Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in cats and dogs in two animal shelters in Ireland

Rectal swabs or faecal samples for the isolation of Campylobacter species were taken from 120 dogs and cats in an animal shelter in which only one kitten showed signs of gastrointestinal disease, and rectal swabs were taken from 46 dogs, 22 of which showed signs of gastrointestinal disease, in another shelter. At the first shelter, the swabs from 24 of 47 dogs (51.1 per cent) and 36 of 48 cats (75 per cent) yielded a Campylobacter species. The rate of isolation was significantly higher from dogs and cats less than six months old, and significantly higher from cats than from dogs (P< or =0.05). At the second shelter Campylobacter species were isolated from 40 of 46 dogs (87 per cent), but there was no significant difference between the age groups. Campylobacter species were isolated from 19 (86.4 per cent) of the 22 dogs with signs of gastrointestinal disease and from 21 (87.5 per cent) of the 24 unaffected dogs. Several culture methods were applied to the samples collected from both shelters, and the combination significantly increased the recovery of Campylobacter species.     

Current trends in screwworm myiasis in the Caribbean region

In a random sample of animal producers and animal health personnel, 33% of the respondents in Trinidad, 15% in Guyana, 11% in Suriname and 9% in Jamaica recalled at least one case of human myiasis due to Cochliomyia homivorax (Coquerel). During 1981, respondents in Surinam (88%), Jamaica (90%), Guyana (85%) and Trinidad and Tobago (82%) found at least one case of myiasis in their livestock, occurring mainly in cattle, pigs and dogs. Feral animals, e.g. jaguars, were also found to be infested. The initial wounds were mainly the umbilicus of neonates, and arbitrary wounds, and vampire bites were also affected. Fifty-three to 78% of all respondents examined their livestock daily for wounds and infestation by the screwworm. Annual estimates of losses (in U.S. dollars) due to surveillance and medication ranged from $4.82 to $10.71 per animal. Nationally, these losses amount to $0.30 million (Surinam), $1.02 million (Trinidad and Tobago), $4.33 million (Guyana) and $6.78 million (Jamaica). Figures for other losses, arising from failure to thrive, reduction in milk production and hide injury due to screwworm activity were not available. Most producers found that the greatest screwworm infestation occurred in the wet season, and most described it as second in importance to Boophilus spp. ticks as a pest of livestock, but of greater significance than biting flies, such as tabanids and stable flies. Eradication of the screwworm from the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago can be recommended, but in Surinam and Guyana eradication seems feasible only on the 100-km wide coastal strips where most human and livestock populations exist.     

Molecular epidemiology of feline bordetellosis in two animal shelters in California,USA

"Kennel cough" in dogs in animal shelters is readily transmissible, reduces adoption rates, and commonly leads to the euthanasia of affected dogs. In cats, tracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia have been associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection-but most cases of upper-respiratory infection (URI) probably are caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus, and many B. bronchiseptica culture-positive cats are clinically normal. Our prospective observational study was undertaken to document the contribution of B. bronchiseptica to disease in cats and dogs from two animal shelters undergoing outbreaks of canine kennel cough, to evaluate whether cross-species transmission might have occurred, and to determine if the presence of infected cats represented a risk to dogs. Clinically defined cases of kennel cough in dogs and URI in cats were investigated in two shelters by calculating clinical-disease incidence, alveolar-lavage cytological examination, bacterial and viral cultures, antibiotic-susceptibility testing, and molecular fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.In a 40-cat and 40-dog "no-kill" shelter, the prevalences of culture positivity were 47% for B. bronchiseptica and 36% for calicivirus at the same time as two resident dogs demonstrated clinical cough. When no dogs had kennel cough 3 months later, 10% of cats were B. bronchiseptica-culture-positive and 63% calicivirus positive. In a large traditional shelter, the incidence of kennel cough in dogs increased over 12 weeks to a maximum of 19 cases/week/120 dogs, during which time the culture prevalence was 23% for B. bronchiseptica in dogs and 47% in cats. Three to 6 months before the kennel-cough epidemic, no dogs or cats were B. bronchiseptica positive. Very little genetic variability was detected in isolates from these shelters; all isolates except one corresponded to a single strain type which was identical to the pattern in a vaccine used in these shelters. Isolates from other cats, a horse, a llama, and a sea otter were genetically distinct from the shelter isolates. There was widespread resistance to cephalosporins and ampicillin, but low or no resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin. Greater percent resistance was observed in the traditional shelter than in the no-kill shelter and feline isolates were more likely to be resistant than canine isolates.     

Traumatic myiasis by Wohlfahrtia magnifica in Italy

Seven farms, two in Central Italy and five in Southern Italy, were visited for the presence of larvae-infested wounds. Ninety-six (3%) out of 3129 sheep examined had a traumatic myiasis with a very high percentage of infested animals found only in a farm (10.5%). Wounds were mainly localized on the vulva and prepuce. Infested animals were restless, anxious, and reluctant to graze. None of the 10 goats in one infested flock had wounds, whereas a shepherd dog from another flock presented a wound on the ear. All the larvae and adults reared from them in the laboratory were identified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae). The cases presented here are the first clinical cases of wohlfahrtiosis in sheep and dogs reported in Italy, and indicate that this myiasis is endemic in this country. A wider epidemiological investigation on the prevalence, incidence and seasonality of W. magnifica infestation of Italian W. magnifica population/s would be useful to understand its geographical provenience and the likely risk for its spreading throughout Italy and other non-endemic areas.     

Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice

A survey was made of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice in the UK. Out of 3707 small animal consultations in general practice that were observed and recorded, 795 (21.4 per cent) involved animals that had a dermatological problem. In dogs and exotic species, pruritus was the most common presenting sign, accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of the dermatological consultations. In cats, cutaneous swellings were the most common presentation (36 per cent). A diagnosis or recommendation for treatment was made on the basis of the presenting clinical signs and physical examination alone in 576 (72 per cent) of the cases, and various diagnostic tests were performed in the other cases. In dogs, parasitic infestations, bacterial infections and neoplasia accounted for the majority of the diagnoses. In cats, parasites and bacterial infections were the most common. In exotic species, parasites accounted for over 80 per cent of the dermatological diagnoses. In dogs, the most common final diagnoses were otitis, pyoderma, anal sac impaction, flea infestation and atopic dermatitis. In cats, abscesses, flea infestation, and otitis were the most common diagnoses. In exotic species, the most common diagnosis was an unspecified mite infestation. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed in 196 cases (25 per cent), systemic glucocorticoids were prescribed in 162 cases (20 per cent) and treatment with an ectoparasiticide was prescribed in 167 cases (21 per cent).     

Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy, compared with traditional-age gonadectomy, among dogs adopted from a large animal shelter. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,842 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs underwent gonadectomy and were adopted from an animal shelter before 1 year of age; follow-up was available for as long as 11 years after surgery. Adopters completed a questionnaire about their dogs' behavior and medical history. When possible, the dogs' veterinary records were reviewed. Associations between the occurrence of 56 medical and behavioral conditions and dogs' age at gonadectomy were evaluated. RESULTS: Among female dogs, early-age gonadectomy was associated with increased rate of cystitis and decreasing age at gonadectomy was associated with increased rate of urinary incontinence. Among male and female dogs with early-age gonadectomy, hip dysplasia, noise phobias, and sexual behaviors were increased, whereas obesity, separation anxiety, escaping behaviors, inappropriate elimination when frightened, and relinquishment for any reason were decreased. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because early-age gonadectomy appears to offer more benefits than risks for male dogs, animal shelters can safely gonadectomize male dogs at a young age and veterinary practitioners should consider recommending routine gonadectomy for client-owned male dogs before the traditional age of 6 to 8 months. For female dogs, however, increased urinary incontinence suggests that delaying gonadectomy until at least 3 months of age may be beneficial.     

Stray dog population health in Jodhpur, India in the wake of an animal birth control (ABC) program

Our objectives were to (1) estimate the prevalence of various health indices in the stray dog population in Jodhpur, India and (2) determine if there was an association between an animal birth control (ABC) program and the prevalence of these health indices in this population. A prevalence survey of 323 sexually intact stray dogs >3 months caught from the streets of Jodhpur from September to November, 2005 indicated that low body condition score (70%), skin conditions (69%) and tick infestation (68%) were the most common health problems in this population. An observational study of 888 stray dogs on the streets of Jodhpur from March to April, 2006 revealed that sterilized dogs were more likely to have a higher body condition score (BCS) than sexually intact dogs when controlling for age, based on a multinomial regression model. However, sterilized dogs were more likely to have a skin condition than sexually intact dogs, based on a logistic regression model. Our observations of the surgical/kennel facility indicated that an effective tick control program was needed. Additionally, the current parasite control protocol at the kennel/shelter facility was inadequate to treat mange, a contact-transmitted skin disease. This is the first study to evaluate the associations between an ABC program and stray dog health, apart from rabies.     

Microscopic, serologic and molecular surveys on Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs, Turkey

The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection was evaluated in stray dogs of Erzurum, Turkey. A total of 123 whole-blood and 93 sera samples were collected from stray dogs older than 6 months were lived in animal shelter. The PCR and direct microscopic examinations were used for the detection of microfilaria and indirect-ELISA was performed for the detection of anti-D. immitis antibodies. The prevalence of D. immitis in the canine population was 8.1% by PCR, 2.1% by ELISA. In addition, microfilaria burdens of Dirofilaria sp. was 4.8% by direct blood smear examination. There was a statistical difference (P=0.05) in the prevalence between males (10.5%) and females (2.3%) by direct blood smear examination. Similarly there was a statistical difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence between males (15.8%) and females (4.7%) by PCR. Dogs belonging to the 0.5-1 years old group showed the highest prevalence than 2-4 ages group with three tests. Among the 93 samples screened by the ELISA, two samples were positive for the D. immitis antibodies. Both positive dogs with ELISA were females.     

Observations on the New World screwworm fly in Libya and the risk of its entrance into Egypt.

Data on traumatic myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in Libya were reported from August 1988 until February 1989. A total of 468 cases of screwworm myiasis were recorded in seven species of livestock and 229 humans, mainly children, were also found to be infested. Cattle and sheep were the most common hosts in livestock. In cattle, the principal infestation site was the umbilicus of neonates; in sheep, it was mainly the fatty tail. Animal myiasis reached its peak in October and November, but disappeared abruptly in winter on the onset of cold weather. Screwworm distribution was confined to the northwest of Libya. The potential dispersion of the fly from this area and the possibility of infestation of other countries, particularly Egypt, are discussed. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) efforts to confront the New World screwworm problem in Africa are mentioned.     

Evaluation of the prophylactic effect and curative efficacy of fipronil 1% pour on (Topline) on post-castration scrotal myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in cattle

A field trial was carried out during a summer-fall period on a commercial beef cattle farm in Minas Gerais State, located in the Southeast of Brazil. In order to evaluate the prophylactic effect and the curative efficacy of fipronil in a 1% solution, 200 Zebu crossbred bulls, with ages varying from 20 to 30 months and weights from 233 to 362 kg, were selected. The bulls were assigned by ranked pair to an untreated control group (A) or to a treated group (B), resulting in 100 animals per group. All experimental animals were surgically castrated on day 0, following routine procedures. After castration all animals in the group B were treated with 10 mg/kg bw of a 1% fipronil solution, topically on the dorsal mid-line. The wounds were individually inspected on days: 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 28 and 35. After castration the animals were naturally exposed to Cochliomyia hominivorax and remained in the same pasture throughout the trial. Among the animals in the control group, 83 were observed to harbor C. hominivorax eggs, with a total of 97 ovipositions, and among those 73 animals had active myiasis. In group B (fipronil 1%), 66 animals showed C. hominivorax eggs, with 92 ovipositions and five animals with active myiasis. Most ovipositions and active myiasis were detected until seven days post-castration for both groups. Wound parasite infestation evidenced bleeding, serous purulent exudation and presence of active C. hominivorax larvae. Treatment with fipronil 1% had a prophylactic effect on scrotal wounds against the development of C. hominivorax larvae in more than 95% of the treated animals for up to 17 days after castration. The treatment showed partial protection of 66% and 50% on days 21 and 28 post-treatment (pt), respectively. Three animals from the control group and one from the treated group showed active screwworms on day 21 pt, and one animal from the treated group and two from the control group also presented C. hominivorax larvae on scrotal wounds on day 28 pt. By the end of the observation period (day 35 pt), the castration wound had healed in all animals. All experimental animals presenting scrotal wounds infested with C. hominivorax larvae were treated with a 1% pour-on formulation of fipronil, on the same day that infestation was observed. Active C. hominivorax larvae were not seen during the monitoring period immediately after treatment. The curative efficacy of fipronil 1% against C. hominivorax larvae infestation in castration wounds was 100%.     

Serological evidence of H3N8 canine influenza-like virus circulation in USA dogs prior to 2004

H3N8 canine influenza virus (H3N8 CIV) was first reported as a novel canine respiratory pathogen in racing greyhounds and shelter dogs in the U.S.A. in 2004. Phylogenetic analyses determined that this host-adapted pathogen originated from interspecies transmission of an equine influenza virus (EIV), but it is unknown when the transmission occurred prior to discovery in 2004. The objective of this study was to determine if racing greyhound and shelter dog sera collected from 1984 to 2004 had serological evidence of exposure to H3N8 CIV or EIV. Archived sera from 702 racing greyhounds and 1568 shelter dogs were tested for H3 antibodies to the original 2004 CIV isolate, as well as EIV isolates from 1991 to 1999. None of the racing greyhounds from 1984 and 1985 had detectable H3 antibodies. One of the shelter dogs, which entered a north Florida shelter in 2004, was seropositive. For racing greyhounds sampled from 1999 to 2004, 133/520 (26%) dogs had antibodies to both CIV and EIV H3 proteins. The annual seroprevalence was 27% in 1999, 28% in 2000, 10% in 2001, 1% in 2002, 41% in 2003, and 28% in 2004. The odds of H3 seropositivity were greater among dogs that raced > or =6 months, raced on > or =2 tracks, and raced in 1998, 2002, and 2003. Many of the seropositive dogs raced at tracks that were involved in 'kennel cough' epidemics in 1998-1999 and 2002-2003. Based on serological evidence, a H3N8 canine influenza-like virus was circulating in racing greyhounds in the U.S.A. as early as 1999.     

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.     

Monthly application of 10 per cent moxidectin and 2{middle dot}5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on to prevent relapses in generalised demodicosis: a pilot study

Canine generalised demodicosis (GD) can be difficult to cure, with some dogs requiring life-long treatment. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of monthly 10 per cent moxidectin/2·5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on in maintaining long-term (12 months) clinical and parasitological remission in dogs with relapsing GD. Fourteen dogs were included: 10 with juvenile-onset GD (JOGD) and four with adult-onset GD (AOGD). All?dogs had been treated previously and relapsed (1-4 times). Each dog was treated again with either milbemycin oxime 2 mg/kg or ivermectin 400 μg/kg orally once daily, until two consecutive negative skin scrapings at one-month intervals (total 4-7 months of treatment). After treatment discontinuation, 10 per cent moxidectin/2·5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on was applied monthly for 12 months. Dogs were rechecked after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months, and multiple skin scrapings were taken. Twelve dogs completed the study and were clinically normal and parasitologically negative at each recheck (four dogs with AOGD and eight with JOGD). One dog died suddenly for unrelated reasons, and one dog relapsed. Results of this pilot study suggest that monthly application of 10 per cent moxidectin/2·5 per cent imidacloprid spot-on may be effective as maintenance therapy in relapsing cases of GD.     

Prevalence of positive antibody test results for canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) and response to modified live vaccination against CPV and CDV in dogs entering animal shelters

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV) infections are relatively common in animal shelters and are important population management issues since the immune status of incoming dogs is usually unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of positive antibody test results for CPV and CDV in incoming dogs aged ≥ 4 months and to measure antibody response over 2 weeks following vaccination with a modified live vaccine (MLV). Dogs aged 4-24 months entering an adoption-guarantee shelter (Shelter 1, n=51) and aged ≥ 4 months entering a limited admission shelter (Shelter 2; n=51) were enrolled. Dogs from Shelter 1 had been vaccinated with MLV at a municipal shelter 5 days before enrollment, whereas dogs from Shelter 2 had no known history of vaccination at enrollment. Sera were obtained on day 1, immediately prior to CPV/CDV MLV, and tested using an in-clinic ELISA kit to detect CPV/CDV antibodies. Dogs negative for CPV and/or CDV were retested at day 6-8 and those dogs still negative at day 6-8 were retested at day 13-15. Prior to CPV/CDV MLV on day 1, more dogs tested positive for CPV (Shelter 1 - 68.6%; Shelter 2 - 84.3%) than for CDV (Shelter 1 - 37.3%; Shelter 2 - 41.2%). On day 1, prior to MLV, all spayed/neutered animals tested CPV antibody-positive (n=17/102) and CPV antibody-positive dogs were older than serologically negative dogs (Shelter 1, P=0.0029; Shelter 2, P=0.0042). By day 13-15, almost all dogs were CPV antibody-positive (Shelter 1 - 97.9%; Shelter 2 - 100.0%) and CDV antibody-positive (Shelter 1 - 93.8%; Shelter 2 - 97.8%). MLV induces protective antibody titers against CPV/CDV in almost all dogs after 13-15 days.     

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).     

Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XLIII. Ixodid ticks of domestic dogs and cats in the Western Cape Province

Ticks were collected at monthly intervals for 16 consecutive months from individual dogs by their owners in or close to the town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province. They were also collected for 27 consecutive months from dogs presented for a variety of reasons at three veterinary clinics in Stellenbosch, and from dogs upon admission to an animal welfare shelter. At one of the veterinary clinics ticks were also collected from cats. Dog owners collected six ixodid species from their pets and the most numerous of these were Haemaphysalis leachi and Rhipicephalus gertrudae. Twelve ixodid tick species and the argasid tick, Otobius megnini were collected from dogs at veterinary clinics and the animal shelter, and H. leachi, R. gertrudae and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were the most numerous. A total of nine dogs were infested with the Karoo paralysis tick, Ixodes rubicundus. No clear pattern of seasonality was evident for H. leachi, which was present throughout the year. The largest numbers of adult R. gertrudae were generally present from August to October, while adult R. sanguineus were collected during October 2000, February and March 2001, from January to April 2002 and during October 2002. Five ixodid tick species, of which H. leachi was the most numerous and prevalent, were collected from cats.     

Insecticidal activity of propoxur- and carbaryl-impregnated flea collars against Ctenocephalides felis.

Ten dogs were fitted with 10% propoxur-(0-isopropoxyphenyl methylcarbamate) and 10 dogs were fitted with 16% carbaryl-(1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate) impregnated flea collars. Ten cats were fitted with carbaryl-impregnated flea collars. There were 5 control animal for each trial. Insecticidal activity against experimental infestations with the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) was evaluated. The propoxur collars on dogs reduced the flea populations by 90% within 2 days of infestation for at least 13 weeks. By the 16th week, the flea population was reduced 65% in 2 days and 87% in 7 days. In subsequent infestations, efficiency was less than 80% after 7 days. Carbaryl collars on dogs reduced the flea population by as much as 80% in 2 days for a period of 16 weeks. An efficiency of at least 80% at 7 days was maintaned for 17 weeks. Carbaryl collars on cats reduced the flea population within 2 days by 80% or more for a period of at least 19 weeks--the last experimental infestation.     

Calcaneoquartal arthrodesis in the dog

The efficacy of calcaneoquartal arthrodesis was evaluated retrospectively in 36 dogs (39 joints) with instability of the proximal intertarsal joint. Instability was caused by rupture of the plantar ligament in 27 dogs (75 per cent) while in the remaining nine dogs it was complicated by fractures or luxations of other tarsal bones. The average period between the time of injury and referral was 10 weeks. Thirteen dogs had received prior treatment. Arthrodesis was achieved in 33 of the 39 joints (85 per cent) following the initial surgery, while a further four joints were subsequently successfully treated, giving an overall success rate of 95 per cent. Sixteen limbs (41 per cent) developed complications; these complications were seen more frequently in dogs referred with a history of previous unsuccessful cast or surgical management. After an average follow-up period of 37 months, 76 per cent of the dogs were reported to be sound.     

Determinants of adoption and euthanasia of shelter dogs spayed or neutered in the university of california veterinary student surgery program compared to other shelter dogs

Limited economic resources and pet overpopulation force animals shelters to consider euthanasia of adoptable animals every day. Veterinary medical schools can play a positive role in increasing pet adoption and combating overpopulation by providing free neutering for shelter animals. This retrospective cohort study illustrated that the cooperative efforts of a veterinary medicine surgical teaching program and local animal shelters decreases euthanasia of adoptable pets. At the University of California, Davis (UCD), shelter dogs are neutered by veterinary students and then returned to the shelter for adoption. The rates of adoption and euthanasia of the dogs neutered at UCD were contrasted with a comparison shelter group to determine the effect of pre-adoption neutering. The UCD-neutered dogs had a lower rate of euthanasia than the comparison shelter group at the shelters investigated. At Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, 73% of the UCD group but only 36% of the comparison group were adopted. At Yolo County Animal Services, 71% of the UCD group and 45% of the comparison group were adopted. The sex of an animal did not significantly affect the rate of euthanasia. Dogs that were predominantly pit bull, rottweiler, or chow chow breeds had higher rates of euthanasia than other breeds, independent of neuter status. Also, juveniles (less than one year old) had lower rates of euthanasia than adults, independent of neuter status. UCD adult dogs had lower rates of euthanasia than comparison adults. Post-surgical UCD dogs spent a longer average time in the shelter before adoption (15 days at Sacramento; 16 days at Yolo) than the comparison dogs (11 and 12 days, respectively). UCD dogs also spent a longer average time in the shelter before euthanasia (18 and 25 days, respectively) than the comparison dogs (13 days at both shelters). Lower probabilities of euthanasia for behavioral or medical reasons were found for UCD dogs than for the comparison dogs. The probability of euthanasia for reasons of space limitations increased with time in shelter for both groups. In this study, pre-adoption neutering increased adoptions without increasing the probability of medical or behavioral euthanasia.