Comparative analysis of antibody responses to outer surface protein (Osp)A and OspC in dogs vaccinated with Lyme disease vaccines.

Lyme disease (LD), the most common tick-borne disease of canines and humans in N. America, is caused by the spirochete Borreliella burgdorferi. Subunit and bacterin vaccines are available for the prevention of LD in dogs. LD bacterin vaccines, which are comprised of cell lysates of two strains of B. burgdorferi, contain over 1000 different proteins and cellular constituents. In contrast, subunit vaccines are defined in composition and consist of either outer surface protein (Osp)A or OspA and an OspC chimeritope. In this study, we comparatively assessed antibody responses to OspA and OspC induced by vaccination with all canine bacterin and subunit LD vaccines that are commercially available in North America. Dogs were administered a two-dose series of the vaccine to which they were assigned (3 weeks apart): Subunit-AC, Subunit-A, Bacterin-1, and Bacterin-2. Antibody titers to OspA and OspC were determined by ELISA and the ability of each vaccine to elicit antibodies that recognize diverse OspC proteins (referred to as OspC types) assessed by immunoblot. While all of the vaccines elicited similar OspA antibody responses, only Subunit-AC triggered a robust and broadly cross-reactive antibody response to divergent OspC proteins. The data presented within provide new information regarding vaccination-induced antibody responses to key tick and mammalian phase antigens by both subunit and bacterin LD canine vaccine formulations.

Effect of gonadotropin releasing factor suppression with an immunological on growth performance, estrus activity, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of market gilts.

Objectives were to evaluate the administration of an anti-gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analog on suppression of estrus, consistency of feed intake, and growth performance in market gilts and to investigate the impact the physiological changes would have on carcass characteristics and fresh meat quality. Gonadotropin releasing factor stimulates the anterior pituitary to release luteinizing hormone that acts on the ovary to induce follicle development and indirectly initiates ovulation. Improvest (Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI) contains an incomplete version of naturally occurring GnRF and causes the production of anti-GnRF antibodies that bind to the GnRF receptor and thus render GnRF inactive. This in turn suppresses estrus in female pigs. Gilts were initially separated into 10 blocks based on age and then within each block allotted to a pen (n = 114; 5 pigs/pen) based on BW. Gilts received the first dose at 12 wk of age and the second dose at 16 wk of age, were exposed to a boar daily from 20 to 26 wk of age, and were slaughtered at 26 wk of age (10 wk after second dose). Meat quality was analyzed on the 2 gilts closest to pen average ending live weight in 5 of the 10 blocks. Pen served as the experimental unit for all data analysis. During the 15-wk finishing period, ADG was 0.03 kg greater (P < 0.01) and G:F was 0.009 greater (P = 0.02) in gilts administered GnRF suppression (treated) compared with untreated gilts (control). The majority of improvements in growth performance were observed from 16 to 20 wk of age (4 wk after second dose), as ADG was 0.07 kg greater (P < 0.001) and G:F was 0.021 greater (P < 0.01) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. Ovarian weights were reduced (P < 0.0001) by 64.15% and gilts exhibiting puberty were reduced by 87.80% (P < 0.001) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. Back fat depth was 3.78 mm greater (P < 0.0001) and estimated lean was 1.31 percentage units less (P < 0.0001) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. With the exception of subjective color, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.12) in meat quality parameters between treated and control gilts. Subjective color was darker (P = 0.03) in treated gilts compared with control gilts. These data suggest market gilts treated with an anti-GnRF analog had suppressed estrus and episodical changes in ADFI, while they had improved feed efficiency, increased ADG, and increased back fat depth when compared with gilts without an anti-GnRF analog treatment.

The pharmacokinetics of oclacitinib maleate, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in the dog.

The pharmacokinetics of oclacitinib maleate was evaluated in four separate studies. The absolute bioavailability study used a crossover design with 10 dogs. The effect of food on bioavailability was investigated in a crossover study with 18 dogs. The breed effect on pharmacokinetics was assessed in a crossover study in beagles and mongrels dogs. Dose proportionality and multiple dose pharmacokinetics were evaluated in a parallel design study with eight dogs per group. In all four studies, serial blood samples for plasma were collected. Oclacitinib maleate was rapidly and well absorbed following oral administration, with a time to peak plasma concentration of <1 h and an absolute bioavailability of 89%. The prandial state of dogs did not significantly affect the rate or extent of absorption of oclacitinib maleate when dosed orally, as demonstrated by the lack of significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between the oral fasted and oral fed treatment groups. The pharmacokinetics of oclacitinib in laboratory populations of beagles and mixed breed dogs also appeared similar. Following oral administration, the exposure of oclacitinib maleate increased dose proportionally from 0.6 to 3.0 mg/kg. Additionally, across the pharmacokinetic studies, there were no apparent differences in oclacitinib pharmacokinetics attributable to sex.

Effects of slaughter time post-second injection on carcass cutting yields and bacon characteristics of immunologically castrated male pigs.

Body weights of finishing pigs can be variable within a finishing barn near the time of slaughter; therefore, it is common to market pigs over a period of time. This allows lighter pigs more time to gain BW and approach a desired end point. Use of immunological castration late in life to control boar taint, as an alternative to physical castration early in life, increases cutting yields of finishing male pigs compared with physical castrates. Because of common marketing strategies, it is important for advantages in cutting yields to span a broad spectrum of slaughter ages and BW. The primary objectives in this study were to evaluate carcass cutting yields, pork quality, belly quality, and bacon processing characteristics of immunologically castrated (IC) male pigs fed a moderate level of distillers dried grains with solubles and slaughtered at either 4 wk (early slaughter group) or 6 wk (late slaughter group) post-second injection. A total of 156 male pigs (physical castrates or IC males) were selected from a population of 1,200 finishing pigs. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS as a split-split plot design. Body weights of IC males were 3.60 kg heavier (P = 0.03) than physical castrates when slaughtered at 4 wk post-second injection and 7.52 kg heavier (P < 0.0001) than physical castrates when slaughtered at 6 wk post-second injection. Because of a lack of interaction (P > 0.05) between sex and time of slaughter post-second injection, some response variables were pooled. Hot carcass weights were not different (P = 0.57) between physical castrates (91.98 kg) and IC males (92.52 kg). There was a 2.77 percentage unit decrease (P < 0.001) in dressing percentage of IC males (71.78%) compared with physical castrates (74.55%). Lean cutting yields of IC males were 2.62 percentage units greater (P < 0.0001) than physical castrates and carcass cutting yields were 2.27 percentage units greater (P < 0.0001) for IC males when compared with physical castrates. There were no differences between IC males and physical castrates for shear force (P = 0.09), ultimate pH (P = 0.57), objective color (P ≥ 0.31), subjective color score (P = 0.64), or drip loss (P = 0.30). Bellies from IC males were thinner (P = 0.01) and had narrower belly flops (P < 0.0001) than bellies from physical castrates. There were no differences (P = 0.74) in cured belly cooked yield between IC males and physical castrates. Overall, immunological castration improved cutting yields, did not affect pork quality, made fresh bellies thinner, and did not affect cured belly characteristics when pigs were fed a moderate level of distillers dried grains with solubles during the finishing phase of production.

Effects of increasing lysine on further processed product characteristics from immunologically castrated male pigs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine if increasing lysine in the diets of immunologically castrated (IC) male pigs would affect further processed product characteristics when compared with physical castrates or entire males. Raw materials for this experiment were derived from a previous experiment evaluating carcass characteristics. Physical castrates, IC males, and entire males were assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs with increasing lysine in a step-down lysine inclusion program that culminated with the following concentrations in the late finishing diet: physical castrate with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low lysine (0.7%), IC with low/medium lysine (0.8%), IC with medium/high lysine (0.9%), IC with high lysine (1.0%), and entire with high lysine (1.0%). Bellies were injected with a cure solution to a target of 110% of original green weight, and weighed again to determine brine uptake. Hams were injected with same cure solution to a target of 130% of green weight. Cure solution was formulated for a finished product inclusion of 1.5% salt, 0.34% phosphate, 0.05% sodium erythorbate, 0.11% sugar, and 0.014% sodium nitrate. Physical castrates had thicker (3.77 cm) bellies (P<0.05) than all treatment groups, except IC males fed low/medium lysine (3.73 cm). Entire males (2.85 cm) had the thinnest (P<0.05) bellies of all treatment groups. There were no differences (P>0.05) in percentage brine uptake for cured bellies among IC males regardless of dietary lysine (range 9.93 to 10.67%). Cooked yield of cured bellies was not different (P>0.05) among physical castrates or IC males regardless of lysine inclusion. Cooked yield of cured bellies from entire males (95.12%) was less (P<0.05) than cooked yield for any other treatment group. Pumped weight differences of cured hams among treatment groups were similar to green weight differences, and there were no differences (P>0.05) among any treatment groups for pump uptake percentage. There were also no differences in cook loss percentages among any treatment group. Therefore, differences in cooked yield are a reflection of initial green weight. There were no differences (P>0.05) for protein fat-free values among any treatment groups. Therefore, it can be concluded, in this population of pigs, there were no differences in further processed product characteristics among physical castrates and IC males.

Effects of increasing lysine on carcass composition and cutting yields of immunologically castrated male pigs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine if increasing lysine in the diets of immunologically castrated (IC) male pigs would increase percentage fat free lean and carcass cutting yields when compared with physical castrates. The anti-gonadotropin-releasing factor (GnRF) immunological product (Improvest, Pfizer Animal Health) is used worldwide to immunologically castrate entire male pigs to control boar taint and take advantage of the inherent ability of the entire male to deposit more muscle, less fat, and grow more efficiently than physically castrated males. The immunization process essentially allows the pig to grow as an entire male pig for most of its life and then removes any boar odor (boar taint) before slaughter. Reported lean meat advantages may also provide economic benefits to the domestic meat industry. Approximately 1,200 male pigs [physical castrates, IC males, and entire males] were each assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs which differed in lysine content. In each case, lysine was fed in a conventional step-down program that culminated with the following concentrations in the late finishing diet: physical castrates fed low lysine (0.7%), IC fed low lysine (0.7%), IC fed low/medium lysine (0.8%), IC fed medium/high lysine (0.9%), IC fed high lysine (1.0%), and entire males fed high lysine (1.0%). At 25 wk of age (5 wk post-second injection), pigs were individually weighed and the 2 pigs (n=96) in each pen closest to the median pig BW were selected and slaughtered. The right side of each carcass was dissected into soft tissue, skin, and bone. Proximate composition was determined on the soft tissue to determine percentage fat-free lean. The left side of each carcass was weighed and initially fabricated into ham, loin, belly, and whole shoulder. Each primal piece was weighed again and further fabricated into respective subprimal cuts. Immunological castration did not change (P>0.05) shear force values or ultimate pH when compared with either physical castrates or entire males. Marbling appeared to decrease as dietary lysine was increased among IC males. As expected, IC males had a greater (P<0.05) percentage fat-free lean than physical castrates but less (P<0.05) than entire males. Immunologically castrated males fed diets with medium/high and high lysine had greater (P<0.05) lean cutting yields and carcass cutting yields than physical castrates. Lean cutting yield and carcass cutting yields appeared to increase as dietary lysine was increased among IC males. Overall, immunological castration improved carcass cutability, increased percentage fat free lean, and had no effect on pork quality when compared with physical castrates.

Prevalence and relationships of sensory taint, 5α-androstenone and skatole in fat and lean tissue from the loin (Longissimus dorsi) of barrows, gilts, sows, and boars from selected abattoirs in the United States.

This study assessed prevalence of boar taint in backfat and lean of barrows, gilts, sows, and boars, collected from abattoirs, without knowledge of the farms of origin, in different regions in the United States. Concentrations of 5α-androstenone (liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy) and skatole (liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection) in backfat were measured. A trained panel evaluated boar taint aroma in heated samples. Mean 5α-androstenone and skatole levels were low among barrows, gilts, and sows, whereas 55.8% of boars scored above a 1.0 µg/g threshold for 5α-androstenone concentrations and 34.2% were above a 0.2 µg/g threshold for skatole concentrations. Mean aroma scores for backfat and lean from barrows, gilts, and sows were low. In comparison, 59.2% of boars had elevated mean aroma scores from fat samples and 31.7% from lean. Importantly, boar taint aroma was detectable by the trained panel in at least some animals in each of the sex classes.

Pharmacokinetics of dirlotapide in the dog.

An overview of the pharmacokinetics of dirlotapide in beagle dogs is presented. The following mean parameters were observed after a 0.3-mg/kg i.v. dose of dirlotapide: plasma clearance of 7.8 mL/min/kg and volume of distribution of 1.3 L/kg. Following single oral doses of 0.05, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg to fed dogs and 0.3 mg/kg to fasted dogs using the commercial formulation, mean C(max) of 7.5, 46, 97, and 31 ng/mL, respectively, were observed at mean t(max) of 0.8-2.0 h. AUC and C(max) increased with increasing dose, but not proportionally. Oral bioavailability was 22-41%. Exposure, as reflected by AUC, was 54% higher in the fed than fasted state. In a 14-day repeated-dose study (0.3 mg/kg dose), the mean accumulation ratio was 3.7. In a 3-month study at doses of 0.4-2.5 mg/kg, accumulation ratios ranged from 2.0 to 6.7 at day 29 and from 1.3 to 4.1 at day 87. In summary, dirlotapide exhibited low clearance, low first-pass metabolism, moderate volume of distribution, low-to-moderate oral bioavailability, a modest food effect, and variable accumulation. Large interanimal variability in systemic exposure was noted for all routes and doses, but there were no consistent sex differences.

The safety of dirlotapide in dogs.

The safety of dirlotapide in dogs was evaluated in two studies with parallel designs. In an acute tolerance study, 24 beagles (six dogs per treatment) were treated orally once daily for 14 days with placebo or dirlotapide at 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg/day. In a margin-of-safety study, 38 overweight, neutered beagles were treated orally once daily for 3 months with dirlotapide at doses up to 0.5 mg/kg/day (six dogs), 1.5 mg/kg/day (12 dogs) and 2.5 mg/kg/day (six dogs). Control dogs received placebo at 0.3 mL/kg/day (10 dogs) and 0.5 mL/kg/day (four dogs). Results were similar for both studies, and no serious adverse events were observed. Dirlotapide was clinically well-tolerated in dogs at dosages up to 10 mg/kg/day for 14 days and 2.5 mg/kg/day for 3 months. Dirlotapide produced the expected decrease in food intake and body weight (up to 20-40%) without ill effects. Clinical, pathologic, and histopathologic findings were reversible and consistent with suppression of food intake and rapid weight loss produced by elevated dirlotapide dosages. In both studies, sporadic emesis and loose stools were observed in both placebo and dirlotapide-treated dogs. Incidence of emesis generally increased with dose and decreased with treatment time. Elevations in hepatic transaminase activity were seen in dogs treated with more than 1.5 mg/kg dirlotapide daily, but were not associated with clinical signs or microscopic evidence of hepatic degeneration or necrosis.

Biologic activity of dirlotapide, a novel microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, for weight loss in obese dogs.

Dirlotapide is a novel microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor intended for the treatment and management of obesity in dogs. The biologic effects of dirlotapide, weight loss, decreased food intake, increased fecal fat, decreased serum cholesterol, and body composition, were evaluated in a controlled, blinded study. Sixteen obese beagles were randomized to treatment with placebo (n = 4) or dirlotapide (n = 12) following a 2-week acclimation period in which baseline data were collected. The dirlotapide dose, adjusted to produce weight loss for 3 months and then stabilize body weight for 1 month (weight management), produced a significant difference (expressed as a percentage of baselines) in weekly weight loss, food intake, fecal fat, serum cholesterol concentration, and body composition (measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) compared with placebo treatment (P < 0.05). The initial dirlotapide dosage of 0.5 mg/kg (10 times the initial label dose) resulted in a high rate of weight loss (3.3% weekly) and anorexia, emesis, and loose stools for some dogs. A 25% dose reduction (mean dosage: 0.36 mg/kg) followed by biweekly 25% dose adjustments based on individual weight loss, produced 1-2% weekly weight loss and total weight loss of 18.8% in 12 weeks at a final mean dosage of 0.41 mg/kg (range: 0.15-0.60); a dosage range of 0.10-0.34 mg/kg stabilized body weight. Body weight changes for placebo-treated dogs were -0.8% to +0.9% weekly; total weight gain during the weight loss phase was 10.6%. No apparent change in food intake, percentage of fecal fat, and serum cholesterol was observed in the placebo group. Food intake and body weight increased when dirlotapide was discontinued. Dirlotapide produced weight loss by both reducing appetite (about 90% of the weight loss activity) and by increasing fecal fat excretion (about 10% of the weight loss activity).

Efficacy and safety of dirlotapide in the management of obese dogs evaluated in two placebo-controlled, masked clinical studies in North America.

Dirlotapide was evaluated in the management of obesity in dogs in two multicenter, clinical studies in North America. A total of 335 obese dogs of various breeds were randomized to dirlotapide or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. Dirlotapide was administered orally once daily to dogs at an initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg, increased after 14 days to 0.1 (study B, label dose) or 0.2 mg/kg (study A) and then adjusted according to individual weight loss at 28-day intervals. Dogs were examined and weighed, and body condition scores (BCSs) were recorded every 28 days. Study A had three consecutive phases: weight loss (16 weeks, day 0-112); weight management (12 weeks); and post-treatment (8 weeks). Study B had a weight loss phase only. For dirlotapide-treated dogs, mean weight loss by day 112 was 11.8-14.0% compared with 3.0-3.9% for placebo (P = 0.0001). In study A, weight losses for dirlotapide were 19.3% after 12 weeks of weight management and 16.7% (regain of 3.4%) by 8 weeks after dirlotapide was discontinued. In both studies, dogs in both treatments had emesis, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and mildly elevated hepatic transaminase activity, that resolved spontaneously with time. These were experienced more frequently with dirlotapide. Improved activity levels and BCS for >50% dogs were reported with dirlotapide. Dirlotapide was safe and effective in the reduction and management of body weight in obese dogs.

Evaluation of vaccines for atrophic rhinitis--a comparison of three challenge models.

We compared three challenge models for the assessment of atrophic rhinitis (AR) vaccines: combined infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) and Pasteurella multocida (Pm); application of acetic acid (AA) to the nasal mucosa followed by Pm infection; and Bb infection alone. Two vaccines were tested using standardized criteria, notably nasal lesion scores. The vaccines provided different levels of protection in the Bb and the AA/Pm challenges, but were similar in the combined (Bb/Pm) challenge. It is clear that the AA/Pm model shows the protective value of only the Pm component, whereas the single Bb challenge reflects the protective value merely of the Bb component of a combined vaccine. These results suggest that the best assessment of protection is provided if the two specific challenges are performed separately.

Influence of antisocial personality subtypes on drug abuse treatment response.

This methodological study examined the impact of antisocial personality disorder (APD) and other psychiatric comorbidity on drug use and treatment retention in 513 new admissions to methadone maintenance treatment. Patients were classified into one of four groups: APD ONLY, APD plus other psychiatric disorder (APD MIXED), other psychiatric disorder, and no psychiatric disorder. Patients completed research assessments and were then followed for 1 year of treatment. Patients with APD had longer histories of heroin and cocaine use than non-APD patients and were more likely to meet criteria for cocaine dependence. Distinct clinical profiles emerged that differentiated APD ONLY from APD MIXED. APD ONLY patients exhibited higher rates of cocaine and heroin use, whereas those with APD MIXED exhibited higher rates of benzodiazepine use. Self-report measures supported urinalysis results, but group differences did not affect treatment retention. These differences in clinical profiles should be considered when evaluating treatment performance in substance abusers with APD.

Short-term stability of NEO-PI-R personality trait scores in opioid-dependent outpatients.

The present study examined the short-term stability of personality trait scores from the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) among 230 opioid-dependent outpatients. The NEO-PI-R is a 240-item empirically developed measure of the five-factor model of personality (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). Participants completed the NEO-PI-R at admission and again approximately 19 weeks later. Results indicated fair to good stability for all NEO-PI-R factor domain scores, with coefficients ranging from .68 to .74. Stability of NEO-PI-R scores was decreased among potentially invalid response patterns but was not significantly affected by drug-positive versus drug-negative status at follow-up.

Preventing transmission of Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis from infested sows to nursing piglets by a prefarrowing treatment with doramectin injectable solution.

Studies were conducted at swine facilities in Illinois and North Carolina to evaluate the effect of treatment with doramectin injectable solution on transmission prevention of Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis from sows to nursing piglets. Approximately 42 days prefarrowing, 58 mange-free sows were experimentally infested with 200 S. scabiei in each ear. Seven to fourteen days prior to farrowing, 22 sows were given doramectin injectable intramuscularly at a dose of 300 microg/kg of body weight. A total of 21 sows served as untreated controls. Skin scrapings for mite counts and lesion scoring were performed on sows before treatment on day 21, and on either day 35 or 42. Each sow was observed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 or 42 for the incidence of scratching/rubbing. Skin scrapings, lesion scoring, and observation of scratching/rubbing were performed on the piglets after weaning and at the end of the nursery stage. Geometric mean mite counts of the untreated sows were 0.70 and 0.26 on days 21 and 35 or 42, respectively, and 0.00 for doramectin-treated sows over the same time periods (P<0.05). Lesions scores and the incidence of scratching/rubbing were both higher in the untreated sows as compared to the doramectin-treated sows during the same time periods (P<0.05). Geometric mean mite counts of piglets farrowed by untreated sows were 0.50 and 0.60 after weaning and at the end of the nursery stage, respectively, and 0.00 for piglets from doramectin-treated sows over the same time periods (P>0.05). Lesion scores and the incidence of scratching/rubbing were both higher in piglets from untreated sows as compared to those piglets from doramectin-treated sows (P<0.05). Treating S. scabiei-infested sows with doramectin injectable solution before farrowing eliminated mite infestation and prevented the transmission of S. scabiei to piglets.

Comparison of two methods for presurgical disinfection of the equine hoof.

OBJECTIVES: To determine for equine hooves the normal resident aerobic bacterial population and the efficacy of 2 methods of disinfection. Study Design-Measurement of total bacterial, gram-positive bacterial, and gram-negative bacterial surface populations from the frog, sole, and hoof wall after each step of 2 different preoperative surgical disinfection techniques. ANIMALS: Six adult horses. METHODS: Hoof wall, sole, and frog samples were collected for quantitative bacteriology before, during, and after 2 multistep antiseptic preparation techniques: Method A-6-minute scrub with povidone-iodine soap, followed by 24-hour submersion in povidone-iodine solution-soaked cotton; and Method B-initial removal of superficial layer of hoof capsule before completing Method A disinfection procedures. RESULTS: Removal of the superficial hoof layer, application of the povidone iodine scrub, and completion of the povidone-iodine soak all significantly (P < .0008) decreased total bacterial numbers. Method B had significantly lower bacterial counts than method A at each consecutive step. Final total bacterial counts remained greater than 10(5) bacteria per gram of tissue regardless of preparation method. CONCLUSIONS: The hoof surface hosts a broad spectrum of aerobic gram-positive and -negative bacteria, many of which are potential pathogens. Bacterial numbers can be significantly reduced by removal of the superficial hoof surface, by application of a povidone-iodine scrub, and by use of a 24-hour povidone-iodine soak. However, bacterial populations >10(5) g per tissue persist after these disinfection procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Regardless of the preparation methods used in this study, bacterial populations capable of inducing wound infection remain on the hoof capsule.

Influence of psychiatric comorbidity on HIV risk behaviors: changes during drug abuse treatment.

This study evaluated whether psychiatric comorbidity is related to change in HIV high risk behaviors during outpatient drug abuse treatment. Participants were opioid abusers entering methadone treatment. Psychiatric and substance use diagnoses were determined at intake. Information on HIV high risk drug use and sexual behaviors, psychosocial functioning, and urine toxicology was assessed at intake and at month six. Subjects were divided into those with versus without a lifetime comorbid non-substance use psychiatric disorder. The comorbid group reported more injection equipment sharing, lower rates of condom use, and higher rates of alcohol use at intake and follow-up. Overall injection drug use behavior decreased over the follow-up period for both groups, however. Methadone treatment had a beneficial effect on HIV risk behaviors, and though some risk behaviors improved signiticantly for both groups, comorbid subjects continued to have higher rates of HIV risk factors than noncomorbid subjects.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and treatment outcome in opioid abusers entering treatment.

Symptoms of DSM-IV attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were determined in patients entering methadone maintenance treatment. The relationship of ADHD to psychiatric and substance abuse comorbidity, attention testing, and treatment outcome was analyzed; 19% of patients had a history of ADHD, and 88% of these had current symptoms. Continuous Performance Testing indicated poorer attention in patients with ADHD. The only substance use disorder more common in the ADHD group was clonidine. There was significantly more current axis I, dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder (including social phobia), and antisocial personality disorder in the ADHD patients. There was no difference between groups at the 1-year follow-up for illicit drug use, treatment retention, or treatment performance. The ADHD diagnosis did not convey significant prognostic implications for methadone maintenance treatment. A strong psychiatric assessment and treatment focus in the treatment program may help to explain the good treatment outcome.

Results of renal ultrasonography performed before and during administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution to induce diuresis in dogs without evidence of renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution administered IV to induce diuresis on 15 dimensional variables of the kidneys, size of renal pelvis, and diameter of the cranial part of the ureters. ANIMALS: 25 dogs without evidence of renal disease that were undergoing chemotherapy for various neoplasms. PROCEDURE: The kidneys, cranial aspect of the ureters, and trigone area of the urinary bladder of each dog were examined ultrasonographically before and during IV administration of saline solution (2.7 to 18.8 ml/kg of body weight/h). RESULTS: Ultrasonography revealed unilateral and bilateral pyelectasis during diuresis in 16 of 23 (70%) dogs but unilateral pyelectasis in only 1 dog before diuresis. Unilateral pyelectasis during diuresis was observed in 11 of 16 (69%) dogs. Pyelectasis during diuresis was categorized as slight in 15 of 21 (71%) kidneys. Degree of pyelectasis during diuresis was not identical in both kidneys of 13 of 16 (81 %) dogs. Diuresis did not induce ureterectasis, and it did not cause changes in 15 dimensional variables of the kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: In nonsedated, nonazotemic dogs, IV administration of saline solution to induce diuresis may cause slight pyelectasis without evidence of ureterectasis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When dilatation of the cranial part of the ureter is > 2 mm at the same time that ipsilateral pyelectasis is detected during ultrasonographic examination of the urinary tract system of a nonsedated, nonazotemic dog receiving IV administration of saline solution to induce diuresis, additional examinations are recommended to determine the possibility of early obstructive nephropathy or pyelonephritis.

Clinical features of inflammatory liver disease in cats: 41 cases (1983-1993).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and clinicopathologic findings in and prognosis for cats with lymphocytic portal hepatitis (LPH) versus cats with acute or chronic cholangiohepatitis (CH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 25 cats with LPH; 16 cats with CH (7 acute, 9 chronic). PROCEDURE: Cats with LPH and CH were selected by evaluating records from liver biopsy specimens submitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a 10-year period. Clinical and clinicopathologic data were retrieved. RESULTS: Cats with CH had higher segmented and band neutrophil counts, alanine aminotransferase activities, and total bilirubin concentrations than did cats with LPH. Cats with acute CH had higher segmented and band neutrophil counts and lower serum alkaline phosphatase activities and total bilirubin concentrations than did cats with chronic CH. Twelve of 14 cats with LPH or CH had coarse or nodular texture to the liver on ultrasonography, with loss of portal vein wall clarity noticed in 4 of 8 cats with LPH. Sixteen of 23 cats with LPH and 8 of 15 cats with CH survived > 1 year. Of those cats living < 1 year, all cats with LPH and 5 of 7 cats with CH had a serious concurrent illness that may have been responsible for their deaths. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: LPH and CH can be detected and tentatively differentiated through evaluation of clinical laboratory test results, but histologic evaluation of liver specimens is necessary for definitive differentiation. Survival time was good regardless of the type of inflammatory liver disease.