Giant Breeds Research Articles

Stomach wall changes after gastroplication in patients with morbid obesity

Morbid obesity is a distinct disorder which leads to metabolic disorders and to the development of many severe chronic diseases, therefore, the effective treatment of the disorder is an urgent problem of modern medicine. Currently, morbid obesity and the corresponding disorders are a growing problem associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The study was aimed to assess the morphological and functional changes in the stomach wall after gastroplication performed by the new method worked out in the Clinic of the Department of Surgical Diseases and New Technologies of the Bashkir State Medical University. Gastroplication was performed in 15 male rabbits of the Gray Giant breed aged 12–16 months weighting 3050–5380 g. The animals were withdrawn from the experiment 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, followed by histological examination of the stomach wall plicated section. Changes in the mucous membrane and the muscle layer of the stomach wall after gastroplication were adaptive and associated with no severe morphological impairment. That made it possible to use the method in clinical practice in 15 patients with morbid obesity, 9 women and 6 men aged 42 ± 2.1. In most patients (13 people, 86.7%), a steady decrease in the body weight was achieved during the first 2–12 months. Long-term treatment results had been tracked during two years. It has been confirmed, that the new laparoscopic gastroplication technique does not lead to pathological changes in the stomach wall plicated section, therefore, the simple and cost-effective method may be used in clinical practice for treatment of patients with morbid obesity.

Comparative Characteristics of Osteofixators in Treatment of Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common pathologies of the knee joint in dogs. It leads to greater knee flexion and subluxation of the tibia throughout the gait cycle, as well as to excessive internal rotation of the tibia during the standing phase. There are many works in domestic and foreign literature on the criteria for choosing the place of osteotomy and the angle of rotation of the osteotomized segment. However, information on the comparative assessment of fixation devices is not provided enough and there is no reliable information on the advantages and disadvantages of blocked compression and dynamic compression plates for osteofixation when performing rotary osteotomy. The process of remodeling of the proximal part of the tibia is completed in subgroup B2 by 45 days. In subgroup A2, in 50% of cases, and in subgroup B2 in 83.3% of cases, the 1st degree of lameness was noted 45 days after surgery. 60 days after surgery, no significant differences between the subgroups were found. The use of proximal tibia metaepiphysis in rotary osteotomy for dogs of medium and giant breeds of Synthes LCP clover leaf allows optimal osteofixation and stabilization of bone fragments, as well as reduction of rehabilitation time.

Canine hip dysplasia screening: Comparison of early evaluation to final grading in 231 dogs with Fédération Cynologique Internationale A and B.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to verify if a significant difference exists between parameters in the early evaluation of normal and near-normal hip joints, to evaluate the influence of age and breed on the parameters, and to clarify the usefulness of a total score for differentiating between Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grade A and B hips.MethodsA total of 231 dogs were classified according to whether they had FCI A or B hips at adulthood, with measurements obtained at 14–28 weeks of age. The total score was calculated by the summation of the following quantitative parameters: angle of subluxation (AS), angle of reduction (AR), laxity index (LI), and dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the probability of the study population to develop an FCI B hip based on the total score. This was repeated for the highest score in combination with the worst-rated hip and once more for breeds.ResultsNo correlation between age and the parameters was found in the cohort, or for FCI A and B. The values of all the parameters were significantly lower in the FCI A group than in the FCI B group (AR: 4.42° ± 6.0° vs 7.62° ± 7.2°; AS: 0.45° ± 1.9° vs 1.55° ± 3.8°; LI: 0.32 ± 0.1 vs 0.36 ± 0.1; DARS: 3.30° ± 1.8° vs 3.77° ± 1.9°; TS: 11.47 ± 8.3 vs 16.65 ± 10.9). Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers showed significant differences between parameters for both FCI grades. The range, where FCI A and B hips can be predicted on the basis of the total score, was different when assessed for the entire cohort, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.Clinical significanceOur results show that even in normal and near-normal hips, the parameters significantly differed in the early evaluation. Moreover, cutoff values should be set for different breeds in the prediction of the FCI grade during early evaluation for a better breeding selection regarding canine hip dysplasia, one of the most common orthopedic diseases among large and giant breed dogs.

Osteosarcoma in a Dachshund: cytological and histopathological aspects

Malignant primary bone neoplasms are characterized by high malignancy and metastatic capacity, commonly affecting dogs of large or giant breeds. The prognosis is reserved to unfavorable for the patients. This paper describes a case of osteosarcoma in the left pelvic limb of a Dachshund, diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The patient underwent limb amputation and doxorubicin chemotherapy; however, the dog died. This report alerts clinicians to the occurrence of osteosarcoma in small animals and demonstrates the importance of fine-needle aspiration cytology as a tool in the diagnosis of bone neoplasms.

Long-term clinical outcomes following surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax caused by pulmonary blebs and bullae in dogs - a multicentre (AVSTS Research Cooperative) retrospective study.

To report the clinical characteristics and recurrence rate of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary blebs and bullae following surgical management in a large cohort of dogs. To explore potential risk factors for recurrence and describe outcome. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cases with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically between 2000 and 2017. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology findings and patient outcomes were recorded. Follow-up was performed via patient records and telephone contact. Records of 120 dogs with surgically treated pneumothorax were identified and reviewed, with 99 cases appropriate for exploratory statistical analysis. Median follow-up was 850 days (range: 9-5105 days). Two- and 5-year survival rates were 88.4% and 83.5%, respectively. There was recurrence in 14 of 99 dogs (14.1%) with adequate follow-up, with a median time to recurrence of 25 days (1-1719 days). Univariable Cox regression analysis suggested increased risk for recurrence in giant breeds (hazard ratio=11.05, 95% confidence interval: 2.82-43.35) and with increasing bodyweight (HR=1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.09). Of 14 dogs with recurrence, six were euthanased, two died of causes related to pneumothorax and six underwent further treatment, of which five were resolved. Long-term survival for dogs with surgically managed spontaneous pneumothorax was good and associated with a low risk of recurrence. Giant breed dogs and increased bodyweight were the only variables identified as possible risk factors for recurrence. The outcome for dogs with recurrence undergoing a second intervention was also favourable.

Body composition of medium to giant breed dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament disease.

To describe the body composition of dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. Cross-sectional. Adult dogs in which CCL disease was diagnosed (n = 30) and adult dogs without clinical signs of orthopedic disease (n = 30). Body weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score (MCS) were recorded. Body composition of the whole body and pelvic limbs were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body condition score, whole body, and pelvic limb body composition measurements were compared by using general linear mixed-model analysis of variance. Muscle condition score between groups was assessed by using a Mann-Whitney U test, while paired data were analyzed by using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Body fat percentage (P < .0001) was higher in affected dogs (38.78% ± 1.40) than in control dogs (27.49% ± 1.24). Affected dogs had lower MCS (1.90 ± 0.13, P < .0001) compared with control dogs (2.77 ± 0.08). The affected pelvic limb of affected dogs contained less lean soft tissues (P < .0001) but more fat (P = .0451) compared with the contralateral pelvic limb. Dogs with CCL disease were overweight compared with the control group. Dogs that are overweight may be predisposed to developing CCL disease. Body composition changes in the pelvic limbs should be considered when managing the care of these dogs.

Feeding Patterns and Medical Diagnosis Frequency in a National Survey of Older Dogs

Veterinarians and owners are often concerned with the nutrition of dogs, but most knowledge of real‐world pet feeding practices is anecdotal. A survey was conducted among owners of dogs aged ≥ 5 yrs at general practice veterinary clinics across the United States (2016–2017). Owners participated in a clinic visit with their dog, and demographics including age and breed were collected. Veterinarians documented the dog’s medical history and completed a physical exam including Body Fat Index (BFI) rated using a visual scale. Owners completed a nutrition survey by estimating the proportions of dry, wet, human food, treats, and other foods (including homemade petfoods) offered to their dog the prior day. Complete nutrition survey information was obtained from 992 dogs (5.0 to 20.8 yrs, median 9.4 yrs); of these 982 (99%) had complete medical histories. Dogs represented 15 states: PA (17%), CO (17%), NY (12.7%), IL (8.5%), VA (7.9%), FL (7.8%), MO (6.8%), NJ (5.0%), MI (4.6%), MD (4.5%), TX (3.3%), LA (2.5%), GA (1.5%), CT (0.6%), and CA (0.2%). In addition to mixed breeds, 115 dog breeds were reported by owners, most commonly: Labrador Retriever (13.1%), Golden Retriever (5.3%), Shih Tzu (3.9%), Other (3.7%), German Shepherd (3.7%), Dachshund (3.3%), Yorkshire Terrier (3.1%), Beagle (2.7%), Bichon Frise (2.6%) and Pug (2.4%). Giant breeds together represented 3.8% of all dogs. The 10 most common diagnoses observed in the medical history were mild/moderate dental/gum disease: 83.7%, benign tumors (including lipomas): 46.2%, overweight/obese: 34.8%, otitis (in which atopic dermatitis was ruled out): 20.3%, arthritis (elbow, stifle, back, and/or neck): 19.6%, atopic dermatitis: 15.3%, hypothyroidism: 13.1%, sebaceous cysts: 11.3%, arthritis of the hip: 10.7%, urinary tract infection: 10.0%. BFI as assessed by vets at the time of the survey ranged from 10 to 70, median 30; 69.2% dogs had a BFI of 20 or 30 while 23.5% had a BFI of 40 or more. 92.5% of dogs were offered any dry food while 72.6% of dogs were offered ≥ 90% of their intake as dry food and 19.5% of dogs were offered exclusively dry food. 23.6% of dogs were offered any wet food; 2.6% were offered ≥ 90% of their intake as wet food and only 0.7% of dogs were offered exclusively wet food. 58.8% of dogs were offered any treats, 32.0% of dogs were offered any human food, and 5.0% were offered other food, including homemade petfoods. Most owners of older dogs fed predominantly dry food and only a minority fed wet food exclusively. Treats and human food were commonly offered. The frequency of breeds and diagnoses observed in this population were generally similar to other national surveys; this analysis provides important information about feeding patterns among older dogs.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

Observations and analysis of risk factors for GDV in a single institution: a case-control study

Objective To evaluate/ determine the risk factors for dogs presented with Gastric Dilation- Volvulus (GDV) to a referral veterinary centre and to compare the results with those currently reported in veterinary literature. Materials and Methods The observational case-control study comprised a population of 215 dogs that attended the referral centre between 2000 and 2018. Medical records were searched for GDV and those matching the criteria were manually reviewed. A questionnaire was completed by the owners of the dogs involved in the study (both case and control populations) in order to gain further information that could be considered relevant to GDVs. In particular, information included the dogs’ behaviour and the dogs daily activities. Results The study included 115 cases of GDV and 115 controls. Out of the GDV dogs 13% (15/115) were small breed dogs and the remaining 87% (100/115) either large or giant breeds. The following risk factors for developing a GDV have been identified: Purebred dogs over 3 years old and either large of giant breeds, weighing &gt; 30 kg. Foreign body ingestion, diarrhoea, and grass consumption were also associated to increase the likelihood in developing GDV. Behavioural temperament was not associated with developing GDV. Clinical Significance The findings support previously identified risk factors in the development of GDV, but characteristics related to the dogs temperament warrant further investigation. Knowledge of these results will further allow clinicians to make evidence‐based recommendations to owners in attempting to prevent GDV in dogs. Furthermore this paper confirms that the risk of GDV in certain breeds and in certain conditions is always high and that GDV is still an extremely current disease.

Average Life Expectancy, the Most Common Cause of Death and Illness of Giant Dog Breeds

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyze the most common diseases and genetic defects that occur during the lifetime of giant dog breeds, to determine the average lifespan and the cause of death/euthanasia. Data were obtained through a survey and concerned the health of 241 individuals of giant dog breeds held in the Czech Republic. Evaluated items involved an average lifespan, an average lifespan per gender, cause of death, reasons for euthanasia, cause of mortality (especially in selected Mastiff type breeds), life expectancy per breed and incidence of diseases among giant breeds during the lifetime. The average lifespan in giant breed dogs was found to be 7.60 years. A significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) was found between life expectancies in males and females, with female dogs reaching 1.42 year higher age (8.10 years) than males (6.68 years). The most common cause of spontaneous death among giant breeds was gastric dilatation and torsion (28% of dogs) and for euthanasia osteosarcoma (38% of dogs). The cause of mortality especially in selected Mastiff type breeds of dogs was gastric dilatation and torsion (30% of dogs). This is the first broad analytical study concerning this topic published in the Czech Republic.

Calcium and phosphorus metabolism in peripartal dogs.

Recommended allowances for calcium and phosphorus are mostly based on factorial calculations partly set at the level determined adequate for giant breeds (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. Washington, DC, USA: The National Academies Press. 2006). Information about appropriateness of supply with both minerals during the peripartal phase is limited. From other species is known that bone mineral stores are used in addition to oral intake of calcium and phosphorus in periods of higher needs such as gestation and lactation. The aim of this study was to determine parameters of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in female dogs receiving the recommended amount of these minerals according to NRC (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. Washington, DC, USA: The National Academies Press. 2006) during the peripartal phase. In five Beagles and four Foxhound crossbreds, all primiparous with a litter size of 1-8 puppies, apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus as well as serum parameters of mineral metabolism (total and ionised calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, crosslaps) was determined in the period of 12-9days before and 4-9days after parturition. The apparent digestibility of calcium was relatively low and did not differ significantly between both peripartal phases, whereas the apparent digestibility of phosphorus increased during lactation. Serum concentrations of calcium (total as well as ionised), phosphorus and parathyroid hormone did not differ between gestation and lactation. The bone resorption marker serum crosslaps increased in lactating dogs but most individual values were within the reference range for adult female dogs at maintenance. On the other hand, the bone formation marker bone specific alkaline phosphatase decreased from prepartal to postpartal phase with values clearly above reference range in both phases. Based on the results especially of the bone markers, which stayed within the reference range during the peripartal phase without indicating predominant bone resorption, we hypothesise that the applied recommended daily allowances defined for peripartal dogs are appropriate.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Canines: Patient Selection and Reported Outcomes.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is one of the most common causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. In a CCL deficient stifle, joint lameness develops from cranial tibial translation in relation to the distal femoral condyles. The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a well-described surgical procedure that neutralizes tibiofemoral shear force by altering the tibial plateau via a proximal tibial osteotomy, and subsequently restores normal limb function. Current literature for the TPLO was reviewed and used to describe the optimal patient selection and to report clinical outcome with the TPLO in comparison to other surgical options for CCL rupture. The clinical outcomes reported to date, particularly those utilizing objective outcome data, support the TPLO as being able to consistently return dogs to normal limb function with a low risk for long-term morbidity. The TPLO procedure was found to be widely applicable to dogs ranging from small breed to large and giant breed, and does not appear to have some of the limitations that exist with alternative surgical options. This review concludes that the TPLO is an excellent treatment option for any dog with CCL rupture due to the excellent long-term outcome and high rate of owner satisfaction previously reported. Despite these conclusions, it is important to remember that treatment selection for CCL rupture remains dependent on multiple considerations including patient factors, surgeon experience, and costs.

Treatment of prolapsed gland and cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane with pocket technique and chondrectomy alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy: 132 dogs (1998-2018).

To evaluate the results obtained using Morgan pocket technique and chondrectomy (MPTC) alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy (MPTC+WC) for the treatment of prolapsed gland associated with cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane (PGCD) in dogs. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with PGCD that received a MPTC or MPTC+WC were reviewed between 1998 and 2018. Success rate was defined by lack of recurrence of the prolapsed gland with a minimum of 6months follow-up. Histological examination of the excised cartilage was performed in 13 eyes. A total of 132 dogs (181 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time was 25months (range, 6-166months). MPTC was used in 131 eyes with 91.6% success rate. MPTC+WC was used in 50 eyes with 100% success rate. Postoperative complications occurred in 6.9% and 4%, respectively, for MPTC and MPTC+WC, including lacrimal cysts (8 eyes) or corneal erosion (3 eyes). Recurrence and complications rates were significantly lower using MPTC+WC compared with MPTC in the giant breed dogs (P=.019 and P=.002, respectively), but not in the overall study population (P=.328 and P=.290, respectively). Histological cartilage anomalies were noted in 2/13 specimens from chronic PGCD. MPTC+WC offers a good therapeutic option for giant breed dogs with PGCD. The combined technique provides a good apposition and mobility of the nictitating membrane onto the ocular surface and potentially reduces the risk of recurrence in these giant canine breeds.

Primary Splenic Torsion Associated with Accessory Spleen in a Dog

Background: Primary splenic torsion occurs when there is a splenic vascular pedicle rotation without association of other diseases, as the Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV). Accessory spleen consists in a splenic tissue fraction independent from main organ, caused by a spleen defect in the embryonic development, most remaining asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. They have their own blood supply, which is usually from a branch of the splenic artery. Present report represents a primary splenic torsion with the accessory spleen finding in a dog.Case: A 7-year-old female mongrel was referred to Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, showing pain and firm consistency in the left abdominal region, prostration and inappetence four days before the medical appointment. At the clinical examination, the patient was alert, 7% dehydration, hypocorous mucous membranes, without alteration in lymph nodes, left abdominal pain. Laboratory tests, chest radiographic and abdominal ultrasound was requested. Two images compatible with splenic image were visualized, one with a regular structure without vascularization suggesting splenic torsion and another with homogeneous parenchyma and echogenicity of the normal spleen, with vascularization signal. The animal was referred to the surgical procedure and the anesthetic induction protocol with propofol (6 mg.kg -1) and ketamine hydrochloride (2 mg.kg -1) and maintenance with total intravenous anesthesia with propofol (0.2-0.4 mg.kg -1 / min) and lidocaine (2 mg.kg -1), in a semi-closed loop and spontaneous ventilation. The pre-retro-umbilical incision in the ventral midline was performed, and the exploratory celiotomy was done. During the cavity exploring, a small amount of free fluid and a structure compatible with the spleen were observed. It was noted that the splenic vascular pedicle was twisted around its axis and the gastroesplenic and splenocolic ligaments were also involved. The stomach maintained its position, size and vascularization. Thus, an isolated or primary splenic torsion was characterized. The exploratory laparotomy was recommended, and the total splenectomy was the treatment of choice. The accessory spleen did not demonstrate vascular damage; therefore, was advocated the zeal in handling to preserve your integrity.Discussion: Isolated splenic torsion is a rare occurrence in dogs. A retrospective study was performed with 60 dogs presenting with non-traumatic hemoperitoneum, in which only three cases presented splenic torsion. Usually, twisting occurs in large or giant breed dogs with deep chest conformation. The etiology of splenic torsion is not well established. Primary splenic torsion is considered emergency surgery, and the prognosis is considered favorable. The literature shows no relation between the presence of the accessory spleen and the occurrence of primary splenic torsion, but both occur due to congenital defects, both of which may be correlated in this case. The accessory spleen is characterized by a defect in the embryonic formation of the splenic tissue and may be associated with other congenital malformations. It can be concluded that in the primary splenic torsion, early surgical treatment is the most indicated. Total splenectomy was considered adequate, and preservation of the accessory spleen was important due to the possibility of some organ functionality.

MicroRNA expression in the cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with and without cervical spondylomyelopathy.

BackgroundOsseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA‐CSM) is a common condition of the cervical vertebral column that affects giant dog breeds. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression, and recent data suggest that circulating miRNAs present in biological fluids may serve as potential biomarkers for disease. The miRNA profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from healthy dogs and dogs clinically affected by OA‐CSM have not been described.ObjectiveTo characterize the expression levels of miRNAs present in the CSF of normal Great Danes and identify differentially expressed miRNAs in the CSF of Great Danes clinically affected with OA‐CSM.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs: 12 control, 12 OA‐CSM affected.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid samples were collected prospectively. MicroRNA expression was evaluated using the NanoString nCounter platform and quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsWe identified 8 miRNAs with significant differential expression. MiR‐299‐5p and miR‐765 had increased expression levels in the CSF of OA‐CSM‐affected dogs, whereas miR‐494, miR‐612, miR‐302‐d, miR‐4531, miR‐4455, and miR‐6721‐5p had decreased expression levels in OA‐CSM affected dogs compared to clinically normal dogs. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to validate the expression levels of 2 miRNAs (miR‐494 and miR‐612), and we found a 1.5‐fold increase in miR‐494 expression and a 1.2‐fold decrease in miR‐612 in the CSF of the OA‐CSM affected group (P = .41 and .89, respectively).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceData generated from our study represent an initial characterization of the miRNA profile of normal canine CSF and suggest that a distinct CSF miRNA expression profile is associated with OA‐CSM.

Triplex doppler ultrasonography to describe the uterine arteries during diestrus and progesterone profile in pregnant and non-pregnant bitches of different sizes

Hemodynamics of uterine vascularization is modified throughout pregnancy to meet the increasing demand of the growing fetuses and triplex doppler ultrasonography is widely used in human medicine to study the uterine arteries and assess the fetal and placental conditions. The aim of our study was to confirm this observation in the bitch, to evaluate differences between bitches of different sizes and to study abnormal pregnancies. Forty-four bitches were monitored during the estrous period to determine ovulation and every 10 days from ovulation to 50 days post-ovulation: the resistivity (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indexes of the right uterine artery were measured as well as usual assessment of fetal development and follow up of the luteal function. Thirty-three out of forty-four bitches were pregnant, including 6 abnormal pregnancies (resorption of more than 10% of the embryos). We also divided them in four weight categories: 8 were small (<10 kg), 13 medium (10–25 kg), 13 large (>25–40 kg) and 10 were giant breeds (>40 kg). We observed that RI and PI decreased over time and were significantly lower for pregnant bitches compared to non-pregnant ones from 30 days post-ovulation. In contrast, RI and PI did not significantly vary with the size of the bitches and we could not determine a significant impact of abnormal pregnancies either. In conclusion, we found no significant difference related to the size of bitches in the RI and PI. The only significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant bitches was observed from 30 days post-ovulation.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characterization of cervical spondylomyelopathy in juvenile dogs.

BackgroundCervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) occurs because of compression of the cervical spinal cord, nerve roots, or both, usually affecting young adult to older large and giant breed dogs. Juvenile dogs are affected infrequently.ObjectiveTo describe clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in juvenile dogs (≤ 12 months) with cervical spondylomyelopathy.AnimalsTwenty CSM‐affected juvenile dogs.MethodsMedical and imaging records for juvenile dogs with CSM were reviewed. History and neurologic examination findings were obtained, including follow‐up data. The MRI studies were reviewed for cause and site of spinal cord compression, intervertebral disk protrusion or degeneration, articular process degenerative changes, intervertebral foraminal stenosis, and spinal cord signal changes.ResultsMean (median) age at the time of diagnosis was 9.4 (10) months. There were 16 giant breed dogs. Eighteen dogs had a chronic presentation, 18/20 had proprioceptive ataxia, and 9/20 had cervical pain. On MRI, the principal spinal cord compression occurred at C5‐C6, C6‐C7, or both in most dogs; 12/20 dogs had ≥2 sites of spinal cord compression. The cause of compression was articular process proliferation in 8/20 dogs and disk protrusion in 2/20 dogs. Intervertebral disk degeneration was seen in 9/20 dogs. Follow‐up was obtained for 12/20 dogs: 10/12 were managed medically and 2/12 surgically.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCervical spondylomyelopathy in juvenile dogs was characterized mostly by osseous‐associated spinal cord compression and multiple compressive sites. Almost half of the dogs had intervertebral disk degeneration. Intervertebral disk protrusion was seen in both giant and large breed dogs.

Fat-acid composition of the flesh of the carcasses of purebred young rabbits of the most common breeds

The content of fatty acids in the meat of carcasses of purebred young rabbits of 77- and 90-day-old age of two meat and skin (white giant and Soviet chinchilla) and one meat breed (Californian) was analyzed. The content in the pulp of carcasses of purebred young rabbits monounsaturated oleic fatty acid is 32.60-35.16%, polyunsaturated linoleic acid - 23.50-27.9%, which provides the therapeutic and nutritional value of rabbit meat. A large mass fraction of unsaturated fatty acids (61.07-67.85%) in the carcass of purebred young rabbits was noted. At the same time, the largest mass fraction of unsaturated fatty acids occurred in the meat portion of the carcasses of young white giant breeds at the age of 77 and 90 days (67.85% - 64.52%). The best balance of fatty acid composition (the ratio of saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids) was observed in samples obtained from carcasses of young breeds, the white giant at the age of 77 days - 1.06: 1.28: 1. &#x0D; &#x0D;

Factorial calculation of calcium and phosphorus requirements of growing dogs.

Calcium and phosphorus requirements for growing dogs can be calculated by different methods. The current standard feeding recommendations are based on experimental data derived from young giant breed puppies. In order to determine the absolute requirement, an extrapolation via metabolisable energy requirement is recommended. Another approach is to calculate the requirement factorially, taking into account the endogenous losses and the amount of calcium and phosphorus retained due to tissue accretion during growth as well as the expected availability of these nutrients. The working hypothesis was that both methods are valid and lead to comparable results in young puppies of a high mature body weight (BW). Yet, deviations for other age and mature BW groups were expected. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the results of both methods using exemplary puppies of different age and mature BW groups. The hypotheses could be verified for calcium. The extrapolated requirements overestimate the factorial requirements by up to 59.7% for puppies <60kg mature BW and/or >6 months of age. In case of phosphorus requirement, the deviations between both methods are overall very high in all stages. Taking into account the potentially harmful effects of calcium and phosphorus excess, the feeding recommendations based on the extrapolation should be reconsidered.

Comparison of cross-sectional geometrical properties and bone density of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs.

To compare the geometrical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs. Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Thirteen client-owned Saint Bernard dogs and 13 other client-owned giant breed dogs. Computed tomography (CT) studies of Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs were reviewed. Multiplanar reconstruction of the CT images was used to determine cross-sectional variables at the proximal half of the radius, including mean cortical thickness (mCT) and moment of inertia (MOI). Cortical BMD was estimated from Hounsfield unit measurements at each cross-section and averaged per bone. One-way analysis of variance was used to detect differences between groups. Proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had a lower cortical/medullary ratio (1.75 vs 2.2, P < .001), mCT (1.96 vs 2.64 mm, P < .001), and MOI in all planes (mediolateral [ML]: 2086.09 vs 2757.69 mm4 , P < .001; craniocaudal [CrCd]: 3736.36 vs 4370.28 mm4 , P = .025; and polar: 5852.45 vs 7127.97 mm4 , P = .002) compared with bones of other breeds. Cross-sectional BMD did not differ between groups of dogs, but the mean BMD of all cross-sections was lower in Saint Bernard dogs (1214.27 vs 1289.80 mg/mm3 , P = .029). The proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had thinner cortices and lower CrCd, ML, and polar MOI compared with corresponding bones in giant breed dogs. The structural properties of the proximal radius of the Saint Bernard differ from those in other giant breeds and could reduce the ability of this region to sustain biomechanical loads. These properties could predispose Saint Bernard dogs to complications after surgical limb-sparing procedures.

Contributions on the Sensorial, Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Characterization of Meat in Flemish Giant Rabbit Breed

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensorial, physico-chemical and nutritional traits of the meat in Flemish Giant rabbit breed. The biological material comprised 75 rabbits (25 males and 50 females), slaughtered at the age of 11 months, at an average carcass weight of 11.5 kg. Samples of the following muscle groups were taken: Longissimus dorsi (LD), Triceps brachii (TB) and Semimembranosus (SM) and were kept at 2 �C. Two hundred and twenty-five samples were analyzed to assess the physico-chemical peculiarities (pH measurements at 24- and 48 h post-slaughter; water, proteins, lipids, fatty acids and crude ash assessments). Another 225 samples (75 for each muscle group) were used as well to investigate the sensorial properties. The results issued from sensorial analysis were close as score among the three muscle groups studied. The pH value was higher in TB muscles. LD muscles from males had the highest protein content (21.70%), TB muscles of females had the highest proportion of lipids (2.65%), while the fatty acid content was higher in females for all analyzed muscles. Except for muscular content in some fatty acids, variance analysis highlighted not significant differences between genders for the studied characters.