Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous dexmedetomidine (2 μg∙kg-1) in dogs

This study assessed the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of low-dose dexmedetomidine after IV bolus in dogs. Six healthy adult dogs (6.8 ± 3.0 kg) received dexmedetomidine (2 μg.kg-1 IV) over 2 min, using an infusion pump. Blood samples were collected totaling 5 h of monitoring. A validated UHPLC-MS/MS method was used to determine the plasma concentration of dexemedetomidine. For pharmacodynamics, HR, RR, oscillometric MBP, Grint END sedation score were evaluated at baseline (T0), every 3 min (T3 to T21), and after 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes, with p < 0.05. T1/2 was 28.28 ± 6.14 min; the area under the curve was 467.44 ± 60.42 ng/mL/min. The total clearance was 5.46 ± 0.41 mL/min/kg, the Vdss was 146.19 ± 21.04 mL/kg, and the C max was 3.13 ± 1.15 ng/mL. HR (bpm) decreased significantly from T6 (79 ± 21) to T21 (78 ± 31) compared to T0 (116 ± 28). RR(mpm) decreased from T3 (43 ± 44) to T60 (41 ± 23), with T0 being 70 ± 48. The MBP (mmHg) increased at T18 (151 ± 34), T21 (152 ± 35), and T30 (140 ± 27), compared to T0 (111 ± 22). Sedation occurred at all times post-bolus, with a maximum peak at T12 (END 8 ± 6). The low dose of dexmedetomidine provided sedation in all animals, characterizing rapid metabolization and elimination. However, cardiovascular effects still may have negative repercussions in dogs with hemodynamic comorbidities, highlighting the caution and individualization of its use in certain patients.

Pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of dipyrone in northeastern Brazilian donkeys (Equus asinus)

This study aimed to monitor the effects of dipyrone following multiple administrations in northeastern donkeys. Ten castrated male donkeys, aged 6.4 ± 3 years and weighing 130.6 ± 9.8 kg, were administered dipyrone (25 mg/kg IV) every 12 h, resulting in six administrations (D1 to D6) per animal. Blood samples were collected over a 72 h monitoring period. A validated UHPLC-MS/MS method was employed to determine the plasma concentrations of the 4- methylaminoantipyrine (4-MAA) and 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AA). The calculated pharmacokinetic variables of 4-MAA after D1 and D6 were, respectively: Cmax (μg/mL) = 163.60 ± 179.72 and 178.79 ± 196.94; T1/2beta (h) = 2.65 ± 0.65 and 3.37 ± 1.03; and AUC0-t (μg/mL × h) = 240.38 ± 130.87 and 373.52 ± 78.85. The same variables for 4-AA were: Cmax, (μg/mL) = 0.44 ± 0.27 and 0.90 ± 0.31, T1/2beta (h) = 14.77 ± 13.13 and 35.97 and AUC0-t (μg/mL × h) = 3.20 ± 0.43 and 27.73 ± 11.99. Concentrations of 4-MAA exceeded the minimum concentration required for 50% inhibition of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. However, an accumulation of 4-AA, was observed. Further clinical studies are necessary to ascertain the implications of these findings on the pharmacodynamic response to dipyrone in northeastern donkeys.

Abdominal aortic branches of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758)

Understanding the cardiovascular system is fundamental in diagnosing pathologies and interpreting exams, such as contrast radiographs. In this context, the present study describes the collateral abdominal aorta artery branches of red-rumped agouti. Ten red-rumped agoutis, six males and four females, were assessed. The vascular system was perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with a yellow pigment, dissected and analysed. Three euthanized animals were perfused with a barium sulfate solution (1 g mL-1 ) associated with latex Neoprene 450 at a 1:3 ratio to obtain contrast-enhanced radiographs. The abdominal aorta emitted the celiac artery, which in turn originated the left gastric, hepatic and splenic arteries. The second collateral branch comprised the cranial mesenteric artery, followed by the renal arteries, which emitted the adrenal arteries, with the caudal emergence of the gonadal arteries. The caudal mesenteric artery appeared in a caudal direction. The abdominal aorta divided after reaching the pelvic cavity entrance, originating the right and left common iliac arteries. Before its bifurcation, the abdominal aorta dorsocaudally emitted its last collateral branch, the median sacral artery. The collateral branches of the aorta, therefore, resemble previously described rodent patterns, with few variations.

Thermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance of indigenous ewes of different coat colour in an equatorial semi-arid region

ContextAnimal husbandry in thermally stressful environments can be both complex and difficult, and the anticipated effects of climate change are expected to increase this condition.AimThermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance were evaluated in indigenous ewes of different coat colour during different moments of natural heat stress.MethodsFifteen ewes of different colour (white, red and black; five of each) were used and data were collected for six consecutive weeks in the dry and rainy periods at three times of the day [(Moment 1) 0500 hours to 0600 hours; (Moment 2) 1200 hours to 1300 hours; and (Moment 3) 1700 hours to 1800 hours)]. Thermoregulatory (clinical measures), acid–base and electrolytic variables (blood examinations) were recorded. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured, and the radiant heat load was calculated.Key resultsBlack ewes showed higher averages of respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT). RT was different between before and after heat stress for all ewes, while the RR was not affected and cutaneous evaporation presented minor variations. Between 1200 hours and 1300 hours, there was an increase in the hydrogen potential, oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation and total carbon concentration averages, and a decrease in partial pressure of carbon dioxide for all ewes. The base excess was not significantly different for each time of the day between the periods, and were not affected by the time of the day or the season. White ewes were highly affected by the time of the day and the period regarding electrolytic parameters, followed by the red ewes and black ewes. The first two discriminant functions showed that ewes, regardless of coat colour, show similarity in the animal responses at Moments 1 and 3, compared with Moment 2. RT was the main variable that distinguished the three genetic groups.ConclusionsIndigenous ewes of different coat colour recover physiological equilibrium after heat challenges. These adjustments enable them to maintain thermoregulatory responses, and acid–base and electrolytic balance within the physiological equilibrium.ImplicationsThese variations indicated the ability of Brazilian indigenous ewes of different coat colour to recover thermoregulatory, and acid–base and electrolytic balance after an environmentally challenging condition in an equatorial semi-arid region, regardless of the period.

Validation of the Donkey Pain Scale (DOPS) for Assessing Postoperative Pain in Donkeys

This study aimed to validate a scale for assessing acute pain in donkeys. Forty-four adult donkeys underwent castration after sedation with intravenous (IV) xylazine, induction with guaifenesin and thiopental IV, local anesthetic block, and maintenance with isoflurane. The scale was constructed from a pilot study with four animals combined with algetic behaviors described for equines. After content validation, the scale was evaluated in 40 other donkeys by three blinded and one reference evaluator, by means of edited videos referring to the preoperative and postoperative periods: before anesthesia, 3-4 h after recovery from anesthesia, 5-6 h after recovery from anesthesia (2 h after analgesia with flunixin-1.1 mg/kg, dipyrone-10 mg/kg, and morphine-0.2 mg/kg) IV, and 24 h after recovery. Content validity, sensitivity, specificity, and responsiveness of behaviors were investigated to refine the scale. Intra- and inter-evaluator reliabilities were investigated by the weighted kappa coefficient, criterion validity by comparing the scale with the visual analog scale (VAS), internal consistency by Cronbach's α coefficient, item-total correlation by the Spearman coefficient, and intervention point for rescue analgesic by the receiver operating characteristics curve and Youden index. The scale showed very good intra-evaluator reliability (0.88-0.96), good to moderate (0.56-0.66) inter-evaluator reliability, responsiveness for all items, good criterion validity vs. VAS (0.75), acceptable internal consistency (0.64), adequate item-total correlation, except for head position and direction, and according to the principal component analysis, good association among items. The accuracy of the point for rescue analgesic was excellent (area under the curve = 0.91). The rescue analgesic score was ≥ 4 of 11 points. The scale can diagnose and quantify acute pain in donkeys submitted to castration, as the instrument is reliable and valid, with a defined intervention analgesic score.

Pharmacokinetic properties of tramadol and M1 metabolite in Northeast Brazilian donkeys (Equus asinus)

There is currently little information available on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the analgesic opioid tramadol when used in the veterinary medicine of domestic species. In this study, we aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and its active metabolite M1 following intravenous administration of 2 (T2) and 4 (T4) mg/kg to Northeast Brazilian donkeys. Tramadol and M1 plasma levels were quantified using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. We found that plasma levels of tramadol and M1 were higher than those reported as clinically meaningful in humans for at least 3 hr. However, the pharmacokinetic parameter calculation corrected by dose analysis identified no proportional increase with dose for the AUC of tramadol (T2: 2,663 ± 1,827 vs. T4: 2,964 ± 1,038 ng*h/ml) and M1 (T2: 378 ± 237 vs. T4: 345 ± 142 ng*h/ml). This finding appears to be attributable to a significant increase in clearance and a reduction in the terminal half-life of tramadol. The frequency of adverse effects observed at the higher dose indicates that 2 mg/kg administered intravenously would be suitable for donkeys. Clinical studies are required to determine the implications of these observations regarding the pharmacodynamic response to tramadol in Northeast Brazilian donkeys.

Post-operative pain behaviour associated with surgical castration in donkeys (Equus asinus)

Background

Recognising pain in donkeys is challenging because they are stoic.

Objectives

To identify the responses of donkeys before and after surgical pain.

Study design

Prospective, short‐term longitudinal pre‐ and post‐intervention observations.

Methods

Forty adult donkeys underwent surgical castration after sedation with intravenous (IV) xylazine, induction with guaiphenesin/thiopental IV and maintenance of anaesthesia with isoflurane and local anaesthetic blockade. Four hours after recovery from anaesthesia, flunixin meglumine 1.1 mg/kg, dipyrone 10 mg/kg and morphine 0.2 mg/kg IV were administered. Behavioural responses exhibited by the animals housed in individual stalls were recorded in four 30‐min videos: before castration (M0), and 3.5‐4.0 hours (M1), 5.5‐6.0 hours (M2) and 23.5‐24.0 hours after recovery from anaesthesia (M3). To exclude the influence of insects, the behaviour of six apparently pain‐free donkeys was compared with and without the presence of faeces and urine in the stall.

Results

When compared with presurgical baseline behaviours (M0), after surgery (M1) donkeys raised their pelvic limbs more (P = .003). When compared with M1, after analgesia (M2), the median frequencies of ear movements (44 vs 16; P < .001), head shaking (7 vs 1; P < .001), head turning (5 vs 0; P < .001) and lifting of the both limbs (7 vs 0; P = .008) decreased; feeding (0 vs 29; P < .001) and water intake (0 vs 0, range 0‐1 vs 0‐7; P = .05) increased. The dirty stall increased tail (53 vs 80; P = .03), head (16 vs 30; P = .03) and ear movements (50 vs 78; P = .04).

Main limitations

The dirty stall and presence of insects possibly contributed to the expression of behaviours unrelated to pain.

Conclusion

Lifting the pelvic limbs was the only specific pain behaviour after castration in donkeys. Analgesia restored appetite and water intake and reduced the frequency of head shaking and turning, ear movement and lifting the limbs. Tail, head and ear movements are unspecific responses related both to pain and a dirty stall, and are confounding factors when pain is assessed in donkeys in the presence of insects.

Mannheimiose atípica em emas (Rhea americana) cativas

Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) é uma das principais causas da doença do complexo respiratório dos bovinos (DCRB) que causa grandes perdas econômicas. Até os dias atuais, não há relato de aves acometidas por tal bactéria. Relata-se um surto atípico de mannheimiose em emas em cativeiro (Rhea americana).

Avaliação das associações anestésicas: atropina/cetamina-s/xilazina e acepromazina/cetamina-s/midazolam em felinos domésticos (Felis domestica)

Com o objetivo de avaliar as associações anestésicas atropina/cetamina-s/xilazina e acepromazina/cetamina-s/midazolam em felinos domésticos (Felis catus), foram utilizados 16 felinos, machos, hígidos cedidos por proprietários atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de oito animais, onde foi utilizado um tratamento anestésico distinto para cada grupo. O grupo I, foi pré-tratado com sulfato de atropina (0,044mg/kg) por via subcutânea, e decorridos 15 minutos, recebeu xilazina (1,0 mg/kg) associada a cetamina-s (10mg/kg) por via intramuscular. No grupo II, foi utilizada acepromazina (0,2 mg/kg) por via intramuscular e após 15 minutos, administrou-se a associação de midazolam (0,5mg/kg) e cetamina-s (10 mg/kg) por via intramuscular. Foram avaliadas as variáveis fisiológicas: freqüência cardíaca, freqüência respiratória, saturação de oxigênio e tempo de preenchimento capilar. A aferição das variáveis foi realizada a cada 10 minutos, durante 90 minutos. Também foi avaliado o período de latência, período de analgesia e de recuperação. A média do período de latência após a administração de atropina/cetamina-s/xilazina foi de 3,68min, enquanto na acepromazina/cetamina-s/midazolam foi de 3,95 min. No grupo I, a média do tempo de analgesia foi de 45,94min, e no grupo II foi obtida analgesia em apenas um animal. A média do tempo de recuperação no grupo I foi de 134, 08min e no grupo II, 78,28min. Concluiu-se que a associação atropina/cetamina-s/xilazina, produz uma anestesia de boa qualidade para pequenos procedimentos cirúrgicos, enquanto que a associação acepromazina/cetamina-s/midazolam deve ser utilizada para pequenos procedimentos ambulatoriais. Ambas associações apresentam propriedades farmacológicas comparáveis com as obtidas com a cetamina racêmica.