Some aspects of locomotory stereotypies in spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) and changes in behavior after relocation and dental treatment

The behavior of 2 spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) was studied at Wroclaw Zoo (Poland), where they were housed in a very small outdoor enclosure, and then in a separate study after transfer to a large naturalistic exhibit at Chester Zoo (CZ; United Kingdom). The studies combine to form an opportunistic “experiment” on the effects of transfer on zoo animals. This situation provided a unique opportunity for a closer investigation of known behavior problems and their causation. In part 1 of the study, at Wroclaw Zoo, the median amount of time devoted to stereotypical movements was 57 min/h. After the move to CZ, immediate changes in behavior were reported in 1 individual, for whom the stereotypy was eradicated. The other bear continued performing repetitive behavior of high intensity and only used a small area of the large enclosure. Signs of dental problems were subsequently observed in both bears, and so a dental examination was carried out, resulting in multiple extractions. After treatment, the amount of time that the bear with ongoing behavior problems spent stereotyping reduced significantly, and foraging increased. Our data suggest the bears' stereotypic behavior occurred not only in response to an understimulating environment in their old enclosure but also perhaps in association with medical conditions in one of the bears. Although other factors could have contributed to the observed reduction in stereotypy, it is clear that further investigation is needed into the effects of pain and physical condition on stereotypy in animals.     

Combination therapy for footpad lesions in a captive Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

A captive adult male Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was treated for chronic footpad ulcers associated with pacing on concrete cage surfaces. Combination therapy of oral fluoxetine and acepromazine administration to diminate pacing behavior, daily application of moisturizing ointment, and oral vitamin E supplementation resulted in complete resolution of all footpad lesions. Subsequent clinical episodes completely resolved with similar treatments.     

多重丰容对圈养小熊猫个体刻板行为的影响

小熊猫(Ailurus fulgens)是亚洲特有的濒危动物。由于圈养小熊猫活动空间受限、环境单调等因素,时常有刻板行为表现。本研究依据小熊猫自然行为特性及动物福利要求,以环境、食物、气味等因素进行多重丰容,观察频繁出现刻板行为的2只圈养小熊猫个体的行为修正效果。应用聚集动物取样法,从9:00到17:00,全事件记录并观察小熊猫行为。观察发现,受试小熊猫主要表现摇晃与踱步两种刻板行为。通过丰容前与三个阶段的丰容后刻板行为发生率比较,丰容后的刻板行为均显著低于丰容前,而探究行为和修饰行为有所增加。由此可见,多重丰容可以减少圈养小熊猫刻板行为的发生,促进自然行为的表达。     

Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on urine spraying behavior in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a readily available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine hydrochloride, on reducing problem urine spraying in cats. DESIGN: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. ANIMALS: 17 neutered cats > 1 year old with objectionable urine spraying behavior. Procedure-Owners recorded urine-spraying events for 2 weeks (baseline). Cats that vertically marked a mean of > or = 3 times per week were treated for 8 weeks with fluoxetine or fish-flavored liquid placebo. If urine spraying was not reduced by 70% by weeks 4 through 5, the dosage was increased by 50% for weeks 7 and 8. After discontinuation of treatment at the end of 8 weeks, owners recorded daily urine marks for another 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SE) weekly rate of spraying episodes in treated cats was 8.6 (+/- 2.0) at baseline, decreased significantly by week 2 (1.7 +/- 0.6), and continued to decrease by weeks 7 and 8 (0.4 +/- 0.2). The mean weekly spraying rate of cats receiving placebo was 7.8 (+/- 1.5) at baseline, decreased only slightly during week 1 (5.5 +/- 1.8), and did not decline further. When treatment was discontinued after 8 weeks, the spraying rate of cats that had received treatment varied. The main adverse reaction to the drug was a reduction in food intake, which was observed in 4 of 9 treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of fluoxetine hydrochloride for treatment of urine spraying in cats can be expected to considerably reduce the rate of urine marking. The frequency of spraying before treatment is predictive of the spraying rate when the drug is discontinued.     

Utility of transesophageal electrocardiography to guide optimal placement of a transesophageal pacing catheter in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine if the transesophageal atrial (A) wave amplitude or ventricular (V) wave amplitude can be used to guide optimal positioning of a transesophageal pacing catheter in dogs.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsFourteen client owned healthy dogs with a median weight of 15.4 kg (IQR = 10.6–22.4) and a median age of 12 months (IQR = 6–12).Materials and methodsTransesophageal atrial pacing (TAP) using a 6 Fr pacing catheter was attempted in dogs under general anesthesia. The pacing catheter was inserted orally into the esophagus to a position caudal to the heart. With the pulse generator set at a rate 20 beats minute⁻¹ above the intrinsic sinus rate, the catheter was slowly withdrawn until atrial pacing was noted on a surface electrocardiogram (ECG). Then the catheter was withdrawn in 1 cm increments until atrial capture was lost. Minimum pacing threshold (MPT) and transesophageal ECG were recorded at each site. Amplitudes of the A and V waves on transesophageal ECG were then measured and their relationship to MPT was evaluated.ResultsTAP was achieved in all dogs. In 9/14 dogs the site of lowest overall MPT was the same as the site of maximal A wave deflection. In dogs with at least three data points, linear regression analysis of the relationship between the estimated site of the lowest overall MPT compared to estimated site of the maximal A and V waveform amplitudes demonstrated a strong correlation (R² = 0.99).Conclusion and clinical relevanceTransesophageal ECG A and V waveforms were correlated to MPT and could be used to direct the placement of a pacing catheter. However, the technique was technically challenging and was not considered to be clinically useful to guide the placement of a pacing catheter.     

Noninvasive transthoracic temporary cardiac pacing in dogs

Temporary cardiac pacing is used in the emergency treatment of life-threatening bradyarrhythmias and for the support of heart rate and blood pressure of patients with sick sinus syndrome or high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block undergoing general anesthesia, typically for permanent pacemaker implantation. We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of a noninvasive transthoracic external cardiac pacing system in 42 dogs treated for bradyarrhythmias. Optimal placement of the patch electrodes on the skin of the thorax was initially established on 2 anesthetized normal dogs. The optimal electrode placement was determined to be on the right and left hemithoraces, directly over the heart. Afterward, by means of this electrode placement all 42 dogs treated for bradyarrhythmias in this study were successfully paced with the noninvasive transthoracic system. Dogs ranged in age from 1 to 15 years and weighed between 3.2 and 40 kg. Miniature Schnauzers, German Shepherds, and mixed breeds were most common in the study population. Indications for noninvasive transthoracic pacing included emergency treatment of hemodynamically unstable 3rd-degree AV block (2 dogs): support of heart rate during general anesthesia for permanent pacemaker implantation or lead-wire adjustment (38 dogs): and support of heart rate during general anesthesia for ophthalmologic surgery in dogs with sick sinus syndrome (2 dogs). Complications included pain and skeletal muscle stimulation, which required general anesthesia. We conclude that the noninvasive transthoracic pacing system evaluated is satisfactory for clinical veterinary use.     

Behavioral and Antinociceptive Effects of Alfentanil,Butorphanol, and Flunixin in Horses

To determine the behavioral and antinociceptive effects of narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics administered by intravenous injection in horses, 10 thoroughbred mares weighing between 450 and 550 kg and ranging in age from 8 to 13 years old were analyzed. The effects of alfentanil, butorphanol, flunixin, and saline solution on the general activity of the horses were investigated by measuring spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and head height (HH) in two behavior stalls. The antinociceptive effects of alfentanil (0.02 mg kg⁻¹), butorphanol (0.1 mg kg⁻¹), flunixin meglumine (0.5 mg kg⁻¹), and saline were determined by measuring skin twitch reflex latency (STRL) after thermal cutaneous nociceptive stimulation. A paired Student t-test was used to compare SLA and HH between the groups of horses receiving different doses of the same drug at various time points. The Tukey test was used to compare the antinociceptive effect of the treatments. Differences were considered significant when P value was <.05. Horses treated with opioid analgesics demonstrated excitation, as shown by a significant increase in SLA at all doses tested and by neighing and demonstrating attentive attitudes with movement of the ears, stereotypical walking, and ataxia in most of the animals. HH was elevated only in animals treated with alfentanil. Antinociception was observed at 5 and 30 minutes after administration of alfentanil and butorphanol, respectively. Increased SLA was observed at 30 and 90 minutes after administration of alfentanil and butorphanol, respectively. We observed no effect on antinociception in horses given flunixin. In conclusion, this study suggests that alfentanil has a faster onset and a shorter duration than butorphanol; however, both drugs are able to stimulate the central nervous system.     

Induction and reversibility of thyroid proliferative changes in rats given an antithyroid compound

Sixty Fischer 344 rats were fed a diet containing 90 ppm methimazole, a known antithyroid compound. Following exposure to the test compound, groups of ten animals were terminated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Similar groups of ten treated animals were given control diet for a reversibility period of 2, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Groups of ten control rats were terminated after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Except for the expected effect on body weight, the treated animals had no physical signs of toxicity. The weight of thyroids increased with the duration of exposure, becoming in males after 6 months about ten times the weight of thyroids from control rats. Thyroids of treated rats after 1 and 3 months had a diffuse homogeneous hypertrophy and hyperplasia of follicular cells, decreased colloid, and increased vascularity. After 6 months' exposure to the antithyroid compound, there was diffuse hyperplasia but also a heterogeneity in the size and morphology of follicles, protrusion of follicular tissue through the gland capsule and into vascular spaces, and the development of follicular nodules. Treated rats placed on control diet, allowing for reversibility, had thyroids which were decreased in size with large follicles and flattened epithelium, and a complete remodeling of most nodules with no evidence of progression. Although the nodules produced after prolonged administration of the antithyroid compound had many of the characteristics of neoplasia, the biologic behavior supports the diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia.     

Outside enclosure and additional enrichment for dairy goats – a preliminary study

Background

Dairy goats are commonly housed at a space allowance of 0.7 – 0.8 m²/goat in commercial Norwegian goat herds, which is very low compared to regulations and recommendations in other European countries. One easy and cheap way to increase space allowance is to allow the animals’ access to outdoor area. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of access to an outside enclosure and environmental enrichment for dairy goats kept in slatted floor pens with low space allowance on their activity pattern and social behaviour.

Methods

A group of 82 dairy goats on a commercial Norwegian dairy farm were kept inside during the winter period from October to April. In April the goats were given access to an outside enclosure for 8 hours per day. After having access to the enclosure for another for two days, enrichment (branches) was provided, and after 19 days the enrichment were removed. The goats were observed for 5 hours per day for the two last days before they got access to the outside enclosure, the two days in the enclosure, the two first and the two last days with enrichment and for the following two days without enrichment by two trained observers.

Results

When allowed access to the enclosure, the goats spent nearly 50% of the time outside, and later the time spent outside was reduced to less than 40% (P < 0.0001), but there was no clear effect of enrichment. All the goats appeared to have a regular use of the enclosure. Time spent resting decreased 59.2% to only 25.2% when the goats first got access to the enclosure, but then started to increase again (P < 0.0001). Initially time spent exploring and chewing the branches was 20%, but this was reduced to around 12% in the last part of the ENRICH period (P < 0.0001). Number of aggressive interactions tended to increase when the goats were allowed access to the outdoor enclosure whereas play behaviour was only observed in the outside enclosure (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the goats preferred to use the outside enclosure when being active, and branches were perceived as an attractive enrichment.     

The use of electrical stimulation to guide epidural and intrathecal needle advancement at the L5‐L6 intervertebral space in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the minimal electrical threshold (MET) necessary to elicit appropriate muscle contraction when the tip of an insulated needle is positioned epidurally or intrathecally at the L_5-6 intervertebral space (phase-I) and to determine whether the application of a fixed electrical current during its advancement could indicate needle entry into the intrathecal space (phase-II) in dogs.Study designProspective, blinded study.AnimalsThirteen (phase-I) and seventeen (phase-II) dogs, scheduled for a surgical procedure where L_5-6 intrathecal administration was indicated.MethodsUnder general anesthesia, an insulated needle was first inserted into the L_5-6 epidural space and secondly into the intrathecal space and the MET necessary to obtain a muscular contraction of the pelvic limb or tail at each site was determined (phase-I). Under similar conditions, in dogs of phase-II an insulated needle was inserted through the L_5-6 intervertebral space guided by the use of a fixed electrical current (0.8 mA) until muscular contraction of the pelvic limb or tail was obtained. Intrathecal needle placement was confirmed by either free flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or myelography.ResultsThe current required to elicit a motor response was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) when the tip of the needle was in the intrathecal space (0.48 ± 0.10 mA) than when it was located epidurally (2.56 ± 0.57). The use of a fixed electrical stimulation current of 0.8 mA resulted in correct prediction of intrathecal injection, corroborated by either free flow of CSF (n = 12) or iohexol distribution pattern (n = 5), in 100% of the cases.Conclusion and clinical relevanceNerve stimulation may be employed as a tool to distinguish epidural from intrathecal insulated needle position at the L_5-6 intervertebral space in dogs. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using an electrical stimulation test to confirm intrathecal needle position in dogs.     

Permanent Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation in Forty Dogs

Permanent transvenous cardiac pacemakers were implanted in 40 dogs. Electrocardiographic diagnoses included persistent atrial standstill (3 dogs), sick sinus syndrome (8 dogs), and high-grade second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (29 dogs). Thirteen dogs were alive and well 4 to 42 months after pacemaker implantation (mean, 16.9 months). The mean and median survival times of the 26 dogs that died or were euthanatized during the study were 17.9 months and 13 months, respectively. Most of these dogs succumbed to problems unrelated to the arrhythmia and pacemaker implant. One dog was lost to follow-up. Complications associated with permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation included lead dislodgement, infection, hematoma formation, skeletal muscle stimulation, ventricular arrhythmia, migration of the pulse generator, and skin erosion. Lead dislodgement was the most common complication, occurring in 7 of 9 dogs paced using untined electrode leads and in 6 of 30 dogs paced using tined leads. Lead dislodgement did not occur in the only dog paced using an actively fixed endocardial lead. It was concluded that permanent transvenous cardiac pacing is a feasible, less traumatic alternative to epimyocardial pacing in dogs, but that successful use of this technique requires careful implantation technique and anticipation of the potential complications.     

Control of urine marking by use of long-term treatment with fluoxetine or clomipramine in cats

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether clomipramine differs from fluoxetine in reducing feline urine marking; whether reduction of marking continues in cats treated >8 weeks; whether recurrence of marking, after abrupt drug withdrawal, is less in cats treated >8 weeks; and whether cats that are successfully treated but resume marking after drug withdrawal can be successfully treated again with the same drug regimen. DESIGN: Positive-controlled, double-masked clinical trial. ANIMALS: 22 neutered cats (2 females, 20 males) > or =1 year old with objectionable urine marking. PROCEDURE: Cats that marked vertically > or =3 times/wk were treated with fluoxetine (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], q 24 h, PO) or clomipramine (0.5 mg/kg [0.23 mg/lb], q 24 h, PO) for 16 weeks, and efficacy was compared. Recurrence of marking was determined after abrupt withdrawal of fluoxetine at 16 or 32 weeks. Reduction in marking in cats treated with fluoxetine for 8 weeks after returning to marking following drug withdrawal was compared with the initial 8 weeks of successful treatment. RESULTS: Efficacy of fluoxetine and clomipramine was similar. Treatment >8 weeks revealed increasing efficacy in reduction of marking. Return of marking after termination of fluoxetine administration occurred in most cats. Cats successfully treated initially with fluoxetine responded similarly to repeated treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clomipramine and fluoxetine were equivalent in treating urine marking. Longer treatment increased efficacy. Most cats return to marking after abrupt drug withdrawal. A second course of treatment can be expected to be as effective as the first.     

Efficacy of two commercially available cardiac pacing catheters for transesophageal atrial pacing in dogs

ObjectiveCompare the efficacy of two cardiac pacing catheters for transesophageal atrial pacing (TAP).AnimalsTen healthy dogs.MethodsTransesophageal atrial pacing was attempted in left lateral recumbency under general anesthesia. In series, a curved electrophysiologic (EP) catheter and a straight transesophageal pacing (TP) catheter were passed transorally into the distal esophagus, caudal to the heart. Each catheter was slowly withdrawn until pacing was initiated. The catheter continued to be withdrawn in 5 mm increments until capture was no longer achieved at maximal pacing setting creating a total zone of capture (tZOC). Minimum pacing threshold (Th_min) and degree of extraneous muscle stimulation (EMS) were determined at each site.ResultsThe EP catheter achieved TAP in 10/10 dogs with a Th_min of 8.8 ± 4.8 mA and tZOC of 4.0 ± 1.7 cm. The TP catheter achieved TAP in 7/10 dogs with a Th_min of 22.5 ± 5.6 mA and tZOC of 1.2 ± 1.6 cm. No EMS was noted during TAP at Th_min using the EP catheter. Of the 7 dogs in which TAP was successful, 3/7 experienced considerable EMS at Th_min. There was no significant relationship between patient body weight and Th_min with either catheter (EP catheter P = 0.09; TP catheter P = 0.81).ConclusionsThe electrophysiology catheter captured the atria of more dogs over a larger area without EMS as compared to the TP catheter. The electrophysiology catheter is recommended for transesophageal atrial pacing in dogs.     

Nd:YAG laser-assisted modified Forssell's procedure for treatment of cribbing (crib-biting) in horses

OBJECTIVE: To report an neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser-assisted modified Forssell's surgical technique and outcome for treatment of cribbing (crib-biting) in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Ten adult horses with stereotypic cribbing behavior. METHODS: Data were obtained from medical records and telephone conversations with owners, trainers, and veterinarians. Surgical technique involved an approximately 34-cm ventral median skin incision starting rostral to the larynx and extending caudally. A 10-cm section of the ventral branch of the spinal accessory nerve was removed, using an Nd:YAG laser at 25 W and continuous pulse with a contact, sculpted-fiber tip. After neurectomy, approximately 34-cm sections of the paired omohyoideus and sternothyrohyoideus muscles were removed starting 2 cm rostral to the ventral aspect of the larynx, at the basihyoid bone, using the Nd:YAG laser. RESULTS: Median horse age was 7 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Median surgical time was 90 minutes (range, 75 to 130 minutes). Long-term outcome (range, 7 to 72 months) was available for all horses. None of the horses had cribbing behavior after surgery, and all returned to their previous use. Four horses had complications (two of which were unrelated to the surgical site), but all recovered fully. CONCLUSION: The successful outcome we obtained is better than reported previously using a modified Forssell's technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment for cribbing by Nd: YAG laser-assisted myectomy and neurectomy resulted in an excellent prognosis for resolution of the stereotypical behavior with minimal complications.     

Use of fluoxetine,diazepam, and behavior modification as therapy for treatment of anxiety-related disorders in dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of fluoxetine, diazepam, and behavior modification for the treatment of a variety of anxiety disorders in dogs of different breeds, ages, and sexes that presented to a university veterinary behavior clinic. Forty dogs were enrolled in the study, and 34 completed it. The dogs were grouped into 2 major diagnostic categories, aggressive and anxious, according to the presenting signs. Moreover, the dogs further subdivided into 4 groups: neutered, intact, juveniles, and adults. Diazepam was administered orally, at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg once a day for 4 weeks; fluoxetine was administered orally at a dosage of 1 mg/kg once a day for 10 weeks. The drugs were started simultaneously. The owners were given a behavior modification plan for their dogs that started from the first week of therapy. The behavior of the subjects was evaluated at 3 points in time. Clinical response was assessed by the supervising veterinarian and the owners. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups studied in relation to the improvement achieved. There was a positive correlation (r > 0.44) between owner compliance with the treatment and the values obtained for the improvement achieved for each period. Clinical signs largely improved or were eliminated in 13 dogs (38%), 8 dogs (26%) showed moderate improvement, 5 dogs (12%) were slightly improved, and there were 8 dogs (24%) with no changes in clinical signs.     

Efficacy of an oral hyaluronate and collagen supplement as a preventive treatment of elbow dysplasia

One hundred and five Labrador dogs were randomly divided into two groups to determine the number of animals that develop elbow dysplasia when treated with an oral supplement compared to untreated ones. Efficacy of the oral treatment was also evaluated once illness was diagnosed. The supplement (Hyaloral) contained hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and gamma oryzanol. Clinical evaluation of the elbow joints was completed at months 3, 6, 12, and 20 by orthopaedic evaluations, radiography, serologic and blood analysis, and veterinarian evaluation of dysplasia symptoms. All side effects were recorded. In the control group, 33.3% of the dogs developed radiographic evidence of elbow dysplasia compared to 18.5% in the treated group. Symptoms of dysplasia at 12 months differed between the treated (12.5%) and control (61.5%) animals, and were significantly different at 20 months (p < 0.05). Differences in lameness along with movement and swelling of the elbows between groups were observed after 12 months. The treated group had improved significantly by the last visit (p < 0.05). No adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, oral treatment with Hyaloral may have a potential cumulative action that provides protection against dysplasia and significantly improves symptoms of elbow dysplasia.     

热应激对小鼠相关神经行为学影响

本研究旨在观察34℃条件下不同时长的热刺激对小鼠神经行为学影响及在此条件下小鼠血液生理指标的具体变化。选择40只8周龄小鼠,平均分为4组,每组10只。分组后将小鼠分别置于34℃环境下进行时长0、2、4、6 h的热刺激。刺激结束后立刻对小鼠进行旷场和高架十字迷宫试验,观察并记录小鼠5 min内运动情况,并采取小鼠血液样本对其血液生理指标进行检测。结果显示：与对照组相比,小鼠热刺激2 h组探索行为显著增加,而热刺激4 h组及热刺激6 h组小鼠焦虑样行为显著增加,探索行为减少;小鼠热刺激2 h组肾上腺素（EPI）、皮质醇（CORT）水平都呈时间依赖性增加,并且具有显著性;热刺激2、4、6 h组去甲肾上腺素（NE）水平均极显著增加,并在热刺激4 h时达到峰值,6 h时略有回落趋势;小鼠热刺激4 h组促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素（CRH）水平极显著增加,6 h时略有回落趋势。综上表明,34℃热刺激2 h时对小鼠自发运动和探索行为有促进作用,小鼠自发运动和探索行为随着刺激时长的增加,被显著抑制,焦虑样行为显著增加,表现出时间依赖性,并提示小鼠热刺激后情绪和行为异常可能由中枢神经系统进行调控。     

Study of ehrlichiosis in kennel dogs under treatment and prevention during seven months in Dakar (Senegal)

In Dakar kennels where morbidity and mortality attributed to diseases transmitted by ticks were high, we conducted a field study to assess the prevalence of Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys and Babesia spp. infections in two kennels (n = 34 dogs) and to study the impact of tick protection. The first day of the study, the E. canis PCR were positive in 18 dogs (53%). A. platys was found in one dog and all dogs were negative for Babesia spp. After one month of doxycycline treatment, the number of PCR positive dogs decreased significantly to 2 (5.9%). During seven months, all dogs were treated monthly topically with a novel combination (Certifect^®, Merial) delivering at least 6.7 mg fipronil/kg body weight, 8.0 mg amitraz/kg and 6 mg (S)-methoprene/kg. The number of PCR positive dogs remained stable all over the seven months, with 4 dogs being positive at Day 90 and 2 at Day 210. The combination of treatment and monthly prevention had a significant effect in the two kennels. All dogs remained healthy, which was not the case in previous years.     

Evaluation of pacing site in dogs with naturally occurring complete heart block

Objective

To compare left ventricular synchronization and systolic performance with transvenous pacing of the right ventricular apex (RVA), left ventricular free wall (LVF) or simultaneous pacing of the RVA and LVF (BiV).

Animals, materials and methods

Seven canine patients with complete heart block. Prospective study evaluating effect of pacing site. Twenty four hours following implantation of transvenous BiV pacing systems, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were assessed during pacing from the: (1) Right Atrial Appendage/RVA (RAA/RVA), (2) RAA/LVF, and (3) RAA/BiV.

Results

QRS duration was significantly shorter with BiV pacing versus LVF pacing (p < 0.001), or RVA pacing (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic indices of systolic performance fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO) were significantly higher with BiV pacing than with pacing from the RVA (P = 0.023, 0.006, and 0.002 respectively). Cardiac output, measured by the biplane Simpson's method, was higher with LVF versus RVA pacing (P = 0.036). There was no difference in FS or EF when comparing LVF to RVA pacing. Tissue Doppler measurements of synchronization and systolic performance did not show any difference between pacing mode, but a significantly increased number of segments were seen to contract following aortic valve closure during LVF pacing (P = 0.0268) and RVA pacing (P = 0.0197) as compared to BiV pacing.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that BiV pacing improves cardiac output and systolic performance versus RVA pacing. This improvement however, is not reflected in tissue Doppler indices of synchronization and systolic performance.     

The association between sow and piglet behavior

Sows in modern pig industry are often housed individually in farrowing crates a few days before farrowing until weaning. These farrowing crates limit movements of the sow and therefore also limit them in expressing their behavior. These limitations may lead to distress with the sow and can result in stereotypical behaviors. Because it is possible that the general behavior of the mother sow also influences her piglets, the hypothesis of the present study was that there is an association between the general behavior of sows and the behavior of their piglets. Our results showed that there was indeed an association between the postures and activities of sows and the behavior of their piglets, not only for nursing–suckling behavior. Results also indicated that piglets prefer resting when sows are resting. When sows were standing up, piglets were running around more. Although there were indications that piglets were more at ease when sows were bar biting compared with when they were sham chewing, a specific relationship between sow stereotypical behavior and piglet behavior could not be demonstrated in the present study. Though, it should be taken in mind that relatively low frequencies of stereotypical behaviors were observed. Furthermore, it could be that not only the prevalence of a specific stereotypical behavior is important but also a specific threshold of that specific behavior should be exceeded to induce effects on the suckling piglets. Alternatively piglets could coinduce stereotypical behavior of the mother sow.