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Home measurement of intraocular pressure in dogs at risk of glaucoma

USER-ALT Hans Westermeyer and Jacklyn Salmon, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA

In dogs, the onset of glaucoma can be rapid, but the initial clinical signs may be mild and go unnoticed by owners until significant damage has been done to the optic nerve and retina. The authors investigated whether owners of dogs at risk of developing the condition could measure intraocular pressure at home. The owners of 14 dogs predisposed to canine primary angle closure glaucoma were trained to measure intraocular pressure using a rebound tonometer device( TonoVet Plus). In seven of nine dogs that developed overt glaucoma, there was a sudden increase in intraocular pressure above 50 mmHg that alerted the owners to signs they may otherwise have missed. These dogs were then treated with latanaprost eye drops.

Veterinary Ophthalmology https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / vop. 70156

Use of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a prognostic tool in canine ICU

USER-ALT Eleonora Gori and others, University of Pisa, Italy

The rate at which red blood cells settle out of suspension can be influenced by the presence of inflammatory conditions. It is therefore useful as a marker for monitoring the progress of conditions such as babesiosis and osteoarthritis in veterinary patients. The authors investigated a potential role for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate( ESR) as a prognostic indicator for dogs admitted to an intensive care unit. They took blood samples from 124 dogs, 92 of which were eventually discharged whereas 32 died during hospitalisation. There was an increase in the ESR during the first 2 days after admission in many of the dogs that died, whereas the ESR generally decreased in the survivors. The ESR may provide a rapid indicator of sepsis and help to identify patients with a poor prognosis.

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / vec. 70058

Potential for F3 facial pheromone mist to reduce stress in cats

USER-ALT Manon Chasles and others, Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology Research Institute( IRSEA), Quartier Salignan, Apt, France

Feline facial pheromone 3( F3) is one of a group of chemical signals identified in cats that are secreted from glands on the head and cheeks. The exact function of some of these compounds is unclear, but F3 is believed to enhance a cat ' s sense of security and confidence in challenging situations. The authors report a study on a synthetic F3 analogue delivered as a water-based mist in a room where cats encountered an unknown person for the first time. Compared with control cats exposed to a placebo mist, the treatment group were quicker to approach the person and showed a greater range and frequency of interactions with them. These findings suggest that the F3 analogue spray may improve the confidence of cats in unfamiliar situations and may help them in situations such as adoption or introducing a new family member.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery https:// doi. org / 10.1177 / 1098612X261417803

20 Veterinary Nursing Journal