INCREASED SURVIVAL IN EXPERIMENTAL DOG HEATSTROKE AFTER REDUCTION OF GUT FLORA

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (8) , 816-819
Abstract
Gut flora may contribute to pathophysiology of experimental canine heatstroke. Animals (50) in 4 groups were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (25 mg/kg) i.v. An air temperature of 42-46.degree. C was maintained adjacent to the dog with a water-heated blanket for approximately 2 h until rectal temperatures rose to 43.5 .+-. 0.4.degree. C. Animals were then cooled passively in room air (28.degree. C, 20% RH [relative humidity]) until death or until 18 h elapsed; survivors were euthanized. Intestine stool reduction and bacterial contents with antibiotics, cathartics and enemas prior to heatstroke increased 18 h survival from 20.0 to 70.6%; antibiotics administered after heatstroke did not alter survival incidence over control values. Gut flora, presumably through endotoxemia, may contribute to evolution of heatstroke pathophysiology.

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