Association between prospective owner viewing of the parents of a puppy and later referral for behavioural problems

A case-control study was designed to test whether there is an association between the owners seeing the mother of a puppy, and later development of behavioural problems. The sample consisted of dogs that were seen by animal behaviourists (members of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors) and equivalent dogs (without a behavioural problem, but the owners would consider referral to an animal behaviourist were the dog to develop a behavioural problem) seen at a veterinary practice that referred to each animal behaviourist. After adjustment for confounding factors using multivariable logistic regression, case dogs were more likely to be younger than controls (P?相似文献   

Survey of flea infestation in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom during 2005

During 2005, 31 uk veterinary practices participated in a survey of flea infestation, during which 2653 dogs and 1508 cats were examined for evidence of flea infestation and skin disease compatible with flea allergy dermatitis (fad). The prevalence of flea infestation in the cats was 21.09 per cent, significantly (P<0.001) higher than in the dogs (6.82 per cent). The prevalence of skin lesions compatible with fad in the cats (8.02 per cent) was also significantly (P<0.001) higher than in the dogs (3.32 per cent). Flea infestations were more common in households with cats and with more than one pet. Of 467 fleas identified from the cats, 462 (98.93 per cent) were Ctenocephalides felis, one was Ctenocephalides canis, one was Archaeopsylla erinacei, two were Pulex irritans, and one was Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Of 336 fleas identified from the dogs, 313 (93.15 per cent) were C felis, five were C Canis, 12 were A erinacei, five were P irritans, and one was Ceratophyllus (Nosophyllus) fasciatus. Almost half of the owners of the dogs and cats were unaware of their pet's flea infestation. The overall prevalence of fleas and/or skin lesions that could potentially be compatible with fad was 7.46 per cent in the dogs and 22.28 per cent in the cats.     

Canine inflammatory bowel disease: retrospective analysis of diagnosis and outcome in 80 cases (1995-2002)

The case records of 80 dogs in which idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had been diagnosed were reviewed, and owners were contacted for follow-up information using a telephone questionnaire. The types of IBD encountered were lymphocytic (n=6), lymphocytic-plasmacytic (n=38), eosinophilic (n=6) and mixed inflammation (n=30). Prednisolone, sulphasalazine, metronidazole and tylosin were the most frequently prescribed medications. At follow-up, 21 dogs (26 per cent) were classified as being in remission (for a median of 14 months), 40 dogs (50 per cent) had intermittent clinical signs (for a median of 17 months) and three dogs (4 per cent) had uncontrolled disease (for a median of 19 months). Ten dogs (13 per cent) had been euthanased due to refractory IBD and four of these had entered remission for a median of 21 months prior to developing severe relapse and refractoriness to further treatment. Six dogs (8 per cent) had been euthanased or had died for reasons unrelated to IBD. Hypoalbuminaemia at the time of diagnosis was significantly associated with a negative outcome (P=0.0007). No association was found between the site (P=0.75), type (P=0.44) and severity (P=0.75) of disease. Dietary change to single protein and carbohydrate commercial diets had no association with outcome (P=0.12). Owner assessment of quality of life at follow-up was significantly associated with outcome (P=0.006).     

Owners' assessments of their dog's quality of life during palliative chemotherapy for lymphoma

The owners of 25 dogs with multicentric lymphoma which were treated by multidrug chemotherapy were interviewed to assess the quality of their pet's life during treatment. Sixty-eight per cent of the owners considered their dog's quality of life to be the same as before the lymphoma occurred, and the remaining 32 per cent felt that their pet's quality of life on chemotherapy treatment was acceptable but poorer than before the lymphoma occurred. Treatment complications were reported by 52 per cent of owners. Ninety-two per cent of owners had no regrets about treating their dog with multidrug chemotherapy. The results suggest that, while many dogs developed treatment complications during multidrug chemotherapy, most owners felt that the quality of life of their pets was good during treatment and had no regrets about opting for palliative chemotherapy.     

Owners' assessments of their dog's quality of life during palliative chemotherapy for lymphoma

The owners of 25 dogs with multicentric lymphoma which were treated by multidrug chemotherapy were interviewed to assess the quality of their pet's life during treatment. Sixty-eight per cent of the owners considered their dog's quality of life to be the same as before the lymphoma occurred, and the remaining 32 per cent felt that their pet's quality of life on chemotherapy treatment was acceptable but poorer than before the lymphoma occurred. Treatment complications were reported by 52 per cent of owners. Ninety-two per cent of owners had no regrets about treating their dog with multidrug chemotherapy. The results suggest that, while many dogs developed treatment complications during multidrug chemotherapy, most owners felt that the quality of life of their pets was good during treatment and had no regrets about opting for palliative chemotherapy.     

Clinical evaluation of firocoxib and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis

A double-blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre field study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of firocoxib chewable tablets and carprofen tablets in 218 dogs with osteoarthritis. Firocoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with more than 350-fold selectivity in dogs for the inducible isoform of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase-2. The efficacy, tolerance and ease of administration of firocoxib (5 mg/kg/day) and carprofen (4 mg/kg/day) were assessed by the owners and the attending veterinarians during 30 days of treatment. The efficacy was assessed in terms of the dogs' overall scores at the end of the treatment, based on the veterinarians' assessment of lameness, pain on manipulation/palpation, range of motion, and joint swelling; 92.5 per cent of the dogs treated with firocoxib and 92.4 per cent of the dogs treated with carprofen had improved. The reduction in lameness in the dogs treated with firocoxib was significantly greater than in the dogs treated with carprofen. The owners' evaluations were that 96.2 per cent of the dogs treated with firocoxib and 92.4 per cent of the dogs treated with carprofen had improved, and this difference was statistically significant.     

Effects of general anaesthesia on static respiratory compliance in dogs

The effect of anaesthesia on total, pulmonary and chest wall static respiratory compliance was investigated in healthy spontaneously breathing dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Total compliance fell by 26 per cent from the baseline measurement within 25 minutes of the first measurement (P less than 0.01), while pulmonary and chest wall compliances fell by 34 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively (P less than 0.01). Pulmonary compliance ceased to fall after 50 minutes, but chest wall compliance was still declining after 70 minutes. The decline in compliance could be prevented by periodic full lung inflation, with a significant difference being found between inflated and uninflated dogs (P less than 0.01). The reduction in compliance during anaesthesia is believed to be a consequence of reduced functional residual capacity and the development of lung tissue atelectasis.     

Comparison of two shampoos as sole treatment for canine bacterial overgrowth syndrome

Two antibacterial shampoos for the treatment of canine bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOGS) were compared in a prospective controlled clinical trial. Forty dogs with clinical signs (pruritus, erythema and excoriations without pustules and/or collarettes) and cytological findings compatible with bacterial overgrowth were treated twice weekly with 3 per cent chlorhexidine shampoo (3 per cent CHX) or 2.5 per cent benzoyl peroxide shampoo (2.5 per cent BPO) and evaluated every two weeks for up to six weeks until cytological cure. Pruritus, erythema, greasy seborrhoea, malodour, excoriations, secondary hair loss, lichenification, hyperpigmentation and lesion extent were each scored on a 0 to 3 severity scale and combined to calculate an aggregate score. Among the 34 dogs with good compliance to treatment, reduction of cocci counts of at least 90 per cent was recorded in 11 of 18 dogs after 3 per cent CHX and nine of 16 dogs after 2.5 per cent BPO, with no significant difference between the two products (P=0.98). Lesion score was significantly reduced in both groups (63.48 (34.45)) per cent with 3 per cent CHX v 54.45 (33.61) per cent with 2.5 per cent BPO, P=0.36) and time to cytological cure was not significantly different between groups (P=0.13), at the end of the treatment. In the present study, 3 per cent CHX and 2.5 per cent BPO were similarly effective in the treatment of canine BOGS.     

Survey of travel-related problems in dogs

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the kind of transport dogs undergo, the behaviours displayed during transport, the prevalence of travel-related problems in dogs and owners' interventions to solve these problems. A convenience sample of 907 dog owners completed a questionnaire containing 16 multiple-choice questions. All dogs had been transported by car at least once, but 4.7 per cent were no longer transported. 76.2 per cent of animals always responded positively to car transport, the rest showing or having shown problems (6.7 per cent always reacted negatively). Dogs were found to be more excited than inhibited during car transport. The vast majority (86.0 per cent) had become used to travelling by car as puppies; this made them less likely to develop problems (6.3 per cent v 24.1 per cent; χ(2)=19.886, P=0.000). If dogs were transported only to veterinary clinics, they were more prone to respond negatively to car transport (46.4 per cent v 22.7 per cent; χ(2)=7.245, P=0.007). For dogs reported as problematic (23.8 per cent of the sample), 96.3 per cent of the owners did not administer any treatments or other substances, 48.7 per cent did not seek any advice, and 40.4 per cent of them made attempts to solve the problem by themselves.     

Short-term and eight to 12 months results of a tibial tuberosity advancement as treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perioperative complications and the six weeks and eight to 12 months outcome of cases of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement. METHODS: The medical records including the six weeks' postoperative re-evaluation and radiographs of dogs with a tibial tuberosity advancement (70 operated stifles) were analysed regarding the short-term outcome and the recorded complications. A questionnaire for the evaluation of the eight to 12 months outcome was sent to the owners and the answers tabulated. RESULTS: The complication rate was comparable with previous reports of cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement or a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The most frequent complication was a symptomatic late secondary meniscal damage in six cases (8.5 per cent). These cases were successfully treated with a partial meniscectomy during a minimal invasive procedure. The six-week re-evaluation showed advanced healing of the tibial crest osteotomies in 94 per cent of the cases and a significant reduction of the lameness in all dogs. Eighty-three per cent of the owners reported that their dogs are never lame or only after heavy exercise eight to 12 months after the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure. Sixty-five per cent of the owners stated the overall treatment to be excellent, 28 per cent good. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The six weeks' follow-up examination and the questionnaire revealed results of the tibial tuberosity advancement comparable to previously published studies, stating that the lameness and the activity level of the patients with cranial cruciate ligament disease greatly improved after the tibial tuberosity advancement.     

Hemilaminectomy for the treatment of thoracolumbar disc disease in the dog: a follow-uo studv of 40 cases

A study was made of dogs with Hansen type I thoracolumbar disc extrusions that had been treated by hemilaminectomy and fenestration of the affected disc. Follow-up information was available for 40 dogs undergoing treatment over a five-year period. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 72 months (mean 34 months). The case details and the results of treatment of these 40 dogs are presented. All dogs were graded according to the degree of neurological dysfunction at the time of initial presentation and at the conclusion of the study period. Twenty-seven dogs (68 per cent) had no detectable signs of neurological dysfunction or thoracolumbar pain at the final assessment and a further eight dogs (20 per cent) had mild ambulatory paraparesis but were regarded by their owners as functional pets. Recurrence of neurological signs consistent with thoracolumbar disc disease was seen in five dogs (13 per cent) and was successfully resolved completely in one of three dogs that were treated.     

Thoracolumbar disc disease in large dogs: a study of 99 cases

The records of 99 dogs weighing over 20 kg with thoracolumbar disc disease were reviewed. Two types of disc disease were recognised: degenerative nuclear extrusion (n=63) and degenerative annular protrusion (n=36). Sixty-nine per cent of the affected discs were located between T12-T13 and L2-L3. Of the 63 dogs with degenerative nuclear extrusions, 35 were non-ambulatory and seven had no conscious pain perception at the time of presentation. Decompressive surgery was performed in 55 dogs, four dogs were managed non-surgically and three dogs were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in 49 (78 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 53 (84 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 11.7 months (range 1.5 to 48 months). Five dogs subsequently lost the ability to ambulate on their hindlimbs. Myelographic investigations in three of these dogs revealed a second thoracolumbar degenerative nuclear extrusion. Of the 36 dogs with degenerative annular protrusions, seven were non-ambulatory at the time of presentation. Fifteen cases had multiple protrusions. Twenty dogs were managed non-surgically, 12 surgically and four were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in eight (22 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 19 (52 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (range 1.5 to 30 months). The outcome of dogs with annular protrusions was significantly worse compared to the outcome of dogs with nuclear extrusions (P<0.001).     

Remission of the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs after cessation of treatment with cyclosporin A or methylprednisolone

Seventy-eight dogs with atopic dermatitis were treated for four months with either cyclosporin A or methylprednisolone. During the two months after the treatment ceased, 87 per cent of the dogs treated with methylprednisolone relapsed after a mean period of 27.9 days, whereas only 62 per cent of the dogs treated with cyclosporin A relapsed after a mean period of 40.7 days (P < .0.001). The clinical condition of the dogs was evaluated either when they relapsed, or two months after the treatment ceased if they had not relapsed. Both the skin lesions and pruritus increased significantly more markedly in the dogs treated with methylprednisolone than in those treated with cyclosporin A. At the end of the study the skin lesions were markedly less severe than before the therapy; in the dogs in both groups that did not relapse, the lesion score was improved by 77 per cent two months after the treatment had stopped, and in the dogs that did relapse the lesion scores had improved by 45 per cent and 35 per cent in the dogs treated with cyclosporin A and methylprednisolone, respectively. Pruritus remained well controlled in the dogs that did not relapse, but increased to baseline levels or close to baseline in the dogs that relapsed.     

Relationships between the histological grade of cutaneous mast cell tumours in dogs, their survival and the efficacy of surgical resection

The histological grade of 340 cutaneous mast cell tumours derived from 280 dogs was determined by an established histological grading system; 87 of the tumours (26 per cent) were well differentiated, 199 (59 per cent) were intermediately differentiated and 54 (16 per cent) were poorly differentiated. The one-year survival rates for the dogs with tumours of these three grades were significantly different (P = 0.0001), being 100 per cent, 92 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively. The median survival time for the dogs with poorly differentiated tumours was 278 days, significantly shorter than that for the dogs with either intermediately or well-differentiated tumours, which were both over 1300 days. Regrowth of the tumours was identified in 10 (19 per cent) of the dogs with poorly differentiated tumours, 12 (6 per cent) of the dogs with intermediately differentiated tumours and one of the dogs with well-differentiated tumours; only three of the tumours which regrew had initially had complete margins. The results suggest that wide surgical margins are not a prerequisite for a successful long-term outcome in dogs with well-differentiated cutaneous mast cell tumours.     

Evalution of a Commerical Canned Lamb and Rice Diet for the Management of Adverse Reactions to Food in Dogs*

Abstract— A commercial canned lamb and rice diet was fed to 20 dogs with previously diagnosed determatologic problems due to adverse reactions to food. Fifteen of the 20 dogs had concurrent atopy and flea allergy which were being treated with hyposensitization and agressive flea control. Palatability and acceptability were good in most of the dogs. Recurrent of previous dermatologic signs did not occur in 75 per cent (15/20) of the dogs while they were fed the diet. Gastrointestinal side effects, specifically diarrhea, caused the owners to stop feeding the diet in four dogs. Overall, 60 per cent (12/20) experienced some gastrointestinal signs during the diet trail.     

Controlled trial of behavioural therapy for separation-related disorders in dogs

A generic programme of behavioural modification for the clinical treatment of separation-related behaviours in dogs was assessed in a controlled replicated trial. After 12 weeks of treatment, 56 per cent of the owners of the treated dogs reported significant improvements in their dogs' behaviour, and a further 25 per cent reported a slight improvement. The owners' reports were generally supported by changes in the behaviour of the dogs as recorded on video when they were left alone. The majority of the untreated dogs continued to show the same degree of separation-related behaviour throughout the 12 weeks of the trial. In a supplementary set of 30 case studies, treated with a behavioural programme tailored to the specific diagnosis for each dog, all the owners reported improvements in their dogs' behaviour after 12 weeks of treatment.     

Retrospective evaluation of the long-term outcome of non-surgical management of 74 dogs with clinical hip dysplasia

The long-term outcome for dogs treated non-surgically for clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia were evaluated retrospectively; 74 dogs were evaluated by a postal questionnaire sent to their owners, and 24 of these were also evaluated by a veterinary clinical examination. A total of 11 outcome variables were evaluated. Depending on the variable assessed, between 31 (41.9 per cent) and 49 (66.2 per cent) of the dogs remained clinically affected according to their owner's assessment, and between 17 (70.8 per cent) and 23 (95.8 per cent) of the 24 dogs had abnormalities attributed to hip osteoarthritis according to the veterinary assessment. Orthopaedic abnormalities other than hip dysplasia affected 17 of the 24 dogs. Long-term medications had been prescribed for the treatment of clinical signs associated with hip dysplasia in 41 of the 74 dogs.     

Suspected side effects of doxycycline use in dogs - a retrospective study of 386 cases

This study investigated doxycycline-related side effects in a large population of dogs. Data from 386 dogs that had received doxycycline for the treatment of various infectious diseases were analysed retrospectively. Potential side effects that developed during treatment were documented, and correlations with signalment, dose, duration of treatment, frequency of application, doxycycline preparation and use of additional drugs were investigated. Vomiting was reported in 18.3 per cent of dogs, 7.0 per cent developed diarrhoea and 2.5 per cent developed anorexia. While being treated with doxycycline, 39.4 per cent of dogs showed an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and 36.4 per cent showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. There was a dose-related risk of an increase in ALP activity (P=0.011, odds ratio [OR]=1.27, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.06 to 1.53), and older dogs treated with doxycycline were more likely to develop an increase in ALT activity (P=0.038, OR=1.23, 95 per cent CI 1.01 to 1.50) and vomiting (P=0.017, OR=1.11, 95 per cent CI 1.02 to 1.21).     

Opinions of Finnish small animal owners about surgery and pain management in small animals

Objectives : To examine the opinions among small animal owners regarding the management of pain and surgery in small animals. Methods : A questionnaire was presented to 800 owners of dogs or cats who visited one of the four participating clinics in Finland in February 2006. Results : A total of 482 owners completed the questionnaire (60·3 per cent response rate); 90 per cent of the respondents were female. Owners classified surgical procedures (for example, fracture repair, skin tumour removal and neutering) as more painful than medical conditions (otitis externa and lameness). In addition, owners disagreed most with statements that they had received sufficient information on the appropriate methods of management of animal pain and that the recognition of animal pain is easy. With respect to surgical procedures, owners expressed greatest concern in relation to the animal experiencing fear or anxiety during hospitalisation and the presence of postoperative pain. Clinical Significance : The animal owners had concerns about the presence and management of animal pain, fear and anxiety. Knowledge of these animal owner opinions could aid veterinary practitioners when communicating with their clients on medical and surgical patient management. Furthermore, studies are merited to clearly define how best to successfully respond to these owner attitudes.     

Efficacy of selamectin against biting lice on dogs and cats

The efficacy of selamectin was evaluated against naturally acquired Trichodectes canis infestations on dogs and against Felicola subrostratus infestations on cats. Twenty dogs and 18 cats were randomly allocated to treatment with either a placebo or selamectin (6 mg/kg), administered topically once only on day 0. The treatment had no adverse effects in either the dogs or the cats. Efficacy was assessed by counting the live lice (adults and nymphs) on each animal by using a coat-parting technique on days -3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 for the dogs, and on days -1, 7, 21, 35 and 42 for the cats. On day 43, the number of live lice on each dog was also assessed by using a whole-body combing technique. Selamectin was 100 per cent effective in killing biting lice on the dogs and cats throughout the period of assessment; the louse counts on the treated dogs and cats were significantly lower than the pretreatment counts (P = 0.0001) and were also significantly lower than on the placebo-treated dogs (P < 0.05) and cats (P = 0.0001). There was a marked reduction in the prevalence of clinical signs associated with ectoparasite infestation in the treated dogs and no clinical signs were observed in any of the treated cats.