title: Decreased postoperative C-reactive protein production in dogs with pyometra through the use of low-dose ketamine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of subanesthetic ketamine in dogs with pyometra on C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations following surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, nonconcealed, alternating allocation controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Veterinary teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen dogs diagnosed with pyometra.
  
  
  METHODS
  The tentative diagnosis of canine pyometra was based on compatible history, physical examination findings, ultrasonographic findings, and hematological evaluation. Two different anesthesia and analgesic protocols with and without low-dose ketamine were used during and following ovariohysterectomy in 16 female dogs (n = 8 per group) that were diagnosed with naturally occurring pyometra. Dogs were sequentially allocated to treatment groups in an alternating fashion without concealment. Serum was collected before, 24, and 48 hours after surgery for CRP measurement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perioperative physical parameters in the 2 groups of dogs were similar. The serum concentrations of CRP in both groups were essentially the same before surgery, but significantly increased in the control group and decreased in ketamine group at 48 hours after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-dose ketamine attenuated the postoperative concentration of serum CRP in dogs with pyometra compared with dogs that did not receive ketamine in the perioperative period. Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical implications of these findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 40227, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Pei-Yu
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Shi-Chieh
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Kuan-Sheng
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Hsien-Chi
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055112:Pyometra / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D007649:Ketamine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
keywords: CRP; SIRS; anesthesia; inflammation; sepsis