Search Results

Abstract

Objective—To describe the kinetics of demethylation of ¹³C-aminopyrine in healthy dogs for use in determining the most appropriate time for collection of blood samples for a ¹³C-aminopyrine demethylation blood test for evaluation of hepatic function.

Animals—9 healthy dogs.

Procedures—A 2-mL baseline blood sample was collected into an evacuated heparinized tube, and ¹³Caminopyrine was administered to each dog (2 mg/kg, IV). Additional 2-mL blood samples were collected 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 180, 240, 300, and 360 minutes after ¹³C-aminopyrine administration. The CO₂ was extracted from blood samples by addition of a strong acid, and the percentage dose of ¹³CO₂ (PCD) in the extracted gas was determined by fractional mass spectrometry.

Results—No dogs had gross evidence of adverse effects, and all had an increase in PCD after IV administration of ¹³C-aminopyrine. The PCD had the least variability among 5 variables used to evaluate hepatic demethylating capacity. Peak PCD was detected at 30 minutes in 1 dog, 45 minutes in 5 dogs, 60 minutes in 2 dogs, and 75 minutes in 1 dog. The mean PCD for the 9 dogs peaked at 45 minutes after ¹³C-aminopyrine administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PCD appears to be the preferable variable for evaluation of hepatic demethylating capacity. Intravenous administration of ¹³C-aminopyrine leads to a consistent increase in PCD. Mean PCD peaked 45 minutes after administration, suggesting that blood sample collection 45 minutes after ¹³C-aminopyrine administration may be appropriate for use in estimating hepatic demethylating capacity. (Am J Vet Res 2004;65:159–162)

Abstract

Objective—To determine features of lymphoma of the tarsus in cats.

Design—Multi-institutional retrospective study.

Animals—23 cats with cutaneous lymphoma of the tarsus.

Procedures—Veterinary oncologists were requested to submit cases fitting the following criteria: histologically or cytologically confirmed lymphoma with a location at or near the tarsus and described as subcutaneous or mass-like. Data regarding breed, sex, age, FeLV and FIV status, and reason for evaluation were collected. Results of staging tests, location of the tumor, immunophenotype, and histopathologic description were recorded. Type of treatments, outcome, survival time, presence or absence of progressive disease, and cause of death or reason for euthanasia were also recorded.

Results—Most cats were older, with a median age of 12 years (range, 7 to 18 years). No association with positive retroviral status was found. Popliteal lymph node involvement at diagnosis was reported in 5 cats, and a suspicion of lymphoma at a different site on the basis of results of abdominal ultrasonography was reported in 4 cats. Treatments were variable and included corticosteroids alone (n = 2), chemotherapy (9), radiation and chemotherapy (7), or surgery with or without chemotherapy (5). Thirteen cats were reported to have lymphoma at a different site at the time of last follow-up, death, or euthanasia. Median survival time for all cats in the study was 190 days (range, 17 to 1,011 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that tarsal lymphoma is an uncommon manifestation of lymphoma in cats, and in this study was most commonly nonepitheliotropic and of high grade as determined on histologic evaluation. Systemic involvement was identified; therefore, thorough staging is recommended prior to initiating treatment. Future studies are warranted to evaluate effective treatment protocols.

Abstract

Objective—To determine an optimal dose of carbon 13 (¹³C)-labeled aminopyrine for use in a ¹³C-aminopyrine demethylation blood test in healthy dogs.

Animals—9 adult dogs.

Procedures—Food was withheld from each dog for 12 hours. A 2-mL baseline blood sample was obtained from each dog and placed into an evacuated tube containing sodium heparin. Carbon 13-labeled aminopyrine was administered IV at doses of 1, 2, 5, or 10 mg/kg. Additional blood samples (2 mL) were obtained and placed into evacuated tubes containing sodium heparin 30, 45, 60, and 75 minutes after ¹³C-aminopyrine administration. Hydrochloric acid was used to extract CO₂ from blood samples. The extracted gas was analyzed by fractional mass spectrometry to determine the percentage dose of ¹³C administered as ¹³C-aminopyrine and recovered in extracted gas (PCD).

Results—Gross evidence of clinical adverse effects was not detected in any dog after administration of ¹³C-aminopyrine. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) for PCD was significantly lower than the mean CV for the summation of PCD values up to a given sampling time (CUMPCD). Mean PCD values among the 4 doses for each sample time were not significantly different. Administration of ¹³C-aminopyrine at a dose of 2 mg/kg resulted in the lowest interindividual variability.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The PCD is superior to CUMPCD for the quantification of aminopyrine demethylation. Administration of ¹³C-¹³C-aminopyrine at a dose of 2 mg/kg is appropriate for use in the ¹³C-aminopyrine demethylation blood test in healthy dogs.

Abstract

Objectives—To determine effects of dietary antioxidant supplementation on plasma concentrations of antioxidants, exercise-induced oxidative damage, and resistance to oxidative damage during exercise in Alaskan sled dogs.

Animals—62 Alaskan sled dogs.

Procedure—Dogs were matched for age, sex, and ability and assigned to 1 of 3 groups: sedentary and nonsupplemented (control [C]; n = 21), exercised and supplemented (S; 22), and exercised and nonsupplemented (N; 19). Dogs in group S were given 400 units of α- tocopherol acetate, 3 mg of β-carotene, and 20 mg of lutein orally per day for 1 month, then dogs in groups S and N completed 3 days of exercise. Blood samples were collected before and after 1 and 3 days of exercise and after 3 days of rest. Plasma antioxidant concentrations were determined, and oxidative damage to DNA (plasma 7,8 dihydro-8-oxo-2'deoxyguanosine [8-oxodG] concentration) and membrane lipids (plasma hydroperoxide concentration) and resistance of plasma lipoproteins to oxidation were assessed.

Results—Supplementation increased plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and lutein. Plasma concentration of α-tocopherol increased and concentration of lutein decreased in group S with exercise. Concentration of 8-oxodG decreased in group S but increased in group N during and after exercise. Lag time of in vitro oxidation of lipoprotein particles increased with exercise in group S only.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dietary supplementation with antioxidants resulted in increased plasma concentrations of antioxidants. Moreover, supplementation decreased DNA oxidation and increased resistance of lipoprotein particles to in vitro oxidation. Antioxidant supplementation of sled dogs may attenuate exercise-induced oxidative damage. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:886–891)

Abstract

Objective—To determine whether dietary antioxidants would attenuate exercise-induced increases in plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity in sled dogs.

Animals—41 trained adult sled dogs.

Procedure—Dogs, randomly assigned to 2 groups, received the same base diet throughout the study. After 8 weeks on that diet, 1 group (21 dogs) received a daily supplement containing vitamins E (457 U) and C (706 mg) and β-carotene (5.1 mg), and a control group (20 dogs) received a supplement containing minimal amounts of antioxidants. After 3 weeks, both groups performed identical endurance exercise on each of 3 days. Blood samples were collected before and 3 weeks after addition of supplements and after each day of exercise. Plasma was analyzed for vitamins E and C, retinol, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations, total antioxidant status (TAS), and CK activity.

Results—Feeding supplements containing antioxidants caused a significant increase in vitamin E concentration but did not change retinol or vitamin C concentrations or TAS. Exercise caused significantly higher CK activity, but did not cause a significant difference in CK activity between groups. Exercise was associated with significantly lower vitamin E, retinol, and cholesterol concentrations and TAS but significantly higher vitamin C, triglyceride, and uric acid concentrations in both groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of supplements containing the doses of antioxidants used here failed to attenuate exercise-induced increases in CK activity. Muscle damage in sled dogs, as measured by plasma CK activity, may be caused by a mechanism other than oxidant stress. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1438–1445)

Abstract

Objective—To determine comparative efficacy of vaccines administered IM and intranasally, used alone or sequentially, to protect puppies from infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica and determine whether systemic or mucosal antibody response correlated with protection.

Design—Randomized controlled trial.

Animals—50 specific-pathogen-free Beagle puppies.

Procedure—In 2 replicates of 25 dogs each, 14-weekold puppies that were vaccinated against canine distemper virus and parvovirus were vaccinated against B bronchiseptica via intranasal, IM, intranasal-IM, or IMintranasal administration or were unvaccinated controls. Puppies were challenge exposed via aerosol administration of B bronchiseptica 2 weeks after final vaccination. Clinical variables and systemic and mucosal antibody responses were monitored for 10 days after challenge exposure. Puppies in replicate 1 were necropsied for histologic and immunohistochemical studies.

Results—Control puppies that were seronegative before challenge exposure developed paroxysmal coughing, signs of depression, anorexia, and fever. Vaccinated puppies (either vaccine) that were seronegative before challenge exposure had fewer clinical signs. Puppies that received both vaccines had the least severe clinical signs and fewest lesions in the respiratory tract. Vaccinated dogs had significantly higher concentrations of B bronchiseptica-reactive antibodies in serum saliva before and after challenge. Antibody concentrations were negatively correlated with bacterial growth in nasal cavity and pharyngeal samples after challenge exposure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Parenterally and intranasally administered vaccines containing B bronchiseptica may provide substantial protection from clinical signs of respiratory tract disease associated with infection by this bacterium. Administration of both types of vaccines in sequence afforded the greatest degree of protection against disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:367–375)