Comparison between the effects of epidural lidocaine, tramadol, and lidocaine-tramadol on postoperative pain in cats undergoing elective orchiectomy.

BACKGROUND: In veterinary clinical practice, orchiectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures for cats and is performed mainly in young animals. The purpose of this study was to compare three different epidural (EP) analgesic protocols used in cats undergoing orchiectomy in order to determine which protocol resulted in superior outcomes in terms of perioperative analgesia. Twenty-one client-owned male cats were premedicated with a combination of dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) injected intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced intravenously with propofol. Cats were randomly divided in three treatment groups of seven animals each: Group L received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg), Group T received EP tramadol (1 mg/kg), and Group LT received EP lidocaine (2 mg/kg) plus tramadol (1 mg/kg). The post-operative pain level was assessed using two different scales: the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Feline (CMPS-F) and the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS). Rescue analgesia was administered when the CMPS-F total score was ≥5 or the FGS total score was ≥4. RESULTS: No adverse effects related to tramadol or lidocaine were observed. Based on post-operative pain assessments, significant differences between groups were observed according to both pain scoring systems. In particular, in Group LT, the CMPS-F and FGS scores decreased significantly in the first six hours following castration. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, EP lidocaine plus tramadol provided the best post-operative analgesic effects in cats submitted to orchiectomy lasting 6 h and could also be a choice to consider for longer surgical procedures.

Hospitalization disrupts the daily rhythm of tear production in cats.

OBJECTIVE: The exposure to constant light during the hospitalization was investigated to verify its influence on the daily rhythmicity of Schirmer tear test I (STT I) in the Felis catus. ANIMAL STUDIED: One group (HG-hospitalized group) was consisted of 10 owned-cats hospitalized to perform a sterilization procedure and was exposed to a 24/0 light/dark (L/D) cycle; the cat control group (CG) was consisted of 10 staff-owned cats living in an indoor environment (12/12 L/D cycle). PROCEDURE: The STT I values was performed at 4 h intervals over a 48 h period (starting at 8:00 a.m. on Day 1 and finishing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 3) on the left (LE) and right (RE) eyes into two cat groups. A 35 x 5 mm commercial tear test strip was used to record tear production in millimeters wetting per minute (mm/min). RESULTS: Multivariate for repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time. No difference was found between LE and RE tear production, and between the two experimental conditions. Robust daily rhythmicity was exhibited by the STT I in both eyes during the entire monitoring period in control cats and only during the Day 1 in hospitalized cats. CONCLUSIONS: These data are a starting point for evaluating the imbalance of ocular physiology observed in hospitalized cats. Further studies on larger sample size and exposing the animals to various hospitalization procedures are needed to establish whether these alterations are caused by hospitalization procedures or by the light/dark schedules.

Risk Factors Regarding Dog Euthanasia and Causes of Death at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Italy: Preliminary Results.

The decision to request and proceed with euthanasia in a dog is complex and predictors of such decisions are important. This study investigates the risk factors (demographic and clinical) associated with the main clinical causes and methods of death (euthanasia or unassisted death) in a population of dogs. By comparing euthanasia to unassisted deaths, the authors assess causes of death to evaluate their relative impacts on decision-making to choose euthanasia compared with an unassisted death. For this, goal data from electronic medical records of dogs who had died (unassisted death and euthanasia), obtained from an Italian referral veterinary teaching hospital from 2010 to 2020, were analyzed. The causes of death were categorized by pathophysiological process and the organ system. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors that significantly affect the probability of undergoing euthanasia and to individuate independent significant predictors of euthanasia and unassisted death, respectively. Death rate by euthanasia was 40.7% (125/307), by died unassisted 50.8% (156/307), whilst only 8.5% of dogs (26/307) died accidentally. The main causes of death for euthanasia were due to neoplastic (75.6%), degenerative (64.3%), and congenital (60%) diseases. Furthermore, the findings reveal that in deaths by euthanasia, the significant risk predictors were female gender, age, and neoplastic and degenerative processes; while in unassisted deaths, the significant risk predictors were male gender, age, and infection/inflammatory conditions. These preliminary outcomes highlight the information of this study which may be used to evaluate strategic interventions and health promotion strategies to be implemented, with consequent welfare gains for the canine population.

Short Communication: Use of Infrared Thermometers for Cutaneous Temperature Recording: Agreement with the Rectal Temperature in Felis catus.

In veterinary medicine, the gold standard for assessing body temperature is rectal temperature assessment. Considering that this procedure is stressful for many species, in particular for cats, it could be clinically important to consider an alternative approach for the monitoring of core body temperature. The aim of this study was to test if cutaneous temperature measurements by means of different infrared thermometers are in agreement with the most commonly used method for body temperature measurement in cats. The cutaneous temperature was recorded in the jugular, shoulder, rib, flank, and inner thigh, using three different non-contact infrared thermometers (IR1, IR2, and IR3) in 20 cats. The cutaneous temperature was then compared to the rectal temperature, recorded by means of a digital thermometer. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In cats, the use of non-contact infrared thermometers gave no reproducible or constant data to justify their application for the recording of body temperature instead of rectal temperature recording. In addition, the infrared temperature measurement devices generated results that were not in good agreement among themselves, providing a novel result of clinical importance.

Case study on Canine Atopic Dermatitis from a medico-legal viewpoint: A takeaway of knowledge for practicing veterinary clinicians.

Background: Despite pets are sentient beings, they are legally considered and regulated as objects in sales contracts. Therefore, the buyer is protected by law if the purchased animal should be affected by defects such as an illness or a congenital / hereditary condition that depreciates its value. In the sale of animals, a disease is legally considered a defect if it is hidden, severe, and pre-existing at the time of purchase. Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD) having these three requirements can, therefore, legally be considered a defect. To acquire his legal rights, the buyer must obtain a certification from the veterinarian reporting that the animal was unfit for buying within a certain time frame. Aim: This paper analyzes the legal choices that owners of dogs affected with CAD can make to help practicing veterinary clinicians comprehend and recognize this disease and because it may be considered a defect. Methods: Thirteen cases of CAD are reported and analyzed from a medico-legal point of view. Results: In cases n. 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 owners of dogs affected with CAD partial or full reimbursement from the seller obtained. In cases n. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, dog owners could not take any legal action because the diagnosis of CAD was made beyond the time limits required by law. In cases n. 1, 6, and 8, the owners decided not to take any legal action. Conclusion: The veterinarian practitioner is a key professional figure not only for diagnosing the disease within the legal time limits, but also for support the owner in medico-legal disputes. A basic medico-legal background for all veterinarians and greater involvement of them in the sale of animals as a guarantee for the buyer is recommended.

Treatment of Permethrin Toxicosis in Cats by Intravenous Lipid Emulsion.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the clinical response to treatment with intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) for nine cats intoxicated with permethrin has been described. METHODS: The enrolled cats showed acute onset of seizures, tremors and hypersalivation that were partially controlled with the administration of benzodiazepines and intravenous fluid therapy. Due to worsening clinical signs, intravenous lipid emulsion (intralipid 20%; 1.5 mL/kg in bolus, followed by 15 mL/kg for 1 h in infusion) was administered. RESULTS: After ILE treatment, all cats recovered rapidly and were discharged within 24-54 h. Intravenous lipid emulsion appears to be a relatively safe and inexpensive alternative, with a short hospitalization time. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous lipid emulsion could be an interesting therapeutic option in emergency and critical care protocols for permethrin toxicosis.

Evaluation of Tear Production as Measured by Schirmer Test I in Dogs after Acepromazine and Acepromazine-Methadone Premedication.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of two commonly used sedation protocols in dogs, acepromazine (ACP) and acepromazine-methadone (ACP-MET) combination, on tear production measured by the Schirmer Tear Test (STT) 1. We hypothesized that both sedation protocols cause a reduction in canine tear production for a variable time. Fifteen client-owned dogs were recruited for the study. Each dog was subjected to sedation twice, 2-3 weeks apart, and they were randomly allocated to one of two groups receiving ACP (0.015 mg kg-1) or ACP-MET (0.010 mg kg-1 and 0.2 mg kg-1) intramuscularly. In both eyes, tear production was measured 15 min before sedation (T0) and 20 min (T20 m), 40 min (T40 m), 1 h (T1), 2 h (T2), 4 h (T4) and 8 h (T8), after drug administration. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test (p < 0.05), showed a significant effect of time (p < 0.0001) and treatment (p < 0.0001). A significant decrease in tear production at T20 m, T40 m, T1 and T2 compared to T0 was observed in the ACP experimental protocol, while in the ACP + MET protocol, this reduction persisted until T8. Comparing the two experimental protocols, no statistically significant differences were observed at T0 or T20 m, and STT 1 values were statistically lower in the ACP + MET than the ACP protocol at the other data points. In the ACP + MET group, at T40 m, 100% of dogs showed STT 1 readings lower than 15 mm/min. This finding is clinically relevant as it can predispose dogs to corneal injuries. The major reduction in tear production due to the ACP + MET protocol proves the need for adequate corneal hydration, particularly to discourage its use in animals with altered tear production. The data obtained provide important information helping clinicians to better manage the drug's effects on tear production.

Impact of region-of-interest size and location on quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasound of canine splenic perfusion.

BACKGROUND: During contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), the features of the regions of interest (ROI) can affect the value of the perfusion-related parameters obtained from a time intensity curve (TIC). In veterinary medicine, conflicting have been reported on the influence of ROI size and location on renal CEUS. There are some disagreeing evidences regarding the optimal method for selecting ROI in quantitative analysis of renal perfusion using CEUS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size and location of ROIs in the spleen of conscious dogs on perfusion variables determined using sulphur hexafluoride contrast-enhanced ultrasounds. RESULTS: A prospective observational study on 15 client-owned mixed-breed adult dogs was performed using a system equipped with contrast-tuned imaging technology. Qualitative and quantitative assessments of the spleen enhancement pattern were carried out. Three square ROIs (0.05 cm2) were manually drawn in a row and spaced 1 mm apart, placing adjacent ROIs at three different depths. Three medium rectangular ROIs (0.3 cm2) include the 3 smallest ROIs in each row, indicated by the letters A, B and C, and a single large square ROI (1 cm2) was drawn containing all previous ROIs. Software analysis of time-intensity curves generated within each ROI allowed us to calculate the perfusion-related parameters: peak enhancement, time to peak, regional blood flow, mean transit time and regional blood volume. The coefficient of variation for all blood-related parameters was always lower in the larger ROI than in the other smaller ROIs. ROI A and B, positioned proximally and medially, levels respectively, showed similar coefficients of variation to the largest ROI. The analysis of variance model exhibited a significant effect of location and size of the ROIs in the quantitative analysis of canine spleen perfusion, with a reduction of perfusion-related parameters in the distal ROI. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendation for a quantitative CEUS examination of a dog's spleen is to analyze splenic perfusion by drawing a sufficiently large ROI proximal to the ultrasound beam on the splenic parenchyma. This may be of clinical relevance in the diagnosis of splenic diseases.

Constant Rate Infusion of Lidocaine, Tumescent Anesthesia and Their Combination in Dogs Undergoing Unilateral Mastectomy.

Tumescent anesthesia (TUM) is a technique that was initially used to perform liposuction under local anesthesia, which consists of the injection of such large volumes of local anesthetic until to produce swelling and firmness (tumescence) of the surgical area. The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative analgesic efficacy of lidocaine (LID) constant rate infusion (CRI), of TUM, or their combination (LID/TUM) and the postoperative pain and analgesic requirement in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy. Twenty-four dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (3 µg/kg) and methadone (0.2 mg/kg) intravenously (IV). After induction with propofol IV to effect, dogs were randomly allocated to receive a loading dose of lidocaine (2 mg/kg) followed by a CRI of 100 µg/kg/min (Group LID) in addition to an equivalent volume of lactated Ringer's solution instead of local TUM; a loading dose of lactated Ringer's solution followed by a CRI of Ringer's solution in addition to TUM (Group TUM); a loading dose of lidocaine (2 mg/kg) followed by a CRI of 100 µg/kg/min in addition to TUM (Group LID/TUM). Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Postoperative pain scores were assessed once the dogs had fully recovered from the sedative effects, and following 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. The results of the current study allow us to assert that all three treatments provided satisfactory intraoperative antinociceptive effects but administration of LID/TUM induced greater inhibition on sympathetic stimulating effect up to 60 min from recovery, thus, providing better early postoperative pain relief in dogs undergoing mastectomy.

Clinical Significance of ROMs, OXY, SHp and HMGB-1 in Canine Leishmaniosis.

This study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress parameters (ROMs, OXY, SHp), the Oxidative Stress index (OSi), and High Mobility Group Box-1 protein (HMGB-1) in canine leishmaniosis (CanL). For this study, thirty dogs, naturally infected with Leishmania spp. (Leishmania Group, LEISH) and ten healthy adult dogs (control group, CTR) were included. The diagnosis of CanL was performed by a cytological examination of lymph nodes, real time polymerase chain reaction on biological tissues (lymph nodes and whole blood), and an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies associated with clinical signs such as dermatitis, lymphadenopathy, onychogryphosis, weight loss, cachexia, lameness, conjunctivitis, epistaxis, and hepatosplenomegaly. The HMGB-1 and oxidative stress parameters of the LEISH Group were compared with the values recorded in the CTR group (Mann Whitney Test, p < 0.05). Spearman rank correlation was applied to evaluate the correlation between the HMGB-1, oxidative stress biomarkers, hematological and biochemical parameters in the LEISH Group. Results showed statistically significant higher values of SHp in the LEISH Group. Specific correlation between the ROMs and the number of red blood cells, and between HGMB-1 and SHp were recorded. These preliminary data may suggest the potential role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of CanL. Further studies are undoubtedly required to evaluate the direct correlation between inflammation parameters with the different stages of CanL. Similarly, further research should investigate the role of ROMs in the onset of anemia.

Dexmedetomidine and Tear Production: Evaluation in Dogs as Spontaneous Model for Ocular Surface Disorders.

Tear film provides lubrication and protection to the ocular surface. The sedation reduces tear production, often leading to perioperative exposure keratopathy. The aim of the present study was to report the effects of intramuscular dexmedetomidine on canine tear production, measured by STT-1, for an experimental period of 8 h after sedation. Ten dogs who underwent sedation for routine radiologic assessment were recruited for the study. In all animals, tear production in right and left eyes was measured 15 min before sedation (T0: basal values) and 20 min (T20), 1 h (T1), 2 h (T2), 4 h (T4) and 8 h (T8) after drug administration. Analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test (p < 0.05) were performed. A significant effect of time on canine tear production was found. The tear production returned to basal values at T8. So, it is recommended to treat the canine eyes with tear substitutes during and up to 12 h after sedation.

Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Post-Extraction Alveolar Sockets: A Randomized, Controlled Split-Mouth Trial in Dogs with Spontaneous Periodontal Disease.

Periodontal disease (PD) is a common inflammatory condition in dogs; in severe stages, dental extraction is frequently required. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in human oral surgical procedures and has been experimentally tested on post-extraction sockets in healthy dogs. This is the first split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial designed to compare post-extractive alveolar socket healing with and without topical application of PRF in canine spontaneous PD. Clinical evaluation, radiographic density, and histological scores for inflammation and regeneration were assessed at recruitment (T0) and after a three-week follow up (T1) on 12 dogs, for a total of 31 pairs of sockets. No complications or clinically evident differences between the treated sites and the control sites were observed. Comparing the radiographic densities of the extraction sites measured at T0 and T1, a significant enhancement was observed within the PRF group, but not within control group. The histological score decreased significantly from T0 to T1 within group PRF, but not within the control group; at T1, the PRF group showed a significantly lower histological score than the control group. These findings suggest that PRF could be able to stimulate the natural process of tissue healing and regeneration of post-extraction sites in dogs with spontaneous periodontal disease (PD).

Parasitemia and its daily variation in canine leishmaniasis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, through qPCR, the prevalence of parasitemia in sick kennel dogs naturally infected by canine leishmaniasis. An evaluation of daily changes of the parasitic load in peripheral blood was also performed. A comprehensive clinical examination and the collection of several samples (blood, lymph node, skin, and conjunctiva) were performed in 140 dogs living in an endemic area. Among these, only the dogs with clinically evident leishmaniasis were enrolled (39/140; 27.9%). Twelve (30.8%) out of 39 showed parasitemia, with a low load (median: 4 Leishmania/ml) despite a high lymph node parasite load (median: 4000 Leishmania/ml) and high IFAT titers (≥ 1:640). Seven sick dogs were sampled every 4 h for 6 times during a 24-h period, in order to obtain light- and dark-span samples. Only one (14.3%) out of the seven serial sampled dogs showed Leishmania DNA in the peripheral blood in two samples (2/42; 4.8%). Surprisingly, Leishmania DNA was also detected in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic dogs, negative to both serology and PCR performed on samples other than blood (6/101; 5.9%). The present study confirms that in canine leishmaniasis parasitemia is uncommon and even transitory. Even if recommended, microscopic examination is confirmed as a low sensitivity method with a lower diagnostic utility in canine leishmaniasis than qPCR. Moreover, circulating Leishmania DNA can be found even in healthy dogs. This finding is important in clinical practice because in endemic areas it suggests a transfusion risk and a possible transmission to the vector.