Gastrointestinal Parasites of Urban Dogs in Perth, Western Australia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in a sample of urban dogs in Perth and the knowledge of their owners about the control and zoonotic transmission of these parasites. Faecal samples (421), collected from dogs originating from five sources, were examined by microscopy and questionnaires administered to dog owners and managers/owners of pet shops. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism was higher in pet shop puppies (51%), than in dogs from refuges (37%), breeding kennels (32.7%), veterinary clinics (15.6%) and exercise areas (5.3%). Protozoa, in particular Giardia, were detected more frequently (22.1%) than helminth parasites. After adjusting for other factors with multiple logistic regression, puppies less than 6 months of age, dogs living in households with more than one dog, and dogs from refuges were significantly more likely to be parasitized. The prevalence of Giardia was found to be directly associated with the number of doses of anthelmintics given in a year, increasing 1.2 times for each dose administered. The majority of owners were aware of the potential risk to human health from canine helminths, however only one third were aware of the means of transmission to humans. It is concluded that veterinarians can play an important role in increasing the level of awareness of canine zoonotic parasites.     

湖南省常德地区宠物犬皮肤病的流行病学调查

为了解湖南省常德地区宠物犬皮肤病流行病学规律,采用回顾性查阅常德地区动物医院的病历、临床诊断及跟踪调查、显微镜检查、数据统计等方法,对该地区宠物犬皮肤病总发病率、皮肤病种类以及皮肤病的发生与宠物犬的种类、性别、年龄、季节的关系进行整理分析。结果表明：常德地区犬皮肤病的发病率为15.9%,其中发病率最高的是贵宾犬,占总皮肤病患犬病例的41.1%;发病年龄以1~3岁的幼犬发病率最高;耳部为易发部位;以混合感染为主;夏季为多发季节。     

Follow-up study of owner attitudes toward home care of paraplegic dogs.

A questionnaire was mailed to 30 owners of paraplegic dogs who had been caring for their dogs at home for 3 to 72 months. It was designed to collect information on demographic variables, duration of ownership and paralysis, age of the pet, pet/owner relationship, owner expectations and perceptions of the pet's quality of life, problems the pet experienced, effect that maintaining a paralyzed pet had on the owners' quality of life, and whether use of a cart was beneficial. Significant correlation was found between prior expectations that the pet would lead a high-quality life and perception that the pet, in fact, had a high quality of life during paralysis (r2 = 0.61, P = 0.01). Owners who had anticipated that extra work would be necessary to care for their paraplegic dog had a more positive attitude toward home care (r2 = 0.55, P = 0.03). Overall, owners involved in the study were satisfied with all aspects of maintaining paraplegic dogs at home. Our findings support the feasibility of dedicated owners successfully maintaining small (average body weight, 9 kg) paraplegic dogs at home for extended periods.     

The occurrence and anti-microbial susceptibility of Salmonellae isolated from commercially available pig ear pet treats

In Canada, there have been reported outbreaks of human salmonellosis related to exposure to animal-derived pet treats, involving pig ear treats, beef steak patty dog treats and pet treats of seafood origin. As a follow-up to recommendations made to the pig ear treat industry in 1999, a total of 245 pig ear treats were purchased in two Canadian cities to provide evidence of adoption of the recommendations and to determine the current levels of Salmonella contamination of pig ear treats available at pet stores. An overall prevalence of 4% was observed, with isolates exhibiting resistance to up to seven anti-microbials. Serotypes recovered included S. Bovismorbificans, S. Give, S. Derby and S. Typhimurium var. Copenhagen. Although the prevalence observed during this study is lower than the prevalence observed in 1999, pig ear treats should still be considered as a possible source of Salmonella and anti-microbial resistant bacteria to humans and dogs in Canada.     

Housing situation of small animals in Swiss pet shops

This study investigates the situation regarding housing of small animals in Swiss pet shops. Data of 92 pet shops were collected with a questionnaire. On average 813 fish, 52.5 invertebrates, 32.2 small mammals, 26.9 birds, 8.9 reptiles and 2.7 amphibians were offered for sale per pet shop. Small mammals, birds and reptiles were mainly obtained from Swiss breeders, while fish and amphibians were almost exclusively purchased from foreign providers. The housing systems which were sold differed from those in which the animals were kept in the shop. This may be misleading to the future pet owners and may lead to faulty husbandry. Animals on reserve were often kept in different housing systems than those in the pet shop. Sick animals were usually treated or killed by the pet shop owners. The killing methods varied between the various species.     

Effects of preadoption counseling for owners on house-training success among dogs acquired from shelters

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of preadoption counseling for owners on house-training success among dogs acquired from shelters. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 113 dog owners. PROCEDURES: Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 54) or a control (59) group. Dog owners in the treatment group received counseling (5 minutes' duration) regarding house-training. Owners in the control group did not receive counseling, but all other adoption procedures were otherwise identical to those applied to the treatment group. All participants were contacted by telephone 1 month after adoption of a dog for assessment of house-training status and related issues by use of a standardized survey method; data were compared between groups. RESULTS: Most shelter dogs were considered successfully house-trained by their owners 1 month after adoption. Furthermore, dogs were considered house-trained by significantly more owners who received preadoption counseling than control group owners (98.1% vs 86.4%). Owners who received counseling used verbal punishment on their dogs during house-training less frequently and applied enzymatic cleaners to urine- or feces-soiled areas more frequently than owners in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results have suggested that brief preadoption counseling for owners enhances successful house-training of dogs adopted from shelters. Counseling owners at the time of pet acquisition may thus have beneficial effects in the prevention of inappropriate elimination behaviors. Veterinarians and animal care staff should be encouraged to devote time to counsel new pet owners on successful house-training, as well as other healthcare and behavioral needs.     

Characteristics of pet populations and households in the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program catchment area, 1988.

A 1-stage, random-digit dial telephone survey was conducted to obtain information on characteristics of pet populations and pet-owning households in 1988 in Marion and Tippecanoe Counties, Indiana. Interviews for 653 out of 731 eligible households were completed (response rate, 88%). Approximately half of the households in each county owned a pet. Of these, 35% owned at least 1 dog, and 23% owned at least 1 cat. Households with pets were more likely to be larger and have a higher median income score than were households without pets. Households with children between 6 and 17 years old were more likely to own pets than were households with no children; however, no difference in pet ownership proportions was determined for households with children < or = 5 years old, compared with households without children. For dogs, younger dogs and male dogs were less likely to have been neutered than older dogs and female dogs. Older cats were more likely to have been neutered than younger cats, with neutering percentages of > 90% for cats in the oldest age group. Approximately 20% of dogs and 40% of cats had not been seen by a veterinarian in the 12 months preceding the interview.     

Determinants of adoption and euthanasia of shelter dogs spayed or neutered in the university of california veterinary student surgery program compared to other shelter dogs

Limited economic resources and pet overpopulation force animals shelters to consider euthanasia of adoptable animals every day. Veterinary medical schools can play a positive role in increasing pet adoption and combating overpopulation by providing free neutering for shelter animals. This retrospective cohort study illustrated that the cooperative efforts of a veterinary medicine surgical teaching program and local animal shelters decreases euthanasia of adoptable pets. At the University of California, Davis (UCD), shelter dogs are neutered by veterinary students and then returned to the shelter for adoption. The rates of adoption and euthanasia of the dogs neutered at UCD were contrasted with a comparison shelter group to determine the effect of pre-adoption neutering. The UCD-neutered dogs had a lower rate of euthanasia than the comparison shelter group at the shelters investigated. At Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, 73% of the UCD group but only 36% of the comparison group were adopted. At Yolo County Animal Services, 71% of the UCD group and 45% of the comparison group were adopted. The sex of an animal did not significantly affect the rate of euthanasia. Dogs that were predominantly pit bull, rottweiler, or chow chow breeds had higher rates of euthanasia than other breeds, independent of neuter status. Also, juveniles (less than one year old) had lower rates of euthanasia than adults, independent of neuter status. UCD adult dogs had lower rates of euthanasia than comparison adults. Post-surgical UCD dogs spent a longer average time in the shelter before adoption (15 days at Sacramento; 16 days at Yolo) than the comparison dogs (11 and 12 days, respectively). UCD dogs also spent a longer average time in the shelter before euthanasia (18 and 25 days, respectively) than the comparison dogs (13 days at both shelters). Lower probabilities of euthanasia for behavioral or medical reasons were found for UCD dogs than for the comparison dogs. The probability of euthanasia for reasons of space limitations increased with time in shelter for both groups. In this study, pre-adoption neutering increased adoptions without increasing the probability of medical or behavioral euthanasia.     

Reproductive evaluation of male beagles and the safety of ivermectin

Ivermectin had no adverse effects on spermatogenesis, fertility, or reproductive performance of Beagle dogs when administered orally at 600 micrograms/kg (0.6 mg/kg) of body weight monthly for 8 treatments. Semen was collected every 3 days from 28 days before treatment began until 83 days thereafter from 6 ivermectin-treated Beagles and 6 similar water-treated controls (38 collections/dog). All dogs were then bred to 2 nontreated bitches each; litter size, birth weights, and pup abnormalities and mortalities were evaluated. After all pups were whelped, each dog was euthanatized and necropsied, and the testis and epididymis were examined microscopically.     

Risk factors for unsuccessful dog ownership: an epidemiologic study in Taiwan

This retrospective study of 259 Taiwanese dog owners in 2004 addressed one of the major contributors to dog overpopulation in Taiwan: unsuccessful dog ownership. We found an inverse association between age of the dog at acquisition and risk of unsuccessful dog ownership: the younger the dog at acquisition the higher the risk. The incidence-proportion ratios (IPRs) of unsuccessful dog ownership for the owners who had a history of pet abandonment or losing a pet compared with those without such a history were 1.8 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.1, 3.0) and 2.1 (95% CI=1.3, 3.3), respectively. Soiling (IPR=2.0, 95% CI=1.3, 3.1) and barking (IPR=1.6, 95% CI=1.0, 2.6) problems had the strongest effects on unsuccessful dog ownership among the post-acquisition variables studied. Preventing owners with a history of unsuccessful dog ownership from acquiring dogs was predicted to yield the largest reduction of risk of unsuccessful dog ownership among the investigated variables (population attributable fraction=33%, 95% CI=11%, 50%).     

Comparison of the efficacy of a synthetic dog-appeasing pheromone with clomipramine for the treatment of separation-related disorders in dogs

Sixty-seven dogs that showed signs of distress when separated from their owners (destructiveness, excessive vocalisation and house soiling) and hyperattachment were used in a randomised, blind trial to assess the potential value of a dog-appeasing pheromone in reducing the unacceptable behaviours. For ethical reasons, there was no placebo group and the effects of the pheromone were compared with the effects of clomipramine which is regularly used to treat this type of problem. The undesirable behaviours decreased in both groups, but the overall assessment by the owners indicated that there was no significant difference between the two treatments, although there were fewer undesirable events in the dogs treated with the pheromone, and the administration of the pheromone appeared to be more convenient.     

Clinical features of ceroid lipofuscinosis in border collie dogs

Ceroid lipofuscinosis was diagnosed by histopathological and histochemical findings in 17 related border collie dogs and by clinical signs in 6 of their litter mates. Behavioural changes, first hyperactivity and later aggression, commenced at 16 to 23 (mean 19.5) months of age. Motor abnormalities and blindness were observed at the mean ages of 20.8 and 21.2 months, respectively. All dogs were euthanased 1 to 6 months after the onset of clinical signs, mean age 23.1 months. Pedigree data supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.     

A NEW TYPE OF RADIOGRAPHIC BONE REMODELING IN THE DISTAL RADIAL AND ULNAR METAPHYSIS IN 54 NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS

In this longitudinal observational study, 118 growing Newfoundland dogs were followed with sequential radiographic examination of the right front limb, which were scheduled at ages 3, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months to record evidence of skeletal changes. All affected dogs had evidence of changes at 6 months and dogs included in this study had radiographic examination at 6 months and at least two other scheduled examinations that included either 4 or 12 months. The dogs were privately owned and had individualized nutrition and environment with no maintenance protocol required by the project leaders. Irregularities in bone remodeling in the distal radius and ulna were seen in radiographs of 54 of 118 (45.8%) dogs. These irregularities differ from changes previously described in the Newfoundland dog. The reported irregularities were seen as islands of reduced opacity outlined by thickened, radiopaque osseous trabeculae, which were aligned with the axis of stress. All the 54 dogs with irregularities during some phase of development consistently had changes at 6 months of age. Reorganization of the changes in the bone was slow, and residual changes were visible at 18-24 months of age in many cases. The significance of these findings may lie in their potential for misinterpretation if they had been discovered in the presence of clinical signs such as any lameness or growth arrest. Radiographic appearance indicates disturbances in the bone maturation. The etiopathogenesis is unclear. Nutritional, environmental and genetic factors have to be studied.     

Serological survey of Neospora caninum in dogs in the Czech Republic and a long-term study of dynamics of antibodies

The main aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of antibodies against Neospora caninum dogs from the Czech Republic and to examine the dynamics of antibody titers during a long-term period. For this purpose, sera of 858 dogs were examined for the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Four groups of dogs of various origins were included in the survey: the first group (A, n=470) comprised dogs purchased by the Czech Army from the civilian sector throughout the Czech Republic, with 22 (4.7%) N. caninum-positive dogs, second group (B, n=115) represented police dogs with no seropositive animal, third group (C, n=195) were pet dog sera collected for veterinary clinic with 5 (2.6%) anti-N. caninum sera and the fourth group (D, n=78) of canine shelter dogs with the seroprevalence of 19.2%. The differences in seroprevalence were significant (P< or =0.01) between groups B and A, and between D and A. None of the serologically positive animals had clinical signs of neurological disorders. Coprological examination did not reveal any dog shedding N. caninum oocysts. The seropositivity rates for N. caninum were analyzed in relation to other data, such as age, breed and gender. Increased prevalence rates of anti-N. caninum antibodies were found in the older age strata of the dog population sample tested in the present study. We found significantly higher (P=0.02) prevalence in 3-3.5-year-old dogs (11.1% of 36), as compared to 1-1.5-years-old dogs (2% of 98). A longitudinal study of antibody dynamics was carried out in 19 initially seropositive dogs over a period of 4 years. The second and third examinations revealed that antibody titers decreased in majority of positive dogs (10, 52.6%), of which in seven cases (36.8%) the titers fell to levels that are currently considered as being seronegative (titer <1:50), or even became undetectable (titer <1:25).     

厦门市宠物犬狂犬病的血清学调查

为掌握厦门市宠物犬狂犬病感染和免疫情况,厦门市动物疫病预防控制中心于2013年8月对厦门市宠物犬进行了狂犬病血清学调查。结果显示：抽检的145份犬血清样品中,检出疑似狂犬病阳性犬4只,同时在流浪犬中也检测到抗体阳性犬4只;在已免疫狂犬病疫苗的86只犬中,有3只是新办证免疫的宠物犬,免疫率为82.7%,免疫抗体合格率为56.6%,疫苗接种频率与抗体保护水平显著关联,免疫接种超过1次的犬只,抗体保护水平是免疫接种1次的犬只的3倍（P＜0.05）。     

Neuronal-Visceral GM1 Gangliosidosis in Portuguese Water Dogs

Three female siblings in a litter of seven Portuguese Water dogs (PWDs) showed clinical signs of ataxia and/or lameness at 5 months of age. Signs of cerebellar dysfunction (intention tremors, ataxia, widebased stance, dysmetria, and/or nystagmus) and mild limb weakness developed rapidly. Results of hemograms (three dogs), blood chemistry profiles (two dogs), urinalyses (two dogs), electroencephalograms (two dogs), and radiographs of the limbs or pelvis (three dogs), vertebrae (two dogs), and skull (one dog) were unremarkable except for an absolute lymphocytosis in one dog. Routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses were normal in all three dogs. However, the CSF creatine kinase concentration was elevated in the one dog in which it was measured. Mucopolysacchariduria was present in all three dogs. Due to the rapid progression of clinical signs and a poor prognosis, all three dogs were euthanatized between 6 and 7 months of age. Histopathologic and electron microscopic studies showed neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, vacuolated hepatocytes, and vacuolated renal tubular epithelial cells, compatible with the diagnosis of a storage disease. Beta-galactosidase activities in leukocytes, serum, and brain homogenates were reduced when compared with that in normal dogs and the stored product was identified as GM1 ganglioside, confirming GM1 gangliosidosis.     

Aetiology of separation-related behaviour in domestic dogs

A longitudinal study of seven litters of labrador retrievers and five litters of border collies from eight weeks to 18 months of age indicated that the majority showed some degree of potentially undesirable behaviour when separated from their owners. Its incidence was particularly high in the labrador retrievers, of which 13 of 23 showed separation-related behaviour for more than a month. Socially diverse environments experienced between six and 12 months of age were associated with a subsequent absence of separation-related behaviour. In a questionnaire survey of dog owners, separation-related behaviour was reported in 27 of 94 dogs, and a further 20 had shown the behaviour in the past. Male dogs were more likely to express separation-related behaviour currently, and females were more likely never to have displayed it. The prevalence of the behaviour was unaffected by whether the dog was pedigree or mixed breed, or whether it had been obtained from a breeder or from a rescue organisation. Combining the results of the two studies, the owners of only six of 75 dogs showing separation-related behaviour had sought assistance, and only two of the owners had sought help from veterinary surgeons.     

Canine ecology and socioeconomic factors associated with dogs unvaccinated against rabies in a Mexican city across the US-Mexico border

A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify ecologic and socioeconomic factors associated with dogs unvaccinated against rabies in Mexicali, the capital city of Baja California, Mexico (located across the US-Mexico border). A total of 1100 households were selected by random sampling from a list of all 180,000 households. A questionnaire was filled in during a personal interview with the household head or another adult person to gather information of epidemiological interest (such as canine ecology, social and economic factors that might influence owners' decision to allow their dog to be vaccinated). There were 910 dogs identified. The human-to-dog ratio was 4.3:1. The male-to-female dog ratio was 1.5:1. Out of 791 dogs > or = 3 months old, 577 (73%) were classified as vaccinated against rabies. Most dogs (95%) were not spayed. Neighborhood dogs had 25 times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs owned by a family. Dogs 3-11 months old had three times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs > or = 1 year old. Dogs that were obtained as a gift, born at home or found had two times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to dogs that were reportedly purchased. Crossbred dogs had 1.5 times higher risk of nonvaccination compared to purebred dogs. The canine-ecology structure is similar to that in regions were rabies is endemic.     

Benefits of dog ownership: Comparative study of equivalent samples

Owing to the inconclusive findings of research regarding the health benefits of pet ownership, we compared perceived health, stress, life satisfaction, happiness, and psychosomatic symptoms in dog owners and non–dog owners. As an attempt to overcome some earlier methodological issues, the sample consisted of 602 individuals from Mexico aged ≥18 years (377 dog owners and 225 non–dog owners). These 2 groups were equivalent in age, gender, educational level, marital status, employment, parental status, and the presence of chronic illness. The results indicated that, compared to non–dog owners, the dog owners' scores were significantly lower for psychosomatic symptoms and stress and were higher for general health, vitality, emotional role, absence of bodily pain, social functioning, and mental health. No significant difference between groups was found for life satisfaction, happiness, physical functioning, or physical role. Group differences might occur because individuals who perceive themselves to be healthier also choose to have a pet; nevertheless, 273 (72.6%) had owned a pet during the previous 5 years, and 86 (22.8% of the overall sample) reported that they had always owned dogs. In conclusion, the dog owners perceived themselves as healthier—but not happier—than non–dog owners.     

A Cross‐Sectional Study Examining Campylobacter and Other Zoonotic Enteric Pathogens in Dogs that Frequent Dog Parks in Three Cities in South‐Western Ontario and Risk Factors for Shedding of Campylobacter spp.

An estimated 6 million pet dogs live in Canadian households with the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to humans. Dogs have been identified as carriers of Salmonella, Giardia and Campylobacter spp., particularly Campylobacter upsaliensis, but little is known about the prevalence and risk factors for these pathogens in pet dogs that visit dog parks. This study examined the prevalence of these organisms in the faeces of dogs visiting dog parks in three cities in south‐western Ontario, as well as risk factors for shedding Campylobacter spp. and C. upsaliensis. From May to August 2009, canine faecal samples were collected at ten dog parks in the cities of Guelph and Kitchener‐Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire related to pet characteristics and management factors including age, diet and activities in which the dog participates. Faecal samples were collected from 251 dogs, and 189 questionnaires were completed. Salmonella, Giardia and Campylobacter spp. were present in 1.2%, 6.4% and 43.0% of faecal samples, respectively. Of the Campylobacter spp. detected, 86.1% were C. upsaliensis, 13% were C. jejuni and 0.9% were C. coli. Statistically significant sparing factors associated with the shedding of Campylobacter spp. included the feeding of a commercial dry diet and the dog's exposure to compost. Age of dog had a quadratic effect, with young dogs and senior dogs having an increased probability of shedding Campylobacter spp. compared with adult dogs. The only statistically significant risk factor for shedding C. upsaliensis was outdoor water access including lakes and ditches, while dogs >1 year old were at a lower risk than young dogs. Understanding the pet‐related risk factors for Campylobacter spp. and C. upsaliensis shedding in dogs may help in the development of awareness and management strategies to potentially reduce the risk of transmitting this pathogen from dogs to humans.