Serum and hair levels of zinc and other elements in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to determine the zinc, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels in blood serum and zinc and copper levels in hair of dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. The serum zinc and iron levels were found to be significantly lower in diseased dogs than those of healthy controls. Serum copper levels were significantly higher, whereas no significant differences were observed for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. There were no significant differences in the zinc and copper levels in hair. Our results show that the serum zinc, iron, and copper levels are altered in canine leishmaniasis.     

Serum levels of interleukin-6 are not dependent on the kidney function

Interleukin-6, also named B-cell stimulatory factor, is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 26 kDa. Increased serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) are found in several disease conditions. We investigated the importance of a deteriorated kidney function upon IL-6 serum concentrations. No relation was found between serum levels of IL-6 and s-creatinine, r = 0.004. On the other hand, the serum concentration of complement protein factor D and soluble IL-2 receptor showed a good correlation to s-creatinine, r = 0.92 and 0.79, respectively. In conclusion, serum levels of IL-6 are not dependent upon a reduced kidney function.     

Serum neopterin levels in lung and breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

The elevated neopterin levels observed in numerous haemotological diseases and parenchymatous malignomas suggested neopterin might be useful as a tumor marker. In a group of 60 patients suffering from advanced lung (18) or breast (42) cancer, serial determinations of serum neopterin were made before, during and after radiation and/or chemotherapy, during an observation period of 18 months, to check the potential value of neopterin in the therapeutic management of these tumor types. The neopterin profiles were compared with the clinical course and analysed with regard to response to therapy. Numbers of pathologically elevated serum neopterin levels were low. In only few cases was any agreement detected between changes in neopterin levels and therapeutic effects. Even chemotherapeutically induced depression in white blood counts generally did not increase serum neopterin levels. Thus the clinical suitability of neopterin as an adjuvant parameter in assessing therapeutic effects in lung or breast cancer could not be documented.     

Plasma-cortisol levels in experimental heatstroke in dogs

The effect of external heat-load, exercise and dehydration on dynamic changes in plasma cortisol during the development of heatstroke was investigated. Thirty-three unanesthetized dogs were tested under two sets of climatic conditions: comfort conditions and hot-dry climatic conditions, half of them while exercising. Half of the dogs in each group were rehydrated. None of the dogs that were investigated at room temperature suffered heatstroke. Of the dogs exposed to high ambient temperature, all of the exercising, as well as five out of six non-hydrated dogs and one rehydrated non-exercising dog suffered heatstroke. Significant dehydration (6%–7% of body weight), occurred only under hgh ambient temperature. Plasma cortisol levels of all dogs that suffered heatstroke rose conspicuously for at least 5 h and returned to normal levels 24 h later. Cortisol levels of dogs who did not experience heatstroke remained within the normal range. Cortisol levels correlated with the severity of the stress leading to heatstroke. High and rising levels of cortisol, several hours after body temperature returns to normal, may support the diagnosis of heatstroke.     

Infusion-related sepsis in dogs undergoing acute cardiopulmonary surgery.

During acute cardiopulmonary studies, 33 of 170 (19.4%) dogs developed uncontrollable acidosis accompanied by varying degrees of diarrhea and hypotension. Affected dogs had evidence of gram-negative bacteremia and septic shock. Intravenously administered fluids were contaminated with gram-negative bacteria. Since the experimental procedure entailed nonsurvival surgery, aseptic techniques were not employed. Although aseptic surgical techniques are to be used in animals undergoing survival surgery, such techniques also may be warranted in non-survival surgeries.