Pets

Degenerative joint disease is highly prevalent in older cats and can negatively affect mobility, behaviour, and overall welfare, yet objective evidence for the efficacy of dietary joint supplements in this species remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-ingredient oral joint supplement on activity, behaviour, and physiological parameters in domestic cats using accelerometry and blood-based measures. Sixteen cats were enrolled, with data from 11 cats (control n = 5; treatment n = 6) analysed over a 16-week period. Overall dynamic body acceleration was associated with time and showed a significant interaction between treatment and time (p = 0.001), although no main effect of treatment was detected (p = 0.323). Locomotion showed trends for both treatment (p = 0.082) and the interaction between treatment and time (p = 0.097). Grooming showed a significant interaction between treatment and time (p = 0.018), with higher grooming levels in the treatment group during early winter (weeks 2–8), followed by a decline in both groups. No differences were observed in body weight, haematology or biochemistry. These findings suggest that supplementation may influence behavioural consistency and context-dependent expression, particularly in grooming, rather than producing increases in overall activity. The supplement was well tolerated, highlighting the importance of behaviour-specific and temporal analyses when evaluating interventions in feline joint health. Full article

Avian long-bone fractures are challenging because of the distinctive anatomy and biomechanics of avian bone and the need to preserve local biology while restoring function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of biologically oriented plate fixation in avian long-bone fractures. A retrospective descriptive case series was performed using six avian fracture cases with complete records of species, bone, fracture type, fixation method, complications, and radiographic follow-up. The population included two domestic chickens, one peafowl, one hyacinth macaw, one bald eagle, and one sulphur-crested cockatoo. Fractures involved the tibiotarsus (4/6), femur (1/6), and radius/ulna (1/6), with transverse and comminuted configurations. Internal plate fixation was used in all six cases. Radiographic union was achieved in all cases, with healing times of 60–92 days. One femoral fracture treated with a 3.5 mm locking plate was complicated by plate failure; no complications occurred in the remaining cases. Because outcomes were assessed only by radiographic union and documented complications, with no functional outcome data, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Biologically oriented plate fixation may be a viable option for selected avian long-bone fractures, though larger prospective studies are needed to define indications, construct selection, and outcomes. Full article

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether an ACTH-induced increase in serum cortisol affects hematological variables and serum serotonin concentration in healthy dogs. Methods: Eight healthy dogs were evaluated using a randomized crossover design. Each dog received either ACTH (5 µg/kg, i.v.) or saline solution during the first experimental period and the alternate treatment after a 15-day interval, so that all dogs underwent both treatments. Blood samples were collected during the first 5 h after treatment. Serum cortisol and serotonin concentrations and hematological variables were determined. Results: ACTH-treated dogs showed higher serum cortisol concentrations than controls (p = 0.0002). ACTH treatment increased white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts (p < 0.05), whereas the percentage of lymphocytes decreased at 120 min (p < 0.05), with no significant effects on the remaining hematological variables. ACTH treatment did not affect serum serotonin concentrations. Conclusions: This study shows that ACTH-induced increases in cortisol affected selected hematological variables in healthy dogs, including increased white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts and a reduced percentage of lymphocytes, although all values remained within the reference interval. In contrast, ACTH-induced cortisol increases did not acutely affect serum serotonin concentrations during the first 300 min after treatment. Full article

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare disorder of sex development characterized by the persistence of Müllerian duct derivatives in genetically and phenotypically male animals. This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, surgical management, histopathological findings, and cytogenetic characterization of a 9-year-old intact male Schnauzer dog presented with a 3-day history of progressively worsening vomiting, diarrhea, unilateral testicular enlargement, oliguria, and dysuria. Diagnostic evaluation included abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, exploratory laparotomy, histopathology, and cytogenetic analysis using R-replicative banding after bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Imaging and surgical exploration revealed cryptorchidism, persistent Müllerian duct derivatives, including uterine horn-like structures, and an abnormal gonadal structure. Histopathological examination confirmed severe seminiferous tubular atrophy, persistence of Müllerian-derived tissues, and a unilateral Sertoli cell tumor. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated a normal male karyotype (78,XY) without evidence of chromosomal mosaicism or structural abnormalities, supporting the diagnosis of a 78,XY disorder of sex development and excluding major chromosomal defects. This case highlights the importance of integrating clinical evaluation, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, and cytogenetic analysis to identify findings compatible with PMDS and emphasizes that this condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cryptorchid male dogs presenting with reproductive tract abnormalities or associated testicular neoplasia. Full article

Donkeys and horses diverged approximately 4 million years ago and exhibit substantial genetic, chromosomal, and physiologic differences. Although mostly studied in horses, metabolic syndrome represents a broader metabolic dysfunction with systemic consequences, such as obesity and laminitis, that can impact the quality of life of equids. This review summarizes the current knowledge of glucose and insulin regulation in healthy horses and donkeys and examines the pathophysiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) in comparison with donkey metabolic syndrome (DMS), including insulin dysregulation, impaired glucose transport, adipose tissue dysfunction, and emerging evidence of systemic meta-inflammation and oxidative stress. Compared with horses, donkeys demonstrate distinct patterns of adipose deposition, different metabolic profiles, and altered glucose and insulin dynamics following oral soluble carbohydrate intake. While our understanding of donkey medicine has expanded in recent years, gaps in knowledge remain regarding mechanistic insights into glucose metabolism and dysregulation in donkeys. Finally, we evaluate current and emerging therapeutic strategies, including dietary management, exercise, nutraceuticals, and pharmacologic interventions such as metformin and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is). While these therapeutic approaches have demonstrated efficacy in horses, evidence in donkeys remains extremely limited. This highlights a critical need for species-specific research to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and optimize therapeutic strategies for donkeys. Full article

(1) Background: Migrating grass awns can cause significant inflammation and tissue damage. Endoscopy is well known to be an effective tool for both diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract and upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies; however, its safety and efficacy for the removal of grass awns has not been evaluated. This study aims to describe the characteristics of dogs affected by grass awn foreign bodies, identify common sites of awn embedment, describe the outcomes of endoscopic procedures, and identify any complications associated with endoscopic removal of grass awn foreign bodies from the nasal cavity and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Endoscopy is hypothesized to be a safe and effective means for both diagnosis and removal of migrating grass awns from the nasal cavity and upper GI tract. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series of 18 client-owned dogs undergoing endoscopy for removal of grass awns in the nasal cavity or gastrointestinal tract. Cases for inclusion were identified by reviewing the medical records of all animals that underwent rhinoscopy or endoscopy for suspected foreign bodies. Cases were included if one or more grass awns were identified on endoscopy. (3) Results: Most grass awns were found in the nasal cavity, tonsillar crypts, and at the upper esophageal sphincter, each representing 23% of identified awns. Sneezing and nasal discharge were correlated with awns in the nasal cavity, whereas other clinical signs were less indicative of awn location. Seventy-two percent of cases (13/18) had complete removal of all visible awns, while 28% (5/18) had incomplete removal. Long-term follow-up was limited; however, all dogs with follow-up data available showed resolution of clinical signs. No significant endoscopic complications were reported. (4) Conclusions: Endoscopy appears to be a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality for the identification and removal of grass awns from the nasal cavity and upper GI tract. Clinical signs may help predict awn location and guide endoscopic evaluation. Additional studies with standardized follow-up are needed to better define clinical outcomes and factors associated with successful retrieval. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in older cats, and nutritional management remains the intervention with the strongest clinical evidence. Interest has expanded from conventional control of phosphorus and uremic signs to the gut–kidney axis, in which renal dysfunction may alter the intestinal environment while microbial metabolism generates solutes that accumulate as kidney function declines. This PRISMA-ScR-guided scoping review and critical narrative synthesis evaluates feline evidence on CKD-associated dysbiosis, gut-derived uremic solutes, bile acid metabolism, and microbiome-directed nutrition. The original search covered January 2021 to April 2026, with inclusion of earlier studies and targeted source verification through July 2026. Eligibility was organized into two evidence strata: core feline evidence and contextual evidence. The final revised evidence map comprised 49 unique sources (28 empirical feline sources and 21 contextual sources spanning comparative, methodological, guideline, regulatory, or safety evidence); non-feline evidence was used only for mechanistic, methodological, safety, or translational interpretation and was not pooled with feline clinical outcomes. Cats with CKD have shown lower fecal microbial richness and diversity and higher circulating indoxyl sulfate in small cross-sectional cohorts, but causality remains unproven. Recent work also identified altered secondary bile acids and lower fecal ursodeoxycholic acid; however, Peptacetobacter hiranonis is principally linked to bai-mediated 7α-dehydroxylation, whereas ursodeoxycholic acid formation requires distinct hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reactions. Complete therapeutic renal diets improve clinical outcomes, but their benefits reflect multiple simultaneous modifications and cannot yet be decomposed into a microbiome-specific effect. Evidence for isolated prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and precision nutrition algorithms is preliminary or absent in feline CKD. The field is constrained by small cohorts, confounding, reliance on 16S rRNA sequencing, compositional data, and limited interlaboratory reproducibility. Current clinical practice should therefore prioritize a palatable complete renal diet, adequate energy and protein intake, muscle condition monitoring, hydration, and constipation management, while microbiome-directed products remain adjunctive or investigational. Full article

Rationale: This research explores the connections between shelter and rescue revenues and expenses and live release outcomes, specifically focusing on the implications of a nonprofit having a government contract to provide animal control and welfare services. Methods: Two data sources were used for the project: nonprofit I990s as reported to the Internal Revenue Service (for financial data) and live release data from Shelter Animals Count (to measure shelter outcomes). The project focuses on financing for nonprofit shelters and rescues and 252 organizations from the Shelter Animals Count database, classified as nonprofits with and without government contracts, were used in the analysis. Data on revenue and expenditures were pulled from the nonprofit 990s using the GuideStar website. Results: Two variables—relinquishment rate and diversification of revenue—account for 40% of the variation in live release rates. Organizations with greater diversification of revenue have significantly higher live release rates and those with higher numbers of relinquished animals have lower ones. Conclusions: The study concludes that: a more even distribution of revenue between donations, programs, and government contracts for service is related to better outcomes; it is not so much whether a shelter or rescue has a government contract, but the portion of its revenue provided by the contract that is related to live release rates; and, overall, there are few significant relationships between revenue, expenditures, and outcomes. Full article

Locoregional anaesthesia is vital in modern equine veterinary practice. It effectively manages acute pain and may reduce the anaesthetic requirements and adverse effects associated with general anaesthesia. This review summarises the currently described local anaesthetic techniques used in horses, with emphasis on epidural approaches, peripheral nerve blocks, and fascial plane techniques. The relevant literature was identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The review discusses the pharmacological properties of commonly used local anaesthetics, differences between short- and long-acting agents, and the potential role of adjuvants in prolonging analgesia. In addition, the available evidence regarding ultrasound-guided and nerve stimulator-guided techniques is presented, including their applications in thoracic, abdominal, and reproductive procedures. Attention is given to recently described fascial plane blocks and to the growing use of ultrasound guidance for improving anatomical identification and needle placement. The available evidence suggests that locoregional anaesthesia can contribute to multimodal analgesia in horses while potentially reducing perioperative systemic analgesic requirements. However, the clinical evidence supporting several techniques remains limited, and further controlled studies are required to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and reproducibility under clinical conditions. Full article

Skin diseases are among the most frequently diagnosed conditions in companion animals and have historically been treated empirically with antibiotics, contributing to the emergence and persistence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In recent years, greater awareness of AMR has led to a reduction in antibiotic use in veterinary medicine, particularly in dermatology. To assess AMR trends in skin infections and evaluate the use of diagnostic tools to guide antimicrobial prescriptions, we conducted a retrospective study of medical records from a veterinary hospital in northwestern Italy between 2013 and 2024. A total of 447 antimicrobial susceptibility tests from dogs and cats with clinical signs of skin disease were analyzed. Of these, 391 yielded positive bacterial cultures, and 56 were negative. Most positive samples came from dogs (83.4%), with cats accounting for 16.6%. The most frequently isolated bacterial families were Staphylococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was prescribed in 36.6% of patients, fluoroquinolones in 25.9%, while 17% received only detergent–disinfectant products. Among first-line drugs, ampicillin showed the lowest susceptibility, with resistance exceeding 60%, whereas imipenem (used as an indicator of carbapenemase production but avoided in veterinary medicine) retained high activity, with susceptibility rates of 77.2% in dogs and 90.3% in cats. These findings are clinically relevant, but continuous AMR surveillance remains essential within a One Health framework to limit the spread of resistant bacteria and resistance genes to cohabiting humans. Full article

Trap–neuter–return (TNR) programs are the leading non-lethal approach to managing free-roaming cat populations. When cats are anesthetized for surgical sterilization, veterinarians have a brief opportunity to obtain blood samples for pre-surgical screening, infectious-disease surveillance, and contribution to population-level reference-interval research. Field conditions, however, make collecting good-quality blood samples difficult: cats are often dehydrated and stressed, the procedure is kept brief, and their medical history is unknown. This narrative review draws on the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) reference-interval guidelines, feline anesthesia and the blood-collection literature, and operational experience from Portuguese TNR programs to describe seven points in the sampling workflow at which technique most often fails: anesthetic depth verification, controlled aspiration speed, immediate EDTA-tube mixing, post-venipuncture hemostasis, hemolysis recognition, precise FIV/FeLV point-of-care test timing, and adherence to a maximum-attempts limit. Three recurrent failure modes—collapsed veins from excessive aspiration, clotted EDTA samples from inadequate mixing, and hematoma formation from insufficient hemostasis—account for the majority of poor samples observed in routine practice. The framework presented here is intended to support reproducible, welfare-compliant sample collection during TNR operations, giving veterinary teams a single, structured reference that supports both animal welfare and the diagnostic value of the samples they collect. Full article

Feline panleukopenia is a viral disease of domestic cats caused by Protoparvovirus carnivoran 1. This virus species is generally classified into feline parvovirus (FPV) and canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) according to phylogenetic characteristics and association with diseases in the animal hosts. Despite the availability of vaccines, feline panleukopenia has been reported in cats from Brazil. This study aimed to detect and characterize Protoparvovirus carnivoran 1 in blood samples from 368 domestic cats in southern Brazil. Total DNA was extracted from these samples, and FPV/CPV-2 detection was performed using a specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. The viral protein 2 (VP2) gene was further sequenced to identify the FPV/CPV-2 genotype. The results showed nine blood samples (2.45%) testing positive for Protoparvovirus carnivoran 1. Partial VP2 gene was successfully sequenced in six of these positive samples. A phylogenetic analysis with a large dataset classified all protoparvoviruses into three main clades: A, B, and CPV. Four of the viruses sequenced in this study (IDs 9917, 9919, 9927, and 9936) were classified in clade A, one (ID 9944) in clade B, and one (ID 9930) in clade CPV. Furthermore, three FPVs from clade A showed total nucleotide identity among themselves and also with field FPV sequences, while two of them (IDs 9936 and 9944) showed high nucleotide identity with two different modified live virus vaccines (from Clades A and B, respectively). These findings suggest that domestic cats are infected by field-like and/or vaccine-related FPV strains, as well as CPV-2 in southern Brazil. Full article

Industrial processing of tomato generates large amounts of tomato pomace (TP), whose disposal and stabilization are challenging due to its high moisture content. This study evaluated, for the first time, the effects of increasing inclusion levels of enzymatic pre-treatment, vacuum paddle-dehydrated TP (ETP), in extruded diets for adult dogs. Three diets containing 0%, 2% or 4% ETP, replacing wheat bran and sunflower meal, were produced. Three two-bowl tests assessed palatability, and a feeding trial was performed using a four 3 × 3 Latin square design with 12 healthy adult Beagle dogs across three 28-day periods. Inclusion of ETP had negligible effects on the chemical composition of diets and kept unaffected palatability, body weight, food intake, fecal consistency and output. Fecal pH was lower, and valerate proportion was higher, in dogs fed the 2% ETP diet. All diets exhibited high digestibility (>90%) without effects of dietary treatments. Overall, ETP, a locally sourced co-product of the food industry, may represent a more sustainable alternative to imported raw materials, although further studies are needed to explore its effects on fecal microbiota and health-related parameters. Full article

Intraoperative anaesthetic monitoring is essential in rabbits due to their high perioperative morbidity and mortality and the limited availability of species-specific evidence, despite their increasing role as companion animals. This narrative review summarises the available scientific literature on intraoperative monitoring in anaesthetised rabbits, focusing on central nervous system assessment, cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring, and temperature management during general anaesthesia. Findings indicate that anaesthetic depth assessment based solely on ocular reflexes is unreliable and should be integrated with jaw tone, reflex responses, and respiratory patterns. Cardiovascular monitoring relies on heart rate, electrocardiography, and arterial pressure measurement, although invasive and non-invasive techniques have limitations in accuracy and practicability in small-size patients. Pulse oximetry and capnography assess oxygenation and ventilation but may be affected by peripheral perfusion, equipment dead space, and technical limitations. Temperature monitoring is critical due to high risk of hypothermia, with continuous or frequent measurements recommended. Overall, multimodal monitoring improves detection of physiological disturbances and supports safer anaesthetic management. Full article

Phimosis is rarely reported in cats and involves the inability to exteriorize the penis through an absent or abnormally narrowed preputial orifice. This case report describes the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcome of two male domestic shorthair kittens with suspected congenital type II phimosis. Both cats presented with recurrent stranguria and dysuria, preputial swelling, urine pooling or dribbling, a markedly stenotic preputial orifice, and penile–preputial adhesions. In Case 1, cystic struvite urolithiasis was also identified; treatment included cystotomy and ventrally performed modified preputial urethrostomy because of extensive adhesions, penile hypoplasia, and limited penile mobility. In Case 2, adhesions were limited to the distal penis and were released, allowing circumferential preputioplasty. No postoperative complications occurred. Clinical signs resolved, and normal urination was recorded during available follow-up, which was 12 months in Case 1 and 2 months in Case 2. The congenital origin was suspected based on early onset of clinical signs but could not be definitively confirmed. These cases suggest that selected feline type II phimosis cases can be managed successfully by tailoring surgery to anatomical abnormalities, using ventral-modified preputial urethrostomy when adhesions and penile hypoplasia restrict mobilization, or circumferential preputioplasty when adhesions are limited distally. Full article

Background: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are common neurological disorders in Pomeranian dogs. The familial aggregation of these disorders has not been thoroughly characterised in this breed. Methods: A cohort of 999 Pomeranians examined with MRI for CM/SM was retrospectively reviewed. Siblings within litters were identified and compared, and the familial aggregation between offspring and parents screened for these conditions was investigated. Results: The mean central canal dilation (CCD) increased statistically significantly with the age of the dog at the time of the MRI scan. Forty-three per cent of all the dogs were free of CM, with 57% had CM. SM was detected in 31% of all the dogs, while 69% were not affected. Only 37% of all the dogs were free of both conditions. SM was observed in 6% of all the dogs without being affected by CM. Thirty-nine litters were identified in which two or more siblings were scanned. Siblings within the same litter had comparable scans in almost all the cases. Although pups from affected parents have a higher risk of SM, and pups bred from unaffected parents have a lower incidence of SM, the statistical significance could only be demonstrated for the >3 years of age category of SM in offspring, compared with the presence of SM in the mother. It could not be demonstrated for CM. Conclusions: Both CM and SM are frequently observed in this breed, and SM tends to progress over time. Siblings often show comparable findings. The screening results obtained from mothers aged >3 years indicated that SM-affected mothers are more likely to have affected offspring. CM/SM are most likely heritable traits in this breed, and to reduce the frequency of affected pups, breeders are encouraged to screen their breeding stock and use only unaffected parents. Full article

Background: Nutrition is a key determinant of skin barrier function and coat quality in cats, but controlled studies comparing commercial diets are limited. Methods: Eighteen healthy adult cats (3.44 ± 0.69 years) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard commercial chicken-based diet (ORI, Instinct Petfood, Visalia, CA, USA, n = 9) or a nutrient-enriched formula designed for skin and coat health (ULT, Instinct Petfood, Little Falls, MN, USA, n = 9) for 12 weeks. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were recorded weekly. Visual coat scoring, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and skin biophysical parameters (hydration, sebum, transepidermal water loss) were assessed on days 0, 21, 42, 63 and 84. Results: Both diets maintained stable BW and BCS. Visual scoring showed skin and hair remained within the normal healthy ranges in both groups throughout the study. QDA revealed significant improvements in coat glossiness, softness, and overall scores over time in both diet groups (p < 0.05). Back hydration increased over time, and in the ORI group, values at days 42, 63, and 84 were higher than baseline (44.96, 43.10, and 41.26 vs. 33.85; p < 0.05). Ear hydration showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05). In the ULT group, ear hydration was higher at days 21, 42, 63, and 84 than at baseline (24.17, 35.21, 28.69, and 34.19 vs. 17.87; p < 0.05). Ear TEWL also showed a significant time × group interaction (p < 0.05) and displayed a biphasic pattern in the ULT group, with values at days 63 and 84 higher than at day 42 (15.51 and 14.48 vs. 11.77 g/m²/h; p < 0.05). Compared with the ORI group, the ULT group showed a smaller change in ear TEWL from baseline at day 42 (−2.54 vs. 2.98 g/m²/h; p < 0.05) and a greater increase in ear hydration from baseline at day 84 (16.32 vs. 9.31; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that both diets supported healthy skin and coat conditions in cats, while the nutrient-enriched formula may provide additional benefits for skin hydration. Full article

Skin wounds in dogs and cats are frequently managed by second-intention healing, yet comparative evidence on topical treatments in these species remains limited. This study investigated wound-healing dynamics in dogs and cats using a standardized experimental model that enabled direct interspecies and within-animal comparison of treatment responses during secondary-intention healing. Standardized full-thickness cutaneous wounds were created on the dorsolateral trunk, with multiple wounds per animal randomly assigned to different treatments, including Manuka honey, Dermapliq, and untreated controls. Healing was evaluated using a multimodal approach, including clinical endpoints, planimetric analysis of epithelialization, contraction and total healing, ultrasonographic assessment, and blinded histopathology. Planimetry-derived total wound healing, the primary endpoint, did not differ significantly among treatments, while treatment-associated differences were identified in selected secondary endpoints. Dermapliq-treated wounds reached complete epithelial coverage earlier and showed smaller ultrasonographic wound areas than untreated controls, whereas Manuka honey was associated with faster complete granulation coverage but greater exudate quantity. Interspecies differences were also identified, with cats generally exhibiting slower progression to key healing endpoints than dogs under identical experimental conditions. These findings suggest species-specific healing responses and phase-dependent treatment-associated differences during secondary-intention wound healing in a controlled experimental model. However, they should not be interpreted as evidence of broad treatment superiority. Further studies in naturally occurring, larger, contaminated, infected, or chronic wounds are required before direct clinical extrapolation. Full article

Dog behavior problems are a common source of stress for owners, yet the psychological mechanisms underlying this distress remain poorly understood. This cross-sectional study online survey examines relationships among dog behavioral characteristics, caregiver guilt, burden, psychological outcomes, social context, veterinary communication quality, and decision-making regarding rehoming and euthanasia. Among 565 participants, 33% met criteria for probable anxiety, 20% for probable depression, and 78% for elevated caregiver burden; 53% reported feeling alone, and 40% reported feeling socially isolated. Dog behavior burden was associated with caregiver guilt, caregiver burden, and decision-making related to euthanasia and rehoming, but not with depression or life satisfaction. In contrast, caregiver guilt was consistently associated with higher anxiety, higher depression, greater caregiver burden, and lower life satisfaction. Informal and self-guided resources were widely used but perceived as less effective, and although veterinarians were commonly consulted, they were rated as less helpful than board-certified veterinary behaviorists, trainers, or prescribed medications. Findings suggest that caregiver distress may be driven less by the objective severity of behavior problems and more by how these experiences are interpreted, evaluated, and socially reinforced, highlighting the importance of addressing caregiver experiences alongside canine behavior. Full article