Staffordshire Bull Terrier Research Articles

Computed tomographic characteristics of craniomandibular osteopathy in 20 dogs.

Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) is a proliferative, self-limiting, non-neoplastic disease of growing dogs characterised by excessive new bone formation on the skull and mandible. The radiographic findings of CMO are well described; however, limited reports of the computed tomographic (CT) appearance are available. This paper aims to characterise the spectrum of CT findings that can occur with CMO. The study is retrospective, descriptive, multicenter, and includes 20 cases. Age at presentation ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months, with no sex predisposition. Scottish terriers were overrepresented (65%); other breeds included Cairn terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, labrador retriever, golden retriever, akita and Slovakian rough-haired pointer (one of each breed). Terrier breeds represented 80% (16/20) of the patient cohort. Mandibular osteoproliferation was present in all patients (marked in 80%, bilateral in 95%), affecting the rostral mandible in 25%, body in 85%, and ramus in 80%. Tympanic bulla osteoproliferation was present in 60% (12/20) of patients (all marked, bilateral in 75%). Cranial osteoproliferation (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital bones or maxilla, or combinations of them) was present in 90% (18/20) of patients (40% marked, 27% moderate, 33% mild). Nasopharyngeal narrowing was seen in all 12 patients with tympanic bulla osteoproliferation (67% marked, 27% moderate) and caused nearly complete occlusion in two of them. External ear canal stenosis was seen in 55% (11/20) of patients (63% marked, 37% moderate, all bilateral). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) impingement was suspected in 83% (10/12) of patients with marked tympanic bulla osteoproliferation (75% bilateral). Osteolysis with a moth-eaten pattern was seen in the mandible of 10/20 dogs, the calvarium of 5/20 dogs, and the maxilla of 1/20 dogs (5%). Lymphadenomegaly (mandibular and medial retropharyngeal) was found in 15/20 patients (70% mild, 30% moderate). The most severe CT changes were seen in Scottish terriers. CT allows for detailed characterisation of the bony changes associated with CMO, including the effects occurring secondary to osteoproliferation surrounding the tympanic bullae such as TMJ impingement, external ear canal stenosis, and nasopharyngeal narrowing. Osteoproliferation affecting the cranium and the presence of osteolysis were seen more frequently in this study than previously reported in CMO.

From “Husky” to “Bulldog”– behavioural correlates between castration and breed groups in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study’s main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of intact and castrated dogs, a differentiation between two clades - the “Huskies“(chow chow, shar pei, akita/shiba inu, alaskan malamute, siberian/alaskan husky) and the “Bulldogs” (german boxer, english/french bulldog, old english mastiff, boston terrier, english bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier), based on Parker et al. [1], was made.Using an online questionnaire,, 31 neutered and 37 intact male dogs from the clade “Huskies“ and 30 neutered and 38 intact male dogs from the clade “Bulldogs”, participated in the study (N = 136).The survey included detailed questions on the dogs’ personality and any associated issues as well as a behavioural anamnesis. Further questions relating to four of the “big five” personality dimensions based on the “Budapest questionnaire” by Turcsán et al. from 2011 [2] were also added.The results show, that neutered males from both breed clades more frequently displayed aggression toward humans than intact males (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.002). When it came to aggression towards other dogs, it was the “Huskies” that differed significantly from the “Bulldogs“(multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) with being more aggressive. There were also significant differences in stress-related behaviour depending on castration status and breed (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.33) and only the castration status had an impact on the significance (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001). The analysis also revealed significance for stress-indicating behaviour with dependence on neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001) and showed that stress as well as uncertainty are significantly more common in neutered dogs depending on breed and neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.42), in that only neutered “Bulldogs“ were stressed, but more “Huskies“ overall.According to the Budapest questionnaire data, the “Bulldog” clade had considerably greater extraversion scores overall (ordinal regression, p < 0.001) than the “Huskies“.Our findings highlight the risks and potential negative effects of neutering. Gonadectomy in no way substitutes for the dog receiving the necessary socialization, training, or bonding. Although in some circumstances it might have a favourable impact on the dog’s behaviour, it should not be seen as a panacea for unwanted behaviour. Given that not all behaviours are influenced by sex hormones, every castration decision must be weighed up individually.

The epidemiology of tick infestation in dog breeds in the UK.

The purpose of this study is to report the prevalence and risk factors for tick infestation in dogs in the UK based on anonymised electronic patient records. Clinical records of dogs under veterinary care in 2016 at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme were followed over a 5-year period to identify cases of tick infestation. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. The study included 905,553 dogs. From a random sample, 1903 tick infestation cases were identified. The estimated 5-year (2014 to 2018) period prevalence was 2.03% (95% confidence interval: 2.00 to 2.06). Sixteen breeds showed increased odds compared with non-designer-crossbreed dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Cairn terrier (odds ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.64 to 4.98), standard poodle (odds ratio 2.80, 95% confidence interval 1.25 to 6.29) and Goldendoodle (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 5.91). Six breeds showed reduced odds, with lowest odds shown by Staffordshire bull terrier (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.50), Rottweiler (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.85) and Chihuahua (odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.55). Males had 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.36) times the odds of females. Compared with non-designer-crossbred dogs, designer-crossbreed dogs had increased odds (odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.52 to 2.15). Compared with breeds with short coats, breeds with medium length coats (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.96 to 2.48) showed increased odds. Breeds with V-shaped drop and pendulous ear carriage had higher odds compared with breeds with erect ear carriage. These findings provide an evidence base for veterinary professionals to raise awareness of tick infestation as a preventable disorder in dogs in the UK and to support more effective prevention and therapeutic protocols based on targeted approaches.

Allele and genotype frequencies for primary hereditary cataract, multifocal retinopathy 1, and degenerative myelopathy in Pyrenean Mountain dog from Italy

Pyrenean Mountain Dog (PMD) is an ancient dog breed firstly described in XIV century in the Pyrenees Region and nowadays diffused both in Europe and in the US. Hereditary Cataract (HC), defined as the inherited opacity of the lens, involves clinical signs ranging from reduced vision to glaucoma. A molecular basis of HC was firstly described in Staffordshire Bull Terriers and then reported in multiple canine breeds. The HC-associated variation is a single nucleotide deletion in HSF4 gene that introduces a premature stop codon (c.962del, p.Ala321*). Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (MR) is an ocular disorder characterized by multiple areas of retinal degeneration, caused in various dog breeds (including PMD) by a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in BEST1 gene that generates a premature stop codon (c.73G>A, p.Arg25*). Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is an adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disease and it is associated to a SNV in SOD1 gene causing a change in aminoacidic sequence of the protein (c.118G>A, p.Glu40Lys). This causative variant has been described in various dog breeds, including PMD. Aim of this study was to determine the allele frequencies for the abovementioned three genetic diseases in the Italian breeding PMD population. The survey found no dogs carrying the allele (deletion) associated with HC, while three dogs (6 %) were heterozygous (G/A) for the MR-associated variant, and seven dogs (13 %) were heterozygous (G/A) for the DM-associated alteration, indicating that the variant alleles frequency were 0 %, 3 %, and 7 %, respectively. Appropriate mating management is suggested for the prevention of genetic diseases spreading in the PMD population.

A retrospective study on epidemiology and management of canine cystine uroliths in one part of Norway from 2015 to 2020

BackgroundUrinary tract problems are a common complaint in small animal medicine and urolithiasis is considered to be an important cause of urinary tract disease in dogs. In this study the main aim was to investigate whether the occurrence of cystine urolithiasis increased during a five-year period. A second aim was to evaluate possible risk-factors as breed, age and gender. This study also evaluated how urine specific gravity, pH and level of cystine in urine responded to preventive strategies. Medical records of dogs with urolithiasis presented at nine Norwegian animal clinics and one animal hospital between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe incidence of cystine uroliths increased significantly during the five study years (R2 = 0.72, P = 0.0199). Dogs with cystine uroliths were significantly younger (5.0 years (n = 84, 95% CI [4.4–5.6])) when they were diagnosed with cystine uroliths compared to dogs with other types of uroliths (8.1 years (n = 255, 95% CI[7.8-8.5]) P < < 0.0001). Cystine levels in urine were increased in 93% of the dogs with cystine urolithiasis. Cystinuria decreased significantly after neutering (P < 0.0001). Breeds most commonly affected with cystine urolithiasis in this study were Staffordshire bull terrier, Danish Swedish farmdog and Chihuahua.ConclusionsThe results from this study supports a suggested genetic basis for cystine urolithiasis as described in previous studies. Neutering is considered an important part of preventing reoccurrence since cystine values decreased significantly after neutering.

Incidence and risk factors of heat-related illness in dogs from New South Wales, Australia (1997-2017).

Heat Related Illness (HRI) in dogs is expected to increase as heatwaves surge due to global warming. The most severe form of HRI, heat stroke, is potentially fatal in dogs. The current study investigated the incidence and risk factors for HRI in dogs in NSW, Australia, from 1997 to 2017. We identified 119 HRI cases during this period, with a fatality rate of 23%. Dog breeds at elevated risk of HRI were Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, British Bulldog, French Bulldog, Maremma Sheepdog, Italian Greyhound, Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Pug, Samoyed, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Border Collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and pooled non-Australian National Kennel Council breeds (which included the American and Australian Bulldog) when compared with cross breeds (i.e., the reference variable). As expected, HRI cases were more likely in December and January, during the Australian summer and during hotter years (e.g., 2016). There were no differences in the risk of HRI between males and females nor between desexed or un-desexed dogs; but older dogs were at increased risk of HRI. These findings underscore the need for data collection that will enable the incidence of HRI in dogs to be monitored and to better understand canine risk factors particularly as temperatures will continue to rise due to global warming. The risk of mortality from HRI underpins the need for education programs focussed on prevention and early identification of HRI so that owners present affected dogs to their veterinarian as promptly as possible.

Femur fracture associated with canine patellar groove replacement

AbstractA 3‐year‐old, 18‐kg, entire, male Staffordshire bull terrier was diagnosed of distal femur fracture after patellar groove replacement surgery. Internal fixation with orthogonal locking bone plates was used to stabilise the fracture. Six weeks following surgery, clinical examination indicated that satisfactory weight‐bearing ambulatory and radiographic bone union was achieved. Fracture following patellar groove replacement in dogs is a novel complication from which a good outcome can be achieved with appropriate management.

Genomic analysis and prediction of genomic values for distichiasis in Staffordshire bull terriers.

Distichiasis is a condition characterized by aberrant hairs along the eyelid margins. The symptoms are usually mild but can lead to ulcerations and lesions of the cornea in severe cases. It is the most frequently noted ocular disorder in Norwegian Staffordshire bull terriers (SBT), with a prevalence above 18% in the adult population. A complex inheritance is assumed, but there is sparse knowledge about the genetic background of distichiasis in dogs. We have performed a genome-wide association study of distichiasis in SBT and used genomic data in an attempt to predict genomic values for the disorder. We identified four genetic regions on CFA1, CFA18, CFA32 and CFA34 using a mixed linear model association analysis and a Bayesian mixed model analysis. Genomic values were predicted using GBLUP and a Bayesian approach, BayesR. The genomic prediction showed that the 1/4 of dogs with predicted values most likely to acquire distichiasis had a 3.9 -4.0 times higher risk of developing distichiasis compared to the quarter (1/4) of dogs least likely to acquire the disease. There was no significant difference between the two methods used. Four genomic regions associated with distichiasis were discovered in the association analysis, suggesting that distichiasis in SBT is a complex trait involving numerous loci. The four associated regions need to be confirmed in an independent sample. We also used all 95K SNPs for genomic prediction and showed that genomic prediction can be a helpful tool in selective breeding schemes at breed level aiming at reducing the prevalence of distichiasis in SBTs in the future, even if the predictive value of single dogs may be low.

Clinical, pathological and genetic aspects of laryngeal paralysis in dogs

The review article discusses the main clinical signs of paralysis of the larynx and pathological changes associated with it and other neurological pathologies. These hereditary canine neuropathies form a group of degenerative diseases affecting motor and/or sensory and autonomic peripheral nerves and have similar symptoms.Axonal forms associated with generalized polyneuropathy and paralysis of the larynx have been described in several dog breeds: Dalmatians, Alaskan Malamutes, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, St. Bernards, Italian Spinols, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Podhale Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bouvier de Flandres, Siberian Huskies and Siberian Husky crosses. Candidate genes for association with the disease are considered: ARHGEF10, RAPGEF6, ADAMTS3, CNTNAP1, DCTN1. The age of onset of the disease can be different, the manifestation of signs of paralysis of the larynx occurs both in young dogs, and the geriatric form also occurs. The prognosis of the complex of paralysis of the larynxpolyneuropathy is from cautious to unfavorable. One case of euthanasia due to intractable regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia has been described. Some authors point to a possible association of the disease with white coat color. Two main types of inheritance of paralysis of the larynx in dogs have been established - autosomal recessive and X -linked recessive. In humans, the dominant type of inheritance of this anomaly is known. Early diagnosis will make it possible to identify the hereditary nature of paralysis of the larynx, reduce the incidence of severe forms of the disease with timely surgical correction of the cartilage of the larynx and symptomatic treatment, as well as the spread of carriers of mutant alleles in dog populations. This is relevant today in connection with the spread of this anomaly in many breeds.

Epidemiology of mammary tumours in bitches under veterinary care in the UK in 2016.

There is limited information on the epidemiology of canine mammary tumours. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for mammary tumours in UK bitches. A nested case-control study was conducted within VetCompass to estimate the frequency and risk factors for clinically diagnosed mammary tumours during 2016 (VetCompass study). A second case-control study explored further breed associations for cases confirmed histopathologically compared to the VetCompass controls (laboratory study). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and mammary tumours. The incidence of mammary tumours was 1340.7/100,000 per year (95% confidence interval: 1198.1-1483.3). A total of 222 clinical cases (VetCompass study) and 915 laboratory cases (laboratory study) were compared to 1515 VetCompass controls in the two analyses. In the VetCompass study, Springer and Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos had increased odds of developing mammary tumours. Neutering was associated with reduced odds, while odds increased with increasing age and a history of pseudopregnancy. In the laboratory study, increasing age was associated with greater odds of mammary tumours, and the breeds most at risk were similar to those identified in the VetCompass study. The timing of neutering was not consistently available. Comparing laboratory cases to VetCompass controls provided only exploratory evidence for the breed associations identified. The study provides an update on the frequency of canine mammary tumours.

Morphological Assessment of the Temporomandibular Joint in Asymptomatic Brachycephalic Dogs Using Computed Tomography.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) incongruity and morphological variations can result in clinical signs but have also been reported in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess TMJ morphology in a group of brachycephalic dogs using computed tomography (CT). French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were retrospectively enrolled. The severity of the TMJ morphological changes was determined using a modified 5-grade classification system. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. One hundred fifty-three dogs were included. When evaluating the medial aspect of the TMJ in the sagittal plane, there was a spectrum of variations in the shape of the head of the condylar process of the mandible, the mandibular fossa and the retroarticular process ranging from a rounded concave TMJ with a long retroarticular process to a flattened TMJ with an absent process. Variations in the articular surface of the head of the condyle in the transverse plane ranged from flat, through curved and trapezoid to sigmoid. The prevalence of severe TMJ dysplasia (grades B3 and C) in the CKCS and French Bulldog was high (69.2% and 53.8%, respectively). The intra- and inter-observer agreements were moderate. Variations in TMJ morphology exist in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. Marked changes seem to be highly prevalent in the French Bulldog and CKCS and should be considered a breed variation. The TMJ classification described in this study could be used to standardize assessment of canine TMJ morphology. However, further research is needed to determine its clinical application.

Clinicopathological features of peripheral odontogenic fibromas in dogs and risk factors for their laboratory diagnosis.

To explore clinicopathological features of peripheral odontogenic fibromas in dogs and risk factors for their diagnosis. Data of cases with a histopathological diagnosis of peripheral odontogenic fibromas were obtained from a UK-based diagnostic laboratory and retrospectively reviewed. Prevalence amongst all biopsy submissions was assessed using binomial tests and Clopper-Pearson intervals. Age at diagnosis was assessed using t-test for independent samples. Lesion location, sex, and neuter status were assessed using χ2 and post hoc binomial tests. Breed odds ratios were calculated using univariable logistic regression modelling. The prevalence of peripheral odontogenic fibromas amongst all biopsy submissions was 2.8% (1001 of 35,328, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7 to 3.0). The mean (sd) age was 8.1 (±2.7) years. The most affected quadrant was the rostral maxilla (40.1%). The ratio of maxillary to mandibular lesions was 1.3:1 (95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5), and for cases of multiple peripheral odontogenic fibromas the ratio of maxillary to mandibular lesions was 2.4:1 (95% CI: 1.1 to 5.6). Males had 1.2 times the odds of suffering of peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.4). Neutering was associated with an increased risk of diagnosis (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.9). Breeds with increased odds of peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to crossbreed dogs included boxers (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.80 to 5.09), border terriers (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.10 to 4.91) and Basset Hounds (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.58 to 6.44). Breeds with increased odds of multiple simultaneous peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to crossbreed dogs included: Boxers (OR: 12.02, 95% CI: 7.13 to 20.24), border terriers (OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 2.32 to 11.43) and Staffordshire Bull terriers (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.33 to 4.41). Knowledge of clinicopathological features and at-risk breeds for peripheral odontogenic fibroma development can assist clinicians with making a diagnosis. The identification of risk factors provides targets for future research investigating peripheral odontogenic fibroma pathogenesis.

Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis in a Wild Muskrat and a Domestic Dog in the Northeastern United States

Taenia crassiceps is a parasite of wild canids and dogs that serve as definite hosts, harboring the adult cestode, whereas rodents are the intermediate hosts in which the metacestode/cysticercus/larval stage occurs. Fecal-oral transmission ensures the parasite's lifecycle. At times, dogs and humans act as accidental intermediate hosts. Despite the public health concern this parasite warrants, its epidemiology remains unclear. In this report, we document the occurrence of metacestodes of T. crassiceps in a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) and a domestic dog from the northeastern United States, a development that necessitates increased awareness and surveillance to tackle this disease of "one health" significance. Taenia crassiceps cysticercosis was confirmed in an adult male muskrat in February 2018 and in a 4-year-old female spayed Staffordshire Bull Terrier in December 2020. Parasitological and histopathologic examination of both cases revealed cysticerci with the characteristic rostellar hook morphology that aided in Taenia species identification. In the muskrat case specifically, partial sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene confirmed the species identity as T. crassiceps. We report T. crassiceps occurrence in a muskrat in New York State for the first time and document a case presentation in a domestic dog from New Jersey that was infected with metacestode stages of this parasite. Given the detection of this parasite in the northeastern United States, T. crassiceps infection, which otherwise is considered a rare disease, should be on the radar of veterinary, medical and wildlife biologists for timely diagnosis and interventions.

Online Dog Sale Advertisements Indicate Popularity of Welfare-Compromised Breeds

ABSTRACT Kennel club registrations have been used in a number of studies to estimate ownership levels and fashion trends among dog breeds. They cannot, however, give a complete overview of the contemporary trade in pet dogs, and additionally, may be particularly poor at monitoring trends among some welfare-vulnerable breeds. Here, we compared data from online advertisements for the UK sales of single-breed dogs over an 18-month period, with equivalent data (including for prior and subsequent years) from the UK Kennel Club. Kennel Club registration rates and breed popularity rates online were positively correlated. However, some breeds, including the Jack Russell terrier, Border collie and Chihuahua were considerably over-represented in online advertisements when compared with Kennel Club registrations, indicating a hidden market for certain breeds. In addition, the online dataset provided information on the sale and re-homing of adult dogs, showing high rates of adult homing of the Staffordshire bull terrier, Siberian husky and Rottweiler. We conclude that online pet-sales websites are an important and complementary source of data about the market in, and popularity of, a wide range of dog breeds.

Heritability estimates of distichiasis in Staffordshire bull terriers using pedigrees and genome-wide SNP data

BackgroundDistichiasis is the most frequently recorded eye disorder in the Norwegian Staffordshire bull terrier (SBT). The condition is often mild but can, in severe cases, lead to pain and blindness. The current study's main purpose was to estimate the heritability based on pedigree information as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate whether it is realistic to reduce the frequency by systematic breeding. The majority of the dogs had only one examination as a young puppy. To evaluate whether this early screening gave a reliable representation of the disease burden in the population, we compared the diagnosis in puppies and adult dogs.ResultsOur material consisted of data from 4177 dogs with an overall prevalence of distichiasis of 8.38% (CI 7.56–9.26). The prevalence in puppies examined around eight weeks of age was significantly lower than in dogs examined after 52 weeks (2.87%, CI 2.29–3.54 versus 18.72%, CI 16.71–20.87). The heritability was estimated in dogs examined after 52 weeks. We used both pedigree (1391 dogs) and genotype (498 dogs) information for the estimates. The pedigree-based heritability was ~ 0.22 (on the underlying scale ~ 0.48), while the genomic-based heritability (on the underlying scale) was ~ 0.47, and ~ 0.37 when excluding close relatives with equal affection status.ConclusionsScreening for distichiasis in puppies before eight weeks of age is not sufficient to give an accurate estimate of the prevalence, and an additional examination after one year is recommended. The heritability of distichiasis is medium to high, showing that it should be possible to reduce the prevalence by selective breeding.

For Pits’ Sake: Effect of Breed Labels on Perceptions of Shelter Dog Attractiveness

Abstract Pit bulls are the most common type of dog found in shelters, and negative perceptions of their temperament are believed to reduce their likelihood of adoption. Two experiments investigated the effects of breed label on perceptions of shelter dog attractiveness. The first experiment recruited 176 participants to rate the attractiveness of a dog labeled either a Pit Bull or Mixed Breed. The second study added an unlabeled condition and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier condition, and recruited 257 participants. While the Pit Bull was rated significantly less attractive than the Mixed Breed in Experiment 1, in Experiment 2, the Mixed Breed was rated the least attractive and significantly less so than the dog in the unlabeled condition. In addition, both experiments demonstrated that younger people viewed the dog as more attractive than older people. Given the conflicting results regarding breed labels, further research is necessary.

Breed distribution of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defectsin UK dogs.

This study aimed to assess the risk of bilateral disease in dogs affected by spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects(SCCEDs) and identify any recent changes in the distribution of breeds affected. Medical records of dogs assessed at a single ophthalmic centre for the management of SCCEDs between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed, and clinical data were extracted. Three hundred and seven dogs met the inclusion criteria. Boxers (129 dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (37 dogs) and French Bulldogs (20 dogs) were most frequently affected. Overall, the median age at presentation was 8 years (range 1-15 years), but French Bulldogs had a younger median age of 6 years. Boxers, French Bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed higher odds of bilateral ulceration (odds ratio 1.79, 1.65 and 1.64, respectively) compared to the overall study population. The median time between presentations when both eyes were affected was 4 months (range 0-42 months). There was a statistically significant increase inFrench Bulldogs, a reduction in Boxers and a stable number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers treated for this condition. However, as the effective sample size from each individual breed was small, further studies would be beneficial to confirm these findings. The results from this study suggest a shift in breed distribution. The risk of bilateral disease is higher in the three breeds reported here, and owners should be counselled appropriately at the initial examination.

Leptospirosis vaccination in dogs attending UK primary care practices: vaccine uptake and factors associated with administration

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is found globally and affects most mammalian species. Vaccination of dogs against leptospirosis is an important approach to preventing clinical disease, or reducing disease severity, as well as reducing transmission of the infection to humans. Although it is generally considered to be a ‘core’ vaccine, there is limited information on the level of leptospirosis vaccine usage and factors associated with its usage in dogs in the UK. The study aimed to report the uptake of leptospirosis vaccination and factors associated with its usage in a cohort of dogs under primary veterinary care during a 12-month period.ResultsFrom a population of 905,543 dogs, 49% (95%CI 48.9–49.1%) had at least one leptospirosis vaccine administered during the 12 months of study. Adult dogs had reduced odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccine when compared to dogs < 1 year old, with dogs > 8 years old having a greater than ten-fold reduction in odds (OR = 0.08, 95%CI 0.07–0.09). Odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccine was increased in insured dogs when compared to uninsured dogs (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.17–1.28). Neutered dogs had reduced odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccine (OR = 0.87, 95%CI 0.83–0.91). Breed associations with receiving a leptospirosis vaccine varied. Several breeds were associated with increased odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccine when compared to crossbreed dogs, including Border Terriers (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.42–1.57), Golden Retrievers (OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.24–1.37), Cocker Spaniels (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.23–1.31) and West Highland White Terriers (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.22–1.31). French Bulldogs (OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.62–0.67), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (OR = 0.79, 95%CI 0.78–0.82) and Pugs (OR = 0.91, 95%CI =0.88–0.95) had significantly reduced odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccination during the study.ConclusionThis work identified that almost half of the UK primary care attending population received a leptospirosis vaccine during the year. Several demographic variables were associated with leptospirosis vaccine administration, with age being particularly important. Both the proportion of uptake and factors associated with leptospirosis vaccine usage can be used as a benchmark for comparisons in the future. Additionally, an understanding of which populations have reduced odds of receiving a leptospirosis vaccine can potentially be used for initiatives to encourage owner vaccination uptake in these groups.

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy as a treatment for Rathke's cleft cyst in a dog

AbstractThe objective of the study was to describe the clinical, imaging, surgical and histological findings in a dog with Rathke's cleft cyst of the pituitary gland. A 6‐year‐old, female, neutered Staffordshire bull terrier was presented with an acute onset of abnormal behaviour. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull showed a pituitary mass of 12.9 mm (height) × 8.8 mm (width) × 10.2 mm (length) with a pituitary height/brain area value of 0.73 (reference &lt;0.31). Magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of pituitary apoplexy or neoplasia. Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed and a cystic mass was removed. Histopathology revealed a Rathke's cleft cyst lined by a layer of pseudo‐stratified ciliated columnar epithelial cells and mucin‐secreting goblet cells with remnant pituitary tissue with positive immunostaining against adrenocorticotropic hormone, alpha melanocyte and growth hormone in the periphery. Rathke's cleft cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of pituitary masses in the dog, and transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is an effective treatment.

Clinicopathologic and imaging features of a primary poorly differentiated extradural haemangiosarcoma with polyostotic vertebral involvement and pulmonary metastases in a dog

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, Staffordshire bull terrier was referred for a progressive 8‐week history of left pelvic limb paresis, postural reaction deficits, perineal hypoalgesia and lumbosacral pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a L5–Cd1 circumferential T1‐weighted isointense, T2‐weighted/short Tau inversion recovery hyperintense extradural mass, causing severe spinal cord compression with multifocal lesions of L5–L7 vertebral bodies and extension to paraspinal musculature. Unlike previous reports, both vertebral and epidural lesions showed heterogeneous contrast enhancement, while adjacent paraspinal musculature showed mild ill‐defined enhancement. Computed tomography revealed pulmonary metastases and excluded primary lesion elsewhere. An epidural neoplasm with polyostotic vertebral involvement and pulmonary metastases was suspected. Dorsal laminectomy allowed for decompression and excisional biopsy confirming a diagnosis of poorly differentiated haemangiosarcoma. Haemangiosarcoma should be considered as a differential for primary extradural spinal neoplasia.