title: Clinical, biochemical, and hematologic evaluation of normal dogs after administration of rabbit anti-dog thymocyte serum.
abstract: Renal allografting is the only long-term alternative to euthanasia in dogs with end-stage kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical, biochemical, and hematologic effects of rabbit anti-dog thymocyte serum (RADTS) in normal dogs and to develop a safe and practical route of administration before its use in an allograft immunosuppressive protocol. Thirteen mongrel dogs were divided into three groups; each received RADTS subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. The inflammation and pain associated with subcutaneous administration was unacceptable. A significant (p < or = .05) leukopenia and lymphopenia developed in all dogs, regardless of the route of administration of RADTS. Thrombocytopenia was a consistent finding after intravenous administration and with high doses given intramuscularly. Both the intravenous and intramuscular routes were well tolerated by all dogs with minimal or no discomfort. Serum creatinine was unchanged, whereas serum alanine aminotransferase activity increased in one dog. There were no histologic changes in any of the kidneys examined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Gallivan
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Mallard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006439:Hemodynamics; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D007275:Injections, Intravenous / Q000662:veterinary; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous / Q000662:veterinary; D011817:Rabbits; D013601:T-Lymphocytes
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum