Effects of desmopressin acetate administration in healthy dogs receiving prednisolone

Perspectives on pharmacologic strategies in the management of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in dogs

There are many non-infectious inflammatory diseases, assumed to be immune-mediated in origin, recognized to affect the nervous system in canine patients. Concentrating on meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin, we will discuss the medications used to treat the underlying disease process, focusing on their adverse effects, therapeutic monitoring when necessary and effectiveness. The literature overwhelmingly supports the use of a steroid/ Cytosar® or steroid/ cyclosporine treatment protocol with the steroid tapered after the acute phase of the disease, leaving the secondary medication to control the disease long term. The decision on when and how quickly to taper the steroid is clinician dependent as a best practices has not been established in the literature. Also discussed will be the supportive care treatments often needed in the acute phase of these patients' diagnosis and treatment such as anti-edema and anti-epileptic agents.

IMPROVING PHYSICAL FUNCTION BY FOCUSING ON SPORTS ARCHERY TRAINING

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical training of high-level archers is a very critical point. It is now known that the ultimate goal of athletes’ training is to achieve a good competitive state in their physical training. This has revealed that the relationship between athletes’ attention stability and their performance in archery competitions also needs to be explored. Objective: Analyze the fitness training methods for Chinese archers. In addition, this paper also explores the relationship between attention and performance in competitions. Methods: By random sampling method, 24 archery athletes were investigated. They were divided into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A represented excellent scores (8), group B with good scores (8), and group C with average scores (8). Statistical methods were used to analyze and infer the data. Using the SPSS program, mathematical statistics were performed to objectify the data collected. Results: Athletes in group A had the greatest increase in attention after training, showing statistical significance (P<0.01). The comparison between groups B and C also showed statistical significance (P<0.01). Significant differences were found in the stability of attention between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: The sport bow practice method can effectively improve athletes’ concentration. This training method showed a significant effect on improving archers’ attention and concentration. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Effects of desmopressin acetate administration in healthy dogs receiving prednisolone

Background

Glucocorticoids are used for a variety of purposes in veterinary medicine but often are associated with clinically important adverse effects. Polyuria and polydipsia are the most frustrating adverse effects noted by owners.

Objective

To determine whether administration of desmopressin ameliorates polyuria and polydipsia associated with prednisolone administration.

Animals

Seven healthy adult Walker Hounds.

Methods

Prospective hypothesis testing study. Daily water intake and urine specific gravity (USG) were measured in dogs under 4 separate sequential conditions: no medications (C), prednisolone only (P), prednisolone and desmopressin (PD), and prednisolone after discontinuation of desmopressin (PAD).

Results

When compared to baseline, 6 of 7 dogs became polydipsic after administration of prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h). When desmopressin (5 μg/dog SC q12h) was administered to dogs receiving prednisolone, significant decreases in water intake and serum sodium concentration occurred, and USG increased significantly.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Administration of desmopressin to dogs receiving prednisolone significantly decreased water intake and serum sodium concentration, and increased USG. Our results suggest that, in some dogs, desmopressin ameliorates the most important adverse effect of prednisolone noted by owners, but that hyponatremia is an important complication associated with desmopressin use.