Correlates of objectively measured physical activity in dogs

To increase physical activity (PA) levels in dogs and to better evaluate their energy requirements, there is a need to understand which factors or correlates are associated with PA and/or sedentary behaviour. Improving our understanding of these correlates also has implications for prescribed energy requirements in dogs. PA was measured using accelerometry in 62 dogs from two common breeds (Labrador retrievers and Cocker spaniels). Five potential correlates (age, sex, breed, neuter status, body condition score) were tested for associations with total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA, vigorous intensity PA and sedentary behaviour. Age and breed were associated with total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA and sedentary behaviour in the final models. Age was associated with vigorous intensity PA. The final models explained 60%, 40%, 63% and 44% of variance in total volume of PA, light-moderate intensity PA, vigorous intensity PA and sedentary behaviour, respectively. These results should improve understanding of the variation in energy requirements of dogs, as well as the development of age and breed-specific diets and the prevention and treatment of canine obesity.     

Use of whole blood for spectrophotometric determination of cholinesterase activity in dogs

Whole blood has been compared with erythrocytes and plasma for spectrophotometric cholinesterase determination in the dog. Cholinesterase activity was characterized using two substrates: acetylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine. Acetylcholinesterase was the only form of cholinesterase present on erythrocytes and hydrolysed only acetylthiocholine. Butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) was predominant in plasma, hydrolysing mainly butyrylthiocholine. Based on these results, a method based on the use of two substrates (acetylthiocholine for monitoring acetylcholinesterase and butyrylthiocholine for determining butyrylcholinesterase) in the same whole blood sample is recommended for canine cholinesterase analysis. This way of monitoring both enzymes can be easily automated, yielding good within (CVs < 5%) and between-run (CVs < 7%) precision.     

Development of a behaviour-based scale to measure acute pain in dogs

A composite scale for assessing pain in dogs in a hospital setting has been developed on the basis of observations of their behaviour. Initially, 279 words and expressions suggested by 69 veterinary surgeons were reduced into 47 words and expressions which were allocated into seven behaviour categories: demeanour and response to people, posture, mobility, activity, response to touch, attention to painful area and vocalisation. Three statistical methods, hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and analysis of variance with multiple comparisons and empirical cumulative distributions, were used to validate these procedures, and a questionnaire accompanied by a list of definitions was designed around the expressions. The new composite scale is more detailed than previously reported scales for assessing pain in dogs on the basis of their behaviour, and the methods used in its development are based on sound scientific principles.     

The use of pedometers to estimate motor laterality in grazing horses

The current study used pedometers (designed for the study of human exercise) to record the activity of both forelegs of domestic horses (N = 6) maintained in small groups at pasture. Readings were taken over an 8-hour period daily for 5 days. Over the 5 days, 2 horses were shown to make significantly more movements with the left leg than the right (P = 0.018 and 0.034, respectively). The same 2 horses showed a significant left leg preference every day of the study. For the other horses, less consistent preferences were found. The use of pedometers has potential for scoring motor laterality in large numbers of horses and may overcome the logistical challenges of direct observation. Avoidance of single-day anomalies can be achieved by recording data over several days.     

Use of antihistamines to control pruritus in atopic dogs

In an open uncontrolled study, 30 dogs with atopy were given six different antihistamines over a period of 10 weeks. During the first six weeks the dogs were given each of the antihistamines, hydroxyzine, trimeprazine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, promethazine and cyproheptadine for a seven-day period. The order of drug administration was randomised in each case. After assessment of clinical improvement, based on the drug's ability to control pruritus, the most successful drug was given for a further four weeks. Where several drugs performed equally well in the control of signs, the second drug was selected on cost, ease of administration and lack of side effects. More than 60 per cent of the dogs benefited from antihistamine therapy and few side effects were noted. Hydroxyzine in this trial, proved to be the most effective antihistamine in controlling pruritus, although all of the drugs were shown to have the ability to control pruritus in some dogs.     

Clinical comparison of three methods to measure blood pressure in nonsedated dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine arterial blood pressure in client-owned dogs, using direct arterial puncture, oscillometry, and Doppler ultrasonography in a clinical setting. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 8 clinically normal client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Blood pressures of nonsedated dogs were measured simultaneously, using each of the 3 methods. Mean values obtained were compared with published mean values. Ability of noninvasive methods (Doppler ultrasonography and oscillometry) to accurately predict results of the invasive method, and relationships between blood pressure and age, body weight, and degree of patient anxiety were determined. RESULTS: Calculated ranges of values (mean +/- 2 SD) determined by direct arterial puncture were: systolic pressure, 114 to 194 mm Hg; diastolic pressure, 66 to 102 mm Hg; and mean pressure, 85 to 129 mm Hg. Ranges determined by use of oscillometry were: systolic, 110 to 190 mm Hg; diastolic, 35 to 107 mm Hg; and mean, 78 to 138 mm Hg. Ultrasonographic and oscillometric values did not accurately predict direct values, but mean values of systolic and mean pressures were similar among methods. Relationships were not detected between age or body weight and blood pressure. Significant differences in blood pressure were not detected between anxious and nonanxious dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mean values of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure measured in nonsedated client-owned dogs, using invasive and noninvasive methods in a clinical setting, are comparable with those determined for acclimatized, trained, or sedated dogs. However, results of noninvasive methods may not accurately reflect direct values.     

A comparison of uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers for the assessment of physical activity in dogs

The present study compares the outputs of uniaxial accelerometer (UA) and triaxial accelerometer (TA) to determine whether UAs can be used instead of TAs in estimating physical activity (PA) in domestic dogs (N = 79). The PA of the dogs was measured simultaneously by a UA and a TA attached to regular collars under 3 different conditions: unstructured activity in the kennels (kennel activity); and 2 structured on-lead activities of different intensities on a designated pathway (walking and trotting). The study finds that UA consistently detected significantly more steps. Kennel activity showed the largest differences between the accelerometers, and trotting showed the least. Dogs in the heaviest body weight category showed the best correlation between the devices and the least differences between the accelerometers across the 3 activities. The limits of agreement were wide in all activities. Significantly higher agreements were associated with lower step counts in kennel activity and higher step counts in walking and trotting. The results show that these 2 types of accelerometers cannot be used interchangeably. Confounding factors, such as body weight, must be considered in future analysis of accelerometer outputs and selection of devices for different contexts. Optimal interpretation of objectively measured PA is paramount in supporting future dog fitness, health, and welfare studies.     

Use of PCR-RFLP to identify Leishmania species in naturally-infected dogs

Tissue imprints on Giemsa stained slides from dogs were used to investigate the presence of Leishmania amastigotes by either optical microscopy (OM) or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of DNA. Samples from skin, spleen, lymph node, liver and bone marrow from a Leishmaniasis endemic area dogs where Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis are sympatric were studied. Dogs were initially diagnosed by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF), as which 39 were IIF positive (≥1:40) and 16 negative. The IIF positive dogs were clinically grouped as symptomatic (n = 15), oligosymptomatic (n = 12) and asymptomatic (n = 12). Although PCR positivity was higher in symptomatic dogs, specially their skin samples, there was no significant difference among clinical groups or organs examined. Ten (62.5%) out of 16 IIF and OM negative animals were positive for PCR in at least one organ. Forty-eight positive PCR amplicons were further submitted to RFLP for Leishmania identification. All dogs were infected with L. (L.) chagasi except one, infected with L. (V.) braziliensis. PCR was more efficient than IIF and OM to diagnose canine visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), regardless of the organ examined and the clinical form present. The use of PCR together with serology helps determining the extension of sub clinical infection in CVL endemic areas and provides a better estimate of the number of dogs to be targeted for control measures. In conclusion, our data reinforce the need for a specific diagnosis of canine infection in areas where diverse Leishmania species are sympatric and demonstrate that PCR–RFLP can be used to identify Leishmania species in dog tissue imprint stained slides.     

Use of cyclosporine to treat granulomatous meningoencephalitis in three dogs

Use of cyclosporine to treat granulomatous meningoencephalitis in three dogs Three dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis were treated with orally administered cyclosporine. In 2 dogs, cyclosporine administration replaced initial corticosteroid administration, and in 1 dog, cyclosporine was the only treatment used. One dog had the focal form of the disease in the brainstem, 1 dog had the focal form in the forebrain associated with a concurrent ocular form, and 1 dog had the disseminated form of disease. At 12-month follow-up, the 2 dogs with the focal form of the disease had no clinical signs. The dog with the disseminated form improved only partially, and euthanasia was performed 3 weeks after initial evaluation. Cyclosporine was considered effective at an initial dosage of 6 mg/kg (2.7 mg/lb) every 12 hours. Adverse effects associated with cyclosporine administration included transient lymphopenia, excessive shedding, and focal symmetric hair discoloration.     

Use of scanning electron microscopy to investigate dental calculus in dogs

The formation of dental calculus in dogs is a major problem. Scanning electron microscopy of tartar specimens from dogs revealed on the outer surface of the plaque polymorphic configurations, more or less arranged as free filaments, corn-cobs or swab-like structures. Uninhabited bacterial recesses were found on the inner surface of the calculus. Calcification may occur between or within the bacteria. Elucidating the mechanisms of calculus formation should help in the development of prophylactic measures.     

Relationship of physical examination test of shoulder instability to arthroscopic findings in dogs

Objective— To determine the diagnostic validity of commonly used physical examination maneuvers for shoulder instability.
Study Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=24) referred for shoulder arthroscopy.
Methods— Results of physical maneuvers and arthroscopic findings were recorded and sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios (LR+), and negative likelihood ratios (LR−) were calculated for each of 4 physical examination test findings for arthroscopic changes in the medial, lateral, cranial, or caudal compartments of the shoulder joint viewed in dorsal recumbency by lateral and craniomedial portals.
Results— Distribution of compartment changes was: medial (17 dogs), caudal (15), cranial (12), and lateral (5). The biceps test had a moderate effect (LR+=9) on post-test probability of cranial compartment changes and a small effect on post-test probability of lateral and caudal compartment changes (LR+=3 and 2.4, respectively). Hyperabduction had a minimal effect and mediolateral instability test had a small effect (LR+=1.64 and 2.68, respectively) on post-test probability of medial compartment changes. Craniocaudal instability test had little to no effect on post-test probability of changes in any compartment.
Conclusions— Physical examination tests evaluated were limited in their ability to predict the type of arthroscopic pathology in this study population.
Clinical Relevance — Clinicians should understand that a diagnostic test performs inconsistently based on prevalence of a condition in a given patient population. The use of likelihood ratios can assist clinicians in determining the probability of intraarticular changes from a group with a differing prevalence than the patient population presented.     

Use of a three-blood-sample plasma clearance technique to measure GFR in horses

Measurement of renal function in horses poses a particular challenge because plasma creatinine is influenced by muscle mass which is highly developed and variable between individuals, while conventional clearance methods involve potentially daunting problems, particularly urine collection and bladder washout. This paper provides data which enable technetium-diethyleneaminopentacetic acid (Tc-DTPA) clearance to be used to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR)/extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) as an expression of GFR in horses, as previously validated in humans, dogs and calves. Apart from being arguably a more physiological expression of GFR than using derivatives of body weight, the use of GFR/ECFV eliminates a source of delay and error, namely measurement of the injected dose, and offers the convenience of requiring only three blood samples. It therefore has advantages for both research and clinical applications.