Effective perioperative analgesia is crucial in canine spinal surgery due to the moderate to severe pain associated. Locoregional anaesthesia is increasingly used within multimodal strategies to reduce opioid requirements, but reports on cervical applications remain limited. This case report describes the first use of a multifidus cervicis plane block in a Labrador Retriever undergoing dorsal laminectomy at C3 for removal of a dorsally compressive extradural mass. A multimodal anesthetic protocol included medetomidine, methadone, propofol, ketamine, and midazolam, with anaesthesia maintained using sevoflurane and a ketamine infusion. Bilateral ultrasound-guided multifidus cervicis plane blocks were performed, injecting bupivacaine (0.15 ml kg-1 per side) in the interfascial plane between the multifidus and semispinalis capititis muscles. Hemodynamic stability was maintained intraoperatively, with only a single fentanyl bolus required. Postoperative analgesia included ketamine and medetomidine infusions, paracetamol, gabapentin, methylprednisolone, and physiotherapy. Pain scores remained below intervention thresholds, and no additional opioid rescue was needed. The patient showed progressive neurological improvement and was discharged eight days postoperatively. Histopathology confirmed chronic pyogranulomatous pachymeningitis. This report demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefit of cervical multifidus plane block, supporting its inclusion in multimodal analgesia for cervical spine surgery. Further studies are warranted to define optimal dosing, efficacy, and safety.

A 4-y-old male Labrador Retriever was submitted for autopsy following radiographic examination by the owner, a veterinarian, which had revealed 3 embedded projectiles. Autopsy revealed a single entrance wound on the left flank. Using flap-by-flap dissection, the trajectory of the projectile was traced through the skin and lumbar musculature to its location where it had perforated the abdominal aorta, causing fatal acute hemoperitoneum. Remarkably, the copper-coated pellet (Diabolo) was found in the lumen of the right femoral artery, consistent with projectile embolism. No external trauma was present at that site. Embolization can occur when a projectile enters the vasculature and travels to a distal location, typically requiring low residual kinetic energy and a vessel of sufficient caliber. Although well documented in human forensic medicine, projectile embolism is exceedingly rare in veterinary cases. To our knowledge, embolization of a projectile in the femoral artery in a dog has not been reported previously. Our case highlights the importance of comprehensive radiographic imaging before autopsy and illustrates the diagnostic value of correlating radiologic findings with meticulous gross examination in veterinary forensic pathology cases.

The present investigation was carried out to study the occurrence and causes of ascites in dogs. Out of 4704 dogs screened during the study period 48 dogs were found positive for ascites. Among 48 ascitic dogs, 21 dogs had ascites due to hepatic origin (43.75%). Age wise occurrence was higher in dogs aged between 1-4 years. Labrador retriever was most commonly affected breed. Male animals were most commonly affected than females. The major clinical signs recorded were inappetence (66.67%), vomiting (47.61%), melena (42.85%), weight loss (42.85%), pedal edema (38.09%), dark yellowish urination (71.42%) and icterus (38.09%). Out of 21 dogs suffered with ascites of hepatic origin, grade 1 ascites was observed in 2 dogs, grade 2 ascites in 10 dogs and grade 3 ascites was observed in 9 dogs. Haemato biochemical analysis revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in haemoglobin, total protein and albumin whereas significant (P<0.05) increase in ALT, AST ALP levels were noticed in affected dogs. Ground glass appearance with loss of serosal details (75%), hepatomegaly (20%) were major abdominal radiographic findings. Sonographic examination revealed anechoic peritoneal fluid in all the dogs (100%). Overall, the findings emphasize that hepatogenic ascites remains a significant clinical condition in dogs and requires a comprehensive diagnostic approach. This includes incorporating haemato-biochemical analysis together with imaging evaluation for identification of hepatic disorders and to enable timely therapeutic intervention.

Genetics influence various aspects of dog welfare, including health, behaviour, lifespan, and metabolism. Selective breeding has led to the accumulation of harmful mutations, causing conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Genetic testing and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of these disorders. Behavioural traits such as aggression, anxiety, and trainability are also heritable, although environmental factors still have an impact. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genes associated with specific behaviours, which aids in the selection of dogs for tasks such as therapy and rescue work. Longevity in dogs is influenced by polygenic traits affecting immune function, oxidative stress response, and cell regeneration. Studies have identified genetic variants in breeds such as the Cane Corso and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that are associated with longer lifespans. Metabolic traits are also genetically determined. Labrador Retrievers often have mutations in genes such as POMC, which increase appetite and the risk of obesity. Variation in the AMY2B gene copy number affects starch digestion and is influenced by dietary changes during domestication. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of genetics in canine well-being, highlighting the value of integrating genetic knowledge into health management and breeding strategies.

Canine interstitial pulmonary fibrosis has been described in dogs, almost exclusively in terrier breeds. Here, we present a unique case of spontaneous pneumothorax in a Labrador Retriever that was presented to an emergency clinic in severe respiratory distress. Despite resuscitation efforts, the animal died and was submitted for autopsy, which revealed severely collapsed lungs bilaterally and bullae along the pleural surface, with at least one ruptured bulla observed grossly. Histopathology of the lung revealed coalescing areas of interstitial fibrosis throughout most of the lung tissue examined. A pan-herpesvirus PCR assay was negative on fresh lung tissue. Based on our findings, we propose that the fibrosis and bullae developed sequentially, and the fibrotic interstitium likely decreased the elasticity in the respective alveoli, leading to increased alveolar wall tension in normal alveoli, which caused the formation of bullae. Our case adds to the body of literature regarding canine interstitial lung disease by describing a unique presentation of canine idiopathic interstitial fibrosis in a non-terrier breed.

Labrador Retriever Puppies aged between 3 months to 5 months with parvoviral enteritis were selected and their Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) profile was analyzed. It revealed decreased pO2 and elevated anion gap affected puppies. There was significant reduction in the mean concentrations for plasma total CO2 (TCO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and HCO3 values.

A three-year-old intact male Labrador Retriever was presented to the Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary College Hospital, Bengaluru, with a history of pyrexia, anorexia, lethargy, and ascites. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and mild halitosis. Haematobiochemical analysis revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, lymphocytopenia, hypoproteinaemia and elevated creatinine and ALT values. Peripheral blood smear examination revealed piroplasm-like structures, later confirmed as Babesia gibsoni by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Abdominal ultrasonography demonstrated moderate hepatomegaly, ascites, and splenomegaly. The dog was successfully treated with a triple therapy regimen consisting of doxycycline, clindamycin, and metronidazole. Supportive care included protein supplements, antacids, haematinics, hepatoprotectants, antioxidants, and B-complex vitamins.

A twelve-year-old airport sniffer male Labrador dog was brought to Veterinary Clinical Complex, VCRI, Namakkal with the history of sudden seizures and drooling of saliva. However, the dog was found dead while on arrival at the Veterinary Clinical Complex. The dog carcass was referred to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, VCRI, Namakkal for necropsy. On gross examination, multiple blackish nodular growths in the oral cavity; leathery appearance of lungs with tiny raised greyish nodules; dark blackish raised nodules in spleen; shrunken kidneys with focal blackish areas in cortico-medullary junction; blackish discolouration with haemorrhage in intestine; thickened urinary bladder and prostate gland were observed. Cytological examination of oral growth revealed clusters of melanin-laden melanocytes with anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, prominent nucleoli and intracytoplasmic coarse granular melanin pigments. Histopathological examination of the oral growth exhibited replacement of normal stratified squamous epithelium with numerous melanin-laden melanocytes. In addition, melanin-laden melanocytes were also noticed in various organs like lungs, spleen, kidney and intestine. This case deals with oral melanoma with multicentric metastasis to various organs in a sniffer dog.

BackgroundThe term supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is used to describe tachydysrhythmias originating from structures at or above the atrioventricular (AV) node. While sustained SVT is uncommon in dogs, it is potentially a life-threatening arrhythmia. Electrophysiology (EP) studies and radio-frequency catheter ablation (RFCA) as a way of characterising the cause of SVT and as a definitive treatment are well described in humans and animals alike. In dogs, EP and RFCA are performed under general anaesthesia; anaesthetic management and associated complications associated with EP and RFCA in canine patients are poorly described.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe anaesthetic management and evaluate peri-operative complications in dogs undergoing general anaesthesia for EP studies and RFCA for treatment of SVT at a single referral hospital.MethodsA retrospective review of the anaesthetic and hospital records of 44 dogs that underwent EP studies and RFCA at a single, referral hospital in the UK, between 2014 and 2024, was performed. Data collected included signalment, clinical findings, anaesthetic protocols, and parameters, as well as intraoperative and peri-operative complications.ResultsThe most common breed was the Labrador Retriever (47.7%), with a median age of 30 months (5–95 months). Anaesthetic management included premedication with a pure μ-opioid agonist (methadone), with or without acepromazine, induction using propofol or alfaxalone, and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen and air via a circle rebreathing system. Intraoperative complications were recorded and included arrhythmias (97.7%), hypoventilation (84.1%), hypotension (65.1%), hypothermia (47.7%), and non-fatal cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA; 6.8%). Cardiovascular support was required in 75% of cases, including crystalloid boluses, colloids, anticholinergics, vasopressors, and inotropes. The most common arrhythmias were supraventricular tachycardia (97.7%), atrial fibrillation (13.9%), ventricular tachycardia (5.6%), ventricular fibrillation (2.8%), transient third-degree AV block (4.65%), and accelerated idioventricular rhythm (2.8%). Postoperative complications occurred in 22.7% of patients, most commonly mild gastrointestinal signs and arrhythmias. One death occurred 9 h postoperatively, resulting in an overall mortality of 2.27%.DiscussionEP studies and RFCA for SVT in dogs can be performed under general anaesthesia with a low incidence of major or catastrophic complications. Anaesthetic protocols using a μ-opioid agonist ± acepromazine, propofol induction, and isoflurane maintenance facilitated completion of procedures. Although intraoperative arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypoventilation were common, these events were manageable. Severe complications and peri-operative mortality were uncommon, and overall outcomes were favourable. Careful anaesthetic planning, consideration of the severity of underlying cardiac disease, and preparedness for cardiopulmonary emergencies are recommended to optimise patient management and outcomes.

To describe the clinical, cytologic, and radiographic features of inflammatory arthritis associated with blastomycosis in dogs. This study included 12 dogs with blastomycosis and cytologic evidence of inflammation in at least 1 joint identified at a tertiary referral center over a 25-year period. Median age of presentation was 5.0 (1.1 to 9.0) years, and 4 of 12 cases were Labrador Retrievers. Musculoskeletal signs were the primary complaint for 10 dogs, while the other 2 presented for respiratory concerns. All dogs were lame upon evaluation, and 10 of 12 had palpable joint swelling. All dogs had evidence of blastomycosis in at least 1 other body system. Of 25 joint fluid cytologies, interpretations consisted of inflammatory arthritis in 21 joints (12 dogs), degenerative joint disease in 1 joint (1 dog), and unremarkable in 3 joints (2 dogs). The inflammation was categorized as suppurative (17 joints, 11 dogs) or pyogranulomatous (4 joints, 1 dog). Intra-articular Blastomyces organisms were observed in 10 joints (6 dogs). Eight of 9 joints (7 of 8 dogs) imaged had at least 1 radiographic abnormality, including 5 joints with osteolytic lesions. All bony lesions were periarticular. Ten dogs received oral antifungal drugs. Three dogs died within 1 month of evaluation; all 6 dogs with long-term follow-up achieved blastomycosis remission, but 2 required surgical arthrodesis of affected joints. Not all dogs with blastomycosis-associated arthritis have cytologically detectable organisms in their joint fluid. Unlike other sampling sites where pyogranulomatous inflammation predominates, suppurative inflammation is most common in the joints.

Diagnosis and therapeutic management of ascites of hepatic origin in a Labrador dog: A case report

Identifying emotional states in animals is a key challenge in behavioural science and a prerequisite for developing reliable welfare assessments, ethical frameworks, and robust human–animal communication models. Recently, large vision-language models (LVLMs) such as GPT-4o, Gemini, and LLaVA have shown promise in general image understanding tasks, and are beginning to be applied for emotion recognition in animals. In this study, we critically evaluated the ability of state-of-the-art LVLMs to classify emotional states in dogs using a zero-shot approach. We assessed model performance on two datasets: (1) the Dog Emotions (DE) dataset, consisting of web-sourced images with layperson-generated emotion labels, and (2) the Labrador Retriever cropped-face (LRc) dataset, which stems from a rigorously controlled experimental study where emotional states were systematically elicited in dogs and defined based on the experimental context in canine emotion research. Our results revealed that while LVLMs showed moderate classification accuracy on DE, performance is likely driven by superficial correlations, such as background context and breed morphology. When evaluated on LRc, where emotional states are experimentally induced and backgrounds are minimal, performance dropped to near-chance levels, indicating limited ability to generalise based on biologically relevant cues. Background manipulation experiments further confirmed that models relied heavily on contextual features. Prompt variation and system-level instructions slightly improved response rates but did not enhance classification accuracy. These findings highlight significant limitations in the current application of LVLMs to non-human species and raise ethical and epistemological concerns regarding potential anthropocentric biases embedded in their training data. We advocate for species-sensitive AI approaches grounded in validated behavioural science, emphasising the need for high-quality, preferably experimentally-based multimodal datasets and more transparent validation. Our study underscores both the potential and the risks of using general-purpose AI to infer internal states in animals and calls for rigorous, interdisciplinary development of animal-centred computational approaches.

To describe the clinical effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy using a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser (Multiwave Locked System; Asa Srl) as adjunctive treatment in dogs with calcinosis cutis (CC). 3 client-owned dogs presented to 2 referral veterinary hospitals from 2022 through 2023 were included. Cases were identified retrospectively via medical record review. Inclusion criteria were clinical and cytological features consistent with CC and histopathological examination when available, diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) based on clinical signs and diagnostic workup, availability of sufficient clinical records and photographic documentation, and owner consent for PBM therapy. Photobiomodulation was applied following a standardized protocol in scanning mode with a 2-cm collimated handpiece (approx 3-cm2 spot): 3 sessions during week 1, every 72 hours in week 2, and then weekly with 4 J/cm2 at the first session and 2.03 J/cm2 thereafter. Included dogs were a 5-year-old male Labrador Retriever and an 8-year-old male English Bulldog with naturally occurring HAC and a 3-year-old female German Shepherd with iatrogenic HAC. All presented with dermatologic lesions compatible with CC (erythematous-crusted plaques, erosive-ulcerative lesions, and/or papules). 2 dogs achieved complete lesion resolution with hair regrowth within 7 to 12 weeks; the third showed partial improvement. No adverse events occurred. Findings, although based on a limited number of cases, suggest a potential supportive role for PBM in the management of CC. Controlled studies are warranted to establish standardized treatment parameters and clarify its role in CC.

Renal disease is one of the most common and fatal condition occurring in dogs. Only few reports are available on the prevalence of renal diseases in dogs in India in general and in Assam in particular. The present study was intended to report the prevalence of renal diseases in dogs registered at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Guwahati, Assam over a period of 5 years. The study was conducted on all the dogs registered at veterinary clinical complex, college of veterinary science, Khanapara from January 2018 to December 2022. The dogs were screened for renal diseases on the basis of patient’s history, clinical signs and symptoms; and were confirmed for renal diseases on the basis of haemato-biochemical analysis, urinalysis and diagnostic study (imaging techniques like radiography and ultrasonography). The overall prevalence of renal disorder in dogs was found to be 2.74%. The breed-wise occurrence of renal disorder was found to be highest in Labrador retriever (29.71%) followed by non-descript breed (17.22%). The sex-wise occurrence was found to be higher in males (60.08%) than female dogs (39.92 %). Highest occurrence of renal disease was observed in the age group of greater than 6-10 Years (31.74%) followed by age group of greater than 3-6 Years (26.38%). The present study evaluated the prevalence of renal diseases in dogs in and around Guwahati region. The highest occurrence of renal disorder was observed in Labrador dogs while English pointer is the least affected one amongst all the breeds. The occurrence of renal disorder in dogs was found be increased with the advancement of age. Male dogs are more prone to renal disorder compared to female dogs.

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the TAI QINGTM single-hub occluder for patent foramen ovale (PFO) in preclinical animal experiments. Twelve Labrador retrievers were included to establish an animal model of PFO. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the TAI QINGTM single-hub occluder was implanted in the animals with PFO. Three animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 9 and 12 months post-implantation, respectively, to evaluate the macroscopic anatomical structure and pathological conditions. The TAI QINGTM single-hub occluder was successfully implanted in all 12 Labrador retrievers (100%). No implant-related complications were detected during the operation and follow-up. The occluder remained stable in its implant location. At 1 month post-implantation, the surfaces of both discs was covered with a translucent layer. Over time, the surface of the occluder became covered with an opalescent membrane, and the tissue surrounding the occluder gradually thickened. Histological and electronic microscopy analysis revealed the presence of endothelial cells and collagen fiber deposition in the tissue with increasing implantation time. Furthermore, at 12 months post-implantation, successful re-puncture was performed. The TAI QINGTM single-hub occluder was safe and effective in the animal model. The results support further investigations in large animal models and human clinical trials.

Ingestion of pharmaceuticals is a common cause of poisoning and hospitalization in companion animals. Pets may be exposed through accidental over-administration of a prescribed veterinary drug, intentional administration of a human drug that owners do not realize is unsuitable for animals, or access to unattended medications. Our objective was to document cases of exposure and toxicosis due to suspected and confirmed pharmaceutical ingestion in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital over a 6-year period (2018 to 2023). Medical records were retrieved from the veterinary hospital database using keywords related to general poisoning. Results were then filtered using keywords related specifically to pharmaceutical ingestion while excluding non-pharmaceutical poisoning cases. Information pertaining to hospitalization, patient signalment, treatment, and case progression was collected and analyzed to characterize common factors in canine pharmaceutical poisoning cases. Pharmaceutical ingestion was reported in 223 canine poisoning cases (confirmed in 102 cases) over 6 y. There were 32 categories of pharmaceutical ingested over the study period. The most common were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 86) and acetaminophen (n = 29). The most common patient signalment was spayed female, young (≤4 y), and large breed (particularly, Labrador retrievers). Normal clinical examinations on presentation were noted in 164 cases. Accidental drug exposures were more common than intentional pharmaceutical administrations (n = 211 and n = 12, respectively). The occurrence of cases related to exposure to human pharmaceuticals was 5× that of cases related to veterinary pharmaceuticals. Only 1 dog of 223 was euthanized, for a survival-to-discharge rate of 99.6%. The most common therapies administered were emesis induction, activated charcoal, fluid support, and gastroprotectant. Pharmaceutical exposure, especially from over-the-counter human medications, was a common reason for hospital admission among the dogs described in this study. Improved client education is needed to avoid preventable pharmaceutical exposures.

Abstract Osteoblastic metastases occur secondary to malignant epithelial tumours, and lead to marked periosteal hyperostosis and medullary sclerosis. These are rarely reported in dogs. A 7‐year‐old, neutered, female labrador retriever × standard poodle presented with a 4‐week history of progressive right hindlimb lameness, pyrexia and thoracolumbar pain. A mammary mass was identified, with cytology indicating a malignant carcinoma. Computed tomography demonstrated extensive primary osteoblastic lesions affecting vertebrae and proximal appendicular bones, alongside pulmonary and lymph node metastasis. Given the guarded prognosis, euthanasia was elected by the owner. Postmortem examination revealed irregular periosteal proliferation associated with metastatic mammary carcinoma in the scapula, humerus, femur, ribs, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and bony induration of the medulla of the long bones. This case advances the understanding of skeletal metastases in dogs, which can often be misdiagnosed, and offers guidance for clinical and diagnostic approaches.

The purpose of the research was to study and give an objective evaluation of the olfactory orientation of search and rescue dogs of different breeds with using selection and genetic parameters. In order to assess these parameters of the working traits of service dogs of different ages, data from special evaluation forms of the following breeds were used such as German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, owned by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. It was found during assessing the selection and genetic parameters of the olfactory orientation of dogs of different breeds that the average indicator of correctly made decisions by dogs during the study of the trail (compliance with the standard) was the highest in dogs of the lupoid type of German Shepherd breed – 82.8 %. They were inferior to males of Golden Retriever breed (P > 0.999). When certain animals interact with the environment, variability of traits occurs. Thus, in dogs of German Shepherd breed, the coefficient of variability was 5.7 %. For example, among dogs there are animals with deviations within 1σ (search performance was 77.1 %), which make a greater percentage of errors, and dogs whose performance in making correct decisions was 88.5 %. Among 22 males of Belgian Shepherd (Malinois) breed high results were also noted as 80.5 %. Dogs of this breed have animals capable of having a greater track performance of up to 84.5 %, as indicated by a coefficient of variability of 4.0 %. Within +1σ such values are allowed. It was established when used a statistical one-factor complex with fi xed indicators of olfactory orientation that among dogs of diff erent breeds the strength of the influence of origin on olfactory orientation is different.

Background: The aim of current study was to record the Incidence of ocular affections in dogs with special reference to pigmentary keratitis. Methods: Total 6,863 animals were registered at Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), Co.V.Sc Jabalpur during a period of six months (May to October, 2024). Out of these animals 5,148 were of dogs, in which 300 (5.82%) dogs were suffered from various ocular affections. Pigmentary keratitis was recorded in 42 (0.81%) dogs after clinical examination. Result: Among the various ocular affections cataracts being the most common at 20.0%, followed by pigmentary keratitis, corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, corneal edema, eyelid masses and other ocular affections were observed in decreasing order. Labrador Retriever was mostly affected among all breeds representing 25.33% of cases, with male dogs showing a higher distribution at 61.33% compared to females at 38.66%. The age group of 3 to 7 years (36.33%) suffered the most. The incidence of pigmentary keratitis in the study was 14.0%, cases of severe pigmentary keratitis (52.63%), with diffuse pigmentation pattern presented the most, Pug being the most affected breed, accounting for 69.04% of cases. Male dogs were more commonly affected than females, with a distribution of 66.66% and 33.33% respectively. Dogs aged between 3 to 7 years were the most affected, comprising 42.85% of the cases.

This study explored whether trace mineral source (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Se) in a complete and balanced diet impacts gait and inflammation in Labrador Retrievers undergoing a 9-week exercise regimen. Forty healthy, adult dogs, averaging 3 years of age, were assigned to diets containing ether inorganic minerals (ING, n = 20) or amino acid complexed minerals (TMC, n = 20). After a 2-week dietary acclimation, dogs began a progressively demanding exercise regimen, ending with an 8 km run. Fecal scores and food intake were recorded daily, while body weights and body condition scores were recorded weekly. Skin and coat condition were assessed at baseline, mid-study, and study end. Mobility and pain were evaluated before and after the first and last run using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) questionnaires. Gait was assessed using the Gait4Dogs walkway system and the FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index Score. Both groups experienced a slight reduction in body weights (P < 0.01) and body condition scores (P < 0.01), likely due to the added energy expenditure of exercise. Skin and coat condition did not differ between the diets (P ≤ 0.15). The LOAD questionnaire tended to reveal perceptions of improved mobility after exercise (P ≤ 0.07), and a perceived improvement in the quality of life for TMC dogs after the final run was detected by the CBPI questionnaire (P < 0.01). Gait analysis revealed better left: right (L: R) symmetry ratios for step time (P = 0.01) in TMC fed dogs. Dogs from ING group had better cycle time L: R ratio (P = 0.03), though ratios for both groups were extremely close to 1:1. A treatment × time interaction for mean pressure L: R ratio revealed TMC dogs had a better ratio after the final run compared to ING dogs (P = 0.02), suggesting differences in how the two mineral sources influenced gait dynamics during the exercise regimen. Blood samples collected at 1, 6, and 24 hrs after the first and last runs revealed changes in several cytokines and chemokines, but only monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was influenced by a treatment × time interaction (P < 0.01). Circulating MCP-1 increased after the final exercise in dogs fed TMC but not in those fed ING. Overall, the results suggest that amino acid complexed minerals may offer advantages in perceived mobility, some gait parameters, and inflammatory responses during a sustained exercise regimen compared to inorganic minerals.