Marge Chandler

Acute effects of carprofen and meloxicam on canine gastrointestinal permeability and mucosal absorptive capacity.

BACKGROUND Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed to dogs for their analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Their beneficial actions can be offset by gastrointestinal (GI) toxicosis. Endoscopy has traditionally been employed to detect GI lesions, but alterations in GI permeability precede the development of mucosal damage. HYPOTHESIS Carprofen and meloxicam alter GI permeability and mucosal absorptive capacity of dogs. ANIMALS Twenty adult dogs treated with an NSAID for >7 days were evaluated by permeability tests while receiving either carprofen (10 dogs) or meloxicam (10 dogs). METHODS Prospective, longitudinal observational study. A 6-sugar permeability test (sucrose, lactulose, rhamnose, 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, D-xylose, and sucralose) was performed on the day before NSAID treatment, and after 3 and 8 days of treatment. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the urinary recovery ratios of lactulose: rhamnose, D-xylose: 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, or sucralose recovery within either group at any time during the study. Sucrose permeability in the meloxicam group did not alter significantly over time. However, sucrose permeability in the carprofen group decreased significantly by day 3 (P = .049) and increased again by day 8 (P = .049), to a level that was not significantly different to permeability before treatment (P = .695). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The absence of increased GI permeability and diminished mucosal absorptive capacity in this group of dogs does not support the development of acute GI toxicosis during treatment with either meloxicam or carprofen.

Calcium metabolism in eight dogs with hypoadrenocorticism

Hypoadrenocorticism is a well-described endocrinopathy in dogs that results from deficient production and secretion of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. Although hyperkalaemia, hyponatraemia and hypochloraemia are the most common electrolyte disturbances, hypercalcaemia also occurs in approximately 30 per cent of cases. The pathogenesis of hypercalcaemia in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism is unknown. This case series reports ionised calcium, parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein and vitamin D metabolite concentrations that were measured in eight dogs with concurrent hypercalcaemia and hypoadrenocorticism. Ionised calcium was increased in five of seven dogs with hypercalcaemia associated with hypoadrenocorticism. Parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were within their reference ranges in seven of eight dogs, six of seven cases and six of seven dogs, respectively. This case series highlights that hypercalcaemia associated with hypoadrenocorticism is rarely associated with increases in plasma parathyroid hormone, parathyroid hormone-related protein or serum 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations.

Urine concentrations of xanthine, hypoxanthine and uric acid in UK Cavalier King Charles spaniels

OBJECTIVES Xanthine urolithiasis and asymptomatic xanthinuria have been diagnosed in Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs suggesting that primary xanthinuria may be a breed-related disorder, although its prevalence remains unclear. The hypothesis of this study was that asymptomatic xanthinuria is common in Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs. METHODS Free catch urine samples were collected from 35 client-owned Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs and from 24 dogs of other breeds. The purine metabolites were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The urine ratios of xanthine/creatinine and hypoxanthine/creatinine were calculated and compared between the two groups of dogs. RESULTS The urine concentrations of purine metabolites were not significantly different between the two groups and were very low in both. The urine concentrations of xanthine in all 35 Cavalier King Charles spaniel were markedly lower than in the previously reported case of xanthine urolithiasis in a UK Cavalier King Charles spaniel dog. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Asymptomatic xanthinuria was not detected in this UK Cavalier King Charles spaniel population. This data may be used as a reference for urinary purine metabolite concentrations in the dog.

Chronic gastric instability and presumed incomplete volvulus in dogs

Chronic gastric volvulus in dogs results in long-standing gastrointestinal signs unlike those of acute gastric dilatation and volvulus. This report describes chronic gastric volvulus in seven dogs. The majority of dogs presented with weight loss, chronic vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain. A combination of radiographic, ultrasonographic and endoscopic imaging indicated altered positioning of gastric landmarks. Dynamic changes were identified in some cases. Exploratory coeliotomy and surgical gastropexy were performed in all dogs. Clinical signs improved or resolved in six of seven dogs postoperatively. Chronic gastric volvulus is an uncommon condition in dogs, but should be considered as a differential in cases presenting with the above clinical signs.

Nutritional support for the hospitalised small animal patient

UNLIKE healthy animals, which can metabolise fat even when they are not eating, sick or traumatised patients catabolise lean body mass when they have insufficient calories, thus compromising cardiac, respiratory and immune functions. The need for nutritional support should therefore be recognised and initiated early during the course of hospitalisation, with the number of calories required calculated carefully to prevent under‐ or overfeeding. This article discusses the options available for the nutritional support of hospitalised small animal patients.

Essentials of nutrition in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal disease

NUTRITION plays a key role in the management of gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats, and it is possible to manage some cases by dietary therapy alone. Dietary components can have a negative or positive effect on the bowel. A diet may contain toxins, allergens, toxic dietary excesses or nutritional deficiencies. It has a direct effect on intestinal physiology, affecting motility, cell renewal rate, bacterial flora, enzyme and ammonia production, and volatile fatty acid content. In humans, for example, diet has been shown to have an effect on the incidence of bowel cancer and, while this has not been studied in depth in cats and dogs, it is possible that the same may be true in these species. This article describes the effects specific essential nutrients may have on the normal and diseased gastrointestinal tract in cats and dogs.

The chronically diarrhoeic dog 1. Diarrhoea of small intestinal origin

DIARRHOEA is described as chronic when it has been present, either constantly or intermittently, for longer than two weeks. Determining whether the diarrhoea is primarily large or small intestinal in origin is important for deciding upon the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This article discusses the pathophysiology of diarrhoea and outlines a diagnostic approach to chronic diarrhoea of small intestinal origin. An article in the next issue will set out an approach to the diagnosis of diarrhoea of large intestinal origin and discuss a few specific diarrhoeic diseases.

Thromboembolism in Dogs with Protein-Losing Enteropathy with Non-Neoplastic Chronic Small Intestinal Disease.

Dogs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are suggested to be at increased risk of developing thromboembolic events. However, with some exceptions, there are very few reports of thromboembolism in such dogs. This multicentre retrospective observational study describes a case series of thromboembolism (TE) in eight dogs with PLE secondary to non-neoplastic, chronic small intestinal disease. Seven dogs had poorly controlled PLE when the thromboembolic event occurred. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurred in six dogs, while one dog developed splenic vein thrombosis and another had concurrent splenic vein and aortic TE. Six dogs died, all with PTE. Antithrombin activity was decreased in one of two dogs in which it was measured. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were measured in three dogs and cobalamin was subnormal in all three. Serum magnesium, measured in two dogs, was low in both. Dogs with uncontrolled chronic small intestinal disease and PLE are at risk for developing serious life-threatening TE, mostly PTE.

Vomiting in dogs and cats — is it medical or surgical?

Vomiting appears to be common in cats and dogs, although the actual frequency is unknown. Many cases of uncomplicated, non-severe, acute vomiting are not presented to veterinary practices. One study estimated that, among dogs presented for vaccination, about 1·8 per cent of animals had vomited during the previous two weeks. Another study based on owner questionnaires reported that 18·9 per cent of dogs vomited in the two weeks after receiving the questionnaire; only 5 per cent of these were presented to a veterinary surgeon. The clinical importance of vomiting stems from its association with a large and varied group of diseases, and the potentially life-threatening consequences of vomiting, such as aspiration pneumonia, fluid and electrolyte depletion, acid-base derangement and oesophagitis. This article describes a diagnostic approach to vomiting in dogs and cats, and provides guidance on how to decide whether an animal requires medical or surgical intervention.

Fanconi Syndrome in Irish Wolfhound Siblings

Three juvenile male Irish wolfhound littermates presented with marked polyuria and polydipsia. The four female siblings were apparently unaffected. Diagnostic testing revealed glucosuria with normoglycemia, generalized aminoaciduria, hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis consistent with Fanconi syndrome. Renal ultrasonographic and histologic findings are presented. Cases were managed with a supplementation regimen based on a treatment protocol for Fanconi syndrome in basenjis. These dogs did not have angular limb deformities as documented previously in juvenile canine siblings with Fanconi syndrome. Fanconi syndrome has not been previously described in Irish wolfhound siblings.