Multiple dose pharmacokinetics and acute safety of piroxicam and cimetidine in the cat

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the multiple dose pharmacokinetics and acute safety of piroxicam and cimetidine alone and in combination in cats. Seven healthy cats were included in this randomized-crossover study. The cats were assigned to groups designated to receive cimetidine alone (15 mg/kg, p.o., q12 h), piroxicam alone (0.3 mg/kg, p.o., q24 h), and piroxicam combined with cimetidine (both at aforementioned doses). The cats were dosed for 10 days followed by at least a 2-week washout period between trials. Serial blood samples were collected following the first and last doses and analyzed utilizing a high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LC/MS) assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using noncompartmental analysis. Endoscopic evaluation of the gastric mucosa was performed and serum urea nitrogen (SUN), creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities were evaluated. There were not a clinically relevant difference between the pharmacokinetic parameters of piroxicam administered alone or in combination with cimetidine after either the first or last dose. Gastric ulcers were not observed in any cats although gastric erosions were. The SUN, creatinine, ALP, and ALT activities remained within reference ranges for all cats. It appears that once daily, short-term use of piroxicam alone and in combination with cimetidine in cats is relatively safe based on the parameters evaluated in this study. However, further studies are necessary to determine the long-term gastrointestinal safety of piroxicam.

Single dose pharmacokinetics of piroxicam in cats

Piroxicam (PIRO) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) recognized for its value as a chemopreventative and anti-tumor agent. Eight cats were included in this study. PIRO was administered in a single oral (p.o.) and intravenous (i.v.) dose of 0.3 mg/kg. The study was designed as a randomized complete crossover with a 2-week washout period. Serial blood samples were collected after each dose and plasma was analyzed for PIRO. Pharmacokinetic parameters of PIRO were determined using noncompartmental analysis. PIRO is well absorbed in the cat with a median bioavailability (F) of 80% (range 64-124%). The median i.v. t1/2 was 12 h (range 8.6-14 h). The median Cmax was 519 ng/mL with a corresponding Tmax of 3 h. PIRO appears to be rapidly absorbed following p.o. administration in cats with a higher Cmax and AUC than in dogs.

Large granular lymphocytosis, lymphocyte subset inversion, thrombocytopenia, dysproteinemia, and positive Ehrlichia serology in a dog

A 7-year-old, mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of a possible lymphocytic leukemia. Results of laboratory testing included thrombocytopenia, large granular lymphocytosis, inverted CD4:CD8 ratio, hyperglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Results of a tick-borne disease panel indicated a positive immunoglobulin G serum titer (1:2,048) to Ehrlichia canis, supporting exposure to this organism. The dog responded to a combination treatment of doxycycline and prednisone. A review of the literature and novel diagnostic methods that aided in the diagnosis of this case are discussed.