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.

Otitis externa is one of the most common diseases in dogs. It is associated with bacteria and yeast, which are regarded as secondary causes. Cerumen is a biological substance playing an important role in the protection of ear skin. The involvement of cerumen in immune defense is poorly understood. MicroRNAs can modulate the host immune response and can provide promising biomarkers for several inflammatory and infectious disorder diagnosis. The aims of this study were to profile the cerumen miRNA signature associated with otitis externa in dogs, integrate miRNAs to their target genes related to immune functions, and investigate their potential use as biomarkers. Cerumen was collected from healthy and otitis affected dogs and the expression of miRNAs was profiled by Next Generation Sequencing; the validation of the altered miRNAs was performed using RT-qPCR. The potential ability of miRNAs to modulate immune-related genes was investigated using bioinformatics tools. The results pointed out that 32 miRNAs, of which 14 were up- and 18 down-regulated, were differentially expressed in healthy vs. otitis-affected dogs. These results were verified by RT-qPCR. To assess the diagnostic value of miRNAs, ROC analysis was carried out, highlighting that 4 miRNAs are potential biomarkers to discriminate otitis-affected dogs. Bioinformatics showed that cerumen miRNAs may be involved in the modulation of host immune response. In conclusion, we have demonstrated for the first time that miRNAs can be efficiently extracted and quantified from cerumen, that their profile changes between healthy and otitis affected dogs, and that they may serve as potential biomarkers. Further studies are necessary to confirm their diagnostic value and to investigate their interaction with immune-related genes.

To describe the ultrasonographic anatomy of the neck region in dogs and to determine the feasibility of an injection targeted to the cervical plexus. Prospective cadaveric study. A group of six mixed-breed mesocephalic dog cadavers. Cadavers were assigned to a size category according to body weight (small, ≤10 kg; medium, 10.1-24 kg; large, > 24.1 kg) and placed in lateral recumbency. A linear probe was placed over the wing of the atlas perpendicular to the spine and slid caudally to identify the transverse process of the fourth cervical vertebra. A 22 gauge, 70 mm spinal needle was introduced in-plane and advanced in a dorso-ventral direction, reaching the cervical fascia (CF). According to the size category, 2.5 mL, 5 mL or 10 mL of 0.15% methylene blue was injected within the CF and between the intertransversarius ventralis and longus colli muscles. Each cadaver was injected bilaterally. Staining of the second (C2), third (C3) and fourth (C4) cervical ventral branches was assessed by anatomical dissection. Each size category included two cadavers: 8 kg and 10 kg in the small category; 15 kg and 19 kg in the medium category; and 26 kg and 37 kg in the large category. Nerve staining resulted only from injection within the CF. In all cadavers, 100% of the ventral rami of the second (12/12), third (12/12) and fourth (12/12) cervical nerves were stained circumferentially for > 2 cm. In the smallest cadaver, the dye reached the atlas cranially. The described injection within the CF stained the cervical plexus and appears a feasible locoregional technique in dogs.

Peripheral nerve block performed using electrical stimulation (i.e. electrolocation) is widely used for perioperative pain management during several surgical procedures in dog (Campoy 2008), but few data are reported concerning its application to invasive maxillofacial surgery (Carotenuto et al 2011). The aim of this case series is to evaluate the efficacy of proximal mandibular nerve block (PMNB) in perioperative pain management in dogs undergoing mandibulectomy. 10 dogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine maleate (0.02 mg/kg); after induction to general anaesthesia, bilateral PMNB was performed with ropivacaine 0.75% (2 mg/kg). Whenever intraoperative nociception occurred, i.e. an acute increase of heart rate and blood pressure over 20% of the baseline value, intravenous rescue analgesia was provided (fentanyl 3 mg/kg). Carprofen was administered subcutaneously as a sole postoperative treatment (3 mg/kg) and postoperative analgesia was assessed for at least 24 hr by a blind operator accordingly to the Glasgow composite pain scale (Reid et al 2007). When the pain score overcame a threshold of 5/24, intravenous rescue analgesia was administered (methadone, 0.2 mg/kg). In 8 out of 10 dogs no intraoperative nociception was shown, while in 2 dogs a single intravenous fentanyl administration was sufficient to provide additional analgesia. No acute and medium term complications were shown and postoperative analgesia lasted for 20.5±6.1 hr. PMNB appears than to provide effective perioperative long-lasting analgesia leading to a reduction in intra- and postoperative drug administration.

Four entire male sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) belonging to the same colony were presented for elective orchiectomy. After clinical examination, dexmedetomidine (120 μg/kg) in combination with ketamine (5 mg/kg) were administered subcutaneously (SC). Once righting and pedal withdrawal reflexes were lost, ringer lactate solution, enrofloxacin and meloxicam were administered SC and a bilateral intratesticular block with lidocaine 0.25% was performed. Heart, respiratory rates and pulse oximetry values were recorded every minute. Onset of sedation, additional use of isoflurane, duration of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, time of recovery after atipamezole administration, quality of recovery and time of food intake were recorded. Postoperative assessment (posture, level of activity, vocalisation, response to manipulation, attention to the surgical wound) was performed hourly until discharge, five hours after surgery. Dexmedetomidine in combination with ketamine provided adequate short-lasting anaesthesia for castration in 3 out of 4 sugar gliders. One sugar glider needed additional isoflurane administration to perform orchiectomy. No perioperative additional analgesia was needed in any sugar glider.