American journal of veterinary research
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Comparative Study
Comparison of use of an infrared anesthetic gas monitor and refractometry for measurement of anesthetic agent concentrations.
To assess agreement between anesthetic agent concentrations measured by use of an infrared anesthetic gas monitor (IAGM) and refractometry. SAMPLE-4 IAGMs of the same type and 1 refractometer. ⋯ Given that the assumption of linearity is a cornerstone of anesthetic monitor calibration, this assumption should be confirmed before anesthetic monitors are used in experiments.
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To determine the effect of Hct on blood glucose readings of dogs obtained by use of 2 point-of-care (POC) blood glucometers and a laboratory analyzer. ⋯ Hct had a relevant impact on the correlation between whole blood and plasma glucose concentrations in dogs. Significant variations between results obtained with the 2 glucometers could be critical when interpreting blood glucose measurements or selecting a POC glucometer for an intensive care setting and precise glycemic control in critically ill dogs.
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To determine whether therapeutic concentrations of levetiracetam can be achieved in cats and to establish reasonable i.v. and oral dosing intervals that would not be associated with adverse effects in cats. ⋯ Levetiracetam (20 mg/kg) administered orally or i.v. to cats every 8 hours should achieve and maintain concentrations within the therapeutic range for humans. Levetiracetam administration has favorable pharmacokinetics for clinical use, was apparently tolerated well, and may be a reasonable alternative antiepileptic drug in cats.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of flow-mediated vasodilation in femoral and brachial arteries in healthy dogs.
To compare flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) measurements in brachial and femoral arteries of healthy dogs habituated to the assessment method, evaluate repeatability of these measurements, and investigate effects of blood pressure cuff inflation time on femoral artery FMD measurements. ⋯ In healthy Miniature Schnauzers, FMD was greater and more repeatable in brachial arteries than in femoral arteries. Reactive hyperemia was inconsistently induced in femoral arteries following 3- or 5-minute cuff inflation times. Brachial, but not femoral, artery FMD measurement is a potentially useful research technique for measurement of endothelial function in dogs.
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To determine the accuracy of pressure plate kinetic asymmetry indices (ASIs) for diagnosis of unilateral hind limb lameness in dogs and their correlation with visual gait assessment (VGA) scores. ⋯ Results indicated that ASIs of PVF and VI determined via analysis of pressure plate measurements were reliable indicators of clinical lameness in dogs, but the ASI of PVP was not. The ASI of PCA is an interesting new variable for assessment of limb loading symmetry.