Perceptions,practices, and consequences associated with foodborne pathogens and the feeding of raw meat to dogs

This study explored the impact of feeding raw meat to dogs on the fecal prevalence of several enteric bacterial zoonotic pathogens. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 1/42 (2.6%) raw meat-fed dogs. Salmonella enterica was isolated from 2/40 (5%) of the raw meat feeds, 6/42 (14%) raw meat-fed dog feces, none of the dogs that did not receive raw meat (P = 0.001), 4/38 (10.5%) of the vacuum cleaner waste samples from households where raw meat was fed, and 2/44 (4.5%) of vacuum cleaner waste samples from households where raw meat was not fed to dogs (P = 0.41). Responses to a questionnaire probing practices and beliefs regarding raw meat feeding that was administered to dog owners demonstrated that dog owners may either not be aware or refuse to acknowledge the risks associated with raw meat-feeding; thus, they may neglect to conduct adequate intervention strategies to prevent zoonoses among themselves and their families.     

Incorporation of exercise, using an underwater treadmill, and active client education into a weight management program for obese dogs

Physical activity improves outcome of weight loss in obese humans, but limited information exists for dogs. Eight obese dogs (body condition score 5/5), of various breeds and genders, undertook a 3-month weight-loss program which included exercise using lead walks and underwater treadmill exercise. The median number of treadmill exercise sessions per dog was 13 (range: 5 to 17). Median distance walked per session was 0.97 km (range: 0.05 to 2.7 km) (0.6 miles; range: 0.03 to 1.70 miles) and this increased sequentially over the course of the study (P < 0.001). Mean [± standard deviation (s)] percentage of starting weight loss over the 3 mo was 18.9 ± 5.44%, equivalent to a rate of weight loss of 1.5 ± 0.43% per week. Thoracic and abdominal girth also declined significantly during the program (P < 0.0001 for both). This study demonstrates the potential benefit of including an organized exercise regimen, utilizing an underwater treadmill, in conventional canine weight management programs.     

Rabies-vaccination coverage and profiles of the owned-dog population in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia

The Bolivian government issued a regulation for rabies control in November 2005, owing to increasing the prevalence of dog and human rabies cases in recent years. An assessment of rabies-vaccination coverage and other factors that might influence the success of the on-going vaccination campaign was needed. The objective of this study was to investigate dog rabies vaccination coverage and risk factors associated with dogs being unvaccinated against rabies, and profiles of the owned-dog population in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, where dog rabies was endemic. Mainly due to logistical reasons, the WHO's expanded programme on immunization cluster-survey method was used. The 390 households were included in the study. Information about dog population and management characteristics was obtained for 542 dogs from 301 households. On average, households had 1.4 dogs and 1.8 dogs per dog-owning household (median = 1). The human-to-dog ratio was 4.6 : 1. During the last 1 year prior to the study, of the 539 dogs aged >or=1 month, 463 (85%; 95% CI 79-91; design effect 3.6) were classified as vaccinated. Amongst the study dogs, dogs aged 1-11 months were the higher risk of dogs not being vaccinated (OR = 8.2; 95% CI 4.3-15.6; P < 0.01). Almost two-thirds of the study dogs were allowed to roam freely throughout the day or in part. Community education efforts should address the importance of dog ownership and movement restriction, and the need to vaccinate young dogs.     

Evaluation of the risks of shedding Salmonellae and other potential pathogens by therapy dogs fed raw diets in Ontario and Alberta

Dogs that participate in animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), often called 'therapy dogs', commonly interact with humans whose immune systems are not functioning optimally. The advisability of feeding raw meat (including poultry) to these animals remains a highly contentious issue, in spite of increasing evidence that raw meat is frequently contaminated with Salmonella. We set out to determine if consuming raw meat influences the risk of therapy dogs shedding Salmonella and other pathogens. Two hundred healthy therapy dogs from Ontario and Alberta were enrolled. Between May 2005 and November 2006, fecal specimens were collected from each dog every 2 months for 1 year, along with a log of places visited, antimicrobial use within the home, dog health status and diet. Specimens were cultured for Salmonella, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum cephalosporinase (ESC) Escherichia coli and Clostridium difficile. Forty (20%) of the dogs were reported to have been fed raw meat at some point during the year. The incidence rate of Salmonella shedding in the raw meat-fed dogs was 0.61 cases/dog-year, compared with 0.08 cases/dog-year in dogs that were not fed raw meat (P < 0.001). Controlling for therapy dog group, the repeated measures, and pig ear consumption and diarrhoea in the 2 months prior to specimen submission, dogs that consumed raw meat were significantly more likely to test positive for Salmonellaat least once during the year than dogs that did not eat raw meat [odds ratio (OR) 22.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-58.8; P < 0.001]. Specific Salmonella serovars were more common among dogs that consumed raw meat versus those that did not include S. Typhimurium, S. Heidelberg and S. Kentucky. Raw meat consumption was also significantly associated with shedding ESC E. coli (OR 17.2; 95% CI 9.4-32.3). No associations between C. difficile, MRSA or VRE and consumption of raw meat were detected. We recommend that dogs fed raw meat should be excluded from AAI programmes, particularly when the programmes involve interaction with humans at high risk of infection or adverse sequelae attributable to infection. Furthermore, although AAI dogs may not be representative of the general population of dogs, we also recommend that feeding of raw meat to dogs is to be avoided in homes where immunocompromised people live.     

Influence of dietary protein content and source on colonic fermentative activity in dogs differing in body size and digestive tolerance

Low-consistency, high-moisture feces have been observed in large dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), compared with small dogs, and particularly in sensitive breeds (e.g., German Shepherd dogs). The aim of this work was to determine if greater colonic protein fermentation is responsible for poorer fecal quality in large sensitive dogs. Twenty-seven bitches were allotted to 4 groups based on size and digestive sensitivity: small, medium, large tolerant, and large sensitive. Five experimental diets varying in protein source [highly digestible wheat gluten (WG) vs. medium digestible poultry meal (PM), and protein concentration from 21.4 to 21.6 (LP) to 38.2 to 39.2% CP (HP)] were tested. Diets were fed for 14 d and followed by a 12-d transition period. Digestive fermentation by-products were investigated in fresh stools [ammonia, phenol, indole, and short chain fatty acids including acetate, propionate, and butyrate (C2 to C4 SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA), and valerate] and in urine (phenol and indole). Bacterial populations in feces were identified. The PM diets resulted in greater fecal concentrations of ammonia, BCFA, valerate, indole, and C2 to C4 SCFA than WG diets (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P = 0.003, and P = 0.012, respectively). Greater concentrations of ammonia, BCFA, and valerate were found in the feces of dogs fed HP compared with LP diets (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.012, respectively). The concentrations of ammonia, valerate, phenol, and indole in feces of large sensitive dogs were greater (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.019, respectively) compared with the other groups. The Enterococcus populations were greater in feces of dogs fed with PMHP rather than WGLP diets (P = 0.006). Urinary phenol and indole excretion was greater when dogs were fed PM than WG diets (P < 0.001 and P = 0.038, respectively) and HP than LP diets (P = 0.001 and P = 0.087, respectively). Large sensitive dogs were prone to excrete a greater quantity of phenol in urine (P < 0.001). A diet formulated with highly digestible protein, such as WG, led to reduced concentrations of protein-based fermentation products in feces together with improved fecal quality in dogs, especially in large sensitive ones. Poor fecal quality in large sensitive dogs could be partly related to the pattern of protein fermentation in the hindgut.     

A genealogical survey of Australian registered dog breeds

Breeding practices were analysed for 32 registered dog breeds representing very small registries (120 Central Asian shepherd dogs) through to very large registries (252,521 German shepherd dogs) in Australia. The vast majority (91%) of registered kennels in Australia that were sampled did not regularly employ either close breeding or popular sire usage in their kennels and the weighted mean inbreeding coefficient of Australian pedigree dogs was <5%. Australian breed mean inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0% (Central Asian shepherd dog) to 10.1% (Bichon Frise). Breed effective population sizes ranged from 26 (Ibizan hound) to 1090 (Golden retriever), comparable with other species of domesticated animals. The relatively low levels of inbreeding suggest that pedigree dog disorders are unlikely to arise frequently from the use of popular sires or close breeding in Australian registered dog breeds. It is possible that deleterious allele fixation might be driven by founder effects, genetic drift or adverse selection practices, which were not assessed in this analysis. European popular sire definitions should be revisited for rare breeds.     

Free‐Roaming Dogs in Nepal: Demographics,Health and Public Knowledge,Attitudes and Practices

In Nepal, most dogs are free to roam and may transmit diseases to humans and animals. These dogs often suffer from malnutrition and lack basic health care. Minimal information is available about their demographics and about public attitudes concerning dogs and diseases. We carried out a study in Chitwan District (central Nepal), to collect baseline data on free‐roaming owned dog demographics, assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog owners concerning dogs and rabies, evaluate rabies vaccination coverage and anthelmintic treatment of dogs, measure dogs' response to rabies vaccination and assess dog health through body condition scores and parasites. We conducted household interviews with owners of free‐roaming female dogs (n = 60) and administered dogs with rabies vaccination and anthelmintics. Dog owners regularly fed free‐roaming dogs but provided minimal health care; 42% of respondents did not claim ownership of the dog for which they provided care. We collected skin, faecal and blood samples for parasite identification and for measuring rabies virus‐specific antibodies. Ninety‐two per cent of dog owners were aware of the routes of rabies virus transmission, but only 35% described the correct post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following a dog bite. Twenty‐seven per cent of the dogs had measurable rabies virus‐specific antibody titres and 14% had received anthelmintics in the previous year. Following rabies vaccination, 97% of dogs maintained an adequate antibody titre for ≥6 months. Most dogs appeared healthy, although haemoprotozoans, endoparasites and ectoparasites were identified in 12%, 73% and 40% of the dogs, respectively. Poor skin condition and parasite load were associated. Seventy‐four per cent of the females had litters in 1 year (mean litter size = 4.5). Births occurred between September and February; we estimated 60% mortality in puppies. We concluded that vaccination coverage, PEP awareness and anthelmintic treatment should be emphasized in educational programmes focussed on animal welfare, veterinary and public health.     

Selected gelling agents in canned dog food affect nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of ileal cannulated dogs.

Little is known about the effects of gelling agents in canned dog food on nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics. Dogs were fed canned diets with either no gelling agent (control) or one of three gelling agents, wheat starch, a guar gum/carrageenan mixture (50:50), and a locust bean meal (LBM)/carrageenan mixture (50:50) incorporated at two levels (0.2 and 0.5% of the diet on a wet weight basis). Six dogs were fed each diet in a 6 x 7 Youden square design. Dogs fed diets containing gelling agents had higher ileal digestibilities of OM (P = 0.05), fat (P < 0.01), GE (P = 0.02), and total amino acids (P = 0.04) and lower (P < 0.01) total tract DM digestibilities when compared to dogs fed the control diet. Fecal output by dogs fed the control diet, expressed on both an as-is (73.4 g/d) and DM (45.6 g/d) basis, was lower (P < 0.01) than for dogs fed gelling agent-containing diets (mean 102.3 g/d as-is and 57.6 g/d DM). Dogs fed the control diet also had lower (P < 0.01) fecal DM percentages and higher (P = 0.02) fecal scores than dogs fed gelling agent-containing diets.     

Ouch! A cross‐sectional study investigating self‐reported human exposure to dog bites in rural and urban households in southern Ontario,Canada

This study investigated self‐reported dog bites in humans in rural and urban households in southern Ontario, Canada. Our objectives were to determine, and compare, the incidence of dog bites in rural and urban households, and to describe the profile of bite victims, biting dogs, and the proportion of biting dogs that respondents self‐reported as being not up to date on rabies vaccination. We conducted a cross‐sectional observational study using an online questionnaire. The 2,006 respondents, each representing one household, included 1,002 rural and 1,004 urban residences. The incidence risk of at least one person in the household being bitten over the previous year in rural households (6.09% per year) was less than in urban households (10.76% per year). In 53.20% of households from which at least one person had been bitten within the past year, only a single person had been bitten. Mostly, victims were 25 to 34 years old (21.67%), male (54.19%), and playing with or interacting with the biting dog at the time of the incident (59.11%). Most biting dogs were 3 to 5 years old (32.02%), males (53.69%), and unleashed (76.85%). Based on self‐reporting by respondents, 83.33% of respondent‐owned biting dogs were vaccinated against rabies at the time of the biting incident. Irrespective of dog ownership, the odds of an individual in a rural household being bitten by a dog were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.38–0.73) the odds for an individual in an urban household. Dog bites constitute a serious, yet preventable, public health concern that requires targeted, community‐specific efforts. Public health organizations could consider findings in developing messaging, particularly as we highlight biting dogs reported by their owners as not up to date on rabies vaccination.     

An investigation of the association between socio-demographic factors,dog-exercise requirements,and the amount of walking dogs receive

Risk factors associated with canine obesity include the amount of walking a dog receives. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between canine exercise requirements, socio-demographic factors, and dog-walking behaviors in winter in Calgary. Dog owners, from a cross-sectional study which included a random sample of adults, were asked their household income, domicile type, gender, age, education level, number and breed(s) of dog(s) owned, and frequency and time spent dog-walking in a usual week. Canine exercise requirements were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) positively associated with the minutes pet dogs were walked, as was the owner being a female. Moreover, dog walking frequency, but not minutes of dog walking, was significantly associated with residing in attached housing (i.e., apartments). Different types of dogs have different exercise requirements to maintain optimal health. Understanding the role of socio-demographic factors and dog-related characteristics such as exercise requirements on dog-walking behaviors is essential for helping veterinarians and owners develop effective strategies to prevent and manage canine obesity. Furthermore, encouraging regular dog-walking has the potential to improve the health of pet dogs, and that of their owners.     

Association of canine obesity with reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in dogs as well as in humans. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important tool for the detection of inflammation and/or early tissue damage and is linked to obesity in humans. The objective of the present study was to determine if serum CRP levels are altered in obese dogs. Fifteen lean (control group) and 16 overweight (obese group) dogs were examined. Blood samples were collected under fasted conditions for serum determination of CRP, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fructosamine. Results indicated that obese dogs were insulin resistant because serum insulin and insulin/glucose ratios were higher than in lean dogs (P < or = 0.05). Serum CRP concentrations were lower in obese dogs than in controls (P < or = 0.001). C-reactive protein was negatively correlated with insulin/glucose ratio (R = -0.42) and cholesterol (R = -0.39; P < or = 0.05). Furthermore, levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fructosamine were increased in the obese group compared with the control group. Based on these results, it can be postulated that CRP production is inhibited by obesity and insulin resistance in dogs.     

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in Trinidad and Tobago

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii agglutinins and to investigate the relationship between various risk factors and occurrence of toxoplasmosis in dogs in Trinidad. Of a total 250 dogs, comprising domestic, hunting and stray dogs, 80 (32.0%) were positive for T. gondii agglutinins at a titre of > or =1:32 using a latex agglutination test. Stray dogs (60.5%) had statistically significantly higher (P<0.001) seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis than hunting dogs (30.5%) and domestic dogs (25.5%). Amongst dogs whose ages were known, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was significantly highest (P=0.037) in dogs in the >2-3 years age group compared with other age groups. Dogs that consumed home-cooked foods had a seroprevalence of 32.9% compared with those fed commercial dog foods (17.2%) and dogs fed both home-cooked and commercial foods (21.0%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05; chi(2)). The rather high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray dogs is a good indication of the extent of the infection in the environment.     

Diet affects nutrient digestibility, hematology, and serum chemistry of senior and weanling dogs

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of age and diet on serum chemistry, hematology, and nutrient digestibility in healthy dogs. Twelve senior (11 yr old; six males and six females) and 12 weanling (age = 8 wk old; six males and six females) beagles were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) an animal product-based (APB) diet or 2) a plant product-based (PPB) diet. The APB diet was primarily composed of brewer's rice, chicken by-product meal, and poultry fat, whereas the primary ingredients of the PPB diet included corn, soybean meal, wheat middlings, and meat and bone meal. Dogs remained on experiment for 12 mo. A 4-d total fecal collection was performed to determine apparent macronutrient digestibilities after 3 and 10 mo. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo on study. After 3 mo, dogs fed the APB diet had greater (P < 0.001) DM (6 percentage units) and OM (7 percentage units) digestibilities than dogs fed the PPB diet. Senior dogs had greater DM (2.5 percentage units; P = 0.07) and OM (3 percentage units; P < 0.01) digestibilities than young dogs. Dogs fed the PPB diet had a lower (P < 0.001) fecal DM percentage (7.5 percentage units) and greater (P < 0.001) fecal output (253 vs. 97 g/d, as-is basis). After 10 mo, age did not affect nutrient digestibility or fecal characteristics. However, the effect of diet after 10 mo was similar to that observed after 3 mo, as dogs fed the PPB diet had a lower (P < 0.001) fecal DM percentage (7 percentage units), lower OM (4 percentage units; P = 0.09) and fat (6 percentage units; P < 0.001) digestibilities, and greater (P < 0.005) fecal output (235 vs. 108 g/d, as-is basis). At baseline, most serum metabolites were different between age groups, with weanlings having several metabolite concentrations outside the reference ranges for adult dogs. Blood cholesterol, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, sodium, chloride, and alanine transaminase were present in greater (P < 0.05) concentrations in senior dogs, but weanling dogs had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of glucose, platelets, Ca, P, K, and alkaline phosphatase. Over time, blood cholesterol concentrations were affected by age (P < 0.05) and diet (P < 0.01). Senior dogs had greater (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentrations than weanling dogs. Moreover, dogs fed the APB diet had greater (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentrations than dogs fed the PPB diet. Overall, although serum metabolite concentrations of weanlings were different from senior dogs at baseline, as weanlings matured into young adults, metabolite concentrations were similar to those of senior dogs. Diet had the largest effects on nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics. Canine age and diet must be considered when interpreting experimental and clinical data.     

Efficacy of a diet containing caseinate hydrolysate on signs of stress in dogs

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a diet containing caseinate hydrolysate (CH) on signs of stress in 2 groups of dogs (defined as Anxious and Nonanxious), using physiological (serum cortisol and lysozyme, N:L ratios and heart rate) and behavioral parameters.From an initial group of 40 female Beagle dogs, ranging in age from 10 months to 4 years (mean = 1.47 years; SD = 0.53) belonging to a dog colony, 32 were selected for this study according to their level of anxiety. A group of 16 Anxious dogs and a group of 16 Nonanxious dogs were identified.A baseline period, aimed to obtain reference values of investigated parameters, preceded the experimental phase. Both groups (Anxious and Nonanxious) were divided into a treatment group, which received the diet containing CH, and a control group which received a placebo diet (PD). Anxious CH and PD groups were balanced for anxiety level. Each dog was evaluated 3 times a day at 4 weeks intervals (T1-T2-T3). Each evaluation lasted 2 days and involved a Reactivity Evaluation Form, a blood sampling, heart rate recording, and a 10-minute behavioral video recording. Results from Reactivity Evaluation Form scores showed that although at T1 Anxious dogs had significantly higher scores (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.001) compared with Nonanxious dogs, no difference was found between Anxious dogs fed with CH diet and Nonanxious fed with PD or CH diet at T3. Behavioral observations evidenced some signs of improvement in Anxious dog fed with CH diet. Cortisol level significantly decreased in Anxious dogs fed with CH diet (Friedman test, P < 0.05). Individual differences in physiological measures of stress responses may have contributed to the large variability, making interpretation of these measures difficult. These results suggest that CH may be used as a functional ingredient alleviating stress in dogs.     

Effect of dietary moisture and sodium content on urine composition and calcium oxalate relative supersaturation in healthy miniature schnauzers and labrador retrievers

The aim of this series of studies was to evaluate two possible feeding strategies as methods for reducing the risk of calcium oxalate (CaOx) formation in two breeds of healthy dog. The studies compared the effect of dietary moisture (Study 1) and dietary sodium (Na), (Study 2) on urine composition of labrador retrievers (LR) and miniature schnauzers (MS). A nutritionally complete dry dog food was fed to 16 dogs (eight LR, eight MS; Study 1) and 15 dogs (seven LR, eight MS; Study 2) for 24 days (Study 1), or 36 days (Study 2). The dogs were fed the diet alone (7% moisture, 0.06 g Na/100 kcal), or supplemented with deionised water to 73% moisture (Study 1), or dietary Na, to deliver 0.20 or 0.30 g Na per 100 kcal (Study 2). Urine pH, volume, specific gravity, and concentrations of 12 analytes were measured for each dog. Urinary relative supersaturations (RSS) with CaOx were calculated from these values. The effects of supplemental Na or water were established using t tests (Study 1) or analysis of variance, and multiple range tests (least significant difference) (Study 2); P<0.05 was considered significant. Increasing dietary moisture significantly increased total moisture intake (P=0.001), and reduced urine specific gravity (P=0.003), urinary oxalate concentration (P=0.04), and CaOx relative supersaturation (P=0.04) in the MS. Urinary parameters remained unchanged in the LR, indicating that feeding a high moisture diet may reduce the risk of CaOx formation in high-risk breeds. Increasing dietary Na led to production of urine with a significantly lower CaOx RSS in both breeds, indicating that sodium supplementation to dry diet formats may reduce the risk of CaOx formation. These feeding strategies should be considered when evaluating methods for preventing CaOx formation within high-risk groups.     

Predatory aggression in a German shepherd dog

This article presents a clinical case of predatory aggression that represents a problem for public health. The patient was a 2-year-old male German shepherd referred to the behavior clinic at the School of Veterinary Medicine owing to its aggressive behavior toward people and other dogs. The dog tended to form a pack with the other dogs of the household and killed neighborhood dogs, cats, hens, and rabbits. The presumptive diagnosis was “predatory aggression” associated with “territorial and protective aggression.” The risk analysis determined that the dog should be euthanized. Nevertheless, the owner refused, and hence behavior modification and drug therapy were recommended. A year later, the dog killed again (another dog), indicating that despite the drug and behavioral treatment, it is likely that its predatory aggression will never be resolved.     

Clinical health markers in dogs fed raw meat-based or commercial extruded kibble diets

The interest and demand for healthy and less processed foods for human consumption have been mirrored in the pet industry, with an explosion of alternative diets available. Several nontraditional feeding methodologies including raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are believed by many dog owners to be superior to traditional extruded commercial dog foods. Despite the strong opinions, limited data are available comparing objective health measures among healthy dogs fed using different methods of diet preparation. Therefore, we compared health markers in client-owned dogs fed an RMBD to markers in dogs fed a high-quality extruded kibble. We hypothesized that healthy adult dogs fed RMBD would show differences in biochemical and hematological parameters and improved clinical health scores (e.g., dental, external ear canal, and integument scores) compared with dogs fed a kibble diet. A cross-sectional observational study was performed comparing hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis management history, and clinical health scores in healthy client-owned dogs reported as fed RMBD (n = 28) or kibble (n = 27) for >1 yr. Dental, external ear canal, and integument health scores were assigned by a single veterinary evaluator blinded to feed group, using a scale where 0 was normal and 3 was most severely affected. Spearman correlation coefficient (r_s) was calculated to assess the strength and direction of the relationship of biochemical outcomes with age and body condition score (BCS), while analysis of variance was used to determine if biochemical analytes differed by breed or gender. Biochemical data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models, adjusting for the covariates gender, breed, age, and BCS. A composite clinical health score, (CCS) = 9 − (dental score + otitis score + integument score), was compared between feeding groups using Mann–Whitney test. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.001) and globulin concentration (P < 0.001) were lower, while lymphocyte count (P < 0.05) was higher in dogs fed RMBD. No differences were found in urinalysis between diet groups. Dogs fed RMBD showed a slight improvement in CCS compared with kibble-fed dogs (CCS: P = 0.03). Owner management significantly differed with a greater likelihood of management interventions including dietary supplements and sporting activities in the RMBD group. Further work is needed to specifically determine the impact of diet processing and nutrient content on canine health.     

Salmonella Montevideo outbreak in military kennel dogs caused by contaminated commercial feed, which was only recognized through monitoring

A large outbreak of canine salmonellosis in military watch dogs due to Salmonella Montevideo and/or Salmonella Give was only recognized through a monitoring program, implemented by the military forces. In 51 out of 80 exposed dogs (63.8%) from four kennels Salmonella was isolated from fecal samples. The prevalence per sampling day ranged from 5.6 to 77.8%. Clinical disease with mild diarrhea but without fever appeared only in nine dogs (11.3% of study population, 16.9% of cases) from one kennel (***P < 0.001). Risk analysis identified "dog food A" (odds ratio 3.33 [1.12 < OR < 10.06] *P < 0.05) and "dog food C" (odds ratio 3.40 [1.07 < OR < 11.22] *P < 0.05), two commercial dehydrated dog feeds, as suspected infectious sources. Feeding "dog food C" alone or together with "dog food A" was significantly associated with clinical disease (***P < 0.001). S. Montevideo and S. Give with similar plasmid profiles and PFGE-restriction patterns were isolated from the suspected dog feeds and fecal samples. This outbreak demonstrates not only that Salmonella infections in dogs occur without clinical symptoms but also that large outbreaks occur after feeding dehydrated dog feeds. Especially in households with known risk group patients this finding demonstrates a particular risk for their owners, as they often live in close contact with their animals.     

Differences between breeds of dog in a measure of heart rate variability

The vasovagal tonus index (VVTI), a time-domain indicator of heart rate variability, was measured in 92 dogs of six breeds (German shepherd dogs, labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels, boxers, bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels). There was a significant difference in VVTI between the six breeds (P = 0.003). Brachycephalic dogs had a higher VVTI than other types of dog (P < 0.005), and when comparing individual breeds brachycephalic breeds tended to have a higher VVTI than non-brachycephalic breeds, although the difference was not always significant. The VVTI was negatively correlated with heart rate (P < 0.01) and dogs suffering from congestive heart failure had a lower VVTI than other dogs, whether compared within or between breeds (P < 0.01).