Young Dogs Research Articles

Calcium and magnesium abnormalities in puppies with parvoviral enteritis.

To determine the association between ionized calcium (iCa) and/or total magnesium (tMg) and the development of sepsis and to investigate whether iCa or tMg is associated with mortality in puppies with canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE). 64 client-owned puppies with CPE were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Serum iCa and tMg were measured daily from admission until death or discharge. Fifteen healthy client-owned puppies were used as controls. Mean iCa concentrations of the CPE group on admission were significantly lower compared to the control group (1.35 mmol/L vs 1.52 mmol/L). Ionized calcium concentrations of nonsurvivors were significantly higher compared to survivors on day 2 but not on any other days. Puppies that were hypercalcemic on day 2 were also significantly more likely to die than normocalcemic puppies (OR, 10.7; 95% CI, 1.7 to 71). Ionized calcium was not associated with the development of sepsis on any day. In contrast, mean admission tMg concentrations of the CPE group were significantly higher compared to the control group (0.72 mmol/L vs 0.63 mmol/L). However, tMg concentrations were not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors nor were they associated with the development of sepsis on any day. On admission, puppies with CPE had lower iCa and higher tMg compared to healthy puppies, and higher iCa a day after initiation of treatment was associated with increased odds of mortality. The results of this study provide insight into calcium homeostasis in critically ill young dogs with CPE.

Disseminated Neospora caninum Encephalomyelitis and Myositis in a 3-Month-Old Cane Corso Puppy

We present a case of fatal disseminated neosporosis in a 3-month-old Cane Corso puppy. The puppy presented to the Purdue Veterinary Hospital emergency service with a 1-week history of progressive left hindlimb lameness. On presentation, the puppy was nonambulatory paraparetic. Signs progressed over two days to nonambulatory tetraparesis, and decreased to absent limb reflexes, cranial nerve deficits, and dull mentation. Blood work showed eosinophilia, elevated ALT, and extremely elevated creatine kinase at 36,000 IU/L (reference interval 22–491 IU/L). Two days after diagnostics were performed, the puppy experienced acute cardiac arrest, and the body was submitted for necropsy. At necropsy, skeletal muscle in all four limbs was diffusely pale tan. Tan streaks were disseminated through the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and myocardium. Histologically, Skeletal myocytes and cardiomyocytes were frequently degenerative, with abundant lymphohistiocytic inflammation and fibrosis. White matter within the brain and spinal cord was inflamed and contained frequent dilated myelin sheaths and spheroids. A few protozoal cysts were within the brain and skeletal myocytes. Antemortem antibody titers were positive for IgG against Neospora caninum (dilution titer of 1:4096, baseline 1:32), confirming protozoal cysts as Neospora caninum. Disseminated neosporosis is an uncommon but important clinical differential for ascending paresis in young dogs.

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

Oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infections are among the deadly viral diseases in dogs and sick puppies. Young dogs are more prone to the virus. Antioxidants are important components of the defense system which prevent cell damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Malondialdehyde is a reliable and commonly used marker of oxidative stress. The present study was performed to determine the role of oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus disease. Thirty Cane Corso male dogs with an average age of 3-6 months were enrolled in this study out of which 10 animals were spontaneously infected with the parvovirus and the other 10 were healthy. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde were measured by colorimetric methods whereas the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was measured. Catalase was measured by means of rapid spectrophotometry and chromography was used for obtaining the concentrations of vitamin D and vitamin E. The increase in malondialdehyde in infected dogs demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the parvovirus. The significant elevation in TAC, and lack of important changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase are indicative of a good response by the antioxidant system against oxidative stress induced by the parvovirus. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of parvovirus. Thus, strengthening the antioxidant system can be effective in the prevention and treatment of canine parvovirus infection.

Dual sensory impairments in companion dogs: Prevalence and relationship to cognitive impairment.

Many older dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) develop cognitive impairment. Dog owners often describe impairments in multiple sensory functions, yet the relationships between sensory and cognitive function in older dogs is not well understood. We performed assessments of dog vision and hearing, both clinically (n = 91, electroretinography and brainstem auditory evoked potential) and via validated questionnaire (n = 238). We determined prevalence of sole and dual hearing/vision impairments in younger (<8 years) and older (≥8 years) dogs. Impairment cutoffs were determined using data from young dogs. We assessed the relationships between questionnaire-assessed vision and/or hearing impairments and cognitive impairment using logistic regression. Younger and older dog groups had similar distributions of sex and purebred/mixed breed status. Sex had no relationship to prevalence of sensory impairments. Older dogs had higher prevalence of hearing, vision, and dual sensory impairments, assessed both clinically and by questionnaire (P<0.001), and cognitive impairment assessed by questionnaire (P<0.001). Dogs had higher prevalence of reported cognitive impairment when owners reported dual vision and hearing impairments (79-94%, versus 25-27% in dogs with no sensory impairments), which was most consistent in dogs aged ≥8 years. In these older dogs, dual vision/hearing impairments were associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment (1.8-2.0 odds ratio). Dogs aged ≥8 years are at higher risk for dual hearing/vision impairments and associated cognitive impairments. The causal relationship between these impairments is not defined, but clinical consideration of these multimorbidity risks should be made in older dogs.

Management of a granulosa-theca cell tumor in a female Rottweiler

A 4-year, multiparous Rottweiler female dog, was presented for breeding management. Dog had clinical signs of proestrus and estrus for &gt; 6 weeks, including cornification of vaginal epithelium and low circulating progesterone concentrations (&lt; 2 ng/ml). Transabdominal ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and measurement of circulating hormones (antimüllerian hormone, Inhibin-B, and progesterone) suggested granulosa-theca cell tumor. Affected ovary was removed via laparoscopy. Histopathology confirmed granulosa-theca cell tumor; dog resumed cyclicity 4 months after surgery, had normal estrus and was successfully mated with a young stud dog. Dog was diagnosed pregnant (30 days after LH surge) via transabdominal ultrasonography; 4 amniotic sacs were detected, and 3 grew to term but were not viable at delivery (via cesarian surgery).

Molecular detection and quantification of canine parvovirus 2 using a fast and sensitive SYBR® green-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in dogs affected with gastroenteritis

Background and Aim: Viral gastroenteritis in canines is primarily caused by the canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). Infections by this virus can cause severe consequences in dogs, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, septicemia, systemic inflammation, and immunosuppression. Therefore, the mortality rate of persistent infections caused by this virus is significantly high. The capsid protein VP2 genome of canine parvovirus has undergone many changes, resulting in the emergence of different genotypes, including CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c. Diagnostic procedures often lack the necessary specificity for early infection diagnosis. Early detection of the infection enhances the likelihood of canine survival because the canine will receive prompt therapy. Hence, this study aimed to develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based diagnostic technique using SYBR Green for the rapid and accurate detection and quantification of CPV-2. Materials and Methods: The assay was specifically designed to identify a portion of the conserved NS gene using primers that amplify a 125-bp fragment. The qPCR method was executed in the fast mode to expedite the process using Power up SYBR Green Master Mix reagent. A standard curve was constructed using the amplified and purified PCR product of the NS gene. Results: The limit of detection and quantification were determined in the one amplified-DNA copy. The standard curve showed an efficiency of 99.5% and inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation of 0.387%–0.976% and 0.085%–0.430%, respectively. The assay was specific for the amplification of CPV-2, as no amplification was observed for other viral genomes (canine adenovirus II, canine distemper virus, canine coronavirus, and canine astrovirus) or from the negative controls. Inter- and intra-tests for repeatability showed low test variability around the run time. To validate the present assay, 200 samples of fezzes from canines with gastroenteritis and symptoms associated with enteric infection were tested using the qPCR protocol. From the analyzed samples, 136 were positive for CPV-2 by qPCR assay, of which 110 were before diagnostic positive for the virus by endpoint PCR, showing high sensitivity of the current assay. CPV-2 was detected in dogs over 2 weeks old up to dogs 9 years old, where the highest viral concentration found was 16429595 gene copies in dogs aged 2 weeks. Conclusion: In the present study, a rapid, specific, repeatable, and sensitive assay was developed for the detection and quantification of CPV-2. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that in the population of domestic dogs in Ecuador affected with gastrointestinal disease, the virus is presented in dogs of different ages and not only in young dogs. Keywords: canine parvovirus, gastroenteritis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, SYBR green.

Idiopathic cervical abscesses in dogs follow seasonal trends and geographic risk factors, predominantly affecting young, large breeds: a case-control study of 67 dogs in New England.

Describe and identify risk factors and spatiotemporal trends associated with the development of idiopathic cervical abscesses (CAs) in dogs in the Cape Cod region. The authors hypothesized that CAs without an external communicating tract would have a seasonal trend and would not be associated with identifiable foreign material. 67 dogs. Retrospective observational case-control study enrolling dogs between 2016 and 2020. Compiled patient information included age, breed, sex, weight, date of presentation, and ZIP code. Statistical evaluation was performed by use of multivariate logistic regression modeling and spatiotemporal analyses with government-compiled land cover data. Control dogs were randomly selected in a 3:1 ratio to cases. 67 cases were investigated. The final multivariable logistic regression model found a significant seasonal effect, with most cases in September (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.91 to 12.02). Spatial analyses revealed increased risk in a cluster of 13 ZIP codes, with OR of 4.40 (95% CI, 1.95 to 9.95). Weight was a risk factor; each additional kilogram was associated with an 18.8% increase in odds (OR, 1.188; 95% CI, 1.053 to 1.341) until a maximum risk at 15 kg. Younger dogs were at greater odds; for each additional year of age, the odds of having CAs were reduced by 8.9% (OR, 0.911; 95% CI, 0.837 to 0.991). No foreign material inciting cause was identified in any of the 67 cases. Idiopathic CAs should be a differential for young, large-breed dogs with cervical swelling in the Northeastern US. This study documented seasonality, geographical trends, and signalment predispositions for idiopathic CAs.

Prevalence of Haemoprotozoan Parasites of Dogs in Umuahia metropolis, Abia state: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study investigated the prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasites of dogs in Umuahia, Southern Nigeria. The study population included sick dogs presented to the Abia State Veterinary Clinic, Umuahia from 2015 to 2022. A total of 560 case files of dogs were reviewed and data were presented using descriptive statistics and analysed using Chi square to determine association of various factors with prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasite. The overall prevalence of haemoprotozoan parasite in surveyed dogs was 118 (21.10%). The young dogs had a higher prevalence of 79 (22.40%) compared to the adult 39 (18.80%). The female dogs had a higher prevalence of 77 (25.50%) than male 41 (15.90%). The local breed had a higher prevalence of 28.80% than the exotic breeds 18.50%. There was a significant association (P &lt; 0.05) between haemoparasitism and sex, as well as breed of dogs surveyed. Babesia spp was the most common haemoprotozoan parasite, representing 63 (53.49%) while Anaplasma was the least abundant 3 (2.54%). Haemoprotozoan parasite spp was found to be more prevalent in young dogs than adult dogs. It was concluded that haemoparasites are prevalent among sick dogs presented at the Abia State veterinary clinic, Umuahia, and there is need to raise awareness on the prevention and control of haemoprotozoan parasite infections in dogs.

Accurate Diagnosis of Tick-borne Diseases in Working Dogs: The Impact of Unseen Risk Factors

Aims: Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are a significant concern in India due to their widespread prevalence and impact on working dogs. This study aimed to screen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dogs in Arakkonam for canine hemoprotozoans using microscopy and PCR, while also assessing haematological and serum biochemical parameters as a part of regular health check-up. Methodology: The study was conducted in April 2024 at the 4th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, India. Blood samples from 39 dogs were examined using microscopy, complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry analysis, and PCR, including both hemoprotozoan and nested hemoprotozoan panels. The data related to hematological and serum biochemical parameters, as well as the molecular prevalence of hemoprotozoans, were statistically analyzed using Mean ± SD and Fisher's exact test in SPSS software. Results: While microscopy did not detect piroplasms, PCR revealed Babesia spp. (28.2%), Ehrlichia canis (2.56%), and Anaplasma platys (23.1%). Nested PCR further identified Babesia gibsoni (56.4%) being the most prevalent, followed by Babesia vogeli (10.3%). Coinfections were observed in 23% (9/39) of dogs. Older dogs (&gt;1 year) had a significantly higher infection rate than younger dogs. Labrador Retrievers showed higher infection rates, suggesting a possible breed-specific susceptibility. Conclusion Despite tick control efforts, NDRF dogs remain at high risk due to environmental factors and interactions with stray dogs. Subclinical infections highlight the need for regular screenings and preventive measures. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive disease management strategies, including treatment of infected dogs, environmental tick control, and adherence to preventive protocols to potentially reduce transmission risks.

Burden and Cost of Campylobacter Risk Factors in Australia.

Campylobacter is a globally important pathogen with well-studied risk factors, but the burden of risk factors has not been quantified. We quantified the cost of illness attributable to specific domestic risk factors for C. jejuni and C. coli in Australia. We used data from a 2018-2019 case-control study to estimate odds ratios and attributable fractions for risk factors. We used data on national incidence, hospitalization, and premature mortality to quantify burden. We then applied costs related to healthcare utilization, pain and suffering, premature mortality, and lost productivity to each risk factor. In Australia, C. jejuni caused 83.0% of campylobacteriosis infections and chicken consumption resulted in the highest attributable fraction (30.0%), costing approximately US$110 million annually. The excess burden of campylobacteriosis associated with the use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) was US$45 million, with almost half these costs due to disease in adults over 65 years of age. Contact with young dogs (US$30 million) and chicken feces (US$10 million) also contributed to costs and burden. Campylobacteriosis is a significant cost to Australia, particularly because of lost productivity. Effective cross-sectoral interventions to improve chicken meat safety and reduce inappropriate use of PPIs might have substantial economic and human benefits.

Clinical examination findings and electrolyte abnormalities of dogs with marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol toxicity: 223 cases (January 2017-July 2021).

The goal of this study was to describe the historical, physical, neurologic, and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with a definitive diagnosis of marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol toxicity. A total of 223 dogs with known ingestion of marijuana or a positive tetrahydrocannabinol result on human urine multidrug test. Retrospective study from January 2017 to July 2021. Median age was 1 year (1 month to 12 years). A common history was becoming acutely neurologic after going outside or to a public place (62/223 [27.8%]). Most owners denied possibility of exposure (152/223 [68%]). Median vitals were normal, but hyperthermia (38/212 [22.6%]), tachycardia (82/222 [37%]), and systemic hypertension (37/61 [60.7%]) were common abnormalities. The most common clinical signs included ataxia (197/223 [88.3%]), hyperesthesia (168/223 [75.3%]), urinary incontinence (102/223 [45.7%]), lethargy (140/223 [62.5%]), and vomiting (58/223 [26%]). The most common combinations of neurologic signs included ataxia and hyperesthesia (157/223 [70.4%]) and ataxia, hyperesthesia, and urinary incontinence (81/223 [36.3%]). Mild hyperkalemia (39/76 [51.3%]) and mild hypercalcemia (53/67 [79.1%]) were common. Twenty-two dogs were hospitalized. Survival was 100%. A common presentation for marijuana toxicosis included young dogs with acute ataxia and hyperesthesia, with and without urinary incontinence, after going outside or to a public place. Vitals were often normal, but hyperthermia, tachycardia, and hypertension were common. Bloodwork was mostly normal, but mild hyperkalemia and mild ionized hypercalcemia were common. Marijuana should be high on the differential list with these history, physical examination, neurologic, and electrolyte abnormalities, regardless of owner denial or negative human urine multidrug test.

Clinical descriptive and long-term outcome of melanocytic uveal lesions in young dogs: 40 cases (45 eyes) including 13 cases of sector iridectomy.

To describe the clinical features surgical technique, early and long-term outcome with or without surgery, and histopathological findings of melanocytic anterior uveal lesions in young dogs. Medical records of dogs at a guide dog facility removed from training due to a pigmented iris lesion were reviewed from 2014 to 2021. Selected dogs had surgical iridectomies performed. Iridal melanocytic lesions were characterized as well-delineated, pigmented, and flat (nevus) or raised (mass) lesions of the iris. Forty dogs (18 Labrador retrievers, 18 German shepherd dogs, 1 Golden retriever, 3 Labrador/Golden mixes) ranging from 0.5 to 3.1 years of age were affected unilaterally (n = 35) or bilaterally (n = 5). Sector iridectomy was performed in 13 dogs with prominent and well-isolated mass lesion and enucleation was carried out in 2 dogs with extensive lesions, while all other cases were monitored without surgical intervention. Postoperative complications included dyscoria (13/13), focal posterior synechia (9/13) and focal nonprogressive cataract (8/13). All eyes remained visual and comfortable up to 6.2 years post-iridectomy with no clinically identifiable local recurrence. Histopathology was consistent with uveal melanocytoma in all samples obtained surgically. All cases that did not undergo surgery remained free of complications up to 4.5 year post diagnosis. Melanocytic anterior uveal lesions may be overrepresented in certain lineages of breeds and be present at a young age. While none of the eyes developed complications when monitored without surgery, early surgical excision of the mass by sector iridectomy yields noteworthy functional outcome and retention of a comfortable globe.

Implications of hypocobalaminemia as a negative prognostic marker in juvenile dogs with parvovirus enteritis.

Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) infection poses a significant global health risk to susceptible dogs. Hypocobalaminemia, defined as reduced serum cobalamin (CBL) concentrations, is a recognized complication in chronic enteropathies in adult dogs but remains poorly understood in the context of acute enteropathies, especially in young dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and severity of hypocobalaminemia in young dogs with parvovirus enteritis and evaluation of CBL as a predictor of outcome. Thirty client-owned dogs diagnosed with parvovirus infection and thirty healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical, hematological, and biochemical tests, including CBL and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations, were assessed. Results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with parvovirus enteritis compared to healthy controls, as well as a significant correlation with a disease severity score. Moreover, survivors demonstrated higher CBL concentrations than non-survivors, suggesting an eventual prognostic value of CBL status. However, parenteral CBL supplementation showed no significant effect on serum CBL or MMA concentrations, highlighting potential challenges in CBL uptake at the cellular level. Hypocobalaminemia in this population is caused by multiple factors such as reduced nutritional absorption, gastrointestinal losses, and increased metabolic demands. Further research is needed to develop tailored management strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of CBL supplementation, and understand the mechanisms behind hypocobalaminemia in parvovirus infection.

Canine corneal endothelial cell analysis using vital dyes and light microscopy.

To evaluate the use of vital dyes and light microscopy for assessing canine corneal endothelial morphology exvivo. The corneas of 40 canine eyes (n = 20 dogs) enucleated <24 h following euthanasia or death were isolated and flat-mounted on a slide. Corneal endothelium was stained via 0.25% trypan blue followed by 0.5% alizarin red (pH 4.2), photographed, then the following morphological features were calculated using ImageJ: mean cell density (MCD), mean cell area (MCA), polymegathism (coefficient of variation of cell area), and pleomorphism (% hexagonality). Mean ± standard deviation (range) outcomes were: MCD, 2544 ± 541 cells/mm2 (1750-3922 cells/mm2); MCA, 431 ± 97 μm2 (251-626 μm2); polymegathism, 17 ± 2% (14%-22%); pleomorphism, 84 ± 3% (80%-90%). No significant differences (p ≥ .122) were noted for any outcome between male versus female or brachycephalic versus non-brachycephalic dogs. Young dogs (<10 years) had lower MCA (p = .044), lower pleomorphism (p = .003), and higher MCD (p = .035) when compared to older dogs (≥10 years). Age was significantly (p ≤ .049) correlated with MCA (r = 0.467), MCD (r = -0.476), polymegathism (r = 0.444), and pleomorphism (r = 0.609). The combination of vital dyes and light microscopy allowed for clear visualization and evaluation of the corneal endothelium in canine eyes exvivo. Our findings can be used in future studies to deepen our understanding of the corneal endothelium in health and disease.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Vehicular Trauma Prevalence in Dogs (Based on the Data of the Rostov Region Veterinary Clinic Chain for the Period of 2018–2022)

Introduction. Vehicular trauma is one of the most common causes of canine trauma — at least 51% of the total number of the canine trauma according to the foreign statistics. The main risk group consists of the dog males aged from 1 to 3 years old. In Russia no research was conducted to analyse the prevalence of vehicular trauma in dogs that would allow determining the risk factors, the nature and severity of injuries, and making recommendations for the owners and veterinarians. This article proposes a retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs based on the data of the Rostov region veterinary clinic chain for the period of 2018–2022.Materials and Methods. For retrospective evaluation, the medical histories of patients of the “VitaVet” LLC veterinary clinic chain (Rostov region) were used as the material. The selection of medical histories was carried out from September 2022 to March 2023 in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: the presence of a vehicular trauma in the animal's anamnesis; diagnosis based on the physical examination, X-ray examination and ultrasound examination; absence of data on the other potentially life-threatening diseases in the animal medical history. The severity of dogs’ condition was evaluated according to five parameters of the ATT scale (Animal Trauma Triage) and the estimate shock index.Results. A retrospective evaluation of the vehicular trauma prevalence in dogs was carried out based on the data of 559 selected medical histories. Of these, 217 histories belonged to bitches (94% non-neutered) and 342 to dog males (98% non-neutered). It was revealed that the number of deaths in bitches was almost two times less in comparison with the male dogs (13% and 20.2% respectively). About 45% of vehicular trauma occurred in animals aged from 1 to 3 years old. The lowest percentage of deaths (6.15%) and the average ATT score (3.15±0.09) were found in bitches under one year old. In bitches aged from 1 to 3 years old, these parameters equalled to 10.74% mortality and 3.46±0.07 ATT score. Among male dogs, the lowest mortality percentage was found in males from 7 to 10 years old (11.11%), in animals under one year old it was 12.84%. The largest number of injured dogs was in the small dog breeds (63.69%), however in large dog breeds the percentage of deaths and the average ATT score were higher (54.8% and 4.34±0.3). The most common diagnoses resulting from the vehicular trauma were: femoral fracture, pelvic fracture, craniocerebral trauma, contusion, tibia fracture, vertebral fracture.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the retrospective evaluation indicate that the young non-neutered dog males were most often subject to the vehicular trauma (dogs under the age of 3 years old were in the risk group). Mortality among the dog males was higher than among the bitches. The small dog breeds were more likely to get the vehicular trauma, whereas the percentage of deaths in large dog breeds was higher. The most common injuries observed during the period of research were the musculoskeletal disorders, this fully corresponds to the data published in the foreign scientific sources. Further expansion of the sample of research taking into account the data of the other veterinary clinic chains will create the opportunity for getting a more detailed picture in the research area.

Clinical and Diagnostic Findings in Dogs Infected with Trichuris vulpis: A Retrospective Study.

Trichuris vulpis is a parasite of the large intestine of canids and has a global distribution. Despite its well-established epidemiology, the question of its pathogenicity in dogs remains debated. It has been suggested that younger age and concurrent infection with Ancylostoma caninum may be responsible for more severe clinical presentations. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical and diagnostic features of T. vulpis-infected dogs and to compare these findings with dogs infected with both T. vulpis and other intestinal parasites (poly-infected dogs). Forty-five dogs were included, with twenty-five being solely infected by T. vulpis and twenty poly-infected dogs. Only weight loss was more frequent (p = 0.006) in poly-infected dogs compared to T. vulpis mono-infected dogs. No significant differences were observed in laboratory abnormalities between mono-infected and poly-infected dogs. Only diarrhea was more frequent (p = 0.007) in younger dogs compared to adults. The egg shedding pattern was significantly higher (p = 0.04) among adult dogs compared to young ones, and there was a significant positive correlation between egg shedding and age (r = 0.41; p = 0.005). These findings suggest that T. vulpis might be responsible for both clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in dogs, irrespective of the host's age and the presence of other intestinal parasites.

Domestication and exposure to human social stimuli are not sufficient to trigger attachment to humans: a companion pig-dog comparative study

Dogs exhibit human-analogue attachment to their owners, with similar function and mechanisms to that of infant-mother bond, but its origin is unclear. Comparative studies on socialised wolves and dogs emphasise genetic influence in dogs' preparedness for attachment to humans. We aimed to reveal if this genetic effect stems from general domestication or artificial selection that increased dogs' dependence on humans. We assessed and compared behavioural patterns of young companion pigs and dogs using a Strange Situation Test. Dogs but not pigs exhibited distinct behaviours towards their owner and a stranger along attachment-specific variables, so only dogs’ relevant behaviours fulfilled attachment criteria. From the observed behaviours, three factors were formed: Attachment (to the owner), Anxiety (in a strange situation), and Acceptance (of a stranger). Results indicate (1) higher Attachment scores in dogs than pigs, (2) greater Acceptance scores in pigs, (3) positive correlation of Attachment and Anxiety in both, (4) similar time tendency of pigs' Attachment and Acceptance scores. These suggest that in pigs, domestication and early exposure to human social stimuli did not trigger attachment to humans. Thus, along with species predispositions, the unique dog-owner attachment can be facilitated by artificial selection that increased dogs' dependence on humans.

Recurrent infiltrative lipoma of the thoracic and abdominal wall in a young dog

Recurrent infiltrative lipoma of the thoracic and abdominal wall in a young dog

Species-specific histological characterizations of renal tubules and collecting ducts in the kidneys of cats and dogs.

The histomorphological features of normal kidneys in cats and dogs have been revealed despite the high susceptibility of cats to tubulointerstitial damage. Herein, the histological characteristics of the two species were compared. Cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LDs) were abundant in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs) of cats aged 23-27 months but scarce in dogs aged 24-27 months. LDs were rarely observed in the distal tubules (DTs) and collecting ducts (CDs) of either species, as visualized by the expression of Tamm-Horsfall protein 1, calbindin-D28K, and aquaporin 2. The occupational area ratio of proximal tubules (PTs) in the renal cortex was higher, but that of DTs or CDs was significantly lower in adult cats than in dogs. Single PT epithelial cells were larger, but PCT, DT, and CD lumens were significantly narrower in adult cats than in dogs. Unlike adults, young cats at 6 months exhibited significantly abundant cytoplasmic LDs in proximal straight tubules, indicating lipid metabolism-related development. Histochemistry of the 21 lectins also revealed variations in glycosylation across different renal tubules and CDs in both species. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 was expressed only in PTs, excluding the proximal straight tubules with few LDs in adult cats or the PCTs of young cats and adult dogs. These findings are crucial for understanding species-specific characteristics of renal histomorphology and pathogenesis.