Large Dogs Research Articles

Clinical and morphometric features in cervical spine pathology in humans and animals

Background. The neck, its bone-cartilaginous and muscle apparatus, etc. high activity is well known. Cervical spine degenerative-dystrophic processes are considered to be an urgent problem. The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and morphometric changes of the cervical spine in humans and animals with neck pain based on a clinical and neurological examination, determination of the vertebral body density, their configuration, and ratio for timely correction and prognosis of this patho­logy. Materials and methods. Pain intensity was studied in humans and animals using the adapted visual-analogue scale. The inde­xes of computer tomography with measurement of vertebral body density, and morphometric indexes with an emphasis on C5-C7 le­vel were also studied. All studies were conducted following existing bioethical standards. Results. The pathology of spine configuration was registered in 84.6 % of the examined patients in the form of angular kyphosis or straightened lordosis, more often in women. It was observed in 34.7 % of cases in dogs and cats. The normal configuration is more common: in cats — 78.6 % and in dogs of small breeds — 78.5 %, in large breed dogs — only 26.3 %, and deformations were more frequent than in cats and small dogs (2.7 times more). The cervical vertebrae bodies density in all groups decreased toward the caudal direction with a difference of 18.1 % in humans. In cats — 2.7 %, in dogs of small breeds, it was higher (7.5 %), and in large breed dogs, it reached 14.3 %. The maximum deviations of the studied indicators were found in humans and maximally coincided with those in dogs of large breeds. Conclusions. Thus, animals, especially dogs of large breeds, can serve as a model for studying etiopathogenetic factors, the course, prognosis of degeneration of the bone-cartilage apparatus.

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.

Viable Trypanosoma cruzi cultured from a dead Paratriatoma lecticularia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) encountered in a large dog kennel environment in south Texas, USA.

Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) is a protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) insects and is the causative agent of Chagas disease. Oral transmission of the parasite occurs through consumption of contaminated food or infected triatomines and may depend on the degree to which T. cruzi survives in triatomine abdomens. Dead triatomines may be abundant in areas with insecticide use, such as dog kennels where animals may encounter them. We attempted to culture T. cruzi from the gut material of 108 triatomines collected near dog kennels-14 found alive and 94 found dead-and also tested for T. cruzi DNA and discrete typing units using PCR. In total, 30 (27.8%) tested positive for T. cruzi using PCR, 5 alive (35.7%) and 25 dead (26.6%), with no difference in infection between insects found alive versus dead (P-value = 0.53) and more PCR positives identified in dead triatomines with intact gut contents than in dead desiccated triatomines (P-value = 0.049). One Paratriatoma lecticularia (Stål, 1859) that was found dead (1.1%, n = 94) had T. cruzi growth in culture. Given the use of bleach for external decontamination of triatomines as well as the level of bacterial and fungal contamination of cultures, both of which may have impacted the growth of T. cruzi, the apparent prevalence of viable parasites in this study should be interpreted as a conservative estimate. Vector control initiatives should consider that dead insects may still pose a risk of T. cruzi transmission to animals and humans.

Dog Breed and Starch Gelatinisation Correlation in Food Digestibility and Faecal Traits.

Large dog breeds commonly produce unformed faeces. The present study hypothesised that foods for large dog breeds require higher starch gelatinisation (SG) to reduce organic matter flow to colon. Fifteen Rottweilers (Ro; 49.4 ± 6.12 kg), 18 Beagles (Be; 12.13 ± 1.75 kg) and 20 Shih-Tzus (ST; 4.62 ± 1.15 kg) were fed one of three diets, all based on the same sorghum formulation, processed to obtain three levels of SG: SG90 (91.8% SG), SG50 (50.7% SG) and SG30 (27.4% SG). Foods were provided for 23 days, and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, faecal production and fermentation products, Na, K and Cl apparent absorption and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) were evaluated. Results were submitted to analysis of variance considering SG, breed and their interactions, and means compared by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). All dogs promptly ate the foods. Faeces scores were lower for Ro than for Be and ST, and lower for SG30 than SG90 (p < 0.05). Faeces pH was higher, and total short-chain fatty acids were lower for SG90 than for SG50 and SG30 (p < 0.01), regardless of breed. No diet effect was observed for GTT (p > 0.05), but it was lower for Ro (41.7 ± 6.2 h) than for ST (48.7 ± 8.6 h). The CTTAD of nutrients was lower for SG30, intermediary for SG50 and higher for SG90 (p < 0.05), and among breeds CTTAD was higher for Be than ST and Ro (p < 0.05), which did not differ from each other, except for crude protein CTTAD which was lower for Ro (p < 0.05). The apparent absorption of Na and K was higher for the SG90 treatment, and for Be in comparison with Ro and ST (p < 0.05). Food SG had a remarkable influence on Ro faeces formation and on the CTTAD in all breeds. Greater fermentation in the colon and lower protein CTTAD may be involved in Ro unformed faeces formation.

The resistance of domestic canine skin-derived fibroblasts to oxidative and non-oxidative chemical injury: implications of breed and body size.

Small-breed dogs live significantly longer lives than large-breed dogs, while having higher mass-specific metabolic rates and faster growth rates. Underlying this observed physiological difference across domestic dogs, there must also be differences at other levels of organization that could lead to elucidating what accounts for the disparity in aging rates and life span within this species. At the cellular level, a clear mechanism underlying whole animal traits has not been fully elucidated. Here, we cultured dermal fibroblasts from large and small breed dogs from both young and old age categories and examined the degree of resistance to multiple sources of cytotoxic stress. This included heat (42°C), paraquat, cadmium, and hydrogen peroxide for increasing amounts of time (heat) or increasing concentrations (chemical stressors). We hypothesized that small breed dogs, with longer lifespans, would have greater cellular resistance to stress compared with large breed dogs. Final sample sizes include small puppies (N = 18), large puppy (N = 32), small old (N = 11), and large old (N = 23) dogs. Using a 2 (donor size) by 2 (donor age) between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance, we found that the values for the dose that killed 50% of the cells (LD50) were not significantly different based on donor size (p = 0.45) or donor age (p = 0.20). The interaction was also not significant (p = 0.47). Interestingly, we did find that the degree of resistance to cadmium toxicity was significantly correlated with the degree of resistance to both heat and hydrogen peroxide, but not paraquat (p < 0.01 for both). These data suggest that cellular stress resistance does not differ among domestic dogs as a function of size or age, pointing to other cellular pathways as the mechanistic basis for the observed differences in lifespan.

PSI-15 Validation of a rapid test to evaluate humoral immunity in Labrador Retrievers across multiple life stages

Abstract This study sought to validate the D2Dx rapid immunity test in canines and investigate the age-related changes in the humoral immune system of healthy large breed dogs. Blood plasma with EDTA anticoagulant was collected from healthy Labrador Retrievers (n = 80) housed at Four Rivers Kennel under IACUC protocol FRK-56. Age groups were defined as follows: puppy 0-1.5 yr, adults 1.5-7 yr, senior 7-10, and geriatric 10-14. Immunity biomarkers including c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), complement protein 3 (C3), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were determined through canine specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The nanoparticle based D2Dx test, which evaluates the cumulative humoral immune response, was also performed. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA between age groups, with a Tukey’s post hoc, and correlations between variables were evaluated through multivariate analysis. The D2Dx score was correlated with body weight, age, IgG, and C3 validating that the test was able to adequately measure the humoral immunity in canines (r ≥ 0.49). D2Dx score was significantly different between age groups (P &amp;lt; 0.01) with puppies having significantly reduced scores compared with all other groups (P &amp;lt; 0.01). C3 was significantly different between age groups (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with puppies significantly less than other life stages (P ≤ 0.03). The C3 of adults averaged significantly greater than seniors and trended greater than geriatric subjects (P ≤ 0.01, 0.07). IgG between ages was also significantly different, with puppies significantly less than other age groups (P &amp;lt; 0.01). There was no significant difference between age groups for IFN-γ, IL-4 ratio, IFN-γ, IL-4, or CRP (P ≥ 0.18). This study showed that the D2Dx Rapid Immunity Test is able to detect changes to humoral immunity in canines. Beyond evaluating the effectiveness of the D2Dx test, this study also provides important information about the under researched topic of canine humoral immunity development and senescence in a robust, healthy cohort of large breed dogs.

PSIX-13 Methionine requirements across the life cycle of working Labrador Retrievers using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique

Abstract Methionine is a limiting amino acid in canine diets, but few requirement studies have been conducted across life stages in large-breed dogs. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum requirement (MR) for methionine (Met) in Labrador retrievers at 4 life stages using the indicator amino acid (AA) oxidation (IAAO) technique. In total, 24 dogs were used: 6 puppies aged 10 to 14 wk, 6 puppies aged 14 wk to 9 mo, 6 adults aged 2 to 5 yr, and 6 seniors aged over 8 yr in feeding studies to evaluate the changing requirements of methionine (Met) as canines age. After 2-d adaptation to Met-adequate basal diet (Met = 0.56% dry matter), dogs underwent individual IAAO studies. In brief, all dogs were randomly fed one of six test diets with varying levels of Met ranging from deficient to sufficient (final Met content in experimental diets was 0.1982, 0.2386, 0.279, 0.49, 0.525, 0.56% dry matter, with indispensable amino acids formulated at 1.6x NRC values. Test diet was divided into 13 equal meals; at the 5th meal, a tracer amino acid was supplied (a bolus L-[1-13C]phenylalanine based on body weight was first given, followed by [1-13C]Phe doses every 30 min spanning a 4-h period), and breath samples were collected via respiration mask every 30 min. Total production of 13CO2 during isotopic steady state was determined by enrichment of 13CO2 in breath samples and total CO2 production measured via indirect calorimetry and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Results for IRMS were converted to atom percent excess (APE) and analyzed using segmented linear regression. The Four Rivers mean and population requirements for Met were estimated to be 0.84 ± 0.05 g/1000 kcal (mean ± 2SD) for puppies 10 to 14 wk, 0.78 ± 0.16 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for puppies 14 wk to -9 mo, 0.68 ± 0.19 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for adults 2 to 5 yr, and 0.62 ± 0.17 g/1,000kcal (mean ± 2SD) for seniors. This research provides important information to assist in accurate formulation of diets that contain appropriate methionine for large breed dogs at all life stages.

162 The role of functional amino acids in optimizing nutrition and health

Abstract The ability of a diet or an individual protein-containing ingredient to satisfy the indispensable amino acid (IAA) requirements of an individual is a reflection of protein quality. In human nutrition, the concept of PQ is well recognized and widely applied to facilitate guidance on the extensive range of food items we consume. In the pet food industry, the concept of PQ is gaining recognition as a way in which to identify ideal candidate ingredients for diet formulation and our laboratory has recently completed a large data base of PQ estimates of typical ingredients used in the pet food industry to compliment the emerging PQ ingredient data. Our laboratory has also used more advanced methodologies, specifically the IAAO technique, to measure the dietary Phe, Trp, Met, Thr, and Lys requirements for adult dogs of small, medium and large breed dogs. The role of AA beyond support of protein turnover (adults) or protein deposition (growth) is being explored, such as the role of certain AA in behavior, immune function and inflammation. For example, the ratio of tryptophan to the large neutral amino acids of 0.75:1.0 in contrast to 0.46:1.0 resulted in better indices of gut health and may reduce agonistic behaviors both of which are underpinned by improved serotonergic status. The role of the sulfur AA in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy further highlights the role of IAA as sources for secondary metabolites, such as taurine and glutathione in supporting animal health. Indeed, many AA are becoming referred to as functional AA and the requirement of these AA may differ in healthy and challenged animals and deserve attention in dog and cat nutrition as well. Overall, the pattern of AA that defines the requirement of healthy dogs and cats, may not be the pattern that would support the animal under challenging conditions. Research into supporting different physiological challenges and how these may affect amino acid requirements is warranted.

296 Saccharomyces cerevisiae derived postbiotic modulates inflammatory response and gut microbiota in large breed dogs exposed to endurance exercise and transport stress

Abstract Postbiotic supplements have been used in various livestock species to mitigate the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to determine if similar responses are seen in canine companion animals. We evaluated the effects of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) postbiotic supplement on inflammatory biomarkers, cortisol, and microbiota dysbiosis index in Labrador Retrievers exposed to exercise and transport stress. Dogs [n = 36; 3.52 ± 0.21 yr old and body weight (BW) = 27.6 ± 2.97 kg] were blocked by sex, age, and BW and assigned to receive 1 of 3 daily top-dressed treatments: 1) 15 g ground corn germ (Control, n = 12); 2) 7.5 g S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (Low, n = 12); or 3) 15 g of S. cerevisiae yeast postbiotic (High, n = 12). Dogs were given 1 wk to acclimate to treatments before beginning a 7-wk exercise regimen consisting of twice weekly 4.8 km guided runs. Dogs were exposed to a transportation stressor in wk 8. Fecal samples from d 0 and 56 were analyzed for calprotectin, calgranulin C (S100A12), α1-protease inhibitor, immunoglobulin A, and microbiota dysbiosis index. Blood was collected on d 0 and 63 for serum chemistries and complete blood counts. Blood collection was also performed prior to and 18 to 20 h after first and final runs of the exercise regimen for analysis of inflammatory cytokines. The Four Rivers Kennel (FRK) Gait Inflammation Index score was assessed prior to and 24 hours after the first and last exercise runs with the Gait4Dogs pressure mat system. Saliva cortisol was measured before and after transportation. Blood chemistry did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.19), but Control dogs had increased eosinophils (P = 0.01) and tended to have increased white blood cells (P = 0.08) and lymphocytes (P = 0.08) compared with dogs receiving postbiotic. Dogs fed Low dose had elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.01) and maintained Interleukin (IL) -8 after the initial run (P = 0.03). Males in the Low group had increased IL-10 (P = 0.02). Fecal biomarkers and microbiota dysbiosis index score did not differ among treatments by d 56 (P ≥ 0.19). Blautia abundance was decreased in High (P = 0.04). Fusobacterium abundance tended to be reduced in High and increased in Control and Low (P = 0.07). Clostridium hiranonis tended to be greater in Low compared with Control (P = 0.07). The FRK Total Gait Inflammation Index scores decreased over time with acclimation to running (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Saliva cortisol concentrations did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). The Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based postbiotic tested in this study has potential as a functional ingredient to modulate immune function, improve muscle recovery shortly after exercise and positively change diversity of the gut microbiome in canine companion animal diets.

216 Using GPS collars and vaginal temperature sensors for characterizing rangeland usage and climatic stress in sheep

Abstract Increased climatic variability represents the most significant threat to arid rangeland production systems. We set out to describe land use behavior of rangeland sheep and associations between land use phenotypes and body weight (BW) gain via the investigation of GPS data paired with vaginal temperature sensors to characterize fitness under climatic stress. During a fortnight spanning Aug 19th to Sep 1st, 2023, we deployed 200 vaginal temperature sensors and 199 GPS collars on extensively managed Australian Merinos, and a ⅝ Merino X ⅜ Rambouillet composite line in central Nevada, totaling 200 sampled individuals. Vaginal temperature sensors were constructed by affixing Thermochron iButtons to small ruminant CIDRs depleted of progesterone. GPS collars were constructed by enclosing i-gotU GT-120B GPS units in rubber shrink tubing around large dog collars. The iButtons sampled for vaginal temperature every 10 min, and the GPS collars sampled for location every 5 min. Body weights were recorded at the beginning and end of the trial. Remotely sensed data were acquired from the USGS and climateengine.org to analyze covariates such as slope and elevation, and NDVI, and climate, respectively, and were combined with observational data to generate rasters of distance from water and shade. GPS Position was continuously modeled using the R package momentuHMM (function crwWrap) to allow for the union of simultaneous temperature and location observations. A hidden markov model was employed (function fitHMM) to delineate between active and resting observations. Estimates were more significant when modeling land use and temperature phenotypes by just “active” observations. We used a forward progressing model building function with the R package leaps (function regsubsets) to associate weight change with all land use and temperature phenotypes. Logged distance to shade (P = 0.023) and vertical distance traveled (P = 0.057) were associated with BW gain. The square root of the range in vaginal temperature was positively associated with BW gain (P = 0.045) in a simple linear regression model, suggesting that the ability to adapt to heat stress via metabolic elasticity increases fitness. This study also estimated repeatability for land use behavior and temperature traits. The repeatabilities for vertical distance traveled and distance to shade were 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.04 ± 0.01, respectively. The repeatabilities for mean temperature and vaginal temperature range were 0.47 ± 0.03 and 0.26 ± 0.03, respectively. In conclusion, some land use traits are lowly to moderately repeatable and have significant relationships to BW gain (i.e., fitness) in rangeland settings. Temperature traits are moderately to highly repeatable and can be associated with BW gain.

Torção esplênica primária em cão

Splenic torsion occurs when the spleen rotates around its vascular pedicle, being more frequent in large dogs with a deep chest. The diagnosis is based on the association of clinical signs, abdominal ultrasound examination with color Doppler mode and exploratory celiotomy. The present work reports the surgical treatment of a canine patient, female Pitbull, 10 years old and 25 kg, treated with complaints of lethargy, apathy, hematuria, loose stools and increased abdominal volume. Upon ultrasound examination, she presented an enlarged spleen, diffusely lacy echotexture, reduced echogenicity, without evident blood flow in color Doppler mode. Due to the suggestion of splenic torsion, the patient was referred for exploratory celiotomy, which confirmed the condition. The treatment instituted was total splenectomy, without distortion of the vascular pedicle. The surgical technique presented good results, without complications in the intraoperative and postoperative periods.

Personality Unleashed: Surveying Correlation of Neuter Status and Social Behaviour in Mixed-Breed Male Dogs across Weight Classes.

This study investigates the behavioural differences between neutered and intact dogs. A total of 230 questionnaires of neutered (n = 115) and intact (n = 115) mixed-breed male dogs were collected. Small, medium, large, and giant dogs were analysed to investigate a possible influence of body size. The results showed neuters were significantly more stressed than intacts (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.001). In terms of stress by influences (such as separation anxiety and anxiety at car rides), neutered small, medium, and large dogs were more stressed than giant dogs (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.05). Neuters were also found to be more aggressive in general (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) and more aggressive on the walk (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.02). In addition, personality questionnaires revealed significant differences in all characteristics. Neuters were less emotionally calm (multiple ordinal regression, p = 0.03), less trainable and less sociable (each multiple ordinal regression, p < 0.001). They also scored lower on extraversion (multiple ordinal regression, p = 0.04). These findings highlight the importance of further research into the behavioural effects of neutering dogs, as well as the need for evidence-based guidelines for neutering practices.

Comparison of the Number of Dog Adoptions in a Pilot Program That Restored Limited Visitor Access to Kennels: A Community Case Report

In the 2020–2022 pandemic period, the Orange County (California) animal shelter used an appointment-based adoption system in which visitors did not have access to the kennels. In a 2023 pilot program, visitors were allowed to view some large dogs in their kennels for a limited portion of the shelter’s hours of operation. More adoptions than expected were observed during viewing hours compared to other days and times during the pilot period. Compared to the same calendar period in the preceding year, kennel viewing periods showed an 82% increase in adoptions while appointment-only periods showed only a 4% increase. A higher proportion of large dogs were adopted from the viewable kennels than from the general inventory of large dogs. This was not a randomized controlled study, and these estimates are based solely on retrospective comparisons. It is not known how these increased adoption levels scale if access is available to more kennels or for a substantial portion of the hours of operation.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Vehicular Trauma Prevalence in Dogs (Based on the Data of the Rostov Region Veterinary Clinic Chain for the Period of 2018–2022)

Introduction. Vehicular trauma is one of the most common causes of canine trauma — at least 51% of the total number of the canine trauma according to the foreign statistics. The main risk group consists of the dog males aged from 1 to 3 years old. In Russia no research was conducted to analyse the prevalence of vehicular trauma in dogs that would allow determining the risk factors, the nature and severity of injuries, and making recommendations for the owners and veterinarians. This article proposes a retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs based on the data of the Rostov region veterinary clinic chain for the period of 2018–2022.Materials and Methods. For retrospective evaluation, the medical histories of patients of the “VitaVet” LLC veterinary clinic chain (Rostov region) were used as the material. The selection of medical histories was carried out from September 2022 to March 2023 in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: the presence of a vehicular trauma in the animal's anamnesis; diagnosis based on the physical examination, X-ray examination and ultrasound examination; absence of data on the other potentially life-threatening diseases in the animal medical history. The severity of dogs’ condition was evaluated according to five parameters of the ATT scale (Animal Trauma Triage) and the estimate shock index.Results. A retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs was carried out based on the data of 559 selected medical histories. Of these, 217 histories belonged to bitches (94% non-neutered) and 342 to dog males (98% non-neutered). It was revealed that the number of deaths in bitches was almost two times less in comparison with the male dogs (13% and 20.2% respectively). About 45% of vehicular trauma occurred in animals aged from 1 to 3 years old. The lowest percentage of deaths (6.15%) and the average ATT score (3.15±0.09) were found in bitches under one year old. In bitches aged from 1 to 3 years old, these parameters equalled to 10.74% mortality and 3.46±0.07 ATT score. Among male dogs, the lowest mortality percentage was found in males from 7 to 10 years old (11.11%), in animals under one year old it was 12.84%. The largest number of injured dogs was in the small dog breeds (63.69%), however in large dog breeds the percentage of deaths and the average ATT score were higher (54.8% and 4.34±0.3). The most common diagnoses resulting from the vehicular trauma were: femoral fracture, pelvic fracture, craniocerebral trauma, contusion, tibia fracture, vertebral fracture.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the retrospective evaluation indicate that the young non-neutered dog males were most often subject to the vehicular trauma (dogs under the age of 3 years old were in the risk group). Mortality among the dog males was higher than among the bitches. The small dog breeds were more likely to get the vehicular trauma, whereas the percentage of deaths in large dog breeds was higher. The most common injuries observed during the period of research were the musculoskeletal disorders, this fully corresponds to the data published in the foreign scientific sources. Further expansion of the sample of research taking into account the data of the other veterinary clinic chains will create the opportunity for getting a more detailed picture in the research area.

Housing-related companion animal relinquishment across 21 animal shelters in the United States from 2019-2023.

Housing issues are a major contributor to companion animal relinquishment in the United States and beyond. In this study, we analyze a database of shelter intake records from 2019-2023 from 21 shelters across the United States to assess rates and subtypes of housing relinquishment, characteristics and outcomes of the relinquished animals, and longitudinal trends in housing relinquishment. Housing issues represented 14% (n = 28,424) of overall intakes in the broader database (N = 1,021,204 total intake records). Housing relinquishment subtypes were unspecified (54%), pet-related restrictions (27%), landlord issues (8%), housing loss (5%), and unhoused owners (5%). Large (mean weight: 55 lbs) and small dogs (mean weight: 11 lbs) were most common. Pit bull-type dogs comprised 12% of the overall relinquishments and mixed-breed dogs were 35%. Most animals had a live outcome, but live outcomes decreased over time (p < 0.001, z = -6.91, slope = -0.11), and pit bull-type dogs (X 2(1) = 243.63, p < 0.001) and animals relinquished by unhoused owners (OR = 0.64, p < 0.05) were most at risk of euthanasia or other shelter death. Over the study period, intakes due to loss of home increased (p < 0.001, z = 9.82, slope = 0.29), while intakes due to pet restrictions (p < 0.001, z = -6.82, slope = -0.17) and landlord issues decreased (p < 0.001, z = -4.89, slope = -0.08). Overall cat intakes increased (p < 0.001, z = 3.60, slope = 7.34), while dog intakes decreased (p < 0.001, z = -4.89, slope = -0.08). The number of intakes that were pit bull-type dogs (compared to all other breeds) decreased over time (p < 0.001, z = -4.56, slope = -0.06), as did average animal weight (p < 0.001, z = -4.42, slope = -0.07) and age (p < 0.001, z = -7.88, slope = -0.16). We discuss these findings in the context of the previous shelter and pet-friendly housing research and broader housing trends and policies in the United States.

OCENA WPŁYWU FIZJOTERAPII PO USZKODZENIU WIĘZADŁA KRZYŻOWEGO DOCZASZKOWEGO U PSÓW

The study aims to evaluate if rehabilitation in dogs that had suffered from cranial cruciate ligament rupture and underwent tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) led to their faster recovery than rehabilitation in non-operated dogs. Medical records were analysed of thirty-one dogs representing nineteen breeds, both sexes, and aged from nine months to fifteen years. The dogs were divided into two groups of small (light) and large (heavy) subjects. A statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test (Chi2 ), considering such sources of variation as the body weight (small and large dogs), rehabilitation after the TPLO surgery or rehabilitation with no surgical intervention and the period to restore satisfactory limb function versus the pre-rehabilitation period. The body weight was not the determinant of the dog’s regaining fitness after CCL injury regardless of the treatment method. It was discovered that small dogs recovered faster to reach satisfactory performance, and the pre-rehabilitation period after the injury did not affect their performance. Moreover, the time between the injury and the beginning of rehabilitation and between the injury and surgery did not matter for regaining full fitness.

Mesenteric torsion in a cat

Mesenteric torsion is a rare condition in felines, usually affecting large breed dogs. Diagnosis is quite challenging due to the lack of pathognomonic clinical signs, often resulting in sudden death of the animal. This report documents mesenteric torsion in a feline with a history of severe diarrhea. Ultrasonographic exams revealed thickening of the intestinal wall, displaying a multi-layered appearance and increased echogenicity. Emergency therapy was initiated, followed by surgical intervention involving exploratory laparotomy, confirming a 360-degree mesenteric torsion in the jejunal region. Successful enterectomy and enterostomy of the incarcerated portion were performed, leading to the patient's survival.

Structure and scaling of the middle ear in domestic dog breeds.

Although domestic dogs vary considerably in both body size and skull morphology, behavioural audiograms have previously been found to be similar in breeds as distinct as a Chihuahua and a St Bernard. In this study, we created micro-CT reconstructions of the middle ears and bony labyrinths from the skulls of 17 dog breeds, including both Chihuahua and St Bernard, plus a mongrel and a wolf. From these reconstructions, we measured middle ear cavity and ossicular volumes, eardrum and stapes footplate areas and bony labyrinth volumes. All of these ear structures scaled with skull size with negative allometry and generally correlated better with condylobasal length than with maximum or interaural skull widths. Larger dogs have larger ear structures in absolute terms: the volume of the St Bernard's middle ear cavity was 14 times that of the Chihuahua. The middle and inner ears are otherwise very similar in morphology, the ossicular structure being particularly well-conserved across breeds. The expectation that larger ear structures in larger dogs would translate into hearing ranges shifted towards lower frequencies is not consistent with the existing audiogram data. Assuming that the audiograms accurately reflect the hearing of the breeds in question, oversimplifications in existing models of middle ear function or limitations imposed by other parts of the auditory system may be responsible for this paradox.

Long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy management in two brachycephalic dogs using a commercial and a three-dimensional-printed silicone stent.

To report the long-term outcome of utilization of a silicone stent to support the management of a permanent tracheostomy. Short case series. Two client-owned brachycephalic dogs. Two brachycephalic dogs with stage III laryngeal collapse underwent permanent tracheostomy. After the tracheostomy had healed, a silicone stent was inserted to support the stoma and facilitate home care. One dog wore a commercially available silicone stent for the follow-up period of 2 years. For the dog in Case 2, a 3D-printed, medical-grade silicone stent with an increased length was designed, as the dog had developed skin sores from the commercial device. Both dogs tolerated the silicone stent well. Stent care was managed by the owners without need for assistance. They reported that the silicone stent facilitated cleaning of the stoma surroundings and that they felt an increased confidence in airway patency, as the device prevented the tracheal stoma from collapsing. In Case 1, tracheoscopy 1 year after first stent insertion revealed minimal visible changes to the tracheal stoma. In Case 2, the 3D printed silicone stent led to a remission of skin sores and the dog wore the device comfortably until succumbing to an unrelated disease 13 months later. The insertion of a silicone stent is a simple and cost-effective method to improve home care of dogs with permanent tracheostomy. Larger dogs, as in Case 2, may benefit from custom-designed 3D-printed stents.

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Large Breed Dogs: Survival Characteristics and Prognostic Variables.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common acquired heart disease in dogs and its occurrence in small-and medium-sized dogs has been extensively investigated. MMVD has been described in large breed dogs as well, but substantial knowledge gaps remain. The aim of this study was to provide characteristics, survival times, and prognostic variables in large breed dogs with MMVD. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with MMVD, between 2012 and 2021, were retrospectively reviewed and 202 dogs were analyzed. Median survival time (MST) for all-cause mortality was 800 days for stage B1 dogs, 274 days for stage B2 dogs, and 184 days for stage C dogs. The MST for cardiac-related death for B1 dogs could not be calculated (because survival was greater than 50% at the last timepoint) and for stage B2 and C dogs the MST were 484 and 252 days, respectively. These findings suggest that the frequency of cardiac-related death is low in large breed dogs with stage B1 MMVD. In addition, increased left atrial and ventricular size, evidence of systolic dysfunction, a thrilling murmur, and increased early trans-mitral peak velocity are predictors of cardiac-related death. Data also suggest that the risk of a negative outcome increases profoundly when large breed dogs advance from ACVIM stage B1 into stage B2 or C.