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Biomedical subjects

R A Kennis

Publications and source records attributed to R A Kennis.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Effects of dietary flax seed and sunflower seed supplementation on normal canine serum polyunsaturated fatty acids and skin and hair coat condition scores.

This prospective study involved supplementing 18 normal dogs with flax seed (FLX) and sunflower seed (SUN) and evaluating their effects on skin and hair coat condition scores and serum polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations. Skin and hair coat were evaluated in a double-blinded fashion using a numeric scoring system and serum PUFA concentrations were determined. Our hypothesis was that changes in serum PUFA concentrations are associated with improvements in skin and hair coat and that serum PUFA would provide an objective method for making dietary fatty acid supplement recommendations. Although a numerical improvement was found in hair coat quality in both groups, this improvement was not sustained beyond 28 days. The relative per cent of 18:3n-3 concentrations in serum phospholipids increased in the FLX treated dogs but these concentrations remained unchanged in the SUN treated dogs. Also, elevations in relative per cent of 18:2n-6 concentrations in serum phospholipids were seen in the FLX group. The ratio of serum polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids also showed a transient increase. These increases preceded the peak skin condition score peak value by approximately 14 days. It was concluded that a 1-month supplementation with either flax seed or sunflower seed in dogs provides temporary improvement in skin and hair coat. These changes appeared to be associated with increased serum 18 carbon PUFA.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1998

Effects of propofol anesthesia on intradermally injected histamine phosphate in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare skin test reactivity of ID injected histamine phosphate in clinically normal dogs that were physically restrained or anesthetized with propofol. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Nonanesthetized dogs (group 1) were restrained and shaved on the right side of the thorax. A single injection of sterile buffered saline solution (negative control) and 5 serial dilutions of histamine phosphate (0.05 ml each) were injected ID. Wheal size was measured after 15 minutes. Propofol anesthetized dogs (group 2) were shaved, and saline solution and histamine were administered ID. Wheal size was measured as for nonanesthetized dogs. Hemoglobin saturation, heart and respiratory rates, and times to sternal recumbency and standing were recorded for anesthetized dogs. Twenty-four hours later, groups were reversed, and testing was repeated on the left side of the thorax. RESULTS: Mean wheal size was significantly (P < 0.05) less in dogs during propofol anesthesia. Heart and respiratory rates were well maintained but hemoglobin saturation decreased during the first 6 minutes of anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although statistically significant, the difference in mean wheal size may not be clinically important. Propofol anesthesia may be used during ID skin testing in atopic dogs. Further studies to assess effects of propofol on the reactivity of ID injected aeroallergens should be performed before recommending its use.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Quantity and distribution of Malassezia organisms on the skin of clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To define the extent to which Malassezia organisms can be recovered from the skin of clinically normal dogs and to assess differences in organism recovery related to anatomic sampling site and to method of collection. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. ANIMALS: 19 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: The number of Malassezia pachydermatis organisms were determined in fungal cultures of samples obtained from the skin of clinically normal dogs, using an adhesive tape method to obtain samples from 10 sites/dog. Additionally, 3 methods (direct impression, swabbing technique, and superficial skin scraping) that are commonly used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination were evaluated. RESULTS: Malassezia organisms were found in low numbers as part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs. Number of organisms differed significantly for various anatomic locations (chin, highest number; inguinal and axillary regions, lowest number). Malassezia organisms were identified more frequently by use of adhesive tape and fungal culturing than by the methods used for cytologic examination. However, comparing methods used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination with each other, marked differences were not detected in our ability to recover yeast organisms among the 3 techniques. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although Malassezia spp is part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs, it is extremely difficult to detect the organism by any of the 3 sampling methods used for sample collection for cytologic examination. Therefore, anatomic site and method of sample collection should be considered when attempting to make a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis.

Animals↗