Pets

In recent years, requests for animal-assisted interventions (AAI) from medical institutions and welfare facilities have increased. Dogs are the most commonly used animals in AAI. Dogs that pass the “therapy dog” aptitude test can work in AAI. In previous research, we identified the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) factors common among dogs that passed the aptitude test. Using these factors, we developed the TC-BARQ, a screening questionnaire for therapy dogs that included 51 C-BARQ surveys. In this study, we conducted TC-BARQ screenings and compared the characteristics of dogs that passed and failed the aptitude test. We collected TC-BARQ data points from aptitude test examinees of the local AAI Dog Association. Each dog is identified by its breed, sex, neutering status, and whether it lives with another dog at home. For each question, we identified factors that differed between dogs that passed and those that failed. As a result, differences emerged in the presence of family dogs, particularly in behaviors related to aggression toward strangers and other dogs, as well as excitability toward people and situations. Continued surveillance is essential, but this study provides important information on selecting “therapy dogs”. Full article

The objective of the present study is to review the anatomical considerations, surgical techniques, clinical applications, and outcomes of myocutaneous and muscle flaps used in the reconstruction of limb defects in dogs and cats. Limb wounds in small animals often result from trauma, neoplasia, or infection and can involve significant soft tissue loss. Reconstruction of these defects is challenging due to limited local skin availability, particularly in distal regions, and the need to preserve function while preventing complications. Muscle and myocutaneous flaps provide well-vascularized tissue suitable for covering complex wounds, especially those with exposed bone, joints, or tendons. This review synthesizes current literature on commonly used flaps—including latissimus dorsi, cutaneous trunci, trapezius, sartorius, semitendinosus, and flexor carpi ulnaris; focusing on their anatomical basis, vascular supply, arc of rotation, surgical technique, indications, and complication rates. Comparative data between dogs and cats are highlighted, and experimental as well as clinical applications are discussed. Myocutaneous flaps offer durable and reliable coverage with lower infection and necrosis rates compared to skin grafts, particularly in contaminated or poorly vascularized wounds. Common complications include distal flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, seroma, and, occasionally, functional deficits. Muscle and myocutaneous flaps remain essential tools in limb reconstruction. Successful outcomes require careful flap planning, surgical expertise, and vigilant postoperative care. Further prospective studies are needed to optimize flap selection and reduce complication rates in both species. Full article

In recent years, the socio-legal concept of emotional support animals (ESAs) has come under increasing scrutiny in the U.S. Widespread confusion about the legal status of ESAs versus service animals and concerns about misrepresentation have resulted in a backlash and a cascade of new legislation addressing “fake service animals.” However, this reaction reveals a broader social problem rooted in policy lag: the integration of companion animals into society has not kept pace with the rise of multispecies families. This article examines law, policy, and public discourse about ESAs within two distinct social contexts: (1) the emergence of multispecies families alongside the systemic exclusion of companion animals from many private and public spaces, and (2) the medicalization of relational bonds and everyday life. Although well-intentioned, the legal and social construction of ESAs creates a two-tiered system where caregivers of companion animals must acquire a medical diagnosis in order to obtain equal access to basic necessities like housing. In addition to resting on weak evidence, the ESA framework diverts attention from macro social issues by pathologizing the individual, creating a problematic medicalization of the human-animal bond that is ultimately detrimental to the well-being of companion animals, their caregivers, and people with disabilities. The construct is also troublingly anthropocentric, centering what animals can do for humans without considering the psychological and emotional support needs of the animals themselves. This article concludes that the anthropocentric medical model advanced by the ESA construct should be replaced with a multispecies social model that supports the human-animal bond without unnecessary medicalization. This approach advocates for equitable laws and policies, such as the expansion of pet-inclusive housing, that benefit families that include companion animals and the communities in which they are embedded. Full article

Owner-led self-medication for companion animals is a growing global practice; however, empirical data from Japan remain limited. Framing medication safety within a One Health perspective, this study aimed to characterize Japanese pet owners’ use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and identify possibilities for pharmacists to support rational self-medication. A cross-sectional 13-item online survey was administered to 500 owners in Japan between 30 May and 2 June 2025. Data on owner demographics, willingness to consult pharmacists, veterinary visit behavior, and OTC purchasing practices were summarized. Many owners were receptive to pharmacy support; 65% wished to consult a pharmacist, and 6.8% had already done so. Overall, 15.2% reported using OTCs drugs, primarily for treatment or prevention and prioritized perceived effectiveness and safety when selecting products. Some owners managed mild pet illnesses at home, citing perceived mildness and cost as reasons for not visiting a veterinary clinic. There is an unmet demand for accessible expert counseling at the point of purchase. Leveraging community pharmacies linked with pet specialty pharmacies as first-contact hubs could promote appropriate self-medication; doing so would require veterinary-specific training, establishing a formal credential for veterinary pharmacists, and defining pharmacist–veterinarian communication to ensure safe and effective use. Full article

Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in canine patients is a growing concern for the veterinary industry. FAS affects the health of the patient while also increasing the risk to veterinary staff. Studies show that many veterinarians do not feel confident in managing behavioural issues like FAS, making engaging effectively with clients more difficult. Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) can be an important tool in mitigating the effects of FAS; however, conclusive research is lacking on the efficacy of many of the medications and combinations currently used for this purpose. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple databases. The most current research available on medications identified as widely used for treating FAS, and available for use in New Zealand, has been reviewed and discussed. Combinations selected for inclusion were the ‘chill protocol’ of acepromazine, gabapentin, and melatonin. Single agents included are clonidine, dexmedetomidine, gabapentin, and trazodone. Research into the use of the ‘chill protocol’ suggests this may be a combination particularly useful in highly stressed and aggressive dogs; however, additional studies need to be conducted to strengthen the evidence for its use. A multimodal approach has been identified as being desirable when addressing FAS in a clinical setting, with less evidence to support the use of single-agent medications in mitigating problematic behaviours. Full article

We performed an histological study on all cases of canine skin hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas that were examined between 2018 and 2020. Of the 446 dogs with skin tumors examined, 25 were diagnosed with hemangiomas and 24 were diagnosed with hemangiosarcomas. Mixed-breed dogs were the most commonly affected by both tumors. The average ages of the dogs who were diagnosed with hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas were 8.70 and 8.36 years, respectively, with the mean age for hemangiosarcomas being slightly higher; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Both types of tumors were more common in the trunk and limbs. Sex differences in tumor frequency were not detected in dogs with hemangiomas or hemangiosarcomas. Histologically, the mixed capillary and cavernous type was the most common in cases of hemangiomas, and the mixed capillary, cavernous, and solid type and the mixed cavernous and solid type were more common in hemangiosarcoma cases compared with the other types. In addition, epithelioid hemangiosarcomas were frequently detected. Full article

Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) have gained popularity over the past few years. However, there is growing concern about their safety. The study objective was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of the pathogens Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Campylobacter spp. in frozen commercially sold RMBDs. One hundred raw meat-based diet products (meat originating from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Scandinavia, South Africa, and Australia) were purchased online or in local stores and identified using culture-based methods. Isolates were further characterized by phenotypic and whole genome sequencing-based methods. In total, 11% (n = 11) of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp., 41% (n = 41) for L. monocytogenes, 58% (n = 58) for Y. enterocolitica, and 3% (n = 3) for Campylobacter spp. Other than for Salmonella, there are no legal regulations concerning contamination of RMBDs with these zoonotic pathogens. The results of our study show that it is indicated to reconsider the requirements for the microbiological quality of RMBDs and to further raise awareness regarding the risks of handling and feeding RMBDs. Full article

A nine-year-old, 10.5 kg, female-spayed Poodle-mix dog presented with a five-day history of vomiting and regurgitation. Thoracic radiographs revealed an area with increased opacity within the esophageal lumen. A ductal esophageal lesion with intraluminal extension and mild left axillary lymphadenopathy were detected on computed tomography. Esophagoscopy revealed a large vascular, obstructive mass with a smooth surface, in the mid part of the esophagus. Endoscopic biopsies were collected, and histopathologic findings were consistent with an inflammatory polyp. Surgical excision of the mass via sternotomy was performed and the mass was sent for histopathologic evaluation. Histopathological examination of the mass revealed an esophageal plasmacytoma with perivascular amyloid deposition, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. There was no evidence of regrowth until 18 months after surgical removal, when evidence of regrowth was identified. The dog had only one episode of vomiting and regurgitation which was resolved after symptomatic treatment. Full article

In dogs, gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with several health conditions, including gastrointestinal disease. Probiotic supplementation can support a balanced gut microbiome. This study assessed the impact of a probiotic containing a mixture of Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Enterococcus faecium on the gut microbiota of six dogs using short-term colonic simulations. Two groups were included, i.e., blank versus supplementation with the test product, and incubated for 48 h. Probiotic-supplemented reactors had significantly greater fermentative activity compared with the blank, as shown by lower pH levels and higher gas pressure after 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h of incubation (p < 0.05 for all). Saccharolytic fermentation also increased, with a significantly higher level of acetate at 24 h and propionate at 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h with the test product versus blank (p < 0.05 for all). There was no significant effect of the test product on alpha-diversity, but beta-diversity analysis revealed a clear separation in the microbial community composition between the test product and blank. Eight bacterial taxa were enriched with test product supplementation, including the probiotic test strains as well as Megamonas and Bacteroides species. This study, using in vitro short-term colon simulations with six canine donors, provides insights into the probiotic characteristics of the test product. Full article

Despite the growing preference for cats as companion animals, beliefs and misperceptions about them are still common. Cultural and sociodemographic aspects can influence society’s attitudes towards cats, affecting the way they are kept and cared for and, consequently, their welfare. This narrative review aimed to identify and categorize beliefs and misconceptions about domestic cats commonly described in the scientific literature, particularly those related to behavior, sociality, health, and management, in order to foster critical thinking about these perceptions. Our bibliographic search included three electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus). This review highlights a set of recurrent beliefs of general society reported by the scientific literature, such as the perception of cats as independent and non-social animals, bringers of bad luck, incapable of forming emotional bonds with their guardians, or in need of outdoor access to thrive. Although widespread, many of these beliefs lack empirical support. Identifying and fostering critical reflection on such beliefs can contribute to deconstructing them, improving the guardian–cat relationship and enhancing the welfare of both cats and humans. Full article

Dog parents have a strong attachment to their pets and treat them as children. Similarly to the guilt experienced by the parents of human children, dog parents feel guilty when they have to travel or work long hours and leave their dogs at home alone. This study examined the empathic tendencies among dog parents and how they are related to dog parent guilt and other mental health symptoms. A sample of 332 dog owners from the United States, stratified by age and sex, was recruited for this study. The sample comprised 168 female and 164 male participants. The Guilt About Dog Parenting Scale (GAPS-D), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Dog Anthropomorphism Scale were administered via an online survey. Demographic variables, such as age, sex, race, education level, household income, relationship, and parental status, were also collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. As predicted, this study found that empathic tendencies in dog parents are related to guilt, anthropomorphizing, and mental health symptoms. This is the first study to examine empathetic tendencies among dog parents in relation to dog parent guilt. Researchers, educators, social workers, mental health professionals, and veterinarians should inform and educate pet owners about dog parent guilt. This will increase the knowledge of professionals, organizations, and pet owners suffering from such guilt. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may offer a promising approach for helping pet parents identify, normalize, and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to empathic and anthropomorphic tendencies. By addressing these cognitive patterns, CBT could potentially help reduce associated feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, and stress. Full article

Background: Abrupt dietary changes may disrupt gut microbiota populations and lead to gastrointestinal issues. This study aimed to determine the effects of live Bacillus pumilus SG154 or Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 327 postbiotic on fecal characteristics and microbiota populations of dogs following an abrupt diet change. Methods: Twelve healthy adult English pointer dogs (6.38 ± 2.75 yr) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to test the following treatments: (1) placebo (control; 250 mg maltodextrin/d); (2) live B. pumilus [5 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU)/d]; and (3) L. paracasei postbiotic (100 mg; derived from 2 × 10⁹ CFU/d). Each period lasted 42 days, with the diet change occurring on day 28. Fecal samples were scored and analyzed for pH, dry matter content, and microbiota before and 2, 6, 10, and 14 days after the diet change. Results: The abrupt diet change increased (p < 0.01) fecal pH, increased (p < 0.01) the dysbiosis index, decreased (p < 0.0001) fecal dry matter, and led to a large shift in the fecal microbiota community. Fecal scores were lower (p < 0.05) in the B. pumilus group. B. pumilus reduced (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of fecal Prevotella and Muribaculaceae, while both treatments (B. pumilus; L. paracasei) increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of fecal Holdemanella. Conclusions: These results suggest that an abrupt diet change leads to large shifts in fecal microbiota and modified fecal characteristics. The supplementation with a B. pumilus probiotic and a L. paracasei postbiotic slightly altered the relative abundance of a few microbial taxa but was unable to attenuate most responses. Full article

Objective: To investigate public attitudes in New Zealand towards the euthanasia of dogs and cats and to explore the factors that influence these views. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019 as part of the Furry Whānau Wellbeing research project. The survey included questions about pet euthanasia, and respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with various statements. Results: Of 2293 respondents to the 2019 New Zealand Pet Survey, the majority (n = 1756) opposed euthanasia for stray, unwanted, or financially burdensome pets (76.7%; 90.2% and 66.3% of these disagreed or strongly disagreed, respectively). In contrast, a slim majority (n = 1162) supported it for sick animals. Females were less likely to agree with euthanasia in most scenarios compared to males. Māori and New Zealand European respondents (n = 1790) showed higher levels of neutrality than other ethnicities regarding stray animals and lower levels of disagreement regarding financially constrained situations. Older respondents (65+) were more likely to support euthanasia for sick animals, while younger respondents (18–24) were less inclined. Higher education levels are correlated with increased neutrality towards euthanising stray animals and increased support for euthanising feral animals. Respondents with children were more likely to be neutral or to disagree with euthanasia in most scenarios. Those with rural upbringings were more accepting of euthanasia for stray and feral animals. A thematic analysis of 653 respondent comments revealed key themes: euthanasia was seen as complex and context-dependent, a humane last resort for suffering animals, but not for convenience. Respondents emphasised responsible pet ownership and a right to life, even for feral animals, advocating for alternatives such as trap–neuter–release. Conclusion: New Zealanders largely view euthanasia as an ethically acceptable option for terminally ill or suffering animals but reject it when driven by convenience or financial hardship. Attitudes vary across demographic groups, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive education and policy. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and support broader discussions on responsible pet ownership, ethical decision making, and animal welfare legislation. Full article

Assessing dogs’ quality of life (QoL) pre- and post-adoption is crucial for shelters and rehoming organisations making decisions with far reaching and dire consequences for both dogs and humans. Making these assessments objectively and in a standardized way is important. As a first step to accomplish these two imperative goals, an assessment tool was developed based on the Framework of Dogs’ Needs, a robust model of needs at a species, breed/breed type, and individual levels based on scientific literature and expert opinion. It qualifies dogs’ QoL as a function of how well their needs are met. Because this tool will be used in real world situations, ensuring it is feasible and comprehensible by a non-scientific audience is key. Therefore, the three-step assessment tool was piloted with a dog owner sample (n = 14): a participant-completed questionnaire, an investigator given questionnaire with video chat observations (of the dog and their home environment), and participant recorded videos (of the dog displaying specific behaviours and scenarios). Participants then completed a feedback gathering survey on the entire process. Issues and aspects to change were also noted throughout by the principal investigator. Most issues pertained to the participant recorded videos, particularly regarding recording feasibility. Most participants said the collective time and effort involved in the assessment procedure would not discourage them from participating. Necessary changes were made to the tool based on all feedback and issues noted. It is now ready for usage in a larger project to assess dogs’ QoL throughout the sheltering and rehoming process. Full article

Antibiotics may be used for gastrointestinal enteropathies but research has demonstrated significant microbiota dysmetabolism, fermentation pattern alterations, and prolonged dysbiosis following treatment. The objective of this study was to determine how dietary fiber or fecal microbial transplant (FMT) treatments impacted the fecal characteristics, metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations of cats treated with metronidazole. Twenty-five healthy adult cats (6.75 ± 1.20 yr) were fed a commercial kibble diet for 2 wk, administered metronidazole (20 mg/kg BW BID) for 2 wk, then monitored for 4 wk. Cats were allotted to one of three interventions (diet, diet + beet pulp, diet + FMT) for 1 wk, interventions ceased, then recovery was monitored for 4 wk. Fresh fecal samples were collected at the end of each phase and at the mid-points of recovery. As anticipated, metronidazole increased fecal scores and moisture (p < 0.05), reduced fecal bacterial alpha diversity (p < 0.0001), and reduced fecal metabolite concentrations. Few treatment effects were detected, with antibiotic recovery contributing to many of the results observed. Dysbiosis was persistent throughout the study, with 4/25 cats still demonstrating mild dysbiosis after 9 wk. Overall, dietary or FMT treatments may aid in accelerated antibiotic recovery in cats but further research is needed to refine treatments for greater efficacy. Full article

Intervertebral disc disease is the most common disease of the spine in dogs and is a main cause of pain and neurologic dysfunction. This article reviews fundamental aspects of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of disc extrusions. Chondroid metaplasia of the nucleus pulposus is the central mechanism of disc degeneration. The clinical presentation varies considerably, depending on the breed, the location of the disc extrusion, and the degree of neurological damage. Advanced imaging techniques, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, have greatly improved diagnosis, with magnetic resonance considered the gold standard. As for treatment, both medical and surgical management are effective options, depending on the degree of neurological damage and the initial response to conservative treatment. This comprehensive analysis underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to optimize the quality of life of patients affected by intervertebral disc disease. Full article

Background: Hereditary immune-mediated polymyositis has been reported in the Kooiker dog breed, associated with a 39 kb deletion and low penetrance. Approximately 10–20 percent of homozygous dogs and 0.5–2 percent of heterozygous dogs develop polymyositis. This study examines whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist in diagnosing polymyositis in this breed. Methods: All dogs in this prospective case study were purebred Kooiker dogs referred for clinical examination to assess them for polymyositis. A dataset was compiled, including sex, neuter status, and, if applicable, age of onset, clinical signs, CK activity, electromyogram, and histopathological findings. MRI was performed using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, with T1-weighted, T2-weighted, T2W fat-suppressed short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and T1-weighted post-contrast sequences. Results: Five Kooiker dogs were included in the study. Four dogs exhibited clinical signs compatible with polymyositis (one heterozygous and three homozygous for the 39 kb deletion), while one dog was homozygous for the 39 kb deletion but showed no clinical signs. The clinically affected dogs exhibited T2-weighted, STIR, and T1-weighted post-contrast muscular hyperintensity, and the diagnosis was confirmed with histopathology. The asymptomatic dog displayed no MRI abnormalities. Conclusions: MRI has proven to be a valuable tool in assisting with the diagnosis of Kooiker dogs carrying the 39 kb deletion. MRI can act as a screening tool for dogs with the 39 kb deletion, eliminating the need for an initial biopsy. A muscle biopsy, following a confirmatory MRI, is still the preferred method for diagnosing polymyositis. Full article

Today, the pet effect is a powerful symbol for advancing the understanding and acceptance of the human–animal bond in societal and policy arenas. The primary aim of this commentary is to clarify the concept of the “pet effect” and demonstrate how advocates for this bond can leverage its influence to promote meaningful change and inform public policy. Full article