Physiological effects of interactions between female dog owners with neuroticism and their dogs

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological effects of the relationship between dog owners with neuroticism and their dogs using noninvasive procedures to measure urinary cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV). Owner personalities were tested via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and this study focused only on the dimension of neuroticism with 12-item scales. The 24 participating owners and their dogs were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Each participant and their dog stayed in the test room for 80 minutes. The behavioral test included 2 resting times (R1 and R2, respectively), 2 command-communication times, a separation time, and a free time. In the control group, the command-communication times were changed to noncommunication times. Each participant wore a chest heart rate transmitter and a wrist watch monitor (RS800CX; Polar Electro) during the experiment. HRV is a quantitative parameter of autonomic activity. The spectral analysis of HRV is divided into 2 major oscillatory components: the high-frequency (HF) domain, which reflects parasympathetic activity and the low-frequency (LF) domain, which reflects both sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. The LF to HF ratio reflects sympathetic activity. In the experimental group, the neuroticism scores showed a positive significant correlation with a change in the HF power and a negative correlation with the ratio of the change in the LF to HF ratio. No correlations were found in the control group. Next, all participants were divided into 2 groups according to the HRV in R1 and R2. One group included participants whose HF increased in R2, and the other included participants whose HF decreased in R2. The neuroticism scores were significantly higher in the experimental subjects whose HF increased in R2 than in those whose HF decreased in R2. High neuroticism scores indicate individuals that may be sensitive to daily stresses. Our results showed that a parasympathetic activation occurred in owners with high neuroticism scores 10 minutes after a command-communication interaction with their dogs. This suggests that daily command communication–based interactions with their dogs could improve the owner's health for the better.     

Efficient distribution of oral vaccines examined by infrared triggered camera for advancing the control of raccoon dog rabies in South Korea

The field distribution of the oral rabies vaccine is effective in controlling the spread of rabies. The present study aimed to investigate efficient distribution locations based on the environment, contact rate, and consumption by target wildlife species in South Korea. The target species (Korean raccoon dogs, domestic dogs, and feral cats) accounted for 945 contacts (52.2%), in total 1,808 contacts. There were 863 (47.8%) contacts by non-target species. Raccoon dogs, a main reservoir of rabies in South Korea, had the highest contact rate (34.1%) among all species. The contact rate by target species was highest at riparian sites and bushy mountainous vegetation, where raccoon dogs are abundant. There was remarkable contact by raccoon dogs in mountainous areas below 150 m with bushy vegetation. Our results indicate that these locations are efficient areas for vaccine distribution, especially targeting the raccoon dog. Vaccines were continuously contacted with intervals ranging from one hour to one day. Vaccines at 94.4% of the distribution points were completely consumed within two weeks. The mean consumption rate was 95.2 ± 1.93% during the overall study period. These findings suggest that the oral rabies vaccine attracts wildlife including domestic dogs and feral cats. Our results suggest that low sections of mountainous areas with bushy vegetation and/or neighboring riparian areas are rich in target wildlife species (especially raccoon dogs) and are efficient locations for vaccine distribution to control rabies in South Korea.     

Preference among 7 bait flavors delivered to domestic dogs in Arizona: Implications for oral rabies vaccination on the Navajo Nation

Less than 20% of the domestic dogs on tribal lands in the United States are vaccinated against rabies. One method to increase vaccination rates may be the distribution of oral rabies vaccines (ORVs). ONRAB^® (Artemis Technologies, Inc., Ontario, Canada) is the primary ORV used in Canada to vaccinate striped skunks and raccoons. To investigate the potential use of ONRAB^® ORV baits to vaccinate feral domestic dogs against rabies on tribal lands and beyond, we performed a flavor preference study. A total of 7 bait flavors (bacon, cheese, dog food, hazelnut, sugar-vanilla, peanut butter, and sardine) were offered in pairs to 13 domestic dogs. Each dog was offered all possible combinations of bait pairs over a period of 10 days, with each bait offered 6 times. The proportion of times each bait was consumed first by individual dogs was calculated and comparisons among dogs were conducted using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Pairwise comparisons between baits were performed using “contrast” statements with sugar-vanilla flavor as the default for comparison. Type 3 tests of fixed effects showed a significant treatment effect (F_6,72 = 9.74, P < 0.0001). Sugar-vanilla was selected first during 14% of the offerings and exhibited the least preference among all bait types (F_1,72 = 22.46, P < 0.0001). Dog food was selected first 56% of the time, and more frequently than all other bait types (F_1,72 = 13.09, P = 0.0005).     

2007年北京市丰台区犬只狂犬病病毒抗体效价调查分析

采集北京市丰台区城区和4个乡镇家养犬血清样品1 299份,采用免疫荧光中和试验法检测血清狂犬病病毒抗体效价。结果显示,被调查犬中有59.7%接种过狂犬疫苗,城区和乡镇接种率分别为75.9%和30.1%;有32.1%未接种过狂犬疫苗,城区和乡镇分别占16.1%和61.4%;有8.2%不清楚是否接种过狂犬疫苗,城区和乡镇分别占8%和8.5%。免疫犬狂犬病中和抗体效价d 0.5的占疫苗接种犬的57.1%,城区和乡镇分别为60.7%和40.6%。未免疫犬狂犬病中和抗体效价d>0的占未接种疫苗犬的27.6%,城区和乡镇分别为42.6%和20.3%。106只免疫不详犬均有狂犬病中和抗体。本次调查发现,犬群中仅有39%的犬只具有有效的狂犬病保护性抗体,疫苗接种率和狂犬病毒抗体效价城区均好于乡镇,但总体免疫水平仍不能有效控制群体中狂犬病的爆发和流行。     

Attitudes and concerns of French veterinarians towards pain and analgesia in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare the attitudes of French veterinarians to pain, and their provision of analgesia to animals, with that reported from other countries. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological study. METHODS: In June 1999, 379 French veterinarians were surveyed to ascertain their views on pain evaluation and control in dogs and cats, and their use of analgesics in daily practice. Survey results are expressed as a percentage of responses. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 189 veterinarians (49.9%). The response rate was influenced by age (younger veterinarians were more likely to respond) but not gender. A majority (99.5%) expressed moderate to extreme concern over pain in their patients. Pain evaluation was based on the animal's attitude (88.3% dogs, 82.5% cats), interaction with the caregiver, response to palpation of the painful area (66.5% dogs, 62.7% cats) and inappetence (29.3% dogs, 46.3% cats, p < 0.001). Only 14.3% of respondents considered their knowledge of pain recognition to be inadequate. Many (58.8%) considered their methods of pain quantification and control (47% dogs, 59% cats) to be inadequate. Difficulties in recognizing pain (58.3%), a lack of knowledge in the appropriate use of analgesics (41.7%) and fear of drug side effects (30%) were used to explain inadequate provision of analgesia. Only 16.1 and 8.1% used opioids in dogs and cats, respectively. This low level of use resulted from the imposition of French narcotic legislation (79.9%) and lack of knowledge of opioid pharmacology (73.7%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids were the most commonly used analgesics in both species (100% (dogs) and 96.7% (cats)). The most popular NSAID used in France was tolfenamic acid, followed by meloxicam (dogs), ketoprofen, nimesulide (cats) and carprofen (dogs). The type of surgery performed influenced the use of analgesics, from 17.2% for castration to 83.7% for orthopaedic procedures. Nonsurgical conditions believed to warrant analgesia included osteoarthritis (97.8%), trauma (97.3%) and bone neoplasia (93.4%). Female veterinarians were more likely than males to evaluate pain and provide analgesia. CONCLUSION: French practitioners demonstrate a level of interest in analgesia, which appears to be at least equivalent to that reported from English-speaking countries. The signs used to indicate the presence of pain do not, in general, appear to differ. Excessive confidence in their ability to recognize pain (despite a general ignorance of the subject), the minor role of animal health technicians in pain management and misconceptions about analgesics (mainly opioids) are French pecularities.     

Evaluating the correlation between adrenal gland dimensions and aortic diameter in healthy dogs

In the present study, the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with weight, aortic diameter, age and sex was evaluated. Moreover, a formula for estimating the normal dimensions of adrenal gland was provided. Thirty‐two intact adult dogs that were considered healthy based on history, physical examination, routine blood works and specific adrenal tests as well as absence of any abnormal ultrasonographic findings were included. Adrenal glands and abdominal aorta were imaged in the sagittal plane by ultrasound. Length, maximal height of the cranial and caudal poles, area and circumference of the left and right adrenal glands and also the internal diameter of the abdominal aorta were measured. Analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between the adrenal gland dimensions and weight and aortic diameter. The ratio of adrenal gland dimensions and the aortic diameter was calculated, but this ratio showed a great amount of variability in tandem with a significant correlation to the weight; Meaning that the ratio of the adrenal gland dimensions to the aortic diameter was not a reliable index for evaluating the size of the normal adrenal gland in animals with different weights. Therefore, we used the weight along with adrenal measurements in a linear regression model, and then, we were able to estimate the adrenal gland dimensions in different weights. Knowing the relationship of normal adrenal dimensions with the indices such as weight, age, sex and diameter of abdominal aorta can help the clinicians to diagnose the adrenal gland diseases.     

A statewide,cross-sectional evaluation of the knowledge and level of concern of rabies among South Carolina residents

Animal rabies cases have increased steadily in South Carolina (SC) for the past decade. An understanding of the population's awareness and understanding of the disease is needed to tailor public health interventions. A marketing list-serv of SC residents' email addresses was used to recruit anonymous respondents for a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) electronic survey. A total 516 South Carolinians completed the 31-question survey. Quantile regression and a Pearson's correlation evaluated potential associations between respondent's rabies knowledge and their attitudes and practices. Knowledge was assessed on topics of rabies biology, state animal case counts and rabies pet-related laws. Level of concern and level of knowledge were positively correlated. Additionally, statewide hotspot analysis revealed geographic areas warranting targeted public health interventions; counties with low public concern juxtapositioned with high animal rabies case counts. This study demonstrates the utility of statewide KAPs to gauge populations rabies perception and related preventative actions to tailor appropriate educational programs to limit human-animal rabies exposures.     

Use of pentoxifylline in the treatment of allergic contact reactions to plants of the Commelinceae family in dogs

The effects of pentoxifylline (10 mg kg⁻¹ orally [PO] twice daily) in three dogs with a confirmed contact allergy to plants of the Commelinceae family are described. Pentoxifylline inhibited the development of clinical signs in all three dogs despite extensive challenge with the offending plants. The protective effect was evident after 2 days of treatment and appeared to be dose related in one dog. The immunomodulatory properties of pentoxifylline are reviewed.     

A molecular epidemiological survey of Babesia, Hepatozoon,Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections of dogs in Japan

Tick-borne diseases are often encountered in canine clinical practice. In the present study, a molecular epidemiological survey of dogs in Japan was conducted to understand the prevalence and geographical distribution of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Pathogen-derived DNA in blood samples obtained from 722 dogs with a history of exposure to ticks and/or fleas was examined by PCR. The prevalence of Babesia gibsoni, Babesia odocoilei-like species, Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia spp./Anaplasma spp. was 2.4% (16/722), 0.1% (1/722), 2.5% (18/722) and 1.5% (11/722), respectively. While B. gibsoni and Ehrlichia spp./Anaplasma spp. were detected in the western part of Japan, H. canis was detected in Tohoku area in addition to western and central parts of Japan.     

Association between preoperative characteristics and risk of anaesthesia-related death in dogs in small-animal referral hospitals in Japan

Objective

To explore the major risk factors linking preoperative characteristics and anaesthesia-related death in dogs in referral hospitals in Japan.

Comparison between continuous rate infusion and target-controlled infusion of propofol in dogs: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare a propofol continuous rate infusion (CRI) with a target-controlled infusion (TCI) in dogs.Study designRandomized prospective double-blinded clinical study.AnimalsA total of 38 healthy client-owned dogs.MethodsDogs premedicated intramuscularly with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg^–1) and an opioid (pethidine 3 mg kg^–1, morphine 0.2 mg kg^–1 or methadone 0.2 mg kg^–1) were allocated to P-CRI group (propofol 4 mg kg^–1 intravenously followed by CRI at 0.2 mg kg^–1 minute^–1), or P-TCI group [propofol predicted plasma concentration (Cp) of 3.5 μg mL^–1 for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia via TCI]. Plane of anaesthesia, heart rate, respiratory rate, invasive blood pressure, oxygen haemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide and body temperature were monitored by an anaesthetist blinded to the group. Numerical data were analysed by unpaired t test or Mann–Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett’s post hoc test. Categorical data were analysed with Fisher’s exact test. Significance was set for p < 0.005.ResultsOverall, propofol induced a significant incidence of relative hypotension (mean arterial pressure 20% below baseline, 45%), apnoea (71%) and haemoglobin desaturation (65%) at induction of anaesthesia, with a higher incidence of hypotension and apnoea in the P-CRI than P-TCI group (68% versus 21%, p = 0.008; 84% versus 58%, p = 0.0151, respectively). Propofol Cp was significantly higher at intubation in the P-CRI than P-TCI group (4.83 versus 3.5 μg mL^–1, p < 0.0001), but decreased during infusion, while Cp remained steady in the P-TCI group. Total propofol administered was similar between groups.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth techniques provided a smooth induction of anaesthesia but caused a high incidence of side effects. Titration of anaesthesia with TCI caused fewer fluctuations in Cp and lower risk of hypotension compared with CRI.     

Policies for the vaccination of cats and dogs in New Zealand veterinary practices

AIMS: To determine current practices and attitudes towards vaccination of dogs and cats of veterinarians in New Zealand; the methods used for informing clients on which vaccines to use, and the preferred site for vaccination of cats.

METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all 483 listed veterinary practices in New Zealand during February 2012. Some questions were specific to pet dogs, cats, or working farm dogs. Responses were categorised according to practice type and geographical region of the respondent. Factors associated with respondent recommendation of annual vaccination with modified live viral (MLV) vaccines were examined using logistic regression analysis. Vaccines that were considered to be essential for every animal were defined as core; those that may be recommended for animals whose location or lifestyle placed them at risk, were defined as non-core.

RESULTS: There were 204 useable returns, equivalent to a response rate of 42.2%, distributed across the country. Annual vaccination with MLV vaccines of dogs was recommended by 54/198 (27.3%) respondents, and of cats by 107/181 (59.1%) respondents. Factors associated with the recommendation of annual administration of MLV vaccines to dogs included being a companion animal practice, a desire for policies on vaccination to be left to individual clinics, and having one veterinarian in the practice. Administration of the final vaccination for puppies was recommended at ≥14 weeks old by 55/185 (29.7%) respondents, and for kittens at ≥13 weeks old by 42/183 (23%) respondents. Of respondents that administered MLV vaccines annually, 62/103 (60.2%) believed reducing the frequency of vaccination would reduce income, and 52/103 (50.5%) considered it would have a negative effect on animal health. Advice to enable clients to decide which non-core vaccines were administered was given by 181/199 (91%) respondents. Factors considered when recommending a vaccine included consideration of risk to individual patients (190/203; 93.6%), requirements of boarding kennels/catteries (165/203; 81.3%) and clinic vaccination policy (142/203; 70%). The preferred site for administering MLV vaccines to cats was the dorsal neck or inter-scapular region (137/198; 69.2%). Amongst respondents, 18 wanted disease surveillance information to allow for truly informed decisions to be made about vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinarians can now compare their own vaccination practices and attitudes with those of veterinarians nationally, and internationally. There is a need for national surveillance information and for continued education of the public and commercial kennel and cattery owners for optimal vaccination strategies to be developed.     

Merging pedigree databases to describe and compare mating practices and gene flow between pedigree dogs in France,Sweden and the UK

Merging pedigree databases across countries may improve the ability of kennel organizations to monitor genetic variability and health‐related issues of pedigree dogs. We used data provided by the Société Centrale Canine (France), Svenska Kennelklubben (Sweden) and the Kennel Club (UK) to study the feasibility of merging pedigree databases across countries and describe breeding practices and international gene flow within the following four breeds: Bullmastiff (BMA), English setter (ESE), Bernese mountain dog (BMD) and Labrador retriever (LBR). After merging the databases, genealogical parameters and founder contributions were calculated according to the birth period, breed and registration country of the dogs. Throughout the investigated period, mating between close relatives, measured as the proportion of inbred individuals (considering only two generations of pedigree), decreased or remained stable, with the exception of LBR in France. Gene flow between countries became more frequent, and the origins of populations within countries became more diverse over time. In conclusion, the potential to reduce inbreeding within purebred dog populations through exchanging breeding animals across countries was confirmed by an improved effective population size when merging populations from different countries.     

Possible association of glaucoma with pectinate ligament dysplasia and narrowing of the iridocorneal angle in Shiba Inu dogs in Japan

The purpose of the study was to describe the shape of the pectinate ligament (PL) and to estimate the width of the iridocorneal angle (ICA) in glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous eye of Shiba Inu dogs in Japan. One hundred fourteen Shiba Inu dogs were presented to the Veterinary Medical Center at the University of Tokyo between June 1998 and June 2003. Among these, 46 dogs had glaucoma; the remaining 68 dogs were presented for routine vaccinations or heartworm testing and were used as a control population. Complete ophthalmic examination and gonioscopy were performed in all the dogs. PL and ICA were evaluated by gonioscopy and goniophotographs. Of the 46 dogs with glaucoma, 17 (37%) were affected bilaterally, and 29 (63%) were affected unilaterally. Of the 29 dogs with unilateral glaucoma, the ICA of the normotensive eye was slightly narrow in 2 eyes (7%), narrow in 12 eyes (41%), and closed in 15 eyes (52%). Among the normotensive control group, the ICA was open in 13 dogs (19%), slightly narrow in 29 (43%), narrow in 22 (32%), and closed in 4 (6%). In dogs with narrow and slightly narrow ICAs, the PLs were thickened, and in some cases, formed a solid sheet. The majority of dogs with glaucoma had changes in both ICA and PL. A narrow or slightly narrow ICA was also detected in the majority of normotensive control dogs. This study suggests that ICA narrowing and PL thickening is a common abnormality in Shiba Inu dogs in Japan and may predispose those dogs to glaucoma.