Giant Breeds Research Articles

Cinesioterapia para recuperação da osteocondrite dissecante em ombro de cadela da raça Bernese

Osteochondritis dissecans is characterized by the detachment of a cartilaginous flap as a result of Osteochondrosis, resulting in a slowdown in ossification and thickening of the cartilage. The majority of affected animals are large or giant breed dogs, demonstrating clinical signs at an approximate age of between 4 and 8 months of age, with late manifestations possible. The main symptom is lameness, which intensifies, in most cases, after exercise. This work reports the case of a 7-month-old Bernese dog, with a history of lameness of the left thoracic limb, mainly after exercise.

MtDNA genetic diversity and phylogeographic insights into giant domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) breeds: connections between Central Europe and the Middle East

Humans have selectively bred domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) to create breeds with a diversity of shapes, colors and other attributes. Since Darwin, the domestic pigeon has always been a popular model species for scientific research because of its richness of form, colouration and behaviour. It is believed that the world's squab pigeon industry uses breeds and hybrids from the Mediterranean region. An exception is the indigenous giant pigeon breeds of the Carpathian Basin, whose origin is not known. Therefore, our aims were 1) to understand the phylogenetic relationships of giant pigeons, which sheds light on the origin of Hungarian breeds and their relationship to the Mediterranean giant pigeon breed group; 2) to contribute molecular genetic data to the genealogy of 2 Iraqi pigeon breeds close to the pigeon domestication center, including the culturally important Iraqi Red Pigeon, and 3) to compare the genetic diversity of European and Middle Eastern domestic pigeon populations and to draw conclusions on the phylogenetic relationships between pigeon breeds and molecular clues to their different breeding practices of both regions. A 655-bp-long sequence of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) region of the mitochondrial DNA was studied in a total of 276 pigeons (19 breeds). A total of 27 haplotypes were found, of which 22 were unique. The highest genetic diversity was found in the Carpathian Basin, and the lowest in the Iraqi region. STRUCTURE analysis revealed low structurality, K=3 was the most likely. The majority of the samples belong to the most ancient haplotype H_2=219, however the Jacobin pigeon is on a very separate evolutionary branch with a large number of mutations. None of the 19 breeds investigated in this study have been previously studied in phylogenetics, and most of these breeds have potential as squab pigeons, and have good meat forms for utilization, therefore the results of this study may also be of help to the squab pigeon industry.

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

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

Genetic variation near GRB10 associated with bone growth and osteosarcoma risk in canine and human populations

BackgroundCanine and human osteosarcoma are similar in clinical presentation and tumor genomics. Giant breed dogs experience elevated osteosarcoma incidence, and taller stature remains a consistent risk factor for human osteosarcoma. Whether evolutionarily conserved genes contribute to both human and canine osteosarcoma predisposition merits evaluation. MethodsA multi-center sample of childhood osteosarcoma patients and controls underwent genome-wide genotyping and imputation. Ancestry-adjusted SNP associations were calculated within each dataset using logistic regression, then meta-analyzed across the three datasets, totaling 1091 patients and 3026 controls. Ten regions previously associated with canine osteosarcoma risk were mapped to the human genome, spanning ∼6 Mb. We prioritized association testing of 5985 human SNPs mapping to candidate osteosarcoma risk regions detected in Irish wolfhounds, the largest dog breed studied. Secondary analyses explored 6289 additional human SNPs mapping to candidate osteosarcoma risk regions identified in Rottweilers and greyhounds. ResultsFourteen SNPs were associated with human osteosarcoma risk after adjustment for multiple comparisons, all within a 42 kb region of human Chromosome 7p12.1. The lead variant was rs17454681 (OR=1.25, 95 %CI: 1.12–1.39; P=4.1×10−5), and independent risk variants were not observed in conditional analyses. While the associated region spanned 2.1 Mb and contained eight genes in Irish wolfhounds, associations were localized to a 50-fold smaller region of the human genome and strongly implicate GRB10 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 10) in canine and human osteosarcoma predisposition. PheWAS analysis in UK Biobank data identified noteworthy associations of the rs17454681 risk allele with varied measures of height and pubertal timing. ConclusionsOur comparative oncology analysis identified a novel human osteosarcoma risk allele near GRB10, a growth inhibitor that suppresses activated receptor tyrosine kinases including IGF1R, PDGFRB, and EGFR. Epidemiologists may benefit from leveraging cross-species comparisons to identify haplotypes in highly susceptible but genetically homogenous populations of domesticated animals, then fine-mapping these associations in diverse human populations.

Lateral canthal reconstruction for the treatment of macroblepharon/diamond eye conformation in dogs.

To introduce a novel surgical technique for treatment of macroblepharon and diamond eye conformation in dogs. Lateral canthal reconstruction was used in dogs with prominent eyelid malformations resulting in ocular surface disease. Lateral canthus was resected and new lateral canthus was created using a two-layer closure. This technique was performed either alone or in combination with additional procedure(s). Additionally, this technique was used to resect lateral canthal dermoid. One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 85 dogs were included in the study. Procedure was done for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion (149 eyes of 81 dogs) or for lateral canthal dermoid (four eyes of four dogs). Procedure was done either alone (n = 68 eyes) or in combination with additional procedure (n = 85 eyes). Favorable cosmetic outcome and client satisfaction was achieved in all dogs. Good to excellent functional outcome was recorded in all but 6 eyes of 4 dogs, which required additional surgery. Most common complications included slight undercorrection or overcorrection. Lateral canthal reconstruction is a simple yet effective surgical procedure for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion. If done early, it prevents development of secondary eyelid malformation ("pagoda defect") in giant breed dogs. If done after severe eyelid malformation has developed, combining this technique with concurrent pagoda resection is recommended to achieve ideal eyelid conformation. None.

Оценка системы гемостаза кроликов после прижизненного экспериментального моделирования забрюшинной гематомы

The purpose of research is to study the dynamics of the hemostasis system in rabbits after intravital experimental modeling of retroperitoneal hematoma. The object of the study was 50 male rabbits of the Gray Giant breed, from which experimental and control groups of 25 individuals each were formed. Animals of the experimental group under non-inhalation anesthesia underwent intravital modeling of a retroperitoneal hematoma using a method we developed, including taking blood from the ear artery with the addition of an anticoagulant and subsequent injection of autologous blood into the retroperitoneal space. Animals in the control group were subjected to non-inhalational anesthesia only. Intravital experimental modeling of retroperitoneal hematoma in rabbits led to a number of significant changes in the hemostatic system, which were most pronounced in the first 14 days after the experiment. The international norma-lized ratio (INR) in the experimental group of animals had significantly low values compared to the control group only on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days, and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) – on the 1st, 3rd days , 7th and 14th days after the experiment. There were no significant differences in the level of fibrinogen in blood plasma between the animals of the experimental and control groups. Thrombin time (TT) in animals of the experimental group was significantly higher only on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days, and the D-dimer content was significantly higher in all studied periods after the experiment in comparison with the control group animals. The highest level of D-dimer in the blood plasma of animals in the experimental group was recorded on the 7th day and probably indicated that in retroperitoneal hematomas the most active processes of fibrinolysis occur at this time. Low values of INR in the first 7 days and aPTT in the first 14 days, as well as prolongation of TT in the first 14 days after the experiment, give reason to believe that with retroperitoneal hematomas, the threshold for the likelihood of thrombus formation increases during these periods.

The prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Weimaraner dog breed

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a well-recognised cause of cardiac morbidity and death in humans and dogs. It causes progressive structural changes in the myocardium, which leads to congestive heart failure or sudden death. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the second most common acquired cardiac disease and the most common cardiomyopathy in dogs. The highest prevalence is found in large and giant breeds of dogs; the most frequently affected dogs are Doberman Pinschers. Other breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Irish Wolfhound or Cocker Spaniel also have a high prevalence of DCM. No study has yet been reported in regard to the prevalence of DCM in the Weimaraner and its genetic causes. In the study, a total of 232 Weimaraner dogs were enrolled. Out of this total number, 223 dogs were short-haired Weimaraners and 9 dogs were long-haired Weimaraners. The most frequently diagnosed disease was DCM but other diseases were identified. In our study, the prevalence of DCM in Weimaraners was 9.8%.

Preliminary report on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in a giant breed dog

Preliminary report on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in a giant breed dog

Diet-Mediated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Canine

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle resulting in decreased myocardial function and is the second most common myopathy in canine. Previously, canine dilated cardiomyopathy was considered to be an inherited disease among large and giant breeds, however, recent reports suggest a possible link between certain grain-free diets and this condition. Several investigations into the incidence of this condition in relationship to grain-free diet consumption have been conducted in recent years. The most recent research shows a static overall trend in the incidence of DCM despite a five-fold increase in the sales of grain-free pet foods. Inadequate intake of protein, taurine, and specific sulfur-containing amino acids may have a potential role in the development of DCM, as these nutrients are crucial for cardiac muscle development and function. However, significant research remains to be done on the topic to discern any potential definitive causation.

Effect of Gender and Muscle Type on Fatty Acid Profile, Sanogenic Indices, and Instrumental and Sensory Analysis of Flemish Giant Rabbit Meat

The aim of this study was to represent quality characterization, by gender and muscle type, of rabbit meat from the Flemish Giant (FG) breed, following the fatty acid profile, sanogenic indices, and instrumental (color and texture) and sensory analysis. The biological material comprised 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) whose Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles were sampled. Compared to female samples, the meat from males was more qualitative in terms of higher ratios of polyunsaturated vs. saturated fatty acids and proportions (+42%) of Essential and Desirable Fatty Acids (+21.6% EFA; +6.7% DFA). Also, the Atherogenic Index (AI) and Thrombogenic Index (TI) were better in males (−37.1% AI; −34.3% TI), as were the ratio of hypocholesterolemic/Hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (+27.8%) and the Nutritive Value Index (NVI, +11.6%). The Polyunsaturation Index (PI) was higher for females (+57.5%), with the widest differences in hind leg muscles (SM muscles), while the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio was also better (+11.3%). Female meat was more tender due to lower shear force (−6.2%… 9.3%) in both muscles. Female meat was less pigmented than that of males, while the overall sensory attributes were better scored in male samples (+3.1%… +7.1%) (p &lt; 0.01). The meat of males proved to be more sanogenic (richer in EFA and DFA, with a better h/H ratio and NVI, while AI and TI were lower). We would recommend slaughtering 3–4 weeks earlier in females vs. males to avoid excessive fat deposition and, consequently, the development of unfavorable sanogenic indices for consumer health.

Hygienic assessment of the probiotic Bioseven influence on the natural resistance of rabbits pre-clinical researches

Rabbit farming plays an important role in the increase of livestock products, one of the precocious branches of small animal husbandry. From a rabbit and its offspring, more than 100 kg of meat can be obtained per year. The body of rabbits, as well as other agricultural and rural animals. animals, during life is under the influence of abiotic and biotic factors that cause growth depression, changes in the morphological composition of blood, and immunological indicators. The use of biologically active drugs that increase immunological reactivity, stimulating growth, development and resistance deserve attention. The use of probiotic preparations of young animals in the early stages of breeding normalizes the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the synthesis of immunoglobulin IgA, increases its natural resistance, and activates homeostasis. The aim of the work was to carry out a hygienic assessment of the effect of the probiotic Bioseven on the natural resistance of the rabbit's body. The following methods of observation were used to obtain scientific information: biological, hematological, biochemical studies, statistical. The research was conducted on rabbits of the gray giant breed of both sexes. Healthy animals with the appropriate body weight were used in the experiments. Fluctuations in body weight in the respective groups did not exceed ±10.0%. Animals were kept in groups in cages in compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements. The use of the new domestic biologically active drug (probiotic) Bioseven as a means of preventive action is substantiated in the research paper. The drug has been proven to have a positive effect on the morphological, biochemical and immunological parameters of the blood of animals, increase the natural resistance and growth intensity of rabbits. During morphological studies, it was established that the level of endogenous intoxication of the body of rabbits of experimental groups and controls during the observation period remained stable and amounted to 17.95-18.33% (experimental) and 18.42±0.55 in control, which indicates the absence of a suppressor effects of the probiotic bioseven on the antioxidant properties of the rabbit body in doses: 0.5-5.0 g/head. The economic efficiency of the use of Bioseven consists of: a reduction in the morbidity of animals, an increase in their preservation, an average daily increase in body weight, and therefore an additional increase of 0.300-1.200 kg (depending on the dose), a reduction in the cost of obtaining a unit of production (by 0.5 %) and a decrease in the cost of livestock products per head during the period of the experiment by 5.0–15.0 UAH. Thus, the hygienic evaluation of the effect of the probiotic Bioseven on the natural resistance of the rabbit's body indicates the absence of a suppressive effect of the drug on the metabolic processes of the body of laboratory animals. Key words: rabbit breeding, suppressive effect, probiotic, toxicological characteristics, biochemical, ecologically harmless, complete, food products, of animal origin, food safety, consumer.

Use of a custom‐made acetabular cage to treat aseptic loosening following cemented total hip replacement in a giant breed dog

AbstractA 7‐year‐old, female, spayed Dogo Argentino was presented with right hindlimb lameness 9 months following right total hip replacement. Investigations identified loosening of the acetabular cup and significant loss of bone stock, including defects of the dorsal acetabular rim and caudal pillar. A custom‐made acetabular cage inspired from the human acetabular reinforcement ring was implanted and fixed into the ilium and the acetabular rim with screws. Improvement in right hindlimb function was delayed by the occurrence of a right cranial cruciate ligament rupture; however, radiography 6 months following the surgery demonstrated osseointegration despite loosening of a single screw. Three years postoperatively, the dog showed no resentment on manipulation of the right hip and the owners reported a return to normal activity including off‐lead running. Aseptic cup loosening associated with acetabular medial wall and caudal pillar defect were ameliorated using a custom‐made acetabular cage in a giant breed dog.

Iatrogenic pectus excavatum in a giant breed dog following median sternotomy

AbstractA giant breed dog was presented to a university teaching hospital for restlessness and what its owners perceived to be vomiting. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to a pulmonary mass and underwent median sternotomy for lung lobectomy. Post‐operatively, the patient developed iatrogenic pectus excavatum, which likely contributed to morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. A Hoyer lift was employed to assist patient mobility and limit external sternal compression from prolonged recumbency. This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic pectus excavatum, which may affect recovery in giant breed dogs post‐median sternotomy.

PROBLEMY ŻYWIENIOWE PSÓW RAS DUŻYCH I OLBRZYMICH. CZĘŚĆ II. PSY DOROSŁE

The subject of dog nutrition is gaining popularity due to the growing awareness of the caregivers. Although there are foods dedicated to dogs of different breeds available on the market, caregivers relatively rarely wonder what they really differ from each other and what significance it has for animals. Many dogs are fed the same food for extended periods of time. The product designated as a complete/maintenance food is, according to legal regulations, balanced in such a way that it can be the only source of food for the animal, without leading to nutrient deficiencies. A dog’s digestive tract has not changed for hundreds of years, but the physiology of dog nutrition depends on the size of the breed. Dogs of small, medium, large and giant breeds, despite the fact that they belong to one species, have different nutritional needs. These differences must be taken into account in order to meet the needs as best as possible. The smaller the dog, the greater the digestive volume, and vice versa. The diet of large and giant breed dogs should be enriched with functional additives supporting the work of the joints. This need results from the fact that representatives of large and giant breeds, due to their size and large body weight, are particularly exposed to excessive strain on the elbows and hips.

Magnetic resonance imaging and neurologic characterization of combined osseous- and disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs.

Although both disc- or osseous-associated forms of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) are observed in the same dogs, this combined form has not been thoroughly evaluated. To describe imaging characteristics of dogs with concurrent disc- and osseous CSM and investigate an association between findings on neurological examination and imaging. Sixty dogs with disc and osseous-associated CSM from 232 CSM-affected dogs. Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed via high-field MRI with a combination of intervertebral disc (IVD) protrusion and osseous proliferation of articular processes, dorsal lamina, or both were identified. Large and giant breed dogs were grouped according to whether combined compressions were at the same site or different sites. Statistical methods were used to investigate the association and relationship between variables. Thirty-five out of 60 (58%) were large breeds and 22/60 (37%) were giant breeds. Mean and median age was 6.6 and 7 years respectively (range, 0.75-11 years). Forty of the 60 dogs (67%) had concurrent osseous and disc-associated spinal cord compression in the same location. This was considered the main compression site in 32/40 (80%) dogs. Dogs with osseous- and disc-associated compressions at the same site were more likely to have a higher neurologic grade (P = .04). A substantial percentage of dogs with CSM present with concomitant IVD protrusion and osseous proliferations, most at the same site. Characterizing this combined form is important in the management of dogs with CSM because it could affect treatment choices.

Canine appendicular osteosarcoma: Amputation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone neoplasm with a high incidence in adult and giant breed dogs, with the appendicular skeleton being the most affected compared to the axial one. The symptoms usually present are claudication, swelling and may or may not be associated with episodes of fractures. The diagnosis consists of imaging exams, and in many cases, confirmation is only possible through bone biopsy. Due to aggressiveness the prognosis is unfavorable, and the best treatment for this case is limb amputation, with the intention of removing the primary tumor. The dog, in this report, was diagnosed by bone biopsy, whose histopathological result was osteoblastic osteosarcoma. The tumor originated in the distal femur of the left pelvic limb and the patient was referred for amputation, the surgical technique used was coxofemoral disarticulation. As an adjuvant treatment, chemotherapy with carboplatin was instituted. There were fivw sessions in an interval of 21 in 21 days, without reaction or alterations in the complementary exams. Pulmonary macro metastases were not identified in the radiographic examination, and a disease-free interval was observed, guaranteeing quality of life for the patient, despite being a very aggressive tumor.

Life expectancy of mesocephalic, dolichocephalic and brachycephalic dog breeds in Switzerland

Lifespan and time of death of dogs died in Switzerland between 2016 and 2020 were evaluated in order to increase the awareness of the public to animal welfare-related consequences of extreme brachycephalic breeding and to clarify the torture breeding problem of dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Skull shape, body size, country of origin and altitude of the registered place of residence at the time of death were analysed in a set of anonymized data from the national animal database Amicus as potential factors influencing the life expectancy. Death rate during summer months and the altitude of the reported place of residence at death were analysed in relation to the skull shape to demonstrate the heat intolerance of brachycephalic dog breeds. The final dataset included 137 469 dogs. The average age of death of the study population was 11,8 years, mixed breeds reaching a higher average age of 12,4 years than purebred dogs with 11,5 years. Bodyweight classification, skull shape and the origin of the dogs had a significant effect on the average lifespan. Giant breeds reached with 9,0 years the lowest mean age compared to the other bodyweight categories. The mean life expectancy of brachycephalic dogs was 9,8 years, i.e., 2,1 and 1,7 years less than mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs, respectively. Brachycephalic dogs and dogs imported from abroad showed increased mortality at a young age.

Biological features of the formation of meat productivity of rabbits of chin-chilla breed depending on crossing with meat breeds

Rabbit breeding is a special branch of animal husbandry characterized by high fertility and growth intensity. The main way of intensification of rabbit farming involves such selection measures that adapt rabbit populations of keeping in industrial conditions, ensure high reproductive properties of female rabbits, preservation of rabbits in nests, high growth rate, fattening and meat qualities of animals. The research was conducted on the basis of the experimental rabbit farm of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources of the National Academy of Sciences on the population of female chinchilla (Chinchilla) rabbits and males of the Gray giant rabbit (Gray giant rabbit), New Zealand white rabbit (New Zealand white rabbit) and young rabbits obtained from these three combinations. As the result of the conducted research, it was found that under the conditions of intensive production of rabbit meat, the reproductive qualities of female chinchilla rabbits in combination with males of the Gray giant and New Zealand white rabbits breeds increase, namely: high fertility – on 1.8–5.2 %; milk yield – on 1.8–7.4 %. The weight of the nest at weaning was probably (P &lt; 0.001) higher in female rabbits of the combination Chinchilla x New Zealand white rabbit and was 5.29 ± 0.13 kg, which is 869 g more than the purebred peers of the chinchilla breed and 380 g more than the combination Chinchilla x Great giant rabbit. The best indicators of fattening and meat productivity were found in young rabbits of 1/2Chinchilla 1/2Gray giant rabbit and 1/2Chinchilla 1/2New Zealand white rabbit origin. The fattening indicators of the rabbits of these groups compared to the rabbits of the control group accordingly increased: live weight at 90 days of age – on 4.0 and 3.8 % (Р &lt; 0.05); average daily increases – on 4.7 and 5.4 % (Р &lt; 0.05; Р &lt; 0.01); waist width – on 5.6 and 8.7 % (Р &lt; 0.01). The research also revealed that the group of young rabbits 1/2Chinchilla 1/2New Zealand white rabbit by origin had a higher slaughter yield and the indicators of which exceeded and rabbits of the second group ( 1/2Chinchilla 1/2Gray giant rabbit on 3.6% and the first (Chinchilla) – on 4.1 %, and the expenses of feed per 1 kg of increase by group was 3.85 accordingly; 3.75; 3.7 kg. Crossbred rabbits 1/2Chinchilla 1/2New Zealand white rabbit and 1/2Chinchilla 1/2Gray giant rabbit according to this indicator prevailed over purebred peers (Chinchilla) on 2.6 and 3.9 %, accordingly.

PROBLEMY ŻYWIENIOWE PSÓW RAS DUŻYCH I OLBRZYMICH. CZĘŚĆ I. SZCZENIĘTA

Feeding dogs is not a simple matter. Dogs are one of the most diverse animal species in the world. Thousands of years of evolution of the species of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris L.), have resulted in the fact that nowadays there are hundreds of dog breeds that differ not only in color, type of coat or character, but above all in size. No domestic animal has had a richer history of evolution in direct human contact than the domestic dog. Due to the growing awareness of the caregivers, the pet food market is changing dynamically. Foods are produced that are adapted to the dog’s age, lifestyle, physical activity and breed size. Despite this, often the animal’s diet is inadequate balanced. The caregivers make the mistake of choosing a food that is not adapted to the age and size of the dog. A common problem, for example, is to give puppy food to adult dogs of small breeds, although representatives of these breeds reach maturity more quickly than large breed dogs. Furthermore, the current nutritional guidelines do not provide recommended minimum and maximum amounts of any given nutrient based on the breed size of the dog. The purpose of this article is to characterize the most important nutrients, especially important in the nutrition of large and giant breed puppies.

Comparison of 2 anesthetic protocols and surgical timing during cesarean section on neonatal vitality and umbilical cord blood parameters

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the mode of anesthesia, the time form the induction to the extraction of a puppy and the immediate postnatal vitality and umbilical cord blood gases parameters in cesarean section derived-puppies. Two different anesthetic protocols were used: inhalation using isoflurane (ISO) and combined—inhalation and epidural (EPI) with propofol being the induction agent.ResultsSignificant differences were found in ISO group in pH values, pCO2 levels and Apgar scores between puppies at different extraction times (< 30 vs. ≥ 30 min). In ISO group puppies extracted later were more acidic (7.16 vs. 7.22), had higher levels of pCO2 (69 vs. 57 mmHg) and lower Apgar scores at birth (1.2 vs. 2.5). On the contrary, in EPI group no differences were observed between the delivery time, umbilical blood gas parameters and puppies’ vitality. Furthermore, the dams from the EPI group required lower concentrations of isoflurane (MAC 1.11 ± 0.19 vs.1.37 ± 0.16, p < 0.001).ConclusionsMultiple pregnancies frequent in dogs lead to significant differences in extraction times between the first and the last puppy during cesarean section. Obtained results showed that the mode of anesthesia and the surgical time would influence the neonatal outcome during cesarean section in dogs. The higher concentration of isoflurane with the longer time of exposure had a negative effect on the initial newborn vitality as well as the umbilical cord blood gas parameters. Therefore, when performing CS in giant dog breeds or expecting many puppies in the litter, it is worth considering epidural component that allow for lower concentrations of inhalant agents, which may contribute to a better clinical condition of newborns.