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ASK VETbytes – November 2024

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ASK VETbytes

Induction Of Emesis In Cats

Maxwell, K.M., Odunayo, A., Wissel, C. (2024)
Use of orally administered dexmedetomidine to induce emesis in cats.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 26(5), 1098612X241248980.
Full text available

QU. What was the success rate of inducing emesis in cats using orally administered dexmedetomidine at a dose of 20 µg/kg, as described in the study?

A. 43%

B. 67%

C. 83%

D. 100%

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ANSWER
C  83%

MORE INFO
The study explored the use of orally administered dexmedetomidine at a dose of 20 µg/kg to induce emesis in cats. Emesis was successfully induced in 83% of the cats (5 out of 6), making it a potentially effective method for gastrointestinal decontamination following toxin ingestion. This novel administration route could be especially useful in scenarios where intramuscular injections may be more stressful or difficult to perform.

Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, works by stimulating the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, which leads to both emesis and sedation. Although sedation was a noted side effect, no other significant adverse effects were observed in this study, highlighting the potential for oral administration as a practical alternative in emergency settings.

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ASK VETbytes – October 2024

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Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Buckley, C., Seitz, M., Will, R.W., et al. (2023)
Assessment of a standing position during abdominal point-of-care ultrasound on abdominal fluid score in dogs
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 33(5), 559-566
Abstract

QU. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the abdominal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) techniques used to detect peritoneal effusion in dogs, as described in this study?

A. The standing approach is less reliable than the right lateral approach for detecting peritoneal effusion in dogs

B. The standing approach is more sensitive than the right lateral approach for detecting peritoneal effusion in dogs

C. The standing approach showed excellent agreement with the right lateral approach for detecting peritoneal effusion in dogs

D. The right lateral approach is significantly more accurate than the standing approach in identifying small volumes of peritoneal effusion

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ANSWER
C  The standing approach showed excellent agreement with the right lateral approach for detecting peritoneal effusion in dogs

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The study highlighted that the standing position for abdominal POCUS in dogs yielded results comparable to those obtained in the right lateral recumbency position. Both approaches showed good to excellent agreement with the gold standard full abdominal ultrasound. This makes the standing approach a viable option in clinical scenarios where lateral recumbency might not be practical or safe, such as in patients with respiratory distress or large body size. This flexibility in positioning enhances the clinical utility of POCUS in emergency settings.

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ASK VETbytes – September 2024

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ANAPHYLAXIS

Fosset, F.T.J., Lucas, B.E.G., Wolsic, C.L., et al. (2023)
Retrospective evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis in dogs (2003-2014): 86 cases.
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 33(5), 577-586
Abstract

QU. What was the most common trigger for anaphylaxis in the dogs included in this 2023 retrospective study on hypersensitivity reactions?

A. Insect envenomations

B. Food allergies

C. Vaccines

D. Drugs

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ANSWER
C – Vaccines

MORE INFO
This 2023 retrospective study found that vaccines were the most common trigger for anaphylaxis in dogs, accounting for 57.9% of anaphylactic cases.

Interestingly, the study also noted that cutaneous signs, which are often relied upon for diagnosing allergic reactions, were not present in over half the cases of anaphylaxis. This underscores the need for vigilance in identifying other signs, such as respiratory distress, cyanosis or circulatory shock, which were strongly associated with non-survival in affected dogs​.

In this study, the prognosis for anaphylaxis in dogs was generally favourable. The data indicated that the use of glucocorticoids for treating mild type I hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis did NOT result in improved clinical outcomes or increased survival rates.

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