Search and identification methods that owners use to find a lost dog

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the process by which owners search for lost dogs and identify factors associated with time to recovery. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Owners of 187 dogs lost in Montgomery County, Ohio, between June 1 and September 30, 2005. PROCEDURES: A telephone survey was conducted. RESULTS: 132 of the 187 (71%) dogs were recovered; median time to recovery was 2 days (range, 0.5 to 21 days). Dogs were recovered primarily through a call or visit to an animal agency (46 [34.8%]), a dog license tag (24 [18.2%]), and posting of neighborhood signs (20 [15.2%]). Eighty-nine (48%) dogs had some type of identification at the time they were lost (ie, identification tag, dog license tag, rabies tag, or microchip). Owners had a higher likelihood of recovery when they called an animal agency (hazard ratio, 2.1), visited an animal agency (1.8), and posted neighborhood signs. Dogs that were wearing a dog license tag also had a higher likelihood of recovery (hazard ratio, 1.6). Owners were less likely to recover their dogs if they believed their dogs were stolen (hazard ratio, 0.3). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that various factors are associated with the likelihood that owners will recover a lost dog. Both animal agencies and veterinarians can play a role in educating dog owners on the importance of identification tags, licensing, and microchips and can help to emphasize the importance of having a search plan in case a dog is lost.     

Retention of provided identification for dogs and cats seen in veterinary clinics and adopted from shelters in Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Personalized identification (ID) tags that contain contact information for the dog or cat owner can help assure lost animals are quickly reunited with their owners. The authors have previously reported that while the majority of pet owners stated that ID tags were very important, only a third responded that their pet wears an ID tag. The objective of this study was to evaluate if providing and putting on the pet a free collar and ID tag during an owner's visit to a veterinary hospital or spay/neuter facility increased the likelihood that the pet owners would actually keep the identification on their pet at least 6-8 weeks after they were placed on the pet. A second population of dogs and cats that were adopted from animal control and humane society shelters were also studied to assess retention of a collar and personalized ID tag. Telephone follow-up occurred a mean of 8 weeks after the tag was applied. Retaining and using the tag significantly increased for the veterinary group with 13.8% reporting their pets were currently wearing an ID tag pre-intervention, and 84.3% reporting their pets were currently wearing and ID tag post-intervention. Of the dogs and cats that were adopted, at follow-up 94% of owners reported their pets were currently wearing an ID tag. Approximately 5% of those who participated in the post-intervention survey lost a pet and recovered that pet because of the ID tag. This suggests that ID tagging is an effective method to potentially decrease stray intake into shelters and return pets home. The data also support placing tags and collars directly on pets as a method to retain those ID tags and collars on the animals, thus increasing the likelihood they will be returned home if lost or during a disaster.     

Perceptions and priorities of owners of dogs with heart disease regarding quality versus quantity of life for their pets

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relative importance of pets' quality versus quantity of life among owners of dogs with heart disease. DESIGN: Prospective questionnaire-based clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Owners of 201 dogs with heart disease. PROCEDURES: Owners each completed a questionnaire that was designed to ascertain the relative importance of quality versus quantity of life for their pet and to assess the owners' willingness to trade survival time for quality of life, if that were possible. Analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with owner willingness to trade time for quality of life. RESULTS: Most owners (170/197 [86%]) were willing to trade survival time for quality of life for their heart disease-affected dogs; of those owners, 88 (52%) were willing to trade 6 months. Owners were highly concerned with detection of perceived pet suffering and their pet's ability to interact with them. Owners whose pets had respiratory difficulty or fainting episodes and were treated on an outpatient basis had a greater willingness to trade survival time than owners of dogs that were treated on an emergency basis. Among owners willing to trade time for quality of life, younger owners and those whose pets had fainting episodes were willing to trade the most amount of time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that quality of life is highly important to owners of dogs with heart disease. Owners' priorities partly depend on owner age and the pet's clinical circumstances; ongoing client-veterinarian communication is important to optimize treatment success as perceived by owners.     

Exposure circumstances and outcomes of 48 households with 57 cats exposed to toxic lily species

Ingestion of Lilium or Hemerocallis spp. by cats can result in renal failure. The objectives of this study were to determine the foreknowledge of lily toxicity of owners of cats that were exposed to lilies and to obtain historical, clinical and outcome information on the exposures. A survey was done of cat owners reporting indoor exposures to lilies to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) during April 2009. Forty eight individuals, (57 cats) were included. Sixty nine percent of cat owners said they could recognize a lily and 27% knew that lilies were toxic prior to their cats' exposures. Most lilies were obtained from grocery or other stores, and were purchased by the owners or as gifts to the cat owners. Owners who were unaware of lily toxicity frequently left the flowers where the cats had access to them, whereas in households where the toxicity was known the cats actively sought out the flowers. Of the cats in this study 93% received prompt veterinary care, and 87% either developed no signs or had brief signs that resolved. Five percent had evidence of renal insufficiency at final follow-up and another 5 percent of cats were euthanized due to renal failure.     

Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the process by which people who find lost pets search for the owners. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Sample Population-188 individuals who found a lost pet in Dayton, Ohio, between March 1 and June 30, 2006. Procedures-Potential participants were identified as a result of contact with a local animal agency or placement of an advertisement in the local newspaper. A telephone survey was conducted to identify methods participants used to find the pets' owners. RESULTS: 156 of 188 (83%) individuals completed the survey. Fifty-nine of the 156 (38%) pets were reunited with their owners; median time to reunification was 2 days (range, 0.5 to 45 days). Only 1 (3%) cat owner was found, compared with 58 (46%) dog owners. Pet owners were found as a result of information provided by an animal agency (25%), placement of a newspaper advertisement (24%), walking the neighborhood (19%), signs in the neighborhood (15%), information on a pet tag (10%), and other methods (7%). Most finders (87%) considered it extremely important to find the owner, yet only 13 (8%) initially surrendered the found pet to an animal agency. The primary reason people did not surrender found pets was fear of euthanasia (57%). Only 97 (62%) individuals were aware they could run a found-pet advertisement in the newspaper at no charge, and only 1 person who was unaware of the no-charge policy placed an advertisement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinarians and shelters can help educate people who find lost pets about methods to search for the pets' owners.     

Dietary patterns of cats with cardiac disease

OBJECTIVE: To determine nutrient intake and dietary patterns in cats with cardiac disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 95 cats with congenital cardiac disease or primary cardiomyopathy. PROCEDURES: Owners completed a standardized telephone questionnaire regarding their cat's diet and a 24-hour food recall to determine daily intake of calories, fat, protein, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. RESULTS: Of the 95 cats, 18 (19%) had a history of congestive heart failure and 73 (77%) had no clinical signs of cardiac disease. Fifty-five percent (52/95) of cats had concurrent disease. Inappetance was reported in 38% (36/95) of all cats and in 72% (68/95) of cats with a history of congestive heart failure. Most (57% [54/95]) cats received treats or table scraps on a regular basis. Approximately half the cats were receiving orally administered medications, supplements, or both. Only 34% (32/68) of owners used food to administer medications to cats. Cats consumed more than the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimums for protein, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and nearly all cats consumed more than the AAFCO minimum for fat. Daily nutrient intake was variable for all of the nutrients assessed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dietary intake in cats with cardiac disease was variable, but results for dietary supplement use, food use for medication administration, and treat feeding were different from those found in a similar study of dogs with cardiac disease. This information may be useful for treating and designing nutritional studies for cats with cardiac disease.     

Owner-perceived signs and veterinary diagnosis in 50 cases of feline osteoarthritis

Veterinarians contacted to identify cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) provided information on signalment, method of diagnosis, treatment and concurrent disease. Owners of 50 cats were interviewed to collect information on specific OA signs observed in the home, relating to mobility, self-maintenance, social and exploratory behavior, and activity and habits at diagnosis and after treatment. Mean age at diagnosis was 12 y; concurrent diseases were common (44%). Owner-reported abnormalities led to OA diagnosis in most cases; either as the primary finding (30%), or combined with abnormal physical examination or radiographic findings (64%). Owners frequently reported changes in mobility, particularly gait, jumping, and use of stairs. Oral or injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs were the most common treatments (71%). Feline OA diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring appear to rely heavily on owner-perceived signs; physical examination abnormalities may not be detected. Questioning of owners revealed various observable signs potentially useful in OA detection and monitoring.     

Disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements

OBJECTIVE: To estimate disease prevalence among dogs and cats in the United States and Australia and proportions of dogs and cats that receive therapeutic diets or dietary supplements. DESIGN: Telephone survey. Sample Population-Dog and cat owners located in 5 geographic areas. PROCEDURES: A telephone survey was administered to dog and cat owners. RESULTS: Of 18,194 telephone calls that were made, 1,104 (6%) were to individuals who owned at least 1 dog or cat and agreed to participate. Information was collected for 635 dogs and 469 cats. Only 14 (1%) respondents indicated that their pet was unhealthy, but 176 (16%) indicated that their pets had 1 or more diseases. The most common diseases were musculo-skeletal, dental, and gastrointestinal tract or hepatic disease. Many owners (n = 356) reported their pets were overweight or obese, but only 3 reported obesity as a health problem in their pets. Owners of 28 (2.5%) animals reported that they were feeding a therapeutic diet, with the most common being diets for animals with renal disease (n = 5), reduced-calorie diets (5), and reduced-fat diets (4). Owners of 107 of 1,076 (9.9%) animals reported administering dietary supplements to their pets. Multivitamins (n = 53 animals), chondroprotective agents (22), and fatty acids (13) were the most common dietary supplements used. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that most dogs and cats reported by their owners to have a health problem were not being fed a therapeutic diet. In addition, the rate of dietary supplement use was lower than that reported for people.     

Attitudes of owners regarding tendonectomy and onychectomy in cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of behavior problems following tendonectomy or onychectomy in cats, as well as attitudes of owners following these procedures. DESIGN: Nonrandomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: 18 cats that underwent tendonectomy and 39 cats that underwent onychectomy. PROCEDURE: Owners of cats that underwent tendonectomy or onychectomy between February 1993 and May 1998 were contacted by telephone and asked several questions regarding reasons for surgery as well as complications and behavioral changes in cats following surgery. RESULTS: The most common reason for considering tendonectomy or onychectomy was to avoid damage caused by the cat scratching household materials. Avoidance of injury to humans or animals was chosen more often by owners whose cats underwent onychectomy than those that underwent tendonectomy. Tendonectomy was more likely to have been recommended by veterinarians than onychectomy. Significantly more cats that underwent tendonectomy (67%) than onychectomy (44%) returned to normal activity within 3 days after surgery. Significant differences were not detected regarding behavior problems after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although tendonectomy and onychectomy involved some medical complications and behavior changes following surgery, owners had positive attitudes regarding both surgeries after the immediate postoperative period. Tendonectomy may be a humane alternative to onychectomy, although owners need to be advised that nail trimming is still necessary in cats after surgery.     

Pyometra in cats: 183 cases (1979-1984)

Pyometra was diagnosed in 183 cats. The most common signs detected by owners included vaginal discharge, anorexia, and lethargy. Main clinical findings on physical examination were vaginal discharge, abdominal distention, dehydration, palpable uterus, and pyrexia. Abdominal radiography revealed a large uterus in 138/169 cats. Most cats had leukocytosis with a left shift. Diagnosis of pyometra was confirmed at surgery in all cats on the basis of finding a large uterus containing purulent material. Clinical signs resolved in 168 cats after surgery; 15 cats (8%) died or were euthanatized. Postoperative complications in 20% generally resolved within 2 weeks after the cats were sent home. Signs detected by owners and results of physical examination in cats with pyometra were similar, but not as conspicuous as those reported in the dog. Mortality (8%) was similar to that seen in dogs.     

Effects of dietary fat and energy on body weight and composition after gonadectomy in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary fat and energy density on body weight gain, body composition, and total energy expenditure (TEE) in neutered and sexually intact cats. ANIMALS: 12 male and 12 female cats PROCEDURE: Male cats were castrated (castrated male [CM]) or underwent no surgical procedure (sexually intact male [IM]). Female cats underwent ovariectomy (spayed female [SF]) or laparotomy and ligation of both uterine tubes without ovary removal (sexually intact female [IF]). Cats were fed either the low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diet for 26 weeks, with the final allocation consisting of 8 groups: IF-LF IF-HE SF-LF, SF-HF IM-LF, IM-HF, CM-LF, and CM-HF. Mean food intake for each group was recorded daily, and body weight was monitored weekly throughout the study. Body composition and TEE were measured before surgery in week 0 and at the end of the study (week 26) by isotope dilution (double-labelled water). RESULTS: N eutered cats gained significantly more body fat and body weight (53.80+/-5.79%) than sexually intact cats (27.11+/-5.79%) during the study. Body weight gain of neutered cats fed the HF diet was greater than those fed the LF diet. Following correction for body composition, TEE was similar in all groups and no pattern towards increased food intake was evident. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Weight gain in neutered cats was decreased by feeding an LF, low energy-dense diet. To prevent weight gain in cats after neutering, a suitable LF diet should be fed in carefully controlled meals rather than ad libitum.     

A pilot study using synthetic feline facial pheromone for the management of feline idiopathic cystitis

Synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) (Feliway; Ceva Animal Health) was assessed for the management of cats with recurrent feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). Nine of 12 cats completed the randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study. They had their environment treated daily with either FFP or placebo for 2 months, after which time the treatment groups were reversed. Owners used visual analogue scales to define the severity of their cat's clinical signs and behavioural changes. Five (56%) of the owners stated that their cat's overall health was better when they were using FFP. Four (44%) of the owners noticed no difference between when using the FFP and when using the placebo. While there were no statistical differences between the two treatment groups there was a trend for the cats exposed to FFP to show fewer days with clinical signs of cystitis (FFP total, mean per cat+/-standard deviation, 30, 4.3+/-6.7; placebo 69, 9.9+/-19.1), a lower overall clinical score (1667, 238+/-476; 2009, 287+/-425), a reduced number of episodes of cystitis (9, 1.3+/-2.0; 10, 1.4+/-2.1) and reduced negative behavioural traits (e.g., less aggression and fear) (-128, -18.3+/-65.8; -73, -10.4+/-35.1).     

Oral glucosamine and the management of feline idiopathic cystitis

Oral glucosamine was compared to a placebo for the management of cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) in a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, study. Forty cats with a history of recurrent cystitis due to FIC were divided into two groups and treated daily per os with either 125 mg N-acetyl glucosamine or a placebo for six months. Owners graded their cats' clinical signs at the beginning and end of the study, and kept daily diaries documenting signs of cystitis using visual analogue scales. Further episodes of cystitis were seen in 26 (65%) of the cats during the study. Affected cats experienced a mean of five recurrences (range 1-19) with each recurrence lasting a mean of four days (range 1-64 days). There were no significant differences between the two groups when considering the owners assessments of the mean health score (P>0.5), the average monthly clinical score (P=0.22) or the average number of days with clinical signs (P=0.28). Two cats suffered from such severe recurrent urethral obstruction that they were euthanased; they were both in the placebo group. Compared to the start of the study the majority of cats in both groups improved significantly (P<0.001) (mean health score of each group at the start was 0.5+/-SD 0.5, compared to glucosamine 4.4+/-0.7 and placebo 3.9+/-1.6 at the end). This is believed to have occurred because the owners of 36 of the 40 cats (90%) started feeding more canned cat food. The urine specific gravity at the start of the trial was significantly higher (mean 1.050+/-SD 1.007) than when reassessed one month later (1.036+/-1.010, P<0.01).     

Clinical evaluation of commercially available urinary acidification diets in the management of idiopathic cystitis in cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare recurrence of signs of lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) in cats with idiopathic cystitis that were fed the dry or canned formulation of a commercial diet designed to result in production of an acidic urine. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 54 client-owned cats with idiopathic cystitis that was diagnosed on the basis of a history of abnormal micturition, abnormal results on urinalysis, radiography, or cystoscopy, and lack of an alternative diagnosis. PROCEDURE: Cats were assigned to be fed the canned or dry formulation of the diet. Reevaluations conducted at 2 and 16 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months included a physical examination, CBC and serum biochemical analysis (except week 2), blood gas analysis, and urinalysis. Regular telephone contacts were also made. The study was discontinued after 12 months or if signs of LUTD recurred. RESULTS: Signs of LUTD did not recur in 16 of 18 cats fed the canned diet, and 17 of 28 cats fed the dry diet (chi 2, P < 0.05). Seven cats were reevaluated at recurrence. Owners of remaining cats in which signs of LUTD recurred declined to have their pets reexamined. A different problem (bacterial urinary tract infection) was identified in only 1 cat on reevaluation. Eight cats were lost to follow-up evaluation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Feeding this commercial canned urinary acidifying diet may reduce the proportion of cats with idiopathic cystitis that will have recurrence of signs of LUTD within a 12-month period.     

Evaluation of risk factors for Cryptococcus gattii infection in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors associated with Cryptococcus gattii infection in dogs and cats residing on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. DESIGN: Matched case-control study. ANIMALS: 20 dogs and 29 cats with C gattii infection and matched controls. PROCEDURE: Dogs and cats with a confirmed or probable diagnosis of cryptococcosis resulting from infection with C gattii were enrolled by veterinarians, and owners completed a questionnaire designed to obtain information pertaining to potential risk factors for the disease. Owners of matched control animals were also interviewed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals or paired t tests were calculated to determine significant associations. RESULTS: Animals were enrolled during 2 noncontiguous periods in August 2001 to February 2002 (8 dogs and 9 cats enrolled) and May to December 2003 (12 dogs and 20 cats enrolled). Risk factors significantly associated with development of cryptococcosis included residing within 10 km of a logging site or other area of commercial soil disturbance, above-average level of activity of the animal, travelling of the animal on Vancouver Island, hunting by the animal, and owners hiking or visiting a botanic garden. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that dogs and cats that were active or that lived near a site of commercial environmental disturbance had a significantly increased risk of developing C gattii infection. Veterinarians should communicate these risks to owners in context because cryptococcosis was an uncommon disease in this population.     

Use of a plate-rod construct and principles of biological osteosynthesis for repair of diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats: 47 cases (1994-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome for dogs and cats with diaphyseal fractures in which a plate-rod construct was used for fracture repair. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 35 dogs and 12 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to obtain information concerning signalment, fracture severity, construct design, time to radiographic union, complications, and outcome. Clients were contacted by telephone to obtain information on complications, limb usage, and overall satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: 31 femoral, 9 humeral, and 7 tibial fractures were assessed. Thirteen fractures consisted of 2 fragments, 22 consisted of 3 to 5 fragments, and 12 consisted of > 5 fragments. Forty-six of 47 (98%) fractures reached union. Mean +/- SD times to radiographic union were 7.5 +/- 2.7 weeks for the dogs and 4.8 +/- 1.3 weeks for the cats. There were 4 short-term, minor complications and 15 long-term complications (2 major and 13 minor). Owners of 21 of 30 dogs (70%) and 9 of 12 cats reported that their animals had normal limb function. Twenty-six of 28 dog owners (93%) and 12 of 12 cat owners indicated that they were satisfied with results of the procedure. As surgery time increased, time to union also increased. Time to union for fractures with > 5 fragments was significantly shorter than time to union for fractures with < or = 5 fragments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that plate-rod constructs can successfully be used for repair of diaphyseal fractures of a wide range of severity in dogs and cats.     

Food hypersensitivity in cats: 14 cases (1982-1987)

Food hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 14 cats. Clinical signs varied; pruritus (100%), alopecia (64%), and papules (21%) were the ones most commonly observed. Pruritus was localized principally to the head or to the neck or ear region in 42% of the cats. Diagnosis was made on the basis of resolution of clinical signs when cats were fed a restricted ("hypoallergenic") diet, and recurrence of signs when cats were fed their original diet or other food. The most common allergens (on the basis of dietary challenge exposure) were fish and dairy products. Age or sex predilection was not observed, and 9 (64%) of the cats were domestic shorthairs. Owners could not relate the onset of clinical signs with a recent change in diet. Three cats had concurrent flea bite, inhalant, or flea collar hypersensitivity.     

Outcome of ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cats: 12 cases (1993-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine postoperative (< or = 6 days), short-term (< or = 90 days), and long-term (> or = 6 months) outcomes of cats undergoing ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 12 cats. PROCEDURE: Cats with single congenital PSS that underwent surgical placement of ameroid constrictors were identified. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews and facsimile correspondence with referring veterinarians and owners. Results-All cats survived the surgery and were discharged from the hospital. One cat had seizures during the postoperative period. Five cats were clinically normal during follow-up evaluations within 90 days after the surgery. Long-term follow-up information was available for 9 cats. Three were clinically normal, 4 had been euthanatized because of progressive neurologic disease, and 2 had neurologic abnormalities that could not be controlled with medication. Four of 7 cats with continued or recurrent neurologic abnormalities 1 or more months after surgery had normal scintigraphic or hepatic function test results 2 to 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the long-term outcome of ameroid constrictor occlusion of PSS in cats is poor. Owners of older cats and cats with preexisting neurologic signs should be made aware of the potential for a poor outcome when considering surgical correction of this disease.     

Azodyl, a synbiotic, fails to alter azotemia in cats with chronic kidney disease when sprinkled onto food

The effect of probiotic therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is poorly defined, but gaining in popularity. However, cat owners often prefer to administer probiotics by combining them with food, rather than administering capsules intact, as is prescribed by the manufacturer. The efficacy of such non-recommended administration is unknown. In this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 10 cats with naturally-occurring CKD were randomized to receive either a probiotic-prebiotic combination (synbiotic) or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. Medications were sprinkled and mixed into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the medication administration. Owners and clinicians were masked as to treatment. The maximal percentage change in BUN and creatinine was calculated for each cat. No differences in percentage change were detected between groups (P=0.8 for both BUN and creatinine). The synbiotic supplement used in this study, when applied to food or administered as a slurry fails to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. Therefore, owners should not administer this synbiotic in this manner.     

Use of laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy in dogs and cats

A laparoscopic-assisted technique for localization and removal of retained testes was performed on 13 client-owned dogs and cats. Operative time and intraoperative complications were recorded. One month after surgery, follow-up examinations were performed on all animals and owners were asked to complete questionnaires concerning signs of illness and complications observed after surgery and their overall satisfaction with the procedure. The laparoscopic-assisted technique was effective in identifying and removing retained testes. Owners were satisfied with the procedure. Laparoscopic-assisted crytorchidectomy can be used to minimize the invasiveness of the procedure while maintaining the safety associated with good visibility of abdominal structures.