Journal of veterinary internal medicine
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J. Vet. Intern. Med. · May 2009
Relationship among plasma amino acids, C-reactive protein, illness severity, and outcome in critically ill dogs.
Alterations in circulating amino acids have been documented in animal models and in critically ill people but have not been evaluated in dogs with spontaneously occurring disease. ⋯ Critically ill dogs have altered amino acid profiles and additional research to investigate potential benefits of amino acid supplementation is warranted.
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Lactate concentration in blood or plasma ([LAC]) and change in [LAC] are associated with survival in sick foals. ⋯ Prospective studies evaluating [LAC], [LAC](BG)DeltaT, and cut-points in sick foals are warranted.
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Ionized hypocalcemia (iHCa) is a common electrolyte disturbance in critically ill people, especially those with sepsis. The cause of the iHCa is not entirely understood and is likely multifactorial. Critically ill people with iHCa have longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates compared to people with normocalcemia. There are no published clinical studies evaluating the incidence and impact of iHCa in critically ill dogs. ⋯ In dogs not previously treated with fluids or blood products intravenously, the finding of iHCa upon admission to the ICU predicted a longer duration of ICU and hospital stay. Septic dogs with positive cultures were more likely to have iHCa.
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J. Vet. Intern. Med. · May 2009
Evaluation of a portable meter to measure ketonemia and comparison with ketonuria for the diagnosis of canine diabetic ketoacidosis.
The diagnosis of canine diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) usually is based on measurement of urinary acetoacetate (ketonuria). In humans, this test is less sensitive and specific than blood 3-beta-hydroxybutyrate (ketonemia) evaluation. ⋯ Measurement of ketonemia is accurate and more effective than measurement of ketonuria to diagnose canine DKA.
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J. Vet. Intern. Med. · Jan 2009
Prospective evaluation of coagulation in critically ill neonatal foals.
Coagulopathy is a potentially underrecognized complication of sepsis and septic shock in critically ill neonatal foals. ⋯ Coagulopathy commonly occurs in critically ill neonatal foals, especially those with sepsis and septic shock.