A simple non-invasive method to measure the cough reflex in dogs

Comparative study of the effects of antitussive drugs in a canine acute cough model

BACKGROUND

Cough is a common clinical complaint in small animal practice with limited treatment options for chronic underlying conditions.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three antitussive drugs in a novel, minimally invasive canine acute cough model.

METHODS

Five clinically healthy Beagles were used to create an acute cough model by administering sterile saline via a transtracheally placed central venous catheter. Single-dose antitussive effects of butorphanol, maropitant and Danpron were assessed. Cough frequency was measured before and at hourly intervals up to 3 h post-administration of each drug, with a linear mixed model used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Butorphanol (0.3 m/kg, IM) significantly reduced cough frequency at 1 and 3 h post-administration. Danpron (0.1 mL/kg, IM) also significantly reduced cough frequency 1 h post-administration; however, this effect was not sustained at 3 h. Maropitant (1 mg/kg, IM) did not significantly reduce cough frequency. The cough induction method was effective and minimally invasive, with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that butorphanol has a potent and prolonged antitussive effect in an acute canine cough model, whereas Danpron shows a transient effect. These findings provide valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of commonly used antitussive drugs in dogs.

An overview of the sensory receptors regulating cough

The cough reflex represents a primary defensive mechanism for airway protection in a variety of mammalian species. However, excessive and inappropriate coughing can emerge as a primary presenting symptom of many airway diseases. Cough disorders are characterized by a reduction in the threshold for reflex initiation and, as a consequence, the occurrence of cough in response to stimuli that are normally innocuous in nature. The current therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cough disorders are only moderately effective. This undoubtedly relates in part to limitations in our understanding of the neural components comprising the cough reflex pathway. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current concepts relating to the sensory innervation to the mammalian airways, focusing particularly on the sensory receptors that regulate cough. In addition, the review will highlight particular areas and issues relating to cough neurobiology that are creating controversy in the field.

Cough reflex in allergic dogs

This study investigated the effects of antigen challenge on the cough reflex in dogs that were neonatally sensitized to ragweed. Tidal volume (V(T)), respiratory rate (f), pulmonary resistance (R(L)), dynamic lung compliance (C(Dyn)) and the number and amplitude (increase in mean peak expiratory pressure) of coughs induced by mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea were measured in propofol-anesthetized dogs. Aerosolized ragweed challenge had no effect to induce spontaneous cough but increased f and R(L) and reduced V(T) and C(Dyn). Mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea at this time produced 19+/-5 coughs with an average increase in cough amplitude of 11+/-1 cm H(2)O which differed significantly from the number (9+/-2 coughs) and amplitude (30+/-5.5 cm H(2)O) of mechanically induced coughs after treatment with aerosolized saline. Both the number and amplitude of mechanically induced coughs returned to baseline values by 24-48 h after the ragweed challenge. Similar results were obtained after challenge with aerosolized histamine (0.3-1% histamine) that did not induce spontaneous coughs but increased f, reduced V(T) and decreased C(Dyn) and increased the number but reduced the amplitude of the mechanically induced coughs. In conclusion, both antigen and histamine bronchoprovocation changed the characteristics of the mechanically induced cough in dogs to a response of increased cough number but reduced mean expiratory cough amplitude.

Antitussive activity of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-99994, in dogs

CP-99994 [(+)-(2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine] is a selective tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist that inhibits cough in guinea pigs and cats. This study examined the antitussive effects of CP-99994 in dogs produced by mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea. CP-99994 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited cough frequency by 52% at 2 h, 31% at 6 h and by 21% at 24 h. Cough amplitude was inhibited by 45% at 6 h but unchanged at 2 and 24 h after CP-99994. Plasma levels of CP-99994 were highest at 2 h (75+/-26 ng/ml) and fell to 22+/-6 ng/ml at 6 h. These results demonstrate antitussive activity of CP-99994 in dogs at a dose proven to antagonize tachykinin NK(1) receptors in this species.