Pet Health Research Articles

Using the pet health information behaviour intervention model should make information prescriptions for pet guardians more effective.

Studies on information behaviour related to companion animal's (pet) health have been carried out in different contexts and there have been attempts to modify and idealize these information behaviours. The purpose of this study is to apply the Pet Health Information Behaviour Intervention model in an empirical context and elaborate the theoretical contribution of the model to information behaviour research in the context of pet care and management. All the variables of the proposed model were quantified and tested through case study research involving 20 participants. Each case consisted of a guardian who participated in the information intervention program with their cat(s) and/or dog(s) in a small animal hospital, with a follow-up interview after 2 weeks. The information prescription helped both the experienced Internet searchers and the less health literate guardians. The pet guardians were particularly appreciative of the advice on evaluating and using online health information. The higher guardian-pet bond, the more the participant used the tips to search online information. The information prescription helped the relationship with the veterinary professional through improved data gathering and perception of the professional-guardian partnership. The model will assist both information professionals and animal health providers to better design and evaluate information interventions that support pet welfare.

Compete or Cooperate with 'Dr. Google'? Small Animal Veterinarians' Attitudes towards Clients' Use of Internet Resources-A Comparative Study across Austria, Denmark and the UK.

Simple SummaryOwners of dogs, cats, and other companion animals increasingly make use of the internet to find out how to best care for their animals. This may affect owners’ relations with veterinarians in both positive and negative ways. A positive consequence could be that owners are better informed when they approach a veterinarian. However, there can also be challenging situations in which the owners may question veterinarians’ professional advice based on online information. Using a questionnaire, we found that a majority of Austrian, Danish, and UK veterinarians (n = 641) surveyed were occasionally confronted with clients who question their medical advice based on information obtained from the internet. In addition, the veterinarians were concerned about the potential for clients to misunderstand information found on the internet, or to develop unrealistic expectations of what is possible in small animal practices. As internet use becomes ever more widespread, we suggest that the types of resources that are available and used by animal owners should be further explored.Veterinary medicine is increasingly affected by animal owners having the opportunity to become better informed on pet health issues by using various internet resources. Using an online questionnaire including a section on clients’ use of internet resources to obtain medical information, this study aimed to investigate veterinarians’ estimates of the percentage of clients using internet resources, how often clients question veterinarians’ professional medical advice based on online information, and veterinarians’ attitudes towards clients’ use of internet resources, across Austrian, Danish, and UK veterinarians (n = 641). The results show that 48.8% of respondents estimated that 40–79% of their clients use internet resources to find medical information. Further, 70–80% of respondents stated that they are occasionally challenged by clients questioning their advice based on online information. Although veterinarians recognized the potential advantages related to clients’ use of internet resources, such as an increased acceptance of advanced diagnostics and treatments, they also highlighted clients’ increased expectations or false impressions of small animal practices as potentially negative aspects in this context. As internet use increases, it seems likely that these issues will become increasingly important in the future.

Effects of Casein Phosphopeptide-Selenium Complex on the Immune Functions in Beagle Dogs

Simple SummaryAlthough the functions of casein phosphopeptide (CPP) and selenium (Se) as immunomodulators have been demonstrated, research on the regulation of pets’ immunity in the form of an organic combination of these two substances have yet to be reported, particularly in dogs. The purpose of this research was to look into the effects of the casein phosphopeptide-selenium complex (CPP-Se) on dog immunity. Our findings show that feeding a snack supplemented with CPP-Se for 30 days can increase the number of blood lymphocytes and improve the expression of cytokine-related genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). In addition, serum levels of cytokine-related proteins and immunoglobulins were increased. Furthermore, cell proliferation and expression of cytokine-related mRNAs were also increased when PBL was exposed to CPP-Se in vitro. Collectively, feeding CPP-Se strengthens various immune indicators in dogs, thereby enhancing immunity. This research provides theoretical support for the development of related functional foods and formulations to improve the immunity and health of dogs and other pets in the future.The health of pets is becoming a growing concern for the pet industry and its owners. Immunity is one of the foundational supports for health, thus developing a functional bioactive substance that can boost pets’ immunity is essential. Many studies have shown that casein phosphopeptide (CPP) and selenium (Se) can individually regulate immunity in many species, but there has been no reported research on the immunomodulatory function of casein phosphopeptide–selenium complex (CPP-Se). The objective of this study was to investigate the function of CPP-Se on immunomodulation in dogs. Twenty Beagle dogs were equally divided into two groups and fed either a control snack or a test snack supplemented with 0.03% CPP-Se for 30 days. Anticoagulated blood, serum and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were collected from dogs at 0 d, 10 d, 20 d and 30 d to detect the change in the number of immune cells and the expression of cytokine-related mRNAs and proteins. PBL isolated from blood were exposed to CPP-Se in vitro to measure the proliferative responses and cytokine-related mRNAs expression. During the time the test snack was fed, the number of lymphocytes increased significantly, whereas neutrophils and monocytes remained unaltered. The expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), CD4 molecule (CD4) and CD8α molecule (CD8α) was up-regulated, while interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was down-regulated, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) declined initially and subsequently increased. ELISA detection revealed a significant increment in serum IL-4, IL-6, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IFN-γ, except for IgG. Furthermore, CPP-Se treatment increased the proliferation and the expression of cytokine-related mRNAs in PBL cultured in vitro. This is the first study to demonstrate that CPP-Se can improve immunity in the dog.

Is Pet Health Insurance Able to Improve Veterinary Care? Why Pet Health Insurance for Dogs and Cats Has Limits: An Ethical Consideration on Pet Health Insurance.

Simple SummaryThe standards of veterinary medicine are increasingly approaching those of human medicine. As a result, the cost of veterinary medicine is also rising noticeably. For many veterinarians and also pet owners, the question therefore arises as to whether animal health insurance is a possible solution. Based on a thought model, we have classified pet owners into four groups according to their willingness to pay and their dispensable funds. We found that animal health insurance can reduce price discussions, but reaches its limits as soon as an animal owner can afford neither the veterinary costs nor a monthly insurance premium.Background: Owners often feel the cost of veterinary care is too high, as there remains a limited understanding of the cost of health care in human and veterinary medicine alike. Pet health insurance is often seen as a universal solution. However, especially for patient owners with few financial resources, both the bill at the vet and the monthly premium for pet health insurance can become a challenge. Hypothesis: Pet health insurance can prevent or ease many price discussions at the vet, but it does not offer a solution for patient owners with little financial means. Methods: In order to verify for which patient owners pet health insurance can be a solution, four theoretical groups were formed depending on the patient owner’s willingness to pay and his/her dispensable funds based on a theoretical model. Results: Dispensable funds are a factor that cannot be influenced by the veterinary surgeon. However, low dispensable funds as a result of an insufficient willingness to save (whether due to a lack of financial education or a lack of will) can be solved by pet health insurance. Willingness to pay, on the other hand, can be influenced by empathetic communication from the veterinary surgeon and thus also from pet health insurance. Nevertheless, situations remain where pet health insurance is not a solution either, because owners can neither afford the veterinary costs nor a premium for a pet health insurance.

Owner-reported long-term outcomes, quality of life, and longevity after hospital discharge following surgical treatment of pyometra in bitches and queens

Investigate long-term complications, survival times, general health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, and longevity in female dogs and cats (bitches and queens, respectively) following hospital discharge after ovariohysterectomy (OHE) for pyometra. 306 pet-owner-completed surveys and corresponding medical records for 234 bitches and 72 queens treated with OHE for pyometra at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. A telephone and online survey was conducted to gather data about pet owners' perception of pet health and QoL following OHE for pyometra, and potential associations between survey results and medical record data were evaluated. Median survival time at a given age at OHE for pyometra was calculated with the use of maximum likelihood estimation of a survival-time regression model. 72 of the 121 (60%) eligible owners of queens and 234 of the 390 (60%) eligible owners of bitches completed the survey. Most owners reported that at the time of the survey, their pet's health and QoL were better or the same as before pyometra. Reported health and QoL outcomes were similar for pets > 8 versus ≤ 8 years of age. Our findings indicated that bitches and queens undergoing OHE for pyometra at older ages and without other severe health issues can expect to live their full life span. Veterinarians in private practice could expect similar outcomes.

Financial fragility and demographic factors predict pet owners' perceptions of access to veterinary care in the United States.

Access to veterinary care is critical for pet, human, and community health. However, inequities in how easily pet owners can access veterinary care may exacerbate health disparities in vulnerable populations. This research analyzed pet owners' perceptions of access to veterinary care in order to understand how demographic characteristics and financial fragility predict perceived access to veterinary services. This study utilized survey data (n = 750) from a larger cross-sectional survey of adults in the US conducted by the Tufts University Equity Research Group. Survey data were collected in May and June of 2020 from a nationally representative group of pet owners via an online panel. Descriptive statistics, ANOVAs, and a sequential linear regression model were conducted in order to predict perceived access to veterinary care. Results of a sequential linear regression model indicated that race or ethnicity, education, and financial fragility significantly predicted perceived ease of access to veterinary care (F[7,617] = 19.80; P < .001). Additionally, financial fragility was prevalent among most pet owners of almost all income brackets, highlighting the need for more research into the cost burden of veterinary care. Future studies should focus on diverse sampling strategies that capture the experiences of minority pet owners in order to further understand issues of access in veterinary medicine.

Expert System Mendiagnosis Penyakit Hewan Peliharaan Melalui Penerapan Teknik Case Based Reasoning

Disease is a certain abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of part or all of the body of a living being. Disease is not only found in humans, but also in animals especially pets which are known to be more susceptible to disease. This study explains that it is important to maintain the health of pets so that the health of their owners can also be maintained properly. The lack of knowledge of pet lovers causes delays in handling these pets. Another problem besides pet disease is the lack of veterinarians or veterinary clinics in the Asahan area. To help overcome these problems, a system was created that can determine diseases quickly in pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits using the Case Based Reasoning method. This Case Based Reasoning method is used to find the disease similarity value by looking at previous cases. From the weight calculation carried out in this case, the highest similarity value is Worms with a percentage of 92,3076%. So the recommended treatment solution for new cases entered by users with symptoms of intestinal worms is regular deworming and regular grooming at least once every 14-15 days.

Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health.

Alternative pet foods may offer benefits concerning environmental sustainability and the welfare of animals processed into pet foods. However, some worry these may compromise the welfare of pets. We asked 2,639 dog guardians about one dog living with them, for at least one year. Among 2,596 involved in pet diet decision-making, pet health was a key factor when choosing diets. 2,536 provided information relating to a single dog, fed a conventional meat (1,370 = 54%), raw meat (830 = 33%) or vegan (336 = 13%) diet for at least one year. We examined seven general indicators of ill health: unusual numbers of veterinary visits, medication use, progression onto a therapeutic diet after initial maintenance on a vegan or meat-based diet, guardian opinion and predicted veterinary opinion of health status, percentage of unwell dogs and number of health disorders per unwell dog. Dogs fed conventional diets appeared to fare worse than those fed either of the other two diets. Dogs fed raw meat appeared to fare marginally better than those fed vegan diets. However, there were statistically significant differences in average ages. Dogs fed raw meat were younger, which has been demonstrated to be associated with improved health outcomes. Additionally, non-health related factors may have improved apparent outcomes for dogs fed raw meat, for three of seven general health indicators. We also considered the prevalence of 22 specific health disorders, based on predicted veterinary assessments. Percentages of dogs in each dietary group considered to have suffered from health disorders were 49% (conventional meat), 43% (raw meat) and 36% (vegan). Significant evidence indicates that raw meat diets are often associated with dietary hazards, including nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, and pathogens. Accordingly, the pooled evidence to date indicates that the healthiest and least hazardous dietary choices for dogs, are nutritionally sound vegan diets.

Comparing veterinarians’ attitudes to and the potential influence of pet health insurance in Austria, Denmark and the UK

Health insurance offers many benefits to clients and veterinarians, such as the ability to perform necessary and possibly cost-intensive medical interventions without financial constraints, or to potentially prevent euthanasia based on financial challenges. However, concerns about negative consequences, such as the overuse of diagnostic tests or overtreatment, have also been raised. Using an online questionnaire distributed via e-mail, which included a section on health insurance, we investigated the relative number of insured dogs and cats treated by Austrian, Danish and UK veterinarians (N=636) and the attitudes of those veterinarians toward health insurance. Further, using a case vignette, we examined whether coverage by health insurance may influence treatment suggestions. Even though veterinarians in all three countries believe that health insurance reduces stress since clients' financial resources will be less important, we found that Austrian veterinarians are more likely to agree that health insurance is unnecessary compared to Danish and UK veterinarians. Further, many raised the concern that insurance policies influence clinical decisions; and less than half supported the idea of making insurance mandatory. A majority of veterinarians in Austria and the UK thought that insurance can lead to the overuse of diagnostic tests, and in the UK a majority also thought that it can lead to overtreatment. Using case vignettes, we found that veterinarians were significantly more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client with stated financial limitations. Further, UK veterinarians were more likely to suggest a CT scan to a client with an insured animal, in contrast to a client without insurance. In conclusion, we found that veterinarians, in general, were in favour of health insurance, and that greater coverage may increase more cost-intensive veterinary care. Our findings also raise a potential ethical challenge of health insurance causing differential access to clinical care for patients.

Front-End Design of Pet Care Management System

Considering that more and more people in the family are starting to keep pets and they are treating pets as part of the family, they are increasingly concerned about the life and health of pets, so our group has developed a set of pet care appointments and pet products to purchase. A pet care management system. This system can help pet owners to take care of their pet baby more conveniently. This project is a back-end management project based on the B/S model. The project adopts the MVC design pattern. The front end uses the Bootstrap framework, the database uses the MySQL database, and SVN is used as the project management tool. After the project is completed, an environment is set up on the cloud server, and a war package is installed on the server. At the same time, the initial application of the project on the Android terminal is completed. This article introduces the MySQL database, ajax, json, and MVC patterns used in the front-end development process.

Ketobiotics by Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate: A Novel Prebiotic Activation of Butyrate-Producing Bacteria through 3-Hydroxybutyrate Donation to the Microbiota

Since the first target of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a simple bioplastic, is the microbiota, it has gained attention from the public and academia because of its promising function as a prebiotic food stuff for butyrate-producing bacteria. Since mammalian digestive enzymes cannot hydrolyze PHB, it passes through the small intestine and reaches the large intestine, allowing the gut microbiota to produce 3-Hydroxybutyrate (3HB) by the depolymerization of PHB around them. As a result, they become an energy substrate that promotes the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria and induces slight acidification of the gut environment. Thus, PHBs may be used as novel prebiotics to improve the gut environment. Based on this background, studies have proposed donating this ketone body to microbiota-mediated prebiotics, termed “ketobiotics”, to act as a microbial activator of the animal gut. Ketobiotics may help maintain the gut health of pets and industrial animals, including enhancing human antiaging in the future. Therefore, this review discusses the potential use of the prebiotic action of ketobiotics for activating butyrate-producing bacteria from other prebiotic strategies, initiated by the direct donation of 3HB to microbiota in the large intestine.

Research on Pet Recognition Algorithm With Dual Attention GhostNet-SSD and Edge Devices

The ability to identify pets via smart home technology is crucial for managing pet health. However, the present popular object detection method model is too large, support for edge devices is insufficient, and performance is subpar for small object identification in the traditional algorithm, such as SSD. In this study, we propose an improved SSD object detection network algorithm based on a GhostNet network with a dual attention mechanism. A ghost module is introduced to create a lightweight ghost network based on the SSD network. The ghost module is combined with the ECA attention mechanism to dynamically allocate parameters to the target and alter the detection region weights to enhance the model performance. In order to reinforce the model and increase the precision of the small target, the CBAM module was also introduced. It assigns major weights to the output target regions of the large-scale feature layer. According to the experimental findings, the CBAM-GhostNet-SSD network significantly reduces the number of backbone parameters and the calculation amount is reduced by 98.23% when compared to the classic SSD. This lays the groundwork for the self-developed algorithm’s successful deployment of edge devices. The predicted rate synchronization increased by 3.1 times, also mAP was 14.5% higher than SSD. The lightweight model quantitative transformation utilized in edge equipment can accurately evaluate the target region and realize dynamic detection. This has a certain guiding significance for the subsequent detection of household pet targets.

ALGORITHM C4.5 IN CLASSIFYING HEALTH OF CAT

One of the activities in the TIU (Technical Implementing Unit) of Office of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health is to carry out the examination of pet health, record and issue an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). The object in this research was cat, where the examination was still performed by laboratory test, using paper as a form of diagnosis carried out by a vet and not using the technology. Therefore, an application to provide decision in determining healthy cat that also implements the algorithm C4.5 based on android system was designed. This system was able to perform diagnosis of cat diseases quickly based on previous medical record, with a training history (training data) as many as 44 cases. Then the classification process would strengthen the results of cat disease diagnosis such as how to deal with disease that had similar symptoms so as to facilitate the Office of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, as a comparison to issue an Animal Health Certificate. Based on the Black Box testing, the functionality of the module was in accordance with the needs of the system, while the accuracy testing generated the percentage value of 93.18%. This shows that the algorithm C4.5 has a good accuracy to determine healthy cat.

POP Care: An interprofessional team-based healthcare model for providing well care to homebound older adults and their pets

A novel interprofessional clinical experience, entitled POP (Pet Owner and Pet) Care, was offered to students from the Colleges of Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and Social Work at a large Midwest university. The objectives of the clinical experience were to (1) provide students with an opportunity to improve their readiness for interprofessional learning and beliefs about EBP; (2) deliver integrated physical and mental health care to homebound older adults and assess their outcomes; and (3) concurrently provide wellness care to the pets living with homebound older adults and assess their outcomes. Nurse practitioner (NP) faculty led the POP Care clinical rotation teams of NP, veterinary, and social work students in providing home healthcare to homebound adults and their pets. Students were provided with four learning modules prior to starting patient visits. The success of the clinical experience was evaluated via a pre- and post-survey that assessed EBP beliefs and readiness for interprofessional learning. The post-survey also included program satisfaction questions. Health outcomes were measured for the patient and their pets. Patients also answered open-ended program satisfaction questions over the phone. Results indicated that POP Care improved beliefs in EBP and readiness for interprofessional learning, enhanced interprofessional team-based care, and had a positive impact on patient and pet health and well-being.

Shampoos as a Mosquito Controller - A Preliminary Toxicity Study on Its Larvicidal Potential

Mosquito Control is important to the community because of the vector potential that exists from mosquitoes in transmitting diseases and the annoyance factor in disrupting outdoor activities. The vector potential of mosquitoes stems from the female's bloodsucking habits. Various mosquito species are capable of transmitting malaria, dengue, yellow fever, filariasis, encephalitis, chikungunya, and Zika viruses and other diseases. Apart from being a nuisance to the public by affecting labor efficiency, depreciation of real estate values, and interference with outdoor activities, they also affect the health of livestock, pets, and wild animal population. Several techniques are used for mosquito control like chemical control, biological control, source reduction, environmental control, genetic control, traps and personal protection. Shampoos being regularly used, the effluent containing the same is being discharged into the open environment. The present study attempts to investigate the larvicidal effects of different shampoos (a means of chemical control) on mosquito larvae. Toxicity studies were carried out using the serial dilution method and LC50 was estimated for each of the shampoo type (Superia, Clinic Plus, Dove, Sunsilk) at 24h interval for five days. A comparison of the lethal effect of these shampoos at specific concentrations (0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4) was also done. The study reveals that Superia shampoo has the best larvicidal properties (0.1mlL1) compared to Dove (0.15ml L-1), Sunsilk (0.15ml L-1) and Clinic Plus (0.2ml L-1). The low LC50 value for a particular shampoo could be attributed to the special combination of ingredients used in its preparation which could be employed for mosquito control. An extensively used cosmetic product could be turned into an effective vector control product with further research in the area.

Technology-enhanced weight-loss program in multiple-cat households: a randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to determine whether a technology-enhanced weight-loss program, using a home pet health technology ecosystem, is an effective tool in feline weight-loss management in multiple-cat households and to evaluate its impact on cat behavior.MethodsThe study was a prospective parallel unmasked block-randomized controlled trial comparing two weight loss intervention groups: (1) traditional group with dietary restriction alone (n = 9); (2) technology group that used dietary restriction, digital scales, smart feeders, activity monitors and pet treat cameras (n = 6). A 12-week weight-loss program of client-owned indoor-only two- or three-cat households with at least one overweight cat was conducted in Canada and the USA. Owner impressions of the technology, weight loss rates, smart feeder data, activity monitor data and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed.ResultsThe study was completed by 9/15 traditional group and 6/10 technology group cats. Dropouts were mainly due to owner issues unrelated to the study. The pet health technology ecosystem received favorable reviews (six responders). Smart feeders and home scales were perceived as valuable additions, while activity monitors and pet treat cameras were valued lower. The average weekly weight-loss rate (percent loss of initial body weight) was higher (P = 0.036) in the technology group (0.694%) than in the traditional group (0.175%). Although not associated with weight-loss rates, technology group cats trended toward grazing feeding patterns and decreased daily activity counts, while HRQoL increased, on average, for all cats.Conclusions and relevanceThis introductory investigation suggests that a technology-enhanced weight-loss program would be accepted by cat owners and may deliver advantageous outcomes in multiple-cat households, providing an effective and practical tool in feline weight-loss strategies that will continue to evolve as new technologies become available. It also illustrates the potential value of data gathered from home monitoring devices and digital diaries, providing deeper insights into pet behavior.

Profile of tutors and the importance of correct nutrition for companion animals in the Rondônia state

The population of small animals reached 52.2 million canines and 22.1 million felines, dogs and cats have cohabited with humans for thousands of years and people who live in a healthy way with their pets have a lower rate of depression, this human/animal connection has brought benefits to humanity and with that the dogs and cats are being considered by the tutors as part of the family. Natural food has been conquering the world of pets mainly because it does not contain chemicals, artificial preservatives and the raw material is easy to acquire. The data were acquired through a virtual platform and consisted of a questionnaire that had 3 questions about the tutor's profile: sex, age group and minimum wage income, 2 questions to know the population of dogs/cats and 3 last questions: if the tutor has already consulted a professional in pet nutrition, if he would like to take his pet to the nutritionist to obtain a balanced diet and how many he would be willing to pay for an appointment. 109 responses were obtained, 68.8% women, 28.4% men and 2.8% non-binary tutor. Most of the people who participated were young people aged between 18 and 33 years old. of the people interviewed, only 8 individuals did not have dogs and for cats, it is observed that 63 people do not have this species at home. most tutors have never consulted a pet nutrition professional for information on what best suits their diet. The importance of the tutor's profile in relation to the population of dogs and cats was observed, as well as the awareness of the need to consult a professional before purchasing any new diet on the market to maintain the health and well-being of pets.

Effect of personal, food manufacturer, and pet health statements made by a veterinarian during a pet wellness appointment on a dog or cat owner's decision to consider changing their pet's diet.

To investigate the effect of statements made by veterinarians during a pet wellness appointment on a pet owner's decision to consider changing their pet's diet. Pet owners who presented their dogs and cats for wellness examinations from December 2018 to February 2019 to a veterinary medical teaching hospital or an affiliated low-cost community clinic. Pet owners completed part 1 of the survey, which included questions on various pet characteristics (eg, signalment and current diet) and pet owner's degree of satisfaction with their pet's diet, after a veterinary medical student obtained the pet's medical history and examined the pet. At the conclusion of the wellness appointment, owners completed part 2, which included pet owner demographics (eg, gender and highest educational level) and statements regarding personal, food manufacturer, and pet health that could be made by a veterinarian regarding a pet's diet to which owners were asked to react. 84 dog and 36 cat owners completed the survey. Statements based on pet health and personal (veterinarian) preferences were the most and least effective, respectively, on owners to consider changing their pet's diet. Pet owner gender and pet species did not alter the findings. Most (93%) pet owners were at least somewhat willing to change their pet's diet on the basis of a veterinarian's recommendation. When a pet's diet is discussed in the context of a pet's health, a primary care veterinarian consulting with a pet owner during a wellness appointment may be most persuasive to the owner for changing their pet's diet.

Using the human-animal bond to improve the health of pets and people.

Veterinary RecordVolume 189, Issue 3 p. 122-122 My view Using the human-animal bond to improve the health of pets and people Helen Ballantyne, Search for more papers by this author Helen Ballantyne, Search for more papers by this author First published: 06 August 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.811Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume189, Issue37/14 August 2021Pages 122-122 RelatedInformation

Microencapsulated phytogenic in dog feed modulates immune responses, oxidative status and reduces bacterial (Salmonella and Escherichia coli) counts in feces

Improving the health and immunity of pets is a concern of the guardians, while maintaining the health of the animals directly impacts the owners' health and public health. The objective of this study was to produce a dog feed containing a microencapsulated phytogenic blend, as well as determine the impact of the additive on animal health and its intestinal microbiota. The composition included microencapsulated thymol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde, at 300 mg/kg of feed. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, identified as follows: the control group (C; ingested the feed without the additive) and the treated group (T; consumed feed containing the phytogenic blend). The dogs received 300 g of feed/day divided into two meals. Greater neutrophil counts in group T and lymphocyte counts were observed at the end of the experiment, as well as levels of α2-globulins and γ-globulin, while β1 and β2-globulins levels were lower in group T. Serum nitrogen oxide levels were higher in group T. Levels of reactive oxygen species were lower in group T at days 30 and 45, unlike activity of glutathione peroxidase that was higher. We found less bacterial contamination in the feces of dogs in group T, i.e., total bacterial count, total coliform counts, and counts of Salmonella and Escherichia coli were lower on days 30 and 45. Phytogenic blend intake reduces bacterial counts in stool and improves antioxidant/oxidative status and immune responses.