Search Results (204)

Humans rely heavily on vision for information-gathering, decision-making, and communication, making it difficult to imagine how our perception of the world might change if our primary sensory modality were entirely different. Dogs (Canis familiaris), for instance, rely as much or more on olfaction as on vision in information-gathering. Nonetheless, canine cognition research has largely emphasized visual tasks. In the present study (N = 48 dogs) we aim to begin to remedy this by designing an olfactory version of a prototypical dog-cognition experimental design: the object choice test. In the standard design, subjects respond to an experimenter’s pointing gesture to choose between two overturned cups, one of which is baited with a food treat. We extended this paradigm by adding trials using an “olfactory point” in place of the visual gesture. In these trials, two cotton strings extended from the cups toward the subject and converged in front of the subject. The string leading to the baited cup was scented with either the odor of the treat or the subject’s owner, while the string leading to the non-baited cup remained unscented as a control. Subjects followed both visual and olfactory points at rates significantly above chance. These findings suggest that dogs can use experimentally presented olfactory cues to guide choice behavior, supporting the development of experimental designs that better reflect species-specific sensory systems. Full article

Dental developmental anomalies are well documented in clinical veterinary medicine but remain rarely reported in archeological dogs. This study presents a radiologically confirmed case of an unerupted left maxillary canine associated with the absence of an alveolus for the left maxillary first molar and incisors in a dog skull from early medieval Wolin. This study aimed to determine whether the observed absence of teeth resulted from congenital agenesis, developmental arrest, ante-mortem loss, or post-depositional processes. Radiographic examination revealed a fully formed but unerupted canine, while the M¹ region exhibited a smooth bony surface without reactive remodeling, periapical radiolucencies, or signs of ante-mortem tooth loss. Differential diagnosis did not support canine agenesis, ante-mortem loss, or taphonomic damage as primary explanations. The findings most strongly support a congenital or very early developmental origin of the observed alterations. The estimated age of the individual (7–10 years) and the absence of secondary pathological changes suggest that these anomalies did not significantly impair masticatory function. Owing to the single-case nature of the material, broader population-level inferences cannot be made. This case underscores the methodological importance of radiographic imaging in archeological dental research and suggests that alveolar absence should not be automatically equated with impaired survival or poor health in this individual. Full article

Background/Objectives: The well-established inverse relationship between lifespan and weight across dog breeds has been associated with higher cancer mortality in larger breeds. However, Peto’s paradox implies that larger-bodied species experience lower-than-expected rates of cancer mortality because of higher levels of cancer suppression. Therefore, it has been hypothesised that recently established large dog breeds experience high cancer mortality because of a lag in their evolution of cancer suppression. This “adaptive lag hypothesis” predicts that ancient breeds, which have had more time to evolve optimal cancer suppression, exhibit lower cancer mortality rates, longer lifespans, and smaller litter sizes (a cost of cancer suppression) compared to modern breeds of the same size. Methods: The adaptive lag hypothesis is tested here by comparing ancient and modern breeds defined by their levels of modern European genetic admixture. Results: Ancient breeds have significantly longer lifespans and smaller litters than modern breeds of the same size after controlling for phylogenetic relationships. The sparse data on cancer mortality rates of ancient breeds do not allow a definitive test of a difference between ancient and modern breeds, but ancient breeds show a significant departure from the increase in cancer mortality rate with weight observed for modern breeds. Conclusions: The results are consistent with the adaptive lag hypothesis, that the evolution of cancer suppression in large modern dog breeds has lagged behind their increased risk of cancer, thus shortening their lives compared to smaller breeds and compared to ancient breeds of the same size. Full article

Modern lifestyles are increasingly plagued by physical inactivity, social disconnection, digital addiction, and excessive time indoors—factors that negatively impact the health and well-being of both humans and their companion dogs (Canis familiaris). Evidence shows that nature exposure, physical activity, and human–animal bond (HAB) each enhance physical, mental, and social well-being, yet these domains have rarely been examined together as an integrated therapeutic triad. We introduce a new conceptual framework of bonded green exercise, defined as shared physical activity between a bonded human and dog in natural environments. Synthesizing existing evidence across human and canine sciences into a testable conceptual integration, we posit that bonded green exercise may plausibly activate evolutionarily conserved, synergistic mechanisms of physiological, behavioural, and affective co-regulation. Four testable hypotheses are proposed: (H1) triadic synergy: combined domains produce greater benefits than additive effects; (H2) heterospecific benefit: parallel health gains occur in both species; (H3) behavioural amplification: dogs acts as catalysts to drive human participation in nature-based activity; and (H4) scalable health promotion: bonded green exercise represents a low-cost, accessible, One Health approach with population-level potential. This framework highlights how intentional, shared physical activity in nature may potentially offer a novel low-cost and accessible model for enhancing health, lifespan, welfare, and ecological stewardship across species. Full article

Dermatomycoses pose significant zoonotic and public health challenges, involving interactions among fungal agents, host immunity, and environmental reservoirs. Eight cases of dermatophyte infection involving five humans, two cats and one dog were investigated in the Umbria region applying a One-Health approach, as recommended by the CDC. Fungal isolates were identified by mycological and molecular methods as Microsporum canis (n = 4), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 3), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes genotype III* (n = 1). The source of infection was identified in four cases enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment, removal of fomites, and environmental sanitization; as a result, no recurrences were observed. In the remaining cases, environmental assessments showed no fungal burden, indicating likely incidental transmission. Close cohabitation or contact with cats emerged as a risk factor. The patient’s medical history should always include exposure to animals in order to facilitate early recognition, correct management, and prevention. Interdisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, veterinarians, and laboratory technicians is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and to prevent potential antifungal resistance phenomena. Moreover, continuous surveillance under a One-Health framework will enable better epidemiological understanding of dermatophyte species dynamics, particularly zoonotic agents. Full article

The maturation and motility of epididymal sperm (ES) cells are largely driven by changes in protein expression. This study aimed to analyze the proteomic profile of canine (Canis lupus familiaris) ES across groups characterized by different progressive motility (PMOT) values to identify motility-related sperm proteins (MRSPs). ES were obtained from the epididymal semen of 19 dogs. The motility and movement parameters of ejaculated sperm (ES) were evaluated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Samples were classified into two groups: good sperm motility (GSM), defined as PMOT% ≥ 55%, and poor sperm motility (PSM), defined as PMOT < 55%. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the first two components could explain 88.1% of the total variance between the GSM and PSM groups. Protein profiling of ES was performed using NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Significant statistical differences were demonstrated between the GSM and PSM groups for the TMOT (p = 0.039) and PMOT (p < 0.001). For five common proteins, their abundance was estimated to be higher in the GSM group than in the PSM group: ACTB (p = 0.2732), CRISP2 (p = 0.1558), LTF (p = 0.2661) and significantly higher: ce10 (p = 0.009) and NPC2 (p < 0.0044). These findings may be used to develop diagnostic MRSP-based tests related to ES quality in assisted reproduction techniques in dogs. Full article

Background/Objectives The leopard (Panthera pardus), an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable species and individual identification is critical for conservation and forensic applications, particularly when analyzing highly processed or degraded seized wildlife products, where morphological identification is often impossible. We aimed to develop and validate a robust multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay combined with a short tandem repeat (STR) system for the species-specific detection and individual identification of P. pardus. Methods The qPCR assay (Ppar Qplex) was designed to target a mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cyt b) fragment for species confirmation, a nuclear marker (PLP) for general Feliformia detection and quantification, and an artificial internal positive control (IPC) to monitor PCR inhibition. The assay’s performance was validated for robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, utilizing DNA extracted from 30 P. pardus individuals (hair and feces) and tested against 18 related Feliformia species and two outgroups. Individual identification was achieved using a set of 18 STR loci and a sex determination system adapted from previously published Panthera panels. Results Validation demonstrated high specificity for the Ppar Qplex: mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in P. pardus samples. The nuclear marker consistently amplified across all 18 tested Feliformia species but not the outgroups. The assay showed high analytical sensitivity, successfully detecting DNA at concentrations as low as 1 pg/µL, with consistent results confirmed across different sample types, replicates, and independent users. Furthermore, the STR multiplex successfully generated 30 unique individual profiles using the 18 polymorphic loci and the sex determination system. Conclusions The combined qPCR assay and STR system provide a fast, sensitive, and highly specific molecular framework for rapid leopard detection, quantification, and individual identification from a wide range of sample types. These tools strengthen forensic capacity to combat wildlife crime and provide critical data to support evidence-based conservation management of P. pardus. P. pardus, an apex predator listed in CITES Appendix I and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is undergoing severe population declines driven by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and illegal trade. Rapid and reliable identification of seized specimens is therefore critical for conservation and forensic applications, mainly when products are highly processed. We developed and validated a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome b (Cyt b) for species-specific detection. The assay was tested on verified leopard individuals and validated across 18 Feliformia and two outgroup species (Homo sapiens, Canis lupus familiaris). Analytical performance was assessed through robustness, specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility. Mitochondrial amplification occurred exclusively in leopard samples, while nuclear markers amplified consistently across Feliformia but not in outgroup species. The assay’s limit of DNA detection is 1 pg/µL and produces consistent results across replicates, tested types of samples (hair, feces), and independent users, with internal controls confirming the absence of inhibition. In addition, we present the results of successful individual identification using the set of 18 STR loci and the sex determination system. The developed qPCR and STR systems provide a fast, sensitive, and specific solution for leopard detection and quantification, reinforcing forensic efforts against wildlife crime and supporting conservation of P. pardus. Full article

Taenia crassiceps is a cestode capable of causing severe and atypical cysticercosis in accidental intermediate hosts, including domestic dogs. Here we report a fatal disseminated T. crassiceps infection (cystiscercosis) in a 4-year-old castrated male German Shepherd from Poland that had been undergoing long-term prednisone therapy for Addison’s disease. The dog developed multiple soft subcutaneous nodules containing numerous asexually proliferating cysticerci. Necropsy revealed extensive dissemination of larvae throughout the subcutis and the thoracic and abdominal cavities, accompanied by serosanguineous effusions, necrosis, and chronic inflammatory lesions. Histological examination demonstrated cestode larvae with a scolex bearing two rows of hooks, consistent with T. crassiceps. Immunosuppression and endocrine alterations, including chronic glucocorticoid treatment and low levels of testosterone, likely promoted rapid asexual proliferation of larvae. A literature review shows that although dogs are definitive hosts of T. crassiceps, immunosuppressed individuals may also serve as accidental intermediate hosts. Early cytological evaluation of subcutaneous nodules may facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Given the zoonotic potential of T. crassiceps and the increasing number of European cases, this parasitic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules in immunosuppressed dogs. The presented case underscores its epidemiological relevance within the One Health framework. Full article

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a congenital disorder affecting connective tissue. Patients diagnosed with EDS may present with joint instability, and in human medicine, an increased risk of cranial cruciate rupture has been described. A few therapeutic options for these patients have been described, with no evident superiority of one technique due to small study groups. Cranial cruciate rupture has never been described in a dog with EDS. This is a case report of an 11-month-old Maltese diagnosed with bilateral cruciate ligament rupture and classical EDS with a previously undescribed heterozygous COL5A1 missense variant that underwent stifle stabilization. Full article

Appropriate selenium (Se) levels contribute to the weakening of the effects of cellular peroxidation and have a protective function, ensuring the effectiveness of the defense against various diseases. The study aimed to determine the selenium content in the gonads of dogs from the Warsaw metropolitan area, taking into account the influence of gender, health status, and individual. The research material consisted of testicular and ovarian samples obtained from 86 animals during routine surgeries. Selenium content in the samples was determined using fluorometric spectrometry. The mean selenium content in the gonads of all components was found to be 0.43 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight. In males, it was 0.49 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight, while in females, it was 0.39 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight. The lowest selenium concentration was found in animals of both sexes in the group of individuals older than 7 years. In individuals with disturbed selenium homeostasis, 0.34 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight occurred in the ovaries of females with pyometra, and in males, 0.41 mg·kg⁻¹ wet weight occurred in individuals with testicular atrophy. Full article

Sarcocystis spp. are cyst-forming protozoan parasites with a global distribution that infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals, impacting both animal health and livestock productivity. In sheep, infections can cause clinical disease, reproductive losses, and economic damage, particularly when pathogenic species such as Sarcocystis tenella are involved. Grazing sheep, including breeds such as the Serra da Estrela from central Portugal, are at increased risk due to frequent contact with shepherd dogs, which serve as definitive hosts. Despite their significance, data on the occurrence and distribution of Sarcocystis spp. in Portuguese sheep remain limited. This study analyzed 179 samples collected in central Portugal during 2024, including 41 brain tissues and 88 blood samples from sheep, and 50 stool samples from shepherd dogs, using conventional PCR and bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Sarcocystis sp. closely related to S. tenella was detected exclusively in sheep brain tissue, with a prevalence of 4.9% (2/41; 95% CI: 0.60–16.53), while no parasite DNA was found in blood or dog samples. These results provide the first molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. closely related to S. tenella in Portuguese sheep raised for human consumption and establish baseline data for future epidemiological surveillance and control strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fresh frozen (FF) samples are routinely used to isolate high-molecular-weight intact genomic DNA. However, when FF samples are not available, archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples often represent the only available material in clinical research. Due to formaldehyde-induced degradation of nucleic acids they pose special challenges for genetic investigations. In this study we compare whole-genome sequencing results on intact DNA versus fragmented DNA derived from FFPE samples of three dogs. Methods: We prepared matched libraries from FF and FFPE samples of three dogs affected by an inherited disease, EFNB3-related congenital mirror movement disorder 1 (CMM1). Paired-end short-read sequencing data were obtained on an Illumina sequencer and analyzed with adapted workflows for FF or FFPE data, respectively. Results: The data between FF and FFPE samples were largely consistent. FF data showed a superior variant call accuracy, as expected. However, the data quality from the FFPE samples was sufficient to correctly identify the causal variant in EFNB3. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using FFPE samples from dogs for whole-genome sequencing and the detection of germline variants. Using FFPE samples in the analysis of suspected inherited diseases in domestic animals may represent a valuable approach in veterinary genetics if no other samples are available. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, imposing a significant burden on public health. Despite the use of various therapeutic strategies, the prognosis for patients with metastatic and drug-resistant CRC remains poor, which underscores the need for further investigations into cancer mechanisms to develop more effective treatments. Rodents, particularly mice, are the most frequently used animal models for CRC research. However, as the demand for more precise simulations and higher ethical standards in animal experimentation grows, the applicability of rodent models may face increasing limitations. This review highlights a variety of non-rodent animals, including model organisms such as zebrafish (Danio rerio), fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as well as the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and mammals such as rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), and pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), which have been utilized in CRC research. Each of these alternatives offers specific advantages in certain areas of cancer research. Their use has enabled new insights into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in CRC, as well as the development of novel therapies. Full article

The mandible of domestic dogs represents a key structure in veterinary anatomy. This study tested the hypothesis that mandibular shape variation in adult mesocephalic dogs follows a non-random modular pattern with limited allometric influence. A total of 168 dry mandibles from academic osteological collections were analyzed using geometric morphometrics. Four anatomical landmarks and two curves of sliding semilandmarks were digitized and processed through Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Principal component analysis revealed that 62.7% of total variance was concentrated in the first two axes, associated with the coronoid height, ramus robustness, and curvature of the mandibular body. Cluster and Canonical Variate Analyses identified two overlapping but statistically distinct configurations, reflecting the intrinsic morphological diversity of mesocephalic dogs. Procrustes regression confirmed a significant yet low allometric effect (2.34%), while modularity tests based on RV coefficients supported a structured organization involving the ramus, coronoid, and angular processes (processus angularis mandibulae) as relatively independent modules. These results indicate that mandibular shape variation is hierarchically organized rather than random, highlighting the coexistence of integration and modular independence within the masticatory apparatus. Beyond its morphometric contribution, this study provides a reproducible anatomical baseline for veterinary and comparative research, facilitating future analyses of sexual dimorphism, functional adaptation, and surgical applications. Full article

The canine parturition cascade involves decreased placental progesterone (P4) signaling mediated through its nuclear receptor PGR in decidual cells, leading to increased trophoblast production of PGF2α that promotes luteolysis, placentolysis, and myometrial contractility. A local role for glucocorticoids in initiating parturition through increased placental availability of cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor (GR/NR3C1), possibly affecting P4-PGR signaling, has been suggested. Primary uterine inertia (PUI) is a major cause of canine dystocia, but its pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that dysregulated placental signaling could contribute to PUI. The availability of parturition cascade-related factors was assessed in placentae of dogs with PUI and during physiological prepartum luteolysis (LUT). Compared with LUT, PUI had no significant changes in prostaglandin-related factors PTGS2, PTGES, and HPGD (p > 0.05), but had lower PGF2α synthase PGFS/AKR1C3 (p < 0.001), and higher PGT abundance (p < 0.001). PUI had increased PGR transcript and protein levels (p < 0.001), but the same number of decidual cells (p > 0.05). GR/NR3C1 availability was reduced in PUI (p < 0.05), along with decreased placental cortisol-to-cortisone conversion. Our findings suggest that PUI could be associated with disturbances of the parturition cascade, possibly due to inadequate P4-PGR and glucocorticoid signaling in the placenta. Full article