Spaniel Breeds Research Articles

Influence of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy on humeral intracondylar fissures in 35 spaniel breed dogs.

To investigate the effects of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy (PUO) on the healing of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) in spaniel breed dogs. Clinical retrospective study. A total of 51 elbows from 35 spaniel dogs. An oblique PUO was performed in dogs diagnosed with HIF. The degree of healing of HIF was subjectively and objectively assessed on preoperative and long-term follow-up CT imaging. Objective assessment was performed by measuring the bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) of a rectangular region of interest (ROI) encompassing the entire hypoattenuated humeral fissure. Major and minor complications were recorded. A total of 24 partial and 27 complete HIFs were diagnosed. The follow-up CT scan was performed at a median 18.5 months (range 10-49 months). Subjective assessment confirmed partial or complete healing of the HIF in 41 elbows (80.3%). Objective assessment confirmed a difference in mean HU of the HIF's ROI between preoperative (HU 640) and last follow-up CT images (HU 835) (p = .001). Young dogs (<14 months) had the highest increase in HU of the HIF's ROI. Major complications occurred in five dogs (6 limbs) of which four were related to the lack of healing of the fissure (7.8%). Oblique PUO resulted in partial or complete healing of HIF and pain resolution in the majority of dogs. This study introduces an innovative approach to achieve healing of the HIF in the dog, which may help reduce the high complication rate traditionally associated with the use of transcondylar screws.

Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis are common CT findings in the limb contralateral to a humeral condylar fracture in French bulldogs and spaniel breeds.

French bulldogs (FBD) are reported to be at an increased risk of developing humeral condylar fractures (HCF). Spaniel breeds have been reported to be at increased risk of HCF due to a high prevalence of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), which can predispose to fracture. The aims of this retrospective, single center, observationalstudy were twofold. First, to comparethe signalment, fracture configuration, and etiology of populations of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF at a single hospital. Second, to evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings of the contralateral elbow joints of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF for concomitant pathology. FBDs were overrepresented for HCF, most commonly presenting when skeletally immature, with a median age of 3.7 months. Fractures of the lateral condyle were the most common configuration for both breed groups. Sclerosis at the fracture site was identified in 62% of FBD and 95% of spaniels undergoing CT scans. Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis were commonly observed in the contralateral elbows of FBD (44% and 50%, respectively) and spaniel breeds (58% and 95%, respectively). Medial coronoid pathology, elbow incongruency, and periarticular osteophytes were not identified in the contralateral elbows of FBD but were identified in 29%, 4%, and 20% of spaniels, respectively. The high prevalence of HIF in the FBD group may be a predisposing factor for HCF in this breed.

The c.126C>A(p.(Cys42Ter)) SLC7A10 nonsense variant is a candidate causative variant for paradoxical pseudomyotonia in English Cocker and Springer Spaniels.

Paradoxical pseudomyotonia has previously been described in the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) and English Springer Spaniel (ESS) breeds, without the identification of potentially causative variants. This disease is characterised by episodes of exercise-induced generalised myotonic-like muscle stiffness, phenotypically similar to congenital pseudomyotonia in cattle, and paramyotonia congenita and Brody disease in people. Four additional affected ESS dogs with paradoxical pseudomyotonia are described in this report, together with the identification of the autosomal recessive c.126C>A(p.(Cys42Ter)) SLC7A10 nonsense variant as candidate disease-causing variant in both ECS and ESS. The variant has an estimated prevalence of 2.5% in both breeds in the British study samples, but was not identified in the Belgian study samples. Genetic testing-based breeding should be a useful tool to eliminate this disease in the future, although an effective treatment option is available for severely affected dogs.

Prevalence of incidental humeral intracondylar fissures in brachycephalic breed dogs in CT studies.

Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) have been predominantly reported in spaniel breeds and proposed to be possible risk factors for humeral condyle fractures (HCF). We hypothesized that the prevalence of incidental HIF in French Bulldogs may be greater than that of other brachycephalic breeds. A retrospective, observational, prevalence study was performed using CT examinations of French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breed dogs presenting for an unrelated condition. Two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic and Imaging-certified radiologists reviewed the images of the humeral condyles of these dogs. A classification system was devised to grade the findings. We considered a Score 1 to be normal, Score 2 to have centralised sclerosis, Score 3 to have a partial fissure and Score 4 to have a complete fissure. A total of 228 elbows were reviewed from 122 dogs. Of this population, 145 elbows were from French Bulldogs, 54 were from Pugs, and the remainder were from a mix of other brachycephalic breeds. The prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4) in elbows of the French bulldog, pug and other breed groups was 6.9% (CI 2.8-11%), 5.6% (CI 0-11.7%), and 3.4% (CI 0-10.15%), respectively. At a dog level, the prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4 present in at least one elbow) was found to be 11.8% (CI 4.6-19%) in French Bulldogs, 11.1% (CI 0-22.9%) in Pugs, and 5.26% (CI 0-15%) in the other breed group. There was no significant difference between the breed groups. The inter-reviewer reliability for CT scoring of HIF based on Cohen's weighted kappa was low at 0.19.

The spread of dogs’ otitis in Odesa city

Inflammation of the external ear in dogs is a widespread pathology in 20 % of sick animals that come to veterinary medicine clinics. The purpose of the work was to monitor the spread of otitis in dogs for 2021 in Odesa. To solve this goal, several tasks were set: to study the spread of otitis among dogs by breed, age, and sex; to study the spread of Malassezia otitis among dogs; to determine the seasonality of otitis in dogs. The data from the journal of registration of sick animals of the veterinary clinic of Odessa (VetKOiN) served as the material. Data concerning sick animals from the logbook were entered into tables, and statistical analysis was carried out. Dogs of Pugs and Mestizo made up the most significant number of sick animals with otitis (10.4 % each); the French Bulldog breed accounts for 9.1 %, the Pekinese and Labrador breeds – 6.5 % each, the Clamber Spaniel breed – 5.2 %. Such dog breeds as Jack Russell Terrier, Chihuahua, Spitz, German Shepherd, and Cane Corso account for 3.9 %; Bull Terrier, East European Shepherd, and Retriever – 2.6 % each; Grünendal, Husky, Samoyed, Kangal, Dachshund, Scottish Shepherd, Shar-Pei, Bolonka, Beagle, American Cocker Spaniel, Shih-Tzu, Laika, Fox Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, Breton, Bernese Mountain Dog, English Bulldog breeds – 1.3 % each. Animals between the ages of 1 and 5 years suffer mostly from canine otitis (64 %) and animals under the age of 1 year suffer less(10 %). Animals older than five years make up 26 %. The gender of dogs is not important in otitis spreading: females account for 49 % of sick animals, and males – 51 %. Malassezia otitis in dogs occurred in 38 % of cases. Dogs of Pug breeds comprised the largest percentage of sick animals (13.8 %), French bulldog and Pekingese breeds – (10.3 % each). The Bull Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Chihuahua breed each account for 6.9 %. Otitis was registered every month during the year. An increase in the incidence was observed in April (9.1 %), May (13.0 %), June (7.8 %), July (15.6 %), August (13.0 %), September (10.4 % ) and November (10.4 %). So otitis was more often registered in dogs in the warm season. In the future, the spread, etiology, and most effective treatment regimens of various forms of otitis in dogs will be studied.

ETIOPATHOGENETIC MECHANISM IN DOG SYRINGOMYELIA

Syringomyelia (MS) is a condition characterized by the development of cavities in the parenchyma of the spinal cord (sirinx). Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) dogs have a high incidence of Chiari malformation. The breed was born in 1928, from dogs of the King Charles Spaniel breed, a favorite dog of royal and noble families, with the aim of recreating a dog similar to the one present in the portraits of King Charles II, during the restoration period. The CKCS breed is native to the United Kingdom, being composed of small brachycephalic specimens - toy, a distinctive feature of the breed being the flattened and miniaturized appearance of the head (Rusbridge &amp; Knowler, 2003).&#x0D; Syringomyelia is a topical and real interest topic in canine neuropathology, representing the topic of numerous researches, both due to the many unknowns of the evolution of the diseases, and the fact that at present there is no effective treatment.

The effect of the drug “Bendamine” on the clinical and morphological parameters of dogs in heart failure

The study aimed to investigate the effect of the drug “Bendamine” on dogs' clinical and morphological parameters in heart failure. Two groups of dogs were formed for research: control (healthy) and experimental (sick). The 30-day experiment included ten dogs from the control group, ten dogs of the observed (unhealthy) spaniel breed, and 10–12 years old dogs. The treatment regimen for sick dogs: furosemide was administered orally on an empty stomach at 2 mg/kg every 12 hours; enalapril was administered orally at 0.5 mg/kg every 12 hours; Bendamine was administered orally on an empty stomach at 20 mg/kg every 24 hours. It is recommended to divide the dose into two doses. In the study of hematopoiesis, we found that erythrocytes in dogs with heart failure increased by 18.2 %, while hemoglobin levels decreased by 1.8 %. Before treatment, red blood cell counts were found to reduce the mean hemoglobin in the erythrocyte and the mean erythrocyte volume. In the experimental group of dogs treated with the “Bendamine”, normalization of morphological blood parameters was found. The number of erythrocytes was 5.8 ± 0.06 T/L, and the hemoglobin level was 143.5 ± 4.7 g/L. The use of the drug “Bendamine” contributed to the gradual restoration of the functional state of the hematopoietic system in dogs with heart failure. This is also indicated by the red blood cell index of the dogs after the course of treatment. The therapy application in the experimental group significantly reduced the frequency and severity of shortness of breath and increased endurance during exercise. There was also a decrease in the frequency and duration of cough attacks. After treatment, signs, and intensity of ascites decreased in dogs of the experimental group. It has been suggested that this is due to an increase in myocardial contractile function due to the positive ionotropic action of Bendamine. The owners also recorded an improvement in appetite in animals after 30 days of therapy. Even in the dogs of the experimental group, after treatment, physical activity and emotional reactions improved. They were less depressed and more inclined to communicate with the owners. Thus, the use of the cardiac drug “Bendamine” in dogs with heart failure positively affected the restoration of hematopoiesis and the normalization of morphological parameters of the blood.

Influence of Morphometry on Echocardiographic Measurements in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: An Inverse Probability Weighting Analysis.

The development and progression of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are difficult to predict. Thus, the identification of dogs with a morphotype associated with more severe mitral disease at a young age is desirable. The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the physical, morphometric, and echocardiographic features of class B1 MMVD-affected Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines; (2) evaluate the influence of morphometric physical measurements on murmur intensity, mitral valve prolapse (MVP), regurgitant jet size, and indexed mitral valve and annulus measurements. Fifty-two MMVD-affected CKCS were included in the ACVIM class B1. This is a prospective clinical cross-sectional study. Morphometric measurements, which included the body, thorax, and head sizes of each dog, were investigated to establish the association with heart murmur intensity, valvular and annular echocardiographic measurements, MVP, and regurgitant jet size, using inverse probability weighting (IPW) analyses to adjust for confounding. The IPW analyses showed that when the head length and nose length decreased, dogs had a more severe regurgitant jet size. Furthermore, subjects with a more pronounced head stop angle had thicker anterior mitral valve leaflets. A brachycephalic morphotype, as seen in dogs similar to the King Charles Spaniel breed in terms of cephalic morphology, is associated with a more severe regurgitant jet size and with valvular characteristics that are related to the most severe forms of MMVD.

Seasonality and risk factors for grass seed foreign bodies in dogs

Grass seed foreign bodies (GSFBs) are a familiar presentation, especially in dogs, associated with a variety of clinical signs depending on site of penetration and extent of migration. Seasonality and risk factors for GSFB occurrence were investigated using electronic health records from a sentinel voluntary network of 245 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom between 17th March 2014 and 18th September 2020. Clinical narrative text mining of 4,580,503 canine consultations produced a final case dataset of 1,037 consultations where GSFBs had been recorded in individual dogs. Cases of GSFBs were recorded in all months, with 940 (90.6 %) recorded between June and September. In particular, the odds of GSFBs in July was almost 176 times more than that of January (Odds ratio, OR, 175.6, 95 % Confidence interval, CI, 43.5–707.7, P < 0.001). Compared to the retriever breed type, spaniel breed types were 7.7 times more likely to present with a GSFB (CI 5.4–11.0, P < 0.001).Other significant risk factors associated with recorded GSFBs for this population included being male (OR = 1.4, CI 1.2–1.6, P < 0.001), and geographical location. When compared to the South East of England, risk was lowest in Wales (OR = 0.1, CI 0.0−0.3, P=<0.001), and highest in the East of England (OR = 1.9, 1.2–2.9, P = 0.003), and overall risk in urban areas was reduced (OR = 0.8, CI 0.7–1.0, P = 0.024). These observations provide a number of areas for temporally targeted health campaigns at specific types of dogs, to reduce the impact of GSFBs on canine welfare.

The genetic consequences of dog breed formation-Accumulation of deleterious genetic variation and fixation of mutations associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease in cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Selective breeding for desirable traits in strictly controlled populations has generated an extraordinary diversity in canine morphology and behaviour, but has also led to loss of genetic variation and random entrapment of disease alleles. As a consequence, specific diseases are now prevalent in certain breeds, but whether the recent breeding practice led to an overall increase in genetic load remains unclear. Here we generate whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 20 dogs per breed from eight breeds and document a ~10% rise in the number of derived alleles per genome at evolutionarily conserved sites in the heavily bottlenecked cavalier King Charles spaniel breed (cKCs) relative to in most breeds studied here. Our finding represents the first clear indication of a relative increase in levels of deleterious genetic variation in a specific breed, arguing that recent breeding practices probably were associated with an accumulation of genetic load in dogs. We then use the WGS data to identify candidate risk alleles for the most common cause for veterinary care in cKCs-the heart disease myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). We verify a potential link to MMVD for candidate variants near the heart specific NEBL gene in a dachshund population and show that two of the NEBL candidate variants have regulatory potential in heart-derived cell lines and are associated with reduced NEBL isoform nebulette expression in papillary muscle (but not in mitral valve, nor in left ventricular wall). Alleles linked to reduced nebulette expression may hence predispose cKCs and other breeds to MMVD via loss of papillary muscle integrity.

Spread and seasonal dynamics of dogs helminthiasis in BilaTserkva district

Over the past decades, the number of dogs and cats has increased significantly on the territory of Ukraine. At each step, animals are in danger of non-contagious and contagious etiology. Parasitic diseases are almost half of the entire contagious pathologies of small animals. Number of invasive diseases depends on the following factors: season, age, sex, breeding features and also implementation and control of preventive measures against helminthiasis. Therefore, our research is to study thefeatures of distribution, seasonality, species composition and extensiveness of invasion of dog gelminthias on the territory of Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv region. The helminthocoproovoscopy research was carried out with a combined method standardized by G.O. Kotelnikov and V.M . Khrenov. The result of the study of faeces tests showed the problems of Bila Tserkva district with nematodoses and cestodoses of dogs. Regarding the species composition of the helminths we found, the helminths of the Nematoda class had a significant advantage: T. vulpis, T. canis, T. leonina, A. caninum, C. plica, U. stenocephala; among Cestoda class helminths, only D. caninum was diagnosed. Diagnosed pathogens of helminthiasis in dogs were mono- and myxinvasions. The research of seasonal dynamics of dog helminthosis revealed a high prevalence throughout the year. In summer, the helminthic prevalence of dogs reached the maximum index. In autumn, the intensity decrease. In winter, we received the minimum EI. In spring, the number of ill animals was increased. The species composition recorded by us in the spring was presented: T. vulpis and T. canis, both mono- and myxinvasion. In summer, T. vulpis, T. canis, C. plica, A. caninum, U. stenocephala. In winter, T. vulpis and T. canis dominate again. A feature of the autumn season for helminthiasis in dogs was the predominance of T. vulpis over other species of nematodes and cestodes in dogs. Regarding the age, sex and breed characteristics of the dog, the following results were obtained. The most comfortable were animals aged from birth to 7 years. Sex of animals (female, male), as shown by the results of our study, without affecting the infestation of helminthic infestations of dogs. As follows from the analysis of the results of helminthological studies, more susceptible are animals of the German Shepherd, Dachshund, Russian Spaniel breeds. Key words: epizootology, seasonality, dogs, helminthiasis, trichurosis, toxocariasis, intestinal strongylates, coproovoscopic studies, extensiveness of invasion.

Genetics of canine myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common heart disease and cause of cardiac death in domestic dogs. MMVD is characterised by slow progressive myxomatous degeneration from the tips of the mitral valves onwards with subsequent mitral valve regurgitation, and left atrial and ventricular dilatation. Although the disease usually has a long asymptomatic period, in dogs with severe disease, mortality is typically secondary to left-sided congestive heart failure. Although it is not uncommon for dogs to survive long enough in the asymptomatic period to die from unrelated causes; a proportion of dogs rapidly advance into congestive heart failure. Heightened prevalence in certain breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has indicated that MMVD is under a genetic influence. The genetic characterisation of the factors that underlie the difference in progression of disease is of strong interest to those concerned with dog longevity and welfare. Advanced genomic technologies have the potential to provide information that may impact treatment, prevalence, or severity of MMVD through the elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms and the detection of predisposing genetic loci of major effect. Here we describe briefly the clinical nature of the disorder and consider the physiological mechanisms that might impact its occurrence in the domestic dog. Using results from comparative genomics we suggest possible genetic approaches for identifying genetic risk factors within breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed represents a robust resource for uncovering the genetic basis of MMVD.

Dog leucocyte antigen (DLA) class II haplotypes and risk of canine diabetes mellitus in specific dog breeds

BackgroundCanine diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease in domestic dogs. A number of pathological mechanisms are thought to contribute to the aetiopathogenesis of relative or absolute insulin deficiency, including immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells. DM risk varies considerably between different dog breeds, suggesting that genetic factors are involved and contribute susceptibility or protection. Associations of particular dog leucocyte antigen (DLA) class II haplotypes with DM have been identified, but investigations to date have only considered all breeds pooled together. The aim of this study was to analyse an expanded data set so as to identify breed-specific diabetes-associated DLA haplotypes.MethodsThe 12 most highly represented breeds in the UK Canine Diabetes Register were selected for study. DLA-typing data from 646 diabetic dogs and 912 breed-matched non-diabetic controls were analysed to enable breed-specific analysis of the DLA. Dogs were genotyped for allelic variation at DLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1 loci using DNA sequence-based typing. Genotypes from all three loci were combined to reveal three-locus DLA class II haplotypes, which were evaluated for statistical associations with DM. This was performed for each breed individually and for all breeds pooled together.ResultsFive dog breeds were identified as having one or more DLA haplotype associated with DM susceptibility or protection. Four DM-associated haplotypes were identified in the Cocker Spaniel breed, of which one haplotype was shared with Border Terriers. In the three breeds known to be at highest risk of DM included in the study (Samoyed, Tibetan Terrier and Cairn Terrier), no DLA haplotypes were found to be associated with DM.ConclusionsNovel DLA associations with DM in specific dog breeds provide further evidence that immune response genes contribute susceptibility to this disease in some cases. It is also apparent that DLA may not be contributing obvious or strong risk for DM in some breeds, including the seven breeds analysed for which no associations were identified.

Identification of a non-host semiochemical from miniature pinscher, Canis lupus familiaris, that repels Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae)

It is already known that the beagle breed of domestic dogs produces semiochemicals capable of repelling the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). With a view to discovering new non-host semiochemicals as tick repellents, we compared the semiochemicals produced by a putative tick-resistant breed of dog, miniature pinscher, with known tick-resistant (beagle) and tick-susceptible (English cocker spaniel) breeds. Two non-host compounds produced by beagles, i.e. 2-hexanone and benzaldehyde, were shown to be present in samples collected from all three breeds. Furthermore, two compounds, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, were found in higher amounts in samples collected from miniature pinscher dogs. The mean amounts of benzaldehyde, 2-hexanone and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were similar for beagles and miniature pinschers (P > 0.05) and higher than the means observed for cocker spaniels (P < 0.05), whereas the mean amount of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one produced by miniature pinschers was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than for the other breeds of dogs. In Petri-dish assays with adult R. sanguineus s.l., 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one was repellent for all observation periods evaluated for the two highest concentrations (0.100 and 0.200 mg.cm−2, P < 0.01). The obtained results support our hypothesis that miniature pinschers are a tick-resistant dog breed and agree with previous observations of miniature pinschers being the breed least parasitized by ticks. Furthermore, the non-host semiochemical 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one has potential to be developed for use as a repellent for the protection of susceptible dogs from R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.

Study of faecal parameters and body condition in dogs with a diet supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529)

The aim of our case-control study is to evaluate the effects of a diet integrated with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on the nutritional status and faecal consistency of healthy dogs belonging to the English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) and Labrador Retriever (LR) breeds. A total of 30 dogs were enrolled in this study, and they were randomly assigned to a Control (CTR, n = 14) and a Treated group (LACTO, n = 16). The trial consisted in a 7-days adaptation period where all the animals received the same commercial food, followed by a 35-days of data collection period where the LACTO group received the food supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL. We evaluated Body weight (BW), Body Condition Score (BCS) and Skinfold thickness, Faecal Score (FS) and Faecal Moisture (FM). All dogs in the LACTO group maintained an ideal BCS score during the whole experimental period compared to the CTR group. A significant decrease in skin thickness was found throughout the trial in the LACTO group. A significant improvement of the FM was recorded in the LACTO compared to the CTR group in the overall period for both dog breeds, and the FS significantly decreased in the LACTO group. Our results showed good maintenance of the nutritional conditions in dogs that are prone to overweight and a significant improvement of faecal parameters, meaning that even in healthy dogs with no gastrointestinal disorder the addition of this supplement to the diet helps to maintain the optimal balance of their intestinal microbiota. HIGHLIGHTS Probiotics help to maintain and promote the optimal gastro-intestinal health and well-being. Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) improve faecal parameters and nutritional status of dogs.

Impact of breed on canine humeral condylar fracture configuration, surgical management, and outcome.

To report the prevalence, configuration, risk factors, fixation methods and outcomes after repair of humeral condylar fractures (HCF) in dogs. Retrospective nested cohort study. One hundred twelve dogs. Medical records of dogs referred between January 2010 and August 2018 were searched for HCF. Demographics, fracture configuration, repair, and complications were obtained from medical records. Radiographs were assessed for fracture reduction, implant positioning, and bone healing. Short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes, and long-term owner-assessed outcome was determined. Associations between these variables were statistically analyzed. Dogs with HCF represented 112 of 43 325 (0.26%, 95% CI 0.22-0.31) referrals. French bulldogs and spaniel breeds were predisposed to HCF (P < .02). French bulldogs were 6.58 times (95% CI 1.62-26.7) more likely than other breeds to have a medial HCF (P = .008). Epicondylar plate fixation was associated with reduced complications compared with lag screws and Kirschner wires (P = .009). Lameness was scored as 1 of 5 (median) in the 85 dogs with initial follow-up (median 6 weeks) after HCF repair. Outcome was considered excellent in 26 of 31 dogs with long-term follow-up (median 36 months). French bulldogs and spaniels were predisposed to HCF, and medial HCF were more common in French bulldogs. Epicondylar plate fixation was associated with reduced complications. French bulldogs are predisposed to HCF, including medial HCF. Epicondylar plate fixation is recommended over other epicondylar fixation methods to reduce complications.

Pilot study of head conformation changes over time in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed

Modern interpretation of head conformation in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) has favoured a smaller, more exaggerated, brachycephalic type than originally described in the 1929 breed standard. Recent research...

Clinical Veterinarians’ Perceptions about Sexes and Breeds of Dogs Involved in Aggressiveness in Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract Aggression is the most common dog behavioral problem, with important implications for public health. The aim of this study was to determine the perception of veterinarian clinicians of Montevideo regarding canine aggression, the sex effect, and the main breeds involved. One hundred veterinary clinics of Montevideo city were randomly selected to complete a survey about aggressiveness in dogs. Most veterinarians opined that males are more involved than females in canine aggression and that the Pit bull, the German Shepherd, and Uruguayan Cimarron breeds were the most involved in both types of aggression considered (between canines and towards people), while the Cocker Spaniel breed was involved in aggression towards humans and the Rottweiler breed in aggression between dogs. This work highlights that both veterinarians and other experts within the community identify the Uruguayan Cimarron as being aggressive, which indicates that the behavior of this breed may be of particular concern.

Retrospective study of 16 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs diagnosed with Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Surgical Management

Chiari-like malformation (CM) and Syringomyelia (SM) are complex neurological disorders, that affects the brain and respectively the spinal cord. These conditions affect certain toy breed dogs, among which the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is overrepresented, causing numerous clinical signs, of which the neurological pain is commonly observed.The purpose of this research was to describe the CM/SM magnetic resonance images, to discuss the medical management and to track the outcome of the patients. All of the 16 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs underwent surgical treatment, consisting of cranio-cervical decompression, combined with drug therapy.Thirteen of the 16 cases presented good results with clinical improvement of the symptomatology, escpecially decreasing the neuropathic pain, and increasing the quality of life. The other 3 cases presented no improvement of the symptomatology.

Prevalence of canine parvovirus infection in Grand Tunis, Tunisia

Objective: The aim of this work was to describe the prevalence of Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) infection in young dogs of clinical cases presented at the National School of Veterinary Medicine clinic coming from four different governorates of Tunisia, according to epidemiological parameters: sex, breed, age, period, and vaccination status. Materials and methods: 168 domestic juvenile dogs aged between one and seven months were selected based on their pattern of consultation (diarrhea or anorexia with or without vomiting). Data were collected from the database during the period going from September 2012 to July 2013. Results: The overall prevalence of CPV-2 was 32.14% (n=54/168). A total number of 54 young dogs, aging 1 to 7 months, of American Staffordshire terrier, German shepherd, Rottweiler and Spaniel breeds were affected. There was no sex predisposition and German shepherd was the over-represented breed (n=33/54; 61.11%). The prevalence of clinical cases below the three months old was 70.37% (n=38/54) with autumn (n=27/54; 50%) as the most common season of infection. Furthermore, the study showed that 87.04% (n=47/54) of CPV-2 unvaccinated young dogs were positive. Conclusion: This work was a new descriptive study concerning canine parvovirus infection in the Grand Tunis; further studies are required to better characterize the epidemiology of CPV-2 infection in Tunisia. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018.e251