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0000-0002-0083-4764
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2013.04.010
Abstract: The study was designed to determine the effects of two protocols of sedation, medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol, on cerebral blood flow (CBF) by transcranial color-coded Duplex ultrasonography in healthy dogs. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonographic examination was performed in 20 dogs before and 20 min after sedation with either medetomidine (group 1) or medetomidine-butorphanol (group 2). The left and right middle cerebral arteries (LMCA and RMCA) were evaluated using the temporal windows, and the basilar artery (BA) was studied through the suboccipital window. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean velocity (MV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were measured for each vessel. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were also recorded before and after sedation in both groups. Statistically significant differences were found for PSV, MV and EDV when RMCA and LMCA were interrogated before and after sedation. PSV, RI and PI were found to be statistically significantly different when the study was performed on the BA. These results should be taken in account when a transcranial Doppler is performed in dogs sedated with the mentioned protocols and it might suggest some degree of neuroprotection.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-12-2018
DOI: 10.3390/ANI9010003
Abstract: This article, written by veterinarians whose caseloads include brachycephalic dogs, argues that there is now widespread evidence documenting a link between extreme brachycephalic phenotypes and chronic disease, which compromises canine welfare. This paper is ided into nine sections exploring the breadth of the impact of brachycephaly on the incidence of disease, as indicated by pet insurance claims data from an Australian pet insurance provider, the stabilization of respiratory distress associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), challenges associated with sedation and the anaesthesia of patients with BOAS effects of brachycephaly on the brain and associated neurological conditions, dermatological conditions associated with brachycephalic breeds, and other conditions, including ophthalmic and orthopedic conditions, and behavioural consequences of brachycephaly. In the light of this information, we discuss the ethical challenges that are associated with brachycephalic breeds, and the role of the veterinarian. In summary, dogs with BOAS do not enjoy freedom from discomfort, nor freedom from pain, injury, and disease, and they do not enjoy the freedom to express normal behaviour. According to both deontological and utilitarian ethical frameworks, the breeding of dogs with BOAS cannot be justified, and further, cannot be recommended, and indeed, should be discouraged by veterinarians.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 29-08-2019
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare four inflation techniques on endotracheal tube cuff (ETC) pressure using a feline airway simulator. Ten participants used four different endotracheal cuff inflation techniques to inflate the cuff of a low-pressure, high-volume endotracheal tube within a feline airway simulator. The simulator replicated an average-sized feline trachea, intubated with a 4.5 mm endotracheal tube, connected to a circle breathing system and pressure-controlled ventilation with oxygen and medical air. Participants inflated the ETC: by pilot balloon palpation (P) by instilling the minimum occlusive volume (MOV) required for loss of airway leaks during mechanical ventilation until a passive release of pressure with use of a loss-of-resistance syringe (LOR) and with use of a syringe with a digital pressure reader (D) specifically designed for endotracheal cuff inflation. Intracuff pressure was measured by a manometer obscured to participants. The ideal pressure was considered to be between 20 and 30 cmH 2 O. Data were analysed by Shapiro–Wilk, Kruskal–Wallis and χ 2 tests, as appropriate. Participants were eight veterinarians and two veterinary nurses with additional training in anaesthesia. Measured median intracuff pressures for P, MOV, LOR and D, respectively, were 25 cmH 2 O (range 4–74 cmH 2 O), 41 cmH 2 O (range 4–70 cmH 2 O), 31 cmH 2 O (range 18–64 cmH 2 O) and 22 cmH 2 O (range 20–30 cmH 2 O). D performed significantly better ( P .001) than all other techniques, with no difference between the other techniques. Use of D for cuff inflation achieved optimal cuff pressures. There may be high operator-dependent variability in the cuff pressures achieved with the use of P, MOV or LOR inflation techniques. As such, a cuff manometer is recommended when using any of these techniques.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 14-08-2021
Abstract: This study aimed to describe the prominent landmarks for an in-plane ultrasound-guided lateral approach to an axillary RUMM block in cats and document the anatomical distribution of injected solution in cadavers. Eleven mixed breed, frozen-thawed cat cadavers were used. The ultrasound probe was placed on the lateral aspect of the forelimb. A spinal needle was used to inject either methylene blue 5 mg/ml or permanent tissue dye 1:10 within the focal clustering point of the radial (R), ulna (U), median (M) and musculocutaneous (Mc) nerves. The block was approached from either a cranial or caudal direction. Specimens were immediately dissected. A successful block was defined as ⩾20 mm of continuous stain on all nerves (R, U, M and Mc), a partial block as one or more nerves stained ⩾20 mm continuously and a negative block failed to stain any nerve ⩾20 mm. The cranial approach stained the R 8/9, U 6/9, M 6/9 and Mc 8/9 nerves successfully, while the caudal approach stained the R 7/9, U 8/9, M 7/9 and Mc 5/9 nerves successfully. There were no statistical differences on staining rates between approaches or limbs used. The lateral approach to an axillary RUMM block is feasible in cats and may be a useful alternative to current approaches used for brachial and antebrachial desensitisation. Both cranial and caudal approaches produced similar results however, further research in live animals will determine the clinical applicability.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1111/VAA.12171
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-05-2014
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of maxillary and/or inferior alveolar nerve blocks with lidocaine and bupivacaine in cats undergoing dental extractions. Twenty-nine cats were enrolled. Using an adapted composite pain scale, cats were pain scored before the dental procedure and 30 mins, and 1, 2 and 4 h after isoflurane disconnection. Cats were sedated with buprenorphine (20 µg/kg), medetomidine (10 µg/kg) and acepromazine (20 µg/kg) intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced using alfaxalone (1–2 mg/kg) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Each cat was randomly assigned to receive maxillary and/or inferior alveolar nerve blocks or no nerve blocks prior to dental extractions. Each nerve block was performed using lidocaine (0.25 mg/kg) and bupivacaine (0.25 mg/kg). Heart rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, end tidal carbon dioxide and isoflurane vaporiser settings were recorded 5 mins before and after the dental extractions, and the difference calculated. Group mean differences (mean ± SD) for heart rate (−9.7 ± 10.6 vs 7.6 ± 9.5 beats/min [nerve block vs control group, respectively], P .0001), systolic arterial blood pressure (−10.33 ± 18.44 vs 5.21 ± 15.23 mmHg, P = 0.02) and vaporiser settings (−0.2 ± 0.2 vs 0.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.023) were significantly different between groups. The control group had higher postoperative pain scores (median [interquartile range]) at 2 h (3 [1.75–4.00] vs 1 [0–2], P = 0.008) and 4 h (4 [2–6] vs 2 [1–2], P = 0.006) after the dental extractions. Maxillary and inferior alveolar nerve blocks with lidocaine and bupivacaine administered prior to dental extractions resulted in a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure while allowing for a reduction in isoflurane. Cats receiving nerve blocks had lower postoperative pain scores than the group without nerve blocks.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1136/VR.103861
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lingual gauze swab placement on pulse oximeter readings in anaesthetised dogs and cats. Following anaesthetic induction, the following pulse oximeter probe configurations were performed: no gauze swab (control), placement of a gauze swab between the tongue and the probe, placement of different thicknesses of gauze swab, placement of red cotton fabric, placement of a sheet of white paper and placement of the probe and gauze swab on different locations on the tongue. Oxygen saturation (SpO
Publisher: ScopeMed
Date: 18-05-2017
DOI: 10.4314/OVJ.V7I2.5
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/VSU.13115
Abstract: To determine whether the surgeon can influence the accuracy of milling during the TATE elbow arthroplasty by applying force to the milling arm during the milling procedure. In vitro study on Sawbone specimens. Thirty identical solid foam models of the canine right humerus, elbow joint, and antebrachium (size large). TATE elbow arthroplasty was performed on 30 elbows equally ided into 3 types of forces applied to the milling arm: (1) no force, (2) a maximally converging force, and (3) a maximally erging force using the center of rotation post as a reference point. The resulting component-bone interface and post fit were quantified with digital photography. The component-bone interface gap differed between techniques for most angles. The application of convergent or ergent milling forces frequently increased the component-bone interface gap. Post fit was also influenced by the milling technique, application of a convergent or ergent milling force affecting the fit of multiple posts. Interface gaps tended to be greater on the lateral aspect, an area that is not visible to the surgeon intraoperatively. In this bone model study, application of convergent or ergent forces during milling frequently resulted in greater component-bone interface gaps and poorer post fit than when a neutral position was maintained. Surgeons may affect implant fit within the constraints of the current arthroplasty system if they do not maintain a neutral position during milling. Greater component-bone interface gaps and poorer post fit may affect component osseointegration and lead to aseptic implant loosening.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 04-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1136/VR.104496
Abstract: Antibiotic prophylaxis in dogs undergoing surgical procedures frequently involves the administration of a product without a veterinary licence. Two drugs commonly used for this purpose are the clavulanate amoxicillin Augmentin and the cefuroxime Zinacef. This prospective observational study aims to compare the incidence of adverse events associated with these two antibiotics in a clinical setting. The authors hypothesised that a higher incidence of adverse effects would be observed with Augmentin. Sixty-five dogs were included in the study and adverse events were recorded using a modified scoring system. A significantly higher incidence of adverse events to Augmentin (8/22 36 per cent) was observed compared with Zinacef (1/43 2 per cent) (P=0.0003). The majority of these adverse events involved cutaneous signs and/or hypotension. These findings might be taken into consideration when selecting one of these intravenous antibiotics for prophylaxis in anaesthetised dogs undergoing surgery.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.VAA.2016.11.006
Abstract: The effect of user experience and inflation technique on endotracheal tube cuff pressure using a feline airway simulator. Prospective, experimental clinical study. Participants included veterinary students at the beginning (group S1) and end (group S2) of their 2-week anaesthesia rotation and veterinary anaesthetists (group A). The feline airway simulator was designed to simulate an average size feline trachea, intubated with a 4.5 mm low-pressure, high-volume cuffed endotracheal tube, connected to a Bain breathing system with oxygen flow of 2 L minute Participants were 12 students and eight anaesthetists. Measured intracuff pressures for palpation and MOV, respectively, were 19 ± 12 and 29 ± 19 cm H When using palpation and MOV for cuff inflation operators rarely achieved optimal intracuff pressures. Experience had no effect on this skill and, as such, a cuff manometer is recommended.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.VAA.2016.03.002
Abstract: To compare the running-drip and hanging-drop techniques for locating the epidural space in dogs. Prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Forty-five healthy dogs requiring epidural anaesthesia. Dogs were randomized into four groups and administered epidural anaesthesia in sternal (S) or lateral (L) recumbency. All blocks were performed by the same person using Tuohy needles with either a fluid-prefilled hub (HDo) or connected to a drip set attached to a fluid bag elevated 60 cm (RDi). The number of attempts, 'pop' sensation, clear drop aspiration or fluid dripping, time to locate the epidural space (TTLES) and presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were recorded. A morphine-bupivacaine combination was injected after positive identification. The success of the block was assessed by experienced observers based on perioperative usage of rescue analgesia. Data were checked for normality. Binomial variables were analysed with the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Non-parametric data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Normal data were studied with an anova followed by a Tukey's means comparison for groups of the same size. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Lateral recumbency HDo required more attempts (six of 11 dogs required more than one attempt) than SRDi (none of 11 dogs) (p = 0.0062). Drop aspiration was observed more often in SHDo (nine of 11 dogs) than in LHDo (two of 11 dogs) (p = 0.045). Mean (range) TTLES was longer in LHDo [47 (18-82) seconds] than in SHDo [20 (14-79) seconds] (p = 0.006) and SRDi [(34 (17-53) seconds] (p = 0.038). There were no differences in 'pop' sensation, presence of CSF, rescue analgesia or pain scores between the groups. The running-drip method is a useful and fast alternative technique for identifying the epidural space in dogs. The hanging-drop technique in lateral recumbency was more difficult to perform than the other methods, requiring more time and attempts.
Publisher: ScopeMed
Date: 03-07-2018
DOI: 10.4314/OVJ.V8I2.17
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.VAA.2019.02.007
Abstract: To compare the cranial spread of epidural injectates between lumbosacral (LS) and sacrococcygeal (SCo) approaches in order to guide volume selection for SCo epidural anaesthesia in the dog. Prospective, randomized cadaveric experimental study. A group of 13 adult greyhound cadavers. The greyhound cadavers were randomly allocated to receive an epidural injection of diluted contrast via the LS or SCo approach. Incremental volumes (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mL kg The cranial spread of contrast was similar at 0.1 mL kg The cranial spread of contrast was similar, independent of whether the epidural injection was performed in the LS or SCo intervertebral space. Current volume guidelines used for the LS approach may produce similar distribution patterns when the SCo approach is used. Further studies are required in order to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness and the adequacy in differently sized dogs of the results found herein.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.VAA.2019.02.006
Abstract: To compare two needle insertion techniques in a novel lateral approach to the radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous (RUMM) nerve block in cat cadavers. Prospective, cadaveric experimental study. A group of 18 feline cadavers. Cadavers were ided into two groups. Both thoracic limbs of each cat were 'blocked' using the 'in-plane' (IP) or 'out-of-plane' (OP) ultrasound (US)-guided method. A single operator with limited experience performed all the techniques. Cadavers were placed in lateral recumbency and the uppermost limb was injected before turning to 'block' the contralateral limb in the same manner. The IP method consisted of tracking the triceps brachii muscle until the radial (R) nerve could be identified in the same field of view as the ulnar, median and musculocutaneous (UMM) nerve bundle. A needle was guided by US towards the R nerve and subsequently, methylene blue (0.4 mL) was instilled adjacent to it. The needle was retracted and redirected to the UMM nerve bundle, and another 0.4 mL dye was instilled. For the OP technique, the limb was pronated at a 45° angle. The nerves were then identified with the R nerve directly above UMM nerves. A needle was directed OP deep towards UMM nerves and dye (0.4 mL) was instilled. The needle was retracted superficially and 0.4 mL dye instilled next to the R nerve. After dissection, the nerves were assessed and ≥6 mm of staining was considered a successful technique. A total of 18 RUMM 'blocks' were performed IP and 18 were performed OP. The IP technique was more successful than the OP technique (R nerve p = 0.0339 UMM nerves p = 0.0352). The lateral approach to the RUMM was achievable in cat cadavers using both needle insertion techniques. The IP technique was significantly more successful than the OP technique.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1136/VR.B4788
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-02-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11020538
Abstract: The aim was to evaluate if medetomidine and dexmedetomidine affected arterial ovarian blood flow in dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned to two different groups. In Group 1, medetomidine (10 µg/kg) was administered intramuscularly and, in Group 2, dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) was used. After a preliminary exam, arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured and a duplex Doppler ultrasonographic examination of both ovarian arteries was performed. Twenty minutes after the administration of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine, BP and ovarian Doppler ultrasonography were repeated. High quality tracings of ovarian artery flow velocity were obtained in all dogs and Doppler parameters: Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) and Resistive Index (RI) were measured before and after drug administration in the left (LO) and right (RO) ovaries. PSV and EDV values decreased significantly after drug administration (p 0.05) compared to the non-sedated values, but no differences were found between the LO and RO (p 0.05). The RI was not affected by drugs administration in neither of the groups studied (p 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine causes a decrease in blood flow velocity in the ovarian artery and may be a good choice to avoid excessive bleeding prior surgeries in which ovariectomy.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 09-05-2019
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the technique for a novel lateral approach to femoral nerve block in cat cadavers. Five feline cadavers were used in our prospective cadaveric experimental study. Ultrasonography was used to identify the anatomy injection site. Both pelvic limbs were injected with a volume (0.1 ml/kg) of methylene blue in each cat. The cadavers were placed in lateral recumbency, with the limb to be blocked positioned uppermost. The transducer was held perpendicular to the most proximal area of the pelvic limb, ventral to the greater trochanter and slightly cranial to the femur. Methylene blue was injected after the localisation of the femoral nerve. Immediately after the injection, the cat was turned and the technique was repeated on the contralateral side. After performing the ‘block’ in both limbs, the area was dissected bilaterally and the success was evaluated. A positive femoral nerve staining was considered for a coverage of ⩾1 cm. A total of 10 ultrasound-guided femoral nerve injections were performed. Ninety percent (n = 9/10) of the nerves were successfully dyed. The novel ultrasound-guided lateral approach may be suitable and reproducible for a successful femoral nerve blockade in cats. Further investigations about the clinical usefulness and safety of this femoral nerve block in live cats are required.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-12-2020
Abstract: The current clinical techniques for neuraxial needle placement in dogs are predominantly blind without prior knowledge of the depth required to reach the desired space. This study investigated the correlation and defined the relationship between easily obtainable external landmark variables in the dog occipital–coccygeal length (OCL) and ilium wings distance (IWD), with the skin to epidural and intrathecal space distances using computed tomography (CT). The CT images of 86 dogs of different breeds were examined in this retrospective observational study. Images of dogs in sternal recumbency were optimized to the sagittal view. The distances between the skin and lumbosacral epidural space (LSE) and skin to sacrococcygeal space (SCE) were measured to the ligamentum flavum surrogate (LFS) line. The distance between the skin and the intrathecal space (ITS) was measured from the skin to the vertebral canal at the interlumbar (L5–L6) space. Measurements of the IWD and OCL were performed on dorsal and scout views, respectively. Linear regression equations and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between variables. Data were reported as mean (standard deviation). Significance was set as alpha 0.05. After exclusion of four dogs, 82 CT scans were included. The depths were LSE 45 (15) mm, SCE 23 (10) mm, and ITS 50 (15) mm. There was a moderate correlation between OCL with LSE (=14.2 + OCL * 0.05 (r = 0.59, p 0.0001)), and a strong correlation with ITS (=11.4 + OCL * 0.07 (r = 0.76, p 0.0001)), while a very weak correlation was found with SCE (=14.0 + OCL * 0.02 (r = 0.27, p 0.0584)). Similarly, with IWD, there was a moderate correlation with LSE (=10.8 + IWD * 0.56 (r = 0.61, p 0.0001)), and strong correlation with ITS (=9.2 + IWD * 0.67 (r = 0.75, p 0.0001)), while a weak correlation was found with SCE (=11.2 + IWD * 0.2 (r = 0.32, p 0.0033)). Mathematical formulae derived from the multiple regression showed that the body condition score (BCS) improved the relationship between IWD and OCL and the LSE, SCE and ITS, while the addition of body weight was associated with multicollinearity. Further studies are required to determine the accuracy of the algorithms to demonstrate their ability for prediction in a clinical setting.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 08-2018
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To quantify the effect of time and recumbency on CT measurements of lung volume and attenuation in healthy cats under general anesthesia. ANIMALS 8 healthy research cats. PROCEDURES Anesthetized cats were positioned in sternal recumbency for 20 minutes and then in left, right, and left lateral recumbency (40 minutes osition). Expiratory helical CT scan of the thorax was performed at 0 and 20 minutes in sternal recumbency and at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes in each lateral recumbent position. For each lung, CT measurements of lung volume and attenuation and the extent of lung areas that were hyperaerated (−1,000 to −901 Hounsfield units [HU]), normoaerated (−900 to −501 HU), poorly aerated (−500 to −101 HU), or nonaerated (−100 to +100 HU [indicative of atelectasis]) were determined with a semiautomatic threshold-based technique. A restricted maximum likelihood analysis was performed. RESULTS In lateral recumbency, the dependent lung had significantly greater attenuation and a lower volume than the nondependent lung. Within the dependent lung, there was a significantly higher percentage of poorly aerated lung tissue, compared with that in the nondependent lung. These changes were detected immediately after positioning the cats in lateral recumbency and remained static with no further significant time-related change. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that once anesthetized healthy cats were positioned in lateral recumbency, the dependent lung lobes underwent a rapid reduction in lung volume and increase in lung attenuation that did not progress over time, predominantly attributable to an increase in poorly aerated lung tissue.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-10-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11102974
Abstract: This study aimed to validate previously published computed tomography (CT) derived mathematical equations with the true skin to lumbosacral epidural distance (SLED) in dog cadavers. Phase 1: The lumbar region of 11 dog cadavers were scanned in sternal recumbency to determine the effect of cranial, neutral, and caudal pelvic limb positioning on the CT derived lumbosacral epidural distance (CLED). Phase 2: The epidural space was determined using contrast epidurography, and the SLED was analysed against the mathematical equations using a body condition score (BCS) and either the cadaveric occipital-coccygeal length (OCL) (Equation (1): = 7.3 + 0.05*OCL + 16.45*BCS) or the ilium wing distance (IWD) (Equation (2): = 3.5 + 0.56*IWD + 16.6*BCS). There were no differences detected between the pelvic limb positions and the CLED. Both equations demonstrated strong correlations (Equation (1): r = 0.7196 Equation (2): r = 0.7590) with the SLED. The level of agreement was greater for Equation (1) than with Equation (2) (concordance coefficient 0.6061 and 0.3752, respectively). Equation (1) also demonstrated a closer fit to the concordance line compared with Equation (2) (bias correction factor 0.8422 and 0.4960, respectively). Further studies in live anaesthetised dogs will help to determine the usefulness of the pre-procedural knowledge when performing lumbosacral epidurals.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-10-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11102996
Abstract: The study aimed to compare bupivacaine onset time when administered via epidural anaesthesia injecting both at the lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal spaces, spinal anaesthesia, and DPE in clinical dogs. A total of 41 dogs requiring neuraxial anaesthesia as part of their anaesthetic protocol were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive an epidural injection in the sacrococcygeal space aided by the nerve stimulator (SCO), an epidural injection in the lumbosacral (LS), a subarachnoid injection (SPI), or a DPE. The onset of anaesthesia was assessed every 30 s after the injection by testing the presence of patellar ligament reflex. The number of attempts and time to perform the technique were also recorded. Data were analysed using a one-way ANOVA for trimmed means with post hoc Lincoln test and a Kaplan–Meier curve. The significance level was set at p 0.05, and the results are presented in absolute values and median (range). There was no difference in the number of attempts required to complete the techniques between groups (p = 0.97). Epidural injections (LS and SCO) tended to be shorter than SPI and DPE techniques, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.071). The time to the disappearance of patellar ligament reflex (Westphal’s sign) in the SCO group was longer than in any other group. In conclusion, all techniques provided a rapid block of the patellar reflex. The SCO technique was the slowest in onset, while the other groups (SPI, DPE, and LS) were faster and almost indistinguishable.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 04-2019
Abstract: To evaluate 3 doses of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DPTA) for hepatic CT and cholangiography in cats and to determine optimal timing for hepatobiliary image acquisition and evaluation of the contrast-enhanced hepatobiliary anatomy. 6 healthy cats. Cats were anesthetized sequential CT scans were performed 0, 5, 25, 45, 65, and 85 minutes after IV administration of Gd-EOB-DTPA at low (0.0125 mmol/kg), medium (0.1 mmol/kg), and high (0.3 mmol/kg) doses. Hepatobiliary enhancement for each dose was objectively assessed over time and by use of a subjective semiquantitative visual assessment score. No contrast-related adverse effects were detected. Each increase in dose of contrast medium resulted in a significant increase in HU across the hepatobiliary system. The liver had a significantly higher number of HU at 45 minutes, with homogenous enhancement at all doses of contrast medium. Contrast-enhanced cystic and bile duct HU were significantly higher and maximal at 65 minutes. Contrast-enhanced gallbladder HU did not plateau by 85 minutes. At a high dose of contrast medium, 12 of 60 (20%) biliary tract scores indicated no enhancement, 34 (57%) indicated poor enhancement, and 14 (23%) indicated moderate enhancement. No cat had excellent enhancement of the biliary tract at any dose. Gd-EOB-DTPA–enhanced hepatic CT and cholangiography in cats were safely performed and provided good hepatic enhancement but poor to moderate enhancement of the biliary tract. This technique may be useful for assessing the liver parenchyma in cats, but its value for assessing the biliary tract is questionable.
No related grants have been discovered for Fernando Martinez-Taboada.