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Biomedical subjects

P D Pion

Publications and source records attributed to P D Pion.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in maine coon cats: an animal model of human disease.

BACKGROUND: A naturally occurring animal model of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) is lacking. We identified a family of Maine coon cats with HCM and developed a colony to determine mode of inheritance, phenotypic expression, and natural history of the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A proband was identified, and related cats were bred to produce a colony. Affected and unaffected cats were bred to determine the mode of inheritance. Echocardiography was used to identify affected offspring and determine phenotypic expression. Echocardiograms were repeated serially to determine the natural history of the disease. Of 22 offspring from breeding affected to unaffected cats, 12 (55%) were affected. When affected cats were bred to affected cats, 4 (45%) of the 9 were affected, 2 (22%) unaffected, and 3 (33%) stillborn. Findings were consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with 100% penetrance, with the stillborns representing lethal homozygotes that died in utero. Affected cats usually did not have phenotypic evidence of HCM before 6 months of age, developed HCM during adolescence, and developed severe HCM during young adulthood. Papillary muscle hypertrophy that produced midcavitary obstruction and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve was the most consistent manifestation of HCM. Cats died suddenly (n=5) or of heart failure (n=3). Histopathology of the myocardium revealed myocardial fiber disarray, intramural coronary arteriosclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: HCM in this family of Maine coon cats closely resembles the human form of FHCM and should prove a valuable tool for studying the gross, cellular, and molecular pathophysiology of the disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The effectiveness of taurine and levocarnitine in dogs with heart disease.

In this article, the current state of knowledge of the potential role of taurine and L-carnitine deficiency and supplementation in the genesis and management of cardiovascular disease in dogs is presented. There is limited direct evidence to support the recommendations found in this article or elsewhere in the literature. The temptation to "do something" for our patients can be overwhelming. Whether it be the administration of drugs or prescribing nutraceuticals or prescription diets, the veterinarian should strongly consider the source of the information, the strength of the evidence presented, the financial costs to the owner, and the potential risks and benefits to the patient.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Taming the silicon dragon.

This article is an introduction to how computers work. Although many can begin to use this tool without any formal knowledge of its components or how they work together, only a functional understanding of these aspects can really unleash the power and capabilities available and allow you to proceed without fear that some mysterious force will come up and "eat the data" or somehow cause some other damage to the system. Through an inspection of the terminology, anatomical dissection, and physiology of our imagined "silicon dragon," we can appreciate the qualities of the beast, dispell our fears, and take real control of this potentially awesome tool. Although the basic information is perforce, quite technical in nature, the article is meant both to be readable and also provide a reference for terms and concepts mentioned both elsewhere in this issue, as well as generally. It is especially useful to be refreshed on these terms and concepts when considering an initial purchase or upgrade of computer equipment.

Computer Literacy↗
PubMed1996

On-line veterinary communities: the time is now or I've got a modem: what should I do with it? Where should I point it?

Veterinary medicine has until recently existed as a small and geographically diffuse group of professionals. Communicating with significant numbers of colleagues to confer on cases or business related issues on a regular basis has been limited primarily to those in academia. Isolation has prevented the individual practice from significantly affecting the policies of national suppliers or the politics of organized veterinary medicine through a large unified voice. Although only a small percentage of the profession is on-line, the building of on-line communities of veterinarians is currently changing the rules in these areas. Considering when, why, and how to venture into the world of on-line veterinary medicine is only part of the issue we face as a profession. Choosing to keep a sense of community as the centerpiece of on-line veterinary interactions is critical to ensuring that on-line veterinary medicine, above all, serves the best interests of the practicing veterinarian.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Distance learning in veterinary medicine: enhancing interactivity in continuing education.

Technological advances have made distance veterinary continuing education a reality. Distance interactive continuing education programs using computer and modern are currently being offered via Veterinary Information Network (VIN) on the America Online (AOL) computer network and the Network of Animal Health (NOAH) on CompuServe. Using over 500 hours of course experience on VIN as an example, this article describes the technology involved in delivering online instruction including electronic mail, asynchronous bulletin board interactions, electronic library files, and realtime interactive discussions. These formats take advantage of the standard features of the network AOL are mixed with links to Worldwide Web sites, print and electronic publications, and even coordinated with "offline" meetings. The paradigm of learning is somewhat different than traditional "offline" or "onsite" meetings in that learning takes place over a period of 2 to 20 weeks, allowing the participating veterinarian to interact with instructors while applying the information in practice. Continual learning is encouraged as participants are allowed to participate in a course offered in sequential years. The successful online instructors tend to take advantage of electronic communications to encourage instructor-participant and participant-participant interactivity. The majority of course participants seek an additional challenge or greater interactivity in their continuing education experience; however, some veterinarians seek distance continuing education for practical reasons, including the ability to pursue additional education without leaving a solo practice, temporary or permanent physical disabilities, family considerations, or military service. Distance learning is a viable educational format, the role for which will evolve as technology and the base of experience with it expands.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1994

Effects of thyroid hormone and thyroid dysfunction on the cardiovascular system.

Thyroid disease is common in veterinary practice. The heart, especially the myocardium, is sensitive to thyroid hormone, and deficiencies or excesses can alter cardiovascular function. Observed changes result from direct effects upon the myocardium and indirect effects that result from effects upon the vasculature and peripheral tissues. Clinically significant cardiovascular abnormalities related to hypothyroidism are rare. If present, they are primarily manifest as reduced left ventricular pump function, as apparent echocardiographically, or arrhythmias. Hyperthyroidism is common in the cat and infrequently encountered in dogs. Clinically significant cardiovascular manifestations are common and often dramatic. Hyperdynamic systolic function and mild myocardial hypertrophy are common manifestations which may lead to overt congestive and high output heart failure. If signs of congestive heart failure or significant arrhythmias are not evident, specific therapy need only be directed toward restoration of the euthyroid state. In most cases the cardiovascular changes associated with thyroid dysfunction are completely reversible.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The acute haemodynamic effects of captopril in dogs with heart failure.

The acute effects of three doses of captopril (12.5, 25, and 50 mg [approximately 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg]) on several haemodynamic variables and plasma aldosterone concentration were investigated in four dogs with experimentally produced heart failure (rapid ventricular pacing) and one dog with dilated cardiomyopathy. Haemodynamic variables were measured with a Swan-Ganz thermodilution catheter and an indwelling carotid artery catheter at baseline and 1, 2, and 4 h after drug administration. A statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in peripheral vascular resistance was observed 1 and 2 h following the 12.5 mg dose. A significant and large enough decrease in peripheral vascular resistance to produce a significant decrease in mean systemic arterial blood pressure was observed 1 and 2 h after administering 25 and 50 mg of captopril. A mild but significant increase in cardiac output was observed 1 h after each dose. The drug effect on systemic arterial blood pressure lasted less than 4 h. No statistically significant changes were observed for the group in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, right atrial blood pressure, or plasma aldosterone concentration at any time. We conclude that the acute haemodynamic benefits provided by captopril administration were mild and due primarily to arteriolar dilation. Doses of approximately 1-2 mg/kg produced slightly greater arteriolar dilation than an approximate dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The drug effect was short-lived, lasting less than 4 h.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

Clinical findings in cats with dilated cardiomyopathy and relationship of findings to taurine deficiency.

Between October 1986 and September 1988, 37 cats with moderate to severe idiopathic myocardial failure (dilated cardiomyopathy) were evaluated prospectively. Low plasma taurine concentration and diet history including foods that can cause taurine deficiency were documented in most of the cats. Comparison with a retrospectively studied population of 33 cats with dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosed between 1980 and 1986 demonstrated that the clinical and historical findings in the 33 retrospectively studied cats were similar to those in the 37 cats studied prospectively. Clinical findings in the 2 groups were also similar to findings previously reported in the literature. Because clinical findings and diet history were similar in the prospective and retrospective groups, we believe that many cats in the latter group had diet-induced taurine deficiency. These findings support the conclusion that most cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in cats have a common etiopathogenesis related to diet and as such are preventable.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1992

Response of cats with dilated cardiomyopathy to taurine supplementation.

Between October 1986 and September 1988, 37 cats with moderate to severe idiopathic myocardial failure (dilated cardiomyopathy) were evaluated. Clinical management of these cats was similar to that described in the literature, except that it also included administration of 500 or 1,000 mg of the sulfur amino acid, taurine per day. Early death (death within the first 30 days of treatment) occurred in 14 (38%) cats. One cat was lost to follow-up evaluation. Twenty-two cats (59%) had marked clinical and echocardiographic improvement and survived longer than 240 days. In all but 1 cat, the observed improvement in echocardiographic measurements persisted. Hypothermia and thromboembolism were positively associated with an increased risk of early death. Administration of digoxin did not significantly affect survival. All 22 cats that survived greater than 30 days remained clinically stable despite withdrawal of all medications except taurine. Administration of taurine was eventually discontinued in 20 of the 22 cats and adequate taurine intake was thereafter provided for in the food. The clinical response and 1-year survival rate of 58% (21 of 36 cats with a known outcome) in the taurine-treated group represents a marked improvement, compared with a 1-year survival rate of 13% (4 of 31 cats with a known outcome) in a retrospectively evaluated population of 33 cats with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

The effect of intravenous mannitol or oral glycerol on intraocular pressure in dogs.

The effect of IV mannitol (1.5 gm/kg) or oral glycerol (1.4 and 2.0 gm/kg) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and serum osmolality (SOSM) was investigated in 24 normal dogs. Mean IOPs were significantly decreased from baseline values from 0.5 through 5.5 hours following mannitol administration with a mean maximum depression of 8.7 +/- 1.8 mm Hg whereas mean SOSM was significantly increased from baseline values. Mean IOPs were significantly decreased from baseline values from 1.0 through 10 hours following oral administration of 1.4 gm/kg glycerol with a mean maximal depression of 5.4 +/- 2.7 mm Hg. Mean SOSM increased initially followed by a significant decrease. The change in IOP following mannitol administration showed less variation (smaller standard deviations) than glycerol (1.4 gm/kg). Five of the 6 dogs that received the 2.0 gm/kg glycerol vomited; the mean IOP and SOSM values were not significantly altered from baseline values in these dogs. Four of 5 dogs given cooled (10C) 2.0 gm/kg glycerol vomited. The incidence of vomiting appeared to be dose related. Both mannitol and glycerol (1.4 gm/kg) are effective for decreasing IOP in normal dogs.

Administration, Oral↗