Research in veterinary science
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An interventional ultrasound technique to increase the safety of surgical treatment of the calf forelimb was tested. First, the brachial plexus was evaluated using ultrasonography and then 2% lidocaine was injected under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasonically, the brachial plexus appeared as multiple hypoechoic areas surrounded by a hyperechoic rim or a hyperechoic structure characterised by multiple discontinuous lines. ⋯ The sensitive effect in the forelimb was seen mainly in the area supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve, indicating successful blockage in the nerve plexus. Out of the eight forelimbs, the motor effect was observed in seven forelimbs. These results suggest the clinical feasibility of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in bovine medicine, although further studies are needed to examine various approaches, including the sites of needle insertion and the appropriate volume and dosage of anaesthetic.
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We evaluated whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is related to disease severity, prognosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of the CSF in miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation. Samples were obtained from 23 patients and 6 normal dogs, and all patients received hemilaminectomy. Twenty dogs recovered successfully and 3 of 11 dogs without deep nociception had MMP-9 activity in the CSF and an unsuccessful outcome. ⋯ MMP-9 activity and neurological severity were not related to the COMP levels. However, the COMP levels from 3 unsuccessful cases that had MMP-9 activity were significantly lower than those from all recovered cases and/or successful cases without deep nociception. Concerning severe cases, increased proteolytic activity might affect the COMP concentration and prognosis due to MMP-9 associated deleterious effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of intravenous dose escalation with alfaxalone and propofol on occurrence of apnoea in the dog.
Spontaneous ventilation after induction of anaesthesia with intravenous alfaxalone or propofol was evaluated in a dose escalation study using 6 dogs. Each dog was dosed at 1×, 2×, 5×, 10× and 20× multiples of the labelled doses (2mg/kg for alfaxalone; 6.5mg/kg for propofol), until apnoea was observed. For each administration, the entire calculated dose was delivered over 1 min. ⋯ For alfaxalone at 2×, 5× and 10× doses all 6, 4 and 1 dog ventilated spontaneously, respectively. The median dose which induced apnoea was higher for alfaxalone (5×) than for propofol (2×) (p=0.05). We concluded that induction of anaesthesia with propofol is more likely to induce apnoea than with alfaxalone.
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The aim of the study was to investigate changes in volumetric capnography (V(C)) variables during bronchoconstriction in dogs and compare it with total respiratory resistance (R(L)) measured with a Fleisch pneumotachograph. Six dogs were challenged with increasing concentrations of carbachol until obvious signs of bronchoconstriction were seen. All V(C) parameters were obtained before, directly after, 10 and 20 min after maximal bronchoconstriction. ⋯ The V(C) curve obtained a typical shape at the time of maximal bronchoconstriction and a trend to return to baseline shape was seen over time. A significant correlation was found for all aforementioned parameters with R(L). We conclude that the shape of the V(C) curve in combination with dead space calculation can be used to verify bronchoconstriction on a breath-to-breath basis.
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Rectal temperature measurement is an essential part of physical examination of cattle and some physiological experiments. Modern digital thermometers are often used to measure rectal temperatures by students; this study describes their reliability and appropriate use. Students measured rectal temperature on 53 occasions using their personal digital thermometer and techniques gained from previous instruction, rectal temperature was also measured by an experienced person using a Cornell mercury thermometer completely inserted in the rectum. ⋯ In a series of 53 water bath tests, student owned thermometers recorded similar mean values to those of a traceable (reference) digital thermometer, Cornell mercury thermometer readings were 0.2°C higher. 10 individual digital thermometers were repeatedly tested against a traceable thermometer in a water bath, one was inaccurate. In a separate experiment a trained clinician tested the effect of angle of insertion of a digital thermometer on temperature readings and the affect was <0.1°C. We conclude that accurate temperature measurements using digital thermometers are only likely if the thermometer is inserted to the beginning of the window and the thermometer's accuracy is checked periodically.