Possible therapeutic benefits of adenosine-potentiating drugs in reducing age-related degenerative disease in dogs and cats

Guardians' perceptions of caring for a dog with canine cognitive dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to diagnose, as its clinical signs are similar to those of other age-related conditions. The experience of caring for a senior dog with or without CCD is not well described.

METHODS

Data were collected via an online survey. Using a mixed methods design, the level of CCD and burden of care were measured using validated tools, and open-ended questions gathered qualitative data. A general linear model showed the factors associated with guardian burden of care.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of guardians experienced a clinically significant burden of care. Factors associated with burden of care included severity of CCD, sleep location, guardian employment, household size, dog age, guardian age and the dog taking medication. Few dogs with CCD were prescribed CCD medications to ameliorate clinical signs. Euthanasia, strong attachment mitigating burden and the complexities of caregiving were themes presented by guardians.

LIMITATIONS

Measures are based on self-reports and as such the usual limitations apply.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of caring for an older dog is greater if they have CCD. More attention to the treatment of senior dogs, including medications to reduce clinical signs of CCD, could improve the welfare of older dogs and decrease the clinical burden experienced by guardians.

Current definition, diagnosis, and treatment of canine and feline idiopathic vestibular syndrome

Idiopathic vestibular syndrome (IVS) is one of the most common neurological disorders in veterinary medicine. However, its diagnosis and treatment varies between publications. The aim of the current study was to gather experts' opinion about IVS definition, diagnosis, and treatment. An online-survey was used to assess neurology specialists' opinion about the definition, diagnosis and treatment of IVS. The study demonstrated that the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of IVS are largely consistent worldwide, with the EU prioritising less frequently advanced imaging and more often otoscopy to rule out other diseases. IVS was defined by most specialists as an acute to peracute, improving, non-painful peripheral vestibular disorder that often affects cats of any age and geriatric dogs. Regarding diagnosis, a detailed neurological examination and comprehensive blood tests, including thyroid values, blood pressure, and otoscopic examination, was seen as crucial. A thorough workup may also involve MRI and CSF analysis to rule out other causes of vestibular dysfunction. Treatment of IVS typically involved intravenous fluid therapy and the use of an antiemetic, with maropitant once daily being the preferred choice among specialists. Antinausea treatment was considered, however, only by a handful specialists. This survey-based study provides valuable insights from neurology experts and highlights areas that require further research to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Use of Propentofylline in Feline Bronchial Disease: Prospective, Randomized, Positive-Controlled Study

Propentofylline is a methylxanthine derivative with bronchodilating actions similar to those of theophylline. Nineteen cats with bronchial disease were enrolled in this study. All cats received a low dose of prednisolone; 10 of the cats additionally received propentofylline. Propentofylline-treated cats significantly improved in their auscultation scores, respiratory pattern scores, and radiological bronchial markings score over the observation period, and they coughed less and slept less at the end of the study. No significant changes were noted in the control group. This study provides evidence that a combination therapy with prednisolone and propentofylline in cats with bronchial disease might be superior over monotherapy with prednisolone.

Effects of adenine on the pituitary-gonad axis in newborns rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate effects of the adenine on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis and changes in blood hormone concentration such as FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen in newborn female rats. Adenine is a common organic base and its concentration variations caused by foods, has various effects on the body metabolic systems. In present study, fifty newborns rats were used divided into five groups, of 10s, including control I, control II which received solvent (normal saline) only and three experimental groups which received 50, 100 and 200 mg body weight adenine respectively. All the animals were kept under same condition with plenty food and water and treated Intra Peritoneally (IP) during days 2-16 after birth. At the end of experiment, all the animals were weighed, their ovaries were removed and blood samples were taken for hormone analysis. The results showed that dose dependent adenine solution significantly reduced the body and ovarian weight on 30 and 70 days after birth. In addition adenine led into no significant difference in concentration of FSH and LH in the experimental groups relative to the control on 30th day of life. But on the 70th day, the levels of these hormones raised significantly in the experimental groups. Furthermore, the adenine solution significantly increased the levels of progesterone and estrogen hormones in the experimental groups relative to the control on the 30th day, while decreased their concentration significantly on the 70th day. This situation has close similarities to metabolic disorders present in human caused by excessive use of adenine. High amounts consumption of adenine in can lead into hormone abnormality, weight loss and metabolic anomalies.