English

IntroductionWe hypothesized that breed differences of Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers would be reflected in the temporospatial characteristics of the walk and trot.Materials and MethodsTwenty healthy Border Collies and 20 healthy Labrador Retrievers made three passes across a pressure sensing walkway system that recorded quantitative temporospatial information at a walk and a trot. The following variables were measured for each dog: velocity, total pressure index percentage (TPI%), ratio of weight borne on the thoracic vs. pelvic limbs (T/P TPI%), stance time percentage (ST%), and thoracic limb stride length (TSrL).ResultsThe mean T/P TPI% for Border Collies at a walk and at a trot were significantly lower than for Labrador Retrievers (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0003). Border Collies had a significantly lower ST% than Labrador Retrievers for the thoracic limbs and pelvic limbs at a walk (p = 0.0058 and 0.0003) and the trot (p = 0.0280 and 0.0448). There was no relationship between ST% and TSrL in Border Collies and an inverse correlation between ST% and TSrL in Labrador Retrievers (p = 0.0002).DiscussionKey quantitative gait differences were identified in Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, which could potentially provide each breed with an advantage for their working function.

BREED specifications for pure-bred/pedigree dogs are laid down by the organisations that register and judge dogs, such as the Kennel Club of the UK (KCUK) and the Kennel Union of...

Goniometry is a low-cost, user-friendly and widely available technique used by different veterinary medicine professionals to estimate joint range of motion (ROM). Studies providing breed-specific reference ranges for goniometric measurements are scarce and there is a lack of information regarding joint angles in French Bulldogs. This prospective study set out to determine normal ROM for the carpus, elbow, shoulder, tarsus, stifle and hip joints in healthy, adult French Bulldogs using goniometry. We hypothesized ROM would be similar in this and other dog breeds. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. Sample size was calculated using power analysis based on previous studies. Goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner. Limbs were measured in random order and three measurements made per joint. Dogs were not sedated. Joint angles measured in French Bulldogs in this study were similar to those reported in Labrador Retrievers (shoulder, carpal, and tarsal flexion), Rottweilers (shoulder, carpus, and hip flexion), and Dachshunds (hip, stifle, and tarsal flexion). Similar flexion angles and ROM were detected in right and left limb joints. Findings of this study suggest similar ROM in French Bulldogs and other dog breeds. Lack of radiographic assessment and the fact that goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner were the major limitations of this study.

Wildlife can only be properly managed when populations are accurately monitored. Commonly used monitoring methods, including camera-trapping and visual surveys, are often costly, labour intensive, with low detection rates. To address these issues wildlife detection dogs are increasingly being used in ecological research. These dogs non-invasively locate live individuals, their scats, carcasses, and denning/nesting sites. The success of this method is dependent most notably on the dog and handler, and their training. Whilst incorrectly selecting dogs and handlers is costly and a welfare concern, selection is often based on personal preference rather than scientific evidence. Working dog selection remains focused on breeding programs that are financially expensive with highly varied success. Certain breeds are therefore commonly excluded during selection. Selecting unsuitable individuals, or incorrectly managing these teams, will not only reduce team performance but may also tarnish wildlife detection dogs’ reputation. There is currently minimal research on the selection, training and management of wildlife detection dog teams, especially in Australia. Given wildlife detection dogs have unique working requirements research on other working dog fields is often not comparable. Thus, to investigate factors important to detection dog and handler selection and management, I trained 12 dogs from three breeds at detection work, experimentally assessing their training times and odour discrimination ability. After reviewing the literature three breeds were selected. The breed with the greatest number of suitable behavioural and physical characteristics for wildlife detection (Border Collies); the breed with the least number of suitable characteristics (Greyhounds); and the breed used most commonly for detection work (Labrador Retrievers). These dogs were trained to detect Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) scat as it was a novel odour which they would not encounter outside training. Training sessions were filmed to determine the time required to achieve specific training competencies, and behaviour coded to record smelling times and behaviours related to the dogs’ true and false indications. Once the dogs achieved all training competencies their odour discrimination ability was assessed during single-blind trials, with both a familiar and unfamiliar handler.All Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, and one Greyhound, completed training. Overall the Border Collies had the quickest training times and the highest accuracy scores. Individual variation was, however, significant within the breeds’ training times and accuracy. During training the dogs’ smelling times were significant factors influencing their indications, with specific behaviours (e.g. paw-lifting) being correlated more often with true, rather than false, positives. The only Greyhound to complete training had higher accuracy scores than half of the Labrador Retrievers during testing. There was therefore a weak correlation between the dogs’ training times and detection accuracy. During testing the dogs had significantly higher accuracy scores when handled by their familiar handler. With the unfamiliar handler the dogs performed significantly more stress-related behaviours and were distracted for a higher proportion of time, which was negatively correlated to detection accuracy.Important dog handler traits and skills were also determined through emailing questionnaires to Australian and New Zealand wildlife detection dog handlers. These questionnaires asked the handlers to complete personality assessments and rate handler skills based on importance for wildlife detection work. The handlers shared similar mean personality scores, however, these scores had large ranges. Handlers rated skills specific to their dog, such as understanding dog body language, as highly important for field success.Individual variation was prominent in all major findings. Due to the large range in the dog handlers’ personality scores, personality may not be as important as their training or dog–handler relationship. The large variation within the breeds training times and accuracy further suggests that a dog’s breed may not be the best predictor of their trainability or detection aptitude. These dogs’ accuracy was further impacted by changing handlers. Future research is required to determine if professional dogs are impacted similarly, and the best ways to manage dog-handler transitions. Lastly my research demonstrated that dogs’ smelling times and their associated behaviours can assist handlers discriminate between dogs’ true and false indications.My research challenges how working dogs are currently globally managed. Due to the level of individual variation among dogs suitable for working roles, dogs should not be excluded purely because of their breed. Individual team’s performances must also continue to be evaluated due to the highly site-specific nature of their effectiveness. Management strategies must also take into consideration how influential the dog-handler relationship is on team performance. Prior to my study no research had investigated how detrimental changing a dog’s handler is on their welfare and performance. It is therefore crucial to continue challenging and advancing best practises, not only for animal welfare but also for the success of the working dog industry. Continuing research on wildlife detection dogs, including best avenues to source dogs, is crucial for this emerging method and will ensure the greatest outcomes are achieved.

Purpose: To explore the effect of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) on the recovery of knee function in patients after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM).Methods: Forty patients undergoing APM surgery were included in this parallel group, two-arm, single-assessor blinded, randomized clinical trial. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: routine rehabilitation group (RR Group, n = 20) and routine rehabilitation + blood flow restriction training group (RR + BFRT Group, n = 20). One subject in each group dropped out during the experiment. All patients received 8 weeks of routine rehabilitation starting from the second day after APM. In addition, patients in the RR + BFRT group required additional BFRT twice a week. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, range of motion (ROM), one-leg standing test (OLST) score, Lysholm knee score, quadriceps muscle strength, quadriceps thickness, and thigh circumference were evaluated at preoperative, postoperative, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data. Repeated measures ANOVA was used if the data were normally distributed and had homogeneity of variance. Generalized estimating equations were chosen if the data were not normally distributed or had homogeneity of variance.Results: There were no significant differences in VAS score, ROM, OLST score, Lysholm knee score, quadriceps muscle strength, quadriceps thickness, and thigh circumference between the two groups before surgery (p > 0.05). Compared with postoperative, VAS score, ROM, OLST score, Lysholm knee score, and thigh circumference were significantly improved in the RR group (p < 0.05), while quadriceps muscle strength and quadriceps thickness were not significantly enhanced at 8 weeks postoperatively (p > 0.05). However, VAS score, ROM, OLST score, Lysholm knee score, quadriceps muscle strength, quadriceps thickness, and thigh circumference were all significantly improved in the RR + BFRT group at 8 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the RR group, VAS score (50% vs. 86%), ROM (7.9% vs. 16.0%), OLST score (57.3% vs. 130.1%), Lysholm knee score (38.4% vs. 55.7%), relative peak torque (11.0% vs. 84.7%), mean power (20.6% vs. 88.1%), rectus femoris thickness (0.40% vs. 13.0%), vastus medialis (0.29% vs. 5.32%), vastus lateralis (0% vs. 6.2%), vastus internus (0% vs. 5.8%), and thigh circumference (2.7% vs. 5.8%) in the RR + BFRT group were significantly improved at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.05).Conclusion: BFRT combined with routine rehabilitation training can better promote the recovery of knee joint function in patients after APM, especially the improvement of quadriceps muscle strength and thickness.

Altered serum cobalamin concentrations have been observed in dogs with gastrointestinal disorders such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or gastrointestinal inflammation. The aims of the current study were 1) to identify breeds with a higher proportion of dogs with a decreased serum cobalamin concentration, 2) to determine whether dogs with such decreased concentrations tend to have serum canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) concentrations diagnostic for EPI, and 3) to compare the number of submissions for serum cobalamin analysis by breed to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed ranking list of 2009. In this retrospective study, results of 28,675 cobalamin tests were reviewed. Akitas, Chinese Shar-Peis, German Shepherd Dogs, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retrievers had increased proportions of serum cobalamin concentrations below the lower limit of the reference interval (<251 ng/l; all P < 0.0001). Akitas, Chinese Shar-Peis, German Shepherd Dogs, and Border Collies had increased proportions of serum cobalamin concentrations below the detection limit of the assay (<150 ng/l; all P < 0.0001). Akitas, Border Collies, and German Shepherd Dogs with serum cobalamin concentrations <150 ng/l were more likely to have a serum cTLI concentration considered diagnostic for EPI (≤2.5 µg/l; all P ≤ 0.001). The breed with the highest proportion of samples submitted for serum cobalamin analysis in comparison with the AKC ranking list was the Greyhound (odds ratio: 84.6; P < 0.0001). In Akitas and Border Collies, further investigations are warranted to clarify if a potentially breed-specific gastrointestinal disorder is responsible for the increased frequency of decreased serum cobalamin and cTLI concentrations.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between gait velocity and rate and range of knee motion, during ambulation, for healthy and arthritic subjects. The arthritic subjects had either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and all were tested before and after total knee replacement. Healthy subjects ambulated at an average velocity of 80 m/min and demonstrated knee flexion and extension rates of 344 degrees/sec and a range of knee motion of 60 degrees. Gait velocity correlated with rates of knee flexion and extension and range of knee motion. Arthritic subjects ambulated at velocities less than those of healthy subjects ambulating at free speed. Arthritic subjects accordingly demonstrated reduced knee flexion and extension rates and range of knee motion. When compared with healthy subjects ambulating over a comparable gait-velocity range, the arthritic subjects demonstrated reduced rates and range of motion in most instances. We discuss implications for therapeutic intervention to increase gait velocity for arthritic subjects.

What is the minimum torque required to obtain passive elbow end range of motion?

Investigation of multidirectional hip range of motion and hip motion asymmetry in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis with different curve patterns

Differences in Left Ventricular Enlargement Secondary to Chronic Volume Loading Between English Springer Spaniels and Two Similar Sporting Breeds

To determine whether Border Collies (ATP binding cassette subfamily B1 gene [ABCB1] wildtype) were more likely than other breeds to develop vincristine-associated myelosuppression (VAM) and, if so, whether this was caused by a mutation in ABCB1 distinct from ABCB1-1Δ. Phase 1 comprised 36 dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype, including 26 dogs with lymphoma (5 Border Collies and 21 dogs representing 13 other breeds) treated with vincristine in a previous study; phase 2 comprised 10 additional Border Collies, including 3 that developed VAM and 7 with an unknown phenotype. For phase 1, the prevalence of VAM in ABCB1-wildtype Border Collies was compared with that for ABCB1-wildtype dogs of other breeds with data from a previous study. For phase 2, additional Border Collies were included. Hematologic adverse reactions were graded with Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group criteria. Genomic DNA was used to amplify and sequence all 27 exons of the canine ABCB1. Sequences from affected dogs were compared with those of unaffected dogs and dogs of unknown phenotype. 3 of 5 Border Collies with the ABCB1 wildtype developed VAM; this was significantly higher than the proportion of other dogs that developed VAM (0/21). A causative mutation for VAM in Border Collies was not identified, although 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms in ABCB1 were detected. Breed-associated sensitivity to vincristine unrelated to ABCB1 was detected in Border Collies. Veterinarians should be aware of this breed predisposition to VAM. Causes for this apparent breed-associated sensitivity should be explored.

AB0841-HPR The effect of active cervical lateral flexion range on shoulder joint range of motion in adhesive capsulitis patients: a pilot study

Aggression in 108 dog breeds and six crosses was ranked by 185 members of the Companion Animal Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. The Rottweiler and German Shepherd were categorised as extremely aggressive and the Akita, Basengi, Chihuahua (long-coated and short-coated), Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Shar pei and Welsh Corgi (Cardigan and Pembroke) were classified as very aggressive. A chi-squared test of data from the twenty most popular breeds showed that significant differences were perceived between the breeds. Cocker Spaniels, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, German Shepherds and Rottweilers were more aggressive than Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Border Collies and Doberman Pinchers, which were more aggressive than Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frise, English Springer Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Dalmatians, Boxers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs and Rough Collies.

There are sparse published scientific data on associations between neutering and the severity and survival of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. This study aimed to explore the timing of neutering with respect to onset of seizures in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Associations between neutering and both age of onset of seizures and the occurrence of cluster seizures or status epilepticus were examined. Survival analysis investigated the effects of sex-neuter categories. The median survival time of Border collies was compared with data previously reported in literature.The study included veterinary primary-care clinical data on 117 Labrador retrievers and 57 Border collies diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy from the VetCompass project in the UK. The majority (74.2%; P≤0.001) of neutered cases were neutered before the onset of seizures. Age (years) at onset of seizures did not differ between dogs intact at time of onset and dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males 3.6 vs. 3.7; P=0.468 and females 3.4 vs. 4.1; P=0.154). Neuter status was not associated with the occurrence of cluster seizures (males P=0.947 and females P=0.844). Dogs intact at onset of seizures had longer median survival times than dogs neutered before onset of seizures (males, 1436 days vs. 1234 days; P=0.019; females, 1778.5 days vs. 1261 days; P=0.027). Median survival time of 1393 days for Border collies was longer than previously reported (P≤0.001). These results do not support recommendations to neuter dogs with idiopathic epilepsy within an evidence-based treatment plan.

BackgroundTotal hip replacement (THR) is considered to be the most effective treatment option for advanced osteoarthritis of the hip in large breed dogs. However, a proportion of post-THR patients suffer prosthesis dislocation for various reasons, which may be addressed by a constrained acetabular prosthesis design. The study proposed a new THR with constrained acetabular component that aimed to decrease the incidence of postoperative dislocation while maintaining the necessary range of motion (ROM); and, through computer-simulated implantations, evaluated the ROM of the THR with and without malpositioning of the acetabular component.MethodsA new THR with a constrained acetabular component that had an inward eccentric lining and a 60° cut-out on the dorsal side was designed, and its computer-aided design models were implanted into the pelvic and femoral models reconstructed from the computed tomography data of six healthy Labrador Retriever dogs. The allowable and functional ROM of the implanted THR were determined via computer simulations. The contact patterns between the bone or the prosthetic components at extreme positions of the THR were analyzed. Influence of malpositioning of the acetabular component on the ROM was assessed.ResultsThe means (SD) of the functional ranges for flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation were 51.8° (6.6°), 163.3° (7.3°), 33.5° (5.7°), 74.0° (3.7°), 41.5° (8.3°) and 65.2° (9.9°), respectively. Malpositioning of the acetabular component by 20° in one direction was found to reduce ROM in other directions (reducing lateral opening: flexion: 12°, adduction: 20°, internal/external rotations: < 20°; increasing lateral opening: extension and abduction: < 16°; reducing retroversion: extension: < 20°, abduction: 15°, external rotation: < 20°; increasing retroversion: flexion: < 20°, abduction, adduction and internal rotation: 20°).ConclusionsFrom the computer-aided surgical simulations, the new THR was found to have sufficient functional ranges for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and external rotation for Labrador Retrievers. Analysis of the malpositioning of the acetabular component suggests that accurate placement of the acetabular component is critical for achieving desirable ROM for daily activities.