Mixed-breed Research Articles

Meat and carcass quality of weaner rabbits placed on three different plant protein-based diets

The study assessed the effect of replacing groundnut cake (GNC) with palm kernel cake (PKC) or cotton seed cake (CSC) on the meat and carcass characteristics of rabbits. Sixty mixed breed weaner rabbits of both sexes with an age range of eight to nine weeks old were randomly divided into three treatments 1, 2, and 3 of 20 rabbits per group. Rabbits in the group one (T1) served as the positive control and were fed GNC-based diet, while those in treatments two (T2) and three (T3) were fed PKC-, and CSC-based diets respectively. The results differed non-significantly (p>0.05) in the final body weight and carcass quality of the rabbits in each group. Carcass evaluation varied non-significantly (p>0.05) in terms of visceral (liver, lungs, hearts, and kidneys) and weights of primal cuts (neck, forelimbs, hindlimbs, chest, and back). Also, some of the meat’s physicochemical properties showed no difference. The meat ratios bone of groups fed PKC- and CSC-based diets were insignificant (p>0.05) above the control. CSC significantly (p<0.05) increased the moisture, while PKC significantly decrease the nitrogen and crude protein contents of the meat of experimental rabbits. This study suggests that rabbits could be raised on a diet formulated using CSC as a replacement for GNC, while a PKC-based diet tends to decrease the protein content of rabbit meat.

COMPLICATION OF SCABIES AND ANAPLASMOSIS IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Dogs are animals that are in great demand by many people. However, there are several diseases that often attack dogs, such as scabies and anaplasmosis. The purpose of this writing is to find out how the symptoms and treatment are in dog cases. The case animal is a female mixed breed dog, 3 months old and 1.24 kg body weight. Furthermore, anamnesa was carried out on the owner and physical examination by palpation, percussion, auscultation, and inspection of the animal cases. Supporting examinations are carried out by conducting blood tests by taking the blood of animal cases which are fixed first, then stained and examined under a microscope. In the blood hematology examination, blood was taken which was then examined at the Udayana University Veterinary Hospital. The skin scraping method is performed on the part of the skin where there is a lesion which is then given KOH and then examined under a microscope. From the results of the examination, it was found that the case animal had hypochromic microcytic anemia, had anaplasma, and had scabies on the skin scrapings. This case dog was diagnosed with scabies accompanied by anaplasmosis. The therapies given were ivermectine, doxycycline, dipenhydramine, chlorpheniramine maleate, vitamin B12 and fish oil. After 14 days of therapy, the case animals showed good progress where the level of pruritus decreased and hair began to grow on the skin area where there were lesions. Case animals should not have direct contact with healthy animals to avoid transmission and owners should wash their hands after touching case animals.

Purebred dogs show higher levels of genomic damage compared to mixed breed dogs

Inbreeding is a common phenomenon in small, fragmented or isolated populations, typical conditions of many threatened species. In the present paper, we used a new non-invasive approach based on the buccal micronucleus assay to evaluate the possible relationships between inbreeding and genomic damage using the dog as model species. In particular, we assessed the frequencies of micronuclei and other nuclear aberrations in a group of purebred dogs (n = 77), comparing the obtained data with those from a control group represented by mixed breed dogs (n = 75). We found a significant increase of micronuclei, nuclear buds and total nuclear aberrations frequencies in purebred dogs compared to mixed-bred dogs. The absence of significant differences in the frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear aberrations amongst different breeds reinforces the hypothesis that the observed increased genomic damage amongst purebred dogs may not be due to a different genomic instability typical of a particular breed, but to inbreeding itself. This hypothesis is further confirmed by the fact that other endogen confounding factors, such as sex, age and weight, do not contribute significantly to the increase of genomic damage observed amongst purebred dogs. In conclusion, results presented in this study showed that, in purebred dogs, inbreeding may increase the levels of genomic damage. Considering that genomic damage is associated with increased physiological problems affecting animal health, the results we obtained may represent a stimulus to discourage the use of intensive inbreeding practices in captive populations and to reduce the fragmentation of wild populations.

Use of an intravenous catheter to treat urinary distension in cases of feline lower urinary tract disease

Urolithiasis is a disease that commonly affects the urinary organs due to blockage of crystal stones in the urinary tract of male cats. A 3.5 year old male mixed breed domestic cat was examined at the Royal Purple Vet Clinic with complaints of a lack of appetite, fever, and vomiting. The results of the physical examination showed that the body temperature was 39.6°C, bladder distention occurred, and there was a pain response when palpated. Under emergency conditions, urinary distension was treated by insertion of an intravenous catheter (26G). Supporting examinations included urinalysis and microscopic examination of urine. Urinalysis results showed the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and protein in the urine. Meanwhile, the results of the microscopic examination showed that there were deposits of calcium oxalate crystal particles. The cat was diagnosed with urolithiasis with a Fausta prognosis. The treatment includes fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, supplements, and herbal medicine. The cat experienced changes after being treated for four days, characterized by normal urination and no blood found in the urine

Surgical excision combined with electrochemotherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in a feline: Case report

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm derived from keratinocytes, commonly preceded by actinic (solar) keratosis, with unclear etiology but associated with host and environmental factors. The present study aimed to describe the therapeutic association of surgical resection with electrochemotherapy using carboplatin in a case of SCC. The work was conducted using qualitative methodology, providing a detailed case report of a domestic feline treated at a private hospital unit. The cat was of mixed breed, female, spayed, 12 years and 4 months old, with white and gray fur, weighing 5.1 kg. The patient presented with a unilateral ulcerative lesion on the lower right eyelid, which had been evolving for 2 years with a significant increase in size and ulceration for approximately 3 months. After an incisional biopsy for histopathological examination, the diagnosis of SCC was confirmed, and it was decided to perform surgical excision with 2 cm margins, along with two sessions of carboplatin electrochemotherapy. After 40 days from the second electrochemotherapy session, with no signs of recurrence, the patient was discharged.

Hepatic amyloidosis in a dog with sterile pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis

AbstractA 3‐year‐old, mixed breed dog was presented for chronic large intestine diarrhoea, hyporexia, weight loss, fever, generalised lymphadenopathy and progressive abdominal distention, caused by hepatomegaly and ascites. Cytology of peripheral lymph nodes and liver was suggestive of pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis and hepatic amyloidosis, respectively. As concurrent infectious and/or neoplastic diseases were ruled out, and the dog responded favourably to immunosuppressive therapy, a sterile idiopathic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis triggering amyloid deposition in the liver was considered a likely diagnosis. The dog developed clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities suggestive of hepatic failure 11 months later and was euthanased at that stage. Unfortunately, hepatic amyloidosis is associated with a poor prognosis due to lack of an effective therapy and consequent progressive organ failure and/or organ rupture causing life‐threatening haemorrhage.

Polyautoimmunity manifest as inflammatory myopathy, uveitis, and progressive cutaneous depigmentation in a mixed breed dog: a case report

BackgroundPolyautoimmunity is the expression of more than one autoimmune disease in a single patient. This report documents polyautoimmunity in a mixed breed dog with concurrent uveitis, cutaneous depigmentation, and inflammatory myopathy.Case presentationA 1-year-old male neutered mixed breed dog was presented for progressive generalized leukotrichia and leukoderma, bilateral panuveitis, and masticatory muscle atrophy. The latter progressed to myositis of lingual, pharyngeal, and masticatory muscles confirmed by biopsy. Temporalis muscle was completely replaced by adipose and fibrous tissue, and necrotic myofibers with extensive infiltration of mononuclear cells indicated active myositis of lingual muscle. Skin biopsies showed severe melanin clumping in epidermis, hair follicles, and hair shafts, and perifollicular pigmentary incontinence. Uveitis, depigmentation, and myositis affecting the masticatory, pharyngeal, and tongue muscles were diagnosed based on clinical, histological, and laboratory findings.ConclusionsTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of concurrent uveitis, progressive cutaneous depigmentation, and inflammatory myopathy in a dog.

Extensive fatal Pyoderma gangrenosum in a dog after drug exposure.

A 4-year-old, spayed female mixed breed dog was presented with large crater-like, well-demarcated, erosive and ulcerative necrotic lesions of the skin, elevated body temperature and lethargy, that began 14 days after vaccination and treatment with fluralaner and milbemycin/praziquantel. Cytology revealed severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with moderate numbers of extracellular microorganisms. Histopathologic examination showed severe multifocal pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis with severe dermal edema and severe neutrophilic exocytosis with band-like infiltration of the lower portion of the epidermis consistent with pyoderma gangrenosum. Despite intensive immunosuppressive and antimicrobial therapy and intensive inpatient care, the dog was euthanized 16 days after admission due to complications with clinical signs of sepsis, acute dyspnea and thoracic effusion.

Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part III: Hindlimb and pelvis.

To categorize the fascial planes and the intersections of these fascial planes in the hindlimb of the dog to facilitate preoperative planning for superficial cancers. Qualitative anatomical study. Four male and five female mixed breed dogs, weighing ~15-35 kg. Skin and subcutaneous fat were removed, and fascial planes were explored to determine borders and quality. Fascia was categorized as type I (discrete sheets), type II (adhered to thin muscles), type III (adhered to thick muscles), or type IV (associated with periosteum). Digital modification of specimen photographs was performed to map tissues. Differences in dogs were noted due to either size or sex but were sufficiently minor to allow mapping. Fasciae of the hindlimb were predominantly type II or III, with type I fascia primarily at the lateral gluteal region, fascia lata, and lateral crus. Type IV fascia was seen at the iliac wing, ischium, patella, tibial tuberosity, medial tibia, distal crus, and pes. Fascia for surgical use was thin or absent at the ischiorectal fossa, femoral triangle, extensor mechanism, medial and distal crus, and pes. Intersections and tissues at the ventral perineum may also pose challenges for maintenance of a deep margin. Fascial types and integrity of the hindlimb varied with location, with the perineum, cranial stifle, and distal limb presenting the greatest challenges. These images may be used to guide both therapeutic decision-making and intraoperative excision of superficial tumors of the hindlimb and pelvis.

Prevalence and risk factors of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in South Korea

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively worsens with age and is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in human. This study aimed to investigate the possible risk factors and prevalence of CCD in South Korea. The Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) was used to identify dogs with CCD. Dogs (≥5 years of age, n = 1828) were classified into three groups (normal, at-risk, and CCD) based on CCDR score. The prevalence of CCD in this study was relatively high at 25.9% (358/1382) among aged dogs (≥9 years of age) compared to that in previous studies. Age was positively correlated with CCDR score (r = 0.49, p < 0.0001). The specific breeds with the highest prevalence of CCD in South Korea were Miniature Schnauzer (42.50%, 17/40), mixed breed (26.01%, 58/223), and Yorkshire Terrier (25.83%, 31/120). Although further studies involving an even age distribution among breeds or body sizes are required, the present study revealed a high prevalence of CCD in South Korea, as in Western countries, and reminds both veterinarians and owners of the importance of diagnosis and management/treatment of CCD.

Potentials of Scent Leaves (O. gratissimum) as Feed Additive on Performance, Selected Blood Biochemicals and Helminthiasis in Weaner Pigs

Purpose: A study was conducted to examine the potentials of scent leaves (SL) (O. gratissimum) meal as a feed additive on performance, blood biochemicals and antihelmintic in weaner pigs.&#x0D; Methodology: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted using 30 mixed breed of large-white and duroc weaner pigs, allocated to three treatments with ten pigs each, replicated five times with two pigs per replicate. Formulated diet (1) is a Positive Control (PC) – supplemented with Kepro-dewomer, diet 2 a Negative Control (NC) – without Kepro-dewomer and Scent Leaves (SL), while Diet 3 was supplemented with Scent Leaves (SL) at 1.0%. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA with SAS software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.&#x0D; Findings: Results indicated that there were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among treatments in final body weight gain (FBWG). Highest daily weight gain (HDWG) (0.51kg) and highest daily feed intake (HDFI) (0.46kg) were recorded in pigs fed diet 3. Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different among the experimental groups 1 and 3: (37.01) (26.7), (12.72) (39.11) (25.5) (12.88) respectively. Meanwhile, diets 1 and 3 were significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved serum biochemicals parameters (Aspartate amino transferase – AST). (Alanine aminotransferase – ALT) and (Alkaline phosphate – ALP) compared with diet 2. Kepro dewomer and scent leaves dietary supplementation had a significant reduction on oocysts shedded per gram of feaces in diet 1 (30.42, 31.03, 32.96) and diet 3 (36.78, 35.89, 31.11) compared with diet 2 (61.3, 63.41, 68.01) respectively&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The idea of alternative medication theory to synthetic drug in livestock feeds was conceived and developed; towards solving the problem of resistance of microbial pathogens to synthetic antibiotic as a result of its continuous usage. Findings, therefore, showed that the strategic supplementation of scent leaves meal as an alternative deworner to synthetic deworner that poses health risks to consumers could be avoided. Also, the need to adapt a collection and processing strategy at many locations wherever the scent leaf plant is produced and are poorly utilized or being wasted.

The Effect of Inhaled Ciclesonide Treatment on Systemic Markers of Immune Function in Horses

The use of dexamethasone to control equine asthma is a common and effective treatment. Although short-term systemic dexamethasone treatment has not been shown to induce systemic immunosuppression in the horse, the goal of this study was to determine whether inhaled ciclesonide, an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of equine asthma, exerts any systemic immunosuppressive effects when compared to dexamethasone-treated and untreated horses. Eighteen light, mixed breed horses, ranging in age from 3 to 8 years of age, were used for this study and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) nontreated controls, (2) ciclesonide treatment, or (3) dexamethasone treatment. Blood was collected daily for steady-state messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis, as well as at Days 0, 5, 10, and 15 of treatment for in vitro stimulation with Concanavalin A (ConA). Messenger RNA relative quantities were determined using RT-qPCR for select genes. Two-way, repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze qPCR data and results considered significant at P < .05. There were significant decreases in the steady-state, whole-blood expression of granzyme B and interferon-γ due to dexamethasone treatment, when compared to the nontreated control group. Within ConA-stimulated samples, there remained a suppressive effect of dexamethasone treatment on granzyme B expression compared to nontreated control horses. Similar effects were not noted in the ciclesonide-treated horses. Significant effects of ciclesonide treatment on markers of immune function were not noted in this study, suggesting a low risk for immunosuppression with inhaled ciclesonide treatment.

The Use of Physical Rehabilitation to Improve Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Dog- A Case Report

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the canine patient is a common sequela to head trauma accidents such as vehicular trauma or high-rise falls. A 3-year-old, intact female mixed breed dog presented to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine following a suspected hawk attack. At presentation, this non-ambulatory, tetraparetic, mentally inappropriate, and stuporous patient was diagnosed with suspected TBI secondary to trauma. Physical rehabilitation was initiated and continued during the hospitalization period and afterwards on an outpatient basis. Rehabilitation focused on a combination of mental stimulation, proprioceptive and balance work, and sensory stimulation. Therapies and exercises used consisted of massage, stretching, passive range of motion (PROM), assisted standing, weight shifting, underwater treadmill (UWTM), and the use of textured surfaces, music, and positive encouragement. The patient’s coordination, balance, and mentation greatly improved. At a follow-up visit 4 months post-injury, she could ambulate with no assistance and had minimal neurological deficits. Physical rehabilitation after TBI in humans is considered to be standard of care. In this veterinary patient, rehabilitation contributed to healing, return of function, and good quality of life.

Clinical And Molecular Investigation in Feline Infectious Peritonitis Cat Treated with Gs-441524 Contained Drug

An immune-mediated disease caused by a highly virulent Feline coronavirus (FCoV), Feline infectious peritonitis, is one of the most challenging diseases in cats due to its difficulty in either diagnosis or treatment. However, the recent investigation has offered some hope with the discovery of adenosine nucleoside analog GS-441524, which has shown promising results in terms of survival rates and clinical recoveries. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of GS-441524 for FIP treatment. A-two-year-old male mix breed was admitted to Satwakita Animal Clinic, Yogyakarta and examined by responsible veterinarian. Abdominal effusion was aseptically collected for further examination in Veterinary Medicine Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The analysis utilized RT-qPCR targeting 5’UTR confirmed FCoV infection in the cat. The cat was treated by daily administration of the nucleoside analog GS-441524 by subcutaneously injection route for 40 days. The result of this treatment proves that GS-441524 effectively cured FIP and eliminated FCoV infection in the cat. In this case report, we showed that GS-441524 was effective in this cat. Both clinical signs and FCoV RNA were significantly reduced. The results highlight the promising potential of GS-441524 for treating FIP that naturally occurs in cats

Risk Factors for Patellar Luxation in Dogs in the Philippines

A retrospective case-control study was conducted on dogs with patellar luxation who presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Diliman Station-Companion Animal Clinic between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. There was a total of 73 dogs were diagnosed with patellar luxation. The majority of the dogs presented with limping, and the causes were mostly unknown. Unilateral medial patellar luxation was the most common type (21.92%). The average age of patients with patellar luxation was 3.24 years old. Puppies are 0.03 less likely to be diagnosed with patellar luxation, while juveniles are 3.74 times more likely, and mature adults are 2.19 times more likely to be diagnosed. The affected dogs included intact males (47.95%), neutered males (4.11%), and intact females (47.95%). The average weight of the affected dogs was 8.39 kg and the majority (35.62%) had a body condition score of 5/9. The Pomeranian was the most common breed for patellar luxation, followed by the mixed breed Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Chihuahua. Mixed breeds are 0.39 times less likely, and dogs fed with dry dog food are 0.51 times less likely to develop the condition. Age and breed were also significantly associated with patellar luxation.

Влияние полезащитных лесных насаждений на микроклимат агроландшафта в сухостепной зоне каштановых почв

The article presents the results of correlation and regression analysis of the interrelationships of microclimatic indicators and the distance from the forest strip. Field studies were conducted in the dry-steppe zone of chestnut soils during 2020–2021 in the summer, autumn, and winter periods. The object of the study is a fortyyear old protective forest strip of openwork construction of the Kachalinskoye experimental-production farm of mixed breed composition of small-leaved elm (Ulmus parvifolia J.) and golden currant (Ribes aureum P.) along the edges of the strip. In the course of the analysis, various degrees of dependence of the studied factors on each other were revealed. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship (on the Cheddock scale) between the distance from the forest strip and wind speed (r = 0.94–0.96), humidity (r = 0.83–0.86), and air temperature (r = 0.80–0.89). The average and strong correlation between microclimatic indicators and the distance from the forest strip is noted in part of the measurements for soil humidity and temperature. The obtained regression models and determination coefficients indicate the proximity of the mathematical model to empirical observations.

Pharmacokinetics of mebendazole in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid following a single oral dose in healthy dogs.

Novel therapies are needed for treatment of gliomas. Mebendazole previously demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects on canine glioma cell lines at in vitro mean inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 10 ng/mL. Our study aimed to titrate the oral dose of mebendazole necessary to achieve concentrations ≥10 ng/mL in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of healthy dogs. We hypothesized that an oral dose up to 200 mg/kg would be necessary. Phase one was a dose titration study using a total of 6 mixed breed dogs that described dose vs. plasma concentrations for 72 h after single oral dosing of either 50 mg/kg (n = 2), 100 mg/kg (n = 2), or 200 mg/kg (n = 2). Based on phase one, phase two dogs (total of 9) received 100 mg/kg (n = 4) or 200 mg/kg (n = 5) orally and blood samples were collected intermittently for 60 h with CSF samples collected intermittently for 24 h. Mebendazole was quantitated in plasma and CSF using high performance liquid chromatography. Median peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) were reached at 7 ± 2 h (100 mg/kg) of 220 ng/mL (81, 283) and at 15 ± 4 h (200 mg/kg) of 147 ng/ml (112, 298). The respective area under the curve (AUC: ng/ml/h) reported as a median was 2,119 (1,876, 3,288) vs. 3,115 (1,559, 4,972). Median plasma concentrations (ng/ml) for 100 vs. 200 mg/kg were 47 (32, 52) vs. 65 (35, 104), respectively. For CSF, the median value for Cmax (at 100 mg/kg vs. 200 mg/kg) was 8 (2, 28) vs. 21 (12, 27) and AUC was 87 (22, 157) vs. 345 (92, 372), respectively. Relative bioavailability in CSF vs. plasma was 4 to 10%. Although several animals demonstrated clinical signs indicative of gastrointestinal upset [i.e., vomiting (n = 2), diarrhea (n = 2), or both (n = 1)], these events were not considered serious. The in vitro IC50 for gliomas can be reached in CSF at 100 mg/kg (n = 1), however a 200 mg/kg dose yielded more consistent concentrations.

The influence of risk factors on bovine leukemia virus infection and proviral load in egyptian cattle.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL), which affects cattle globally. In Egypt, BLV control strategies have been ignored because of the shortage of BLV research studies and the silent infection in most animals. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the prevalence of BLV among dairy and beef cattle from six different geographic and climatic provinces in Egypt. Additionally, risk factors affecting the BLV proviral load (PVL) among the positive cattle were targeted. The total BLV prevalence in cattle from six investigated Egyptian provinces was 24.2% (105/433), while the mean PVL (8651.6 copies /105 white blood cells) was absolutely high as estimated by the BLV-CoCoMo-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-2 assay. Analysis of the influence of risk factors (age, sex, breed, production type, farm size, and location) on BLV prevalence indicated that the Holstein breed (OR = 1.582, p = 0.007), beef cattle (OR = 1.088, p = 0.0001), large-size farms (OR = 1.26, p = 0.0001), and cattle from Damietta (OR = 1.43, p = 0.0001) and Cairo (OR = 1.16, p = 0.0001) were ultimately proven the most important risks for BLV infection. The risk factors were analyzed considering the BLV PVL levels in the BLV-positive cases. Significantly high PVL (HPVL) levels were observed in cattle > 5 years old (p < 0.0001), females (p = 0.0008), Holstein (p < 0.0001), dairy cows (p = 0.0053), large-size farms (p < 0.0001), and cattle from Damietta (p < 0.0001) compared to other categories. Contrary, no significant differences in PVL levels were reported between the Native and Mixed cattle breeds (p = 0.13). Ultimately, the logistic regression model indicated that the probability of carrying HPVL in cattle > 5 years is 1.27 (95% CI: 1.03-2.09, p < 0.001) times more likely compared to cattle < 2 years old. In conclusion, the findings were valuably correlating the BLV prevalence with PVL as an indicator of the risk of BLV infection.

Novel genetic variant associated with globoid cell leukodystrophy in a family of mixed breed dogs.

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL) is a fatal autosomal recessive disease caused by variants in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene. Two dog breed-specific variants are reported. Characterize the putatively causative GALC variant for GCL in a family of dogs and determine population allele frequency. Four related mixed-breed puppies with signs of neurologic disease were evaluated. Subsequently, 33 related dogs were tested for genetic markers for parentage and the identified GALC variant. Additional GALC genotyping was performed on 278 banked samples from various breeds. The 4 affected puppies had neurological exams and necropsies. DNA was isolated from blood samples. Variants in GALC were identified via Sanger sequencing. Parentage testing was performed using short tandem repeat markers. Prevalence of the GALC variant of interest was investigated in other breeds. GCL was confirmed histopathologically. A novel missense variant in GALC (NC_006590.4:g.58893972G>A) was homozygous in all affected animals (n = 4). A recessive mode of inheritance was confirmed by parentage testing as was variant linkage with the phenotype (LOD = 3.36). Among the related dogs (n = 33), 3 dogs were homozygous and 7 heterozygous. The variant allele was not detected in screening 278 dogs from 5 breeds. The novel variant is either unique to this family or has an extremely low allele frequency in the general population. A novel GALC variant was identified that likely explains GCL in this cohort. The identification of multiple causal variants for GCL in dogs is consistent with findings in humans.

Wolf contact in horses at permanent pasture in Germany.

Wolves returned to Germany in 2000, leading to fear in German horse owners that their horses could be in danger of wolf attacks or panic-like escapes from pastures when sighting wolves. However, reports from southern European countries indicate that wolf predation on horses diminishes with increasing presence of wildlife. Therefore, we conducted a long-term, filed observation between January 2015 and July 2022 on 13 non breeding riding horses, mares and geldings, kept permanently on two pastures within the range of wildlife and a stable wolf pack with annual offspring. Wildlife cameras at the fences of the pastures made 984 times recordings of wolves and 3151 times recordings of wildlife in and around the pastures. Between 1 January 2022 and 23 March 2022 we observed two stable horse groups. Pasture 1 was grazed by five horses of mixed breed, four mares and one gelding, with the median age of 8 years (min. = 6y, max. = 29y). Pasture 2 was grazed by eight heavy warmbloods and draught horses, three mares and five geldings, with the median age of 16 years (min. = 13y, max. = 22y). During this period no wolf was recorded at pasture 2, but wild boar several times, whereas at pasture 1, wolves were recorded 89 times, and for the wildlife mostly hare. Wolves may have avoided pasture 2 because of the presence of wild boar or because the large group of older, heavy breed horses may have formed a stable, protective group. The latter needs to be confirmed in a follow-up field observation, which records anti-predator behavior and welfare indicators in horses. In conclusion, wolves did not attack the mature horses on pastures with plenty of wildlife and the horses did not respond to the presence of wolves with visible signs of reduced welfare or panic. This indicates that wolves may prefer to prey on easily accessible wildlife around and at horse pastures and that Central European horses become accustom to the presence of non-hunting wolves.