Ask VETbytes

ASK VETbytes

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%

ASK VETbytes

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

 

ASK VETbytes

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

This week, we asked VETbytes: “what are the treatment aims when managing a case with head trauma or traumatic brain injury?”. After your initial assessment, our vets recommend the following treatment aims, but first, remember:

Cerebral perfusion pressure = MAP – ICP
If ICP > MAP there is no cerebral perfusion

• i/v fluids
• +/- blood products
• +/- vasopressor support

• Avoid hypoxaemia
• Avoid hypercapnia or hypocapnia
• Promote venous drainage by elevating the upper body by 15–30 degrees
• Manage seizures
• Control pain
• Reduce cerebral oedema with hypertonic saline or mannitol

To access the full clinical guide for head trauma and traumatic brain injury subscribe to VETbytes for £9.99/month or £99/year or start your free 30-day trial today! BSAVA members receive 33% discount and BSAVA 1st year qualified members 6 months FREE access, click here to find out more.

If you have any questions about using VETbytes, get in touch with the team today.

This week we were asked if antibiotics are indicated in cases of canine acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS)? Our team of vets had the following advice:

• Routine use of antibiotics is not recommended
• Treatment of dogs with aseptic haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with co-amoxiclav does not reduce the time to resolution of clinical signs
• Evidence suggests that the addition of metronidazole is not beneficial
• Broad-spectrum i/v antibiotics are indicated in immunocompromised or neutropenic patients and in those with suspected sepsis
• Stop antibiotics as soon as the patient is clinically well

[3][6][16][17][18][25][28]

Find more answers to common emergency and critical care questions, when you sign up to VETbytes.
Start your free trial today or subscribe for £9.99/month or £99/year.
BSAVA members receive 33% discount and BSAVA 1st year qualified members 6 months FREE access, click here to find out more.

[3] Unterer, S., Strohmeyer, K., Kruse, B.D. et al. (2011)
Treatment of Aseptic Dogs with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis with Amoxicillin /Clavulanic Acid: A Prospective Blinded Study
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine;25(5) 973-979
Full text available

[6] Unterer, S., Lechner, E., Mueller, R.S. et al  (2015)
Prospective study of bacteraemia in acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs 
Veterinary Record;176(12) 309
Abstract

[16] Dunowska, M. (2017)
What is causing acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs?
Veterinary Record;180(22) 539 – 541
No Abstract available

[17] Ortiz, V., Klein, L., Channell, S. et al. (2018)
Evaluating the effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin‐clavulanate versus amoxicillin‐clavulanate alone in canine haemorrhagic diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial in primary care practice
Journal of Small Animal Practice; 59(7) 398-403
Abstract

[18] Ziese, A.L., Suchodolski, J.S., Hartmann, K. et al. (2018)
Effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea
PLOS One; 13(9) e0204691
Full text available

[25] Dean, R. and Perry, R. (2017)
Use of antibiotics in dogs with aseptic haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
In [clinically well dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis] does [systemic antibiotics compared to no antibiotics] [decrease the time to resolution of clinical signs]?
BESTbets for Vets, University of Nottingham
Full text available

[28] Unterer, S. (2017)
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome – an update
An urban experience, 42nd World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress and FECAVA 23rd Eurocongress pp 242-243

In our new feature ‘Ask VETbytes’, our team of vets will be answering your questions. This week we were asked “What are the options for post-operative pain relief in dogs and cats undergoing caesarean section?”

This is an area where veterinary evidence is lacking and where our patients don’t always receive adequate analgesia, so we have drawn on both human studies and specialist veterinary consensus to create a practical guide for you and your patients:

• Despite the paucity of published evidence regarding the safety of analgesic drugs in the pregnant or lactating dog and cat it is important to recognise our responsibility to the welfare of our patients regarding the provision of adequate analgesia¹⁰
• It is estimated that the neonate receives approximately 1–2% of the maternal dose of a drug¹⁴
• A longer acting opioid injection may be administered after all the foetuses have been removed e.g. methadone 0.1–0.2 mg/kg^10,41
• In women, NSAIDs are considered safe and effective analgesia after caesarean section because of their low excretion in breast milk^38,40
  The same is considered likely to apply to dogs and cats due to the known physiochemical properties of the drugs^13,14
  A single dose administered in the immediate postoperative period is generally advocated^10,14
  Consider ongoing administration, as required, for 1-2 days after discharge¹³
• Paracetamol is generally considered safe in dogs¹⁴ 
• NSAIDs should only be administered if the bitch/queen is normovolaemic and normotensive¹³
• Paracetamol should NOT be used in cats¹⁴
• None of these drugs are licensed for lactating bitches or queens, ensure that prior owner consent is obtained for their use

Sign up for a free trial of the VETbytes emergency and critical care module to receive full clinical guides or subscribe for an annual licence for only £99/year!

References:

10. Self, I. (2019)
Anaesthesia for canine caesarean section
Companion Animal; 24 (2) 84-90
Abstract

13. Robertson, S. (2016)
Anaesthetic management for caesarean sections in dogs and cats
In Practice;38(7) 327-339
Abstract

14. Mathews, K., Kronen, P.W., Lascelles,D., et al. (2014)
WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain
Journal of Small Animal Practice; 55 (6) E10-68
Full text available

38. Bloor, M. and Paech, M. (2013)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and the initiation of lactation
Anesthesia and Analgesia;116 (5) 1063-1075
Abstract

40. Spigset, O., Hägg, S. (2000)
Analgesics and Breast-Feeding: Safety considerations
Paediatric Drugs 2(3), 223–238
Abstract

41. Romagnoli, N., Barbarossa, A., Cunto, M., et al (2019)
Evaluation of methadone concentrations in bitches and in umbilical cords after epidural or systemic administration for caesarean section: A randomized trial
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 46(3), 375-383
Abstract