Dog Breeds Research Articles

Sporocysts of Sarcocystis bertrami (syn. Sarcocystis fayeri) shed by dogs: Molecular analysis, morphometry and pattern of excretion

Sarcocystis bertrami (synonym: Sarcocystis fayeri) is a coccidian parasite that infects horses and donkeys in several countries. Dogs are known as definitive hosts of the parasite, however, the patent period is not well defined, and S. bertrami shed by dogs has never been confirmed by molecular methods. Here we investigated the shedding of S. bertrami by experimentally infected dogs and examined the excreted parasites by morphological and molecular tools. Three dogs of small breeds (one Yorkshire terrier and two miniature Pinschers) were acquired with ages of 30 and 60 days and were exclusively fed commercial dog food. Two dogs consumed equine muscle tissues containing cysts of S. bertrami. The third dog served as negative control and was simultaneously fed commercial dog food. The two animals that received equine tissues shed sporocysts and/or oocysts in their feces after prepatent periods of 13 and 23 days. The patent periods were 47 and 14 days. Sporocysts showed average dimensions of 14.19 µm (± 0.53) x 10.06 µm (± 0.44). The control dog did not shed sporocysts or oocysts of the parasite. Interestingly, patent periods had never been reported, and for one dog, the patent period (47 days) was longer than that reported for other Sarcocystidae parasites. PCRs to the gene 18S and to the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the rDNA were successfully performed with DNA extracted from sporocysts. ITS1 sequences were also obtained from the equine tissue cysts used to infect the dogs. Nucleotide sequences of cloned fragments of 18S from sporocysts, and ITS1 from both stages (tissue cysts and sporocysts) matched with S. bertrami (18S: 97.50–99.88 %; ITS1: 88.76–95.21 %), although high molecular diversity was observed with data from these loci. PCR to cox1 using sporocysts’ DNA failed to amplify any product. The possibility of the existence of an additional and undescribed Sarcocystis species in the excreted sporocysts, besides S. bertrami, cannot be excluded from this experiment. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular confirmation of S. bertrami in canine feces. Sporocyst dimensions and prepatent periods observed in this study were similar to those previously described for S. bertrami and S. fayeri. In conclusion, the molecular, morphological and biological data generated here fit in previous descriptions for both S. bertrami and S. fayeri.

Exonic Short Interspersed Nuclear Element Insertion in FAM161A Is Associated with Autosomal Recessive Progressive Retinal Atrophy in the English Shepherd.

Progressive retinal atrophies (PRAs) are a genetically heterogeneous group of inherited eye diseases that affect over 100 breeds of dog. The initial clinical sign is visual impairment in scotopic conditions, as a consequence of rod photoreceptor cell degeneration. Photopic vision degeneration then follows, due to progression of the disease to the cone photoreceptors, and ultimately results in complete blindness. Two full-sibling English Shepherds were diagnosed with PRA at approximately 5 years old and tested clear of all published PRA genetic variants. This study sought to identify the novel PRA-associated variant segregating in the breed. We utilised a combined approach of whole genome sequencing of the probands and homozygosity mapping of four cases and 22 controls and identified a short interspersed nuclear element within an alternatively spliced exon in FAM161A. The XP_005626197.1 c.17929_ins210 variant was homozygous in six PRA cases and heterozygous or absent in control dogs, consistent with a recessive mode of inheritance. The insertion is predicted to extend exon 4 by 39 aberrant amino acids followed by an early termination stop codon. PRA is intractable to treatment, so the development of a genetic screening test, based on the associated variant, is significant, because it provides dog breeders/owners with a means of reducing the frequency of the disease variant within this breed as well as minimising the risk of breeding puppies that will develop this blinding disease.

Exploring deep learning strategies for intervertebral disc herniation detection on veterinary MRI

Intervertebral Disc Herniation (IVDH) is a common spinal disease in dogs, significantly impacting their health, mobility, and overall well-being. This study initiates an effort to automate the detection and localization of IVDH lesions in veterinary MRI scans, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods. A comprehensive canine IVDH dataset, comprising T2-weighted sagittal MRI images from 213 pet dogs of various breeds, ages, and sizes, was compiled and utilized to train and test the IVDH detection models. The experimental results showed that traditional two-stage detection models reliably outperformed one-stage models, including the recent You Only Look Once X (YOLOX) detector. In terms of methodology, this study introduced a novel spinal localization module, successfully integrated into different object detection models to enhance IVDH detection, achieving an average precision (AP) of up to 75.32%. Additionally, transfer learning was explored to adapt the IVDH detection model for a smaller feline dataset. Overall, this study provides insights into advancing AI for veterinary care, identifying challenges and exploring potential strategies for future development in veterinary radiology.

Evaluation of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome breeding test results in Finland from 2017 to 2022

BackgroundBrachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), observed in many flat-faced dog breeds, is one of the most urgent welfare problems in pedigree dogs. Various breeding schemes against BOAS have been implemented in many countries during recent years, but their impact on breed health remains unknown. The BOAS breeding test, used by the Finnish Kennel Club (FKC), includes an exercise component with a recovery assessment, BOAS grading by a veterinarian that evaluates upper respiratory signs before and after exercise, and a nostril stenosis assessment. The aim of our study was to evaluate BOAS breeding test results and estimate the heritability of the BOAS grade using parent–offspring regression from FKC data collected during 2017–2022.ResultsThe majority (80%) of dogs (n = 957) participating in FKC BOAS testing were English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. In 2022, 89–100% of the litters from these three breeds registered with the FKC had at least one parent tested for BOAS. The proportion of dogs failing the exercise test was highest in English Bulldogs (11%), followed by French Bulldogs (4%) and Pugs (3%). In these three breeds, moderate to severe BOAS signs were reported in 28%, 22% and 30% of dogs, respectively. The proportion of moderate to severe nostril stenosis was highest (71%) in Pugs, followed by French Bulldogs (55%), and English Bulldogs (40%). Estimates of heritability for BOAS grade were separately calculated for these three breeds and for all dogs, and the estimates were moderate to high, ranging from 0.39 to 0.58.ConclusionsThe exercise test alone did not sufficiently identify dogs with moderate to severe BOAS signs. To better consider the complex nature of BOAS and breed differences, exercise tolerance, the severity of upper respiratory signs (BOAS grade) and nostril stenosis should all be assessed together in breeding animals. The heritability estimates for veterinary-assessed BOAS grade indicated that BOAS grade could be used in selective breeding to obtain less-affected offspring.

Analiza mitohondrijske DNA pri psih pasme šarplaninec in njena uporaba za ugotavljanje filogenetskih povezav med pasmami in znotraj pasme

The Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog – Sharplanina belongs to the group of Molosser type dog breeds and is an autochthonous dog breed in southwestern Kosovo and northwestern North Macedonia. This breed is characterised by its genetic diversity in the mitochondrial DNA. In our research we found nine haplotypes grouped into three main clades A, B and C, with distribution rates of 43 %, 43 % and 14 %, respectively. Our analyses show that the “Sharplanina dog” exhibits a remarkable genetic heterogeneity, which makes it very difficult to determine its origin and to correlate the haplotypes with the geographical location of the collected samples. The geographical proximity of the breed’s origin to the habitat of the extinct ancient Molossian hound and the similarities of its haplotypes with certain dog breeds in Europe and East Asia make it a very interesting breed for further research.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Vehicular Trauma Prevalence in Dogs (Based on the Data of the Rostov Region Veterinary Clinic Chain for the Period of 2018–2022)

Introduction. Vehicular trauma is one of the most common causes of canine trauma — at least 51% of the total number of the canine trauma according to the foreign statistics. The main risk group consists of the dog males aged from 1 to 3 years old. In Russia no research was conducted to analyse the prevalence of vehicular trauma in dogs that would allow determining the risk factors, the nature and severity of injuries, and making recommendations for the owners and veterinarians. This article proposes a retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs based on the data of the Rostov region veterinary clinic chain for the period of 2018–2022.Materials and Methods. For retrospective evaluation, the medical histories of patients of the “VitaVet” LLC veterinary clinic chain (Rostov region) were used as the material. The selection of medical histories was carried out from September 2022 to March 2023 in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: the presence of a vehicular trauma in the animal's anamnesis; diagnosis based on the physical examination, X-ray examination and ultrasound examination; absence of data on the other potentially life-threatening diseases in the animal medical history. The severity of dogs’ condition was evaluated according to five parameters of the ATT scale (Animal Trauma Triage) and the estimate shock index.Results. A retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs was carried out based on the data of 559 selected medical histories. Of these, 217 histories belonged to bitches (94% non-neutered) and 342 to dog males (98% non-neutered). It was revealed that the number of deaths in bitches was almost two times less in comparison with the male dogs (13% and 20.2% respectively). About 45% of vehicular trauma occurred in animals aged from 1 to 3 years old. The lowest percentage of deaths (6.15%) and the average ATT score (3.15±0.09) were found in bitches under one year old. In bitches aged from 1 to 3 years old, these parameters equalled to 10.74% mortality and 3.46±0.07 ATT score. Among male dogs, the lowest mortality percentage was found in males from 7 to 10 years old (11.11%), in animals under one year old it was 12.84%. The largest number of injured dogs was in the small dog breeds (63.69%), however in large dog breeds the percentage of deaths and the average ATT score were higher (54.8% and 4.34±0.3). The most common diagnoses resulting from the vehicular trauma were: femoral fracture, pelvic fracture, craniocerebral trauma, contusion, tibia fracture, vertebral fracture.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the retrospective evaluation indicate that the young non-neutered dog males were most often subject to the vehicular trauma (dogs under the age of 3 years old were in the risk group). Mortality among the dog males was higher than among the bitches. The small dog breeds were more likely to get the vehicular trauma, whereas the percentage of deaths in large dog breeds was higher. The most common injuries observed during the period of research were the musculoskeletal disorders, this fully corresponds to the data published in the foreign scientific sources. Further expansion of the sample of research taking into account the data of the other veterinary clinic chains will create the opportunity for getting a more detailed picture in the research area.

Statistical shape modeling of the geometric morphology of the canine femur, tibia, and patella.

Bone morphometry varies among dogs of different sizes and breeds. Studying these differences may help understand the predisposition of certain breeds for specific orthopedic pathologies. This study aimed to develop a statistical shape model (SSM) of the femur, patella, and tibia of dogs without any clinical orthopeadic abnormalities to analyze and compare morphological variations based on body weight and breed. A total of 97 CT scans were collected from different facilities and divided based on breed and body weight. The 3D models of the bones were obtained and aligned to a coordinate system. The SSM was created using principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze shape variations. The study found that the first few modes of variation accounted for a significant percentage of the total variation, with size/scale being the most prominent factor. The results provide valuable insights into normal anatomical variations and can be used for future research in understanding pathological bone morphologies and developing 3D imaging algorithms in veterinary medicine.

Co-analysis of methylation platforms for signatures of biological aging in the domestic dog reveals previously unexplored confounding factors.

Chronological age reveals the number of years an individual has lived since birth. By contrast, biological age varies between individuals of the same chronological age at a rate reflective of physiological decline. Differing rates of physiological decline are related to longevity and result from genetics, environment, behavior, and disease. The creation of methylation biological age predictors is a long-standing challenge in aging research due to the lack of individual pre-mortem longevity data. The consistent differences in longevity between domestic dog breeds enable the construction of biological age estimators which can, in turn, be contrasted with methylation measurements to elucidate mechanisms of biological aging. We draw on three flagship methylation studies using distinct measurement platforms and tissues to assess the feasibility of creating biological age methylation clocks in the dog. We expand epigenetic clock building strategies to accommodate phylogenetic relationships between individuals, thus controlling for the use of breed standard metrics. We observe that biological age methylation clocks are affected by population stratification and require heavy parameterization to achieve effective predictions. Finally, we observe that methylation-related markers reflecting biological age signals are rare and do not colocalize between datasets.

Effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs

BackgroundResearch on the effects of physical exercise on canine body composition is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a physical exercise programme on bodyweight, body condition score (BCS) and chest, abdominal and thigh circumferences in dogs. Twenty-one healthy dogs of different breeds exercised together with their owners during an eight-week programme consisting of jogging and strength exercises. Standardised measurements were performed in triplicates with a measuring tape on standing dogs. Chest circumference was measured at three anatomical locations, abdomen at two and thigh at one. Data on bodyweight, BCS (9-point scale) and circumferences were analysed with mixed model repeated measures analyses to evaluate changes after the programme and effects of target distance.ResultsSeven dog owners choose a target distance of 2 km and 14 owners choose 5–10 km. Mean BCS decreased (P = 0.007) after the programme (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 4.7 ± 0.6) but there was no effect of target distance. Almost all chest and abdominal circumference measurements decreased (P ≤ 0.007) with the 2 km group driving the reduction in chest circumference and the 5–10 km group driving the reduction in abdominal circumference. In contrast, thigh circumference (28.8 ± 0.4 vs. 30.2 ± 0.4) increased (P = 0.007) while bodyweight was maintained. There were positive correlations between BCS and abdominal/chest ratios before and after the programme (Pearson correlation; R square ≤ 0.43, P ≤ 0.0012) but the mean ratio remained constant.ConclusionsResults indicated a redistribution between total body fat and muscle mass in body composition of normal weight to slightly overweight dogs after the physical exercise programme. The use of bodyweight alone was not a reliable evaluation method to complement the BCS assessment. However, repeated measurements of chest, abdominal and thigh circumference might aid in the assessment of body composition in dogs performing physical exercise. Further research should include a control group and objective evaluations of total body fat and lean mass, in order to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise as a freestanding method for decreasing BCS and increasing muscle mass in overweight dogs.

Genetic Factors Contributing to Respiratory Disorders in Brachycephalic Dog Breeds in Uganda

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the genetic factors contributing to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Genetic factors are primary contributors to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds, known for their flattened facial structure. Breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs exhibit narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and other airway obstructions due to selective breeding for these distinctive traits. These anatomical abnormalities restrict airflow, leading to symptoms such as noisy breathing and exercise intolerance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Genetic inheritance theory, evolutionary genetics theory & genotype-environment interaction theory may be used to anchor future studies on genetic factors contributing to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds. Implement breeding programs that prioritize genetic health over physical appearance. Establish and enforce regulatory standards for breeding brachycephalic dogs that include mandatory genetic testing for respiratory disorder markers.

Assessment of retinal atrophy in mixed breed dogs using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography.

The aim of the study was to characterize retinal atrophy (RA) with progressive retinal atrophy symptoms in mixed breed dogs using ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG).The study was performed on 13 mixed breed dogs affected by retinal atrophy (11 males and 2 females that were 1.5-14 years old). Depending on the advancement of RA, SD-OCT examinations identified retinal abnormalities ranging from layer disorganisation to advanced atrophy. The most advanced RA occurred ventral to the optic disc. Total retinal thickness in both eyes (mean ± SD) was lower in dogs with RA compared to controls dorsally (77.7 ± 39.5 μm vs 173.5 ± 13.3 μm), ventrally (33.4 ± 29.9 μm vs 139.5 ± 10.8 μm), nasally (65.0 ± 34.5 μm vs 163.9 ± 11.0 μm) and temporally (61.8 ± 41.7 μm vs 171.9 ± 11.1 μm) to the optic disc. In dogs with locally normal architecture of inner retina, loss of definition of outer retinal layers occurred in many regions. Dark and light-adapted ERGs were reduced in 2 dogs with RA and were unrecordable in 11 dogs. Lesions evident in SD-OCT scans of mixed breed dogs affected with retinal atrophy initially appear ventrally to the optic disc and ventro-dorsally in advanced RA. In all mixed breed dogs with retinal atrophy, clinical signs and SD-OCT results correlate with ERG findings.

Candida albicans in the oral cavities of pets: biofilm formation, putative virulence, antifungal resistance profiles and classification of the isolates.

The study aimed to investigate Candida albicans presence, antifungal resistance, biofilm formation, putative virulence genes, and molecular characterization in oral samples of dogs and cats. A total of 239 oral samples were collected from cats and dogs of various breeds and ages at Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Clinics, between May 2017 and April 2018. Among 216 isolates obtained, 15 (6.95%) were identified as C. albicans, while 8 (3.7%) were non-albicans Candida species. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed sensitivities to caspofungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine in varying proportions. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of fluconazole and caspofungin resistance genes in all C. albicans isolates. Additionally, virulence genes ALS1, HWP1, and HSP90 showed variable presence. Biofilm formation varied among isolates, with 46.7% strong, 33.3% moderate, and 20% weak producers. PCA analysis categorized isolates into two main clusters, with some dog isolates grouped separately. The findings underscore the significance of oral care and protective measures in pets due to C. albicans prevalence, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antifungal resistance in their oral cavity, thereby aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment in veterinary medicine.

Wolves and dogs unleashed: exploring differences and similarities in adult play

ABSTRACT The behavioral outcomes of wolf domestication include high tameness and playful motivation Wolves and dogs exhibit extended play into adulthood, making adult play a key model to explore domestication effects We collected data on mother-reared wolves and Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs (CWDs), analyzing play fighting behaviors. CWDs are a good comparison model due to their genetic closeness to wolves. Wolves played in a more competitive and less reciprocal way compared to dogs, although they avoided biting playmates' throat, the most vulnerable body part. Compared to CWDs, wolves also shortened play sessions to limit escalation risks. Despite studying one wolf colony and a few CWD groups, domestication's effect on making play 'tamer' is evident even in less selected dog breeds. Both species shared about 78% of play patterns. Interestingly, the level of play variability was comparable between wolves and dogs thus suggesting that both species require a certain level of unpredictability to make their sessions rewarding. In conclusion, variation and constancy in adult play fighting within the genus Canis offer insights into its functional role in mature animals. Our data highlight Canis species' potential for future adult play studies, presenting them as excellent research models.

Prospective study of successful autologous dendritic cell therapy in dogs with splenic stage II hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive tumour that most frequently occurs in larger, middle-aged dogs of certain breeds. The spleen is the most commonly affected organ. The aim of this prospective therapy study was to evaluate the clinical effect of autologous, monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) therapy in canine hemangiosarcoma stage II after splenectomy. Dogs (n=452) diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma that underwent splenectomy were enrolled. Of these, 42 dogs with stage II entered the DC therapy study. The median survival time for the total group of 42 dogs was 203 days. The median survival for the group (n=34) that received the full DC therapy (≥3 vaccines) was 256 days, with a 29 % one-year survival rate and a hazard ratio of 0.30, adjusted to age and bodyweight (P=0.010). We further observed a significant increase in DC yield after each application and demonstrated that DC yield at the beginning of treatment is significantly related to patient survival. While further evidence is needed, we conclude that autologous, monocyte-derived DC therapy is a viable alternative to standard treatment methods of canine splenic stage II hemangiosarcoma.

Pelvic Symphyseal Distraction Osteotomy with Handmade Cemented Prosthesis to Manage Obstipation Secondary to Pelvic Fracture Malunion in a Young Dog

AbstractA 5-month-old mixed breed dog suffered chronic obstipation secondary to malunion of multiple pelvic fractures. Pelvic symphyseal distraction osteotomy with a handmade cemented prosthesis was performed, resolving pelvic stenosis.

Dog’s Breed Prediction using Deep Learning

Abstract: Dog Breed Prediction from Images using Deep Learning, in this project, we propose a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based approach for predicting dog breeds from images. With the increasing popularity of dogs as pets and the need for proper care and maintenance, it is essential to identify the breed of a dog accurately. However, manual identification can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Therefore, we propose a deep learning-based solution that can predict the breed of a dog with high accuracy. We train a CNN model on a large dataset of dog images, where each image is labeled with the breed of the dog. The model learns to extract features from the images and classify them into one of the 180 breeds. We evaluate the performance of the model using standard metrics and compare it with other machine learning algorithms. Our experimental results show that the proposed CNN model outperforms other algorithms in predicting dog breeds from images. The model achieves an accuracy of 90%, making it a reliable tool for dog breed prediction. Additionally, we develop a web application that allows users to upload an image of a dog and predict its breed using our model. This project demonstrates the effectiveness of deep learning techniques in predicting dog breeds from images. The proposed CNN model can be a valuable tool for veterinarians, pet owners, and breeders, helping them identify the breed of a dog accurately and efficiently.

Biomechanical evaluation of spinal cord decompression methods in dogs

The study is relevant due to the high incidence of spinal cord compression pathologies in dogs requiring surgical intervention, and was carried out with the aim of conducting a biomechanical assessment of spinal cord decompression methods and identifying a decompression technique that has the least destabilizing effect on the thoracolumbar spine. The studies were carried out in 2023-2024. on the basis of the Department of Veterinary Surgery of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology - MBA named after K.I. Scriabin" and the Laboratory for the Development and Testing of Medical Devices and Materials of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center for Orthopedics named after. N.N. Priorov" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The object of the study was sectional material, namely, samples of the thoracolumbar spine of dogs of chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic breeds weighing from 3 to 10 kg at the age of 5 to 8 years (20 samples in total). The range of motion of the vertebrae and the force of destruction of the spinal motion segments were determined in the native state and after modeling decompression techniques (hemilaminectomy and mini-hemilaminectomy). During hemilaminectomy, statistically significant changes in the biomechanical characteristics of the thoracolumbar spine were noted compared to mini-hemilaminectomy: an increase in the range of motion of the vertebrae in the area of decompression; increasing the range of motion of the vertebrae in topographically adjacent segments; reduction in the force of destruction of the segment in the area of decompression (changes are more pronounced in dogs of chondrodystrophic breeds). The data obtained by the authors of the article indicate that hemilaminectomy is a more destabilizing technique compared to minihemilaminectomy, and for extrusions in the thoracolumbar spine in dogs, preference should be given to mini-hemilaminectomy.

Investigation of Ivermectin Susceptibility in Kangal and Akbaş Dogs via MDR1 Gene Mutation

This research aimed to investigate the sensitivity to the drug (ivermectin) in Kangal and Akbaş breed dogs, which are dog breeds native to Turkey, via the MDR1 gene mutation. For the research, blood, hair and intraoral swap samples were taken from 30 Kangal and 20 Akbaş breed dogs (male-female mixed, adult) with ethical permission and approval forms. Kangal dog samples were taken from the dogs bred in the farms in Sivas center and Kangal village, and Akbaş dog samples were taken from the dogs bred in the farms in the Sivrihisar center, Ankara and Eskişehir regions. The samples taken were evaluated based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the wool and subsequent two-way dideoxy chain termination reaction in the presence of 4 base farm deletions (c.296-299delAGAT) in the 4th exon of the ABCB1 gene that encodes the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug transporter protein. According to the obtained DNA sequence results, the deletion of “AGAT” was not determined in any of the individuals screened. The results of this study, which is preliminary research, showed that Kangal and Akbaş breed dogs are safe in terms of sensitivity to drugs that are set to be absorbed and excreted by the P-gp pump, especially ivermectin. However, it would be useful to repeat the analysis of both breeds with more examples.

Optimization of cryopreservation methods for somatic cells of the Tobet dog breed

The Tobet dog breed, a national heritage of Kazakhstan, is threatened with extinction and conservation measures are urgently needed. This study presents a pioneering approach to preserve the genetic diversity and survival of this endangered breed through cryopreservation and cryobanking. We have optimised methods for cryopreservation of somatic cells (fibroblasts) isolated from skin explants of Tobet dogs and investigated the effects of in vitro cultivation on cell viability. Our results emphasise the importance of selecting appropriate culture media and cryoprotectants. Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and ethylene glycol (EG) were found to be the most effective agents for increasing the growth rate and viability of fibroblasts after thawing. Through careful experimentation, including the evaluation of equilibrium and non-equilibrium cryopreservation techniques and the application of various cryoprotectants, we have established the first Tobet cryobank for somatic cells. The establishment of a cryobank represents a significant step towards the conservation of the Tobet dog breed and provides a model for the conservation of other endangered species. This study not only contributes to the preservation of Kazakhstan's cultural and biological heritage, but also opens up new avenues for the application of biotechnological approaches to wildlife conservation.

Assessment of right ventricular function in healthy Great Danes and in Great Danes with dilated cardiomyopathy

IntroductionRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a significant negative prognostic indicator in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Many RV indices are weight-dependent, and there is a lack of reference values for the right heart in giant breed dogs (over 50 kg), including Great Danes (GDs). This study aimed to compare indices of RV function in echocardiographically normal GDs, those with preclinical DCM (PC-DCM), and those with DCM and congestive heart failure (DCM-CHF). AnimalsA total of 116 client-owned adult GDs: 74 normal, 31 with PC-DCM, and 11 with DCM-CHF. MethodsA retrospective, single-center cohort study assessed RV function using free-wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), strain rate, fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging-derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (TDI S’). Relationships between DCM status and RV function indices were analyzed. ResultsRV function, measured by TAPSE (P=0.001), FAC (P<0.001), and TDI S’ (P<0.001), decreased in dogs with PC-DCM and DCM-CHF compared to healthy dogs, with FAC being lower in DCM-CHF compared to PC-DCM (P=0.048). RVLS impairment was more significant in the DCM-CHF group than in the PC-DCM group (P=0.048). RVLS had the highest area under the curve (0.899) for differentiating between normal and DCM-CHF dogs. ConclusionAs DCM progresses, echocardiographic variables of RV function, including TAPSE, FAC, TDI S’, RVLS, and strain rate, worsen, indicating impaired RV systolic function in GDs affected by DCM.