Administration In Dogs Research Articles

The Pharmacokinetics of Ceftazidime Following its Intravenous Administration in Dogs

Ceftazidime is a beta-lactam that is used in the treatment of bacterial infections in humans and companion animals, such as dogs and cats. It is prescribed to treat gram-negative infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime using a microbiological assay to evaluate the adequacy of the proposed dosage regimens for susceptible gram-negative bacteria. For this purpose, five healthy mongrel male dogs, with a mean age of four years and an average weight of 19.1 kg, were administered a single intravenous bolus dose of ceftazidime (20 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations were measured using a microbiological assay, and dosage regimens were established by integrating pharmacokinetics data with pharmacodynamics parameters. The results showed that ceftazidime was rapidly distributed to the peripheral tissues (0.189 L/kg), with a half-life of 1.15 hours and a clearance rate of 0.166 L/hr./kg. The results obtained from the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamic integration suggested 20 mg/kg q8 hours of ceftazidime for susceptible gram-negative bacteria with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of ≤ 8 µg/ml, and 20 mg /kg q12 hours of ceftazidime for susceptible gram-negative bacteria with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of ≤ 4 µg/ml. In conclusion, a mild correlation was observed between the dogs’ weight and the ceftazidime half-life, which led to an adjustment of the proposed dosage regimen to 20 mg/kg q8 hours.

Prevalence and appropriateness of omeprazole prescription in dogs at a veterinary teaching hospital before and after the publication of the ACVIM consensus statement on the rational administration of gastrointestinal protectants.

Overprescribing of acid suppressants is a common phenomenon in human and small animal patients, leading to potential deleterious gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI consequences. The impact of consensus statements on veterinary prescribing habits in clinical practice have not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to compare the prescribing habits of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI), omeprazole, in dogs in an academic veterinary teaching hospital before and after the publication of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus statement on rational use of gastrointestinal protectants. Evaluation of the prescribing habits of omeprazole in dogs during the years 2017 and 2021 was retrospectively compared. These years were selected to reflect a 12-month period prior to and following the publication of the consensus statement. One hundred dogs from each year were randomly selected. Dose, frequency of administration, duration of treatment, concurrent prescription of more than one gastroprotectant and indications for prescribing omeprazole were analyzed. A significant increase in the cases that received omeprazole q12h (p < 0.0001) or that underwent a tapering dose after ≥4 week-therapy (p > 0.0001) was detected after the publication of the 2018 ACVIM consensus statement. Considering the indications, there was also a significant increase in the appropriate prescription of omeprazole in the second compared to the first period of study (p < 0.0001). Fifteen of 16 clinicians (94%) involved in the prescription of omeprazole indicated that their reading of the consensus statement had changed their clinical practice regarding PPI administration in dogs. These results support the beneficial impact of the ACVIM consensus statement on the judicious prescribing of omeprazole in an academic veterinary hospital. These results should not be extrapolated to first-opinion veterinary practices, and further efforts should be made to ensure that PPIs are prescribed prudently with a clear indication and regular review of the appropriateness of continued administration to minimize possible risks and adverse drug interactions.

Pharmacokinetics behavior of four cannabidiol preparations following single oral administration in dogs.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural phytochemical agent and one of the most abundant found in Cannabis sativa. It is known to exhibit pharmacological properties on various condition such as relieving-inflammation, pain, epilepsy, and anxiety effect. There has been an increasing trend globally in the use of CBD as a supplement in pets. Consequently, there are various CBD products being marketed that are specifically available for pets. Veterinarians and pet owners are concerned that following ingestion, different CBD formulations may result in a CBD level circulating in the blood that may affect the safe use and efficacy of CBD in pets. Several pharmacokinetics studies in animals have been mainly conducted with an oily form of CBD. To date, there is a lack of data regarding direct comparisons in animals among the CBD plasma kinetic profiles from an oral administration of the various preparation forms. Therefore, the current study evaluated and compared the plasma CBD levels from a single oral administration using four different CBD preparations-liquid (an oil-based form, a nanoemulsion form, or a water-soluble form) or a semi-solid form (as CBD mixed in a treat) in dogs. In total, 32 healthy, crossbreed dogs were randomly assigned into 4 groups and treated according to a 1-period, 4-treatment parallel-design. The three liquid forms were dosed at 5 mg/kg body weight, while the single semi-solid form was given at 50 mg/treat/dog. The results showed that the CBD plasma profile from the administration of a water-soluble form was comparable to that of the oil-based group. The nanoemulsion-based form tended to be rapidly absorbed and reached its peak sooner than the others. However, the CBD in all preparations reached the maximum plasma concentration within 3 h post-dose, with an average range of 92-314 μg/L. There were significant differences among certain parameters between the liquid and semi-solid forms. This was the first study to provide pharmacokinetics data regarding CBD in water soluble, nanoemulsion-based, and semi-solid forms for dogs as companion animals. The current data should facilitate the scrutiny of CBD plasma profiles based on different formulations via an oral route in dogs.

Online-Assisted Survey on Antibiotic Use by Pet Owners in Dogs and Cats.

The aim of the study was two-fold: first, to collect data on the use of antibiotics in Germany for dogs and cats and, second, their owners' experiences and opinions. Using an anonymous online survey, dog and cat owners were asked about the last antibiotic administration in their pet. The inclusion criterion was any antibiotic administration within the last year. A total of 708 questionnaires from 463 dogs and 245 cats could be evaluated. Diarrhea was reported as the most common reason for antibiotic administration in dogs (18.4%). Wound infection/abscess/bite injury was the second most common reason in dogs (16.0%). In cats wound infection/abscess/bite injury was the most common reason (23.3%), followed by dental treatment (21.2%) and upper respiratory tract infections (16.7%). The most common antibiotics used systemically in both species were amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (32.5%), amoxicillin (14.8%), metronidazole (6.9%), and doxycycline (6.8%). While efficacy (99.9%) and tolerability (94.8%) were rated as most important for the choice of antibiotics, costs (51.6%) were cited as predominantly unimportant. First-line antibiotics were used significantly more often than critically important antibiotics. The majority of animal owners show awareness for avoidance of antibiotic resistance and the use of critically important antibiotics.

Effects of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 Consumption on the Body Weight, Body Condition Score, Fecal Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Healthy Persian Cats.

In the literature, there are several studies showing the effects of different probiotic administrations in dogs, while there is limited information about their effects in cats. Furthermore, there are no studies that examined the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus reuteri on cats' welfare, especially considering a specific breed. In this study, the effects of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 on body weight, body condition score (BCS), and fecal parameters (fecal score and fecal moisture) of healthy Persian cats were assessed; additionally, a microbiological analysis was carried out to quantify bacterial species like Escherichia coli (for the total coliform count) and Lactobacilli. The administration of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 showed no alteration in the body weight and body condition score of Persian cats. The fecal moisture decreased at the end of the study and the values of fecal score were improved. Moreover, at the end of the study period, an increase in Lactobacilli (p > 0.001) was observed. The data collected report the ability of L. reuteri NBF 2 DSM 32264 to improve fecal quality parameters in healthy adult Persian cats, leading to an increase in Lactobacilli and a reduction in total coliforms.

Romiplostim for treatment of thrombocytopenia in dogs: A retrospective assessment and clinical outcomes.

Romiplostim, a thrombopoietin analog, is commonly used to treat immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) in humans, but its use in dogs remains limited. Evaluate the effects and adverse events of romiplostim administration in dogs with thrombocytopenia caused by various underlying diseases. Forty-two client-owned dogs with naturally occurring thrombocytopenia at 2 referral animal hospitals. Retrospective, multi-institutional analysis to evaluate the outcomes of romiplostim treatment in dogs. Among the dogs treated with romiplostim, 27 experienced an increase in platelet count and 26 maintained a platelet count within the reference range. Platelet count improvement was observed in various conditions: primary ITP (90%, n = 18/20), pancytopenia of unknown etiology (42.9%, n = 3/7), chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (50%, n = 3/6), babesiosis (100%, n = 1/1), radiotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (0%, n = 0/1), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (33.3%, n = 2/6). The median time for platelet recovery (>50 000/μL) after romiplostim administration was 4 days, and the median time for platelet count normalization was 7 days. Median hospitalization time for the improvement group (I) was 5 days. The survival-to-discharge rates were 85%, 40%, and 28.6% for dogs with primary ITP, secondary thrombocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia of unknown etiology, respectively. Romiplostim is a well-tolerated and promising treatment for primary ITP in dogs, suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic option for dogs with thrombocytopenia caused by various underlying conditions. These findings emphasize the need for further research to optimize romiplostim dosing and understand its role in treating secondary thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia of unknown etiology.

Non-Controlled Clinical Efficacy Study Following Brain Six Complex Extractⓒ Administration in Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Non-Controlled Clinical Efficacy Study Following Brain Six Complex Extract^ⓒ Administration in Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Paracetamol add-on treatment for perioperative pain management in dogs undergoing single-site thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy: a prospective clinical study

In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial, it was evaluated whether paracetamol, as an adjunct to NSAID and opioid analgesia, might limit the requirements for intraoperative fentanyl and postoperative methadone administration in dogs undergoing a singlesite thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy for surgical treatment of an intervertebral disc extrusion. Twelve client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to two multimodal analgesia groups: NSAID + paracetamol group (group NP) and NSAID + placebo group (group N). Intraoperative analgesic assessment was based on the clinical evaluation of a nociceptive response, whereas postoperative analgesic assessment was determined by using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. No statistically significant difference was found in both groups for the intraoperative need for fentanyl (P = 0.18). The probability of having to administer rescue analgesia postoperatively was significantly higher in group N than in group NP (P = 0.01). For both groups, there were no serious side effects reported, nor was any significant difference found between both groups regarding the occurrence of side effects (P = 0.55). Despite multimodal perioperative pain management consisting of a full μ-agonist opioid, a NSAID and paracetamol, intraoperative rescue analgesia was still required, although the need for postoperative opioid based analgesia was significantly lower in group NP.

Nanoparticle formulation for the development of a dog nanovaccine against Cystic Echinococcosis

Cystic Echinococcosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis closely linked to poverty and ignorance. It affects both cattle and humans, causing significant losses to both human and animal health. To date, there is no effective way to combat this. Our proposal focused on the formulation of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and Eudragit-RSPO polymeric nanoparticles, which are suitable to encapsulate an antigen for oral administration in dogs. This antigen, named EgFABP1, belonging to the family of fatty acid-binding proteins, was isolated from the larval form of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Several reports point to proteins from this family from parasitic flatworms as candidates for a successful vaccine, considering the restricted lipid metabolism of these organisms. The encapsulation of the antigen yielded an efficiency higher than 50 %, and the nanoparticles showed the expected size range. In addition, antigen integrity was conserved and the formulation was resistant to artificial gastric and intestinal fluid effects.

Retrospective study of trazodone administration in dogs undergoing interventional cardiology

Retrospective study of trazodone administration in dogs undergoing interventional cardiology

Comparison of sedation with dexmedetomidine/atipamezole administered subcutaneously at GV20 acupuncture point with usual routes of administration in dogs presented for orthopaedic radiographs.

To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine/atipamezole at the Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) acupuncture point compared with other administration routes (intramuscular and intravenous) in dogs presented for orthopaedic radiographs. Prospective, randomised, blinded, controlled clinical study. Sixty-four client-owned dogs were randomly injected with 200 μg/m2 of dexmedetomidine intramuscular (lumbar muscles) (n=20), intravenous (n=23) or subcutaneous at the GV20 point (n=21). Following radiographs, dogs received 2000 μg/m2 of atipamezole intramuscular (n=31), or subcutaneous at the GV20 point (n=27). Degree and time to sedation and recovery were assessed using a sedation scale and a Dynamic and Interactive Visual Analog Scale (DIVAS). Clinical physiological variables and adverse events were used. Statistical linear mixed-effect models (analysis of variance) and Cox models were performed. Significance was set at P-value <0.05. Sedation was insufficient to perform orthopaedic radiographs in six dogs in the intramuscular group. The time to sedation was significantly longer, and sedation scale and DIVAS scores were significantly lower in the intramuscular group. The intravenous group had significantly higher sedation scale and DIVAS scores than the GV20 group. No significant differences were observed between the intramuscular and GV20 recovery groups, although the time effect was significantly more pronounced in the GV20 recovery group. Subcutaneous administration of dexmedetomidine and atipamezole at GV20 provided effective sedation and recovery in dogs undergoing orthopaedic radiographic studies. GV20 administration provided a clinically similar level of sedation to the intravenous route, and greater and faster sedation and similar recovery to intramuscular.

Incidence of postoperative administration of opioids in dogs undergoing a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy after intra-operative liposomal bupivacaine administration with or without morphine epidural

ObjectiveTo determine the influence of two intraoperative pain management protocols on the need for additional opioids in patients receiving an epidural and periarticular liposomal bupivacaine (PLB) vs. PLB alone in the 12–24 h period after undergoing a TPLO.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsOne hundred seventy-four dogs with cranial cruciate ligament tears presenting for TPLO.MethodsMedical records of dogs presenting for a unilateral or bilateral cranial cruciate ligament tear who had a TPLO performed were reviewed for signalment, weight, body condition score, and peri-operative pain management protocol. Dogs were divided into two groups: those who received an epidural and PLB, and those who received only PLB. Post-operative opioid administration was recorded for each group.ResultsPatients who received an epidural and PLB received fewer postoperative opioids. There were 36% fewer opioid injections administered to dogs who received epidurals compared to dogs who did not receive epidurals (IRR) (95% CI) = 0.64 (0.45–0.92), P = 0.02). BCS was not a significant predictor of the post-operative opioid requirement (IRR (95% CI) = 1.3 (0.75–2.4), P = 0.38). When adjusting for BCS as a possible confounder, there were 39% fewer opioid injections in dogs who received epidurals than dogs without (IRR (95% CI) = 0.61 (0.42–0.88), P = 0.009).ConclusionsThe incidence of postoperative opioid administration was significantly diminished in patients receiving both an epidural and PLB.Clinical significanceAdministration of an epidural in addition to infiltration of PLB significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative opioid administration in dogs undergoing a TPLO.

Haematological Changes Following Intramuscular and Per- Rectal Diclofenac Sodium Administration in Dogs undergoing Orchiectomy

A total of 30 Nigerian indigenous male dogs aged 1-2 years (1.65±0.47) and 11-15kg (13.4±1.27) body weight were used for the study. They were randomly allocated into 6 groups of 5 dogs each. Groups A1, B1 and C1 for intramuscular at 2mg/kg, 3mg/kg and 4mg/kg respectively and Groups A2, B2 and C2 for per-rectal at 2mg//kg, 3mg/kg and 4mg/kg. Haematological values of Packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood cell (WBC) and Differential leucocyte counts (DLC) of Lymphocyte (LYM), Neutrophils (NEU), Monocyte (MON) and Eosinophils (EOS) were determined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software Version 22.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago. Illinois). General Linear Model (GLM) using repeated measures Analysis of Variance (RM-ANOVA), to compare the mean of different groups at a 95% confidence interval and a 5% level of significance was used. The PCV, Hb and Rbc values of the dogs castrated were within normal range when compared with specie corresponding values. The PCV value was lowest 38.6±1.9 at 2nd hour 2mg/kg for per rectum and highest of 44.1±1.9 at the 9th hour for per rectum at 4mg/kg dose. The Hb value was lowest at 12.9±0.5 at 1st hour for per rectum at 4mg/kg dose and the highest of 15.3±0.8 at 0 hour for intramuscular at 2mg/kg. The Rbc value was lowest at 4.0±1.5 at 4th hour, 2mg/kg for per rectum and the highest of 6.6±0.3 at 7th hour, 2mg/kg. The Total leucocyte count (TLC) values of WBC and DLC also recorded significant differences. There was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) between routes but values remain within normal range of values. This finding shows that the use of Diclofenac as a short term analgesic caused no significant changes on the haematocrit values of dogs when used after castration. This finding has also indicated that short-term use of diclofenac through the per rectum route may be safe and had no deleterious effect on haematological value of Nigerian indigenous male dogs

Oncolytic virotherapy with intratumoral injection of vaccinia virus TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine administration in dogs with malignant tumors

TG6002 is an oncolytic vaccinia virus expressing FCU1 protein, which converts 5-fluorocytosine into 5-fluorouracil. The studyobjectives were to assess tolerance, viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment modifications to treatment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors. Thirteen dogs received one to three weekly intratumoral injections of TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine. The viral genome was assessed in blood and tumor biopsies by qPCR. 5-Fluorouracil concentrations were measured in serum and tumor biopsies by liquid chromatography or high-resolution mass spectrometry. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The viral genome was detected in blood (7/13) and tumor biopsies (4/11). Viral replication was suspected in 6/13 dogs. The median intratumoral concentration of 5-fluorouracil was 314 pg/mg. 5-Fluorouracil was not detected in the blood. An increase in necrosis (6/9) and a downregulation of intratumoral regulatory T lymphocytes (6/6) were observed. Viral replication, 5-fluorouracil synthesis, and tumor microenvironment changes were more frequently observed with higher TG6002 doses. This study confirmed the replicative properties, targeted chemotherapy synthesis, and reversion of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in dogs with spontaneous malignant tumors treated with TG6002 and 5-fluorocytosine.

Dimethyl sulfoxide favors the emetic efficacy of lycorine in beagle dogs – a novel strategy for the treatment of poisoning

Poisoning in small animals represents an ongoing hazard and therapeutic problem in veterinary medicine. Therapeutic induction of emesis in time enables a fast elimination of a toxic compound resulting in a shortened course of poisoning and a higher safety level thereafter, which decisively improves prognosis and treatment. Lycorine is a reliable emetic drug in beagle dogs without serious side effects thought to be more beneficial in tolerability and efficacy than the rarely used apomorphine. Therefore, this study investigates efficacy and tolerability of differently composed potential drug formulations of lycorine hydrochloride for s.c. administration in dogs as an emetic principle.By emesis response analysis four dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-based active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) formulations were favored. Two of them (F5 and F6) qualified for further drug development. Both formulations ensure a safe pharmacologically induced emesis within about 30 min after injection, suitable for use as an in time decontaminant in acute poisoning of dogs. DMSO-based formulations were well tolerated and offer a novel promising strategy for treatment of poisoning.

Virulence-related factors and antimicrobial resistance in Proteus mirabilis isolated from domestic and stray dogs.

Proteus mirabilis is a multi-host pathogen that causes diseases of varying severity in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Proteus mirabilis is resistant to multiple antibiotics and has acquired the ability to produce expanded spectrum of β-lactamases, leading to serious public health problems. However, the available information on P. mirabilis isolated from feces of dogs, is still poorly understood, as is the correlation between its virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In this study, we isolated 75 strains of P. mirabilis from 241 samples, and investigated the swarming motility, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), distribution of VAGs and ARGs, as well as the presence of class 1, 2, and 3 integrons in these isolates. Our findings suggest a high prevalence of intensive swarming motility and strong biofilm formation ability among P. mirabilis isolates. Isolates were primarily resistant to cefazolin (70.67%) and imipenem (70.67%). These isolates were found to carry ureC, FliL, ireA, zapA, ptA, hpmA, hpmB, pmfA, rsbA, mrpA, and ucaA with varying prevalence levels of 100.00, 100.00, 100.00, 98.67, 98.67, 90.67, 90.67, 90.67, 90.67, 89.33, and 70.67%, respectively. Additionally, the isolates were found to carry aac(6')-Ib, qnrD, floR, blaCTX-M, blaCTX-M-2, blaOXA-1, blaTEM, tetA, tetB and tetM with varying prevalence levels of 38.67, 32.00, 25.33, 17.33, 16.00, 10.67, 5.33, 2.67, 1.33, and 1.33%, respectively. Among 40 MDR strains, 14 (35.00%) were found to carry class 1 integrons, 12 (30.00%) strains carried class 2 integrons, while no class 3 integrons was detected. There was a significant positive correlation between the class 1 integrons and three ARGs: blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaCTX-M-2. This study revealed that P. mirabilis strains isolated from domestic dogs exhibited a higher prevalence of MDR, and carried fewer VAGs but more ARGs compared to those isolated from stay dogs. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between VAGs and ARGs. Given the increasing antimicrobial resistance of P. mirabilis, veterinarians should adopt a prudent approach towards antibiotics administration in dogs to mitigate the emergence and dissemination of MDR strains that pose a potential threat to public health.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety Following Kyungokgo-Gamibang Administration in Dogs with Skin and Joint Diseases

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy and Safety Following Kyungokgo-Gamibang Administration in Dogs with Skin and Joint Diseases

New insights into the treatment of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin since 2009: A review of 671 cases.

"Meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin" (MUO)-a collective term for a group of clinically-indistinguishable (but pathologically distinct) autoimmune diseases of the CNS-has become increasingly commonly recognized throughout the world. In the 1960s-1980s the focus was primarily on the pathological description of these conditions and, largely anecdotally, their response to glucocorticoids. The subsequent availability of magnetic resonance imaging for companion animals led to a focus on imaging characteristics and response of MUO to various immunosuppressive medications. Previous reviews have not found clear evidence of superiority of any specific treatment regimen. Here, we review outcomes in a further 671 dogs treated with various combinations of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs and reported since 2009, aiming to determine whether recommendations can be drawn from the material published during more recent decades. We observe that: (i) there is more complete information on outcome of MUO-affected dogs solely receiving glucocorticoids and these reports provide evidence to undermine the dogma that MUO inevitably requires treatment with glucocorticoids plus an immunosuppressive drug; (ii) there is far more information on the pharmacokinetics of cytarabine delivered by a variety of routes, revealing that previous dosing and duration of administration in dogs with MUO may not have been optimal; and, (iii) there is a large number of cases that could be available for entry into multi-institutional randomized controlled trials. Finally, we suggest new research avenues that might aid future clinical trials in MUO through improved understanding of etiological triggers and individual patterns of immune response, such as the impact of the gut microbiome, the potential of CSF flow cytometry, and the establishment of robust clinical scores for evaluation of treatment success.

Pharmacokinetics of intramuscular maropitant in pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus).

Pigs are at risk of vomiting from medical conditions as well as the emetic side effects of drugs administered for peri-operative manipulations, but there is a lack of pharmacokinetic data for potential anti-emetic therapies, such as maropitant, in this species. The main objective of this study was to estimate plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for maropitant in pigs after a single intramuscular (IM) administration dosed at 1.0mg/kg. A secondary objective was to estimate pilot pharmacokinetic parameters in pigs after oral (PO) administration at 2.0mg/kg. Maropitant was administered to six commercial pigs at a dose of 1.0mg/kg IM. Plasma samples were collected over 72 h. After a 7-day washout period, two pigs were administered maropitant at a dose of 2.0mg/kg PO. Maropitant concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A non-compartmental analysis was used to derive pharmacokinetics parameters. No adverse events were noted in any of the study pigs after administration. Following single IM administration, maximum plasma concentration was estimated at 412.7 ± 132.0ng/mL and time to maximum concentration ranged from 0.083 to 1.0h. Elimination half-life was estimated at 6.7 ± 1.28 h, and mean residence time was 6.1 ± 1.2h. Volume of distribution after IM administration was 15.9L/kg. Area under the curve was 1336 ± 132.0h*ng/mL. The relative bioavailability of PO administration was noted to be 15.5% and 27.2% in the two pilot pigs. The maximum systemic concentration observed in the study pigs after IM administration was higher than what was observed after subcutaneous administration in dogs, cats, or rabbits. The achieved maximum concentration exceeded the concentrations for anti-emetic purposes in dogs and cats; however, a specific anti-emetic concentration is currently not known for pigs. Further research is needed into the pharmacodynamics of maropitant in pigs to determine specific therapeutic strategies for this drug.

Retrospective evaluation of fresh platelet concentrate administration in dogs: Patient characteristics, outcomes, and transfusion practices in 189 transfusion episodes (2008-2019).

To describe patient characteristics, underlying disease processes, clinical outcomes, transfusion dose and type (therapeutic or prophylactic), platelet count changes, and adverse events associated with platelet concentrate (PC) administration in dogs. Retrospective study. University teaching hospital. A total of 149 dogs, representing 189 PC transfusion episodes. None. In this population, 39 of 149 dogs (26.2%) were diagnosed with primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, 22 of 149 (14.8%) had decreased bone marrow production, 12 of 149 (8.0%) received PC during a massive transfusion, 3 of 149 (2.0%) had congenital thrombocytopathia, 59 of 149 (39.6%) had severe thrombocytopenia of other causes, and 14 of 149 (9.4%) underwent transfusion for miscellaneous causes without a documented severe thrombocytopenia. In 117 of 149 dogs (78.5%), >1 site of hemorrhage was noted. The most common sites of hemorrhage were the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in 89 of 149 (59.7%) and the skin in 78 of 149 (52.3%). Overall survival to discharge was 59.1% (88/149). The median PC dose was 0.8 units per 10kg of body weight per transfusion episode (range: 0.2-6.7). Of 189 episodes, 29 of 189 (15.7%) were prophylactic, and 158 of 189 (83.6%) were therapeutic. For 99 of 189 transfusion episodes, paired pre- and postplatelet counts were available within 24hours. The median platelet count change was 5.0×109 /L (5000/μL; range: -115×109 /L to 158×109 /L [-115,000 to 158,000/μL]); the posttransfusion platelet count was significantly higher than pretransfusion (P<0.0001). The increase in platelet count after transfusion was greater in the prophylactic group than the therapeutic group (P=0.0167). Transfusion reactions were suspected during 2 of 168 episodes (1.2%). Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia was the most common disease process that resulted in PC transfusion. PC was more frequently administered to animals with active hemorrhage rather than prophylactically, and most dogs had evidence of hemorrhage in multiple organ systems, particularly the GI tract and skin. PC transfusions typically appeared safe, and the median platelet count increased after transfusion.