Evaluation of a portable oxygen concentrator in canine anaesthesia

Jessica Burn and others, University of Calgary Alberta

Portable oxygen concentrators are devices that filter nitrogen out of processed air; providing oxygen-rich gas for use in surgical procedures. The technology has been widely used in human surgical patients and also by veterinarians working in conditions where there may be limited access to oxygen cylinders. The authors tested the effectiveness of one commercial POC system (Eclipse; SeQual, San Diego) in preventing excessive carbon dioxide levels in dogs undergoing elective surgery procedures in remote areas of northern Canada. Their results show that this equipment is effective in delivering anaesthesia under field conditions. The machine was capable of preventing rebreathing in 70% of dogs using a T-piece circuit and in 20% of dogs with a Bain circuit. With battery back up, the technology was also effective during two incidents in which the power supply to the operating area was interrupted. The mean battery life ranged from 1.5 to 4.2 hours, depending on the flow rate.

Canadian Veterinary Journal 57(6), 614-618

Quantification of canine dental plaque using light-induced fluorescence

Corrin Wallis and others, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, Leicestershire

Dental plaque is an important factor in the development of periodontal disease. An evaluation of the amount of these deposits on the teeth is usually achieved by examining the extent and intensity of test results using dye solutions that are absorbed by the plaque. The authors investigated the effectiveness of a more quantitative method that measures the fluorescence induced by exposing plaque to blue light of 405 nm wavelength. Image analysis software was shown to more accurate in identifying areas of plaque than the visual assessments of trained human scorers. The technology is likely to be useful in testing the effects of plaque-control treatments, such as dental chews.

Journal ofVeterinary Dentistry 33(1), 26-38

Prolonged shedding of virus during a canine influenza outbreak in three shelters

Sandra Newbury and others, University ofWisconsin, Illinois

The H3N2 influenza A virus is a cause of serious respiratory disease in dogs and during an outbreak in Asia has been shown to be capable of crossing the species barrier to affect cats. The authors describe the results of virological tests on nasal swab samples taken from 16 dogs involved in an incident that affected animals at three dog shelters in the Chicago area. Their findings suggest that dogs infected with the H3N2 virus should be isolated for a period of at least 21 days following the onset of illness. Even if the resolution of clinical signs occurs before that time there is still a risk of persistent viral shedding.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 248(9), 1022-1026

Comparison of glucosamine absorption with different product formulations

Lara Maxwell and others, Oklahoma State University Stillwater

Glucosamine is a nutraceutical agent with claimed effects on joint function that is often administered to dogs with osteoarthritis.

As there have been no previous published studies on how these products are absorbed in treated animals, the authors compared the relative bioavailability of liquid, chewable and tablet formulations. In a randomised crossover trial, each product was given daily for eight days with a one-week ‘wash out' period between treatments. They found that while the relative bioavailability was similar for all three products, the maximum plasma concentration was higher for the liquid formula than for the two tablet-based products.

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 50(2), 90-94

Empathy towards animals in Italian veterinary students

Elisa Colombo and others, University of Parma, Italy

Empathy towards animals and beliefs about the close affinity between humans and animals play an important role in shaping the way that animals are cared for While caring is a vital part element in the work of veterinary staff, studies have shown a decline in empathy among vet students as they progress through their course. The authors assessed the results of two psychiatric tests used to measure empathy in 131 first year and 158 final year veterinary students. Their results confirmed that students adopt a progressively less empathic attitude towards animals as they progress through the course. This trend was more pronounced in male than in female students.

Animal Welfare 25(2), 275-286

Urinalysis in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

Grayson Doss and others, University of Madison, Wisconsin

Chinchillas are South American rodents that are an increasingly popular exotic pet species. Urine analysis is an important diagnostic procedure in all species but there are no published data on normal levels in this one. The authors describe the results of tests on samples from 41 individuals. These had urine specific gravities ranging from 1.014 to more than 1.060, which did not differ significantly following centrifugation. They suggest that protein concentration should be determined by quantitative protein analysis rather than dipstick analysis, or the urine sulfosalicyclic acid precipitation test.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 248(8), 901-907

DOI: 10.1080/17415349.2016.1231025

VOL 31 • November 2016 • Veterinary Nursing Journal