OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics and sedative effects of 2 doses of a concentrated buprenorphine formulation after SC administration to red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis). ANIMALS 6 adult red-tailed hawks. PROCEDURES Concentrated buprenorphine (0.3 mg/kg, SC) was administered to all birds. Blood samples were collected at 10 time points over 24 hours after drug administration to determine plasma buprenorphine concentrations. After a 4-week washout period, the same birds received the same formulation at a higher dose (1.8 mg/kg, SC), and blood samples were collected at 13 time points over 96 hours. Hawks were monitored for adverse effects and assigned agitation-sedation scores at each sample collection time. Plasma buprenorphine concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Mean time to maximum plasma buprenorphine concentration was 7.2 minutes and 26.1 minutes after administration of the 0.3-mg/kg and 1.8-mg/kg doses, respectively. Plasma buprenorphine concentrations were > 1 ng/mL for mean durations of 24 and 48 hours after low- and high-dose administration, respectively. Mean elimination half-life was 6.23 hours for the low dose and 7.84 hours for the high dose. Mean agitation-sedation scores were higher (indicating some degree of sedation) than the baseline values for 24 hours at both doses. No clinically important adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Concentrated buprenorphine was rapidly absorbed, and plasma drug concentrations considered to have analgesic effects in other raptor species were maintained for extended periods. Most birds had mild to moderate sedation. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of these doses of concentrated buprenorphine in red-tailed hawks.

OBJECTIVE To assess effects of photobiomodulation, silver sulfadiazine, and a topical antimicrobial product for the treatment of experimentally induced full-thickness skin wounds in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). ANIMALS 16 healthy subadult green iguanas. PROCEDURES Iguanas were anesthetized, and three 5-mm cutaneous biopsy specimens were obtained from each iguana (day 0). Iguanas were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups, each of which had a control treatment. Wounds in the topical treatment group received silver sulfadiazine, a topical antimicrobial product, or no treatment. Wounds in the laser treatment group received treatment with a class 4 laser at 5 or 10 J/cm2 or no treatment. Wound measurements were obtained daily for 14 days. Iguanas were euthanized, and treatment sites were evaluated microscopically to detect ulceration, bacterial contamination, reepithelialization, necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and collagen maturity. RESULTS On day 14, wounds treated with a laser at 10 J/cm2 were significantly smaller than those treated with silver sulfadiazine, but there were no other significant differences among treatments. Histologically, there were no significant differences in ulceration, bacterial infection, reepithelialization, necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and collagen maturity among treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Photobiomodulation at 10 J/cm2 appeared to be a safe treatment that was tolerated well by green iguanas, but it did not result in substantial improvement in histologic evidence of wound healing, compared with results for other treatments or no treatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate normal intraocular pressure (IOP) values of cattle, sheep, and goats with a rebound tonometer [TonoVet (TV)] and an applanation tonometer [Tono-Pen AVIA (TPA)] and to determine correction functions for the 2 devices. A total of 60 healthy cattle, sheep, and goats (20 of each) underwent slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) readings were taken from both eyes with the 2 different tonometers and statistically analyzed. For calibration purposes, the IOP was preset on each instrument at 5 to 60 mmHg using 5 mmHg increments in 10 bovine, 8 ovine, and 6 caprine freshly enucleated eyes. Readings were taken with both tonometers at each interval and compared to the manometrically controlled IOP (Mann-Whitney U-test, P ≤ 0.05; Bland-Altman plot, and regression analysis). The median IOP measurements (min to max) obtained with the TV were 23 mmHg (12 to 40 mmHg), 11 mmHg (7 to 20 mmHg), and 23 mmHg (9 to 37 mmHg) for cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Using the TPA, the median IOP measurements were 16 mmHg (8 to 27 mmHg), 10 mmHg (5 to 18 mmHg), and 13 mmHg (4 to 25 mmHg) for cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the readings taken with the TV and the TPA in all species (Wilcoxon-test, P ≤ 0.05). All measurements obtained with the TV and the TPA during the calibration procedure differed statistically significantly from the manometrically controlled IOP measurements (Mann-Whitney U-test, P ≤ 0.05). For both instruments, regression formulas were calculated to correct the measurements. Both tonometers can be used effectively to assess intraocular pressure in ruminants, using the specific regression formulas.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the MRI and histologic features of the supraspinatus tendon in nonlame dogs. ANIMALS 7 cadavers (14 shoulder joints) of nonlame 2-year-old sexually intact male Beagles. PROCEDURES Multiple MRI fluid-sensitive pulse sequences were obtained for both shoulder joints of each cadaver, and the thickness, volume, and signal intensity of each supraspinatus tendon were assessed. After MRI scanning was complete, the shoulder joints were processed for histologic examination. Tissue specimens were stained with various stains to determine tendon morphology and composition. Histologic and MRI findings were correlated and described. RESULTS All supraspinatus tendons had a trilaminar appearance on sagittal and transverse MRI images, which was characterized by a thick, hyperintense center layer (central substance) sandwiched between thin hypointense superficial and deep margins. The mean ± SD central substance-to-superficial margin and central substance-to-deep margin thickness ratios were 8.4 ± 1.2 and 9.0 ± 0.9, respectively; supraspinatus tendon-to-triceps brachii muscle signal intensity ratio was 1.3 ± 0.2; and tendon volume was 445 ± 20 mm3. The superficial and deep margins histologically resembled other tendons with highly ordered collagen fibers. The central substance was comprised of water-rich glycosaminoglycans interspersed among haphazardly arranged collagen bundles. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated histologically normal canine supraspinatus tendons have a trilaminar appearance on MRI images. In dogs, a diagnosis of supraspinatus tendinosis should not be based solely on the tendon having a hyperintense signal on MRI images; other MRI evidence of shoulder joint disease and diagnostic findings are necessary to support such a diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic yield of dental radiography (Rad method) and 3 cone-beam CT (CBCT) methods for the identification of predefined anatomic landmarks in brachycephalic dogs. ANIMALS 19 client-owned brachycephalic dogs admitted for evaluation and treatment of dental disease. PROCEDURES 26 predefined anatomic landmarks were evaluated separately by use of the RAD method and 3 CBCT software modules (serial CBCT slices and custom cross sections, tridimensional rendering, and reconstructed panoramic views). A semiquantitative scoring system was used, and mean scores were calculated for each anatomic landmark and imaging method. The Friedman test was used to evaluate values for significant differences in diagnostic yield. For values that were significant, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used with the Bonferroni-Holm multiple comparison adjustment to determine significant differences among each of the 6 possible pairs of diagnostic methods. RESULTS Differences of diagnostic yield among the Rad and 3 CBCT methods were significant for 19 of 26 anatomic landmarks. For these landmarks, Rad scores were significantly higher than scores for reconstructed panoramic views for 4 of 19 anatomic landmarks, but Rad scores were significantly lower than scores for reconstructed panoramic views for 8 anatomic landmarks, tridimensional rendering for 18 anatomic landmarks, and serial CBCT slices and custom cross sections for all 19 anatomic landmarks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CBCT methods were better suited than dental radiography for the identification of anatomic landmarks in brachycephalic dogs. Results of this study can serve as a basis for CBCT evaluation of dental disorders in brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate hemodynamic, respiratory, and sedative effects of buccally administered detomidine gel and reversal with atipamezole in dogs. ANIMALS 8 adult purpose-bred dogs. PROCEDURES Arterial and venous catheters were placed. Baseline heart rate, respiratory rate, cardiac output (determined via lithium dilution with pulse contour analysis), oxygen delivery, systemic vascular resistance, arterial blood gas values, and sedation score were obtained. Detomidine gel (2.0 mg/m2) was administered on the buccal mucosa. Cardiopulmonary data and sedation scores were obtained at predetermined times over 180 minutes. Atipamezole (0.1 mg/kg) was administered IM at 150 minutes. Reversal of sedation was timed and scored. Data were analyzed with an ANOVA. RESULTS Compared with baseline values, heart rate was lower at 45 to 150 minutes, cardiac output and oxygen delivery were lower at 30 to 150 minutes, and systemic vascular resistance was increased at 30 to 150 minutes. There were no significant changes in Paco2, Pao2, or lactate concentration at any time point, compared with baseline values, except for lactate concentration at 180 minutes. All dogs became sedated; maximum sedation was detected 75 minutes after administration of detomidine. Mean ± SD time to recovery after atipamezole administration was 7.55 ± 1.89 minutes; sedation was completely reversed in all dogs. No adverse events were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Buccally administered detomidine gel was associated with reliable and reversible sedation in dogs, with hemodynamic effects similar to those induced by other α2-adrenoceptor agonists. Buccally administered detomidine gel could be an alternative to injectable sedatives in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of 2 levels of partial neuromuscular block on the ventilatory response to a hypercapnic challenge in anesthetized dogs and to evaluate effects of edrophonium for reversing partial neuromuscular block. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES Each dog was anesthetized twice with propofol and dexmedetomidine. End-tidal partial pressure of CO2 (P(etco2)), tidal volume (V(t)), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) were measured during breathing at rest. Maximal V(t) and PIF (V(tMAX) and PIF(MAX), respectively) in response to a hypercapnic challenge consisting of 10% CO2 inhaled for 1 minute were measured. Variables were measured before administration of atracurium (baseline), during moderate (train-of-four [TOF] ratio, 0.3 to 0.5) and mild (TOF ratio, 0.6 to 0.8) atracurium-induced neuromuscular block, and after neuromuscular block recovery (TOF ratio, ≥ 0.9) following administration of edrophonium or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Dogs for which any variable returned to < 80% of the baseline value were identified. RESULTS Partial neuromuscular block increased P(etco2); it impaired V(t) at rest and Vt(MAX) but not PIF at rest and PIF(MAX). All variables except P(etco2) returned to baseline values when the TOF returned to ≥ 0.9. After recovery from neuromuscular block, significantly more dogs had a V(tMAX) < 80% of the baseline value when edrophonium was not administered. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Partial neuromuscular block in anesthetized Beagles decreased spontaneous ventilation at rest and impaired the response to a hypercapnic challenge. Response to hypercapnic challenge might remain partially impaired after recovery of the TOF ratio to ≥ 0.9.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of drinking nutrient-enriched water (NW) on water intake and indices of hydration in healthy domestic cats fed a dry kibble diet ad libitum. ANIMALS 18 domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES Group-housed cats were assigned to tap water (TW; n = 9) or NW (9) groups. All cats received TW at baseline (days −7 to −1). No changes were made to the food-water regimen for the TW group. The NW group received NW instead of TW from days 0 through 10, then received TW and NW in separate bowls (days 11 through 56). Food intake was measured through day 10; liquid consumed by drinking was measured throughout the study. Blood and urine samples were collected at predetermined times for analyses; 48-hour urine collection (days 28 through 30 or 31 through 33) was performed to assess output volume and aid endogenous creatinine-based glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determination. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Baseline TW and calorie intake were similar between groups. The NW treatment was significantly associated with increased liquid consumption during the treatment phase. Mean urine output was significantly higher in the NW group (15.2 mL/kg/d) than in the TW group (10.3 mL/kg/d). Mean GFR (1.75 vs 1.87 mL/min/kg, respectively) did not differ between groups. Effects of treatment and time were each significant for urine specific gravity and osmolality and urine creatinine, phosphate, and urea nitrogen concentrations, with lower values for the NW group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that consumption of the NW can increase liquid intake and improve measures of hydration in healthy cats. These effects may offer health benefits to some cats in need of greater water consumption.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol, terbinafine, and betamethasone acetate after topical application to canine auricular skin and the influence of synthetic canine cerumen on pharmacokinetics. SAMPLE Auricular skin from 6 euthanized shelter dogs (3 females and 3 neutered males with no visible signs of otitis externa). PROCEDURES Skin adjacent to the external opening of the ear canal was collected and prepared for use in a 2-compartment flow-through diffusion cell system to evaluate penetration of an otic gel containing florfenicol, terbinafine, and betamethasone acetate over a 24-hour period. Radiolabeled 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride and 3H-betamethasone acetate were added to the gel to determine dermal penetration and distribution. Florfenicol absorption was determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography–UV detection. Additionally, the effect of synthetic canine cerumen on the pharmacokinetics of all compounds was evaluated. RESULTS During the 24-hour experiment, mean ± SD percentage absorption without the presence of synthetic canine cerumen was 0.28 ± 0.09% for 3H-betamethasone acetate, 0.06 ± 0.06% for florfenicol, and 0.06 ± 0.02% for 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride. Absorption profiles revealed no impact of synthetic canine cerumen on skin absorption for all 3 active compounds in the gel or on skin distribution of 3H-betamethasone acetate and 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE 3H-betamethasone acetate, 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride, and florfenicol were all absorbed in vitro through healthy auricular skin specimens within the first 24 hours after topical application. Synthetic canine cerumen had no impact on dermal absorption in vitro, but it may serve as a temporary reservoir that prolongs the release of topical drugs.

The aim of this study was to develop a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) method to detect African swine fever virus (ASFV). The methods of ASFV real-time PCR and ddPCR were established and optimal reaction conditions were confirmed. Each method was evaluated for linearity, limit of detection, and specificity. The results indicated that ASFV ddPCR had a high degree of linearity (R2 ≥ 0.998) and specificity. The detection limit was 10 copies/reaction, which was approximately a 10-fold greater sensitivity than real-time PCR. This sensitive method could be used as an efficient molecular biology tool to diagnose ASFV, which is very important for preventing the spread of diseases across borders.