Dogs Of Different Breeds Research Articles

MORPHOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRY OF THE FORAMEN MAGNUM IN SELECTED NIGERIAN LOCAL BREED DOGS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum of Nigeria local breed of dogs, in order to characterize the morphological features of the foramen magnum which will help in critical analysis of the occipital dysplasia. Occipital dysplasia is associated with dorsal enlargement of the foramen magnum which varies with the structural geometry. The size and shape of the foramen magnum predisposed dogs of different breed to the condition This study provides database indices for the foramen magnum of the Nigeria local dogs, since the knowledge of skull anatomy and morphometry is crucial to the diagnosis and management of some bony disorderThe assessment was done using Vernier caliper, in which from antero-posterio diameter, transverse diameter was assess. The shape of the foramen magnum (FM) was determined according to FM index that was calculated by dividing antero-posterior diameter by transverse diameter. Base on the foramen magnum geometry and morphology, it was possible to classify foramen magnum into different shapes varying from oval and quadrangular with a shallow dorsal notch observed in all the dogs. Of the 30 dogs, 12 (40%) dogs had a dorsal enlargement and 18 (60%) showed normal foramen magnum. This study will provide baseline data on foramen magnum shape, morphometry and variations that occurs in dogs with its application in veterinary forensic medicine and in neurosurgery and anesthesiology.

Assessment of the possibility of using biomarkers (CCL11 and TGF-beta 1) in the diagnosis of prostate gland hyperplasia in dogs

Prostatic hyperplasia (PH) is the most common reproductive disorder in dogs and can lead to discomforting problems such as haematuria, urinary incontinence, constipation, difficulty in defecating and stiffness of the hind limbs. The diagnosis of PH is nowadays based on digital rectal examination (DRE), ultrasonography (US) and radiography (X-ray). However, markers associated with PH are barely used for diagnostic purposes. Recently, there have been reports on the use of certain biomarkers for diagnosing PH in dogs such as canine PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), microRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Nevertheless, it has been generally accepted that these biomarkers play only an auxiliary role. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of the CCL11 (eotaxin-1) and TGF-beta 1 markers, which are used in the diagnosis of prostate diseases in humans, in case of dogs with PH. The study was carried out on 40 dogs of different breeds divided into three groups. Group I (n = 9) comprised dogs up to 5 years of age without changes indicative of PH. Group II (n = 17) included dogs aged 5–10 that were examined and diagnosed with (PH) and Group III (n = 14) which consisted of dogs over 10 years of age who were also diagnosed with PH. The study demonstrated that CCL11 levels did not differ significantly between the study groups and the median levels were 7.27 pg/mL, 7.57 pg/mL, 6.81 pg/mL, and IQR ranges 1.55 pg/mL, 1.74 pg/mL, 2.32 pg/mL, respectively. In contrast, TGF-beta 1 levels were detectable only in 6 dogs of group III and averaged the median of 28.86 pg/mL, IQR ranges 10.07 pg/mL. The study proved that CCL11 and TGF-beta 1 markers are of a limited use when diagnosing PH in dogs as no significant correlation related to age, body weight or prostate size was found.

Köpeklerde Oral Kavitedeki Patolojik Lezyonlarının Retrospektif Değerlendirilmesi

Oral neoplasms and non-neoplastic lesions are commonly encountered pathologies in dogs. The histopatho-logical examination of these lesions is required to make a diagnosis and lead the practitioners to appropriate treatment. This study aims to retrospectively document pathological lesions commonly observed in the oral cavity of dogs. In this context, 167 oral pathology cases were investigated in dogs of different breeds, genders, and age groups in the years between 2010 and 2020. Oral pathologies were classified as neoplastic (benign and malignant neoplasms) and non-neoplastic lesions according to the histopathological features diagnosed by the hematoxylin and eosin staining method. The results showed that malign (46.10%; 77/167) and benign neoplasms (40.11%; 67/167) were predominant, but non-neoplastic lesions (13.77%; 23/167) were restricted. The most common malignant neoplasm was malignant melanoma (50.64%; 39/77), while odontogenic neoplasms were determined as the most common benign neoplasms (74.62%; 50/67). When the affected patient profiles were evaluated, the results showed that males were more prone to oral pa-thologies (M/F: 62.87%/35.32%; 105/59), mostly affected life stage was senior (79.48%; 31/39), and large pure breed dogs were the most commonly encountered dog breeds (49.10%; 82/167), followed by mixed breeds (19.76%; 33/167). These findings showed statistically significant differences by the chi-square test. In addition, the most common affected area in the oral cavity was found to be the gingiva (30.76%; 12/39). As a result, this study contributes to the knowledge about the most common oral pathologies in terms of gender, age, breed, and affected area.

Insight into the potential candidate genes and signaling pathways involved in lymphoma disease in dogs using a comprehensive whole blood transcriptome analysis

Lymphoma is one of the most prevalent hematological cancers, accounting for 15–20 % of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. Therefore, this study aims to explore the important genes and pathways involved in canine lymphoma progression and understand the underlying molecular mechanisms using RNA sequencing. In this study, RNAs acquired from seven pairs of lymphoma and non-lymphoma blood samples were sequenced from different breeds of dogs. Sequencing reads were preprocessed, aligned with the reference genome, assembled and expressions were estimated through bioinformatics approaches. At a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and fold change (FC) ≥ 1.5, a total of 625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between lymphoma and non–lymphoma samples, including 347 up-regulated DEGs such as SLC38A11, SCN3A, ZIC5 etc. and 278 down-regulated DEGs such as LOC475937, CSMD1, KRT14 etc. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were highly enriched for molecular function of ATP binding and calcium ion binding, cellular process of focal adhesion, and biological process of immune response, and defense response to virus. Similarly, KEGG pathways analysis revealed 11 significantly enriched pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, ABC transporters etc. In the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, CDK1 was found to be a top hub gene with highest degree of connectivity. Three modules selected from the PPI network showed that canine lymphoma was highly associated with cell cycle, ECM-receptor interaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway. Overall, our findings highlighted new candidate therapeutic targets for further testing in canine lymphoma and facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanism of lymphoma’s progression in dogs.

Prevalence of Cryptosporı̇dı̇um spp. in Dogs in The Aegean Region

Cryptosporidium spp. is a protozoal parasite that can cause significant gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals. Those parasites cause infection, especially in young and immunosuppressed animals in many mammals, poultry, reptiles, and humans, Cryptosporidium spp. Localised in the digestive system, epithelial cells threaten human and animal health with their zoonotic properties. The study's animal material consisted of 200 dogs of different breeds, ages and genders, including healthy (n=50) and diarrhoea (n=150). Stool samples of the dogs used in the study were stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and examined under a microscope. It was concluded that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 15.5% in faecal samples taken from dogs and that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 14% and 16%, respectively, in healthy and diarrheal dogs, and it was concluded that it could be used as a reference to future studies in dogs.

Structure of comminuted fractures of long bones in dogs according to the principles of AO/ASIF classification (24 clinical cases)

The study of the structure of morbidity or individual nosological groups of diseases involves not only establishing the degree of their prevalence, but also, depending on the methodology of such studies, makes it possible to identify the prevailing clinical and morphological forms, the objectivity of diagnostic algorithms and the effectiveness of therapeutic measures, which makes it possible to assess the state of the solution or another clinical problem, adjust the ways to solve it and improve clinical management and form directions for improving the market for therapeutic agents. The aim of the work was to establish the structure of the types of different clinical and radiological forms of comminuted bone fractures in dogs according to the principles of the international classification AO/ASIF. We performed a clinical and radiological assessment of comminuted fractures of long bones in dogs (n=24) with spontaneous bone injuries admitted to the Interdepartmental Small Animal Clinic of Belotserkovsky NAU, in which 26 comminuted fractures were diagnosed. The main forcing ship fractures were car accidents - 58.4%, alarming world causas unverified creatures of bloodshed - 20.8%, injuries caused by other creatures - 12.5% and 8.3% - falling from height. According to thestate factor, the removal from white grains is 70.8%, and in 62.5% - animal with weight of 11 kg, and in 54.2% - dogs of different breeds, while 45.8% were outbred. Comminuted fractures according to morphosegmental localization were: diaphyseal - 46.2%, metaphyseal - 42.3%, epiphyseal 11.5%. According to the principles of the international classification AO / ASIF, their largest share - 50%, belongs to type C, 46.2% - to type B and the smallest - 3.8%, to the simplest type A. Within the subgroups of the largest - 19.2 %, the proportion for subgroups B1, B2 and C2 turned out to be slightly less - 15.4% for C1 and C3 and very small - 7.8% and 3.8% for B3 and A2, respectively. Consequently, the morphosegmental localization of the typification of the type and complexity of fractures according to the principles of the AO/ASIF classification provides more detailed information, which creates the basis for the proposed choice of the most rational methods and means of osteosynthesis. Key words: osteosynthesis, reparative osteogenesis, femur, tibia, radius, ulna, humerus.

Screening and phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne pathogens in a population of dogs and associated ticks in Egypt

BackgroundThe incidence or recurrence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in animals and humans is increasing rapidly worldwide, but there is insufficient information about TBDs infecting dogs in Egypt. Thus, the present study was conducted to screen and genetically identify tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in dogs and associated ticks by microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).MethodsIn Cairo and Giza governorates, 208 blood samples were collected from dogs of different breeds, ages, and sex. In addition, 1266 dog-associated ticks were collected (546 ticks were used to prepare hemolymph smears, and 720 ticks were kept in 70% ethanol until PCR analysis). PCR was applied to 124 dog blood samples and 144 tick pools prepared from 720 ticks.ResultsAll ticks collected from dogs were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.). Microscopic examination revealed that TBP prevalence among dogs was 23.56% (49/208), including Anaplasma and Ehrlichia with 11.1% (23/208) and Babesia canis with 8.2% (17/208). Hepatozoon canis was not detected in blood smears. Co-infections with two pathogens were visible in 4.33% (9/208) of examined dogs. The prevalence of TBPs in hemolymph smears was 45.97% (251/546) including 35.89% (196/546) for H. canis, 8.1% (44/546) for B. canis, and 2.01% (11/546) for Anaplasmataceae (A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. platys, and E. canis). The overall molecular prevalence rate of TBPs was 25.81% and 29.17% in the blood of examined dogs and in ticks, respectively. The molecular prevalence of Anaplasmataceae family, Babesia canis, and H. canis in dog blood samples was 19.35%, 6.45%, and 0.0%, respectively, while in ticks, it was 20.83%, 5.55%, and 2.8%, respectively. A sequential analysis identified six different species of TBPs, namely B. canis vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. platys, and E. canis. The obtained sequences were submitted to GenBank and assigned accession numbers.ConclusionsThe present study detected a wide range of TBPs (B. canis, H. canis, A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, and E. canis) that are considered a threat to domestic animals and humans in Egypt. Hepatozoon canis and A. marginale were reported in dogs and associated ticks for the first time in Egypt.Graphical

Clinical and Histological Aspects of Cryptorchidism in Dogs and Cats

This study was aimed to investigate the incidence of cryptorchidism among dogs and tomcats were undergoing elective neutering. Cryptorchidism is diagnosed through clinical examination, palpation of the scrotum, and the ultrasonic finding of the retained testicles within the inguinal or the abdomen. Eleven cases (11.22%) of cryptorchid were identified from a total of 98 cases (42 dogs and 56 tomcats) that underwent elective castration. It was found that different breeds of dogs and tomcats were affected, including Maltese dog, Anatolian shepherd dog, Terrier dogs, Persian cat, Turkish angora cat, and the Domestic Shorthair cat. The locations of cryptorchid testis were varied from inguinal (3.06%) to intra-abdominal (8.16%) origin with either unilateral (10.2%) or bilateral (1.02%) of retained testis and their ratio was 3:3. The histopathological findings of the cryptorchid testes were showed a decrease and disorganization of the seminiferous tubules with severe hypo-spermatogenesis in both species, dogs, and tomcats. In addition, there was also a typical Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), which was characterized by larger nuclei and atrophy of many tubules, which were completely replaced by hyaline substances. In conclusion, the occurrence of cryptorchidism in Anatolian Shepherd dogs and the Domestic Shorthair cats were first documented in the literature. Although, no significant differences were found in the incidence of cryptorchidism in both species.

Detection and identification of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs presented to veterinary clinics in Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites of dogs have been incriminated in cases of morbidity and mortality; hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the presence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs presented to different veterinary clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun State. One hundred and twenty faecal samples were collected between February to September 2018 from three different veterinary clinics into universal sample bottles that were properly labeled with the age, sex and breed. Samples were processed with Mini-FLOTAC® kit using salt and sugar solution at a specific gravity of 1.3. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi square test was used to determine the association between variables. Of the 120 dogs screened, 37(30.8%) were positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths: males had a prevalence of 24(20%) while females had a prevalence of 13(10.8%). Prevalence of 29(24.1%) and 8(6.7%) was reported in young and adult dogs respectively. Of the different breeds of dogs sampled; the Nigerian local breed had the highest prevalence 21(17.5%) of gastrointestinal helminths, followed by German shepherd 8(6.7%), Rottweiller 5(4.2%), Boerboel 1(0.8%) Samoyed 1(0.8%) and Pitbull 1(0.8%). A statistically significant association (p&lt;0.05) was recorded between gastrointestinal helminth infection and breed while no statistically significant association (p&gt;0.05) was observed between age, sex and gastrointestinal helminth infection. Six different genera of helminths were recorded in this study: Ancylostoma caninum (17.5%), Toxocara canis (14.1%), Toxascaris leonina (2.5%), Dipylidium caninum (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.7%) and Taenia spp (1.7%). The findings from this study indicated moderate prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection. The presence of Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum infection in this study raises concern about the zoonotic potential of these parasites due to the close relationship between man and dogs.

Correction of the sexual function in domestic animals by megestrol acetate

Correction of sexual function in animals is a topical issue today, despite a large amount of scientific data on this problem. The study aimed to scientifically substantiate the effectiveness of hormonal veterinary drugs in cats and dogs of different breeds and genders. Veterinary drugs with the active substance megestrol acetate were used in the experiments. The studies were performed on clinically healthy cats and dogs of both sexes, different breeds, and ages vaccinated against infectious diseases and treated with antiparasitic drugs. The study was conducted according to the current regulatory documentation. It has been found that the use of hormonal drugs to interrupt/delay estrus in female cats at a dose of 5 mg of megestrol acetate for 8 days leads to a significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone, and the content of luteinizing hormone in the blood of cats in the experimental groups reliably decreased throughout the experiment. The use of contraceptives based on megestrol acetate in doses of 2.5 mg for 14 days for cats leads to a reliable decrease in the concentration of testosterone in the serum. It was found that the use of experimental hormonal drugs for female dogs in doses of 5 mg of megestrol acetate per 2.5 kg of body weight in the first 3 days, and half the daily dose from the 4th to the 10th day, leads to a reliable decrease in concentrations of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones in serum compared to the control. Oral administration of experimental hormonal drugs to male dogs in doses of 5 mg of megestrol acetate per 2.5 kg of body weight for 8 days, led to a reliable decrease in the concentration of testosterone in the serum of males. It was found that the estrous cycle in female cats and dogs of the experimental groups after the cessation of hormonal drugs was completely restored, which indicates the safety of drugs with an active ingredient megestrol acetate

Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses.

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs over 3 years of age. In dogs, as in humans, daily tooth brushing, as a means of active dental home care, is considered the gold standard for prophylaxis and prevention of periodontal disease progression. However, the performance of adequate tooth brushing is insufficient in dogs. There is no full account as to why dog owners fail to comply with this routine, but in order to facilitate better practice, a further understanding of dog owner's perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding their dogs' dental health. In a large-scale Swedish survey regarding dental health in dogs, dog owners' free text comments (n = 8,742) from a concluding open-ended query were analyzed using qualitative methods. Many different notions concerning dental health in dogs were identified, of which perceived importance of different diets and chewing being the most prominent. Five common themes represented dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding dental health in their dogs: what is considered to cause dental problems; what is deemed not to promote dental health; how to prevent dental problems; what impedes proper dental care, and; needs for increased knowledge and support. Contrary to existing research and knowledge in the field, the respondents commonly trusted that diet procure good dental health in the dog, as does chewing on bones. Seemingly, a range of misconceptions flourish among dog owners, indicating a need to share information and experiences, as well as support to bridge barriers to tooth brushing and other aspects that can enhance dog owners' knowledge and practice. In addition, this study highlights the need for randomized controlled trials on effects of diets and supplements on different aspects of dental health; calculus, periodontal disease, and dental fractures, including dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages. Further research is also needed with respect to which strategies that best aid dog owners, by whom the support is best provided, when, and at what time point.

Some Macromineral and Trace Mineral Levels in Milk of Different Dog Breeds

Objective: In this study, it was planned to examine the mineral levels in the milk of different breed dogs during the lactation period. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron concentrations were analyzed in dog milk throughout the lactation period.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In this research 6 Labradors, 6 German Shepherds, 6 Pointers, 5 Turkish Tazis, 5 Setters, 7 Malinois, and 5 Golden Retrievers (a total 40 dogs) of 3 to 4 years age were used as research materials, all of which were under same management and feeding conditions. All dogs were on diets appropriate for gestation and lactation periods. Adequate milk volume could be collected 2-3 weeks after parturition, and there were no known medical problems. Each day's samples were kept capped and refrigerated after being collected. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron, were analyzed by using Varian Brand 30/40 model AAS device. &#x0D; Results: The Ca, K, Na, Zn, Mn and Fe levels of milk samples from different dog breeds were found to have no significant difference . The highest Mg level was determined in Pointer breed milk samples, and the lowest was determined in Setter milk samples. The highest Cu levels amongst the inspected races were in Labrador milk samples, whereas the lowest levels were determined in Setter breeds. &#x0D; Conclusion:This data shows that most of the analyzed milk content of different breeds of dogs did not change significantly during the same lactation period, and any present difference could be taken into account when evaluating breeding studies.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation ofminimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) indogs with tibial fractures.

The aim ofthis study was aclinical and radiographic evaluation ofthe minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) method for treatment indogs with tibial fractures. Ten dogs ofdifferent breeds, ages, and sex with tibial fractures were used asthe subjects. Amedial approach tothe tibia was used inall the cases. The tibial tuberosity was palpated proximally and ashort incision was made along the midline. After reduction ofthe fracture, proximal and distal insertion incisions were made toapproach the tibia. The mean times for the MIPO operations were 21minutes. The patients were able tostand and walk postoperatively onthe first day and recovery was rapid for all ofthe dogs. The fracture healing was completed onday45 based onthe radiographic evaluations ofthese cases. Dogs with tibia fractures treated byMIPO healed rapidly without any complications (90%). Correct fracture selection isimportant for the use ofMIPO tobe successful. Further studies with alarger group ofdogs should beconsidered tocompare the efficacy ofMIPO and other fixation techniques and for the long-term evaluation ofthe repaired tibial fractures.

Accuracy of B-mode ultrasound and ARFI elastography in predicting malignancy of canine splenic lesions

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of B-mode ultrasonography and ARFI elastography in detecting malignancy in canine splenic lesions. Thirty-seven spleens with abnormalities (16 benign and 21 malignant) from dogs of different breeds and ages were evaluated. Echogenicity, echotexture, organ length and height were evaluated using B-mode. By ARFI elastography, tissue stiffness was evaluated qualitatively (elastogram) and quantitatively (measuring the shear wave velocity—SWV). Lesions were classified as diffuse, focal or multifocal (cranial, medial or caudal portion) and comparisons of the SWV between the injured and non-injured areas were performed. In the B-mode, no features were associated to malignancy (P > 0.05). In the elastogram, 35 spleens were non-deformable and 2 deformable, having no association with malignancy. The greater SWV was observed in malignant lesions (3.4 ± 0.6 m/s), followed by areas free from alterations (2.1 ± 0.3 m/s) and benign lesions (1.7 ± 0.5 m/s), with difference between groups (P < 0.0001). It was found that a SWV > 2.6 m/s indicates malignancy of canine splenic lesions (sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 94% and accuracy of 97%), concluding that ARFI elastography is a promising technique for differentiating malignancy in these lesions.

Management of Long Bone Fractures Using Diverse Fracture Fixation Techniques in Small Animals

Total 11-cases of different breeds of dogs and one case of Persian cat having long bone fractures were successfully managed using totally intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). For TIVA, combination of xylazine and ketamine were used for induction whereas sole ketamine was used for maintenance and atropine sulphate was used as preanaesthetic and anticholinergic agent. TIVA found suitable for orthopaedic surgeries in this study. Intramedullary pinning, bone-plating (Dynamic compression plating and Reconstruction plating), external skeletal fixation system (using jess clamps and epoxy) or combination of two different fracture fixation techniques were performed for surgical management of presented fracture cases. For combination of two orthopaedic techniques, either bone plating with supplementary IM-pinning or ESF with IM-pinning were used in this study. All cases were evaluated by radiographs as well as clinical performance of operated limbs. Radiographs were taken at regular interval for assessment of radiographic bone healing and in those cases where radiographs were not possible owner contacted telephonically.

Computerized histogram analysis of the canine placenta during normal pregnancy

In this study, the aim was to evaluate digitalized images obtained via B-mode sonography (USG) during different stages of pregnancy and to assess features of the canine placenta, typical for the different gestational periods. For this purpose, ultrasound pictures were digitalized and a computerized histogram analysis performed. Finally, 151 USG images were obtained from 37 healthy, pregnant dogs of different breeds, aged 4.4 ± 1.8 years, between days 17 and 62 of gestation, and 755 Regions of Interest (ROI) within these images were evaluated. Five ROI per picture were situated in the ventral and dorsal uterus/placenta (early stages) or exclusively the placenta (later stages). The data were grouped into GI: gestational day 17–25, GII: gestational day 26–40, GIII: gestational day 41–50 and GIV: gestational day 51–62.The mean grey value (MGV), standard deviation of grayscale value (StdDGV), minimum grey value (MinGV), maximum grey value (MaxGV), Modal/Mode grey value (ModGV), median grey value (MedGV), homogeneity (Angular Second Moment, ASM), contrast (CONT), correlation (COR), regional homogeneity (Inverse Difference Moment, IDM) and the entropy (ENT) parameters in the Region of Interest (ROI) were calculated.In the course of pregnancy, the grey value parameters, CONT and the local homogeneity (IDM) changed characteristically. The MGV increased between days 17 and 40 (p < 0.0001) and decreased towards late gestation (GIV, p < 0.0001). In parallel, the ModGV, MedGV and MaxGV values changed significantly (p < 0.0001). Similarly, CONT value significantly increased between implantation (GI) and later gestational periods, together with the increasing grayscale variation, probably indicating the massive increase in vascularisation during mid-gestation. This is supported by the fact that local homogeneity (IDM) was highest during implantation and decreased towards late pregnancy (p < 0.01). There was no difference between groups in terms of ASM, COR and ENT (p > 0.05). We conclude that some of the parameters evaluated by computational analysis increased or decreased with the progression of pregnancy, and correlated with the gestational period of bitches. Further studies will reveal whether this technique can contribute to early diagnosis of placental alterations.

ONTOGENETIC, BREED, AND SEASONAL FEATURES OF THE SYNTHESIS OF THYROXIN AND CORTISOL IN DOGS AND CATS

The article presents data on the breed and seasonal characteristics of the synthesis of thyroxine and cortisol in dogs of different breeds and cats that do not have a breed. It has been shown that the synthesis of thyroxine in dogs and cats depends on the breed, age and season. The functional activity of the thyroid gland in dogs decreases by 10-12, and in cats by 9-13 years of age. The highest level of thyroxine production throughout the entire research period belongs to the Griffon Petit-Brabancons. The synthesis of cortisol in dogs and cats is stable and does not undergo statistically significant changes. Seasonal dynamics of thyroxine is observed in dogs, but absent in cats. No sea-sonal dependence of cortisol synthesis has been reported in dogs and cats.

Weight-loss in obese dogs promotes important shifts in fecal microbiota profile to the extent of resembling microbiota of lean dogs

BackgroundAmong the undesirable changes associated with obesity, one possibility recently raised is dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota. Studies have shown changes in microbiota in obese rats and humans, but there are still few studies that characterize and compare the fecal microbiota of lean, obese and dogs after weight loss. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a weight loss program (WLP) in fecal microbiota of dogs in addition to comparing them with those of lean dogs. Twenty female dogs of different breeds, aged between 1 and 9 years were selected. They were equally divided into two groups: Obese group (OG), with body condition score (BCS) 8 or 9/9, and body fat percentage greater than 30%, determined by the deuterium isotope dilution method, and lean group (LG) with BCS 5/9, and maximum body fat of 15%. Weight loss group (WLG) was composed by OG after loss of 20% of their current body weight. Fecal samples were collected from the three experimental groups. Total DNA was extracted from the feces and these were sequenced by the Illumina methodology. The observed abundances were evaluated using a generalized linear model, considering binomial distribution and using the logit link function in SAS (p < 0.05).ResultsThe WLP modulated the microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract, so that, WLG and LG had microbial composition with greater biodiversity than OG, and intestinal uniformity of the microbiota (Pielou’s evenness index) was higher in OG than WLG dogs (P = 0.0493) and LG (P = 0.0101). In addition, WLG had values of relative frequency more similar to LG than to OG.ConclusionThe fecal microbiota of the studied groups differs from each other. The weight loss program can help to reverse the changes observed in obese dogs.

Activity Detection for the Wellbeing of Dogs Using Wearable Sensors Based on Deep Learning

Among pets, dogs are very famous in the whole world. The owners of dogs are very cautious about the well-being of dogs. The well-being of dogs can be ensured by continuous monitoring of their activities. Studies related to activity detection have gained much popularity due to the significant progress in sensor technology during the last few years. Automatic monitoring of pet applications includes real-time monitoring systems and surveillance which detect the pets with high accuracy using the latest pet activity classification techniques. The revolution in the domain of technology has allowed us to obtain better results using conventional techniques. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) 1D recently become a cutting-edge approach for signal processing-based systems such as patient-individual ECG categorization, sensor-based health monitoring systems, and anomaly identification in manufacturing areas. Adaptive and compact 1D models have several advantages over their conventional 2D counterparts. A limited dataset is sufficient to train a 1D CNN efficiently while 2D CNNs require a plethora of data for training. Its architecture is not very complicated, so it is suitable for real-time detection of activities. The main goal of this study is to develop a state-of-the-art system that can detect and classify the activities based on sensors’ data (accelerometer, and gyroscope. We proposed a 1D CNN-based system for pet activity detection. The objective of this study was to recognize ten pet activities such as walking, sitting, down, staying, eating, sideway, jumping, running, shaking, and nose work respectively, using wearable sensor devices based on deep learning technique. The data collection procedure for this study was conducted with 10 dogs of different breeds, sex (male=7, female = 3), age (age = 4±3), and sizes (small, medium, large) in a healthy environment. After collecting the data, the following steps, namely data synchronization, and data preprocessing were considered to remove the irrelevant data from the dataset. To overcome imbalanced problems in the dataset we used the class-weight technique. Subsequently, we applied 1D CNN algorithm using the class-weight technique. The model with the class-weight technique showed 99.70% training accuracy and 96.85% validation accuracy. The 1D CNN approach will be helpful for real-time monitoring of activities and for tracing the behavior of dogs.

Repair of long bone fractures in dogs using locking compression plates

Seven dogs of different breeds, age, sex and body weight (19–30 kg) were treated for unstable long bone fractures (tibia- 2, radius-ulna- 3, humerus- 1 and femur- 1) using locking compression plates (LCP). The efficacy of treatment was evaluated on the basis of clinical examination, haemato-biochemical evaluation and radiographic findings. The mean±SE values of swelling, lameness and pain score were minimum on 15th, 45th and 30th postoperative day, respectively; while the mean value of weight bearing score was highest on 60th postoperative day. The serum alkaline phosphatase showed irregular variation during the study period, while the mean±SE value of serum calcium was above the normal value till 15th postoperative day. Radiographic study revealed primary healing in three cases, secondary healing in two cases and remaining two cases were subjected to revised surgery due to dislodgement of fixation device. The radiographic union was achieved on an average of 54 days. Fixation failure in two cases and wound dehiscence followed by osteomyelitis in one case were the complications observed. On the basis of the findings of the study, it can be concluded LCP provides rigid fixation of long bone fractures in majority of cases.