رضا آویزه

The main objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of renal volume measured with ultrasonography to real volume in ten native dogs that were candidates for euthanasia due to severe injuries sustained in traffic accidents. Furthermore, correlations of renal dimensions in ultrasonography, such as length, width, and height, were determined with real ones. Initially, the dimensions of the right and left kidneys were determined using ultrasonography. Renal volume was measured using two different methods. The first method consisted of choosing automatic volume measurement in an ultrasonography unit. The volume formula of a prolonged ellipsoid (length × width × height × 0.523) was used in the second method. The real renal dimensions (golden standard) were measured during celiotomy and after necropsy, and the true volume of kidneys was calculated using water displacement. Linear regression analysis was used to determine correlations between renal dimensions and volume in ultrasonography with real ones. Results showed that renal dimensions and volume measured in ultrasonography were lower than actual measurements. There were positive and statistically significant correlations between renal volume in ultrasonography and actual renal volume. However, the correlation coefficient (r) of volume determined by the formula was greater than that of the automatic volume method, and its mean was closer to that of the real volume mean. There were also positive and significant correlations between renal dimensions measured with ultrasonography and those measured in real measurement. No significant difference was found between renal dimensions measured during celiotomy and after necropsy. These findings indicate that ultrasonographic measurements underestimated renal dimensions and volume, and the formula method provided more accurate results than the automatic volume method.

Yersinia enterocolitica is one of the most important pathogens transmitted through the digestive tract of pets (dogs and cats) to human. This bacterium is the causative agent of enterocolitis in human. The present study was performed on one hundred dogs (fifty clinically healthy and fifty affected to diarrhea) referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. All characteristics of dogs such as age, gender, breed, gastrointestinal status for diarrhea and characteristic of diarrhea (heamorrhagic), history of raw meat consumption and dog origin were recorded. Then, two stool specimens were taken using sterile glove and swab of the rectum area. The samples were also examined for direct culture and enriched culture (in the buffered peptone water at temperature of 4° C). In cases that the grown colonies were suspected to Yersinia, initial tests (catalase, oxidase and gram staining) were performed and identified with biochemical tests. The probable isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica were recognized by PCR technique and then foxA gene was used to identify bacterium and determine the virulence with ail gene (pathogenicity). Three suspected isolates from one hundred samples (one case of healthy dogs and two cases of diarrheic animals) were included in the results of direct culture. Results of enriched culture were composed of six suspected isolates from one hundred cases (three out of healthy dogs and three other cases of diarrheic animals). Finally, out of the nine suspected isolates to Yersinia, only one sample was confirmed for Yersinia enterocolitica that was negative for ail virulence gene. The positive sample was belonged to a healthy, male and ten-months-old Pit bull terrier imported dog that was fed with raw meat. The results of this study showed that the dogs of this area cannot be considered as a potential reservoir for transmission of Yersinia enterocolitica. Further studies are necessary to determine the status of the disease, with more emphasis on the imported and rural dogs.

Intraosseous infusion is considered a useful technique for administration of medications and fluids in emergency situations when peripheral intravascular access is unsuccessful. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intraosseous (IO) versus intravenous (IV) administration of oxytetracycline for delivery of antibiotic to the central circulation in dogs. Four intact mongrel dogs weighing 15-20 Kg of both sexes between 1 to 3 years old received 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline intravenously. The animals were allowed to recover, and, after a two-week timeout period, each dog received the same antibiotic and dose as before through a femoral Jamshidi bone marrow needle. Blood samples were taken for antibiotic assay immediately before and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 24 hours after injections using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences between serum oxytetracycline levels comparing intraosseous and intravenous administration at all assay intervals. Serum levels of oxytetracycline after IV administration were significantly higher than those after IO injection at all time intervals but decreased significantly at 24 hours after injection. Peak oxytetracycline serum concentrations were achieved in IV (7.69±1.25 µg/ml) and IO (4.20±0.09 µg/ml) routs after 0.5 and 2.5 hours, respectively. However, Oxytetracycline levels were above therapeutic concentration by both intravenous and intraosseous routes. No side effects were observed in relation with the intraosseous administration of the drug. Thus, IO route appears to be practical and effective for the rapid delivery of oxytetracycline in dogs. In conclusion, oxytetracycline may be administered intraosseously when intravenous access is not possible.

Enterococci are a part of the opportunistic pathogens, which are very important in medicine. These bacteria can cause a variety of diseases in both dogs and human. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency detection of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in companion dogs in Ahvaz and review of risk factors including age, gender, breed and diarrheic status in animals. Also, the prevalence of virulence genes was evaluated including gelatinase (gelE) and (ccf) and antibiotic susceptibility measured in obtained samples. Sampling was performed from the rectum of the 150 dogs (36 cases diarrheic and 114 non-diarrheic). The samples were evaluated by two methods of bacterial culture and PCR. In bacterial culture, 122 isolates, suspected to Enterococcus species, were isolated and subsequently the detection of SodA gene specific to Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium was performed by PCR. Overall forty-five positive isolates were identified, which thirty four of which were Enterococcus faecalis (75.5%) and 11 were Enterococcus faecium (24.5 %). In regard to identify virulence genes (gelE and ccf), 36 out of 45 isolates were positive for virulence genes. Twenty six isolates (57.77%) had virulence genes, 5 isolates (11.11%) ccf gene and 5 other isolates (11.11%) gelE gene. In all, nine isolates (20%) had no virulence gene. Fourteen different antibiotics were used to determine antibiotic susceptibility that indicated all isolates were resistant to azithromycin, streptomycin, ampicillin and imipenem. Thereafter, the highest resistance was related to erythromycin and cephalexin (95.5%), trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (84.4%) and gentamicin (80%), respectively. Also, the highest sensitivity was related to nitrofurantoin (62.2%), penicillin G (60%) and enrofloxacin (55.5%), respectively. There was no significant relationship between risk factors such as age, gender, breed and diarrheic condition with the presence of Enterococcus in the studied dogs (P>0.05). The results showed that the prevalence of Enterococci was relatively significant (30%) in dogs of Ahvaz district. Antibiotic resistance was significant in the two species of Enterococci. Finally, because of the very high importance of antibiotic resistance, appropriate administration of antibiotics is recommended.

Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), also known as Cushing's syndrome, is caused by chronic exposure to excessive glucocorticoids. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical (especially ophthalmic) findings of dogs with HAC to increase recognition of suspicious cases in clinical routines. This study was examined on thirty dogs from Tehran, Mazandaran, and Guilan provinces between April 2021 and May 2022. The dogs included in the current study, who all had confirmed Hyperadrenocorticism, were selected based on the clinical findings suggestive Cushing disease as well as positive low-dose dexamethasone-suppression test. Then, general information, clinical signs, and ophthalmic factors were examined and recorded. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, McNemar test, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc test. The mean age for the dogs with HAC was 9.7 years. The risk of HAC was also higher in neutered than intact dogs and also in terrier breed than other ones. Furthermore, significant differences were statistically observed concerning ophthalmic evaluations, including eye lesions, palpebral reflex, ophthalmic structural disorders, conjunctival, sclera, lens, retina, iris, and optic nerve involvement. However, gender, breed, common clinical manifestations, behavioural status, PLR test, menace test, dazzle test, cotton test, and corneal involvement did not show significant differences statistically. It was concluded that indoor and gonadectomized dogs had higher frequency in the studied population. We conducted epidemiological and clinical study of Cushing's disease in dogs in Iran, and for the first time, we examined the eye factors associated with this syndrome. These results support a better understanding of the canine hyperadrenocorticism in Iran. According to this study, the studied population resembles the profile described in European and North American epidemiologic studies, and the clinical picture of the HAC dog appears to be similar worldwide.

It has been documented that hemodynamic disturbances occur in hypovolemic patients. Therefore, the early management of hypovolemia is essential to achieve optimal outcomes. Blood gas, which changes rapidly during hemodynamic instability, can be used as a diagnostic approach for monitoring emergency patients. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the results of resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) or lactated Ringer's solution (LR) on venous and arterial blood gas. In addition, the difference between venous and arterial blood gas parameters is investigated to assess the possibility of using venous blood gas analysis as a successor for arterial blood gas analysis in the resuscitation of hypovolemic dogs. Venous and arterial pH, PO2, PCO2, HCO3-, and base excess were analyzed at the end of each study stage as follow: 1) Establishment of anesthesia, 2) Blood collection to an arterial mean pressure of 40-50 mm Hg, 3) Maintaining dogs in a hypovolemic state, 4) Resuscitation with LR (group A) or HES (group B) in four steps, and 5) One hour after the final resuscitation step. Hypovolemia decreased the studied parameters, except venous PCO2, which showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). Fluid resuscitation returned the studied parameters to the control values as venous PCO2 in group A and HCO3- in group B showed a significant change in comparison with the control values (p < 0.05). We found that venous pH, HCO3-, and PCO2 can be used as less invasive and safer alternatives to similar arterial parameters to monitor the fluid resuscitation of hypovolemic dogs.

Intermittent chest compression is still routinely used in resuscitation for hemorrhagic shock patients. There is a possibility that by using a different resuscitation method with interposed abdominal compressions, through forcing the blood from abdominal organs into the circulation and increasing intraperitoneal pressure, more blood pumps to heart. Therefore, in this study, chest compression resuscitation and interposed abdominal compressions resuscitation were compared in dogs with induced experimental hemorrhagic shock and electrocardiographic changes evaluated as an important diagnostic and monitoring tool in heart conduction and rhythm disorders. Thus hemorrhagic shock was induced by drawing blood from femoral artery in 15 dogs under anesthesia and continued until pulseless electrical activity achieved. The dogs were kept pulseless for 20 minutes, then were randomized to three treatment groups - fluid resuscitation alone with Ringer's lactate solution, chest compressions with fluid resuscitation, and interposed abdominal compression with fluid resuscitation. Resuscitation was conducted until reaching the point of return of spontaneous circulation. Electrocardiograms were recorded before the induction of hemorrhage, at the time that the pulse was lost, after 20 minutes of pulseless state and at the point of return of spontaneous circulation. Changes in P and QRS waves amplitudes, QT interval, heart rate, and electrical axis and morphology of ST segment was significant in different times within groups. but there were no significant changes in P and QRS durations and PR interval and heart rhythm. There were no significant changes in any parameter with different type of resuscitation method. Finally mixed effect of time and groups were also statistically insignificant in all parameters. In conclusion, it seems that there is no positive impact in electrocardiographic parameters using either of chest compression only or interposed abdominal compression resuscitation methods in dogs with induced hemorrhagic shock.

Allergic contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with an offending substance. The aim of this study was to establish a suitable method for induction of allergic contact dermatitis in dogs for future studies. For this purpose, 1% and 2% dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) were injected with and without ethanol and olive oil or acetone and olive oil subcutaneously in the back of 8 BALB/c mice (4 equal groups). Then, based on the types and severity of the symptoms, it was decided to sensitize the dogs with only 2% DNCB. Finally, in two stages, 2% DNCB with or without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was injected with ethanol or acetone and olive oil subcutaneously in thoracic and scapular regions of five dogs. Two percent DNCB challenge caused clinical findings including erythema, edema and skin scaling, as well as pruritus and scratching behavior in the mice. Clinical findings in dogs developed in mild severity including redness and swelling within a few days. There was a significant increase in total blood leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes counts at seven days in dogs. Also statistical analysis showed that one week after DNCB injection, IgE expression increased significantly and this increase continued until day twenty-one. Based on the result of this study, intradermal injection of 100 μL of 2% DNCB mixture with DMSO (dissolved in a 4:1 mixture of ethanol and olive oil) was a suitable method for induction of allergic contact dermatitis in dogs. Furthermore, the scapular region was also a convenient location to prevent self-induced lesions.

There are a variety of methods to induce anesthesia in animals. Oral anesthetic drugs are suitable for short-term restraint in most healthy animals. The aim of the present study was a comparative evaluation of the effects of anesthetic drugs ketamine, ketamine with acepromazine or midazolam as oral on vital signs, anesthesia duration, and neural reflexes in the cat. This study was performed on fifteen clinically healthy adult cats that were categorized into three equal groups A (alone ketamine), B (ketamine with acepromazine), and C (ketamine with midazolam). In group A; ketamine was administrated with a dosage 80 mg/kg oral once. In group B; first acepromazine was given 0.15 mg/kg and after thirty-minute, ketamine was eaten to cats. Group C was similar to group B; with the difference that midazolam was administrated 0.3 mg/kg instead of acepromazine. Group B had the lowest fluctuations in heart rate and group C was better for the influence on temperature and respiratory. There were no significant variations for neural reflexes; however, there was a significant difference for anesthesia duration between groups B (37.2 minutes), and C (37.4) with group A (26). Induction of anesthesia was better in groups B (14.6±1.4 minutes), and C (15.6±1.14) compared with group A (20±2.34). The time of first voluntary movement was recorded in minutes of 38.2±2.38, 43±2.43, and 44.8±3.27 for groups A, B, and C respectively. The oral administration of ketamine with midazolam or acepromazine is a better method than alone ketamine for induction of anesthesia in cats, because of the longer anesthesia duration and fewer muscle tremors.

The thymus is an organ of the lymphatic and immune system that has great importance in young animals. This study aimed to evaluate the dimensions, echogenicity and location of the thymus in healthy mongrel puppies during the first 5 months of life using radiography and ultrasonography. For this study, two pregnant bitches from mongrel breeds were prepared and five healthy male puppies isolated after their parturition for monthly evaluation in the first 5 months of life. Radiographic evaluation of the thymus was done on plain radiographs in right lateral and ventrodorsal views. Ultrasonography also was performed with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer, while the animal was restrained on dorsal recumbency position and slightly tilted to the right or left side. Based on a two-way analysis of variance, only age had a significant effect on the dimensions of the thymus gland. The highest means (±SD) of length, width, surface and volume of the thymus were estimated 32.00±2.35 mm, 7.08±0.43 mm, 1.62±0.5 cm2 and 0.72±0.38 cm3, respectively, at 2 months-old puppies. On the other hand, the lowest means (±SD) of length, width, surface and volume of the thymus were estimated 24.26±2.29 mm, 6.08±0.28 mm, 1.16±0.44 cm2 and 0.47±0.21 cm3, respectively, at 5 months-old puppies. Thymus shadows were observed in only four radiographs taken from the ventrodorsal view of puppies. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that the thymus of mongrel puppies was regressed at about 4 months-old and ultrasonography as an available and method of choice can determine the exact dimensions of the thymus compared with X-ray examination.

Acute lung injury is characterized by accumulation of neutrophils in the lung, interstitial edema, and damage to the alveolar epithelium. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes an inflammatory response and the release of reactive oxygen species and cellular and tissue damage to the lungs. Considering the role of oxidative stress in infections and proving the antioxidant properties of montelukast in several studies, the effect of montelukast on acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (as a model of infection) in dogs was investigated in this study.

In this experimental study, 20 healthy dogs (both male and female dogs of native breed with an average weight of 20 kg) were divided into four equal groups. The first group received oral montelukast (1 mg/kg), the second group received intravenous LPS (0.1 µg/kg), the third group received montelukast one hour before LPS and the fourth group received montelukast one hour after LPS. Bronchoalveolar lavage and blood sampling were performed at hour zero and 1.5 hours after the start of the test and the amount of malondialdehyde, catalase activity, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in serum and lavage fluid were measured using a kit.

LPS significantly increased malondialdehyde levels (from 10.5 to 139.8 μmol) and decreased catalase activity (from 0.018 to 0.007 μmol) (p= 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (from 259 to 76.5 nmol) and the total antioxidant capacity (from 0.41 to 0.04 nmol) compared to hour zero. These changes were significantly adjusted by montelukast (p≤ 0.02).

The results of this study showed that montelukast can enhance antioxidant defense against acute lung injury induced by LPS.

Cardiac index is a criterion associated with cardiac output that measures the volume of blood pumped over time to the animal’s body surface area. Cardiac index is considered the reference standard parameter for targeting organ perfusion and oxygen delivery in shock.

For this purpose, ten mixed-breed male dogs ranging in age from 1.5 to 3.5 years were selected and after determination of body surface area, cardiac output was measured by Doppler echocardiography in eight stages. After induction of anesthesia and recording of vital signs, cardiac index evaluation was performed in control stage. Hypovolemic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained for additional 30 minutes under hypovolemic condition. The dogs were then randomly divided into two equal groups, each group was resuscitated with Ringer's lactate solution (20 ml/kg) or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (5 ml/kg) over four 15-min intervals.

Hypovolemic shock caused significantly decrease in cardiac index (2.3±0.1) compared to control stage (4.8±0.6) (p < 0.05). Following resuscitation, cardiac index increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

According to the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac index is an easy, affordable and reliable method to diagnose hypovolemia and monitor patients' response to fluid therapy.Conflict of interest: None declared.

Zinc is one of the most important nutrients in determining the appearance of the coat in dogs. Zinc deficiency occurs, most commonly as zinc responsive dermatosis, but zinc toxicity rarely occurs. The present study was conducted to detect the level of serum zinc concentration in urban and rural dogs of Ahvaz district, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A total of 250 serum samples of urban and rural dogs (clinically healthy) with different ages were randomly obtained. The classification was made by age, sex, breed and location. The dogs were divided into three groups based on age (≤1 year, 1-3 years and ≥3 years). The mean and standard deviation of zinc concentration was 1.21±0.04 mg/l in the studied dog's population. The frequency distribution of zinc showed that serum concentrations were 1.36±0.06 and 1.05±0.05 mg/l in urban and rural dogs respectively. The mean and standard deviation of zinc was in the normal range in all samples (1.21±0.04; 95% CI: 0.87-1.42). Serum zinc concentration was significantly higher in urban than rural dogs. Zinc concentration didn’t show a significant difference for different ages (1.16±0.09 less than one year, 1.15±0.06 between 1-3 years and 1.27±0.07 above 3 years), gender (1.41±0.10 in males and 1.33±0.08 for females in urban dogs and 1.06±0.07 in males and 1.03±0.08 for females in rural dogs), and breed (the most level in Boxer breed= 1.42±0.60 and the least level in Bulldog breed= 0.87±0.18). The present survey showed that the serum zinc concentration was significantly higher in the urban than rural dogs which are probably due to the better diet.

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs and cats. Hepatotoxicity following phenobarbital administration is dose-dependent.

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective action of silymarin on phenobarbital-in- duced hepatotoxicity in cats.

For this purpose, twenty-four healthy adult cats were randomly allotted to four equal groups. Cats in group A were given phenobarbital with dosage 16 mg/kg orally for 28 days; group B received silymarin (30 mg/kg/day for twenty-eight days) orally concurrent with phenobarbital; groups C and D were treated like group B, but silymarin was administered 3 and 48 h after administration of phenobarbital, respectively, and continued up to twenty-eight days. The serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino- transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured before administration of phenobarbital and after 24 h, 72 h and 28 days.

Phenobarbital elevated significantly serum concentrations of liver enzymes (in all cases), and total and direct bilirubin in two cats of group A, after 24 h (P <0.001). In groups, B and C, levels of serum enzyme activities and total and direct bilirubin remained within the normal range up to 28 days (P>0.05), while in group D, levels of serum enzyme activities (in 4 cases) were higher than the normal values (P<0.001).

The results showed that silymarin can protect liver tissue against oxidative stress in cats with phenobarbital intoxication especially in the first 3 h post-exposure.

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease which causes enteritis in human, dog, and cat, as well as other domestic and wild animals. The present study aimed to detect of campylobacter infection in companion cats referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Risk factors such as age, gender, breed; nutrition status, and lifestyle (open or close environment) were reviewed also. Fecal samples were examined by two methods of culture and PCR from one hundred one of cats (thirty-five diarrheic and sixty six clinically healthy). Only two samples were positive in culture method (1.98%), but Campylobacter species were detected in thirty-seven samples by PCR; which yields an overall prevalence of 36.63%. The most prevalent species of campylobacter among the referred cats were C. upsaliensis and C. coli with 23 and 7 out of 37 identified isolates (62.16% and 18.91%) respectively. A lower prevalence was observed for C. jejuni in four identified isolates (10.81%) and for concurrent infections in two cases (C. coli + C. jejuni) (5.40%) and one case (C. upsaliensis+ C. lari) (2.70%). The prevalence of infection was 57.14% and 25.75% in diarrheic and healthy cats respectively. There was a significant difference for campylobacter infection between the healthy and diarrheic cats in the PCR method, as well as, age, breed; nutrition status and lifestyle showed a significant difference, but there was no significant difference for gender factor in campylobacter infection. In conclusion, because of the frequent presence of campylobacter species in feces of cats, these bacteria can constitute a public health hazard. Accordingly, periodic tests and isolation of diarrheic cats from others are important, especially cats that eat raw meat and live in a shelter.

The aim of this study was to assess ultrasonography-derived caudal vena cava to aorta ratio (CVC/Ao) as a novel endpoint in the resuscitation of experimental hemorrhagic shock in dogs.

Experimental study. Animals- Ten adult mongrel healthy dogs. Procedures- After induction of anesthesia (control assessments), hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in a hypovolemic situation for an additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of assessments). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer's solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minutes intervals (fourth stage of assessments). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final ultrasonographic assessments were performed. Results- Hemorrhagic shock caused a significant decrease in the CVC and Ao diameters as well as the CVC/Ao (2.14 ± 0.28 cm, 0.85 ± 0.07 cm and 0.4 ± 0.06, respectively) (p<0.05). Following the fluid resuscitation, CVC/Ao increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

Findings indicated that serial ultrasonographic assessment of the CVC/Ao can be a useful endpoint in the resuscitation of dogs with hemorrhagic shock.

GReliable prediction of patient response to fluid resuscitation is a crucial issue in the management of hemorrhagic shock.

This study was designed to investigate vertebral heart score (VHS) variation in fluid resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock patients and the feasibility of this method in determining resuscitation endpoint. 

VHS values were assessed using previously published standard method in left to right lateral view. After induction of anesthesia (control assessments), hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood withdrawal to a mean arterial pressure of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in hypovolemic situation for an additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of assessments). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minute intervals (fourth stage of assessments). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final radiographic assessments were performed. 

Hemorrhagic shock caused significant decrease in VHS values to a mean of 7.7 vertebrae (P<0.05). Following the fluid resuscitation VHS increased and returned to pre-shock values in both groups.

This study confirms that the breed-specific VHS assessment can be a useful method in monitoring of patient’s response to fluid therapy and determination of resuscitation endpoint in dogs with hemorrhagic shock.

Hemorrhagic shock remains one of the leading causes of death following multiple organ ischemic injuries in dogs. The aim of this study was to compare tissue perfusion and electrocardiographic parameters in experimentally induced acute hemorrhagic shock in dogs before and after resuscitation with the lactated ringer and hydroxyethyl starch 6% solutions. The parameters of tissue perfusion included the gingival mucosal color, CRT, peripheral pulse quality, appendage temperature, serum lactate concentration, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and urine output plus ECG were evaluated in ten male adult healthy mongrel dogs which instrumented, and anesthetized (control measurement). Hemorrhage was performed with removal of up to 60% of blood volume to keep MAP between 40 and 50 mm Hg (second set of measurements). After a 30- minute stabilization period in hemorrhagic shock condition, the third set of measurements was performed. The dogs were randomly assigned to two study groups which received lactated ringer or hydroxyethyl starch solutions, 20 or 5 ml/kg respectively in four consecutive 15 –min periods (fourth to seventh measurements). One hour after the last resuscitation stage, the dogs were monitored and at the end of this time, an eighth evaluation step was carried out. Time induced a significant effect on heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, appendage temperature, urine output, serum lactate concentration, R wave amplitude and Q-T interval. While solution type had a significant effect on serum lactate concentration, urine output and P wave amplitude. The results of this study showed that each of lactated ringer and hydroxyethyl starch solutions, has no significant effect in the short term on tissue perfusion and electrocardiogram parameters in hemorrhagic shock resuscitated dogs.

Colonoscopy is the preferred procedure for diagnosis of large-bowel diseases in dogs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most commonly used laxative for colonic cleansing. Senna has been used in traditional medicine as a laxative and an aid to treat constipation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of senna as an alternative or adjunct to polyethylene glycol solution in dogs using hematology and biochemistry. For this purpose, 20 mongrel dogs were randomly allocated to receive 1 of 4 different bowel preparation regimens including PEG, senna or their combinations plus enema. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, total calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, PCV, total protein, ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were measured at 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 and 24 hours after the first ingestion of laxative solutions. Statistical analysis showed that PEG or senna solutions had no significant effect on serum concentration of the evaluated parameters (P>0.05). Despite the significant changes in serum concentration of all measured parameters based on time of sampling in all groups, they were in their normal ranges (P>0.05). This is the first evaluation of the safety of bowel preparation with senna in dogs. This study showed that the use of PEG and senna for colon cleansing in dogs did not have any deleterious effects on their serum biochemical and electrolytes concentration.

This study sought to assess the levels of cardiac troponin I, as a resuscitation end point, along with oxygen delivery (DO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during resuscitation of dogs with experimental hemorrhagic shock using lactated Ringer’s solution or 6% hydroxyethyl starch. After induction of anesthesia (control measurements), hemorrhagic shock was induced by rapid removal of blood to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 to 50 mmHg within 30 minutes and then maintained in hypovolemic situation for additional 30 minutes (second and third stages of measurements). Afterward, the dogs were randomly assigned to two groups which received 20 ml/kg lactated Ringer’s solution or 5 ml/kg Hydroxyethyl starch, in four consecutive 15 minutes intervals (forth stage of measurements). One hour after the last resuscitation step, final measurements were performed. Hemorrhagic shock caused marked elevation in the levels of cTnI and reduction in DO2 and VO2 (p < 0.05). Following resuscitation, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of cTnI and VO2 but a significant elevation was seen in DO2 levels (p < 0.05), without significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). The results of this study proved that cTnI can be evaluated for better monitoring during fluid therapy in hemorrhagic shock, as a novel resuscitation end point.

In recent years, disorder in lipid metabolism has been increased markedly in companion animal’s population. Hyperlipidemia is a common sign of obesity in dogs, which is characterized by hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglycemia. The purpose of the present survey is to determine the effect of obesity on blood lipid profile changes (including triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C) and comparing the decisive indicators of obesity in dogs in Ahvaz district. Three groups of thirty dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz were studied between 2012-2014. The dogs in group A (control), had good body condition score (BCS= 4 to 5). The dogs were all thin (BCS= 1 to 3) in group B, and all obese in group C (BCS= 6 to 9). All of the studied dogs were selected from small breeds (Terrier, Spitz, Pekingese and Shih Tzu), of both sexes and ranging from 1 to 7 years old. Fasting blood samples were collected from all dogs and lipid profiles including serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were measured using commercial kits. Hyperlipidemia was confirmed in dogs of group A (normal) in 4 cases (13.33%), group B (thin) one case (3.33%), and group C (obese) in 19 cases (63.33%). Data analysis showed that there was a significant difference between group C (224.83±74.34) with groups A (149±39.66) and B (131.80±24.37) for triglyceride level (p<0.001), as well a significant difference was seen between group C (229.40±60.36) with groups A (178.80±50.17) and B (151.47±23.45) and between group A with B for cholesterol level (p<0.05). The difference was significant for LDL-C between group C (67.10±22.83) with groups A (47.97±13.01) and B (43.07±13.08) (p<0.001), but there was no difference between various groups for HDL-C (p>0.05). The effects of age, gender and breed on the measured values did not show a significant difference between three groups (p>0.05). The present survey showed that there was a correlation between obesity and hyperlipidemia in dogs. Determination of body condition score (BCS) can be as a predictive agent in characterization of lipid profile status. Modification of diet and weight loss is necessary in obese dogs.

A clean bowel preparation prior to X-ray examination is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This study was performed to compare the effect of senna and polyethylene glycol on the bowel preparation of dogs before abdominal radiography. Six adult healthy mongrel dogs from each sex ranging in age from 18 to 30 months received either 4 or 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol or 20 mg/kg senna through an orogastric tube 3 weeks apart. Food was withheld approximately 12 hours prior to drug administration. Radiography was performed 12 hours after bowel preparation. Only water was given ad libitum to animals during the day before radiography. Radiologist who was unaware of the method of bowel preparation, reviewed the standard radiographs and graded the feces and gas in the colon and rectum, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=inadequate to 3=excellent). Dogs were observed for any drugs side effects up to two weeks after administration of the laxatives. The cleanliness scores of colon for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were similar, 2.17±0.41. Also, the cleanliness scores of rectum for the 4 and 8 g/kg polyethylene glycol and senna groups were 2.50±0.55, 1.83±0.75 and 2.50±0.55, respectively. Both polyethylene glycol dosages and senna significantly improve bowel cleansing score in dogs (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to colon cleansing scores, fecal radio-opacity and quality of radiographs (p≥0.05). 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol significantly reduces feces impaction in rectum versus 4 mg/kg (p<0.05). There were no clinical differences between the two groups for any of the side effects. It is concluded that 8 mg/kg polyethylene glycol and senna are safe and effective methods of colon cleansing, well tolerated by dogs.

Methylphenidate (MPH) has been used to induce emergence from general anesthesia.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of MPH on recovery from propofol and ketamine anesthesia in dogs.
Six healthy male mix-breed dogs weighing 21.9 ± 3.9 kg were used in a randomized crossover design. Thirty minutes after premedication with acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg; IM), anesthesia was induced with either IV propofol or ketamine (8 and 15 mg/kg, respectively). Dogs, six minutes after induction, received either IV normal saline or methylphenidate (1 mg/kg) (propofol-saline; propofol-methylphenidate; ketamine-saline; ketamine-methylphenidate). Each dog was anesthetized four times randomly with at least one week interval.
No significant differences were observed between propofol-saline and propofol-methylphenidate as well as between ketamine-saline and ketamine-methylphenidate in the times needed for various chronological sequences of recovery (p>0.05). Recovery in the dogs that received methylphenidate was eventful and associated with some adverse effects. Heart rate showed a decrease in propofol-methylphenidate group compared to the base (p It was concluded that methylphenidate at 1 mg/kg could not shorten recovery time in the dogs premedicated with acepromazine and anesthetized with either propofol or ketamine. Testing lower doses of methylphenidate and using a different premedication agent are recommended for future studies.

Many drugs such as atorvastatin are known effective in reduction of serum lipids in dogs, but with a literature review, we did not find report on the field of the effect of chitosan on serum lipid in dogs.
The purpose of the present survey was comparative evaluation of the effects of chitosan and atorvastatin on serum lipid profile changes and the influence of time on treatment process in dogs.
For the management of cholesterol powder induced hyperlipidemia, twenty healthy dogs were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (control) included of five dogs that were fed with cholesterol powder (4 gr/kg for 10 days). Group B was similar to group A, but in addition, atorvastatin (5 mg/kg) was administered for 45 days after induced hyperlipidemia. Group C was similar to group B, but chitosan (3 gr/dog) was administered instead of atorvastatin. Group D was a combination of groups B and C, which the combination of atorvastatin and chitosan were fed to dogs with the same dose of previous groups. Blood samples were collected four times on days 0, 10, 40 and 55 after challenge, then serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured using standard commercial kits.
Groups of atorvastatin and chitosan (B and C) and group D were more effective in lowering serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C and increase of HDL-C, compared with group A (p

The aim of this study is inspection of histopathologic patterns in skin lesions of referred dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University. This study carried out on 40 cases. After complete macroscopic examination and sedation, sampling was carried out and Haematoxylin and Eosin stained slides were prepared. In macroscopic examination all cases had alopecia and hypotrichosis and 30 (75%) cases had focal alopecia and 10 (25%) had diffuse alopecia. Seventeen cases (42.5%) had seborrhea and 19 (47.5%) had scale and wound. Microscopic examination revealed perivascular dermatitis pattern in 16 (40%) and 12 cases had chronic perivascular dermatitis. Nodular and diffuse dermatitis were seen in 1 and 5 respectively (15%). In two cases of diffuse dermatitis, mite sections were observed. Atrophic dermatitis was detected in 15 cases (37.5%). Perifolliculitis were seen in 18 (45%) and folliculitis were seen in 7 cases (17.5%) and 5 were luminal and 2 were luminal and mural. Furunculosis was seen in one dog (2.5%). Fibrosing dermatitis was detected in 2 (5%) samples. Vasculitis was seen in one dog (2.5%). In this study perivascular dermatitis had the most frequency and it may be due to different agents. Atrophic dermatoses are in second rank and malnutrition is first candidate cause. This study is the first attempt in the field of dermatopathology and the results of present research revealed different type of microscopic patterns.