The veterinary journal
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The veterinary journal · Sep 2008
Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine after racemic ketamine or S-ketamine administration in Shetland ponies sedated with xylazine.
The pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine enantiomers after administration of intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine (R-/S-ketamine; 2.2 mg/kg) or S-ketamine (1.1 mg/kg) to five ponies sedated with IV xylazine (1.1mg/kg) were compared. The time intervals to assume sternal and standing positions were recorded. Arterial blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 min after ketamine administration. ⋯ The maximum concentration of S-norketamine was higher after S-ketamine administration. Time to standing position was significantly diminished after S-ketamine compared to R-/S-ketamine. Blood gases showed low-degree hypoxaemia and hypercarbia.
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The veterinary journal · Jul 2008
The effects on maternal and fetal cardiovascular and acid-base variables after the administration of etomidate in the pregnant ewe.
Etomidate is an intravenous (IV) hypnotic agent characterised by its cardiovascular stability. Although etomidate has been satisfactorily used in veterinary and human obstetrics, little is known about its effects on the fetus. This study determined the cardiovascular and acid-base effects of etomidate administration in the pregnant ewe and her fetus. ⋯ Etomidate administration did not depress cardiovascular function in the pregnant ewe or fetus. When administered as a continuous infusion, maternal heart rate and blood pressure increased during the second half of the infusion and the initial stages of recovery. Acid-base alterations led to transient but slight respiratory depression in both mother and fetus, probably reflecting the combined effects of etomidate on respiration and the positioning of the animal.
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The veterinary journal · Jun 2008
The efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in pharmacoresistant epileptic dogs.
Twenty-two dogs with idiopathic epilepsy which were pharmacoresistant to phenobarbitone and bromide were treated with levetiracetam as an add-on medication. Records of eight dogs were used retrospectively to determine a safe, efficient levetiracetam dosage. Fourteen dogs were entered into a prospective, open label, non-comparative study. ⋯ Levetiracetam responders had a significant decrease in seizure frequency of 77% (7.9+/-5.2 to 1.8+/-1.7 seizures/month) and a decrease in seizure days per month of 68% (3.8+/-1.7 to 1.2+/-1.1 seizure days/month). However, 6/9 responders experienced an increase in seizure frequency and seizure days after 4-8 months continuing with the levetiracetam treatment at the last effective dosage. Levetiracetam was well tolerated by all dogs and sedation was the only side-effect reported in just one of the 14 dogs.
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The study was undertaken to determine how equine red blood cells (RBCs) survive in storage bags designed for use with human RBCs. Separated RBCs were stored in a routine manner for 35 days and examined every 7 days for storage lesions. Measured parameters included haematology, haemolysis, pH, potassium, lactate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). ⋯ Haemolysis increased during storage but did not exceed human limits. pH and 2,3-DPG decreased, while lactate, potassium and ATP increased. RBCs deteriorated somewhat during storage, but when compared with human in vitro parameters, remained suitable for transfusion. It is concluded that equine erythrocytes can be stored for at least 35 days before transfusion.