Prevalence of owner-reported behaviours in dogs separated from the litter at two different ages

The present study examined the prevalence of behaviours in dogs separated from the litter for adoption at different ages. Seventy adult dogs separated from their dam and littermates and adopted between the ages of 30 and 40 days were compared with 70 adult dogs that had been taken from the litter for adoption at two months. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire eliciting information on whether their dog exhibited potentially problematic behaviours when in its usual environment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the age at which the dog was separated from the litter might predispose it to developing undesirable behaviours. The odds of displaying destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, toy possessiveness, food possessiveness and attention-seeking were significantly greater for the dogs that had been removed from the litter earlier during the socialisation period. In addition, dogs purchased from a pet shop at 30 to 40 days of age were reported to exhibit some of the listed behaviours with a significantly higher frequency than dogs purchased from a pet shop at two months. No significant differences were observed with dogs obtained from other types of sources. The dogs in the youngest age group (18 to 36 months) had a higher probability of displaying destructiveness and tail chasing. These findings indicate that, compared with dogs that remained with their social group for 60 days, dogs that had been separated from the litter earlier were more likely to exhibit potentially problematic behaviours, especially if they came from a pet shop.     

Effects of ovariohysterectomy on reactivity in German Shepherd dogs

This study investigated the effects of ovariohysterectomy on reactivity of German Shepherd dogs. Fourteen healthy dogs ranging in age from 5 to 10 months were assigned to an ovariohysterectomy or a sexually intact group. Their behaviours were digitally video recorded 4-5 months after treatment and analysed for treatment effects on reactivity. Responses to the approach of an unfamiliar human leading an unknown dog were assigned the following reactivity scores: severe reactivity, 3; moderate reactivity, 2; defensive or mild reactivity, 1; attentive or no reactivity, 0. Median reactivity scores in response to the approach of an unfamiliar human walking with an unknown dog were calculated for each observation period. Dogs in the ovariohysterectomized group showed more reactivity, and median reactivity scores were higher in the ovariohysterectomy group compared with those of the sexually intact group. Ovariohysterectomy of 5-10 month old German Shepherd bitches specifically, and perhaps bitches of any breed generally, may induce an increase in reactivity. Practitioners may benefit from recognizing that a range of behavioural changes may occur post-ovariohysterectomy.     

Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998

OBJECTIVE: To summarize breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks during a 20-year period and to assess policy implications. ANIMALS: Dogs for which breed was reported involved in attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 that resulted in human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF). PROCEDURE: Data for human DBRF identified previously for the period of 1979 through 1996 were combined with human DBRF newly identified for 1997 and 1998. Human DBRF were identified by searching news accounts and by use of The Humane Society of the United States' registry databank. RESULTS: During 1997 and 1998, at least 27 people died of dog bite attacks (18 in 1997 and 9 in 1998). At least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in 238 human DBRF during the past 20 years. Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of these deaths. Of 227 reports with relevant data, 55 (24%) human deaths involved unrestrained dogs off their owners' property, 133 (58%) involved unrestrained dogs on their owners' property, 38 (17%) involved restrained dogs on their owners' property, and 1 (< 1%) involved a restrained dog off its owner's property. CONCLUSIONS: Although fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers), other breeds may bite and cause fatalities at higher rates. Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog's breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues. Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs. Many practical alternatives to breed-specific ordinances exist and hold promise for prevention of dog bites.     

Dominance in domestic dogs revisited: Useful habit and useful construct?

In the last decade, the validity and relevance of the dominance model was regularly put into question regarding relationships between canids like dogs and wolves, and consequently, human–dog relationships as well. The concept underlying this model, scientifically defined as an intervening variable reflecting status difference between individuals, is applicable when formal status signals symbolize the long-term relationship between individuals, resulting in a formalized dominance hierarchy. This article reviews the basics underlying the concept of dominance and reflects on the value and importance of some new quantitative studies on the applicability of the concept of dominance in domestic dogs. The conclusions are, first, that formal dominance is present in the domestic dog, expressed by context-independent unidirectional formal status signals. Consequently, formal dominance (e.g., submission) plays an important role in assessing status in dog–dog relationships. Second, that nonverbal status–related communication in humans resembles that in dogs to a considerable degree, and hence dogs may be well able to interpret this human status–related nonverbal communication from their perspective. Dominance is therefore also likely to play a role in human–dog relationships. Hence, the dominance concept might be useful to explain the development of certain problems in dog–dog and dog–human relationships. However, enforcing a dominant status by a human may entail considerable risks and should therefore be avoided.     

Dogkeeping practices as reported by readers of an Australian dog enthusiast magazine

OBJECTIVE: To characterise Australian domestic dogkeeping practices relevant to canine health and welfare. PROCEDURE: A quantitative questionnaire was distributed nationally through Dog's Life magazine. Data on management practices, household and dog demographics from 690 Australian dogs in 485 self-selected respondent households were analysed using ordinal and binary regression. RESULTS: Several variables, relating to dog, owner and environment were associated with management practices. The size of the dog correlated positively with being fed outdoors (P < 0.001), gameplaying (P = 0.016) and being trained (P = 0.001) and negatively with time spent indoors (P < 0.001). Neutered dogs were more likely to be walked every day (P = 0.027) and have had prior treatment for unwelcome behaviours (P < 0.001) but less likely to be fed outdoors (P < 0.013). The number of children in the household correlated with the dog being fed outdoors (P < 0.001). The number of adult female humans in the household correlated with dog being neutered (P < 0.001) whereas the reverse was linked to number of adult male humans in the household (P < 0.013). Larger numbers of adult female humans in the household were associated with a higher incidence of prior treatment for unwelcome behaviours (P = 0.020). The number of dogs in the household correlated negatively with dogs being walked every day (P < 0.004) and gameplaying (P = 0.001). Pure bred dogs were more likely to have attended puppy preschool than cross breeds (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Reference to previous studies of Australian dog owners suggests that the current data are representative in terms of location of households, sex and age of dogs, however, the proportion of pure bred dogs in the current survey was surprisingly high. This was perhaps because respondents were from a particular sector of the Australian dog-owning population. It must be acknowledged that Dog's Life magazine readers may be atypical of Australian dog owners, nevertheless, the study demonstrates that variables relating to the dog, owner or environment can be used to characterise management styles.     

Adverse reactions suggestive of type III hypersensitivity in six healthy dogs given human albumin

CASE DESCRIPTION:6 healthy dogs given human albumin solution as part of a study were examined following development of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (1 dog) and signs suggestive of a type III hypersensitivity reaction (all 6 dogs). CLINICAL FINDINGS: All 6 dogs were healthy prior to administration of human albumin solution. One dog developed signs of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by vomiting and facial edema, during administration of human albumin solution. All 6 dogs developed signs of a delayed adverse reaction 5 to 13 days after administration of human albumin solution. Initial clinical signs included lethargy, lameness, edema, cutaneous lesions indicative of vasculitis, vomiting, and inappetance. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: In the dog with signs of immediate hypersensitivity, signs resolved after administration of human albumin solution was discontinued and diphenhydramine was administered. Supportive treatment was provided after dogs developed signs of a delayed adverse reaction. Four dogs recovered, but 2 dogs died despite treatment. All 6 dogs were found to have antihuman albumin antibodies. There was no evidence of contamination of the human albumin solution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that administration of human albumin solution in healthy dogs with normal serum albumin concentrations may result in signs of a type III hypersensitivity reaction.     

Vaccination coverage and epidemiological parameters of the owned-dog population in Thungsong District, Thailand

Canine rabies vaccination is delivered in Thungsong District, Thailand, as an annual campaign between March 1 and 31, and also at other times through private veterinary clinics, para-veterinarians and health-care staff residing in the villages. The current questionnaire-interview survey was conducted between June 23 and July 18, 2002 to determine: rabies-vaccination coverage amongst the owned-dog population; basic dog-population information; and community awareness about rabies. The modified expand programme on immunization cluster-survey method was used to collect information about dog demography and management characteristics. Household knowledge about rabies and sources of rabies information were assessed. Vaccinated dogs were identified from vaccine certificates or owner reports confirmed by vaccinators. Seventy percent (95%CI 62-78) of 364 eligible owned dogs were vaccinated within the 6 months prior to data collection. Of these 255 vaccinated dogs, 44, 21, 13, 17 and 5% were vaccinated through the annual vaccination campaign, veterinary clinics, para-veterinarians, other vaccinators and owners, respectively. Fifty-four percent of households owned dogs. The sex ratio in dogs was 2 males per female; the dog: human ratio was 1: 4.6 with an average of 0.9 dogs per household (1.7 dogs per dog-owning household). Most dogs roamed freely and these were less likely to be vaccinated compared to dogs being kept on premises or on a leash. Almost all households were aware of rabies and the need for dog rabies vaccination as a control method. Seventy-six percent believed that rabies only occurred in summer. There was little awareness about cat rabies amongst households. Vaccination coverage in the total dog population clearly has not yet reached the 80% target level set by Thailand's official rabies-control programme. Improved effectiveness of the owned-dog rabies-vaccination campaigns in each community is needed-perhaps by more community education about dog management or by better management of ownerless dogs.     

Colonic lymphocyte and plasma cell populations in dogs with lymphocytic-plasmacytic colitis

OBJECTIVES: To quantitate immunoglobulin-containing cells (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and CD3+ T cells in colonic biopsy specimens obtained from dogs with lymphocytic-plasmacytic colitis (LPC), and to compare lymphocyte and plasma cell populations in dogs with LPC with those in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: 10 healthy dogs and 11 dogs with LPC. PROCEDURE: Colonic mucosal specimens obtained from healthy dogs and dogs with LPC were stained specifically for IgA-, IgG-, and IgM-containing cells and CD3+ T cells by use of immunoperoxidase techniques. Morphometric analyses were done to quantitate lymphocytes and plasma cells in standardized areas of colonic mucosa. Data analyses allowed determination of mean cell numbers in each dog group, and comparison of mean numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells between dog groups. RESULTS: CD3+ T cells predominated in healthy dogs, whereas CD3+ T cells and IgA-containing cells were most numerous in dogs with LPC. In both dog groups, the IgG- and IgM-containing cells were considerably less numerous than the other 2 cell types. Comparison of cell populations between dog groups indicated that IgA- and IgG-containing cells and CD3+ T cells were significantly more numerous in the colonic mucosa of dogs with LPC. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with LPC have significantly increased numbers of IgA- and IgG-containing cells and CD3+ T cells. These lymphocyte and plasma cell distributions indicate similarities to and differences from such distributions in human beings with inflammatory bowel disease. Results provide a basis for future correlation between histologic stage of disease activity and immunologic findings in dogs with LPC.     

Dog slaughtering in Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries with special consideration of the Munich area]

In the 19th century professional dog slaughter and also the public sale of dog flesh arose. These slaughter and the sale was mainly practised by horse butchers. In Germany dogs had been mostly slaughtered in Sachsen, Schlesien, Anhalt and Bayern. From 1905 to 1940 the meat of 235.144 dogs was inspected. But the true number of slaughtered dogs was certainly larger. Yet in the fifties dogs were professionally slaughtered. After 1960 the slaughter dropped. Sporadically dog flesh was used as human food until 1985. The annual number of slaughtered dogs depended on economic factors like wages, prices of meat, availability of meat and dog tax. Dogs had been also slaughtered to produce dog fat for remedy. Slaughter of dogs has been already discussed in the 19th century. After 1930 it was called for abolishing the inspection order for dogs or for the prohibition of dog slaughter. After four bills of the years 1954, 1963 and 1985 the slaughter of dogs to produce human food was finally prohibited in 1986.     

Efficient distribution of oral vaccines examined by infrared triggered camera for advancing the control of raccoon dog rabies in South Korea

The field distribution of the oral rabies vaccine is effective in controlling the spread of rabies. The present study aimed to investigate efficient distribution locations based on the environment, contact rate, and consumption by target wildlife species in South Korea. The target species (Korean raccoon dogs, domestic dogs, and feral cats) accounted for 945 contacts (52.2%), in total 1,808 contacts. There were 863 (47.8%) contacts by non-target species. Raccoon dogs, a main reservoir of rabies in South Korea, had the highest contact rate (34.1%) among all species. The contact rate by target species was highest at riparian sites and bushy mountainous vegetation, where raccoon dogs are abundant. There was remarkable contact by raccoon dogs in mountainous areas below 150 m with bushy vegetation. Our results indicate that these locations are efficient areas for vaccine distribution, especially targeting the raccoon dog. Vaccines were continuously contacted with intervals ranging from one hour to one day. Vaccines at 94.4% of the distribution points were completely consumed within two weeks. The mean consumption rate was 95.2 ± 1.93% during the overall study period. These findings suggest that the oral rabies vaccine attracts wildlife including domestic dogs and feral cats. Our results suggest that low sections of mountainous areas with bushy vegetation and/or neighboring riparian areas are rich in target wildlife species (especially raccoon dogs) and are efficient locations for vaccine distribution to control rabies in South Korea.     

An overview of the dog–human dyad and ethograms within it

This article reviews the literature on the complex and variable nature of the dog–human dyad and describes the influence of terms such as “dominance” on attitudes that humans have toward dogs. It highlights a legacy of tension between ethology and psychology and notes that some practitioners have skills with dogs that elude the best learning theorists. Despite the widespread appeal of being able to communicate with dogs as dogs do with one another, attempting to apply the intraspecific dog ethogram to human–dog and dog–human interactions may have limited scope. The balance of learning theory and ethology on our interactions with dogs is sometimes elusive but should spur the scientific community to examine skills deployed by the most effective humane practitioners. This process will demystify the so-called whispering techniques and permit discourse on the reasons some training and handling techniques are more effective, relevant, and humane than others. This article explores the mismatch between the use of nonverbal communication of 2 species and offers a framework for future studies in this domain. Technologies emerging from equitation science may help to disclose confusing interventions through the collar and lead and thus define effective and humane use of negative reinforcement. The case for a validated intraspecific and interspecific canid ethogram is also made.     

Experimental respiratory disease in dogs due to Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Young dogs of two age groups, six weeks and 12 weeks respectively, were infected by aerosol with a strain of Bordetella bronchiseptica which had been isolated from a dog with pneumonia. Clinical respiratory disease characterised by coughing and in some cases purulent nasal discharge was induced in both groups of infected dogs and also in dogs kept in contact. B bronchiseptica was recovered from the nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi and lung parenchyma of infected and contact animals. At necropsy, masses of Gram-negative bacteria were found trapped in the cilia of the respiratory epithelia and there was an exudate containing neutrophils in the mucosae of the respiratory tract at all levels. A close similarity was noted between the lesions produced in the dog and those described in pertussis infection in man. Experimental respiratory disease in the dog due to B bronchiseptica may offer a model system for the study of the human disease.     

Comparative metabolism of mycophenolic acid by glucuronic acid and glucose conjugation in human,dog, and cat liver microsomes

Use of the immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid (MPA) in cats is limited because MPA elimination depends on glucuronidation, which is deficient in cats. We evaluated formation of major (phenol glucuronide) and minor (acyl glucuronide, phenol glucoside, and acyl glucoside) MPA metabolites using liver microsomes from 16 cats, 26 dogs, and 48 humans. All MPA metabolites were formed by human liver microsomes, while dog and cat liver microsomes formed both MPA glucuronides, but only one MPA glucoside (phenol glucoside). Intrinsic clearance (CLint) of MPA for phenol glucuronidation by cat liver microsomes was only 15–17% that of dog and human liver microsomes. However, CLint for acyl glucuronide and phenol glucoside formation in cat liver microsomes was similar to or greater than that for dog and human liver microsomes. While total MPA conjugation CLint was generally similar for cat liver microsomes compared with dog and human liver microsomes, relative contributions of each pathway varied between species with phenol glucuronidation predominating in dog and human liver microsomes and phenol glucosidation predominating in cat liver microsomes. MPA conjugation variation between cat liver microsomes was threefold for total conjugation and for phenol glucosidation, sixfold for phenol glucuronidation, and 11‐fold for acyl glucuronidation. Our results indicate that total MPA conjugation is quantitatively similar between liver microsomes from cats, dogs, and humans despite large differences in the conjugation pathways that are utilized by these species.     

Controlled trial of behavioural therapy for separation-related disorders in dogs

A generic programme of behavioural modification for the clinical treatment of separation-related behaviours in dogs was assessed in a controlled replicated trial. After 12 weeks of treatment, 56 per cent of the owners of the treated dogs reported significant improvements in their dogs' behaviour, and a further 25 per cent reported a slight improvement. The owners' reports were generally supported by changes in the behaviour of the dogs as recorded on video when they were left alone. The majority of the untreated dogs continued to show the same degree of separation-related behaviour throughout the 12 weeks of the trial. In a supplementary set of 30 case studies, treated with a behavioural programme tailored to the specific diagnosis for each dog, all the owners reported improvements in their dogs' behaviour after 12 weeks of treatment.     

Dogs as vectors of Streptobacillus moniliformis infection?

Rat bite fever is a bacterial zoonosis transmitted through the bite of rats. One of the two etiological agents that cause rat bite fever is Streptobacillus moniliformis. Rat bite fever is rare and very likely under diagnosed but occurs worldwide. Other animals, like dogs and cats that have mouthed a rat are often mentioned in the literature as potential risks for the attraction of rat bite fever. However, rat bite fever caused by the bite of a dog or cat has very seldom been documented. Therefore, to identify the possible risk for humans to become infected with S. moniliformis after having been bitten by a dog that has been in contact with rats, the presence of S. moniliformis in the mouth of these dogs was tested with molecular methods. Swabs taken from the mouth of 18 dogs with proven contacts with rats were tested for the presence of S. moniliformis DNA by PCR. An amplicon of the right size was obtained in 10 of the 18 dogs. Nucleotide sequencing of five amplicons of PCR positive samples demonstrated the presence of S. moniliformis DNA in the mouth of three dogs. A bite by these dogs therefore might infect humans with S. moniliformis and cause rat bite disease.     

犬流感的流行病学研究进展

近年来,不同宿主来源的流感病毒感染犬的病例报道使得犬成为流感病毒生态循环中的重要中间宿主。介于人与犬之间的亲密关系,其公共卫生意义越来越值得人们关注。本文从流感病毒由马—犬、禽—犬、猪—犬和人—犬等跨宿主传播方面阐述不同宿主流感病毒在犬中的流行现状及其重配现象,这对今后全面掌握其流行特征和切断其传播途径具有重要的借鉴和指导意义。     

Evaluation of the presence of selected viral and bacterial nucleic acids in pericardial samples from dogs with or without idiopathic pericardial effusion

Many viruses have been identified in pericardial fluid and in tissue samples from humans with pericarditis by means of molecular diagnostics. In canine idiopathic pericardial effusion there is as yet no conclusive evidence to support the involvement of an infectious agent. This study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between idiopathic pericardial effusion in dogs and viruses most commonly encountered in humans affected with viral pericarditis. Coxsackievirus B3 RNA, influenza virus type A RNA, human adenovirus type 2 DNA, human cytomegalovirus DNA, and parvovirus B19 DNA were investigated using PCR on pericardial effusion samples and pericardial tissue specimens collected from 14 dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. PCR was also used to test for two bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The same microorganisms were also looked for in pericardial effusions or pericardial washes from 10 dogs with neoplastic pericardial effusion, and in samples collected from 10 dogs which died of a non-cardiac disease. One pericardial effusion sample from a dog with the idiopathic form of the disease tested positive for influenza virus type A and sequencing of the amplicon confirmed the PCR result. In another dog from the same group a cytomegalovirus was detected by PCR in the effusion, but sequencing showed this to be a false-positive result. The genomes of the microorganisms investigated were not detected in neoplastic effusions or pericardial washes. The results indicate that viral and bacterial DNA/RNA of relevance for human pericarditis is rare in pericardial samples from dogs with idiopathic pericardial effusion. The finding of influenza type A viral RNA in pericardial fluid from one dog with the idiopathic form of the disease warrants further investigation.     

Behavior of laboratory beagles towards humans: Assessment in an encounter test and a simulation of experimental situations

Because of the close emotional bonds between the man and the domesticated dog, husbandry of laboratory dogs is regarded with particular interest by the public. The relationship between laboratory dogs and the man is particularly important for animal welfare, and daily contact with caregivers and handlers should not elicit fear in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviors of laboratory dogs toward humans. In 4 research facilities, 90 male and female 1- to 10-year-old laboratory beagles of different origins (facility bred or from other origins) were tested in an “encounter test” and a setting that simulated realistically general research situations. No significant differences were observed in the encounter test when the dogs were approached by a familiar caretaker or by an unfamiliar person. Nearly all of the dogs could be caught easily, and they exhibited pronounced interest in and established contacts with both persons. We simulated an experimental manipulation by placing the dogs on a treatment table in an examination room and having them restrained by a familiar caretaker; this resulted in submissive behavior and/or signs of distress in many dogs (e.g., 12% urinated when being lifted onto the examination table and most dogs showed muzzle licking on the table). Multifactorial analysis of variance revealed that, based on most of the calculated scores, the facility-bred dogs were significantly less fearful than those obtained from commercial breeders or from other research facilities. Sex differences were not observed, and younger dogs were significantly more difficult to catch. The data revealed that good relationships were established between the caretakers and the dogs in all 4 research facilities. The facility-bred dogs in particular were friendly and exhibited little fear toward both the familiar and unfamiliar persons.     

Surfactant Protein C in Canine Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background: Canine pulmonary fibrosis (CPF) occurs most commonly in West Highland White Terriers. The differing incidences of CPF among dog breeds suggest that genetic factors contribute to its pathophysiology. Pulmonary fibrosis in humans is associated with mutations in the gene coding for lung surfactant protein C (SP-C) ( SFTPC ).
Hypothesis/Objectives: To investigate the histopathologic changes and SP-C composition and genetic structure in dogs with CPF.
Animals: Five dogs with PF, 2 dogs with other lung diseases, and 3 healthy dogs.
Methods: Lung tissue from dogs with clinically suspected CPF and 5 control cases was analyzed histopathologically. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected postmortem from 3 terriers with histopathologically confirmed pulmonary fibrosis and the 5 controls were analyzed by Western blots, and the exons of SFTPC were sequenced for 2 dogs with PF and 1 dog with other lung disease.
Results: SP-C could not be detected in BALF of 1 dog with PF, although SP-B was present. A mutation was detected in SFTPC exon 5 of this dog. From 2 dogs with PF and in all 5 control dogs SP-B and SP-C were detected in BALF.
Conclusions: Taken together, the results indicate that canine and human lung fibrosis share histopathologic features and that analysis of SP-C and its gene in a larger set of dogs with PF is warranted.     

Acute pancreatitis in two dogs given azathioprine and prednisone

Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 2 dogs given azathioprine and prednisone. Prednisone and azathioprine had been given as immunosuppressive therapy for pemphigus foliaceus in dog 1 and for polymyositis in dog 2. Azathioprine was discontinued in both dogs. In dog 1, prednisone was reinstituted on day 6 of hospitalization. Prednisone was continued throughout the period of hospitalization in dog 2. Both dogs recovered without complication. Glucocorticoid therapy has been associated with the development of pancreatitis. In human beings, a common side effect of azathioprine is the development of drug-induced pancreatitis. Definitive identification of azathioprine as the cause of pancreatitis in these dogs was not possible; the owners refused to permit retreatment with the drug. Therefore, the synergistic action between these 2 drugs could not be ruled out as the cause of pancreatitis.