Exaggerated breed characteristics in dogs

Dutch dog owners seem to be aware of bad dog breeding practices with regard to exaggerated breed characteristics that are detrimental to the dog's welfare. Yet they do not always look for these features when buying a dog. Most dog owners think that veterinarians could have an important role in preventing these exaggerated physical traits, by providing information about these traits and taking action in their capacity as veterinarian. Articles 36 and 55 of the Dutch GWWD (animal health and welfare law) provide opportunities to act against the breeding of dogs with exaggerated genetic traits.     

Comparison of the efficacy of remote consultations and personal consultations for the treatment of dogs which are aggressive towards their owners

Two groups of 42 dogs which were aggressive towards their owners were enrolled into a study designed to compare the efficacy of remote consultations with direct personal consultations for the treatment of the aggressive behaviour. The level of aggression of the dogs was assessed before and after programmes designed to modify their behaviour. Both programmes resulted in a significant reduction in the aggressive behaviour of the dogs towards their owners, and there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of the recommendations, whether they were made without having seen the dog or during a personal consultation with the dog and its owner.     

Biology of aggression in dogs

The science of ethology is concerned with the way external stimuli and internal events cause animals to fight in a particular way. The classification of dog breeds with respect to their relative danger to humans makes no sense, as both, the complex antecedent conditions in which aggressive behaviour occurs, and its ramifying consequences in the individual dog's ecological and social environment, are not considered. From a biological point of view, environmental and learning effects are always superimposed upon genetic influences. Based on the recent developments in the study of ethology, aggression of wolves (Canis lupus L.) and domesticated dogs (Canis lupus f. familiaris) was put into context with respect to other aspects of the lifestyle of wild and domestic canids. Aggressive behaviour does not occur in a biological vacuum. This is also true for domestic dogs and their relationship to human partners. Individual dogs can become highly aggressive and dangerous. Their development and social situation will be presented and discussed in case studies. Finally, there is the question about defining "normal aggression" versus symptoms for maladaptive aggression resp. danger to humans as conspecifics. It is possible to protect the safety of the public and at the the same time practise animal care. Effective animal control legislation must focus on responsible ownership and socialisation of pups f.e. Problems are not unique to some breeds.     

The nature of the dog--a contribution to the keeping and breeding of so-called fighting dogs

The behavioural repertoire of dogs derives from that of the wolf. But there are distinct race-specific differences which go back to the man's breeding influence in the course of domestication to develop special qualities in dogs. Today, dog keeping no longer corresponds to these qualities of dogs in many ways. We refer to the problems resulting from this and man's responsibility for the establishment of a man-dog relationship that is functional and responds to the dog's character. The abuse of certain dog behaviour by man has to be pursued consistently. In the same way we must also take care of an unforced integration of dogs into our society.     

Is there a difference? Comparison of golden retrievers and dogs affected by breed-specific legislation regarding aggressive behavior

Between 2000 and 2002, legislation in Lower Saxony insinuated a special dangerousness of certain dog breeds, and controls were imposed on them. Exemption was only possible if the dogs passed a standardized temperament test. In a previous study, test results of 415 dogs belonging to breeds affected by the legislation were analyzed. Ninety-five percent of the dogs showed no indication of disturbed aggressive communication or aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. Because a control group was not available at that time, these results referred to a comparison between the affected breeds. In this study, golden retrievers were tested and used as control group. Seventy golden retrievers were tested in the temperament test. The order of testing was: veterinary examination, learning test, situations of dog–human-, dog–environment-, and dog–dog-contact, and obedience. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored using a scale of 1–7. A total of 58.57% of the dogs did not show aggressive behavior (Scale 1). Forty percent displayed aggressive behavior referring to Scale 2, and 1.43% showed aggressive behavior referring to Scale 5. A total of 98.57% of the dogs reacted appropriately, and 1.43% displayed aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. In the previous study, 95% of the animals reacted appropriately, whereas 5% displayed excessive aggressive communication or aggressive behavior in inappropriate situations. Comparing the results of golden retrievers and breeds affected by the legislation, no significant difference was found. A scientific basis for breed specific lists does not exist. Therefore, legislation in Lower Saxony was changed, and breed lists were withdrawn.     

Relationship between aggressive and avoidance behaviour by dogs and their experience in the first six months of life

The early experiences of dogs showing signs of avoidance behaviour or aggression were compared with those of dogs from the same clinical population that did not show such behaviour. The occurrence of each behavioural sign was tested for its association with the dog's maternal environment, the environment it experienced between three and six months of age, and the age at which it had been acquired. Non-domestic maternal environments, and a lack of experience of urban environments between three and six months of age, were both significantly associated with aggression towards unfamiliar people and avoidance behaviour. Aggression during a veterinary examination was more likely in dogs from non-domestic maternal environments. There was no significant association with either environment for aggression towards familiar people, or towards dogs.     

Sperm granuloma and sperm agglutination in a dog with asthenozoospermia

A mongrel dog, aged 2 years, was found to have only a small number of sperm, immobilization of all sperm, and many sperm agglutinations in its ejaculates, and scrotal palpation revealed a small nodule in the left cauda epididymis. Addition of the dog's seminal plasma or serum to the semen of 2 normal dogs caused immobilization and agglutination of their sperm. Histological examination showed that the nodule was a sperm granuloma. Many lymphocytes were seen in the stroma around the sperm granuloma. Anti-sperm antibodies are presumed to be present in the semen and serum of the asthenozoospermic dog.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in Finnish Spitz dogs with focal epilepsy

Eleven Finnish Spitz dogs with focal seizures and 3 healthy controls were evaluated. General clinical and neurological examinations, blood examination, urinalysis, cerebrospinal fluid examination, electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were performed on all dogs. On EEG examination, focal epileptic activity was found in 7 of 11 dogs (64%), and generalized epileptic activity was observed in 4 of 11 dogs (36%). MRI (performed with 1.5 T equipment) detected changes in 1 epileptic dog. Mild contrast enhancement after gadolinium injection was identified in this dog's right parietal cortex. However, no such changes were observed in repeated magnetic resonance images. Special emphasis was given to seizure history to determine any correlations between seizure intervals and MRI findings. Our results indicate that Finnish Spitz dogs with focal seizures suffer from focal idiopathic epilepsy and have nondetectable findings on MRI or pathology. MRI showed poor sensitivity in detecting epileptogenic areas in our patients with focal seizures. Reversible MRI changes in 1 dog could have been caused by seizures.     

Evaluation of treatments for separation anxiety in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcome in dogs with separation anxiety and owner compliance with and perception of effectiveness of discharge instructions. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 52 dogs with separation anxiety. PROCEDURE: Sex, age at which the owner obtained the dog, age at which separation anxiety was first noticed, age at behavioral examination, and discharge instructions were obtained from medical records of each dog. Between 6 and 64 months after the behavioral examination, owners were contacted by telephone and questioned about the outcome of treatment, their compliance with discharge instructions, and their perception of the effectiveness of each instruction. RESULTS: Thirty-two (62%) dogs had improved, whereas 20 were the same, were worse, or had been euthanatized or given away. Mixed-breed dogs were significantly less likely to improve than purebred dogs. Compliance varied according to discharge instruction. Significantly fewer dogs with owners that were given > 5 instructions improved or were cured, compared with those with owners given fewer instructions. Twenty-seven dogs were also treated with amitriptyline or other medication; 15 (56%) improved. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owners complied with instructions that involved little time such as omitting punishment and providing a chew toy at the time of departure. Owners were also willing to increase the dog's exercise but were not willing to uncouple the cues of departure from real departures or desensitize the dog to impending departure. Administration of psychoactive medication may be necessary to augment behavior modification techniques designed to reduce separation anxiety in dogs.     

The suitability of dogs as guide dogs for the blind: criteria and testing procedures

Criteria and testing procedures with regard to the suitability of dogs as guide dogs for the blind were developed on the basis of a literature study and own observations. A profile of the guide dog comprising physical characteristics, skillfulness, behaviour, and obedience was drawn up. As a rule, the testing procedures concern health and skills of the dogs. In the skill test some elements of the behavioural and obedience test were included. The final evaluation is based on the results of physical examination and the skill test, unless testing of behaviour and/or obedience appears necessary as well. A method for evaluating the performance of the dogs as objectively as possible is described. Some implications of using and testing guide dogs are discussed.     

Penile self-mutilation as an unusual sign of a separation-related problem in a crossbreed dog

A two-year-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for evaluation of licking, biting and severe self-mutilation of its penis, which resulted in ulcers and haemorrhagic preputial discharge. History revealed signs of separation anxiety such as active greeting behaviour, excessive vocalisation and intermittent episodes of licking of the penis when the dog was left alone. The owner reported that he had been hospitalised after a car accident, and he had no chance of seeing the dog. During that time, the behaviour progressed to frequent episodes of licking and biting of the penis. Three weeks of treatment with clomipramine in addition to the presence of the dog's brother, who was brought into the dog's living environment, appeared to produce a considerable degree of improvement. The purpose of this report is to contribute to an increased awareness within veterinary practice of unusual signs of separation anxiety such as penile self-mutilation.     

Efficacy of amitriptyline as a pharmacological adjunct to behavioral modification in the management of aggressive behaviors in dogs.

The efficacy of amitriptyline as a pharmacological adjunct to behavioral modification in the clinical management of aggressive behaviors in dogs was evaluated in two phases. Twelve dogs presenting for aggressive behaviors were treated sequentially with amitriptyline (2 mg/kg body weight, per os [PO] bid) and a placebo for 4 weeks in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Standardized protocols for behavior modification were implemented throughout the trial. Owners maintained behavioral records and reported on the number of aggressive incidents as well as the dog's overall improvement at the end of each 4-week period. In the second phase, 27 cases of dogs presenting for aggressive behaviors and treated with amitriptyline were reviewed, and clients were contacted to record each dog's response to treatment. Reports were compared to those for dogs receiving behavior modification alone (i.e., placebo phase of prospective study). No significant difference was observed in the patients' responses to adjunctive amitriptyline versus behavior modification alone.     

Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status

Canine aggressive behaviour is one of the most common problems being reported by dog owners. However, the biochemical basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. In humans, alterations in omega-3 plasma polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated omega6/omega-3 ratio have been linked to behavioural alterations, including aggression. Thus far, however, the relationship between plasma polyunsatured fatty acid status and aggression has not been investigated in the dog. In the present study we sought to investigate whether polyunsatured fatty acid status could be altered in plasma of pathologically aggressive Canis familiaris. Eighteen adult male German Shepherd dogs, aged 4.9 ± 0.9 years, showing no clinical signs but aggression, were investigated. Eighteen healthy male dogs, aged 4.8 ± 0.7 years, with a negative history of behavioural and neurological disorders served as controls. Baseline fasting plasma polyunsatured fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs showed lower docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) concentrations and a higher omega6/omega-3 ratio. In addition, they showed reduced cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations compared to their normally behaving counterparts. Altogether, our results suggest that low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact behaviour in dogs, resulting in greater propensity to aggression. However, given the cross-sectional design of our study, we cannot claim any causal relationship between the presence of alterations in fatty acid status and canine aggressiveness. Whether omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may be useful to reduce aggressive behaviour in the dog deserves further investigation.     

Gastric ulceration subsequent to partial invagination of the stomach in a dog with gastric dilatation-volvulus

CASE DESCRIPTION-An 8-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of abdominal distension, retching, and vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Gastric dilatation-volvulus was suspected on the basis of the dog's signalment, history, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal radiography. Celiotomy was performed, and gastric dilatation-volvulus was confirmed along with splenomegaly. Gastric invagination was performed over an area of gastric necrosis. The dog was reevaluated 21 days later after an episode of collapse. Findings of physical examination and clinicopathologic analyses were suggestive of internal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasonography and subsequent celiotomy revealed severe gastric ulceration at the gastric invagination site, splenic torsion, and a focal splenic infarct. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-Splenectomy and gastrectomy of the necrotic tissue were performed. The dog was discharged from the hospital, and the owner was instructed to administer gastroprotectants and feed the dog a bland diet. The dog was reported to be healthy 3.25 years after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Findings suggest that complications associated with the gastric invagination procedure include severe gastric ulceration that may require subsequent surgery. Prolonged treatment with gastroprotectants following gastric invagination surgery may be necessary to avoid gastric ulceration in dogs.     

Use of physiatry as the sole treatment for three paretic or paralyzed dogs with chronic compressive conditions of the caudal portion of the cervical spinal cord

Physiatry alone was used to treat 3 large (30- to 40-kg [66 to 88 lb]) mature (6- to 9-year-old) dogs that were tetraparetic or tetraplegic. All 3 dogs had myelographic evidence of multiple chronic compressive extradural lesions of the caudal portion of the cervical spinal cord. All dogs improved substantially after a course of intensive physical treatment. For 2 dogs, an abbreviated treatment regimen was continued by the owners after the dogs were discharged. Both of these dogs regained and retained normal neurologic function. The other dog improved but was treated infrequently at home. That dog's signs recurred, and the dog was euthanatized. Persistent use of physical treatment for paralysis that results from conditions affecting the cervical spinal cord may be useful even without concurrent surgical or pharmacologic treatments.     

Neuro-imaging the serotonin 2A receptor as a valid biomarker for canine behavioural disorders

The serotonergic system is disturbed in different mood and affective disorders, with especially the serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor involved in impulsive aggressiveness and anxiety. The aim of the study was to evaluate the involvement of the brain 5-HT 2A receptor in dogs with different behavioural disorders. Three groups of drug naive dogs were studied: 22 dogs showing impulsive aggressive behaviour, 22 showing normal behaviour, and 22 showing anxious behaviour. The serotonin 2A receptor was evaluated with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and the serotonin 2A receptor-selective radiopharmaceutical (123)I-R91150. A serotonin 2A receptor binding index (BI), proportional to the cortical receptor density, was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine cut-off values at which optimal sensitivity and specificity are achieved and to evaluate the general performance of the BI in reflecting the state of the dog, i.e., impulsive aggressive, normal or anxious. Significantly (P<0.0056) altered 5-HT 2A receptor binding indices were found in bilateral frontal, temporal and occipital cortical brain areas of the dogs behaving abnormally, with consistently increased BI in impulsive aggressive dogs and decreased BI in anxious dogs. These results provide clear evidence for a disturbed serotonergic balance in canine impulsive aggression and anxiety disorders. A right frontal cut-off value of ≥1.92 with 86.4% sensitivity and 2.3% (1-specificity) was obtained for the impulsive aggressive dogs. Differentiating the anxious dogs from the rest of the population was possible with a cut-off value of ≤1.73 with 86.4% sensitivity and 18.2% (1-specificity). We conclude that SPECT imaging with the radioligand (123)I-R91150 can be a helpful tool in evaluating the involvement of the serotonin 2A receptor in the complex mechanisms of impulsive aggressive and anxious behaviour. The 5HT-2A binding index of the right frontal cortex appears to be a valid biomarker in differentiating the studied canine behavioural disorders.     

Assessment of serotonin in serum,plasma, and platelets of aggressive dogs

Canine aggression is the most common reason for the referral of dogs to behavior practices. In addition, dog bites represent an important problem for public health and animal welfare. The serotonergic system is believed to play an important role in modulating aggression. The aim of the present study was (1) to assess the suitability of different types of blood samples for measuring circulating serotonin in canine clinical studies, and (2) to investigate the relationship between the serotonergic system and canine aggression. The assessment of serotonin was simultaneously carried out in serum, plasma, and platelets of 28 aggressive and 10 nonaggressive dogs with an enzyme immunoassay technique. The mean serotonin concentration in aggressive dogs was significantly lower than in nonaggressive dogs in all the assayed samples. These findings suggest an inverse relationship between the activity of the serotonergic system and canine aggression. Considering the simplicity of the methodology, the authors propose sampling serum as the most suitable method for measuring circulating serotonin in dogs.     

Predatory aggression in a German shepherd dog

This article presents a clinical case of predatory aggression that represents a problem for public health. The patient was a 2-year-old male German shepherd referred to the behavior clinic at the School of Veterinary Medicine owing to its aggressive behavior toward people and other dogs. The dog tended to form a pack with the other dogs of the household and killed neighborhood dogs, cats, hens, and rabbits. The presumptive diagnosis was “predatory aggression” associated with “territorial and protective aggression.” The risk analysis determined that the dog should be euthanized. Nevertheless, the owner refused, and hence behavior modification and drug therapy were recommended. A year later, the dog killed again (another dog), indicating that despite the drug and behavioral treatment, it is likely that its predatory aggression will never be resolved.     

Prairie dog care and husbandry.

The species of prairie dog most commonly found in the pet trade is the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomus ludovicianus. These prairie dogs are active, playful, and strong rodents that can make wonderful, affectionate pets when they are properly socialized and given attention. However, with a life span of 8 to 12 years, prairie dogs require a lot of care and a long-term commitment. Prairie dogs live in colonies; thus, they are highly social animals. Potential owners should understand a prairie dog's need for attention before adopting one.