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Basal and glucagon-stimulated plasma C-peptide concentrations in healthy dogs, dogs with diabetes mellitus, and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

Serum glucose and plasma C-peptide response to i.v. glucagon administration was evaluated in 24 healthy dogs, 12 dogs with untreated diabetes mellitus, 30 dogs with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and 8 dogs with naturally acquired hyperadrenocorticism. Serum insulin response also was evaluated in all dogs, except 20 insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Blood samples for serum glucose, serum insulin, and plasma C-peptide determinations were collected immediately before and 5, 10, 20, 30, and (for healthy dogs) 60 minutes after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon per dog. In healthy dogs, the patterns of glucagon-stimulated changes in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were identical, with single peaks in plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations observed approximately 15 minutes after i.v. glucagon administration. Mean plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs, and mean plasma C-peptide concentration in insulin-treated diabetic dogs did not increase significantly after i.v. glucagon administration. The validity of serum insulin concentration results was questionable in 10 insulin-treated diabetic dogs, possibly because of anti-insulin antibody interference with the insulin radioimmunoassay. Plasma C-peptide and serum insulin concentrations were significantly increased (P < .001) at all blood sampling times after glucagon administration in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Five-minute C-peptide increment, C-peptide peak response, total C-peptide secretion, and, for untreated diabetic dogs, insulin peak response and total insulin secretion were significantly lower (P < .00l) in diabetic dogs, compared with healthy dogs, whereas these same parameters were significantly increased (P < .01) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, and untreated and insulin-treated diabetic dogs. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for higher plasma C-peptide concentrations in untreated diabetic dogs compared with insulin-treated diabetic dogs during the glucagon stimulation test. Baseline C-peptide concentrations also were significantly higher (P < .05) in diabetic dogs treated with insulin for less than 6 months, compared with diabetic dogs treated for longer than 1 year. Finally, 7 of 42 diabetic dogs had baseline plasma C-peptide concentrations greater than 2 SD (ie, > 0.29 pmol/mL) above the normal mean plasma C-peptide concentration; values that were significantly higher, compared with the results in healthy dogs (P < .001) and with the other 35 diabetic dogs (P < .001). In summary, measurement of plasma C-peptide concentration during glucagon stimulation testing allowed differentiation among healthy dogs, dogs with impaired beta-cell function (ie, diabetes mellitus), and dogs with increased beta-cell responsiveness to glucagon (ie, insulin resistance). Plasma C-peptide concentrations during glucagon stimulation testing were variable in diabetic dogs and may represent dogs with type-1 and type-2 diabetes or, more likely, differences in severity of beta-cell loss in dogs with type-1 diabetes.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

Comparison of production of Staphylococcus intermedius exotoxin among clinically normal dogs, atopic dogs with recurrent pyoderma, and dogs with a single episode of pyoderma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether exotoxin production by Staphylococcus intermedius is an important factor in recurrence of pyoderma in atopic dogs. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 30 client-owned dogs (10 clinically normal dogs, 10 atopic dogs with recurrent pyoderma, and 10 dogs with a single episode of pyoderma). PROCEDURE: Specimens for bacterial culturing were obtained from a pustule or papule of affected dogs or from skin of clinically normal dogs. Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated and processed. Supernatants were analyzed for staphylococcal exotoxins. Types of lesions and severity of pruritus were assessed for each dog. RESULTS: Exotoxins A and C were detected in S intermedius isolated from 1 clinically normal dog. In the atopic group, exotoxin C was isolated from 1 dog, exotoxins A and C were isolated from 1 dog, and exotoxin C and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 were isolated from 1 dog. Exotoxins were isolated from 2 dogs with a single episode of pyoderma (exotoxin C, 1 dog; exotoxins A and C, 1 dog). Lesion types and severity of pruritus varied greatly among dogs with pyoderma and were not associated with detection of exotoxin or type of exotoxin. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Exotoxins were identified from few isolates of S intermedius, and we did not observe an association between type of lesions or severity of pruritus and detection of exotoxins. Production of exotoxin by S intermedius does not play a role in the recurrent nature of pyoderma in atopic dogs or on type of lesion or severity of pruritus associated with pyoderma.

Animals↗

Serum-free thyroxine concentrations, measured by chemiluminescence assay before and after thyrotropin administration in healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs, and euthyroid dogs with dermathopathies.

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of free thyroxine (FT4) measured by chemiluminescence in evaluating thyroid function in dogs. Total thyroxine (TT4) concentration measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and FT4 measured by chemiluminescence were evaluated in 30 healthy dogs, 60 euthyroid dogs with concurrent dermatopathies, and 30 hypothyroid dogs before and after intravenous stimulation with 1 or 2 IU of thyrotropin (TSH). Median basal TT4 and median TT4 concentrations at 4 h post-TSH administration were not significantly different (P < 0.0001) between healthy dogs and euthyroid dogs with dermatopathies, but were significantly higher than those in hypothyroid dogs. In healthy dogs, the median TT4 concentrations at 4 and 6 h post-TSH administration were not significantly different. Median basal FT4 and median FT4 concentrations at 4 h post-TSH administration in healthy dogs were significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than those in euthyroid dogs with dermatopathies, but significantly higher than the same parameters in hypothyroid dogs. There was a significant difference between the median FT4 concentrations at 4 h post-TSH administration and median basal FT4 concentrations for healthy dogs and euthyroid dogs with dermatopathies, but not for hypothyroid dogs. Lastly, in healthy dogs, median FT4 concentrations at 4 and 6 h post-TSH administration were not significantly different. Free thyroxine measured by chemiluminescence was highly correlated (P < 0.0001; Spearman r = 0.91) with FT4 measured by the reference method for free hormone analysis, namely, equilibrium dialysis, when sera from 56 dogs were used.

Animals↗

Circulating concentration of dexamethasone in healthy dogs, dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, and dogs with nonadrenal illness during dexamethasone suppression testing.

Concentration of dexamethasone was determined in plasma or serum samples from dogs after i.v. administration of a low dose (0.01 mg/kg of body weight) or high dose (0.1 mg/kg) of dexamethasone. On the basis of history, clinical signs of disease, and degree of cortisol suppression in response to dexamethasone, dogs were assigned to these groups: healthy dogs, dogs with nonadrenal illness, and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Four hours after administration of the low dose of dexamethasone, concentration of the steroid was reduced (P < 0.05) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, compared with healthy dogs, but not compared with values from dogs with nonadrenal illness. By 8 hours after dexamethasone administration, values were similar across groups. Dexamethasone concentration 4 and 8 hours after high-dose administration was similar between healthy dogs and dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Concentration of dexamethasone 4 and 8 hours after its administration overlapped after the 2 doses. For example, in 11 of 66 dogs from all groups, concentration measured 4 hours after the low dose was greater than the minimal concentration determined in the 18 dogs given the high dose. These data indicate that dexamethasone metabolism may be altered in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, and that individuals may have appreciable variability in dexamethasone clearance. Such variability provides a possible explanation for false-positive and false-negative results associated with dexamethasone suppression testing in dogs.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

Change in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration in response to administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone to healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs, and euthyroid dogs with concurrent disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether measuring change in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration can be used as a test of thyroid function in dogs suspected of having hypothyroidism. DESIGN: Case-cohort study. ANIMALS: 13 healthy dogs, 20 hypothyroid dogs, and 18 euthyroid dogs with concurrent diseases. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes after TRH administration, and serum TSH concentration was measured. The 13 healthy dogs were used to establish a reference range for change in TSH concentration after TRH administration. The remaining 38 dogs were categorized as hypothyroid or euthyroid on the basis of baseline total thyroxine (T4) and TSH concentrations, T4 concentration 4 hours after TRH administration, and clinical response to administration of sodium levothyroxine. RESULTS: Median baseline TSH concentration was 0.25 ng/ml (range, 0.03 to 0.44 ng/ml) in healthy dogs, 0.93 ng/ml (0.21 to 3.5 ng/ml) in hypothyroid dogs, and 0.21 ng/ml (0.03 to 0.63 ng/ml) in euthyroid dogs with concurrent diseases. Median percentage change in TSH concentration after TRH administration was 207% (range, 25 to 2,200%) in healthy dogs, 24% (-21 to 134%) in hypothyroid dogs, and 167% (69 to 1,800%) in euthyroid dogs with concurrent diseases. Overall accuracy of using the TRH-induced change in TSH concentration to identify hypothyroid dogs was 90%. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although percentage change in TSH concentration in response to TRH administration can be used to differentiate euthyroid from hypothyroid dogs, the test has little advantage over measurement of baseline TSH and total or free T4 concentration.

Animals↗

Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week.

BACKGROUND: Many asthmatic patients allergic to dogs refuse to part with their dog, and it is essential to develop techniques for lowering exposure with a dog in the home. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of dog washing on the subsequent recovery of Can f 1 from dog hair clippings and on the airborne allergen over a 7-day period. METHODS: Dogs, which had not been washed for at least the previous 3 weeks, were washed with a hand-held shower and proprietary shampoo. Hair clippings and dander samples from 25 dogs were collected before and immediately after washing. After these initial studies, 16 dogs had a small tuft of hair clipped from the collar or spinal area before washing and then daily for the next 7 days. Air sampling was performed in 5 homes, and the air samples were collected (airflow rate, 9 L/min) over an 8-hour period per day on 10 consecutive days (3 days of baseline sampling before washing and then 7 consecutive days after washing). Can f 1 level was measured by using 2-site ELISA. RESULTS: Washing significantly reduced recoverable Can f 1 from clippings (84% reduction: from 73 microg/g to 12 microg/g [geometric mean]; P <.0001) and from dander samples (86% reduction: from 347 microg/g to 50 microg/g [geometric mean]; P <.0001). There was a significant reduction in Can f 1 levels in dog hair over the observed 8-day period (F = 18.4, P <. 0001). By using a multiple comparison test, this observed significance was found to be due to the difference between the baseline levels and those on days 1 and 2 after washing, with no difference in the baseline Can f 1 compared with days 3 to 7. Airborne Can f 1 levels showed a downward trend, which reached statistical significance when the data were grouped into 3 sampling periods as follows: baseline (ie, mean of 3 days before sampling) was compared with days 1 to 4 after washing (41% reduction, 95% CI 13%-60%) and days 5 to 7 after washing (61% reduction, 95% CI 2%-84%; P =.014). CONCLUSIONS: Washing the dog reduces recoverable allergen from dog hair and dander. The dog needs to be washed at least twice a week to maintain the reduction in recoverable Can f 1 from its hair. Washing the dog achieves a modest reduction in the level of airborne Can f 1 in homes with a dog.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

Serial thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy euthyroid dogs, dogs with hypothyroidism, and euthyroid dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Serum thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were determined every 3 h for 12 h beginning at 8 a.m. in 20 healthy euthyroid dogs, 19 dogs with hypothyroidism, and 18 euthyroid dogs with atopic dermatitis. Status of thyroid function was based on history, physical findings, results of thyrotropin response testing, and requirement for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Mean serum T4 and T3 concentrations did not vary significantly between blood samplings within each of the three groups of dogs. Between groups of dogs, mean serum T4 concentration was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher at each blood sampling time in healthy euthyroid dogs and euthyroid dogs with atopic dermatitis when compared to dogs with hypothyroidism. There was no significant difference in mean serum T4 concentration at any blood sampling time between healthy euthyroid dogs and euthyroid dogs with atopic dermatitis or in mean serum T3 concentrations at any blood sampling time between any of the three groups of dogs. Random fluctuation in serum T4 and T3 concentrations was found in dogs in all three groups. Random fluctuations were more common with serum T3 versus T4 concentrations. Consequently, sensitivity (0.88 versus 0.52), specificity (0.73 versus 0.45), predictive value for a positive test (0.75 versus 0.32), predictive value for a negative test (0.87 versus 0.65), and accuracy (0.80 versus 0.47) were better for serum T4 concentration than serum T3 concentration, respectively, when all blood samples were analysed. Measurement of serum T4 concentration was more accurate than serum T3 concentration in assessing the status of thyroid gland function.

Animals↗

Serum free thyroxine concentration in healthy dogs, dogs with hypothyroidism, and euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness.

Serum free thyroxine (fT4), thyroxine (T4), and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were determined in 62 healthy dogs, 51 dogs with hypothyroidism, and 59 euthyroid dogs with concurrent dermatopathy or concurrent illness for which hypothyroidism was a diagnostic consideration. Status of thyroid function was based on history, physical findings, results of thyrotropin response testing, requirement for thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and in 31 dogs, on results of histologic examination of a thyroid gland biopsy specimen. Serum fT4 concentration was determined, using a single-stage radioimmunoassay. Mean (+/- SD) serum fT4 concentration was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in healthy dogs vs dogs with hypothyroidism (0.51 +/- 0.27 ng/dl vs 0.10 +/- 0.07 ng/dl). Significant difference in mean serum fT4 concentration was not evident between dogs with hypothyroidism and euthyroid dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (0.16 +/- 0.13 ng/dl) or peripheral neuropathy (0.19 +/- 0.10 ng/dl). Mean serum fT4 concentration in all other groups of euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness was similar to values in healthy dogs and was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater, compared with values in dogs with hypothyroidism. Similar results were found for mean serum T4 concentration. Comparison of serum fT4 vs T4 concentration revealed: sensitivity, 0.97 vs 0.98; specificity, 0.78 vs 0.73; predictive value for a positive test result, 0.79 vs 0.80; predictive value for a negative test result, 0.97 vs 0.97; and accuracy, 0.78 vs 0.86, respectively. Ten (17%) and 12 (20%) of 59 serum fT4 and T4 concentrations, respectively, were inappropriately low in euthyroid dogs with concurrent illness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

A dog rabies vaccination campaign in rural Africa: impact on the incidence of dog rabies and human dog-bite injuries.

Despite the availability of safe and effective rabies vaccines, the incidence of dog rabies has been increasing throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa. Here we describe a vaccination strategy that has resulted in successful control of rabies in a rural dog population of Northwestern Tanzania. From October 1996 to February 2001, four central-point dog vaccination campaigns were conducted in villages within Serengeti District with a mean interval between campaigns of 338, 319 and 456 days. Vaccination coverage of the dog population was estimated from household questionnaires as 64.5, 61.1, 70.6 and 73.7% following each of the four campaigns, respectively. The incidence of dog rabies declined significantly in Serengeti District falling by 70% after the first campaign and by 97% after the second campaign. Over the same period, the incidence of dog rabies did not differ significantly in unvaccinated control villages of Musoma District. The incidence of human bite injuries from suspected rabid dogs declined significantly in Serengeti District after dog vaccination but not in adjacent unvaccinated districts. Vaccination of 60-70% of dogs has been sufficient to control dog rabies in this area and to significantly reduce demand for human post-exposure rabies treatment. Dog-bite injuries can provide a valuable and accessible source of data for surveillance in countries where case incidence data are difficult to obtain.

Animals↗

Plasma and urinary trypsinogen activation peptide in healthy dogs, dogs with pancreatitis and dogs with other systemic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the specificity and sensitivity of plasma and urinary trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP) concentrations in diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical cases. PROCEDURE: Dogs were classified into three groups: healthy animals, dogs with confirmed pancreatitis and dogs with nonpancreatic disease, which clinically or biochemically resembled pancreatitis. This last group was further subdivided into dogs with renal and those with nonrenal disease. The plasma and urinary TAP concentration was determined by a competitive enzyme immunoassay. Clinical cases additionally had serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity concentration measured, as well as radiography and ultrasound of the abdomen and further diagnostic procedures. Nonparametric analysis of variance (Kruskal-Wallis test) was performed using Statistix 4.0 program. RESULTS: There was a wide range of urinary TAP concentration in healthy dogs (mean 52.30 nmol/L, standard deviation 55.25) that made interpretation of urinary TAP concentrations difficult in the other groups. There was a narrow reference range for plasma TAP (mean 2.67 nmol/L, standard deviation 0.93). Plasma and urinary TAP concentrations, as well as urinary TAP to creatinine ratio, were all increased in dogs that died with necrotising pancreatitis. Values were not increased in mild, interstitial pancreatitis. Increased plasma TAP concentrations were also present in dogs with severe renal disease. CONCLUSION: Plasma TAP concentration is a good prognostic indicator in naturally occurring pancreatitis in dogs. The failure of TAP to increase in mild pancreatitis, and the increase present in severe renal disease, suggests its measurement has limited application as a sole diagnostic tool for canine pancreatitis. Further investigations are required in order to explain the large variability of urinary TAP concentration and the presence of circulating TAP in healthy dogs.

Amylases↗

Pharmacokinetics of exogenous corticotropin in normal dogs, hospitalized dogs with non adrenal illness and adrenopathic dogs.

Corticotropin (ACTH) pharmacokinetics was assessed in 10 normal dogs receiving exogenous ACTH (0.5 U/kg, i.v.). A two-compartment open model was most appropriate for description of exogenous ACTH pharmacokinetics. The apparent distribution and elimination rate constants (alpha and beta) were 7.4 +/- 2.7 x 10(-2) min(-1) and 5.5 +/- 3.8 x 10(-3) min(-1), respectively. Area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was 2.91 +/- 0.78 x 10(4) pg x min/mL, mean residence time (MRT) was 45.0 +/- 12.2 min, the distribution half-life (t1/2alpha) was 9.4 min (harmonic mean), and the elimination half-life (t1/2beta) was 128 min (harmonic mean). The total body clearance of ACTH (ClB) was 1.83 +/- 0.46 x 10(4) mL x min/kg and volume of distribution (Vd(area)) was 30 +/- 15 L/kg. Corticotropin pharmacokinetics was also assessed in 12 client owned dogs, six dogs with non adrenal illness (NAI) and six dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), receiving exogenous ACTH (0.5 U/kg, i.v.). For these patients, data was best fitted to a one-compartment open model. In dogs with NAI, the AUC was 6.23 +/- 0.62 x 10(5) pg x min/mL, MRT was 38.7 +/- 12 min, the apparent elimination rate constant (k(el)) was 0.26 +/- 0.0017 min(-1) elimination half-life was 26.7 min, ClB was 0.84 +/- 0.1 x 10(4) mL/min/kg, and Vd(area) was 31.9 +/- 5.7 L/kg. In dogs with HAC, AUC was 4.74 +/- 0.23 x 10(5) pg x min/mL, MRT was 20.4 min, k(el) was 0.034 +/- 0.009 min(-1), half-life was 20.4 min, CIB was 1.06 +/- 6.0 x 10(4) mL/min/kg and Vd(area) was 29.7 +/- 6.7 L/kg. Dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism showed more rapid elimination and clearance of exogenous corticotropin than dogs with NAI.

Adrenal Cortex Diseases↗

Comparison of serum concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone in healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs, and euthyroid dogs with concurrent disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of an assay for measuring serum concentration of canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) as an aid for diagnosing thyroid disease in a population of dogs suspected of having hypothyroidism. DESIGN: Case-cohort study. ANIMALS: 62 healthy dogs and 49 dogs with clinical signs consistent with hypothyroidism (16 were hypothyroid and 33 were euthyroid with concurrent disease). PROCEDURE: Samples from healthy dogs were used to establish a reference range for serum cTSH concentration. The 49 dogs were categorized as hypothyroid or euthyroid with concurrent disease on the basis of clinical signs, results of additional diagnostic and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response tests, and response to administration of levothyroxine sodium. Function of the thyroid gland was considered normal when serum total thyroxine (T4) concentration 6 hours after TSH administration was > 2.5 micrograms/dl. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed when serum T4 concentration after TSH administration was < or = 1.5 microgram/dl. RESULTS: Serum cTSH concentration differed significantly among all 3 groups. Four of 33 (12%) euthyroid dogs had cTSH concentrations that were greater than the reference range, whereas 6 of 16 (38%) hypothyroid dogs had cTSH concentrations within the reference range. Specificity for serum cTSH concentration was 0.88 and sensitivity was 0.63. When interpreted in combination with serum T4 concentration, specificity increased to 1.0. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: cTSH assay had good specificity for use in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs. Because this assay had low sensitivity, a diagnosis of hypothyroidism could not be excluded on the basis of a serum cTSH concentration that was within the reference range.

Animals↗

Investigation of the physical properties of dog intestinal microvillar membrane proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: a comparison between normal dogs and dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Procedures have been validated for the investigation of the physical properties of canine microvillar membrane proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These have been used to examine mucosal samples from eight control dogs and from five dogs with naturally occurring exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in order to evaluate the potential role of the pancreas in the normal turnover of microvillar membrane proteins in the dog. Gel scanning showed that the proportion of total membrane protein in bands corresponding to a molecular mass greater than 200 kDa was up to 20-times higher in dogs with EPI than in control dogs. In particular, a band of apparent molecular mass 218 kDa represented between 8 and 28% of membrane protein in all affected dogs, compared with only 0.5 to 1.8% in controls, and is most likely to contain single chains of both pro-maltase-glucoamylase and pro-sucrase-isomaltase. Incubation of microvillar membranes in vitro with either trypsin or canine pancreatic juice resulted in degradation of this high molecular mass band and a corresponding increase in the amount of protein in three bands representing molecular masses of 150, 133 and 106 kDa. In samples from control dogs aminopeptidase N was identified in the 133 kDa band by Western blotting and incubation with monospecific antiserum. These findings suggest that pancreatic enzymes play a major role in the normal post-translational processing of intestinal microvillar membrane proteins in the dog.

Animals↗

[Characterization of the vegetative-nervous response of dogs and the vegetative-nervous interaction between dogs and dog trainers by noninvasive measurement of skin potentials].

The study involved a total of 5 pairs consisting of dog and dog trainer who were examined by continuous noninvasive recording of skin potentials within the scope of a defined exercise program. The exercise program consisted of the following phases: preparatory free run exercise (16 min in duration), exercise in submission (4 min in duration), follow-up phase with free run (16 min in duration). The objective of the study was to demonstrate the possibility to register, by means of skin potential recordings, the vegetative-nervous behavior of dogs and the vegetative-nervous interaction between dog and dog trainer. The tests carried out with dogs and humans showed that it was possible to verify behavior-specific traits of dogs by means of time-series analysis of the data registered. It was demonstrated that especially the frequency distribution of a regulatory function, such as the parameter skin potential, permits the detection of characteristic behavioral traits. By means of a newly developed method for determining a dynamic cross-correlation, the vegetative-emotional interaction could be demonstrated during the submission exercise. By using typical exercise patterns (shot, walking, "down", etc.), it was demonstrated that "shot" lead to deterioration of the vegetative-nervous relationship in all pairs. Having the dog "sit" and praising it lead to a positive correlation in all pairs. The command "down" lead to deterioration of the correlation in three pairs.

Animals↗

Hemodynamic effects of labetalol in the dog. Comparative study in the anesthetized open-chest dog and in the conscious dog.

Hemodynamic effects of labetalol, an alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, were investigated in the conscious dog and in the anesthetized open-chest dog. In the conscious dog, intravenous injection of labetalol, in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, decreased the total peripheral resistance by approximately 20% (P less than 0.01) in association with falls in blood pressure and heart rate. The total peripheral resistance of the anesthetized open-chest dog was not affected by labetalol in the presence of the same extent of blood pressure fall as results of the conscious dog. In contrast, agents which have beta-adrenoceptor blocking effect alone provided substantial elevation of the total peripheral resistance in the anesthetized dog. These results indicate that the different responses of the resistance to labetalol probably result from the vascular alpha-adrenoceptor blocking action, and also show that in the conscious state alpha-adrenoceptor blocking action of labetalol is enhanced in comparison with the effect in the anesthetized open-chest dog.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Insulin-like growth factor I in the dog: a study in different dog breeds and in dogs with growth hormone elevation.

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) devised for the measurement of human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) was employed for the measurement of canine IGF I. Canine IGF I was extracted from plasma specimens by gel chromatography. Columns were eluted with 1 M acetic acid and the fractions representing the 55 to 85% bed volume were pooled, lyophilized and reconstituted with assay buffer. Serial dilutions of canine IGF I from both normal and acromegalic dogs when added to the RIA system gave a similar displacement pattern of human [125I]IGF I as the one obtained by the addition of unlabelled human IGF I. The dose-response curve obtained by canine IGF I paralleled the one obtained by human IGF I. Logit-log transformation and least squares fitting resulted in straight line fitting of the standard curve between 0.039 and 5 ng IGF I added per tube. The within-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 16.7% and the between-assay CV was 21.8%. Plasma IGF I concentrations in normal dogs appeared to be a function of body size. The concentrations were 36 +/- 27 ng/ml in Cocker Spaniels, 87 +/- 33 ng/ml in Beagles, 117 +/- 34 ng/ml in Keeshonds, and 280 +/- 23 ng/ml in German Shepherds (mean +/- SEM). The mean IGF I level in a group of dogs with growth hormone (GH) elevation was 700 +/- 90 ng/ml. Though this group of dogs comprised both small and large dogs, the mean IGF I level significantly differed from the one found in German Shepherds, the largest breed studied (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acromegaly↗

Pharmacological profile of nicardipine hydrochloride in anesthetized dogs with acute heart failure. Part 1: Hemodynamic effects in normal dogs and dogs with acute heart failure.

Cardiovascular effects of nicardipine hydrochloride (NIC, CAS 54527-84-3, Perdipine), a calcium channel blocker, were investigated in anesthetized normal dogs and dogs with acute heart failure (AHF), and compared with those of nitroglycerin (NTG). In open-chest anesthetized dogs, NIC (0.1-10 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) dose-dependently increased cardiac output (CO) and coronary blood flow as well as decreased mean blood pressure (MBP). NIC had no effect on heart rate (HR) or maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (max. dp/dt). In contrast (0.1-10 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) decreased MBP, but did not change the other cardiovascular parameters. NIC and NTG did not prolong PQ, QRS or QTc intervals. In addition, NIC was effective in the presence of dobutamine. In the anesthetized dog model of ischemic AHF induced by coronary ligation, and ischemia/angiotensin II-induced AHF, NIC (1 and 3 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) increased CO and stroke volume, and reduced total peripheral resistance without decreasing HR or cardiac contractility. Furthermore, in the ischemia/angiotension II-induced AHF model, NIC decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). In contrast, NTG (1-10 micrograms/kg/min i.v.) decreased LVEDP in both AHF models; but did not increase CO. These results suggest that NIC improves hemodynamics in dogs with AHF mainly by reducing afterload without adversely affecting the cardiac contractility or conduction system, while NTG exerts its effect on AHF by reducing preload. NIC injection would thus appear to be beneficial in the treatment of AHF.

Acute Disease↗

Concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in canine blood (healthy dogs, dogs with cardiopulmonary insufficiency and dogs with renal insufficiency).

This study deals with the determination of 2,3-DPG concentrations in canine blood. The results obtained demonstrate the intraerythrocytic location of this organic phosphate as well as its equimolar relationship with the haemoglobin tetramers in blood obtained from clinically healthy dogs. The average value obtained for this group of healthy dogs (n = 93) was 5.81 +/- 0.07 mmol of 2,3-DPG/L of erythrocytes. In dogs with cardio-pulmonary insufficiency (n = 12) and uraemic syndrome (n = 10), a greater concentration of 2,3-DPG was observed, together with a loss of the equimolar relationship between this phosphate and the Hb tetramers. Furthermore, in the group of dogs with uraemic syndrome we observed a highly significant correlation between the blood values of urea and the concentration of 2,3-DPG expressed in relation to the haemoglobin tetramers.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate↗