Pre- and post-operative cardiac evaluation of dogs undergoing lobectomy and pneumonectomy

This study aimed to assess the influence of lobectomy and pneumonectomy on cardiac rhythm and on the dimensions and function of the right-side of the heart. Twelve dogs undergoing lobectomy and eight dogs undergoing pneumonectomy were evaluated preoperatively and one month postoperatively with electrocardiography and Doppler echocardiography at rest. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was estimated by the tricuspid regurgitation jet (TRJ) via the pulse wave Doppler velocity method. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (SIRS) were also evaluated based on the clinical and hematological findings in response to lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Following lobectomy and pneumonectomy, we predominantly detected atrial fibrillation and varying degrees of atrioventricular block (AVB). Dogs that died within seven days of the lobectomy (n = 2) or pneumonectomy (n = 1) had complete AVB. Preoperative right atrial, right ventricular, and pulmonary artery dimensions increased gradually during the 30 days (p<0.05) following pneumonectomy, but did not undergo significant changes during that same period after lobectomy. Mean PASP was 56.0 ± 4.5 mmHg in dogs having significant TRJ after pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy, but not lobectomy, could lead to increases (p<0.01) in the SIRS score within the first day post-surgery. In brief, it is important to conduct pre- and postoperative cardiac evaluation of dogs undergoing lung resections because cardiac problems are a common postoperative complication after such surgeries. In particular, complete AVB should be considered a life-threatening complication after pneumonectomy and lobectomy. In addition, pneumonectomy appears to increase the likelihood of pulmonary hypertension development in dogs.     

Comparison of radiographic osteoarthritis scores in dogs less than 24 months or greater than 24 months following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Radiographic osteoarthritis scores were determined in 60 dogs up to 3 years following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Radiographs taken immediately following surgery and at long-term follow-up 1 to 3 years later were evaluated by 2 certified radiologists using a modified 32-point osteoarthritis scale. Changes in osteoarthritis scores were evaluated by paired t-tests and regression analysis. Sub-groups of dogs were formed to evaluate if osteoarthritis scores changed differently for follow-up periods of < 24 months compared with those > 24 months. There was a significant increase in osteoarthritis score from post-operative to follow-up evaluations for all dogs studied. Regression analysis of the relationship of months after surgery to change in osteoarthritis score was not significant. These results indicate that osteoarthritis did progress following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, but not in a linear fashion over time.     

C-reactive protein as an indicator of inflammatory responses to experimentally induced cystitis in dogs

The aim of this study was to demonstrate and assess C-reactive protein (CRP) changes in dogs with induced bacterial cystitis with or without antibiotics. We also evaluated availability of CRP levels to serve as an indicator for monitoring or diagnosing bacterial cystitis. Serial CRP concentrations in dogs with induced bacterial cystitis were higher than those of controls (p < 0.001). CRP concentrations peaked on day 7 and gradually decreased thereafter. In the treatment group, CRP concentrations decreased after medication compared to the untreated group (p = 0.032). CRP levels had a linear correlation with urine white blood cell counts among all groups (r = 0.837, p < 0.001, n = 140). Compared to the negative urine culture group, dogs with positive urine culture results had higher CRP concentrations (median 43.8 mg/L vs. 5.9 mg/L; p < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.955; when cut-off value was 12.2 mg/L, CRP measurements were found to have a sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 86.4%. This result indicates that rapid increases of CRP occurred after inducing bacterial cystitis and CRP may be a useful indicator for monitoring or diagnosing canine bacterial cystitis together with sediment urinalysis and urine bacterial culture.     

Hypoglycemic effects of vanadium on alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic dogs

The hypoglycemic effects after oral administration of vanadium have been studied previously in many species such as rats, mice and even humans. However, there has been no prior report on the glucose lowering effect of vanadium on diabetic dogs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of oral vanadium on diabetic dogs. Diabetes mellitus in the dogs studied was induced by alloxan monohydrate intravenous injection. The dogs were divided into two groups, one was the diabetic control (DC) group (n = 4) and the other was the vanadium treated (DV) group (n = 6). Fresh water was supplied to the dogs in the DC group, but sodium metavanadate solution (0.1~0.2 mg/ml) was given to the dogs in DV group from one week after the alloxan injection. The fasting glucose levels, fructosamine and serum chemistry profiles were compared between the two groups weekly for three weeks. The fasting blood glucose levels in DV group were significantly lower than those in the DC group (p < 0.01). Fructosamine levels in the DV group were also lower than those in the DC group (p < 0.05). The serum chemistry profiles were not significantly different in comparisons between the two groups. However, the cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the DV group compared to the DC group (p < 0.05). Our findings showed that oral vanadium administration had a hypoglycemic effect on chemically induced diabetic dogs.     

Evaluation of the effect of a 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray on clinical signs and skin barrier function in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a topical spray containing 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) on canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and to evaluate the skin barrier function during the treatment of CAD. Twenty-one dogs that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for CAD were included in this study. The HCA spray was applied once a day to the lesions of all dogs for 7 or 14 days. Clinical assessment was performed before (day 0) and after treatment (day 14), and clinical responses were correlated with changes in skin barrier function. CAD severity significantly decreased after 14 days of HCA treatment based on the lesion scores (p < 0.0001), which were determined using the CAD extent and severity index (CADESI-03) and pruritus scores (p < 0.0001) calculated using a pruritus visual analog scale. Transepidermal water loss, a biomarker of skin barrier function, was significantly reduced compared to baseline (day 0) measurements (p = 0.0011). HCA spray was shown to be effective for significantly improving the condition of dogs suffering from CAD. This treatment also significantly improved cutaneous hydration and skin barrier function in the animals.     

Biceps femoris muscle transposition for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extracapsular surgical technique for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs. Nine small breed dogs (seven females and two males) weighing ≤ 15 kg were treated with biceps femoris muscle transposition (BFT). The duration of the BFT procedure was 20 min. Each patient underwent a standard clinical protocol and a questionnaire for the owners. Follow-up (at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperative) confirmed significant improvement in all patients, especially at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.01) and again after complete stifle joint assessment at 3 months postoperatively. After 12 months, only two patients showed a slight increase in osteoarthritis. According to our results, BFT is a simple extracapsular surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs.     

Evaluation of serum chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronan: biomarkers for osteoarthritis in canine hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (HD) is one of the most important bone and joint diseases in dogs. Making the radiographic diagnosis is sometime possible when the disease has markedly progressed. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and hyaluronan (HA) are the most important cartilage biomolecules that are elevated in the serum taken from dogs with osteoarthritis. The serum CS and HA can be detected by an ELISA technique, with using monoclonal antibodies against CS epitope 3B3 and WF6 and the HA chain as the primary antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum CS (both epitopes) and HA in non-HD and HD dogs. All 123 dogs were categorized into 2 groups. The non-HD group was composed of 98 healthy dogs, while the HD group was comprised of 25 HD dogs. Blood samples were collected for analyzing the serum CS and HA levels with using the ELISA technique. The results showed that the average serum level of the CS epitope WF6 in the HD group (2,594 ± 3,036.10 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the non-HD group (465 ± 208.97 ng/ml) (p < 0.01) while the epitope 3B3 in the HD group (105 ± 100.05 ng/ml) was significantly lower than that in the non-HD group (136 ± 142.03 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). The amount of serum HA in the HD group (134.74 ± 59.71 ng/ml) was lower than that in the non HD group (245.45 ± 97.84 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). The results indicate that the serum CS and HA levels might be used as biomarkers for osteoarthritis in HD dogs.     

A prospective,randomized, blinded,placebo-controlled multisite clinical study of bedinvetmab,a canine monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor,in dogs with osteoarthritis

ObjectiveBedinvetmab is a canine monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bedinvetmab for alleviation of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.Study designDouble-blind, randomized, multicentre, placebo-controlled study.AnimalsClient-owned dogs (n = 287) with osteoarthritis.MethodsDogs were randomized (1:1) to subcutaneous injection with placebo (saline, n = 146) or bedinvetmab (0.5–1.0 mg kg^–1, n = 141) administered monthly. After 3 months, 89 bedinvetmab-treated dogs that responded positively based on owner and veterinarian assessments were administered up to six additional doses of bedinvetmab in a single-armed open-label continuation phase. The primary efficacy end point was treatment success based on the owner-assessed canine brief pain inventory (CBPI) on day 28. Treatment success was defined as ≥ 1 reduction in pain severity score (0–10) and ≥ 2 in pain interference score (0–10).ResultsPercentage treatment success was significantly greater in the bedinvetmab group than in the placebo group from day 7 through all assessed time points (p ≤ 0.0025). On day 28, 43.5% of dogs achieved treatment success with bedinvetmab compared with placebo (16.9%) (p = 0.0017). Treatment success continued through days 56 (50.8%) and 84 (48.2%) in the bedinvetmab group and was < 25% in the placebo group at all time points. Sustained efficacy was demonstrated in the continuation phase. Adverse health events occurred at similar frequencies in both groups. They were considered typical for a population of dogs with osteoarthritis and not related to study treatment. Treatment with bedinvetmab demonstrated a significant effect on all three components of CBPI—pain interference, pain severity, quality of life.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of bedinvetmab administered monthly for up to 9 months at 0.5–1.0 mg kg^–1 for alleviation of pain associated with canine osteoarthritis.     

Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative recovery from cranial cruciate injury in dogs: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of pentosan polysulfate (PPS) for improving the recovery period and mitigate the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) of the canine stifle after extracapsular stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=40) with unilateral CCL instability. METHODS: Each dog had an extracapsular stabilization of the stifle with or without partial meniscectomy. Dogs were divided into 4 groups based on preoperative radiographic assessment and whether a partial meniscectomy was performed. Dogs were randomly assigned to either (3 mg/kg) PPS or placebo treatment in each group, and then injected subcutaneously weekly for 4 weeks. Lameness, radiographic changes, biological marker concentration in blood and urine, and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were collected preoperatively, and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Data were analyzed within and between groups using repeated measures ANOVA; P<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: No adverse reactions to PPS were reported. Thirty-nine dogs completed a minimum of 24-weeks follow-up and 33 dogs completed 48 weeks. All dogs clinically improved after surgery without differences in lameness score, vertical GRFs, or radiographic progression. Grouped and evaluated only by initial radiographic score, PPS-treated dogs improved significantly faster in braking GRFs than placebo-treated dogs. In dogs with partial meniscectomies, urine deoxypyridinoline, and serum carboxy-propeptide of type II collagen were significantly increased at 6 weeks in placebo-treated dogs compared with PPS-treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS: PPS administered after stabilization of the cruciate deficient stifle may prove to be a useful adjunctive treatment option, although further studies are necessary to substantiate this claim.     

Biomarkers for identifying the early phases of osteoarthritis secondary to medial patellar luxation in dogs

The levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in synovial fluid (SF) and serum in cases of canine osteoarthritis (OA) were measured. OA was induced by a surgically-created medial patellar luxation in the left stifle of 24 dogs. SF and blood samples were collected at 1.5- and 3-month intervals, respectively. Every 3 months, one dog was euthanatized to collect tissue samples from both stifles. TRAP levels in SF and serum were measured using a spectrophotometer, and TRAP-positive cells in joint tissues were identified by enzyme histochemistry. MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in SF and serum were detected by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. TRAP in SF from the stifles and serum was significantly increased (p < 0.05) after 3 months. TIMP-2 in SF and serum was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas MMP-2 in SF was significantly increased (p < 0.05) during the progression of OA. Histochemistry revealed an increased number of TRAP-positive cells in tissues from OA-affected joints. Assays measuring TRAP, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 in SF and serum, and methods that detect increased numbers of TRAP-positive cells in the joint tissues can play an important role in identifying the early phases of degenerative changes in canine joint components.     

Canine Total Knee Replacement: Surgical Technique and One-Year Outcome

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for total knee replacement (TKR) in dogs with severe osteoarthritis (OA) and report 1-year outcome.
Study Design— Prospective clinical case study.
Animals— Dogs (n=6) with severe stifle OA.
Methods— Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were compared after 6 dogs had TKR. Data gathered included radiographs, goniometric measures of passive range of motion, ground reaction forces, and girth measurements of the thigh before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Results— Stifle extension and excursion angles were significantly improved by 3 months after TKR. Mean peak vertical force and impulse were significantly improved by 6 months.
Conclusions— TKR is a viable treatment option for dogs with severe stifle OA.
Clinical Relevance— With continued refinement of surgical technique, instrumentation, and implants, TKR could become a reliable treatment for dogs with disabling, painful nonseptic stifle OA.     

Acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity of ecadotril in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the toxicity of ecadotril in dogs. ANIMALS: 74 healthy 4- to 11-month-old Beagles. PROCEDURE: To determine acute toxicity, ecadotril (2,000 mg/kg of body weight, PO) in a gelatin capsule was administered once to 2 dogs, and dogs were observed for 2 weeks. To determine subchronic and chronic toxicity, ecadotril was administered every day for 3 months (50 mg/kg [n = 8], 100 mg/kg [8], 300 mg/kg [12]) and 12 months (25 mg/kg [n = 8], 50 mg/kg [8], 100 mg/kg [8]), respectively. Dogs in control groups (n = 12 or 8) received an empty gelatin capsule. Physical examinations, CBC, plasma biochemical analyses, and urinalyses were performed before and at various times during each experiment. Dogs were euthanatized at the end of each experiment, and necropsies were performed. RESULTS: Dogs that received 1 dose of 2,000 mg of ecadotril/kg developed nonspecific clinical signs of toxicosis. Dogs that received 300 mg of ecadotril/kg/d for 3 months developed pronounced anemia, bone marrow suppression, and some evidence of liver impairment. There was no evidence of an effect accumulated over time, and reversibility of toxic effects was evident. Dogs that received < or =100 mg of ecadotril/kg/d for 3 or 12 months tolerated treatment without apparent effect. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Degree of acute toxicity of a single high dose of ecadotril in dogs was low. The no-observable adverse effect level of ecadotril following daily oral administration was 100 mg/kg/d; repeated administration of 300 mg/kg/d revealed the hematopoietic system as the primary toxicologic target.     

Clinical use of a ceramide-based moisturizer for treating dogs with atopic dermatitis

In humans, skin barrier dysfunction is thought to be responsible for enhanced penetration of allergens. Similar to conditions seen in humans, canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is characterized by derangement of corneocytes and disorganization of intercellular lipids in the stratum corenum (SC) with decreased ceramide levels. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a moisturizer containing ceramide on dogs with CAD. Dogs (n = 20, 3~8 years old) with mild to moderate clinical signs were recruited and applied a moisturizer containing ceramide for 4 weeks. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, pruritus index for canine atopic dermatitis (PICAD) scores, and canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI) scores of all dogs were evaluated. Skin samples from five dogs were also examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using ruthenium tetroxide. TEWL, PICAD, and CADESI values decreased (p < 0.05) and skin hydration increased dramatically over time (p < 0.05). Electron micrographs showed that the skin barrier of all five dogs was partially restored (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that moisturizer containing ceramide was effective for treating skin barrier dysfunction and CAD symptoms.     

Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis

Thirty-five dogs were included in a randomised, double-blind, positive controlled, multi-centre trial to assess the efficacy of an orally-administered glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (Glu/CS) combination for the treatment of confirmed osteoarthritis of hips or elbows. Carprofen was used as a positive control. Dogs were re-examined on days 14, 42 and 70 after initiation of treatment. Medication was then withdrawn and dogs were re-assessed on day 98. Response to treatment was based on subjective evaluation by participating veterinarians who recorded their findings at each visit. Dogs treated with Glu/CS showed statistically significant improvements in scores for pain, weight-bearing and severity of the condition by day 70 (P<0.001). Onset of significant response was slower for Glu/CS than for carprofen-treated dogs. The results show that Glu/CS has a positive clinical effect in dogs with osteoarthritis.     

Assessment of disease severity and outcome of dietary, antibiotic, and immunosuppressive interventions by use of the canine IBD activity index in 21 dogs with chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Recently, the canine IBD activity index (CIBDAI) was developed for evaluation of the severity of illness, therapeutic strategies, and efficacy of therapy.The aim of the present study was to assess the severity of illness and the therapeutic strategy in dogs with IBD by the use of CIBDAI, serum albumin concentration, and histologic score (HPEG). Furthermore the use of CIBDAI and the efficacy of therapy in a prospective study during a 3 month treatment period were evaluated. Twentyone dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis and enterocolitis) were examined in this study. In 11 dogs with IBD the severity of illness was assessed as low, according to CIBDAI and HPEG (CIBDAI score 4 or between 5 and 10 with HPEG score between 1 and 1.5). Six dogs were treated with hypoallergenic diet (Group D), five dogs were treated with hypoallergenic diet and metronidazole (15.6-22,3 mg/kg/day) (Group M). In 10 dogs with IBD the severity of illness was assessed as high (CIBDAI <10, or CIBDAI between 5 and 10 with HPEG score between 2 and 3 or hypoalbuminemia (< or = 2.5 g/dl)). This group (Group I) was treated with immunosuppressive therapy.Treatment consisted of prednisolone (n=10; 0.9-2 mg/kg/day), azathioprine (n=5; 0.9-2.3 mg/kg/day), sulfasalazine (n=4; 18.2-25 mg/kg/day) and hypoallergenic diet (n=10). Efficacy of therapy was evaluated prospectively 3 times in a 12 weeks treatment period. Remission (CIBDAI score < 4) indicated good therapeutic response, chronic or recurrent disease (CIBDAI score persistent or recurrent > or =4) indicated poor therapeutic response. Age, CIBDAI score and HPEG score were significantly different in IBD dogs with low severity of illness (age: median 60 months; CIBDAI score: median 5; HPEG score: median (1) and IBD dogs with high severity of illness (age: median 90 months; CIBDAI score: median 9.5; HPEG score: median 2.25) (p = 0.0101 and p = 0.0099, respectively). The presence of hypoalbuminemia was not significantly different between these two groups (p = 0.3108). There was no significant correlation between CIBDAI score and serum albumin concentration (r = 0.0394; p = 0.0802) or between CIBDAI score and HPEG score (r = 0.2587; p = 0.2574). In the treatment groups, HPEG score was only significantly different between D-group and group I (p < 0.01). The CIBDAI score decreased significantly in group I after 4 weeks of treatment (median 4th week: 3; p < 0.05), and in the D-group after 8 weeks of treatment (median 8" week 1; p < 0.05). No significant decrease of CIBDAI score was seen in the M-group (median 12th week: 1.75; p > 0.05). All dogs in group D, four of five dogs in group M, and six from ten dogs in group I went into remission. Poor therapeutic response (1 dog in group M and 5 dogs in group I; one dog died) was seen in 6 dogs, where as 15 dogs showed good therapeutic response. There was no significant association between efficacy of therapy and age (p = 0.8455), CIBDAI score (p = 0.3293), or serum albumin concentraton (p = 0.8455). Poor therapeutic response was weekly associated with HPEG score > or =2 (p = 0.0635). Using CIBDAI in dogs with IBD as a single parameter to assess the severity of illness and the therapeutic response, misinterpretations are possible.The assessment of the severity of illness by the combination of CIBAI, HPEG, and serum albumin concentration is leading to adaequate therapeutic results. Dogs with low grade IBD benefit from hypoallergenic diet, whereas dogs with high grade IBD benefit from immunosuppressive therapy. The effect of antibiotic treatment is questionable.     

Excitability scores of goats administered ascorbic acid and transported during hot-dry conditions

In this study, we investigated the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) administration on goat excitability due to transportation. Ten goats administered AA (p.o.) at 100 mg/kg of body weight before transportation served as the experimental group, and seven goats administered only 10ml/kg of sterile water (p.o.) served as controls. Excitability scores were recorded for each goat; when weighed, before, immediately after, and 3 h after 8 h of transportation. A score of one to four was allocated to each goat; higher scores represent greater excitability. Immediately after transportation, excitability scores decreased significantly, especially those of control goats (p < 0.001). At 3 h post-transportation, the excitability scores of animals in the experimental group were not significantly (p>0.05) different from their pre-transportation normal values, whereas those of control goats were significantly lower (p < 0.01). The correlation i.e. the relationship between excitability score values and percent excitability (percentage of goat with particular excitability score) for different excitability score group 3 h post-transportation was positive and highly significant (p < 0.001), in both experimental and control goats. Our results indicate that road transportation induces considerable stress (depression) in goats as evidenced by a lower excitability score post-transportation. Moreover, the administration of AA pre-transportation facilitated the transition from a state of depression to excitation. In conclusion, AA administration to animals prior to transportation may ameliorate the depression often encountered after road transportation.     

A modified method for inducing periodontitis in dogs using a silk-wire twisted ligature

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a modified silk ligature twisted with wire for inducing advanced periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced in five premolars and one molar of 20 healthy dogs over a 60-day period. The dogs were divided into four groups according to the ligature-inducing materials used: soft moistened food only, wire ligature (WL), silk ligature (SL) and twisted ligature with silk and wire (SWL). Periodontal indices were recorded, and dental radiographs were taken before and after 60 days of ligation. The ligatures were checked daily and the day the ligature fell out was noted. The period during which the ligatures were maintained was significantly shorter for the SL group compared to the SWL group (p < 0.05). Results of the clinical examination showed that almost all periodontal status parameters including the plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were significantly exacerbated in the SWL group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated that alveolar bone levels were significantly lower in the SWL group than the other groups on day 60 (p < 0.05). These results suggested that experimental periodontitis induced by SWL could be an effective method for investigating periodontitis in canine models.     

Hsp70 and HSF-1 expression is altered in the tissues of pigs transported for various periods of times

The aim of this study was to assess changes of Hsp70 and HSF-1 protein and mRNA expression in stress-sensitive organs of pigs during transportation for various periods of time. Twenty pigs were randomly divided into four groups (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of transportation). A significant increased activity of AST and CK was observed after 1 h and 2 h of transportation. Histopathological changes in the heart, liver, and stomach indicated that these organs sustained different degrees of injury. Hsp70 protein expression in the heart and liver of transported pigs did not change significantly while it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the stomach. Hsp70 mRNA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the heart after 4 h of transportation. However, mRNA expression increased significantly in the liver after 1 (p < 0.05) and 4 h (p < 0.01) of transportation, and increased significantly in the stomach of the transported pigs after 1, 4 (p < 0.01), and 2 h (p < 0.05). HSF-1 levels were reduced at 1 and 4 h (p < 0.05) only in the hearts of transported pigs. These results indicate that Hsp70 mediates distinct stress-related functions in different tissues during transportation.     

Advancing parity is associated with high milk production at the cost of body condition and increased periparturient disorders in dairy herds

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of parity on milk production, body condition change, periparturient health, and culling in Korean dairy herds. The data utilized included; milk yield, body condition score, cow parity, calving condition, periparturient disorders, culling, and reproductive status, which were recorded from 1290 calvings in eight dairy herds. The mean milk yield in cows over 305 days increased with increasing parity (p < 0.01). Cows with parities of 3, 4, and 5 or higher lost more body condition than those with a parity of 1 during month 1 of lactation (p < 0.01), and body condition recovery by cows with parities of 4 and 5 or higher was slower (p < 0.01) than recovery by cows with parities of 1, 2, or 3 until month 3 of lactation. The risk of retained placenta, metabolic disorder, and endometritis also increased with advancing parity (p < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of ovarian cysts was lower in cows with a parity of one than in cows with greater parities (p < 0.01). Culling rate due to reproductive failure also increased with advancing parity (p < 0.01). These results suggest that parity increases milk yield, body condition loss during early lactation, the risk of periparturient disorders, and culling due to reproductive failure in dairy herds.     

Cohort Study of the Success of Controlled Weight Loss Programs for Obese Dogs

Background

Most weight loss studies in obese dogs assess rate and percentage of weight loss in the first 2–3 months, rather than the likelihood of successfully reaching target weight.

Objective

To determine outcome of controlled weight loss programs for obese dogs, and to determine the factors associated with successful completion.

Animals

143 obese dogs undergoing a controlled weight loss program.

Methods

This was a cohort study of obese dogs attending a referral weight management clinic. Dogs were studied during their period of weight loss, and cases classified according to outcome as “completed” (reached target weight), “euthanized” (was euthanized before reaching target weight), or “stopped prematurely” (program stopped early for other reasons). Factors associated with successful completion were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression.

Results

87/143 dogs (61%) completed their weight loss program, 11 [8%] died or were euthanized, and the remaining 45 [32%] stopped prematurely. Reasons for dogs stopping prematurely included inability to contact owner, refusal to comply with weight management advice, or development of another illness. Successful weight loss was positively associated with a faster rate (P < .001), a longer duration (P < .001), and feeding a dried weight management diet (P = .010), but negatively associated with starting body fat (P < .001), and use of dirlotapide (P = .0046).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Just over half of all obese dogs on a controlled weight loss program reach their target weight. Future studies should better clarify reasons for success in individual cases, and also the role of factors such as activity and behavioral modification.