The veterinary journal
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The veterinary journal · Sep 2010
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of caudal epidural ketamine and/or lidocaine on heifers during reproductive procedures: a preliminary study.
Six 20-24-month-old heifers received ketamine (KE), 2% lidocaine (Li), or ketamine and 2% lidocaine (KELI) into the first intercoccygeal (Co(1)-Co(2)) epidural space while standing. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean), respiratory rate, rectal temperature, analgesia, sedation, and ataxia were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals. ⋯ Motor block determined by KE, Li, or KELI treatments was restricted to tail, external genital organs (vulva and vagina), anus, and rectum, with little interference in the cervix or uterus. It was concluded that epidural ketamine, 2% lidocaine, or their combination produced satisfactory analgesia without discomfort or ataxia and facilitated reproductive manipulations.
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The veterinary journal · Sep 2010
Development of a model based scoring system for diagnosis of canine disseminated intravascular coagulation with independent assessment of sensitivity and specificity.
A template for a scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in humans has been proposed by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). The objective of this study was to develop and validate a similar objective scoring system based on generally available coagulation tests for the diagnosis of DIC in dogs. To develop the scoring system, 100 dogs consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with diseases predisposing for DIC were enrolled prospectively (group A). ⋯ The model had a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 90.0%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the model was sustained by prospective evaluation in group B (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 77.3%). Based on commonly used, plasma-based coagulation assays, it was possible to design an objective diagnostic scoring system for canine DIC with a high sensitivity and specificity.
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The veterinary journal · Sep 2010
Evaluation of extradural pressure waves and the 'lack of resistance' test to confirm extradural needle placement in dogs.
This study aimed to evaluate the use of extradural pressure (EDP) waves to confirm extradural needle placement in clinical practice. Lumbosacral extradural anaesthesia was performed in 98 dogs, of which 85 were included for statistical analysis. The extradural space was identified using conventional methods and, after testing lack of resistance to injection of saline, a pressure transducer was connected to the needle. ⋯ In 11% of dogs no EDP waves were observed. EDP prior to administration of the local anaesthetic was 0.4+/-1.0 kPa but following the injection values were significantly higher (4.7+/-2.9 kPa) and there was no difference between pressures following successful and unsuccessful punctures. It was concluded that EDP waves can be used to confirm correct needle placement in dogs in clinical practice and measurement is most reliable following extradural injection.