The new SPI2 objectively stratified clinical patients into groups according to severity of disease. This index could provide an important tool for clinical research.

Objective: To briefly review the indications for direct intestinal feedings and describe a fluoroscopically guided technique for the placement of nasojejunal (NJ) feeding tubes in dogs. Clinical experience using the described technique is reported in 27 dogs. Data sources: Current human and veterinary literature. Original case data from client owned animals that have undergone fluoroscopically placed NJ feeding tubes for nutritional supplementation. Summary: The described technique was used for short-term enteral nutritional therapy (1-5 days). In the fluoroscopic NJ placement technique, 17 of 20 tubes advanced into the jejunum remained in place until intentional removal whereas 6 of 7 tubes advanced only to the duodenum moved retrograde. Complications included bile leakage from the externalized opening of the tube, retrograde movement of the tube when placement was proximal to the caudal duodenal flexure, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Conclusions: Clinical experience using NJ feeding tube placement under fluoroscopic guidance has revealed the technique to be a well-tolerated and reasonably reliable method of providing minimally invasive shortterm direct intestinal feeding in canine patients.(J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006; 16(2)(S1): S27-S33)

The presence of dopamine (DA) receptors in feline kidneys is a matter of contention. Radioligand binding and Western blotting studies were employed to determine whether DA receptors are present in feline kidneys. The pharmacologic profile of the selective D1-receptor antagonist [3H]-SCH 23390 was studied in renal cortical membrane preparations from cats by conducting saturation binding isotherm and competitive binding experiments. [3H]-SCH 23390 bound to feline renal cortical membranes in a manner consistent with labeling of a D1-like receptor. The binding profile revealed a single site D1-like or D1 receptor in the feline renal cortex with a Kd = 7.8 +/- 1.0 nmol/L and Bmax = 76.5 +/- 19.5 fmol/mg. Competitive binding studies for [3H]-SCH 23390 against unlabeled agonists yielded the following Ki values and rank order of competition: SKF38393 (Ki = 0.47 +/- 0.26 micro m) > fenoldopam (Ki = 3.12 +/- 1.1 micro m) > DA (Ki = 933.1 +/- 1.6 micro m). Competitive binding studies for [3H]-SCH-23390 against unlabeled antagonists yielded the following rank order of competition: SCH 23390 (Ki = 1.97 +/- 0.81 micro m) > spiperone (Ki = 3.79 +/- 0.79) > metoclopramide (Ki = 4.26 +/- 2.4 micro m). Western blot analysis with anti-DA D1 receptor antibodies detected a single band with Mr of 74 kDa corresponding to a D1 DA receptor. These results suggest that a putative D1-like or D1 receptor exists in feline kidneys different from those previously identified in rat, dog or human kidneys.

Objective:To determine the effect of fenoldopam infusion on urine output, sodium excretion, creatinine clearance, and indirect blood pressure in healthy cats. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Veterinary medical teaching hospital. Animals: Eight purpose-bred cats, 2-4 years old. Interventions: None. Measurements: Urine output was measured hourly for 12 hours before and after fenoldopam administration. Sodium excretion, modified creatinine clearance, and fractional sodium excretion were measured before and following fenoldopam administration. Urine specific gravity, central venous pressure, and systolic blood pressure were measured every 4 hours during the experiment.Main results: Compared with pre-infusion values, urine output, sodium excretion, and fractional excretion of sodium increased significantly 6 hours after initiation of fenoldopam infusion. This increase was sustained throughout the observation period. The modified creatinine clearance decreased significantly following 2 hours of fenoldopam infusion, but increased significantly by 6 hours after infusion, the time of peak urine output. Changes in urine specific gravity mirrored changes in fractional sodium excretion, whereas the central venous pressure mirrored changes in modified creatinine clearance. The diuretic effect in cats was prevented when a dopamine receptor blocking agent was administered before fenoldopam infusion. Conclusion: Fenoldopam at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/min induces diuresis in cats in a delayed manner. This increase appears to be due, in part, to dopamine receptor-induced natriuresis. Changes in glomerular filtration rate may also occur. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006; 16(2): 96-103)

Objective: To perform blood gas analysis of the respiratory response to transdermal fentanyl in dogs which have experienced an open-chest surgical procedure. Design: Prospective trial. Setting: Veterinary Teaching Hospital Surgical Research and Student Laboratory. Intervention: Dogs were purchased for a surgical laboratory. Students performed a cranial abdominal exploratory and diaphragmatic hernia repair. Sixteen dogs were divided into 2 groups. Dogs received transdermal fentanyl (group F), using an average dose of 4.8 mg/kg/hr, applied to the caudal-lateral abdomen 22 hours before surgery, or intravenous buprenorphine (group B; 0.02 mg/kg) given 1 hour prior to anesthetic induction and every 6 hours postoperatively. All dogs received intravenous acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) preoperatively and every 6 hours postoperatively. Dogs were instrumented with carotid artery catheters. Measurements and main results: Arterial blood gas values were analyzed every 2 hours postoperatively. Plasma fentanyl levels were analyzed every 4 hours postoperatively. The mean carbon dioxide tension (PCO 2 ) did not exceed 45 mmHg in either group. The range in mean PCO 2 levels was 32.9 (+ 3.4)À38.1 (+ 3.9) in group B and 34.7 (+ 3.25)À43.6 (+ 5.5) in group F. At 2 time points, the mean PCO 2 was significantly lower in group B compared with normal levels in group F. Hypoxemia occurred in both the groups. The range in mean oxygen tension (PO 2 ) was 76.5 (+ 18.3)À91.1 (+ 16.3) in group B and 76.0 (+ 10.8)À96.6 (+ 7.6) in group F. There was no significant difference in PO 2 between groups. Levels of fentanyl considered to be analgesic were maintained for the postoperative period. Conclusions: The use of a relatively high dose of transdermal fentanyl did not induce postoperative hypoventilation as evidenced by serial arterial blood gas analysis in this model. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2002; 12(2): 81±87)