Young Dogs Research Articles

Koala conservation in South East Queensland: a shared responsibility

ABSTRACT The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an iconic Australian animal. Its recent reclassification to endangered in locations such as South East Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory indicates urgent and further conservation actions are required. This article proposes that a downstream social marketing approach can be applied to encourage South East Queensland residents to take preventative actions to protect koalas in their region. This article reports the results of an online survey that was completed by 2,592 South East Queensland residents. The data was cluster analysed using TwoStep cluster analysis, resulting in three valid segments. Active koala enthusiasts are knowledgeable and active in koala conservation. City residents were aware of koalas’ decline but are unfamiliar with conservation actions. Young dog owners do not know about the decline of koalas and they do not currently perform conservation actions. Respondents agreed that koala conservation is a shared responsibility between residents, organisations and governments and too many are not aware of actions they can take. Tailored approaches should be applied in the future, including citizen science initiatives such as completing online koala sightings to broaden understanding of koala habitats.

Systematic review regarding treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in young dogs

Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures represent a small proportion of proximal tibial fractures in dogs. We distinguish between different types of this trauma. This disease is commonly encountered in young and skeletally immature animals. In the past, dogs with tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures were not treated, which resulted in chronic lameness. At present, various therapeutic methods are available for managing this disease. The aim of this article was to present the therapeutic protocols for managing tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs. The present article reviews the data regarding the treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs. Many veterinarians are reluctant to use conservative methods in the treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures due to the uncertain outcome and possible fracture progression. There are many surgical treatment options, but Kirschner wires with a tension band are the surgical method of choice for managing the problem. This article also contains a detailed description of the surgical procedure with the recommended method. The manuscript additionally touches on rehabilitation and conservative treatment of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures.

Nephrolithiasis and uricosuria diagnostics in dogs

Nephrolithiasis and hyperuricosuria is a common pathology in dogs of various breeds. The problem of breeding lies in the fact that the diagnostic methods used: X-ray examination, determination of lipid composition in the blood and the urogenital microbiome, do not allow early diagnostics in young dogs before the onset of clinical changes, as well as to identify animals carrying mutant alleles of disease candidate genes. We have developed a test system for nephrolithiasis and uricosuria diagnostics in dogs, including primers and allele-selective probes. A control plasmid solution was used as a matrix. The system is based on the use of the TaqMan method. This test system allows for early diagnostics of animals with mutant alleles to monitor the state of health during ontogenesis, as well as the exclusion of these dogs from breeding before their puberty.

Некоторые аспекты эпизоотологии, патогенеза и лечения парвовирусного энтерита собак

The nosoprofile of infectious pathology in dogs is widespread in the conditions of the Klintsovskaya veterinary hospital. The most common disease was bordetellosis, which tended to decrease. Draws attention to the susceptibility of dogs to parvovirus enteritis, the incidence of which was consistently high for 3 years (22,4–23,2 %). The lowest rate of diseased animals was observed from such viral infections as dog distemper, coronavirus enteritis and rotavirus infection. In the age aspect, the nosoprofile of parvovirus enteritis is more common in young dogs under 1 year old, they account for 69,6 % of all cases. In seasonal dynamics, the disease is most often recorded in the spring-summer period. In the blood of dogs with parvovirus enteritis, the morphological composition was characterized by a decrease in erythrocytes and leukocytes, but there was an increase in hemoglobin concentration. On the 1st and 8th days of the experiment, there was a decrease in erythrocytes compared to the control by 47,7 and 33,2 %, respectively, and the content of leukocytes in this period was lower than the control values by 2,6 and 1,3 times. The hemoglobin concentration was higher than the control analogues by 37,3 and 20,8 %. The leukoformula showed an increase in stab neutrophils and lymphocytes. In the blood of dogs with parvovirus enteritis, a decrease in the content of total protein, glucose and cholesterol was recorded. Thus, the total protein on the 1st and 8th days tended to decrease throughout the experiment by 19,1 and 28,1 %, respectively. Glucose had a downward trend, this was especially noticeable on the 8th day of the study (33,3 %). The decrease in cholesterol was most marked on the 1st day of the experiment (31,1 %). The applied complex therapy using the probiotic lactobifadol forte contributed to the normalization of the clinical status on the 7th day, while in the control group using the traditional treatment regimen it ended on the 9th day.

Selective responding to human ostensive communication is an early developing capacity of domestic dogs.

Ostensive communication, communication motivated not only by an informative intention, but also by an intention to make this informative intention overt, is thought to be restricted to human signalers and to rely on metacognitive skills. On the receiver side, human infants and dogs have been found to selectively respond to human ostensive communication, even if it remains unclear whether they are able to discern the underlying intentions. At present only animals with extensive experiences with humans have demonstrated a response to human attention calling, suggesting that this sensitivity may be an exaptation of communicative skills allowing for context-specific responding to intraspecific signals. We investigated whether dogs could respond to subtle cues of ostension without clear attention-calling and how this skill varies across age and with different human-given signals. Using a two-way object choice task, we evaluated whether dogs of different ages followed, with their gaze and with their choices, ostensive human pointing and gaze more than a formally similar but non-ostensive gesture and a directional gaze cue. Dogs followed pointing more than gaze, and older dogs followed the directional cues more accurately than younger dogs. Independent of cue type, we found that dogs of all ages responded to human ostensive signals more than similar directional cues motivated by no communicative intention. Given that dogs are sensitive to subtle cues of ostensive communication from an early age, and that this does not appear to change with age, we suggest that living close to humans may have selected for this skill. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Like human infants, dogs followed human ostensive cues more than non-ostensive cues both by their approach behavior and their differential looking behavior. Dogs differentiated between ostensive and non-ostensive human cues from an early age on, without their attention having been called explicitly in advance. Dogs followed human-given pointing cues more than human-given gaze cues, independent of age or intention (ostensive or non-ostensive). The early developing sensitivity of dogs to human ostension suggests that living close to humans may have selected for this skill.

Co-infections of major tick-borne pathogens of dogs in Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Implementing hemoprotozoan control strategies in dogs has become difficult because of the co-infections. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for simultaneous detection of the co-infections of Babesia gibsoni, B. vogeli, Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis from dogs (N = 442) in Andhra Pradesh, South India. The co-infection combinations were classified as (i) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + E. canis + H. canis (BEH), (ii) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + E. canis (BE), (iii) B. gibsoni + B. vogeli + H. canis (BH) and (iv) E. canis + H. canis (EH) groups. The parasite-specific multiplex PCR amplified 18S rRNA gene of B. gibsoni, B. vogeli and H. canis and VirB9 gene of E. canis. The age, gender, breed, medium, living condition and region of dogs were studied as risk factors for co-infections using logistic regression model. Among the co-infections, the incidence was 1.81%, 9.28%, 0.69% and 0.90% for BEH, BE, BH and EH infections, respectively. Young age (< one year), females, mongrels, rural dogs, kennel dogs and presence of ticks were the identified risk factors for overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. The incidence of infection was less in rainy season, especially in dogs with a previous acaricidal treatment. The study concludes that the multiplex PCR assay could simultaneously detect natural co-infections in dogs, emphasizing the need for the assay in epidemiological studies to reveal the real pattern of pathogens and select pathogen-specific treatment protocols.

Using Sedline® Brain function monitor to evaluate electroencephalographic changes during propofol anesthesia in young healthy dogs

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate electroencephalography (EEG) changes associated with propofol anesthesia in dogs using the Masimo Sedline® monitor.

Euglena gracilis como adjuvante no tratamento de um cão com doença renal crônica - relato de caso

ABSTRACT A young dog diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, based on clinical changes and sonographic findings (IRIS, 2023), was supplemented with 15mg per kg of body weight per day of inactive dried Euglena gracilis (henceforth called IDEG) as an adjuvant to standard treatments used for the management of chronic kidney disease in dogs. The treatments were divided into two stages, with a total duration of 120 days. At the end of the treatments, the patient showed improvement in vitality, interaction, weight gain, reduction in azotemia, and a 44% decrease in serum C-reactive protein levels.

Long‐term outcome of infectious sacroiliitis due to Pasteurella multocida in a dog

AbstractA 6‐month‐old, male German shepherd dog was presented with a 2‐week history of left pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination revealed severe left pelvic limb lameness, lumbosacral and left pelvic limb pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed heterogeneous T2‐weighted hyperintensity, T1‐weighted hypointense with marked contrast enhancement in the left sacroiliac joint, consistent with unilateral sacroiliitis. Computed tomography was used to perform image‐guided arthrocentesis and also revealed an irregular left sacroiliac joint. Infectious sacroiliitis, caused by Pasteurella multocida, was confirmed by culture of the synovial fluid of the sacroiliac joint. Infectious sacroiliitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for young dogs presented with pelvic limb lameness and pain.

Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis Infection in Dogs in Maiduguri, Borno State

Dirofilaria immitis infection is a major potential life threatening disease of dogs with worldwide distribution and of zoonotic importance. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of D. immitis. A total of 250 blood samples were randomly collected from dogs in the study area. The examination for D. immitis infection was carried out based on the conventional and immunological procedures using wet mount and Buffy coat methods. The total prevalence of D. immitis was 100 (40.00%). The prevalence of D. immitis in the adult dogs was 62 (24.80%) while, in the young dogs was 38 (15.20%). The prevalence of D. immitis in the male dogs was 54 (21.60%) while, 46 (18.40%) was the prevalence of the female dogs. The prevalence of outdoor dogs was 64 (25.60%) while, that of the indoor dogs was 36 (14.40%). The dogs with thin body condition scores had a prevalence of 80 (32.00%) while, the overweight (obesed) dogs were 20 (8.00%). However, the prevalence of D. immitis is higher in the adult, male and outdoor dogs compared to the young, female and indoor dogs. Therefore, the present study revealed a high prevalence of D. immitis infection in the study area.

Respiratory Diseases and Their Diagnosis in Dogs: A Review

Respiratory affections are common in dogs. Very young and older dogs are at greater risk as compared to the adult ones. Constant exposure of the respiratory tract to the infectious agents, reaching the upper and lower respiratory tract aerogenously or hematogenously, makes the respiratory system vulnerable to injury. Clinical signs mainly seen in upper respiratory tract diseases involves nasal discharge (serous, mucopurulent or hemorrhagic), sneezing, facial deformity, stertor, lethargy, inappetence and rarely, central nervous system signs whereas additional signs present in lower tract diseases range from dyspnoea, costal or abdominal respiration, cough, nasal discharge and congestion, edema, consolidation of lungs and weight loss. Advanced tests involved in diagnosis of respiratory problems in veterinary practicpe are rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) transtracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and culture. This review discusses the causes of upper and lower respiratory tract disorders of canines and various diagnostic tests involved in their diagnosis.

Prognostic Factorial Index for Dogs with Canine Distemper

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is a highly fatal disease in dogs. Hence, it is important to document the factors which are significantly correlated with the poor prognosis amongst CD infected dogs to develop a prognostic index. Methods: Forty dogs positive for CD virus by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) were included in our study at infectious Disease Unit (IDU), Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital, Chennai between March 2021 and August 2022. Two different herbal drugs were tried in two groups of dogs where each group comprised of 20 dogs and clinical responses were observed. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected and analysed between survival and non-survival groups using chi-square test. The statistically significant factors were further analysed by logistic regression to identify their strong association with the event of death. Kaplan-Meier curves for survival were constructed to explore differences in the survival time for different dogs. Result: The overall case fatality rate was found to be 55% (22/40). The event of death due to CD was observed in young dogs having ocular discharge with strong correlation but the chances of survival were found to increase when age advanced.

Gastrointestinal parasites in young dogs and risk factors associated with infection

Young dogs are particularly susceptible to infections with endoparasites. The occurrence of endoparasites was investigated in young dogs from Central Germany between July 2020 and July 2022. In total, 386 fecal samples originating from 171 dogs were examined for the prevalence of endoparasites using a combined flotation- and sedimentation technique and conventional PCR. Overall, in 41.2% (159/386) of the examined samples, endoparasites were detected. The most frequently occurring endoparasites were Giardia duodenalis (29%), Cryptosporidium spp. (9.1%), Cystoisospora spp. (7.3%), and Toxocara canis (6%). Sequencing of G. duodenalis positive samples showed that most infections belonged to the host-specific assemblages C (38.4% (43/112)) and D (35.7% (40/112)). The zoonotic assemblage A was identified in 8% (9/112) of the samples. Moreover, mixed infections were observed as follows: C/D in 5 (4.5%), D/A in 4 (3.6%), and C/A in 3 (2.7%) samples. All assemblage A infections were assigned to the potentially zoonotic subassemblage AI. Co-infections of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were observed in 3.1% (12/386) of the samples. Analyzing several host factors for their potential association with endoparasitic infection, the origin of dogs, as well as the living environment were identified as the main risk factors for infection with endoparasites. Overall, this study shows a high infection rate with endoparasites, especially G. duodenalis, in young dogs from Germany. The results of this study contribute to further insight into the distribution and potential risk factors associated with endoparasitic infections, as well as the zoonotic potential these parasites may present.

Radiographic, MRI, and CT findings in a young dog with Becker-like muscular dystrophy.

An 8-month-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for macroglossia, reduced mandibular extension, ptyalism, dysphagia, and regurgitation. Serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity were markedly increased. Thoracic radiographs showed an axial gastro-esophageal hiatal hernia, diaphragmatic thickening, and asymmetry. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed a severely enlarged tongue, symmetric increase in size of the geniohyoid and mylohyoid muscles, and diffuse masticatory hypomyotrophy. Whole-body CT ruled out other musculoskeletal abnormalities and further characterized the radiographic and MRI findings. Muscular histopathology was consistent with Becker muscular dystrophy.

EVALUATING INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING HEALTHSPAN: A MULTI-CENTER CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE COMPANION DOG

Abstract The companion dog is an emerging model in translational geroscience and offers novel opportunities to investigate aging biology and potential gerotherapeutics. However, there is a scarcity of validated tools and clinical outcome measures to characterize and understand the impact of aging in this translational species. Here we report on a multi-center, cross sectional veterinary clinical study, where we evaluated a clinical questionnaire (Canine Frailty Index; CFI; Banzato et al., 2019) to assess frailty and an owner assessment tool (VetMetrica HRQL) to evaluate HRQL in 451 adult companion dogs. Results support evidence of validity for the tools by confirming expectations that frailty and HRQL deteriorate with age. CFI scores were significantly higher (higher frailty) and HRQL scores significantly lower (worse HRQL) in old dogs (≥ 7 years of age) compared to young dogs (≥ 2 and &amp;lt; 6 years of age). Body size (small &amp;lt; 25lbs or large &amp;gt; 50lbs) was not associated with CFI or total HRQL score. However, older, larger dogs showed faster age-related decline in HRQL scores specific to owner-reported activity and comfort. Findings suggest that the clinician-assessed CFI and owner-reported VetMetrica HRQL may be useful tools to evaluate two determinants of healthspan in dogs: the accumulation of frailty and the progressive decline in quality of life. Establishing validated tools that operationalize the assessment of canine healthspan is critical for the linking pathophysiological mechanisms to aging phenotypes in the companion dog and for accelerating the development of gerotherapeutics that benefit both human and veterinary medicine.

Survival in canine tetanus - retrospective analysis of 42 cases (2006-2020).

To define factors associated with survival in dogs with tetanus and to evaluate the prognostic significance of an established severity classification scheme. Medical records of dogs with the clinical diagnosis of tetanus were retrospectively reviewed with regard to signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings on admission, wound characteristics, complications, therapeutic measures, and survival to discharge. Based on the extracted data, dogs were graded according to a previously published 4-class severity scheme. Non-parametric tests were applied for comparisons between survival categories. Forty-two dogs fulfilled inclusion criteria, of which 32 survived. Of 10 non-survivors, 4 died and 6 were euthanised. Non-survivors were more often younger than 2 years of age (6/10 vs. 7/32 dogs, p = 0.023), had shorter duration of specific signs of tetanus (time from onset of typical signs to presentation) (2 vs. 4 days, p = 0.016), were prescribed less often antibiotics prior to presentation (p = 0.006), had higher tetanus severity grade (10/12 dogs in Class III or IV died, p < 0.001), more often received acepromazine (p = 0.009) and atropine (p = 0.012), and more often had hyperthermia (p = 0.005) and respiratory complications (pneumonia, laryngeal spasm; p = 0.008). Wound characteristics, the use of tube feeding, metronidazole, methocarbamol, magnesium and antitoxin were not significantly different between non-survivors and survivors. Young dogs with a rapid course of severe generalized tetanus have a guarded prognosis. The previously described severity classification scheme proved valuable in predicting survival. Prospective multi-center studies are needed to clarify the prognostic significance of age, sedative usage and modified versions of an established classification scheme, including the presence of respiratory complications.

Granulation tissue-type hemangioma in a 6-week-old puppy – a case report

BackgroundHemangioma is a well-known neoplasia in veterinary and human medicine. Several subtypes have been described and are distinguished based on their histologic appearance. The classification schemes of hemangiomas in human and veterinary medicine are different, and various purpose-based schemes can be found in the literature.Case presentationA six-week-old puppy was presented that suffered from a neoplasia that extended to the musculature of the hind limb. After surgical excision, the mass was submitted for pathohistological examination. The mass was composed of endothelial cells forming vascular slits admixed with a fibrous stroma and spindle cells. Immunohistological examination was positive for factor VIII-related antigen and smooth muscle actin, supporting the diagnosis of hemangioma.ConclusionThe final diagnosis of granulation tissue-type hemangioma was given due to the histological appearance of the neoplasia. Granulation tissue-type hemangioma is a rare subtype of hemangioma. In this case an uncommonly young dog was affected.

Sperm parameters in the Great Dane: Influence of age on semen quality

Not all sires have sperm suitable for chilled or frozen storage, and success in artificial insemination (AI) varies highly among individual dogs and breeds. Fertilizing potential is further complicated as sperm quality declines with the aging process. Due to the rapidity of aging and senescence in large breed dogs, associated health and fertility changes may be observed over a shorter period, though this period remains undefined for any breed. Working with a population of purebred Great Danes (GD), our aims were (1) to characterize the distribution of a series of sperm parameters, (2) to distinguish sources of variation in sperm quality within this rapidly aging breed, and (3) to identify changes in sperm quality that may accompany aging. Ejaculates collected from young, middle-aged, and senior Great Dane dogs (n = 50) were evaluated for semen volume, total sperm number and viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), in addition to sperm morphology and kinematic parameters. Total testicular volume was also determined using ultrasonography. Testicular volume was not a predictor of sperm production in the GD, however, significant differences between coat colors were identified. Age was negatively associated with total motility, progressive motility, and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (p < .05). We identified significant relationships between GD male age and TM, PM, and immotility with −9.9%, −9.0%, and +8.3% change per year of age, respectively, which support the anecdotal reports of decline of the fertility with the advance of age in this breed. Sperm of younger GD dogs aged 12 ≤ x < 24 months had significantly higher TM, PM, ALH, and nonlinear motility (p < .05) than older dogs (x ≥ 48 months). High ROS levels were positively associated with TM and PM, average pathway distance (DAP) and straight line distance (DSL), average pathway velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), and the presence of hairpin tails (p < .05). While age and ROS have significant influences on sperm parameters in the GD, the influence of selection for breed specific phenotypes could help explain the functional significance of the diversity among GD males.

Long-term examinations of the lumbal disc and facet joint changes in 5 German Shepard dogs

The purpose of this first-time long-term observational study was to evaluate the changes of the caudal lumbar spine at the locations L5/6, L6/7, and L7/S1 in 5 German shepherd dogs over a 6-year time period using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The dogs had a mean age of 26 months at the time of the first examination. In addition, it was evaluated whether a breeding examination, with regard to disc degeneration, is justified in young dog. The locations L7/S1, L6/7, and L5/6 were examined in more detail with regard to their signal intensity changes, the facet joint angle changes in dorsal (dors) and transverse (trans) planes, and disc surface changes in sagittal (sag) and transverse (trans) reconstruction planes with CT and MRT in 2015 and 2021. All data were collected computer-based and analyzed statistically. Subsequently, the results were compared to the measured signal intensity and to the subjective disc degeneration grading according to Seiler used in practice. Over the period of 6 years a significant loss of the measured signal intensity of the intervertebral discs in the transverse plane and an overall facet joint widening in the transverse plane of 0.54° as well as in the dorsal plane of 1.8° was evident. In addition, there was no evidence of a relationship between the size of the facet joint angle and the degree of disc degeneration. Furthermore, regardless of the initial degree of degeneration, the discs showed low signal intensity and higher Seiler grade during follow-up. The results of the present study group indicate that an inconspicuous condition of the lumbar intervertebral discs at the time of the initial breeding examination in the young dog does not allow an accurate prediction of the subsequent degree of degeneration and that there are ongoing remodeling processes at the facet joints even in healthy German shepherd dogs.

Good clinical outcomes achieved in young dogs with tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture repairs when implants were left in situ past skeletal maturity.

To evaluate outcomes of tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures (TTAF) in dogs with implants left in situ past skeletal maturity and to compare clinical outcomes with published outcomes in dogs whose implants were removed 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. 47 client-owned dogs. In this retrospective study, 47 dogs had surgery to correct a TTAF before 10 months of age and had the implants left in situ past skeletal maturity. Of these, 42 were followed for a median of 36 months postoperatively. Short- and long-term complications were recorded and compared with historically published data in which the implants were removed within 6 weeks of surgery. 14% (6/42) of our population experienced minor long-term complications (stiffness and lameness), 6% (3/47) experienced major short-term complications (repair failure), and 14% (6/24) experienced major long-term complications (implant removal). There was no difference in long-term outcomes when compared with results of historical reports in which implants were removed 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Client satisfaction was high, with 93% (38/41) grading outcomes as excellent and 95% (39/41) stating they would have surgery performed again in retrospect. Immature dogs with surgically repaired TTAFs have favorable long-term outcomes when the implants were left in situ past skeletal maturity. Dogs with TTAF repairs may not need implant removal unless it becomes clinically necessary. Avoiding a second procedure will decrease patient morbidity, recovery time, and cost.