Search Results

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine whether target values for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) indices against selected canine pathogens were achievable for pradofloxacin in various canine fluids and leukocytes.

ANIMALS 8 healthy adult hounds (experiments 1 and 2) and 6 healthy adult dogs (experiment 3).

PROCEDURES In 3 experiments, pradofloxacin (3, 6, or 12 mg/kg) and enrofloxacin (5 or 10 mg/kg) were orally administered once a day for 5 days, and blood, interstitial fluid (ISF), and other fluid samples were collected at various points. Sample drug concentrations were measured, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed; then, PK-PD indices (ratios between maximum observed concentration [C_max] and minimum inhibitory or mutant prevention concentrations) were determined for 7 bacterial species.

RESULTS PK-PD values for pradofloxacin at 3 mg/kg were approximately 5 times as high in leukocyte versus plasma and were lowest in CSF, synovial fluid, and aqueous humor. No significant differences were noted between serum and ISF. Value ratios for serum versus other body fluids were numerically higher for pradofloxacin (vs enrofloxacin) for all fluid types except CSF and aqueous humor. Target PK-PD values were exceeded for pradofloxacin against all 7 bacterial species in leukocytes and against all species except Bacteroides spp in serum and ISF. Enrofloxacin achieved the target C_max-to-minimum inhibitory concentration ratio against Pasteurella multocida in serum, ISF, and leukocytes and for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in serum and leukocytes. A C_max-to-mutant prevention concentration ratio ≥ 1 against Eschericha coli was achieved for pradofloxacin at 6 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings supported once-daily oral administration of pradofloxacin to dogs at the currently recommended dose (7.5 mg/kg).

Abstract

Objective—To determine pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine in dogs after IV administration.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—6 dogs received buprenorphine at 0.015 mg/kg, IV. Blood samples were collected at time 0 prior to drug administration and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 360, 540, 720, 1,080, and 1,440 minutes after drug administration. Serum buprenorphine concentrations were determined by use of double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Data were subjected to noncompartmental analysis with area under the time-concentration curve to infinity (AUC) and area under the first moment curve calculated to infinity by use of a log-linear trapezoidal model. Other kinetic variables included terminal rate constant (k_el) and elimination half-life (t1/2), plasma clearance (Cl), volume of distribution at steady state (Vd_ss), and mean residence time (MRT). Time to maximal concentration (T_max) and maximal serum concentration (C_max) were measured.

Results—Median (range) values for T_max and MRT were 2 minutes (2 to 5 minutes) and 264 minutes (199 to 600 minutes), respectively. Harmonic mean and pseudo SD for t1/2 were 270 ± 130 minutes; mean ± SD values for remaining pharmacokinetic variables were as follows: C_max, 14 ± 2.6 ng/mL; AUC, 3,082 ± 1,047 ng•min/mL; Vd_ss, 1.59 ± 0.285 L/kg; Cl, 5.4 ± 1.9 mL/min/kg; and, k_el, 0.0026 ± 0.0,012.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pharmacokinetic variables of buprenorphine reported here differed from those previously reported for dogs. Wide variations in individual t1/2 values suggested that dosing intervals be based on assessment of pain status rather than prescribed dosing intervals.

Abstract

Objective—To determine the effects of cephalexin and enrofloxacin on results of 4 commercially available urine glucose tests in dogs.

Animals—6 healthy adult female dogs.

Procedure—In a crossover design, cephalexin (22 and 44 mg/kg [10 and 20 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h) or enrofloxacin (5 and 10 mg/kg [2.3 and 4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) was administered to dogs for 1 day. Urine samples were tested for glucose at 0, 6, and 24 hours after drug administration. In vitro, dextrose was added to pooled glucose-negative canine urine samples containing either no antimicrobial or known concentrations of either antimicrobial; urine samples were then tested for glucose.

Results—In vivo, false-positive results were obtained by use of a tablet test in the presence of both antimicrobials and by use of a strip test in the presence of cephalexin. In vitro, false-positive results were obtained with the tablet test at the highest urine concentration of cephalexin (2,400 μg/mL) and with a strip test at the highest concentration of enrofloxacin (600 μg/mL). Enrofloxacin in urine samples containing dextrose caused the urine glucose tests to underestimate urine glucose concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cephalexin and enrofloxacin at dosages used in clinical practice may result in false-positive or false-negative urine glucose results, and care should be taken when using urine as a basis for identifying or monitoring diabetic animals. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:1455–1458)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a fluorescence resonance energy transfer quantitative PCR (FRET-qPCR) assay for detection of gyrA mutations conferring fluoroquinolone resistance in canine urinary Escherichia coli isolates and canine urine specimens.

SAMPLE 264 canine urinary E coli isolates and 283 clinical canine urine specimens.

PROCEDURES The E coli isolates were used to validate the FRET-qPCR assay. Urine specimens were evaluated by bacterial culture and identification, isolate enrofloxacin susceptibility testing, and FRET-qPCR assay. Sensitivity and specificity of the FRET-qPCR assay for detection of gyrA mutations in urine specimens and in E coli isolated from urine specimens were computed, with results of enrofloxacin susceptibility testing used as the reference standard.

RESULTS The validated FRET-qPCR assay discriminated between enrofloxacin-resistant and enrofloxacin-susceptible E coli isolates with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92. The assay accurately identified 25 of 40 urine specimens as containing enrofloxacin-resistant isolates (sensitivity, 62.5%) and 226 of 243 urine specimens as containing enrofloxacin-susceptible isolates (specificity, 93.0%). When the same assay was performed on E coli isolates recovered from these specimens, sensitivity (77.8%) and specificity (94.8%) increased. Moderate agreement was achieved between results of the FRET-qPCR assay and enrofloxacin susceptibility testing for E coli isolates recovered from urine specimens.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The FRET-qPCR assay was able to rapidly distinguish between enrofloxacin-resistant and enrofloxacin-susceptible E coli in canine clinical urine specimens through detection of gyrA mutations. Therefore, the assay may be useful in clinical settings to screen such specimens for enrofloxacin-resistant E coli to avoid inappropriate use of enrofloxacin and contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the effect of an indwelling nasogastric tube on gastric emptying of liquids in horses.

Animals—9 healthy adult horses.

Procedure—A randomized block crossover design was used. For treatment group horses, a nasogastric tube was placed and 18 hours later, acetaminophen was administered; the nasogastric tube remained in place until the experiment was complete. For control group horses, a nasogastric tube was passed into the stomach, acetaminophen was administered, and the nasogastric tube was removed immediately. Serial blood samples were collected 15 minutes before and after administration of acetaminophen. Serum concentration of acetaminophen was determined by use of fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The variables, time to maximum acetaminophen concentration (T_max) and the appearance constant for acetaminophen (K_app), were determined. The values for K_app and T_max in horses with and without prolonged nasogastric tube placement were compared.

Results—No significant difference was found in K_app between horses with and without prolonged nasogastric tube placement; the median difference in Kapp was 0.01 min^–1 (range, –0.48 to 0.80 min^–1). No significant difference was found in T_max between horses with and without prolonged nasogastric tube placement; the median difference in T_max was 5 minutes (range, –30 to 50 minutes). Reanalysis of data following the removal of possible outlier values from 1 horse resulted in a significant difference in T_max between horses with and without prolonged nasogastric tube placement.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although no clinically important impact of 18 hours of nasogastric intubation was found on gastric emptying in healthy horses, considerable variability in K_app and T_max was found among horses. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:642–645)

Abstract

Objective—To determine whether therapeutic concentrations of levetiracetam can be achieved in cats and to establish reasonable IV and oral dosing intervals that would not be associated with adverse effects in cats.

Animals—10 healthy purpose-bred cats.

Procedures—In a randomized crossover study, levetiracetam (20 mg/kg) was administered orally and IV to each cat. Blood samples were collected 0, 10, 20, and 40 minutes and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 24 hours after administration. Plasma levetiracetam concentrations were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results—Mean ± SD peak concentration was 25.54 ± 7.97 μg/mL. The mean y-intercept for IV administration was 37.52 ± 6.79 μg/mL. Half-life (harmonic mean ± pseudo-SD) was 2.95 ± 0.95 hours and 2.86 ± 0.65 hours for oral and IV administration, respectively. Mean volume of distribution at steady state was 0.52 ± 0.09 L/kg, and mean clearance was 2.0 ± 0.60 mL/kg/min. Mean oral bioavailability was 102 ± 39%. Plasma drug concentrations were maintained in the therapeutic range reported for humans (5 to 45 μg/mL) for at least 9 hours after administration in 7 of 10 cats. Only mild, transient hypersalivation was evident in some cats after oral administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Levetiracetam (20 mg/kg) administered orally or IV to cats every 8 hours should achieve and maintain concentrations within the therapeutic range for humans. Levetiracetam administration has favorable pharmacokinetics for clinical use, was apparently tolerated well, and may be a reasonable alternative antiepileptic drug in cats.

Abstract

Objective—To describe bacteria isolated from reproductive tracts of mares and to examine the extent and patterns of resistance to antimicrobials commonly used for treatment of endometritis.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Sample—8,296 uterine swab, lavage, or biopsy samples obtained between January 2003 and December 2008 from 7,665 horses in central Florida.

Procedures—Results of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were obtained for uterine swab, lavage, and biopsy samples collected from mares undergoing a routine breeding examination or examined because of a reproductive disorder. Bacterial organisms were identified by means of standard techniques, and proportions of samples resistant to various antimicrobials were determined.

Results—At least 95% of samples (n = 1,451) were collected with uterine swabs. Potentially pathogenic organisms were cultured from 2,576 (31%) samples, with Escherichia coli (n = 729 [29%]) and β-hemolytic Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus (733 [28%]) being most common. Resistance to antimicrobials changed over time for E coli, S equi subsp zooepidemicus, and Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Overall, E coli was most resistant to trimethoprim-sulfonamide and ampicillin and least to amikacin and enrofloxacin. For S equi subsp zooepidemicus, resistance was greatest to oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin and least to ceftiofur and ticarcillin with or without clavulanic acid. Inflammatory response was greater for S equi subsp zooepidemicus.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—E coli and S equi subsp zooepidemicus were the most common pathogens recovered from uterine samples, with S equi subsp zooepidemicus more commonly associated with inflammation. Antimicrobials most commonly used empirically to treat endometritis are appropriate on the basis of these data. However, as antimicrobial resistance changes over time, susceptibility assays should aid antimicrobial selection.

Abstract

Objective—To document blood nitric oxide concentrations in the portal vein and systemic circulation in a rat model of acute portal hypertension and compare values with a control group and a sham surgical group.

Animals—30 rats; 10 controls (group 1), 10 sham surgical (group 2), and 10 rats with surgically induced acute portal hypertension (group 3).

Procedure—Following induction of anesthesia, catheters were placed surgically in the carotid artery, jugular, and portal veins of group 2 and 3 rats and in the carotid artery and jugular vein of group 1 rats. Baseline heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, and vascular pressure measurements were obtained, and blood was drawn from all catheters for baseline nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. Acute portal hypertension was induced in the group 3 rats by tying a partially occluding suture around the portal vein and a 22-gauge catheter. The catheter was then removed, resulting in a repeatable degree of portal vein impingement. After catheter placement, all variables were remeasured at 15-minute intervals for 3 hours.

Results—Blood nitric oxide concentrations were greater in all vessels tested in group 3 than in group 2 rats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Acute portal hypertension in this experimental model results in increased concentrations of NO in the systemic and portal circulation. On the basis of information in the rat, it is possible that increased NO concentrations may develop in dogs following surgical treatment of congenital portosystemic shunts if acute life-threatening portal hypertension develops. Increased NO concentrations may contribute to the shock syndrome that develops in these dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1173–1177)

Abstract

Objective—To determine the effect of treatment approach on outcome and the appropriateness of initial empirical antimicrobial treatment in dogs with pyothorax.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—46 dogs with pyothorax confirmed by either (n = 15) or both (31) of the following: intracellular bacteria in pleural fluid or tissue (41) and bacteria recovered via culture of pleural fluid (36).

Procedures—Medical records of dogs treated for pyothorax from 1983 through 2001 were reviewed. Data on signalment, history, clinical signs, and treatment and results of diagnostic imaging and cytologic and microbiological evaluations were obtained. Follow-up was performed via reexamination (n = 15) and contact with referring veterinarians (26) and owners (24).

Results—46 dogs were treated with at least 1 antimicrobial and thoracocentesis (n = 7; noninvasive group), a thoracostomy tube (26; invasive group) with or without pleural lavage and heparin, or a thoracotomy (13; surgical group) and thoracostomy tube with or without pleural lavage and heparin. Pyothorax recurred in 7 dogs, and 5 of the 7 died or were euthanatized. In the respective groups, the short-term survival rate was 29%, 77%, and 92% and the long-term survival rate was 29%, 71%, and 70%. Pleural lavage and heparin treatment increased the likelihood of short- and long-term survival. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing suggested empirical antimicrobial selection was associated with a 35% risk of inefficacy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the dogs with pyothorax in this study, favorable treatment effects were achieved with surgery (for short-term survival) and pleural lavage and heparin treatment (for short- and long-term survival). Findings failed to support the hypothesis that invasive (surgical) versus noninvasive treatment of pyothorax in dogs leads to a better long-term outcome.