ID: 15256373
Title: Acetaminophen and myocardial infarction in dogs.
Abstract: The hypothesis that acetaminophen can reduce necrosis during myocardial infarction was tested in male dogs. Two groups were studied: vehicle- (n=10) and acetaminophen-treated (n=10) dogs. All dogs were obtained from the same vendor, and there were no significant differences in their ages (18 +/- 2 mo), weights (24 +/- 1 kg), or housing conditions. Selected physiological data, e.g., coronary blood flow, nonspecific collateral flow, epicardial temperature, heart rate, systemic mean arterial pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, the maximal first derivative of left ventricular developed pressure, blood gases, and pH, were collected at baseline and during regional myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. There were no significant differences in coronary blood flow, nonspecific collateral flow, epicardial temperature, heart rate, systemic mean arterial pressure, or blood gases and pH between the two groups at any of the three time intervals, even though there was a trend toward improved function in the presence of acetaminophen. Infarct size, the main objective of the investigation, was markedly and significantly reduced by acetaminophen. For example, when expressed as a percentage of ventricular wet weight, infarct size was 8 +/- 1 versus 3 +/- 1%(P <0.05) in vehicle- and acetaminophen-treated hearts, respectively. When infarct size was expressed as percentage of the area at risk, it was 35 +/- 3 versus 13 +/- 2% (P <0.05) in vehicle- and acetaminophen-treated groups, respectively. When area at risk was expressed as percentage of total ventricular mass, there were no differences in the two groups. Results reveal that the recently reported cardioprotective properties of acetaminophen in vitro can now be extended to the in vivo arena. They suggest that it is necessary to add acetaminophen to the growing list of pharmaceuticals that possess cardioprotective efficacy in mammals.

ID: 30713054
Title: Comparative pharmacokinetics and a clinical laboratory evaluation of intravenous acetaminophen in Beagle and Galgo Español dogs.
Abstract: To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and conduct a clinical laboratory evaluation of acetaminophen in Beagle and Galgo Español (GE) dogs. Prospective randomized experimental trial. A total of 20 healthy dogs - 10 Beagles and 10 GE (six males and four females in both groups). Acetaminophen (10 and 20 mg kg-1) was administered intravenously (IV) to the dogs on two different occasions. Plasma concentrations were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. PK analysis was undertaken using compartmental modelling with ADAPT 5 software. Simulations after multiple IV doses were investigated. Clinical laboratory values such as red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, total proteins, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatinine were measured before and 24 hours after acetaminophen administration in combination with clinical examination to assess side effects resulting from the drug. A two-compartmental model best described time-concentration profiles of acetaminophen. PK parameters were different as a result of a breed effect. For doses of 10 and 20 mg kg-1, respectively, clearance values were 1.70 (1.15-2.27) and 1.62 (1.06-2.86) L kg-1 hour-1 for Beagles and 1.18 (0.70-1.39) and 1.08 (0.67-1.35) L kg-1 hour-1 for GE; elimination half-life values were 2.64 (0.52-4.46) and 2.86 (0.87-4.63) hours for Beagles and 3.49 (1.89-7.80) and 4.57 (2.08-8.90) hours for GE. Significant differences were also found between GE and Beagles in the RBC count, Ht, Hb, WBC count and serum ALT before drug administration, and these differences were maintained 24 hours later, independent of the dosage used. For each breed, no side effects resulting from IV acetaminophen administration were observed at doses of either 10 or 20 mg kg-1. IV PK of acetaminophen was different between Beagles and GE dogs. Side effects were not detected. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the PK in a clinical context.

ID: 31900324
Title: Comparing paracetamol/codeine and meloxicam for postoperative analgesia in dogs: a non-inferiority trial.
Abstract: There are limited published data on the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol/codeine in dogs. Prospective, randomised, blinded, positive-controlled clinical trial with 70 dogs (paracetamol/codeine, n=46; meloxicam, n=24) undergoing surgery. Drugs were administered orally 2 hours before and for 48 hours after surgery at the licensed dose. Anaesthesia was standardised. Dogs received buprenorphine 6 hourly for the first 24 hours after surgery. Outcome assessments were made pretrial and at regular intervals up to 48 hours after extubation and comprised the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Score-Short Form, visual analogue scale for sedation and inflammation and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT). Non-inferiority of paracetamol/codeine compared with meloxicam was defined using a non-inferiority margin (Δ) against the 95 per cent confidence interval of the difference between the treatment means. Pain scores were low in both treatment groups. With the exception of MNT all upper 95 per cent confidence intervals for the differences between outcome variable treatment means were within +Δ for each variable, establishing non-inferiority for each outcome variable. Paracetamol/codeine is a useful perioperative analgesic that within the context of the perioperative analgesia regimen studied (methadone premedication, buprenorphine for the first 24 hours after surgery) shows non-inferiority to the NSAID meloxicam.

ID: 32059002
Title: Clinical evaluation of postoperative analgesia, cardiorespiratory parameters and changes in liver and renal function tests of paracetamol compared to meloxicam and carprofen in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.
Abstract: In veterinary medicine, the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) for the control of postsurgical pain in dogs and cats is common given the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of these drugs. This study compared the serum biochemical changes and postoperative analgesic effects of paracetamol, meloxicam, and carprofen in bitches submitted to an ovariohysterectomy using the Dynamic Interactive Visual Analog Scale (DIVAS) and Pain Scale of the University of Melbourne (UMPS) scoring systems. Thirty bitches of different breeds underwent elective ovariohysterectomies and were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: a paracetamol group [15 mg kg-1 intravenous (IV)], a carprofen group (4 mg kg-1 IV), and a meloxicam group (0.2 mg kg-1 IV). All treatments were administered 30 minutes prior to surgery. Paracetamol was administered every 8 hours postoperatively for 48 hours total, while carprofen and meloxicam were intravenously administered every 24 hours. An evaluation of post-surgical pain was done with the DIVAS and the UMPS. The first post-surgical pain measurement was performed 1 hour after surgery and then 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery. All groups exhibited a gradual reduction in pain throughout the postoperative period in both scales; however, neither scale significantly differed between the three treatment groups (P > 0.05) during the 48 postoperative hours. Paracetamol was as effective as meloxicam and carprofen for post-surgical analgesia in bitches subjected to elective ovariohysterectomy. The present study demonstrates that paracetamol may be considered a tool for the effective treatment of acute perioperative pain in dogs. Furthermore, this drug led to no adverse reactions or changes in the parameters assessed in the present study, indicating its safety.

ID: 32486088
Title: The Use of Capsule Endoscopy to Determine Tablet Disintegration In Vivo.
Abstract: The preferred delivery route for drugs targeted for systemic effect is by oral administration. Following oral administration, a solid dosage form must disintegrate and the drug dissolve, thereafter permeating the intestinal mucosa. Several different in vitro methods are used to investigate these processes, i.e., disintegration tests, dissolution tests, and permeability models. However, the actual behavior of oral dosage forms in the environment of the gastro-intestinal tract is not very well elucidated using these conventional methods. In this study, the use of capsule endoscopy to determine tablet disintegration in vivo was assessed. Panadol and Panadol Rapid (acetaminophen/paracetamol) were used as the test material. The in vivo tablet disintegration behavior in beagle dogs was assessed by the use of capsule endoscopy. The in vitro tablet disintegration behavior was assessed using the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.) disintegration test. The study showed that the in vivo disintegration times of Panadol and Panadol Rapid were 24.7 and 16.5 min, respectively, when determined by capsule endoscopy, which corresponded to the pharmacokinetic data. By contrast, the in vitro disintegration times of the same formulations were 5.5 and 4.0 min, respectively, when determined by the Ph. Eur. disintegration test. In conclusion, capsule endoscopy can be used to determine the in vivo tablet disintegration behavior. By contrast, the in vitro methods appear to not be predictive of the disintegration behavior in vivo but may be used to rank the order the formulations with respect to disintegration time.

ID: 32715494
Title: Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after intravenous and oral administration in fasted and fed Labrador Retriever dogs.
Abstract: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used in dogs to manage fever and mild pain. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in both fed and fasted Labrador Retrievers after a single intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg). Six healthy dogs underwent three treatments in a randomized block study (a, n = 2; b, n = 2; c, n = 2). In phase one, group a received acetaminophen intravenously, group b and c orally after being fasted and fed, respectively. In phase two and three, groups were swapped, and the experiment was repeated. At the end of the trial, each dog received the same treatment. Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were detected using a validated HPLC-UV method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental model. Clearance, volume at steady state and half-life of acetaminophen in Labrador Retrievers were 0.42 L/kg hr, 0.87 L/kg and 1.35 hr, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between fasted and fed dogs regarding maximum plasma concentration, time at maximum concentration and bioavailability as measured by the AUC. Feeding does not significantly affect the acetaminophen oral pharmacokinetics.

ID: 35033846
Title: Propacetamol in dogs: First description of its pharmacokinetics after intravenous and oral administration.
Abstract: Propacetamol is a prodrug form of paracetamol (APAP) licensed for human use as a pain reliever in postoperative care. It is prescribed if APAP cannot be administered orally or rectally to a patient and for patients in whom nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are contraindicated. In this study, we aimed to quantify the pharmacokinetics of APAP and its metabolites, paracetamol sulfate (PS), paracetamol glucuronide (PG), and N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), after a single oral and intravenous (IV) administration of 30 mg/kg of propacetamol to six healthy adult Labrador dogs according to a 2 × 2 crossover study. The analyses were performed using a validated HPLC-MS/MS method. PS and PG exposures were higher than that of APAP, while NAPQI concentrations were constantly below the detection limit of the analytical method. IV propacetamol administration produced 30% more APAP than oral administration. However, propacetamol released a significantly lower amount of active moiety in dogs than in humans. The propacetamol dose administered in this study did not produce plasma APAP concentrations above the threshold sufficient to provide analgesia in adult humans (4 μg/mL). In conclusion, direct IV injection of APAP instead of propacetamol might be a better clinical option for pain relief in dogs.

ID: 35512023
Title: Prophylactic efficacy of intravenous paracetamol administration to reduce the incidence of post-operative ocular hypertension in dogs undergoing phacoemulsification: A pilot study.
Abstract: To determine whether intravenous administration of paracetamol can prevent postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) in dogs following routine phacoemulsification. Diabetic and non-diabetic patients (total 54 dogs) undergoing unilateral or bilateral phacoemulsification were recruited to this placebo-controlled, prospective study. The control group received 1 ml/kg saline via intravenous infusion while the treatment group received 10 mg/kg paracetamol via intravenous infusion. Infusions were administered 30 min prior to surgery and repeated 12 h following initial administration. All patients received topical latanoprost at the conclusion of surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured before premedication (baseline), and at 1 h, 3 h, 5 h and 18 h following extubation. POH was defined as an IOP above 25 mmHg (POH25). In addition, the number of patients with an IOP exceeding 20 mmHg was analyzed (POH20). POH20 occurred in 33 of 54 animals (61.1%), including 19 of 25 animals (76.0%) in the control group and 14 of 29 animals (55.2%) in the treatment group. POH25 occurred in 23 of 44 animals (52.3%), including 13 of 25 animals (52.0%) in the control group and 10 of 29 animals (34.5%) in the treatment group. Paracetamol administration showed a significant positive effect on reducing the incidence of POH20 (p = .048), but not POH25 (p = .221). When comparing groups, treatment with paracetamol showed a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of POH20, although no differences were observed in the incidence of POH25 between groups. Further studies are warranted to explore whether alternative drug regimes or routes of administration can provide enhanced efficacy in the prevention of POH25.

ID: 36608923
Title: Preclinical safety assessment of JNJ-10450232 (NTM-006), a structural analog of acetaminophen, that does not cause hepatotoxicity at supratherapeutic doses.
Abstract: JNJ-10450232 (NTM-006) is a new molecular entity that is structurally related to acetaminophen. A comprehensive non-clinical safety program was conducted to support first-in-human and clinical efficacy studies based on preclinical data suggesting that the compound has comparable or enhanced antinociceptive and antipyretic efficacy without causing hepatotoxicity at supratherapeutic doses. No hepatic toxicity was noted in a mouse model sensitive to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity or in rats, dogs, and non-human primates in 28-day repeat dose toxicity studies at and above doses/exposures at which acetaminophen is known to cause hepatotoxicity. In the 28-day toxicity studies, all treatment-related findings were monitorable and reversible. Methemoglobinemia, which was observed in dogs and to a lesser extent in rats, is also observed with acetaminophen. This finding is considered not relevant to humans due to species differences in metabolism. Thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia were also observed in dogs and were shown to be a consequence of a species-specific UGT induction also demonstrated with increased thyroid hormone metabolism. Indirect bilirubin elevation was observed in rats as a result of UGT1A1 Inhibition. JNJ-10450232 (NTM-006) had no toxicologically relevant findings in safety pharmacology or genotoxicity studies. Together, these data supported progressing into safety and efficacy studies in humans.

ID: 37576835
Title: Case report: Neuropathic pain versus undesirable behavior in a Dachshund after hemilaminectomy surgery for an intervertebral disc extrusion.
Abstract: A 5.5 years-old male Dachshund was presented for evaluation because of undesirable behavior including barking, biting, sucking and licking the right-side flank, ventrally and slightly caudally to the level of the surgical incision 7 days after hemilaminectomy for a right-sided L1-2 intervertebral disc extrusion. The dog was being treated with oral gabapentin 10 mg/kg q8h. Repeat clinical examination on three occasions after post-operative discharge did not reveal any signs of hyperesthesia or neurological deficits and the behavior was not observed in the clinic during consultations. During a separate day of hospital admittance with the aim of evaluating for the presence or absence of the behavior, the dog also did not exhibit the behavior. Oral paracetamol 12 mg/kg q8h was added to medical treatment. When the dog was discharged and returned home, the behavior was immediately seen again. When the owners implemented verbal punishment, the behavior immediately ceased. The owner verbally corrected the dogs' behavior for two excitative days. Upon telephone consultation 3 days later, the owner reported that they only had observed three recurrences of the behavior that immediately ceased following verbal correction and did not recur thereafter. Oral analgesic medication was tapered and discontinued. No recurrence of the behavior was noticed during the next 2 months. The authors postulated the dog possibly expressed signs of neuropathic pain in the post-operative period, or that the behavior was of a "compulsive disorder-like" nature as it only occurred when the dog was at home and in the presence of the owner. The eventual outcome and result of verbal corrections implemented by the owner seem to support the latter. In conclusion, compulsive-like undesirable behavior should be considered a differential diagnosis in dogs in the post-operative period of procedures possibly associated with the development or expression of signs of neuropathic pain.

ID: 37882359
Title: Persistent socket pain in a dog after the enucleation of the eye and its clinical management.
Abstract: Persistent socket pain is a condition described in humans after enucleation of the eye. This report aims at describing this condition in dogs. A 10-year-old male-neutered crossbreed was presented to the referral veterinary surgeon for enucleation of the right ocular globe. Anaesthesia and surgery were uneventful although during the postoperative period the dog was reluctant to open the mouth and to be explored by the referral veteterinary surgeon. Despite treatment with meloxicam, paracetamol and tramadol, no improvements were observed. Ten weeks after surgery, the dog was referred to the Dick White referrals for further investigations. Ophthalmic examination was normal, though palpation of the wound triggered an avoidance response. Magnetic resonance imaging showed changes compatible with orbital cellulitis. The area of interest was evaluated with the use of the mechanical Von Frey filaments. A response, characterised by sudden turning of the head and attempts to withdraw it, was evoked with filament 4.93 (8.0 g) during stimulation of the periorbital area. After induction of anaesthesia, an ultrasound-guided injection containing levobupivacaine 0.5% and methylprednisolone was performed within the retrobulbar area. Three hours after recovery from anaesthesia, no discomfort was observed during palpation of the area. Re-evaluation was performed with the Von Frey filaments; no response could be evoked during testing with all 20 filaments (from 2.36 to 6.65) applied on either side of the face. The patient was discharged with a course of gabapentin and, 3 weeks after the intervention, the dog showed no clinical signs of pain. Persistent socket pain is an unpleasant sensation at the level of the enucleated orbit, and it should be regarded as a challenging condition to diagnose and treat. The MRI findings appeared to be essential to select the most appropriate interventional treatment. The injection of local anaesthetic and steroid into the retrobulbar space was useful for both confirming the diagnosis and treating pain by reducing the peripheral signalling and decreasing the residual inflammation.

ID: 38717831
Title: Use of orally administered dexmedetomidine to induce emesis in cats.
Abstract: This case series describes the use of orally administered dexmedetomidine at a dose of 20 µg/kg to induce emesis in six cats. Emesis was successfully induced in 5/6 cats, with each of the cats vomiting once. The reasons for inducing vomiting included known or suspected ingestion of lilies, onions, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or acetylsalicylic acid. Four of the five cats in which emesis induction was successful did not develop any clinical signs of toxicity associated with the toxin ingested; the fifth cat developed clinicopathological changes consistent with acetaminophen toxicity. All six cats exhibited moderate to profound sedation, as expected, but no other adverse effects were documented. Induction of emesis in cats is notoriously difficult. This case series describes a novel route of administration of dexmedetomidine, a commonly available medication, with a high success rate observed for inducing emesis in this group of cats. Cats are notoriously more difficult to elicit vomiting in than dogs. This case series describes the use of a novel way of giving cats a commonly available veterinary medication to cause vomiting. The medication, dexmedetomidine, was given by mouth to six cats, of which five vomited. All six cats had eaten toxins: lilies, acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin or onions. Four of the five cats that vomited did not develop any signs of toxicity. All six cats that received the medication became sedated, but no other side effects were noted.

ID: 39067762
Title: Effect of particle size on gastric emptying of enteric-coated granules in fasted beagle dogs: Relationship with interdigestive migrating motor complex.
Abstract: This study investigates the particle size threshold at which the interdigestive migrating motor complex (IMMC) becomes active in gastric emptying for fasted beagle dogs. Enteric-coated granules containing cetirizine dihydrochloride (CET) were prepared in three particle sizes, 200, 660, and 1,200 µm (D50). To mark IMMC timing and water movement from the stomach, enteric-coated aspirin tablets and acetaminophen solution were used. To six fasted beagle dogs with 50 mL of acetaminophen solution was administered each granule size as a multiple-unit and a single enteric-coated aspirin tablet (3-period crossover study). No significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters of CET after oral administration of different particle sizes was observed. However, the appearance time of CET in plasma with smaller granules (200 and 660 µm) was significantly faster than that of salicylic acid (a major metabolite of aspirin) in all dogs. In the case of the largest granules (1,200 µm), no significant time difference was observed in the appearance of both compounds in plasma. Furthermore, in two dogs, both compounds appeared at the same time, implying IMMC-regulated gastric emptying for the largest CET granules. These results support a particle size threshold between 660 and 1,200 µm for gastric emptying without IMMC action in fasted beagle dogs.

ID: 41082842
Title: Pharmacokinetics and postoperative analgesic efficacy of intravenous acetaminophen in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy.
Abstract: Acetaminophen is increasingly used in multimodal analgesia protocols for dogs, yet its pharmacokinetics (PK) and analgesic efficacy following repeated dosing remain underexplored. This study evaluated the PK, postoperative analgesic effects, pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of intravenous acetaminophen in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. In a randomized, blinded trial, two doses of acetaminophen (10 and 20 mg/kg IV every 8 h for 24 h) were compared to buprenorphine (20 μg/kg IV every 8 h). The first dose was administered at extubation. Pain was assessed using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale-Short Form (CMPS-SF) and mechanical nociceptive thresholds during 24 h. A nonlinear mixed-effects model was used to characterize drug disposition, identify plasma analgesic concentration thresholds, and describe pain score evolution over time. Haematological, hepatic, and renal parameters were measured before and 24 h after treatment. Fifty-nine dogs were included. Both acetaminophen doses provided analgesia comparable to buprenorphine. CMPS-SF scores mostly remained between 0 and 2. PK was best described by a two-compartment model, with peak concentrations of 11.49 (7.89 %) and 19.78 (5.18 %) μg/mL and the lower concentrations of 0.11 (71.73 %) and 0.24 (62.06 %) μg/mL for 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. The PD model demonstrated sustained analgesia over time. Greyhounds exhibited higher pain scores at several time points, suggesting breed-specific differences in pain sensitivity and drug disposition. No adverse effects were observed. These findings support the use of acetaminophen as a safe and effective analgesic for postoperative pain management in dogs, with the potential need for individualized protocols based on breed-specific responses.

ID: 41142969
Title: Pharmaceutical exposure and toxicosis in dogs: A retrospective study of 223 cases from a Canadian veterinary teaching hospital (2018 to 2023).
Abstract: Ingestion of pharmaceuticals is a common cause of poisoning and hospitalization in companion animals. Pets may be exposed through accidental over-administration of a prescribed veterinary drug, intentional administration of a human drug that owners do not realize is unsuitable for animals, or access to unattended medications. Our objective was to document cases of exposure and toxicosis due to suspected and confirmed pharmaceutical ingestion in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital over a 6-year period (2018 to 2023). Medical records were retrieved from the veterinary hospital database using keywords related to general poisoning. Results were then filtered using keywords related specifically to pharmaceutical ingestion while excluding non-pharmaceutical poisoning cases. Information pertaining to hospitalization, patient signalment, treatment, and case progression was collected and analyzed to characterize common factors in canine pharmaceutical poisoning cases. Pharmaceutical ingestion was reported in 223 canine poisoning cases (confirmed in 102 cases) over 6 y. There were 32 categories of pharmaceutical ingested over the study period. The most common were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 86) and acetaminophen (n = 29). The most common patient signalment was spayed female, young (≤4 y), and large breed (particularly, Labrador retrievers). Normal clinical examinations on presentation were noted in 164 cases. Accidental drug exposures were more common than intentional pharmaceutical administrations (n = 211 and n = 12, respectively). The occurrence of cases related to exposure to human pharmaceuticals was 5× that of cases related to veterinary pharmaceuticals. Only 1 dog of 223 was euthanized, for a survival-to-discharge rate of 99.6%. The most common therapies administered were emesis induction, activated charcoal, fluid support, and gastroprotectant. Pharmaceutical exposure, especially from over-the-counter human medications, was a common reason for hospital admission among the dogs described in this study. Improved client education is needed to avoid preventable pharmaceutical exposures. Exposition aux médicaments et toxicose chez les chiens : étude rétrospective de 223 cas dans un hôpital vétérinaire universitaire canadien (2018 à 2023). L’ingestion de produits pharmaceutiques est une cause fréquente d’intoxication et d’hospitalisation chez les animaux de compagnie. Les animaux de compagnie peuvent être exposés par suradministration accidentelle d’un médicament vétérinaire prescrit, par administration intentionnelle d’un médicament humain dont les propriétaires ignorent qu’il est inapproprié pour les animaux, ou par accès à des médicaments laissés sans surveillance. Notre objectif était de documenter les cas d’exposition et de toxicose dus à l’ingestion suspectée et confirmée de médicaments chez des chiens admis dans un hôpital vétérinaire universitaire sur une période de 6 ans (2018 à 2023). Les dossiers médicaux ont été extraits de la base de données de l’hôpital vétérinaire à l’aide de mots-clés liés à l’intoxication générale. Les résultats ont ensuite été filtrés à l’aide de mots-clés liés spécifiquement à l’ingestion de médicaments, tout en excluant les cas d’intoxication non pharmaceutique. Les informations relatives à l’hospitalisation, aux signalements des patients, au traitement et à l’évolution des cas ont été recueillies et analysées afin de caractériser les facteurs communs aux cas d’intoxication pharmaceutique canine. L’ingestion de médicaments a été signalée dans 223 cas d’intoxication canine (confirmée dans 102 cas) sur une période de 6 ans. Trente-deux catégories de médicaments ont été ingérées au cours de la période d’étude. Les plus fréquents étaient les anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens (n = 86) et l’acétaminophène (n = 29). Les signalements les plus fréquents concernaient les femelles stérilisées, les jeunes (≤4 ans) et les chiens de grande race (en particulier les Labradors retrievers). Des examens cliniques normaux à la présentation ont été constatés dans 164 cas. Les expositions accidentelles aux médicaments étaient plus fréquentes que les administrations intentionnelles de médicaments (n = 211 et n = 12, respectivement). La fréquence des cas liés à l’exposition à des médicaments à usage humain était 5 fois supérieure à celle des cas liés à des médicaments à usage vétérinaire. Un seul chien sur 223 a été euthanasié, soit un taux de survie à la sortie de 99,6 %. Les traitements les plus fréquemment administrés étaient l’induction de vomissements, le charbon actif, la fluidothérapie et un gastroprotecteur. L’exposition aux médicaments, notamment aux médicaments humains en vente libre, était une cause fréquente d’hospitalisation chez les chiens décrits dans cette étude. Une meilleure éducation des clients est nécessaire afin d’éviter les expositions évitables aux médicaments.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

ID: 41901716
Title: Acanthamoeba castellanii: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Affect Adhesion, Motility, and Encystment, Suggesting a Link with a gp63-like Protein Candidate.
Abstract: Acanthamoeba castellanii, an opportunistic free-living amoeba, causes severe infections including Acanthamoeba keratitis. This exploratory study evaluated whether three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, and diclofenac (100 µM)-modulate pathogenicity-related processes in A. castellanii and explored the involvement of a gp63-like protein during encystment and adhesion. Trophozoites were continuously exposed to each drug and analyzed for adhesion, migration on host-derived discontinuous brain micropatterns, encystment efficiency, and parasite-induced cytoskeletal remodeling in MDCK epithelial cells. In silico docking was performed to assess potential drug-protein interactions. Drug exposure reduced adhesion with maximal inhibition at 60 min. After 1 h, migration decreased by 49%, 64%, and 38%, and encystment was reduced by 50%, 85%, and up to 90%, respectively, in cultures treated with acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, and diclofenac. Co-incubation with untreated trophozoites lowered actin fluorescence to approximately 50%, whereas drug-treated co-cultures preserved fluorescence near control levels. Colocalization analysis showed increased spatial overlap between gp63-like protein and F-actin in cysts (~40%) and migrating trophozoites (~20%) compared with non-stimulated forms (~3.8%). Collectively, these findings suggest that NSAID-sensitive pathways influence host interaction, migration, and encystment in A. castellanii and allow for the proposal of gp63-like protein as a putative molecular component of the NSAIDs sensitive pathways.

ID: 42063317
Title: Paracetamol prescribing to small animals by veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand.
Abstract: To describe the prescribing patterns of paracetamol by veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand. An online survey was created and distributed to veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand over a 3-month period (July-October 2024). Survey questions addressed the respondent's veterinary education and qualifications, career history, paracetamol prescription characteristics and personal perceptions on paracetamol usage in small animals. A total of 1035 veterinarians completed the survey, with responses from 1025 participants included in the analysis. Most veterinarians (991/1022, 97.0%) reported having prescribed or recommended paracetamol for use in small animals, most commonly for dogs (980/985, 99.5%). This proportion did not differ significantly between veterinarians with postgraduate qualifications (384/395; 97.2%) and those without (607/627; 96.8%) (P = 0.86, chi-square test). Most respondents (80.9%) indicated they were more likely to prescribe paracetamol now compared to a decade ago. Most respondents reported prescribing paracetamol twice daily: 545/900 (55.1%) at 10 mg/kg, 350 (35.4%) at 15 mg/kg and 95 (9.6%) at 20 mg/kg. More veterinarians reported prescribing paracetamol as an analgesic 987/990 (99.7%) than as an antipyretic 314 (31.7%). Prescription of paracetamol for both acute and chronic pain was reported by most veterinarians 778/984 (79.1%). 96.5% of veterinarians reported not observing adverse effects when prescribing paracetamol. The majority of veterinarians responding to our survey prescribe paracetamol to dogs and generally perceived it as safe. Nonetheless, the widespread prescribing of paracetamol among veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand should not be interpreted as an endorsement of use or proof of efficacy for analgesia in dogs. Isolated reports of prescription to cats suggest areas where further education is warranted given the risk of life-threatening paracetamol toxicity in cats.

ID: 42176063
Title: Diagnosis of acetaminophen and codeine poisoning in a dog using earwax analysis by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS).
Abstract: Poisoning of companion animals resulting from exposure to analgesics intended for human use is a frequent and clinically relevant problem in veterinary practice, usually associated with administration without professional supervision. This can induce severe systemic toxicity. Diagnostic confirmation can be particularly challenging in cases presenting with nonspecific clinical signs or when conventional biological samples are unavailable. This case report describes the innovative use of earwax as a non-invasive biological matrix for toxicological confirmation in veterinary medicine. A 9-year-old male mixed-breed dog was admitted following a traumatic accident and subsequent administration by its owner of a human medication containing acetaminophen and codeine. Clinical evaluation revealed lethargy, hypersalivation, hyporexia, dehydration, and neurological abnormalities. Laboratory findings demonstrated neutrophilic leukocytosis and marked increases in hepatic enzyme activities, consistent with acute hepatocellular injury. Toxicological investigation using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected acetaminophen-related signatures in an earwax sample, supporting suspected exposure to the drug. Intensive treatment was promptly initiated and included fluid therapy, antidotal treatment with N-acetylcysteine, opioid antagonism, analgesia, and supportive care. The patient showed progressive clinical improvement, with complete resolution of clinical signs and full recovery. This case highlights the significant risks of administering human medications to companion animals and underscores the need to improve owner awareness of self-medication practices. Furthermore, it demonstrates the diagnostic potential of earwax as a non-invasive biological matrix for toxicological confirmation, expanding the range of complementary diagnostic tools available for veterinary toxicology and supporting improved clinical decision-making in cases of suspected pharmaceutical intoxication.