Heatstroke (HS) is an acute, progressive life-threatening emergency. Animals, including military working dogs (IDFMWD), rapidly activate cytoprotective processes, e.g., heat shock proteins (HSPs) and antioxidative molecules, in response to heat stress. We hypothesized that serum HSPs (eHSP72) and oxidative stress markers would differ in IDFMWD with a history of HS compared with controls and thus could be used to detect susceptibility to recurrent HS. eHSPs concentration, oxidative stress markers, and systemic physiological parameters were studied in dogs with and without histories of HS, undergoing indoor or outdoor training. Treadmill physical performance tests (PPTs) were conducted indoors at 22 °C (groups C-I and HS-I) or outdoors under heat stress conditions of 36 °C; 60% humidity (groups C-O and HS-O). Pre-, immediately post-, and 45 min post-PPT heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, and rectal temperature (Tre) were recorded in all dogs. Likewise, blood samples were collected and eHSP72, venous blood gas analysis, and lactate and creatine kinase activity (CK) were assayed. Serum uric acid (sUA) and total serum redox potential (TRP) were measured only in the indoor group. Immediately post-PPT under both environmental conditions, Tre, HR, eHSP, sUA, and TRP (only measured in indoor PPT) significantly (P < 0.05) increased, whereas venous blood pH and bicarbonate decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Between groups comparisons demonstrated significant differences in basal HR and post-PPT Tre immediately after outdoor PPT. eHSP72 induction, CK, sUA, and serum TRP remained significantly higher in the HS group during post-PPT recovery. Taken together, animals with a history of HS have different results, and this signature of previous HS may predict altered heat sensitivity.

Abstract Background Urethral obstruction (UO) is a common complication of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Robust treatment recommendations to prevent its recurrence are scarce. Objectives To evaluate meloxicam treatment for prevention of clinical recrudescence in male cats with obstructive FIC. Animals Fifty-one client-owned cats. Methods Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Every male cat with FIC-associated UO was deemed eligible for the study and was recruited during hospitalization. After discharge, cats were treated with phenoxybenzamine and alprazolam for 2?weeks, with (24 cats) or without (27 cats) low-dose meloxicam (0.025?mg/kg/day PO) and monitored for 6?months. Results Cumulative number (%) of cats with recurrent UO at 10?days, 1-, 2-, and 6-months after discharge was 1 (2%), 2 (4%), 4 (8%), and 8 (16%), respectively. Overall, 12 (24%) cats experienced signs of recurrent FIC within 6?months, with (8 cats) or without (4 cats) concurrent UO. No difference in the cumulative incidence of UO within 6?months was detected with addition of meloxicam (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.63 [0.13-2.97]; P =?.70). All cats were alive at 6?months. Conclusions and Clinical Importance No clinical benefit was detected with the addition of low-dose meloxicam to phenoxybenzamine and alprazolam treatment for 2?weeks after discharge. Nevertheless, this study was underpowered to identify potential differences, and its findings must be corroborated in larger studies.