Small Dogs Research Articles

The Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of a Compounded Levetiracetam Formulation and Bioequivalence to a Commercial Formulation in Healthy Dogs.

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anti-epileptic drug used extra-label in dogs. Commercially available extended-release formulations (LEV-ER), administered twice daily, cannot be crushed or split, limiting their use in small dogs. A compounded LEV-ER formulation (PO-COMP) can purportedly be partitioned without loss of extended-release properties. The aims of this study were to establish the pharmacokinetic parameters of PO-COMP, divided at the tablet score, and determine the bioequivalence of partitioned PO-COMP to an intact commercially available Food and Drug Administration-approved human oral generic formulation of LEV-ER (PO-COMM). In a randomized crossover design, 12 healthy dogs received a single IV dose (30 mg/kg) of IV-COMM, a single oral dose (500 mg) of intact PO-COMM, or a single oral dose (500 mg) of partitioned PO-COMP and underwent serial measurement of plasma LEV concentrations over 24 h. PO-COMP was bioequivalent to PO-COMM using the 90% confidence interval method for maximum concentration (-3.2% difference [CI -7.4% to -1.1%]) and area under the curve (-14.4% difference [CI -17.8% to 10.8%]). PO-COMP may improve medication adherence and seizure control relative to immediate-release LEV, which requires three times daily dosing. Efficacy studies of PO-COMP are warranted.

Cats are not small dogs: assessment and stabilisation of emergency presentation

Cats are a common emergency presentation in practice, with a wide range of presenting conditions ranging from trauma caused by road traffic accidents or falling from height, to acute medical conditions or ingestion of toxins. When dealing with feline patients, it is important to remember that cats are not small dogs and therefore, the approach to their assessment and stabilisation must take this into account. Cats have unique behaviour and physiology. They are great pretenders and will often mask clinical signs until they are near-critical. As their response to disease differs to that of dogs, when they are presented to a veterinary clinic they often show non-textbook clinical signs. This, in conjunction with the fact their response to medical therapy can also differ from canine patients, can make them particularly challenging to manage in an emergency. The assessment process should be holistic, and all physical examination findings should be viewed in association with each other.

The Effects of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Omega-3 Index and Quality of Life and Pain Scores in Dogs.

This study in dogs had two objectives: first, to determine whether a daily supplement of marine omega-3 (EPA and DHA) would (1) increase red blood cell EPA + DHA levels (i.e., the Omega-3 Index derived from dried blood spot analysis) and (2) impact health-related measures. Dogs were recruited from five private veterinary clinics in the United States and supplemented with about 70 mg of EPA + DHA per kg body weight (BW) for 16 weeks. Health-related outcomes included quality of life (QOL) and pain scores using validated questionnaires. Twenty-nine dogs (8.4 ± 3.6 years old) finished this study. After 16 weeks of supplementation with 68 ± 19 mg EPA + DHA/kg/day, the O3I increased from 1.4% ± 1.0% at baseline to 3.3% ± 1.1% (p = <0.0001). Concomitantly, overall pain scores declined from 7.4 ± 5.8 to 6.2 ± 5.4 (p = 0.012), primarily in small and medium-sized dogs. QOL scores improved slightly but only in small dogs (p = 0.03). Thus, supplementation with about 70 mg of EPA + DHA/kg/day improved the O3I and, in smaller dogs, pain and QOL scores. Future studies are needed to more clearly define doses of EPA + DHA that would improve the health of dogs.

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.

Exploring Myths and Misconceptions About Dog Behavior in a Spanish Population Sample

ABSTRACT Although dogs and humans have been in contact for thousands of years, myths and misconceptions about dog behavior still circulate today and hinder this relationship. This exploratory study aimed to determine the prevalence of certain myths and misconceptions in a Spanish sample and how personal characteristics might influence them. Thirty-four statements about dog behavior, generated based on the literature and personal experiences in veterinary practice, were presented in an online questionnaire distributed through social media and veterinary clinics from September to December 2020; 1,186 responses were received. The level of agreement for each statement was analyzed and the percentage of maximum possible (POMP) score was calculated as a summary of the respondents’ agreement. Two myths were accepted by more than 50% of participants. These were “dogs need to know who’s in charge” and an item about a wagging tail indicating that the dog is happy. Three items had a majority of “agree,” including “dog parks are perfect for socializing puppies,” “dogs love being hugged,” and an item about the “guilty” look (that dogs know when they’ve done something bad). Finally, four items were rejected by more than 90% of participants, including an item about small dogs not needing to go outside, one about adult dogs being unable to learn to love their owner, one related to punishment as a way to cure fear, and one related to aggression toward children being normal. The mean POMP score was 41.18 (SD = 9.87), with scores ranging from 20 to 91.11 (out of 100). Categorical regression analyses were performed to examine the predictive power of participant variables on the POMPs and found that demographics such as age, population size, occupation, animal-related studies or jobs, dog ownership, cat ownership, and ownership of other pets accounted for 34.5% of the variance (ANOVA F (183) = 2.892, p < 0.001). Other personal characteristics such as gender and educational level were not found to be predictive of POMP scores (p > 0.05). Identifying the most common myths and the factors associated with them could help in the design and focus of educational campaigns on dog behavior and effective animal welfare policies.

Nosological Pattern of Diseases Accompanied by Chronic Cough in Dogs

Introduction. A practicing veterinarian usually faces difficulties in both diagnosing and treating coughing in dogs. The unsolved problem in diagnosing entails doubts in the efficacy of the prescribed therapy. This is especially relevant for small dog breeds of middle and old age that often suffer from the chronic respiratory diseases and mitral insufficiency due to endocardiosis, and each of these diseases can lead to chronic cough. The aim of the research is to reveal the nosological pattern of the diseases accompanied by chronic cough in dogs.Materials and Methods. The research was based on the analysis of the medical records of 145 dogs with chronic cough that have attended to the network of veterinary clinics “Vita” (Rostov region) in the period from September 1, 2021 to July 31, 2024. The research was carried out using the following equipment: Karl Storz video bronchoscope (PAL colour system, working channel 2.3 mm, gaze direction 0°, aperture angle 120°, up/down deviation 180°/100°, depth of field 3–50 mm, working length 61 cm, outer diameter 6.2 mm); premium ultrasound scanner with improved image quality on the ZST+Mindray Vetus 9 platform; Maxivet 400 veterinary X-ray digital DR system; Poli-Spectrum–8/B computerassisted electrocardiograph; automatic hematology analyzer Idexx ProCyte Dx; automatic biochemistry analyzer Idexx Catalyst One; digital microscope Celestron.Results. The conducted research allowed us to find out the main causes of coughing in dogs. The most common cause of chronic cough found in these animals was chronic bronchitis, including that occurring simultaneously with the collapse of the upper respiratory tract. The rarest revealed cause of chronic cough was endocardiosis.Discussion and Conclusion. Coughing in dogs is not a characteristic sign of endocardiosis: even when the disease was clinically evident, coughing was observed only in the cases of lung congestion and interstitial pulmonary edema. As a rule, dogs with endocardiosis that have a pronounced loud cough intensifying after exertion, have a concomitant disease of the upper respiratory tract. Coughing in dogs with endocardiosis and upper respiratory tract lesion does not go away upon getting merely a specific endocardiosis treatment.

Causes and Diagnostic Significance of Coughing in Dogs with Endocardiosis

Introduction. Endocardiosis is the most widespread acquired cardiac disease in small dog breeds, characterised by the valvular degeneration leading to mitral insufficiency. Progression of mitral regurgitation leads to cardiac remodeling, increased left ventricular filling pressures, pulmonary hypertension and, eventually, myocardial dysfunction. Decreased exercise tolerance, dyspnea, anorexia, and coughing are the most often reported signs in dogs with endocardiosis. Coughing is often reported as the primary clinical sign of congestive heart failure in dogs with endocardiosis. The concomitant respiratory tract disease and compression of the left mainstem bronchus by the giant left atrium have also been suggested as the potential causes of coughing in these patients. However, the absence of relief from cough in dogs with endocardiosis when treated with calcium sensitizers and the registered improvement in systolic cardiac function makes doubtful the cardiogenic nature of coughing in endocardiosis. In other words, the clinical and diagnostic significance of coughing in dogs with endocardiosis has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the present research is to determine the frequency of cough incidence in dogs with endocardiosis and to establish the pathognomonic nature of this symptom in endocardiosis, its clinical significance.Materials and Methods. The medical records of 49 dogs that have attended to the veterinary clinics of the “Vita” network (Rostov region) for cardiological examination in the period from September 1, 2021 to July 31, 2024 were analysed. The research was carried out using the following equipment: premium ultrasound scanner with improved image quality on the ZST+ Mindray Vetus 9 platform, Maxivet 400 veterinary X-ray digital DR system, and Poli-Spectrum–8/V computerassisted electrocardiograph.Results. The research allowed us to find out the following: although the cardiomegaly and the increase in the size of the left ventricle in endocardiosis can aggravate and intensify the clinical manifestation of coughing in dogs with degenerative diseases of the upper respiratory tract, they are not the necessary condition for the occurrence of coughing. Coughing in dogs with endocardiosis should be considered as a clinical sign of the concomitant inflammatory or degenerative disease of the upper respiratory tract, which should be taken into account in therapy and in the attempt to improve the quality of life of these animals.Discussion and Conclusion. We have found that only 57% of the dogs with clinically evident endocardiosis suffer from coughing, whereas it does not have the uniform nature. In dogs with cardiogenic pulmonary edema, a cough is not loud, is usually acute and is associated with the flow of fluid into the medium and large-sized bronchi. The chronic loud, hoarse cough, intensifying in the morning, is typical for dogs with endocardiosis and chronic bronchitis: these animals at the same time have the non-specific inflammatory lesion of the bronchial tree and lesion of the mitral valves. Most severe coughing, with the characteristic loud sound, is observed in dogs suffering from the elements of the upper respiratory tract collapse and cardiomegaly due to endocardiosis.

Evaluation of measurements for tracheal hypoplasia in French bulldogs.

Tracheal narrowing may increase airflow resistance, resulting in clinical manifestations associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). When diagnosing tracheal hypoplasia, established values are based on measurements established for English bulldogs or non-specific "bulldog" breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate tracheal diameter ratios in French bulldogs to gain a better understanding of what would constitute tracheal hypoplasia in this breed. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted to measure the right lateral thoracic radiographs of 139 French bulldogs to investigate tracheal diameter ratios. Pulmonary disease was observed in 55/139 dogs. The mean TD:Ti for healthy French bulldogs was 0.15 (±0.02), and the mean TD:ML was 0.32 (±0.07). 44/84 dogs had a TD:Ti<0.15 (±0.02), and 37/65 dogs had a TD:ML<0.32 (±0.07). At least one thoracic vertebral anomaly was observed in 131/139 of evaluated French bulldogs, and sternal malformations were observed in 42/139 dogs. TD:ML showed an excellent interclass correlation between observers (ICCinter 0.9562). The listed covariables were compared for statistical significance when measuring relative tracheal ratios, and none were found. There was a statistically significant relationship between TD:Ti and sex. An objective value for tracheal hypoplasia in French bulldogs has previously not been established. The mean TD:Ti described for French bulldogs in this study is higher than that previously described in other "bulldog" populations. The mean TD:ML is similar to previously reported for non-brachycephalic and non-bulldog brachycephalic small breed dogs. The correlative relationship between TD:Ti and TD:ML was statistically significant but weak.

Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis in a Small Breed Dog Case Report and Literature Review

Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis in a Small Breed Dog Case Report and Literature Review

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.

Metabolic gene therapy in a canine with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) stands out as the most prevalent acquired canine heart disease. Its occurrence can reach up to 40% in small breed dogs and escalates in geriatric canine populations. MMVD leads to thickening and incomplete coaptation of valve leaflets during systole, resulting in secondary mitral valve regurgitation. Serious complications may arise concurrently with the worsening of mitral valve regurgitation, including left-and right-sided congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Ultimately, the PH progression might contribute to the patient's demise or to the owner's decision of euthanasia. Most currently available FDA-approved therapies for PH are costly and aim to address the imbalance between vasoconstriction and vasodilation to restore endothelial cell function. However, none of these medications impact the molecular dysfunction of cells or impede the advancement of pulmonary vascular and right ventricular remodeling. Recent evidence has showcased successful gene therapy approaches in laboratory animal models of PH. In this manuscript, we summarize the latest advancements in gene therapy for the treatment of PH in animals. The manuscript incorporates original data showcasing sample presentations, along with non-invasive hemodynamic assessments. Our findings demonstrate that the use of metabolic gene therapy, combining synthetic adeno-associated virus with acid ceramidase, has the potential to significantly reduce the need for drug treatment and improve spontaneously occurring PH in dogs.

Urolitíase em cão da raça Pug

The objective of this paper was to present a case of urolithiasis in a two-year old Pug weighing ten kilos, with a history of food allergy/atopic dermatitis. Upon physical examination, the animal presented mild abdominal pain upon palpation. The tutor indicated emesis 2 days ago. Upon ultrasound examination, it was possible to identify the presence of a 2.2 cm urolith in the bladder, in addition to cystitis in the urinary tract. The animal underwent surgical treatment, with cystotomy being the most suitable for this type of case. From the case report, it was found that racial or even familial predisposition was the main cause of urolith formation. In addition, the chances of urolithiasis occurring are greater in small breed dogs.

Waste management and disease spread potential: A case study of SARS-CoV-2 in garbage dumping sites in Bangkok and its vicinity

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitals and households have used personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. Some of these potentially infectious materials were discarded with other household wastes in garbage dumping sites. Thus, this study aimed to detect the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in contaminated wastes, environments, and mammals scavenging around these sites. From September to October 2022, we visited three garbage dumping sites located in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Nonthaburi provinces of Thailand. Oral, nasal, rectal swabs, and blood samples were collected from small mammals, stray dogs, and cats. Masks, gloves, soil, and water samples from the sites were additionally collected. Of the 582 samples collected from 238 animals, none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the virus isolation, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and neutralizing antibody detection. However, one sample (1.18 %; 1/85) from a rat (Rattus spp.) captured in Nonthaburi was serologically positive in the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The surveillance of coronaviruses in rats is strongly encouraged because rats may harbor different zoonotic pathogens, including unknown potentially zoonotic coronaviruses. Moreover, two face mask samples (4.65 %; 2/43) collected from the dumping site in Nakhon Pathom tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR. To reduce environmental contamination, detecting the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome in contaminated face masks highlights the critical need for proper waste management in households and communities in Thailand. Thus, to minimize exposure and prevent onward transmission, waste management personnel, including garbage dump staff and waste pickers, should be equipped with appropriate PPE and receive regular training on safe handling and disposal.

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.

Peripheral warming for prevention of hypothermia in small dogs during soft tissue surgery: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of wrapping the extremities of small dogs with table leg covers to prevent hypothermia during anesthesia. Study designRandomized parallel-group study. AnimalsA total of 60 adult dogs with a body mass <15 kg anesthetized for soft tissue surgery. MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group received routine intraoperative thermal support, while the limb-wrapping group had their peripheral limbs covered with table leg covers up to the mid-metacarpal/metatarsal region, in addition to routine thermal support. Rectal temperature during anesthesia was recorded and compared between the two groups. Data analyses were performed using Student’s t-test for rectal temperature, Fisher’s exact test for hypothermia incidence and analysis of covariance for the effect of limb-wrapping while taking other factors into account. ResultsThirty dogs were included per group. Rectal temperature did not differ between the groups at the time of intubation, but it was significantly higher in the limb-wrapping group (36.7 ± 1.0 °C) than in the control group (35.9 ± 0.8 °C) at the end of surgery (p = 0.003). The mean difference was 0.81 °C (95% confidence interval of mean difference 0.33–1.29 °C). The incidence of hypothermia (<37.0 °C) was significantly lower in the limb-wrapping group than in the control group (19/30 versus 28/30 dogs, respectively; p = 0.010). ConclusionsFor dogs with body masses <15 kg, limb-wrapping with table leg covers slowed the reduction in intraoperative rectal temperature. Limb-wrapping is inexpensive and easy to perform, making it a practical method for minimizing hypothermia during anesthesia in small dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery. Clinical relevancePeripheral warming with table leg covers has the potential to reduce hypothermia during soft tissue surgery in small dogs.

A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors Associated with Refracture after Repair of Radial-Ulnar Fractures in Small-Breed Dogs.

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for refracture after radial union in small-breed dogs. In our retrospective study, medical records of radial-ulnar fracture cases in small dogs treated with plates and screws were reviewed. General information and postoperative course (days until confirmed radial fracture healing, with or without ulnar union, time to final follow-up, with or without plate removal and refracture) were recorded. The fracture line location, screw positions, radial thickness and width, and pixel values throughout the postoperative periods were obtained from the radiographs. The affected limbs were classified into non-plate removal (P) and plate removal (R) groups. Refracture occurred in 5 of the 141 limbs at the most distal screw in the P group and 5 of the 40 limbs at the same site as the initial fracture in the R group. Multivariate analysis indicated that refracture was linked to the amount of relative change with growth in the position of the most distal screw in the P group, with pixel value and radial thickness ratios at the same site as the initial fracture in the R group. Reducing the screw diameter relative to the radial width to the appropriate extent may be considered in cases where the screw positioned at the most distal end of the radius is expected to be relatively proximal as the distal radius grows; not removing the plate may be considered in cases with a decreased radial thickness or bone mineral density beneath the plate during plate removal.

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.

Conventional vs Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography for Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity to Trochlear Groove Distance in Small Breed Dogs With and Without Medial Patellar Luxation

Conventional vs Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography for Measurement of Tibial Tuberosity to Trochlear Groove Distance in Small Breed Dogs With and Without Medial Patellar Luxation

Dog and owner demographics impact dietary choices in Dog Aging Project cohort.

To describe the demographic factors of owners and their dogs associated with owner feeding choices and the regularity with which those diets were fed to a US-based population of dogs. This cross-sectional analysis examined 40,367 initial survey responses from US dog owners participating in the Dog Aging Project. The surveys were collected from January 2, 2020, to December 31, 2022, and included primary and secondary diet component types and dog and owner demographic variables. Each demographic variable was compared across diet type choices with a χ2 test of independence. Most owners (82%) fed a commercially prepared extruded dry diet (kibble) as the primary diet component. Most owners (89%) reported that they fed their dogs a consistent diet over time. Owner demographic factors (income, education level) were less correlated with difference in diet choices than dog demographic factors (size, neuter status, purebred status, activity level), but owner age did correlate with choice: younger owners tended to feed kibble more compared to older owners. Home-cooked diets were most often consumed by small (< 30-lb) dogs, purebred dogs in poorer health status, and dogs with owners aged 45 years or older. Raw diets were more commonly fed to purebred, intact, and highly active dogs. Ten percent of service dogs were reportedly fed a raw diet of some sort. Demographic variables are associated with statistically significant differences in diet types selected. Nutrition studies examining health outcomes associated with the feeding of different diet types should account for these factors during design or analysis in order to avoid bias. An epidemiological tool, the directed acyclic graph, is presented. This information will help clinicians in their discussions with clients about pet nutrition.

Determination of the reference interval for urinary klotho to creatinine ratio of healthy dogs.

For several years, alpha klotho has been considered as a candidate biomarker in chronic kidney disease (CKD), progression of CKD and CKD mineral bone disorders (CKD-MBD). The evidence on the relationship between klotho and kidney function is controversial in some areas. The aim of the study was to identify the influence of age, sex and breed on urinary alpha klotho, values in the early stages of CKD within the studied population and determine a reference interval in a group of healthy dogs. Significantly higher values were measured in older dogs over 6 years old (p = 0.026, p = 0.0007) and in the breed German Shepherd than Belgian Shepherd (p = 0.0401). On the basis of sex and in small breed dogs, no significant differences were noted. In dogs with CKD stage 2, alpha klotho values were significantly lower (p = 0.0135) than in healthy dogs. Within the studied population, a reference interval for urinary klotho to creatinine ratio (UrKl/Cr) was determined in the range of 3.94-23.55 pg/gCr. Since our findings show that alpha klotho is associated with older age, we assume that this may have influenced the results in the group of dogs with CKD stage 1 due to the presence of predominantly old dogs in this group. Future studies would be needed to consider age as a factor affecting urinary alpha klotho in dogs with CKD.