 42 metabolites and one drug residue. Variations between pre- and postoperative metabolite concentrations were most pronounced for female ferrets, which underwent more prolonged surgery than males. Affected metabolites included organic acids and osmolytes (betaine, methylmalonate, D-lactate), fatty acids and lipids (2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid), and amino acid groups (acetylglycine, alloisoleucine, leucine, and isoleucine). These findings indicate that 1H-NMR spectroscopy of whole blood provides insight into metabolic perturbations in domestic ferrets undergoing surgery that are not detected in routine clinical chemistry panels.

EVALUATION OF EUTHANASIA OF MOON JELLYFISH (AURELIA AURITA) USING SIMPLE SALT SOLUTIONS.

Immersion euthanasia methods reported over the most recent decades for aquatic invertebrates use organic alcohols or halogenated hydrocarbons that can interfere with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. A rolling study design evaluated potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as potential ion-based euthanasia methods for moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) destined for metabolomic analysis by NMR spectroscopy. Death was defined as the cessation of autonomous bell pulsing and response to external stimulus. MgCl2 applied at a dose of 142 g/L provided euthanasia within 32 sec of applications without the untoward effects observed with the other two salts. Euthanasia with KCl at the doses tested was associated with abnormal behavior and tissue degradation during dissection. MgSO4 at the doses tested resulted in abnormal behavior and failed to provide rapid euthanasia.

Exploration of paclitaxel (Taxol) as a treatment for malignant tumors in cats: a descriptive case series.

Paclitaxel, an effective chemotherapeutic agent in human oncology, has received little evaluation in feline patients. The diluent used to solubilize paclitaxel, polyoxyethylated castor oil (Cremophor EL), causes anaphylactoid reactions in human and dogs, which limits enthusiasm for use of this agent in veterinary oncology. Nine feline patients with measurable malignant tumors were treated with paclitaxel at a dosage of 80 mg/m(2) intravenously every 21 days for up to two doses. Adverse effects, including evidence of toxicity and anaphylactoid reactions, were assessed. Tumor response, progression and patient time to progression (TTP) were also recorded. Adverse effects included grade III and IV thrombocytopenia, grade III gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and constipation) and hypersensitivity reactions, seen in a total of five patients. Anaphylactoid reactions resolved with appropriate management. Stable disease and partial response were observed in 56% of feline patients. Median TTP was 28 days (range 15-45 days). Intravenous paclitaxel is a safe treatment option for feline malignant tumor patients. Future investigation is warranted to explore the effectiveness and appropriate application of this agent for specific tumor types.