Breed Differences, Geriatrics & Paediatrics

Question 1

Von Willebrands is a clotting factor. In what % of Dobermans is this lacking?

Answer 1

73% (nearly 3/4!)

Question 2

What are miniature schnauzers, particularly female, prone to?

Answer 2

Sick sinus syndrome

Question 3

What are some familial lines of boxers sensitive to?

Answer 3

Acepromazine - exaggerated levels of sedation and vasodilation leading to profound hypotension and fainting.

Question 4

Greyhounds lack the cytochrome P450 microsomal enzyme, what effect does this have?

Answer 4

Drastically reduced metabolism of barbiturates (e.g. thiopental - not used anymore) up to 4 times longer recovery. They may also have some delayed recovery with propofol.

Question 5

Why else are sighthounds and other skinny dogs prone to increased recovery times?

Answer 5

Minimal body fat, so drugs are not redistributed to fat stores but instead stay in the circulation for longer, prolonging the drugs activity.

Question 6

What breeds may be susceptible to the mutated MDR1 gene?

Answer 6

Collies, herding breeds - various sheepdogs, GSD

Question 7

What is the effect of the mutated MDR1 gene?

Answer 7

MDR1 codes for P-glycoprotein (transmembrane protein) - it manages what passes through the BBB. A defective glycoprotein can let some drugs through to the brain causing seizures, weakness, vomiting, blindness, death.

Question 8

What is a geriatric, paediatric and neonate?

Answer 8

Geriatric is approx >75-80% of the estimated life expectancy for a specific species and breed. Neonates are <2-4 weeks old and paediatrics are up to 6 months old.

Question 9

Paediatrics have a lower FRC, what are the implications of this?

Answer 9

Increased risk of atelectasis

Question 10

Geriatrics have a higher closing volume, what does this mean?

Answer 10

The lung volume at which the small airways begin to close is higher, therefore more prone to atelectasis.

Question 11

At what age is renal function mature?

Answer 11

2 months

Question 12

At what age is the cardiac sphincter fully developed?

Answer 12

At least 5 weeks

Question 13

Geriatrics have reduced cardiac sphincter tome, what can this lead to?

Answer 13

Increased risk of regurgitation

Question 14

How does gastric pH compare in geriatrics?

Answer 14

Geriatrics have a lower gastric pH and are more prone to oesophagitis.

Question 15

When is hepatic metabolism fully developed?

Answer 15

5 months old

Question 16

Why are paediatrics more prone to hypoglycaemia?

Answer 16

Smaller size and smaller glycogen reserves

Question 17

At what age is the CNS and PNS mature?

Answer 17

3 weeks old

Question 18

At what age is the CNS and PNS mature?

Answer 18

3 weeks old

Question 19

What can cause cognitive dysfunction in geriatrics post anaesthesia?

Answer 19

CNS ischaemic events

Question 20

Why do paediatrics require lower doses of NMBAs?

Answer 20

They produce less acetylcholine but have the adult number of receptors.

Question 21

At what age is temperature regulation developed?

Answer 21

3 weeks old

Question 22

How does body water content compare between paediatrics and geriatrics?

Answer 22

Paediatrics have a HIGHER water content
Geriatrics have a LOWER water content

Both risk dehydration

Question 23

Total protein levels are mature at what age?

Answer 23

6-12 months

Question 24

What effects are associated with reduced hepatic function in geriatrics?

Answer 24

Reduced synthesis of albumin - affects drug binding
Reduced gluconeogenesis - risk of hypoglycaemia
Decreased production of clotting factors

Question 25

Which anaesthetic drugs are best avoided in breeds with the mutated MDR1 gene?

Answer 25

Butorphanol and acepromazine

Question 26

Geriatrics generally have a decline in hormone production as they get older, true or false?

Answer 26

True! Reduced thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones etc