English Cocker Spaniel Research Articles

Coronofrontal rhytidectomy: A new approach for the treatment of severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs.

To describe the use of coronofrontal rhytidectomy (CFR) for the treatment of severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs, and to provide guidelines for the selection of surgical technique depending on presentation. A review of medical records of dogs that underwent rhytidectomy from 2002 to 2023 was carried out, including signalment, clinical signs, type of rhytidectomy, concurrent surgical techniques, re-interventions, post-operative complications, follow-up time, and outcome. Twenty dogs with a median age of 5.1 years were included in this study. English Cocker Spaniel was the most common breed (8 dogs:40%) and males were overrepresented (13 dogs: 65%). Besides pseudoptosis and visual impairment (100%), the other most common clinical signs were entropion and/or ectropion (19 dogs: 95%), conjunctivitis (17 dogs: 85%), euryblepharon (12 dogs: 60%) and non-ulcerative keratitis (10 dogs: 50%). CFR was performed in 12 dogs (60%), frontal rhytidectomy in 5 (25%), coronal in 2 (10%), and modified shared in 1 (5%). Concurrent surgical techniques were performed in 17 dogs (85%), being lateral canthoplasty (13 dogs; 65%), and Celsus-Hotz (10 dogs; 50%) the most common. The median follow-up time was 115 days with no complications and good outcomes reported in all dogs. At last re-recheck, complete correction of the eyelid positioning was obtained in 92% (11/12) and 87.5% (7/8) of the cases that underwent CFR and other rhytidectomy techniques, respectively. CFR is an effective surgical treatment for severe pseudoptosis and superior entropion in dogs. The provided guidelines will assist in the selection of the most appropriate eyelid lifting technique.

The association between taurine concentrations and dog characteristics, clinical variables, and diet in English cocker spaniels: The Canine taURinE (CURE) project.

Occurrence of low blood taurine concentrations (B-TauC) and predisposing factors to taurine deficiency in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) are incompletely understood. Investigate the occurrence of low B-TauC in a Swedish population of ECS and evaluate the association between B-TauC and dog characteristics, clinical variables, and diet composition. One-hundred eighty privately owned ECS. Dogs were prospectively recruited and underwent physical examination, blood analyses, and echocardiographic and ophthalmic examinations. Dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) also underwent thoracic radiography. Taurine concentrations were analyzed in plasma (EDTA and heparin) and whole blood. Diets consumed by the dogs at the time of the examination were analyzed for dietary taurine- (D-TauC), cysteine- (D-CysC), and methionine concentrations (D-MetC). Fifty-three of 180 dogs (29%) had low B-TauC, of which 13 (25%) dogs had clinical and radiographic signs of CHF, increased echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) dimensions and volumes, and impaired LV systolic function. Five (9%) dogs with low B-TauC had retinal abnormalities. Dietary MetC, dietary animal protein source (red/white meat), and age were associated with B-TauC in the final multivariable regression model (P < .001, R2 adj = .39). Low B-TauC suggests that taurine deficiency may play a role in the development of myocardial failure and CHF in ECS. Low D-MetC and diets with red meat as the animal protein source were associated with low B-TauC. Dogs with B-TauC below the normal reference range were older than dogs with normal concentrations.

Effect of dogs characteristics on aggressive behaviour towards humans and other animals in English Cocker Spaniels

Aggression is a rising issue in many dog breeds and is an obstacle in proper dog-human interactions. However, the aggressive behaviour can also disturb the welfare of the dog. Aggression is particularly common in English Cocker Spaniels. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine factor associated with aggression of English Cocker Spaniels using an owner-completed survey. Information on aggressive behaviour was collected from 503 dogs by electronic surveys distributed and collected in November 2022 in Poland. We investigated whether the occurrence of aggression towards people and animals was affected by age, sex, adoption from a shelter, contact with children and other animals, whether the dog has a pedigree or by other behavioural disorders (jumping on people, pulling on leash, digging holes, destroying objects, disobedience, vagrancy, inappropriate urination and defecation, begging for food). We have showed that the dogs aggressive towards other animals are significantly more likely to be aggressive towards humans. Also the age of a dog, a pedigree and inappropriate urination and defecation, significantly affect which type of the animals the dog will be aggressive towards. The logistic regression was used to test the effect of different factors on aggression towards human and animals. Our results showed that aggressive behaviour toward humans is particularly exhibited by males and it increased with age. Also, dogs that do not have an official pedigree showed aggression much more frequently toward people and other animals. In addition, dogs adopted from a shelter were often more aggressive towards people. It was also found that dogs that jump on people are significantly more likely to be aggressive toward a human. Other behavioural disorders had no effect on the occurrence of aggression. Analysis of collected data provides knowledge on the factors that affect the occurrence of undesirable behaviour in English Cocker Spaniel dogs. Understanding the causes of aggression can significantly improve the relationship between owner and dog. Our findings should not necessarily preclude people from wanting to own an English Cocker Spaniels breed, rather to be prepared for a need of a proper training.

Clinical manifestations of chronic pancreatitis in English cocker spaniels.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in English cocker spaniels (ECS). It is histologically similar to IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in humans and is characterized by duct destruction, interlobular fibrosis, and dense periductular and perivenous lymphocytic aggregates. However, the clinical manifestations of CP in ECS have not been previously described. Characterize the clinical manifestations of CP in a group of ECS, including similarities and differences to IgG4-RD in humans. One-hundred four ECS with CP and 44 client owned control ECS without CP (both healthy and diseased controls). Affected dogs were divided into 2 groups according to the methods used to diagnose CP. Case records were searched for signalment, clinical, and clinicopathological findings, and evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), proteinuria, other immune-mediated diseases, and anal sacculitis. Involvement of other organs was common. Affected ECS presented with a high frequency of KCS (n = 49), proteinuria (n = 47), anal gland disease (n = 36), atopy (n = 21), and other immune-mediated diseases (n = 16). Those with parti-color hair coats, particularly blue roan, had a strong association with CP, suggesting a link between coat color and autoimmune conditions in this breed. English cocker spaniels with CP show clinical similarities to humans with IgG4-RD and common involvement of other organs. Clinicians should evaluate affected Cocker Spaniels for proteinuria, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and other potential immune-mediated diseases.

Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy

Besides its translational value, an improved understanding of dog longevity and mortality is necessary to guide health management decisions, breed selection, and improve dog welfare. In order to analyse the lifespan of dogs in Italy, identify the most common causes of death, and evaluate possible risk factors, anonymised medical records were collected from 9 veterinary teaching hospitals and 2 public health institutions. Data regarding breed, sex, neuter status, age, diagnosis, and mechanism of death were retrieved. Cause of death (COD) was classified by pathophysiologic process (PP) and organ system (OS). Of the 4957 dogs that died between 2004 and 2020 included in the study, 2920 (59.0%) were purebred, 2293 (46.2%) were female, 3005 (60.6%) were intact, 2883 (58.2%) were euthanised. Overall median longevity was 10.0 years. Median longevity was significantly longer for crossbreds, females, neutered dogs, and small-sized breeds. The breeds with the highest median age at death were the Yorkshire terrier, English cocker spaniel, West Highland white terrier, Italian volpino, and Shih Tzu, whilst the American bulldog, English bulldog, American pit bull terrier, Bernese mountain dog and the Maremma and the Abruzzes sheepdog had the lowest median age at death. The most frequent COD by PP was neoplasia (34.0%), which occurred more frequently in large breeds, namely German shepherd, Labrador retriever and Boxer. Degenerative diseases mostly affected small-sized dogs like Miniature pinscher and Dachshund. Regarding the OS involved, diseases of the renal/urinary system were most frequently responsible for COD (15.0%), prevalently degenerative and inflammatory/infectious. Substantial variation in median longevity according to causes of death by PP and OS was observed. These data are relevant for breeders, veterinary practitioners, and owners, to assist breed selection, facilitate early diagnosis, guide choice when purchasing a purebred dog and making health management decisions, and ultimately improve dog welfare.

Primary hypoaldosteronism in a dog with concurrent suspected chronic hepatitis

A 3-year-old female spayed English Cocker Spaniel presented with a 2-month history of lethargy. The owner reported a single tonic-clonic seizure 7 months before presentation and intermittent mild gastrointestinal signs for the past 18 months. Initial investigations revealed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and increased levels of liver enzymes. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test excluded hypocortisolism. The gastrointestinal signs resolved following a dietary change, suggesting that chronic enteropathy and most primary and secondary causes of hepatic disease were excluded, leaving idiopathic chronic hepatitis as the most likely cause of increased levels of liver enzymes. Liver parameters reduced to levels just above reference range after immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone. Aldosterone levels pre- and post-adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation were &lt;20 pmol/litre, consistent with mineralocorticoid deficiency. The mineralocorticoid deficiency was treated with desoxycorticosterone pivalate at 1–1.3 mg/kg subcutaneously every 48–87 days, which resulted in immediate and complete resolution of the clinical signs and electrolyte imbalance. Given the dog's signalment and results from clinical investigations, the isolated hypoaldosteronism is speculated to be caused by immune-mediated adrenal gland destruction. Isolated hypoaldosteronism should be considered a differential diagnosis for hyponatraemia in dogs, when an adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test excludes hypocortisolism.

Canine coat color E locus updates: Identification of a new MC1R variant causing 'sable' coat color in English Cocker Spaniels and a proposed update to the E locus dominance hierarchy.

The coat color phenotype 'sable' occurs in the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed. It closely resembles other canine color patterns known as domino/grizzle/pied (eA allele) and grizzle/domino (eG allele) determined by variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R; 'extension' or E locus), a key multi-allele regulator of coat color. We examined genetic variation in MC1R, and found one new non-synonymous variant, c.250G>A (p.(Asp84Asn)), consistently associated with the English Cocker Spaniel 'sable' phenotype. We propose calling this newly identified allele eH and further show that the eA , eH and eG (previously known as EG ) alleles associate with similar phenotypes in dogs impacting genotypes regulated by beta-defensin 103 gene (CBD103; K locus) and agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP; A locus) in the absence of the EM and E alleles. This suggests that all three alleles are putative reduced-function variants of the MC1R gene. We propose the revised and updated E locus dominance hierarchy to be EM > E > eA /eH /eG > e1-3 .

English Cocker Spaniels under primary veterinary care in the UK: disorder predispositions and protections

BackgroundThe English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK but information on disorder predisposition and protection is limited. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass™ Programme, this study aimed to compare disorder predisposition and protection between the ECS and the remaining dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2016. Electronic patient records for random samples of ECS and non-ECS were reviewed. The most common disorders diagnosed during 2016 were extracted and compared using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for confounders.ResultsThe analysis included random samples of 2510/10,313 (24.3%) ECS and 7813/326,552 (2.39%) non-ECS. After accounting for confounding by age, sex, bodyweight within breed-sex, insurance status and veterinary practice group, the ECS had increased odds of 21/43 (48.85%) disorders at fine-level precision, with highest odds for aural discharge (odds ratio (OR) 14.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.73–30.90, P < 0.001) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (OR 7.64, 95% CI: 4.33–14.14, P < 0.001) and lowest odds for atopic dermatitis (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05–0.31, P < 0.001) and allergy (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06–0.28, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for strong predisposition to aural and ocular disorders and protection from hypersensitivity disorders in the ECS. These results can aid dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians to better monitor health in ECS, and promote earlier diagnosis with improved prognosis. Further, the results can help breeding organisations establish key priorities the health-based reforms of the ECS.

Effects of Increasing Levels of Purified Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucans on the Fecal Microbiome, Digestibility, and Immunity Variables of Healthy Adult Dogs.

Yeast-purified beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (BG) can modulate dogs' immune systems and microbiome, but the optimal inclusion dose remains unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 0.0, 0.07, 0.14, and 0.28% inclusion of BG in a dry extruded diet on the digestibility, immunity, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Eight male and female border collies [n = 4; body condition score (BCS) = 5] and English cocker spaniels (n = 4; BCS = 5), aged 3.5 ± 0.5 years, were randomly distributed into two 4 × 4 balanced Latin squares. Fecal microbiota (using 16S rRNA sequencing, Illumina®), apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of nutrients, fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), ammoniacal nitrogen, lactic acid, IgA and pH, lymphocyte immunophenotyping, intensity and percentage of phagocytosis and oxidative burst were determined. No differences were observed in Faith (p = 0.1414) and Pielou-evenness (p = 0.1151) between treatments, but beta diversity was different between 0.0% and 0.14% BG groups (p = 0.047). Moreover, the Firmicutes phylum was the most abundant in all groups and exhibited the highest relative abundance after the consumption of 0.14% BG, a finding considered beneficial for the canine microbiome. The Erysipelotrichaceae and Ruminococcaceae families, along with the Faecalibacterium and Prevotella genera, considered favorable for their involvement in butyrate production and other metabolites, showed increased abundance after the consumption of 0.14% BG. The potentially pathogenic Proteobacteria phylum displayed lower abundance after the consumption of 0.14% BG. Fecal concentrations of the evaluated compounds and pH did not differ after consumption of the BG at all percentages. Higher crude protein ADC was found after 0.14 and 0.28% BG consumption (p < 0.0001), but no differences were found for other nutrients. Phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and lymphocyte populations were not modulated by any of the treatments; however, 0.14% BG modulated the lymphocyte T CD4+:CD8+ ratio (p = 0.0368), an important marker of immune system efficiency. The inclusion of 0.14% BG resulted in the best responses and was the best dose evaluated.

CHARAKTERYSTYKA GENU MC1R JAKO LOCUS E WPŁYWAJĄCEGO NA UMASZCZENIE PSÓW

The color of dogs is the result of various genes that control the pigmentation of the coat mainly. There are many genes that influence the color, pattern and distribution of fur in dogs, one of which is the gene encoding the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), also known as the E locus. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a protein that plays a key role in the regulation of skin, hair and eye pigmentation in animals. This receptor is responsible for the processing of peptide hormones that control the production of melanin, which is the pigment of the skin and fur. Mutations within this gene can affect the color of animals, including dogs. The main alleles identified and described for the E lo- cus are: E (wild type), EM (melanistic mask) and e (recessive red); they are widespread in various dog breeds, indicating that they existed at an early stage in the formation of individual breed groups. The other identified alleles are less common and are: EG (grizzle/domino), e2 (only among Australian Cattle Dogs and their crossbreds) and e3 (only among Siberian Huskies and their crossbreds), eA (ancient red) allele and the allele EH (only among English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels). Of course, it’s important to remember that dog color is a complex genetic phenomenon that can be controlled by many different genes working together, and that the variety of coat colors in different dog breeds results from a combination of these genes.

Лечение аутоиммунного панкреатита у английского кокер-спаниеля

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a poorly studied pathology in veterinary medicine, which is due to the low prevalence of the English Cocker Spaniel breed in the Russian Federation, as well as the lack of specific diagnosis of the disease. In human medicine, the incidence of the disease is also low. The principal difference between the treatment of AIP and the treatment of pancreatitis of a non–immune nature is the use of immunosuppressive drugs. The main guideline in evaluating the effectiveness of the chosen therapy is a positive clinical response to the use of drugs of this group.

3D Digital and Printed Hearts from Different Canine Breeds as an Educational Tool for Radiographic Interpretation.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a new method of creating anatomical models, which can enhance the training of students and health professionals. The large breed-variation in dogs means that interpretation of thoracic radiographs can be challenging for the inexperienced radiologist. The aim of this study was to develop digital and printed 3D cardiac models from six canine breeds and evaluate their use as a tool for studying breed variations in radiology. The printed and digital 3D cardiac models were used by postgraduate veterinary students in diagnostic imaging along with a theoretical class on the subject and students completed a pre- and post-test, assessing cardiac size on thoracic radiographs in order to verify the usefulness of the models. The students then completed a satisfaction questionnaire using a Likert scale. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test results, with greater accuracy after using the 3D models. More errors were made in pre-test interpretation of radiographs from English Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog, and Yorkshire Terrier and there were a significantly higher number of correct answers after using the 3D models. The vast majority of responses to all questions in the satisfaction questionnaire were positive, with partial or total agreement of the participants. This study demonstrates that digitally printed cardiac models from different breeds of dogs are effective learning tools. They helped students to better understand the relevant spatial relationship and cardiac morphology and to compare this anatomy with the radiographic image. Models are provided in 3D PDF and STL files for download.

Demography and disorders of English Cocker Spaniels under primary veterinary care in the UK

BackgroundThe English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) is a common family dog in the UK. This study aimed to describe demography, morbidity, and mortality in ECS under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2016 using data from the VetCompass™ Programme. This study hypothesised that the prevalence of aggression is higher in male than female ECS, and higher in solid-coloured than bi-coloured ECS.ResultsEnglish Cocker Spaniels comprised 10,313/336,865 (3.06%) of dogs under primary veterinary care during 2016. The median age was 4.57 years (inter-quartile range (IQR) 2.25–8.01) and the median adult bodyweight was 15.05 kg (IQR 13.12–17.35). The annual proportional birth rate was relatively stable between 2.97–3.51% from 2005–2016. The most common specific diagnoses were periodontal disease (n = 486, prevalence 20.97%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.31–22.62), otitis externa (n = 234, 10.09%, 95% CI: 8.87–11.32), obesity (n = 229, 9.88%, 95% CI: 8.66–11.09), anal sac impaction (n = 187, 8.07%, 95% CI: 6.96–9.18), diarrhoea (n = 113, 4.87%, 95% CI: 4.00–5.75), and aggression (n = 93, 4.01%, 95% CI: 3.21–4.81). The prevalence of aggression was higher in males (4.95%) than in females (2.87%) (P = 0.015) and in solid-coloured (7.00%) than in bi-coloured dogs (3.66%) (P = 0.010). The median age at death was 11.44 years (IQR 9.46–13.47) and the most common grouped causes of death were neoplasia (n = 10, 9.26%, 95% CI: 3.79–14.73), mass-associated disorders (n = 9, 8.33%, 95% CI: 4.45–15.08), and collapse (n = 8, 7.41%, 95% CI: 3.80–13.94).ConclusionsPeriodontal disease, otitis externa, and obesity are identified as the most common health issues for ECS, and neoplasia and mass-associated disorders as the most common reasons for death. The prevalence of aggression was higher in males and solid-coloured dogs. The results can aid veterinarians in giving evidence-based health and breed choice information to dog owners and highlights the importance of thorough oral examination and body condition score evaluation during routine veterinary examination of ECS.

Differential expression of Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) gene in canine mammary tumour

Mammary tumour is the second most common cancer among dogs, just after skin cancer, accounting about fifty per cent of all tumours among dogs. Certain breeds like English Springer Spaniel, Boxer, Poodle, Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund and Fox Terrier dogs showed higher risk of incidence of mammary tumour, whereas certain other breeds like Collie, Shetland Sheep dog and Bernese Mountain Dog were considered to be at low risk. This breed predilection suggested that genetic factors play a role in canine mammary neoplasms. The role of numerous genes in canine mammary tumour (CMT) development and progression have been investigated, but the importance of the microenvironment is frequently disregarded as far as CMT is considered. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, commonly referred to as TIMP2, is one of several genes that influence the microenvironment of tumours. The interaction between Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and TIMP2 is crucial for the invasion, development, and metastasis of tumours. The relative mRNA expression level of TIMP2 was examined in the current investigation in both CMT-affected and normal glands. A ten -fold reduced expression of TIMP2 was found in tumour samples than normal glands, which was statistically significant.

Monitoring studies of the spread of toxocarosis in dogs in the city of Poltava

Most types of helminths are widespread in many countries and severely threaten human health. One of the most dangerous zooanthropohelminthiases is toxocarosis. The causative agent of toxocarosis – the nematode Toxocara canis in the imaginal stage parasitizes in the small intestine of carnivores and the larval stage (Visceralis larva migrans) – in various organs and tissues of animals and humans. Toxocarosis has both veterinary and social significance. Toxocara canis larvae can migrate in the human body and cause various pathologies: hepatitis, encephalitis, chorioretinitis. The purpose of the research was to analyze data from the reporting documentation of the Poltava Veterinary Center regarding the prevalence of toxocarosis among the domestic dog population. According to the results of the analysis of the statistical data of the reporting documentation of the veterinary center of the Shevchenkivskyi district of the city of Poltava for 2019–2022, it was established that the average infestation of dogs by the causative agent of toxocarosis in the territory of the city of Poltava is 22.89 %, with a range from 17.51 to 28.02 %. The share of toxocarosis in the total parasitic pathology diagnosed in dogs was 27 %. The mestizos were the most affected by the causative agent of toxocarosis, where the extent of invasion was 29.26 %. A lower rate of toxocares was found in dogs of decorative (24.05 %), service (21.24 %), and hunting (18.56 %) breeds. In particular, the highest values of the extent of infestation were found in Yorkshire terriers (39.71 %). Less often, toxocarosis was diagnosed in toy terriers (extent of infestation – 19.12 %), English cocker spaniels (19.83 %), dachshunds (18.03 %), pugs (16.37 %), Jack Russell terriers (15.82 %) and pickiness (12.6 %). Seasonal dynamics of toxocarosis in dogs are characterized by the peak of invasion in the spring and autumn periods, where the infection rates of animals were at 35.0 and 30.0 %, respectively. The extent of toxocarosis infestation declined in winter – by 12.0 %. The obtained data indicate the relevance of the problem of toxocarosis as a zooanthroponous invasion in connection with the significant damage to domestic dogs by toxocares in the city of Poltava.

The c.126C>A(p.(Cys42Ter)) SLC7A10 nonsense variant is a candidate causative variant for paradoxical pseudomyotonia in English Cocker and Springer Spaniels.

Paradoxical pseudomyotonia has previously been described in the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) and English Springer Spaniel (ESS) breeds, without the identification of potentially causative variants. This disease is characterised by episodes of exercise-induced generalised myotonic-like muscle stiffness, phenotypically similar to congenital pseudomyotonia in cattle, and paramyotonia congenita and Brody disease in people. Four additional affected ESS dogs with paradoxical pseudomyotonia are described in this report, together with the identification of the autosomal recessive c.126C>A(p.(Cys42Ter)) SLC7A10 nonsense variant as candidate disease-causing variant in both ECS and ESS. The variant has an estimated prevalence of 2.5% in both breeds in the British study samples, but was not identified in the Belgian study samples. Genetic testing-based breeding should be a useful tool to eliminate this disease in the future, although an effective treatment option is available for severely affected dogs.

Multiple anthelmintic drug resistance in hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) in a Labrador breeding and training kennel in Georgia, USA.

To evaluate the efficacy of the 3 major classes of anthelmintics used for the treatment of hookworms in dogs in the US and an extralabel treatment with an FDA-approved product for use in cats in a Labrador kennel with a history of persistent hookworm infections. 22 dogs housed in a single kennel comprised of the following breeds: 19 Labrador Retrievers, 1 English Cocker Spaniel, 1 Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and 1 Boykin Spaniel. We performed a fecal egg count (FEC) reduction test using 22 dogs that were allocated randomly to 1 of 5 treatment groups: pyrantel pamoate (Pyrantel pamoate suspension), fenbendazole (Safe-Guard suspension 10%), milbemycin oxime (Interceptor), moxidectin plus imidacloprid (Advantage Multi), and emodepside plus praziquantel (Profender topical solution for cats). FEC was performed on samples collected on days 0 and 11. FEC reductions for the milbemycin oxime, moxidectin plus imidacloprid, and emodepside plus praziquantel groups were 43.9%, 57.4%, and 100%, respectively. The FEC increased following treatment for the pyrantel and fenbendazole groups. These data demonstrate that the Ancylostoma caninum infecting the dogs in this kennel are highly resistant to all major anthelmintic classes approved for use in dogs in the US but are susceptible to emodepside. This was the first report of multiple anthelmintic drug-resistant A caninum in a dog kennel that does not involve Greyhounds.

Application of Bifurcated Semitendinosus Muscle Transposition for Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Two Dogs

A 4-year-old mixed breed dog and a 19-year-old English cocker spaniel dog were evaluated for fecal incontinence. The second dog's fecal incontinence was associated with the anal mass. In both dogs, reconstruction of the external anal sphincter was required to gain fecal continence. Especially in the dog with an anal mass, the whole musculature involved in fecal continence was removed with the affected anorectum. Conventional surgical treatments for fecal incontinence have limitations in terms of muscle flap length and complexity of the surgical procedure. A modified surgical technique using the semitendinosus muscle was devised in the present study to overcome these limitations. The distal part of the semitendinosus muscle was bifurcated to make two muscle bundles, used to completely encircle the anorectum. These muscle bundles were sutured to the surrounding rectal muscle and the pelvic diaphragm to simulate the function of the external anal sphincter. Three months after surgery, both dogs showed significantly improved fecal continence without severe complications, such as infection, dehiscence, or lameness of the limb where the semitendinosus muscle was harvested. The outcomes of the two dogs supported the acceptability of the bifurcated muscle flap for anal sphincter augmentation. In addition, this report showed the possibility of more diverse applications of semitendinosus muscle in dogs.

Эктопические ресницы как фактор риска возникновения язв роговицы у собак. Особенности клинической картины, диагностики и лечения

This paper presents a generalized experience of diagnosis and treatment of dogs with ectopic eyelashes and corneal ulcers caused by them. Ectopic eyelashes are ophthalmopathy, which is most common in dogs and is characterized by the germination of pathological eyelashes or eyelashes through the tarsal plate and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid from hair follicles, and have a damaging traumatic effect on the cornea, causing erosion and then corneal ulcer. The pathology is congenital and has an autosomal dominant type of inheritance. There is also a pedigree predisposition to this disease. The following breeds are most susceptible: Brussels Griffin, Brabanson, Retriever, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, boxer, English Bulldog, English Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Jack Russell Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. The main problem of the appearance of ectopic eyelashes is the occurrence of erosions and corneal ulcers in the projection of eyelash growth. Which is accompanied by a pronounced pain syndrome, which manifests itself in the form of photophobia, blepharospasm, lacrimation and / or suppuration, corneal edema and the desire of the animal to constantly scratch the eye. In this work, a study was conducted to determine the risk factors for the occurrence of this pathology (this is a breed predisposition and genetic inheritance), diagnosis and effectiveness of surgical treatment of this pathology on 50 dogs. The authors describe the clinical picture, the technique of the operation, and the results of dynamic observation of animals. According to the results of clinical observations, it was found that there is a characteristic breed predisposition and genetic inheritance of ophthalmopathy. This factor must be taken into account during the clinical examination of the animal. Also, when ectopic eyelashes appear, a fairly characteristic clinical picture of the disease is observed. The surgical method of V-plastic surgery is proposed for treatment. No relapses were recorded in any of the 50 cases examined, while the morphofunctional characteristics of the cornea were preserved. Drug maintenance therapy, including a regenerative drug, showed good results in the postoperative period. The use of a regenerative drug accelerated the healing process, allowed to preserve the transparency of the cornea and its curvature.

Histopathological evaluation of canine mammary gland tumours: a study of 92 cases

Neoplasms of the mammary glands are the most common tumours in female dogs, albeit rare cases in male dogs are reported as well. Canine mammary tumours (CMT) are a naturally occurring heterogeneous group of cancers with a high incidence rate of up to 25-50% among females. Despite many years of research, the aetiology and high incidence of these tumours are still poorly understood. There is a need to present epidemiological data on mammary tumour occurrence in different breeds of dogs in different countries to select prognostic risk factors and identify breeds with higher susceptibility to tumour development. The aim of this study was to describe histopathological findings for 92 animals, including 87 female and five male dogs, diagnosed with mammary gland tumours (MGTs) in Poland and to determine such epidemiological characteristics as age, breed and size as well as their relationship with tumour incidence and malignancy. Histopathological analyses showed that 82 (89.1%) of the 92 dogs had malignant tumours, seven dogs (7.6%) had benign tumours, and three dogs (3.3%) had non-neoplastic changes in the form of dysplasias. Thirty (33.7%) of the 89 dogs with mammary gland tumours had more than one neoplasia. The highest number of cases were epithelial tumours (79.8%), followed by mesenchymal (14.6%) and mixed (5.6%) tumours. The vast majority of malignant tumours were tubulopapillary carcinomas (33.7%), complex carcinomas (24.7%) and solid carcinomas (11.2%). It is worth noting a large variation in the degree of tumour malignancy among the tubulopapillary carcinoma cases. The present study showed a higher incidence of mammary gland tumours in female dogs aged 8-13 years. The vast majority of female cases were diagnosed at the age of 12 years. The average year of surgical intervention in the male dogs was 9 years. Among 25 breeds of dogs in which MGTs were noted, the highest number of affected animals were crossbreeds (30.3%), German Shepherds (23.6%) and English Cocker Spaniels (9.0%). The large size of the tumour (≥ 5 cm) was strongly associated with its malignancy.