Malamute Research Articles

From “Husky” to “Bulldog”– behavioural correlates between castration and breed groups in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study’s main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of intact and castrated dogs, a differentiation between two clades - the “Huskies“(chow chow, shar pei, akita/shiba inu, alaskan malamute, siberian/alaskan husky) and the “Bulldogs” (german boxer, english/french bulldog, old english mastiff, boston terrier, english bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier), based on Parker et al. [1], was made.Using an online questionnaire,, 31 neutered and 37 intact male dogs from the clade “Huskies“ and 30 neutered and 38 intact male dogs from the clade “Bulldogs”, participated in the study (N = 136).The survey included detailed questions on the dogs’ personality and any associated issues as well as a behavioural anamnesis. Further questions relating to four of the “big five” personality dimensions based on the “Budapest questionnaire” by Turcsán et al. from 2011 [2] were also added.The results show, that neutered males from both breed clades more frequently displayed aggression toward humans than intact males (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.002). When it came to aggression towards other dogs, it was the “Huskies” that differed significantly from the “Bulldogs“(multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) with being more aggressive. There were also significant differences in stress-related behaviour depending on castration status and breed (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.33) and only the castration status had an impact on the significance (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001). The analysis also revealed significance for stress-indicating behaviour with dependence on neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001) and showed that stress as well as uncertainty are significantly more common in neutered dogs depending on breed and neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.42), in that only neutered “Bulldogs“ were stressed, but more “Huskies“ overall.According to the Budapest questionnaire data, the “Bulldog” clade had considerably greater extraversion scores overall (ordinal regression, p < 0.001) than the “Huskies“.Our findings highlight the risks and potential negative effects of neutering. Gonadectomy in no way substitutes for the dog receiving the necessary socialization, training, or bonding. Although in some circumstances it might have a favourable impact on the dog’s behaviour, it should not be seen as a panacea for unwanted behaviour. Given that not all behaviours are influenced by sex hormones, every castration decision must be weighed up individually.

A case report of canine kidney dysplasia

The renal dysplasia consists of an abnormal development of the renal parenchyma and stroma, which gives it a whitish appearance and irregular surface, whitish color and firm consistency to the touch. Microscopically, the renal tubules have an adenomatous appearance, with the presence of immature or fetal glomeruli and tubules, primitive mesenchymal tissue with a myxomatous appearance and interstitial fibrosis. The renal dysplasia is considered a congenital and hereditary disease, mainly described in breeds such as Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Golden Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Shih-Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Standard Poodle. Dogs affected by the disease present polydipsia, polyuria, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy and weight loss. With disease progresses, secondary renal hyperparathyroidism and fibrous osteodystrophy may develop. In this case report, we describe a six-month-old Golden Retriever dog with a history of polydipsia, polyuria and growth retardation. A complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy were requested, which were essential for establishing the diagnosis of renal dysplasia.

Prevalence of elbow dysplasia in 13 dog breeds in France: a retrospective radiographic study (2002-2022).

To describe the prevalence of elbow dysplasia (ED) in 13 dog breeds in France. A total of 18,870 elbow radiographs taken from 2002 to 2022 were evaluated by 2 independent examiners. For each breed, the incidence of each of the 4 International Elbow Working Group scoring classes was extracted from the database. Breeds were excluded if fewer than 150 radiographs had been read for that breed. This study included 17,861 records for 13 dog breeds: American Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Old German Shepherd (Altdeutscher Schäferhund), American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cane Corso, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Dogue de Bordeaux. The overall prevalence of ED was 11.4%, ranging from 1.1% in the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to 32.2% in the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Cane Corso breeds were most commonly affected by ED. The prevalence of ED was significantly higher in male dogs than in female dogs (17.5% vs 10.5%, P < .05). Joint incongruity and fragmented coronoid process were the 2 most common primary ED lesions identified. The prevalence of ED among the dogs evaluated decreased over the timeframe of the study. The results of this study help to clarify the prevalence of ED in different breeds in France. These data should be interpreted with caution as this study included a small percentage of the total number of dogs born for each breed in France over the study period.

Overview of canine eosinophilic lung and bronchial diseases

In dogs with chronic cough eosinophilic lung disease (ELD) may be present, especially in young dogs. A breed predisposition has been described in Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. Chronic cough is the most common clinical sign. Other symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, poly- or dyspnea and exercise intolerance. The exact pathogenesis is unknown. Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction is suspected. Eosinophilic lung diseases may be classified into different groups (eosinophilic bronchitis, eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy and eosinophilic granuloma). Diagnostic work-up includes hematology, imaging, bronchoscopy and cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A wide spectrum is present in terms of the expression and severity of the changes. The current reported treatment is systemic or inhaled glucocorticoids, or a combination of both.Most patients respond well to therapy. Relapses after treatment discontinuation are common.

Geographical space and cinema images of the white Arctic on a white screen (Part II)

The second part of the article is devoted to the consideration of two genres of Arctic fi lms — animal (faunal) and adventure. The basis for their implementation on the screen was Russian America, Alaska — the cinematic state of Hollywood, Chukotka and the Far North of Russia. The Arctic with its boundless snow-ice expanses and mythological obscurity forced its conquerors to seek and rely on a faithful friend — a dog — Siberian husky, husky, Alaskan malamute. As the polar explorer Robert Peary wrote, «life here is dog’s, but the work is worthy of a real person». Almost all the scripts of animal science fi lms are, borrowed from the literary works of the classics of the North — Jack London and James Curwood. Dogs and animals of the North have become full-fl edged actors of these fi lms. One of the pillars of the Arctic fi lms is adventures, including man’s struggle with the harsh nature of the Arctic, the formation of a new life for the indigenous peoples of the North, the search for missing expeditions and individuals — hunters, pilots, extreme athletes.

Clinical, pathological and genetic aspects of laryngeal paralysis in dogs

The review article discusses the main clinical signs of paralysis of the larynx and pathological changes associated with it and other neurological pathologies. These hereditary canine neuropathies form a group of degenerative diseases affecting motor and/or sensory and autonomic peripheral nerves and have similar symptoms.Axonal forms associated with generalized polyneuropathy and paralysis of the larynx have been described in several dog breeds: Dalmatians, Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, St. Bernards, Italian Spinols, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Podhale Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bouvier de Flandres, Siberian Huskies and Siberian Husky crosses. Candidate genes for association with the disease are considered: ARHGEF10, RAPGEF6, ADAMTS3, CNTNAP1, DCTN1. The age of onset of the disease can be different, the manifestation of signs of paralysis of the larynx occurs both in young dogs, and the geriatric form also occurs. The prognosis of the complex of paralysis of the larynxpolyneuropathy is from cautious to unfavorable. One case of euthanasia due to intractable regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia has been described. Some authors point to a possible association of the disease with white coat color. Two main types of inheritance of paralysis of the larynx in dogs have been established - autosomal recessive and X -linked recessive. In humans, the dominant type of inheritance of this anomaly is known. Early diagnosis will make it possible to identify the hereditary nature of paralysis of the larynx, reduce the incidence of severe forms of the disease with timely surgical correction of the cartilage of the larynx and symptomatic treatment, as well as the spread of carriers of mutant alleles in dog populations. This is relevant today in connection with the spread of this anomaly in many breeds.

Trka milosrđa - kada čovekoljublje pomera granice

Diphtheria is an infection of the respiratory tract or skin with systemic intoxication caused by aerobic gram-positive bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Epidemiology of infection and clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different parts of the world. In the past, this disease was among the leading causes of child mortality and occurred in massive outbreaks. Developed at the end of the 19th century, diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) played a key role in the history of public health and vaccinology prior to the diphtheria-tetanus toxoid and combined vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis with the acellular pertussis component (DTaP). One of the more significant events from the past that showcase the importance of DAT was the dire need for its use during the diphtheria outbreak in the town of Nome, Alaska. It was January, 1925, when Doctor Curtis Welch declared a diphtheria outbreak and sent a radio telegram to all major cities in Alaska, as well as to the US Public Health Service in Washington, D.C., begging for help. Despite the quarantine, the disease spread, and the only available serum supplies were discovered at a hospital in the small town of Anchorage, hundreds of kilometres away from Nome. The serum was delivered from Anchorage by train to the Nenana village, where the nearest railway station was located, and from there teams of sledding dogs were organised to take the serum to Nome in a relay dash. They needed to cross 1085 kilometers as fast as possible, in dire weather conditions. The teams took over from each other, pushing the limits of their endurance. The musher, the dog sled driver, had to be prepared for these conditions. All the dogs on the team had significant roles, but the lead dog was the key, and he had to be resourceful, strong and well trained. It took five and a half days (127 and a half hours), 20 people and more than 150 dogs for the so-called "Great race of mercy". A coordinated emergency delivery of this serum, thanks to the sled relay accomplished by Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies and their mushers in extreme weather conditions in order to save lives, left a great legacy in the history of vaccinology and public health. The most difficult parts of the relay were led by Siberian huskies, Balto and Togo and their mushers, Gunnar Kaasen and Leonhard Seppala, but it should be noted that most of the mushers were native Alaskans, Athabascans. This race, where the dogs pulled the sleds carrying the precious serum represents a dynamic illustration of the contribution of a non-human species to mass immunization in the history of vaccinology. Many dogs died during this relay, while their mushers suffered severe frostbite due to extremely low temperatures. Every single individual on our planet (both human and animal) plays a part, the significance of which should not be forgotten, in the historical chain of survival and not giving up the goal of improving the life of every living creature, while at the same time trying not to harm another living being. This unique example of cooperation between human and animal species emphasizes the importance of a human-animal relationship in the one health approach initiative.

Canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy: case study

Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy, formerly known as PIE (Pulmonary Infiltration with Eosinophils) syn¬drome, is defined as an inflammatory pathology haracterized by the presence of eosinophilic infiltrate in the lungs and bronchiolary structures. (CECILE CLERCX,2007). Canine eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy has been described similarly to that present in humans, highlighting tropism for the airways and lungs, but also the multitude of factors with the potential to trigger, which is why most of them are ranked with idiopathic factor. (Sol Kim et a1,2021). Cases of eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy have been identified in most canine breeds, and according to current studies, the predisposition for large breeds under the age of 6, such as rottweilers, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, has been reported. (C. Clercx 2017). The present case is represented by a male, canine, of the Husky breed, who showed clinical respiratory signs, these were correlated with complementary examinations such as laboratory examinations, cardiological examination, radiological and endoscopic examination. Based on the haematological results, which present a marked eosinophilia, a dif¬ferentiated diagnostic protocol was achieved compared to possible parasitosis and reactions of autoimmune type. Differential clinical diagnosis was made against dirofilariosis, angiostrongiliosis, lupus erythematosus, mycotic pneumopathies. PCR technique was used to determine the possible parasites present, sample collec¬tion with the help of endoscopy from the pulmonary infiltrate with cytological examination. The diagnosis of certainty was established on the basis of histopathological examination. He underwent treatment with cortico¬steroids, the evolution being favorable within 14 days of initialization of the treatment, with complete healing.

Genetic Origins of the Two Canis lupus familiaris (Dog) Freight Dog Populations.

Despite periodic drops in popularity, Arctic sled dogs continue to play a vital role in northern societies, providing both freight transit and recreational race activities. In this study, we selected the Mackenzie River Husky, a freight dog of complex history, and the Chinook, an American Kennel Club recognized freight dog breed whose heritage reportedly overlaps that of the MKRH, for detailed population analysis. We tested each to determine their component breeds and used admixture analysis to ascertain their population structure. We utilized haplotype analysis to identify genomic regions shared between each population and their founding breeds. Our data show that the Alaskan Malamutes and modern Greenland sled dog contributed to both populations, but there are also unexpected contributions from the German Shepherd dog and Collie. We used haplotype analysis to identify genomic regions nearing fixation in population type and identify provocative genes in each region. Finally, in response to recent reports regarding the importance of dietary lipid genes in Arctic dogs, we analyzed 8 such genes in a targeted analysis observing signatures of selection in both populations at the MLXIPL gene loci. These data highlight the genetic routes that breeds of similar function have taken toward their occupation as successful sled dogs.

Tongue atrophy as a neurological finding in hereditary polyneuropathy in Alaskan malamutes.

BackgroundTongue atrophy with wrinkling as a clinical sign of inherited polyneuropathies has not been reported in dogs.ObjectivesClinically describe tongue atrophy as well as morphology of the tongue and hypoglossal nerve in Alaskan malamute polyneuropathy (AMPN).AnimalsSix client‐owned Alaskan malamute dogs diagnosed with AMPN, all homozygous for the causative mutation in the N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) and 1 neurologically normal control Alaskan malamute.MethodsProspective case study. Clinical and neurological examinations were performed on affected dogs. Necropsy samples from the tongue muscle and hypoglossal nerve were examined by light and electron microscopy.ResultsAll affected dogs had abnormal wrinkles and grooves on the dorsal surface of the tongue, a clinical sign not described previously in dogs with AMPN. Electromyography of the tongue performed in 2 dogs showed spontaneous activity. Five affected dogs underwent necropsy studies. Histopathology of the tongue showed groups of angular atrophic myofibers and changes in the hypoglossal nerve included thinly myelinated fibers, small onion bulbs, folded myelin, and axonal degeneration.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceHistopathologic changes in the tongue and hypoglossal nerve were consistent with previously reported changes in skeletal muscle and other nerves from dogs with AMPN. Therefore, we conclude that macroscopic tongue atrophy is part of the disease phenotype of AMPN and should be considered a potential clinical sign in dogs with polyneuropathies.

Medial patellar luxation in a chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamute

AbstractA 14‐month‐old Alaskan Malamute with chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) presented for progressive bilateral hindlimb lameness. A diagnosis of bilateral medially luxating patellae was made based on clinical and radiographic findings. The chondrodysplasia in this case was atypical in its hindlimb skeletal deformity along with atypical osteopaenia. The case was successfully managed with trochlear sulcoplasty and tibial tuberosity transposition; due to reduced bone quality, the tibial tuberosity was secured with a locking plate (ALPS; Kyon, Inc, Zurich, Switzerland). To the authors’ knowledge, treatment of patellar luxation in chondrodysplastic Alaskan Malamutes has not been previously reported.

The Influence of Breed, Sex, Origin and Housing Conditions on Undesirable Behaviors in Ancient Dog Breeds

Simple SummaryAbnormal, repetitive behaviors often pose a problem for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in the ancient dog breeds Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors were analyzed based on the results of a survey involving dog owners. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds.Abnormal repetitive behaviors often pose problems for dog owners. Such behaviors are considered undesirable if they pose a nuisance or a danger to humans. Ancient dog breeds are intelligent, sociable, active, boisterous and need regular outdoor exercise, but are also independent and reluctant to follow commands. This study aimed to identify factors (breed, sex, origin, housing conditions) and situations that contribute to undesirable behaviors, such as aggression towards humans and other dogs/animals, separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, and oral and locomotion behaviors in Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Samoyed and Siberian husky. Undesirable behaviors in dogs were analyzed based on the results of 897 questionnaires. Breed influenced aggressive behavior towards other dogs/animals, aggression towards humans, undesirable oral and locomotion behaviors, and excessive vocalization. Aggressive behaviors were more prevalent in females than in males. Housing conditions were linked with aggression towards other dogs/animals, aggression at mealtime, and excessive vocalization. Undesirable behaviors were most frequently reported in Akitas, Siberian huskies and Samoyeds, and they were more prevalent in males than in females and dogs living indoors with or without access to a backyard. Aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and animals, excessive vocalization and undesirable motor activities posed the greatest problems in ancient dog breeds.

Impaired NDRG1 functions in Schwann cells cause demyelinating neuropathy in a dog model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4D

Mutations in the N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) cause degenerative polyneuropathy in ways that are poorly understood. We have investigated Alaskan Malamute dogs with neuropathy caused by a missense mutation in NDRG1. In affected animals, nerve levels of NDRG1 protein were reduced by more than 70% (p< 0.03). Nerve fibers were thinly myelinated, loss of large myelinated fibers was pronounced and teased fiber preparations showed both demyelination and remyelination. Inclusions of filamentous material containing actin were present in adaxonal Schwann cell cytoplasm and Schmidt-Lanterman clefts. This condition strongly resembles the human Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4D. However, the focally folded myelin with adaxonal infoldings segregating the axon found in this study are ultrastructural changes not described in the human disease. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis revealed a profound loss of peripheral nerve lipids. Our data suggest that the low levels of mutant NDRG1 is insufficient to support Schwann cells in maintaining myelin homeostasis.

Comprehensive genetic testing combined with citizen science reveals a recently characterized ancient MC1R mutation associated with partial recessive red phenotypes in dog

BackgroundThe Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) plays a central role in regulation of coat color determination in various species and is commonly referred to as the “E (extension) Locus”. Allelic variation of the MC1R gene is associated with coat color phenotypes EM (melanistic mask), EG (grizzle/domino) and e1–3 (recessive red) in dogs. In addition, a previous study of archeological dog specimens over 10,000 years of age identified a variant p.R301C in the MC1R gene that may have influenced coat color of early dogs.ResultsCommercial genotyping of 11,750 dog samples showed the R301C variant of the MC1R gene was present in 35 breeds or breed varieties, at an allele frequency of 1.5% in the tested population. We detected no linkage disequilibrium between R301C and other tested alleles of the E locus. Based on current convention we propose that R301C should be considered a novel allele of the E locus, which we have termed eA for “e ancient red”. Phenotype analysis of owner-provided dog pictures reveals that the eA allele has an impact on coat color and is recessive to wild type E and dominant to the e alleles. In dominant black (KB/*) dogs it can prevent the phenotypic expression of the K locus, and the expressed coat color is solely determined by the A locus. In the absence of dominant black, eA/eA and eA/e genotypes result in the coat color patterns referred to in their respective breed communities as domino in Alaskan Malamute and other Spitz breeds, grizzle in Chihuahua, and pied in Beagle.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a large genotype screening effort to identify the frequency and distribution of the MC1R R301C variant, one of the earliest mutations captured by canine domestication, and citizen science empowered characterization of its impact on coat color.

NME5 frameshift variant in Alaskan Malamutes with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a hereditary defect of motile cilia in humans and several domestic animal species. Typical clinical findings are chronic recurrent infections of the respiratory tract and fertility problems. We analyzed an Alaskan Malamute family, in which two out of six puppies were affected by PCD. The parents were unaffected suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. Linkage and homozygosity mapping defined critical intervals comprising ~118 Mb. Whole genome sequencing of one case and comparison to 601 control genomes identified a disease associated frameshift variant, c.43delA, in the NME5 gene encoding a sparsely characterized protein associated with ciliary function. Nme5-/- knockout mice exhibit doming of the skull, hydrocephalus and sperm flagellar defects. The genotypes at NME5:c.43delA showed the expected co-segregation with the phenotype in the Alaskan Malamute family. An additional unrelated Alaskan Malamute with PCD and hydrocephalus that became available later in the study was also homozygous mutant at the NME5:c.43delA variant. The mutant allele was not present in more than 1000 control dogs from different breeds. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated absence of the NME5 protein from nasal epithelia of an affected dog. We therefore propose NME5:c.43delA as the most likely candidate causative variant for PCD in Alaskan Malamutes. These findings enable genetic testing to avoid the unintentional breeding of affected dogs in the future. Furthermore, the results of this study identify NME5 as a novel candidate gene for unsolved human PCD and/or hydrocephalus cases.

Cell and context-dependent sorting of neuropathy-associated protein NDRG1 \u2013 insights from canine tissues and primary Schwann cell cultures

BackgroundMutations in the N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) can cause degenerative polyneuropathy in humans, dogs, and rodents. In humans, this motor and sensory neuropathy is known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4D, and it is assumed that analogous canine diseases can be used as models for this disease. NDRG1 is also regarded as a metastasis-suppressor in several malignancies. The tissue distribution of NDRG1 has been described in humans and rodents, but this has not been studied in the dog.ResultsBy immunolabeling and Western blotting, we present a detailed mapping of NDRG1 in dog tissues and primary canine Schwann cell cultures, with particular emphasis on peripheral nerves. High levels of phosphorylated NDRG1 appear in distinct subcellular localizations of the Schwann cells, suggesting signaling-driven rerouting of the protein. In a nerve from an Alaskan malamute homozygous for the disease-causing Gly98Val mutation in NDRG1, this signal was absent. Furthermore, NDRG1 is present in canine epithelial cells, predominantly in the cytosolic compartment, often with basolateral localization. Constitutive expression also occurs in mesenchymal cells, including developing spermatids that are transiently positive for NDRG1. In some cells, NDRG1 localize to centrosomes.ConclusionsOverall, canine NDRG1 shows a cell and context-dependent localization. Our data from peripheral nerves and primary Schwann cell cultures suggest that the subcellular localization of NDRG1 in Schwann cells is dynamically influenced by signaling events leading to reversible phosphorylation of the protein. We propose that disease-causing mutations in NDRG1 can disrupt signaling in myelinating Schwann cells, causing disturbance in myelin homeostasis and axonal-glial cross talk, thereby precipitating polyneuropathy.

Splenic malignant fibrous histiocytoma with concurrent hypertension and epistaxis in an Alaskan malamute dog

BackgroundMalignant fibrous histiocytoma has been uncommonly described in dogs. Several extranasal neoplasias have been reported to result hypertensive epistaxis. There are, however, no published case reports of extranasal malignant fibrous histiocytoma with concurrent hypertension and epistaxis in dogs.Case presentationA 10-year-old dog presented with a spontaneous massive epistaxis persisting for 5 days. The dog exhibited unstable hypertension, which was considered as a cause of epistaxis. The complete blood count, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time were within the reference limits, and other systemic examination showed no abnormalities except for a splenic mass occupying more than one third of the abdomen. Histologic examination of the resected spleen revealed the characteristic features of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. One week after splenectomy, the hypertension and epistaxis resolved clinically and did not recur on the 5-month follow-up.ConclusionsThe dog’s blood pressure and epistaxis normalized after malignant fibrous histiocytoma resection suggesting that hypertensive epistaxis may be a rare manifestation of canine malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Electroretinographic findings in day-blind dogs.

Cone degeneration (cd; day blindness) is one of the inherited retinal diseases of dogs. Its diagnosis is based on vision testing, fundoscopy, electroretinography (ERG) and, for some breeds, on genetic tests. Typical signs of the disease are day blindness and cone dysfunction during ERG while fundoscopy does not show any abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare behavioural findings, fundoscopic lesions and electroretinographic alterations in 12 cd-affected dogs (Alaskan Malamute, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky and crossbreeds) examined at our clinic. None of the examined dogs had any fundoscopic lesions, and all of them had normal scotopic vision with strongly impaired or absent photopic vision. Light-adapted transient, cone-mediated and steady-state, 31-Hz cone flicker ERGs were much below the 5th percentile limits of normality or even unrecordable, while the rod-driven ERGs were within normal values. Vision test and ERG results corresponded to each other and, combined with the results of fundoscopy, were typical of cd. To date, our research is one of the few studies in the world presenting ERG alterations compared with vision test findings and fundoscopic results in the course of cd.

Did you know that your animals have consciousness?

Consciousness is the greatest enigma in human history. For centuries scientists and researchers have tried to describe it without coming to conclusions. In the last years with the neurosciences development, consciousness has become the common goal of numerous studies. But consciousness has always been studied only in humans, but after "Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness" in 2012, even non-human animalsthey feel possessed of the consciousness. According to "theory Orch-OR" of Hameroff and Penrose we have conducted a study on Alaskan malamute and German shepherd to analysed a triplet of platelet fatty acids (linoleic acid; palmitic acid; arachidonic acid). Through these analysis and the relative mapping of subjects within a SOM it was possible to make an assessment of the possible onset of mood disorders in the dogs. A critical analysis of the results obtained shows that animals have molecular analogies with humans compared to mood disorders. The German shepherd and Alaskan malamute, indeed, have, in the case of major depression, a bio-chemical profile, the most similar to man.

In this issue – July 2017

In this issue – July 2017