2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

These results confirm that HAC is significantly associated with comorbid conditions, and that HAC is not a significant cause of mortality in dogs. Documented patterns now provide multiple targets for prospective clinical research and intervention. The glucagon stimulation tests (GST) is an important tool in diabetes research. GST were described previously in cats, using a purified porcine glucagon formulation that is no longer available. The aim of this study was to re-establish a protocol for GST using commercially available recombinant-DNA glucagon (rdGlucagon). Initially, a dose of 500 mcg/cat, IV (over 30 seconds) was used in five healthy cats (as described by Kirk et. al AJVR 1993) however, lip-smacking, abdominal contractions and occa-sional vomiting were observed 1-2 minutes post injection. Consequently, slower IV push, intra-muscular injections and lower doses were attempted. With 10 and 20mcg/kg IM no side effects were observed, however, the 10mcg/kg dose resulted in inadequate stimulation of blood glucose concentrations (BG). The 20 mcg/kg dose significantly increased BG from baseline (mean of -15 and 0 minutes pre-glucagon, BG [mean AE sd] = 79.5 AE 6.6 mg/dL) to peak at 15 minutes (165.4 AE 24.2 mg/dL). BG gradually decreased at 25, 35 and 45 minutes until returning to baseline at 60 minutes. Plasma insulin concentrations also peaked at 15 minutes (baseline = 186.7 AE 116.6 ng/L, peak >800 ng/L [upper limit of the Mercodia feline insulin Assay]), were still significantly increased at 25 minutes (546.6 AE 213.9 ng/L) and returned to baseline at 35 minutes.