Mg/kg PO (kg + po)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Antimicrobial Use in the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004
Peter D. Constable
Calves with diarrhea often have small intestinal overgrowth with Escherichia coli bacteria, regardless of the inciting cause for the diarrhea, and 30% of systemically ill calves with diarrhea have bacteremia, predominantly because of E coli. Antimicrobial treatment of diarrheic calves should therefore be focused against E coli in the small intestine and blood, the 2 sites of infection. Fecal bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is not recommended in calves with diarrhea because fecal bacterial populations do not accurately reflect small intestinal or blood bacterial populations and because the break points for susceptibility test results have not been validated. Antimicrobial efficacy is therefore best evaluated by the clinical response of a number of calves to treatment, with calves randomly assigned to treatment groups. Amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, neomycin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline administered PO are currently labeled in the United States for the treatment of calf diarrhea. On the basis of published evidence for the oral administration of these antimicrobial agents, only amoxicillin can be recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. Dosage recommendations are amoxicillin trihydrate (10 mg/kg PO q12h) or amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium (12.5 mg combined drug/kg PO q12h) for at least 3 days; the latter constitutes extra-label drug use. Parenteral administration of broad-spectrum ,-lactam antimicrobials,eftiofur (2.2mg/kg IM orSCq12h) and amoxicillin or ampicillin (10 mg/kg IM q12h),rpotentiatedsulfonamides(25 mg/kg IV or IM q24h) is recommended for treating calves with diarrhea and systemic illness; both constitute extra-label drug use. In calves with diarrhea and no systemic illness (normal appetite for milk, no fever), it is recommended that the health of the calf be monitored and that oral or parenteral antimicrobials not be administered. [source]


Microbiologic Evaluation of Gallbladder Bile of Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Iatrogenic Hypercortisolism: A Pilot Study

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
P.H. Kook
Background: In people, hypercortisolism (HC) has been associated with acalculous cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia, which may potentiate ascending biliary infections. In dogs, an association between HC and gallbladder disease recently has been documented, although the role of bacteria remains controversial. Furthermore, there is no information on the gallbladder bile microbial flora in healthy dogs. Objectives: To investigate the microbial flora in gallbladder bile in healthy dogs, the relationship between iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism and bactibilia and possible changes in biliary microbial flora after cortisol withdrawal in dogs. Animals: Six control dogs and 6 dogs treated with hydrocortisone. Methods: Gallbladder bile obtained by percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis was cultured aerobically and anaerobically and examined cytologically before (d0), during (d28, d56, d84), and after (d28p, d56p, d84p) administration of hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg PO q12h). Results: In the control group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp.; Escherichia coli on d0) and 1/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d28). In the HC group, 2/42 bile cultures yielded bacterial growth (Enterococcus sp. on d28; Bacillus sp. on d28p) and 3/42 bile smears had cytological evidence of bacteria (d84, d84, d28p). All dogs remained healthy throughout the study period (168d). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Based on the results of conventional bacterial culture techniques, gallbladder bile of healthy dogs periodically may harbor bacteria, which do not appear to be clinically relevant. A 3-month period of iatrogenic HC was not associated with bactibilia. A higher prevalence of bactibilia may be detected with micromolecular techniques. [source]


Evaluation of Pimobendan and N-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009
K.J. Atkinson
Background: Pimobendan is a positive inotrope and vasodilator that may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease. Hypothesis: Pimobendan decreases the severity of PHT measured echocardiographically and improves quality-of-life scores. Changes in N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations will reflect improvement in severity of PHT. Animals: Ten client-owned dogs with peak tricuspid regurgitant flow velocity (TRFV) ,3.5 m/s. Methods: Prospective short-term, double-blinded, crossover design, with a long-term, open-label component. Short term, dogs were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or pimobendan (0.18,0.3 mg/kg PO q12 h) for 14 days. After a 1-week washout, they received the alternative treatment for 14 days, followed by pimobendan open-label for 8 weeks. Results: Short-term comparison: peak TRFV decreased in all dogs on pimobendan compared with placebo from a median of 4.40 (range, 3.2,5.6) to 3.75 (range, 2.4,4.8) m/s (P < .0001). NT-proBNP concentration decreased after treatment with pimobendan from a median of 2,143 (range, 450,3,981) to 1,329 (range, 123,2,411) pmol/L (P= .0009). All dogs improved their quality-of-life score (P= .006). In the long-term comparisons, peak TRFV decreased in all dogs from a median of 4.28 (range, 3.5,5.7) to 3.52 (range, 2.4,5.0) m/s (P < .0001). No significant changes in NT-proBNP or quality-of-life scores were detected. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Pimobendan lowered severity of measurable PHT, improved quality-of-life scores, and decreased NT-proBNP concentrations short-term. Long term, only the reduction in TRFV was maintained. [source]


Predictive Factors and the Effect of Phenoxybenzamine on Outcome in Dogs Undergoing Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2008
M.A. Herrera
Background: Some studies in dogs undergoing adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma suggest that anesthetic complications and perioperative mortality are common. In humans, surgical outcome has improved with the use of phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) before adrenalectomy. Hypothesis: Dogs treated with PBZ before adrenalectomy have increased survival compared with untreated dogs. Animals: Forty-eight dogs that underwent adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. Methods: A retrospective medical record review for dogs that underwent adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma at a veterinary medical teaching hospital over the period from January 1986 through December 2005. Results: Twenty-three of 48 dogs were pretreated with PBZ (median dosage: 0.6 mg/kg PO q12h) for a median duration of 20 days before adrenalectomy. Duration of anesthesia and surgery, percentage of dogs with pheochromocytoma involving the right versus left adrenal gland, size of tumor, and presence of vascular invasion were similar for PBZ-treated and untreated dogs. Thirty-three (69%) of 48 dogs survived adrenalectomy in the perioperative period. PBZ-treated dogs had a significantly (P= .014) decreased mortality rate compared with untreated dogs (13 versus 48%, respectively). Additional significant prognostic factors for improved survival included younger age (P= .028), lack of intraoperative arrhythmias (P= .0075), and decreased surgical time (P= .0089). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results from this retrospective study support treatment with PBZ before surgical removal of pheochromocytoma in dogs. [source]


Efficacy of Ronidazole for Treatment of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus Infection

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006
Jody L. Gookin
Objectives: To determine the efficacy of ronidazole (RDZ), tinidazole (TDZ), and metronidazole (MDZ) against Tritrichomonas foetus in vitro and of RDZ for treatment of feline naturally occurring or experimentally induced T foetus infection. Animals: A cat naturally infected with T foetus infection and diarrhea. Ten specific-pathogen-free (SPF) kittens. Procedure: RDZ, TDZ, and MDZ were tested for activity against 3 different feline isolates of T foetus in vitro. RDZ then was administered to a naturally infected cat at 10 mg/kg PO q24h for 10 days. SPF kittens were infected orogastrically with feline T foetus and treated with either placebo or RDZ (10 mg/kg PO q12h for 14 days). Cats with relapsing infection or those receiving placebo were treated subsequently with RDZ (either 30 or 50 mg/kg PO q12h for 14 days). Feces were examined for T foetus by direct microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing weekly. Results: Both RDZ and TDZ killed T foetus at concentrations >0.1 ,g/mL in vitro. In the naturally infected cat, RDZ abolished diarrhea and T foetus infection for 85 days after treatment, at which time infection and diarrhea relapsed. Retreatment with RDZ eradicated diarrhea and T foetus infection for over 407 days. In experimentally induced infection, RDZ at 10 mg/kg caused initial improvement, but infection relapsed in all 5 cats 2 to 20 weeks after treatment. At 30 or 50 mg/kg, 10/10 cats were negative for T foetus infection for follow-up durations of 21 to 30 weeks after treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Oral administration of RDZ at 30 to 50 mg/kg q12h for 14 days resolved diarrhea and eradicated infection (on the basis of polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing) in 1 naturally infected cat and 10 experimentally inoculated cats receiving a different isolate of T foetus. [source]


Pharmacodynamics of Carvedilol in Conscious, Healthy Dogs

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2006
Sonya G. Gordon
The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the magnitude and duration of beta-blocking efficacy, determine an effective dose and dosing interval, and document safety and tolerability of carvedilol given orally in clinically normal dogs. Pharmacodynamic data were evaluated in conscious, unrestrained, healthy hound dogs at baseline and after long-term oral administration of carvedilol (1.5 mg/kg of body weight PO q12h for >5 days). At baseline, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) data were collected continuously for 24 hours, and complete echocardiography was performed. This protocol was repeated after long-term oral carvedilol administration. Additionally, isoproterenol was administered to evaluate the magnitude and duration of the nonselective beta-blocking efficacy of carvedilol. An isoproterenol challenge was performed 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after carvedilol administration, with echocardiography being performed once at 2 hours. Plasma samples were obtained prior to each challenge time point for determination of plasma carvedilol concentration. Time series regression analysis indicated no difference between baseline and carvedilol-induced HR or BP trend lines in 6 of 8 dogs. In 2 of 8 dogs, HR, after long-term carvedilol administration, was reduced. Carvedilol attenuated isoproterenol-induced changes in HR by 54,76% through 12 hours and by 30% at 24 hours. The BP changes were attenuated by 80,100% through 12 hours. These data suggest that carvedilol (1.5 mg/kg PO q12h) in healthy, conscious dogs confers nonselective beta blockade for 12 hours, with minimal effects on resting HR, BP, and echocardiographic variables. Additionally, the magnitude of beta blockade correlated strongly to peak plasma carvedilol concentration, suggesting that therapeutic drug monitoring may be clinically useful. [source]


Neurohormonal and Circulatory Effects of Short-Term Treatment with Enalapril and Quinapril in Dogs with Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2005
Sophia Gry Moesgaard
The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 2 angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on neurohormonal and circulatory variables in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with asymptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR). Ten CKCSs with mild to severe untreated MR were treated with 2 ACE inhibitors, quinapril and enalapril (each at 0.5 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days), in a double-blind, crossover study with a washout period of 7 days between treatments. Blood samples were drawn and echocardiography was performed on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Both treatments reduced ACE activity (P < .001) and increased renin activity (P < .001) and atrial natriuretic peptide concentration (P < .005). The ACE inhibitors had no effect on the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite (NOx) or asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). On day 0, a lower NOx concentration (P= .02) was found in samples taken in the clinic as compared to samples taken in the homes of the dogs. Quinapril caused a significant reduction in more variables that reflect the severity of MR (eg, jet size and left ventricular end diastolic diameter) than did enalapril. However, in terms of specific variables, no significant difference was identified between the effects of the 2 treatments on MR. These results suggest that ACE inhibitors do not affect NOx and ADMA concentrations in asymptomatic dogs, but exercise, stress, or some combination may influence NOx concentrations in these dogs. [source]


Unique Radiographic Appearance of Bone Marrow Metastasis of an Insulin-Secreting Beta-Cell Carcinoma in a Dog

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005
Erika Haschke Pickens
A9-year-old, neutered male Border Collie,mix dog presented to the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinics (LSU-VTH&C) for evaluation of chronic, intermittent vomiting of 6 months' duration. The episodes of vomiting, along with decreased appetite and lethargy, had occurred sporadically during these 6 months. One day before referral, episodes of acute collapse and weakness in the pelvic limbs were noticed. A CBC and serum biochemistry had been performed on several occasions during the previous 6 months by the referring veterinarian and each time, high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was found. An ACTH stimulation test also had been performed 8 weeks before referral and results were normal. On 2 separate occasions, therapeutic dietary trialsa, b and symptomatic treatment with metoclopramidec (0.5 mg/kg PO q8h) did not improve the clinical signs. In addition, the dog had lost 6 pounds of body weight over the 6-month period [source]


Antimicrobial Use in the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2004
Peter D. Constable
Calves with diarrhea often have small intestinal overgrowth with Escherichia coli bacteria, regardless of the inciting cause for the diarrhea, and 30% of systemically ill calves with diarrhea have bacteremia, predominantly because of E coli. Antimicrobial treatment of diarrheic calves should therefore be focused against E coli in the small intestine and blood, the 2 sites of infection. Fecal bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is not recommended in calves with diarrhea because fecal bacterial populations do not accurately reflect small intestinal or blood bacterial populations and because the break points for susceptibility test results have not been validated. Antimicrobial efficacy is therefore best evaluated by the clinical response of a number of calves to treatment, with calves randomly assigned to treatment groups. Amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, neomycin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline administered PO are currently labeled in the United States for the treatment of calf diarrhea. On the basis of published evidence for the oral administration of these antimicrobial agents, only amoxicillin can be recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. Dosage recommendations are amoxicillin trihydrate (10 mg/kg PO q12h) or amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium (12.5 mg combined drug/kg PO q12h) for at least 3 days; the latter constitutes extra-label drug use. Parenteral administration of broad-spectrum ,-lactam antimicrobials,eftiofur (2.2mg/kg IM orSCq12h) and amoxicillin or ampicillin (10 mg/kg IM q12h),rpotentiatedsulfonamides(25 mg/kg IV or IM q24h) is recommended for treating calves with diarrhea and systemic illness; both constitute extra-label drug use. In calves with diarrhea and no systemic illness (normal appetite for milk, no fever), it is recommended that the health of the calf be monitored and that oral or parenteral antimicrobials not be administered. [source]


Treatment of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs with Cyclophosphamide

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2000
Kristine Burgess
A review of 60 cases of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in the dog was performed in order to characterize the disease and to identify potential prognostic indicators. Dogs ranged in age from 1 to 13 years, with a mean age of 6.5 years. The 2 most commonly affected breeds were Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers. Fifty-two of the 60 dogs tested (87%) were autoagglu-tination positive and spherocytes were present in 45 (75%). Forty-one (89%) of 46 patients tested positive for the presence of immunoglobulin on the red blood cell surface (Coombs assay). The most common clinical signs at presentation were lethargy, weakness, pale mucous membranes, icterus, hemoglobinuria, and anorexia. PCV less than 25% was present in 59 (98%) dogs. At the time of presentation, 35 dogs (58%) had a nonregenerative anemia, whereas 25 patients (42%) had a regenerative response. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 41 (68%) dogs. Nine of 34 dogs (26%) had a prolonged prothrombin time, 19 of 34 (56%) had a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin clotting time, and 12 of 34 (35%) had abnormal fibrinogen concentrations. All dogs received prednisone at immunosuppressive doses (2.2,4.4 mg/kg PO as a single or divided dose every 24 hours) and cyclophosphamide as primary therapy. Forty-one dogs (63%) received cyclophosphamide at 50 mg/m2 q24h for 4 days, whereas 9 dogs (15%) received an initial high dose (200 mg/m2) followed by 3 days of a lower dose (50 mg/m2 q24h). No statistical difference in survival times was found for either protocol. Thirteen dogs were treated with azathioprine in addition to cyclophosphamide and prednisone. The median survival time of dogs that received all 3 drugs was 370 days as compared to 9 days for those dogs that were treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone alone. Thirty-one (52%) dogs died from the disease, 13 (22%) dogs were alive, and 15 (25%) dogs were lost to follow-up. The median length of survival for all dogs was 21 days. Eight dogs that were discharged from the hospital suffered a relapse (PCV < 25%). [source]


Biliary excretion of technetium-99m-sestamibi in wild-type dogs and in dogs with intrinsic (ABCB1-1, mutation) and extrinsic (ketoconazole treated) P-glycoprotein deficiency

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2009
J. C. COELHO
P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of ABCB1 gene, is thought to play a role in the biliary excretion of a variety of drugs, but specific studies in dogs have not been performed. Because a number of endogenous (ABCB1 polymorphisms) and exogenous (pharmacological P-gp inhibition) factors can interfere with normal P-gp function, a better understanding of P-gp's role in biliary drug excretion is crucial in preventing adverse drug reactions and drug,drug interactions in dogs. The objectives of this study were to compare biliary excretion of technetium-99m-sestamibi (99mTc-MIBI), a radio-labelled P-gp substrate, in wild-type dogs (ABCB1 wild/wild), and dogs with intrinsic and extrinsic deficiencies in P-gp function. Dogs with intrinsic P-gp deficiency included ABCB1 mut/mut dogs, and dogs with presumed intermediate P-gp phenotype (ABCB1 mut/wild). Dogs with extrinsic P-gp deficiency were considered to be ABCB1 wild/wild dogs treated with the P-gp inhibitor ketoconazole (5 mg/kg PO q12h × 9 doses). Results from this study indicate that ABCB1 mut/mut dogs have significantly decreased biliary excretion of 99mTc-MIBI compared with ABCB1 wild/wild dogs. Treatment with ketoconazole significantly decreased biliary excretion of 99mTc-MIBI in ABCB1 wild/wild dogs. P-gp appears to play an important role in the biliary excretion of 99mTc-MIBI in dogs. It is likely that concurrent administration of a P-gp inhibitor such as ketoconazole will decrease P-gp-mediated biliary excretion of other substrate drugs as well. [source]


Inguinal panniculitis in a young Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) caused by Mycobacterium mageritense

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010
G Reppas
A 1-year-old, entire male Tasmanian devil living in captivity was presented because of a nodular inguinal lesion that subsequently developed a draining sinus tract. A second, similar lesion developed later in the ipsilateral axillary region. A deep representative biopsy specimen of abnormal subcutaneous tissue showed chronic active pyogranulomatous inflammation and beaded Gram-positive and acid-fast bacilli situated in lipid vacuoles within the lesion. A rapidly growing Mycobacterium species, shown subsequently to be M. mageritense, was grown from a swab of the primary lesion. It was susceptible to tetracyclines (including doxycycline) and moxifloxacin in vitro. The lesions resolved following treatment with doxycycline monohydrate (50 mg PO once daily) and then moxifloxacin (10 mg/kg PO for 20 days). The infection probably resulted from inoculation of subcutaneous tissues by material containing this Mycobacterium following fight or bite injuries. The presentation is reminiscent of similar lesions attributable to rapidly growing mycobacterial infections of the subcutis observed in domestic cats and quolls. [source]


Treatment of canine leproid granuloma syndrome: preliminary findings in seven dogs

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001
R MALIK
Objective To determine effective treatment strategies for patients with refractory canine leproid granuloma syndrome. Design Multi-institutional retrospective/prospective case series using client-owned dogs. Procedure Seven dogs (four Boxers, one Dobermann, one Bullmastiff and one Bullmastiff cross-bred; ages 3 to 11 years) with leproid granulomas were treated successfully using a variety of treatment regimens. These cases were recruited because: lesions were either widely distributed over the dog; progressive, despite routine therapy, or were associated with particularly disfiguring lesions. The treatment regimen evolved during the course of the clinical study. Results Combination therapy using rifampicin (5 to 15 mg/kg PO, every 24 h) and clarithromycin (8 to 24 mg/kg PO daily; dose divided every 8 or every 12 h) was used most frequently and proved to be effective and free from side effects. Total daily doses of clarithromycin in excess of 14 mg/kg were considered optimal and long treatment courses, in the order of 1 to 3 months, were used. Combination therapy using rifampicin (25 mg/kg; that is, higher than the recommended dose) and clofazimine was effective in one case, but resulted in hepatotoxicity. A topical formulation of clofazimine in petroleum jelly was used as an adjunct to oral rifampicin and doxycycline in another patient treated successfully. Conclusion Based on our evolving clinical experience, a combination of rifampicin (10 to 15 mg/kg PO, every 24 h) and clarithromycin (15 to 25 mg/kg PO total daily dose; given divided every 8 to 12 h) is currently recommended for treating severe or refractory cases of canine leproid granuloma syndrome. Treatment should be continued (typically for 4 to 8 weeks) until lesions are substantially reduced in size and ideally until lesions have resolved completely. A topical formulation, containing clofazimine in petroleum jelly may be used as an adjunct to systemic drug therapy. Further work is required to determine the most cost effective treatment regimen for this condition. [source]