The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral transmucosal (OTM) cannabidiol (CBD), in addition to a multimodal pharmacological treatment for chronic osteoarthritis-related pain in dogs. Twenty-one dogs were randomly divided into two groups: in group CBD (n = 9), OTM CBD (2 mg kg−1 every 12 h) was included in the therapeutic protocol (anti-inflammatory drug, gabapentin, amitriptyline), while in group C (n = 12), CBD was not administered. Dogs were evaluated by owners based on the Canine Brief Pain Inventory scoring system before treatment initiation (T0), and one (T1), two (T2), four (T3) and twelve (T4) weeks thereafter. Pain Severity Score was significantly lower in CBD than in C group at T1 (p = 0.0002), T2 (p = 0.0043) and T3 (p = 0.016). Pain Interference Score was significantly lower in CBD than in C group at T1 (p = 0.0002), T2 (p = 0.0007) and T4 (p = 0.004). Quality of Life Index was significantly higher in CBD group at T1 (p = 0.003). The addition of OTM CBD showed promising results. Further pharmacokinetics and long-term studies in larger populations are needed to encourage its inclusion into a multimodal pharmacological approach for canine osteoarthritis-related pain.

ObjectiveTo describe the use of a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination and mild hypothermia for the treatment of status epilepticus in 3 dogs that did not respond to GABAergic medication.Case Series SummaryThree dogs, each with a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, were presented to the emergency department in a state of status epilepticus. The dogs were treated unsuccessfully with benzodiazepine as a first‐line therapy that was followed by IV propofol anesthesia maintained for at least 12 hours. When general anesthesia was discontinued, seizures reoccurred. All 3 dogs then received a bolus of ketamine (1 mg/kg, IV) over a period of 5 minutes that was followed by a bolus of dexmedetomidine (3 μg/kg, IV) over the same time period and then followed by a continuous infusion for 12 hours of ketamine at a constant rate of 1 mg/kg/h and dexmedetomidine at a variable rate of 3–7 μg/kg/h. Body temperature was maintained between 36.7 and 37.7°C at a state of mild hypothermia throughout treatment. The dogs recovered uneventfully over 48 hours after treatment was discontinued with no evidence of seizures. No notable alterations in physiological parameters were observed during the drug infusions. All dogs were discharged following examinations that showed normal neurological function.New or Unique Information ProvidedThis case series highlights the potential benefits of a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine infusion combined with mild hypothermia for the treatment of status epilepticus refractory to GABAergic therapy in dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy. After the dogs were weaned from the ketamine‐dexmedetomidine infusion, all dogs experienced complete recovery. Thus, this case series introduces a novel approach to treat this intense condition.

An 11-year-old female Hapalemur alaotrensis was evaluated following a history of dyspnea of 15 days’ duration. Thoracic radiography performed by the referring veterinarian revealed a large cardiac silhouette and dorsal deviation of the trachea. Heart sounds were muffled. Echocardiographic findings were indicative of severe pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade. No pleural effusion was identified. A computed tomography (CT) exam confirmed the presence of severe pericardial effusion and allowed identification of a parenchymatous mediastinal lesion sited at the level of the left hemithorax. To delineate the thoracic duct, lymphoCT was also performed by injection of iodinated contrast medium in the perianal subcutaneous tissue. Pericardiocentesis yielded a considerable amount of effusion with chylous biochemical and cytological properties. A diagnosis of chylopericardium with absence of pleural effusion was made. Initially, the chylopericardium was managed conservatively with two centesis and oral treatment with prednisolone. Medical treatment did not result in complete resolution of effusion and clinical signs; therefore, subtotal pericardiectomy and thoracic duct ligation were recommended. After the second pericardiocentesis, the subject died and the pericardiectomy could not be performed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the development of chylopericardium in a Hapalemur alaotrensis.

BackgroundThe aim of the work is the application of a bolus tracking technique for tomographic evaluation of the uretero-vesicular junction in dogs. Ten adult dogs (8–14 years) with variable body weight (2,8–32 kg) were enrolled in the prospective study. The patients were placed in sternal recumbency with a 10° elevated pelvis and the visualization of the uretero-vesicular junction was obtained with the bolus tracking technique after intravenous administration of non-ionic contrast medium. In the post-contrast late phase a region of interest was placed within the lumen of the distal ureters and the density values were monitored before starting the helical scan.ResultsThe uretero-vesicular junction was clearly visible in 100 % of patients with the visualization of the endoluminal ureteral contrast enhancement and bladder washout. At the end of the tomographic study an evaluation of the dose records was performed and compared to human exposures reported in literature for the pelvic region. The effective dose estimated for each patient (37,5–138 mSv) proved to be elevated, when compared to those reported in human patients.ConclusionThe bolus tracking technique could be applied for the visualization of the uretero-vesicular junction in non-pathological patients, placing the region of interest in the distal ureters. The high effective doses recorded in our study support the need of specific thresholds for veterinary patients, pointing out the attention for paediatric patient’s exposure also in veterinary imaging.