Search Results (103)

Accurate estimation of metabolizable energy requirements (MER) is essential for appropriate dietary planning in dogs. However, standardized recommendations may not reflect the variability observed in clinical practice, particularly regarding individual factors such as neutering status, body condition, and age. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the MER factor in dogs treated at a Brazilian veterinary hospital, considering variables including sex, neuter status, body condition score (BCS), muscle mass score (MMS), body size, and life stage, and to compare the findings with those typically reported in the scientific literature. A total of 438 medical records from 2013 to 2025 were reviewed for this study. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected, and MER factors were calculated based on energy intake and body weight. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the interactions between variables, particularly BCS and neutering status. The study population included 253 males (57.8%) and 185 females (42.2%), with 80.6% of them being neutered. The MER values varied widely across the subgroups. Neutered dogs had consistently lower energy factors than intact dogs (p < 0.0001), and energy requirements decreased progressively with increasing BCS, regardless of neutering status (p < 0.05). A significant interaction between BCS and neutering status was observed (p = 0.0089), although BCS alone was not a significant predictor (p = 0.9670). No substantial differences were observed based on sex, body size, or life stage. MER values observed in clinical practice differ from standard recommendations and are influenced by the interaction between neutering status and body condition. These findings reinforce the need for individualized nutritional assessments in companion animal medicine and call for further studies to refine clinical energy estimation models. Full article

Brachycephalic head shape in dogs has been associated with behavioural traits that may enhance their appeal as companion animals, contributing to their popularity. However, it remains unclear whether these behavioural differences are directly linked to head shape or are mediated by factors such as body size, demographics, and dog-keeping practices. Drawing on two large-scale owner surveys (N = 5613) and cephalic index estimates for 90 breeds, we investigated the relationship between head shape and eight behavioural variables (four personality traits and four behavioural problems), while controlling for 20 demographic and dog-keeping characteristics, as well as body size. Our results show that behavioural differences among head shapes are only partly attributable to head shape itself; some are explained by confounding variables. Specifically, brachycephalic dogs appeared predisposed to positive behaviours (e.g., calmness, fewer behavioural problems), but these traits were often obscured by their small body size and low training experience. These findings highlight the complex interplay between morphology, behaviour, and environment, and emphasize the role of training and management in supporting the behavioural well-being of popular brachycephalic breeds. This has important implications for owners, breeders, and welfare professionals aiming to align aesthetic preferences with behavioural and welfare outcomes. Full article

Background: Canine pyoderma and otitis externa are prevalent bacterial skin infections in veterinary practice, frequently complicated by the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Objectives: To investigate the frequency, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and frequency of MDR bacterial isolates from dogs with pyoderma or otitis externa in Hong Kong. Methods: A retrospective study of bacterial isolates from 215 clinical samples collected from dogs presenting with pyoderma (n = 63) or otitis externa (n = 152) at veterinary clinics across Hong Kong between 2018 and 2022. Bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 13 antimicrobial classes. Results: Staphylococcus spp., particularly S. pseudintermedius, were the most commonly isolated species, followed by Pseudomonas spp. and Proteus spp. High resistance rates were observed for orbifloxacin (61.3% in pyoderma; 76.7% in otitis externa), doxycycline (59.3%; 69.2%), clindamycin (62%; 68.9%), and enrofloxacin (50%; 55.5%). Most isolates were sensitive to ofloxacin, ticarcillin–clavulanate, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, cefpodoxime, cefuroxime, and cefixime. MDR was detected in 67.5% of pyoderma and 66.8% of otitis externa isolates. Gram-negative bacteria exhibited significantly higher MDR rates than Gram-positive isolates. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index averaged 0.41 for pyoderma and 0.52 for otitis externa isolates. We found no significant associations between MDR and non-modifiable risk factors (i.e., age, sex, breed, and reproductive status). Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for prudent antimicrobial use and continuous surveillance of AMR trends in companion animals. A higher focus should be placed on topical antiseptic therapy, with oral antibiotics used only in exceptional cases and after susceptibility testing. From a One Health perspective, the potential transmission of MDR bacteria between companion animals and humans underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to antimicrobial stewardship across both veterinary and human medicine. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health emergency. The growing levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria in companion animals represent a critical but under-recognized threat, as pets can act as reservoirs and vectors of resistant pathogens, and bacteria can spread between species. Despite living in close proximity to humans and sharing many of the same antibiotic classes, companion animals remain largely overlooked in the AMR control strategies. A major obstacle to combating AMR in Europe is the absence of a mandatory and uniform surveillance system. Without a standardized approach, data collection remains inconsistent, leading to knowledge gaps and hindering effective investigation and policymaking. Surveillance failures prevent a comprehensive understanding of resistance patterns, making it difficult to implement timely and evidence-based measures. Existing laws and regulations are insufficient to contain the growing threat of AMR. Current policies fail to enforce strict antimicrobial stewardship across all European countries and lack the necessary scope to address resistance effectively. Urgent action is required—Europe must implement stronger, harmonized surveillance systems, enforce stricter veterinary antimicrobial regulations, and develop more active and binding programs to curb resistance before it reaches an uncontrollable level. A One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is essential. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat. Among the most problematic pathogens are carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are significant causes of mortality in humans, particularly in the context of nosocomial infections. In companion animals, these bacteria have been reported mainly as colonizers of healthy animals or, less frequently, in community-acquired infections. However, no confirmed cases of healthcare-associated infections caused by these species have been documented in this population. This study reports the first confirmed fatal cases of infection with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and KPC-producing K. pneumoniae in dogs. Methods: Three hospitalized dogs developed infections associated with distinct anatomical devices, including a venous catheter, an endotracheal tube, and a Penrose drain. Bacterial isolation followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing identified carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae. The isolates were subsequently subjected to additional antimicrobial resistance tests and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results: WGS confirmed the presence of the OXA-23 carbapenemase gene in both A. baumannii isolates and the KPC-2 carbapenemase gene was detected in the K. pneumoniae strain. All three strains exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial classes, including β-lactams (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cephalotin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, cefotaxime, ertapenem, imipenem and meropenem), aminoglycosides (gentamicin, neomycin), tetracyclines (doxycycline, tetracycline and oxytetracycline), fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin), and folate pathway antagonists (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Multilocus sequence typing identified two high-risk clones: K. pneumoniae ST340 (CC258) and A. baumannii ST15 (CC15). Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis confirmed a high degree of genetic similarity between these isolates and strains previously associated with human infections in Brazil. Conclusions: These findings provide the first evidence of fatal, healthcare-associated infections caused by these multidrug-resistant pathogens in dogs and underscore the need to strengthen surveillance and infection control practices in veterinary hospitals. Furthermore, the results raise concerns about the potential of companion animals to act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms of public health relevance. Full article

Canine distemper is caused by a morbillivirus similar to others that affect livestock and humans. The increase in host range and its persistence in wildlife reservoirs complicate eradication considerably. Canine distemper virus has been reported in wildlife in Mexico since 2007. Dogs were previously considered the main reservoirs, but high vaccination coverage in the USA has helped control the disease, and racoons (Procyon lotor) are now recognized as the main reservoirs of the agent in the USA, since they live in high densities in urban environments (peridomestic), where contact with domestic and wildlife species is common. Racoons are now considered to spread CDV in wildlife species and zoo animals. Mexico is home to at least two wildlife species that have been reported as carriers of the CDV infection in studies in the USA. Raccoons and Coyotes are distributed in several Mexican states and could play the same reservoir role as for the US. In addition, the increase in non-traditional pets expands the availability of susceptible individuals to preserve CDV in domiciliary and peri-domiciliary environments, contributing to the spread of the disease. Combined with incomplete vaccination coverage in domestic canids, this could contribute to maintaining subclinical infections. Infected pets with incomplete vaccination schedules could also spread CDV to other canines or wildlife coexisting species. In controlled habitats, such as flora and fauna sanctuaries, protected habitats, zoo collections, etc., populations of wildlife species and stray dogs facilitate the spread of CDV infection, causing the spilling over of this infectious agent. Restricting domestic pets from wildlife habitats reduces the chance of spreading the infection. Regular epidemiological surveillance and specific wildlife conservation practices can contribute to managing threatened species susceptible to diseases like CDV. This may also facilitate timely interventions in companion animals which eventually minimize the impact of this disease in both scenarios. Aim: The review discusses the circulation of CDV in wildlife populations, and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife, particularly in endangered wildlife species from Mexico. Through an extensive review of recent scientific literature about CDV disease in wildlife that has been published in local and international databases, the findings were connected with the current needs of information from a local to global perspective, and conclusions were made to broaden the context of Mexican epidemiological scenarios as closely related to the neighboring regions. Full article

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in small animal practice and their inappropriate treatment contributes to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spreading. This study assessed bacterial prevalence, non-susceptibility percentages, antimicrobial prescription and the impact of the application of international guidelines redacted by the International Society for Companion Animals Infectious Disease (ISCAID) in dogs and cats with UTIs evaluated at a European veterinary university hospital, over a 30-month period. A total of 729 bacterial isolates were included. The most frequently isolated bacterial species was Escherichia coli in both dogs (52.8%) and cats (45.7%). Following ISCAID guidelines, almost half of the cases were classified as upper UTIs (24.9%) or recurrent cystitis (24.8%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) percentage was 37.3% (n = 272). Over five semesters, MDR significantly decreased (p = 0.001). Additionally, a significant decrease was recorded for specimens from patients previously treated (p = 0.018) and under treatment at sampling (p < 0.001). Previous treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanate (p = 0.001), marbofloxacin (p < 0.001), enrofloxacin (p < 0.001) and piperacillin-tazobactam (p = 0.016) was linked with higher MDR rates. This study highlighted that companion animals are potential reservoirs for AMR; moreover, international guidelines applied in the daily practice guiding antimicrobial stewardship can lead to a reduction in AMR over time. Full article

Natural and human-made disasters can severely impact communities and can result in high numbers of human injuries and deaths. Animals, both companion and livestock, are often injured as a result of these disasters and require veterinary care. Veterinarians are not only involved in providing care for these animals but also play important roles in planning and preparedness functions that occur before a disaster strikes. There are several examples of the use of multi-user virtual environments (MUVE) to provide human health care workers with valuable training centered on disaster response and disaster medicine. This communication provides a thorough review of a clinical rotation, as part of a professional veterinary curriculum, that uses a combination of classroom and experiential learning via an MUVE, Second Life^®. This rotation has provided more than 1800 senior veterinary students at a veterinary school in the United States with experiential learning opportunities focused on veterinary disaster preparedness, planning, and response training. The authors have prepared this communication to provide other institutions and educators with information on the practical implementation of Second Life^® in teaching and to offer recommendations based on our institutional experience. Full article

Managing relinquished/stray dogs is a significant socio-economic and ethical challenge necessitating structured policies to ensure animal welfare and integration into society. Critical to successful rehoming is careful assessment of a dog’s temperament/behavior and appropriate matching of a dog to an owner. Shelter dogs’ involvement in canine-assisted interventions (CAIs) provides a potential avenue for rehoming through appropriate dog educational programs. CAIs consist of structured interactions between dog and clients targeted at specific groups with physical/psychological/emotional impairments in various settings. However, there is a lack of standardized protocols for assessing shelter dogs’ suitability for CAI, raising ethical concerns regarding selection/training practices. This study explores the ethical dimensions of rehoming shelter dogs for CAI, employing a philosophical framework considering the responsibilities of humans/veterinarians toward companion animals and how societal perceptions of human–animal relationships impact decision-making in this context. An ethical matrix is applied to evaluate the implications of rehoming decisions on canine and human interests. Our findings highlight the need for a balanced, responsible approach that respects the individuality of dogs while promoting their potential roles in human society. Ethical guidelines for the selection and training of shelter dogs for CAI could enhance their welfare, improve adoption rates, and reinforce the value of the human–animal bond. Full article

(1) Background: For the residents of long-term care (LTC) units, a humanoid social robot (HSR) may be not only a caregiver but also a companion. The aim of our study was to analyse changes in its perception following a real-world interaction; (2) Methods: One hundred LTC residents were assessed twice with the Godspeed Questionnaire Series (GQS): after viewing a photograph of HSR TIAGo only and after interacting with it in a practical manner. The perception parameters were evaluated on a scale of 1–5 in five series: I-Anthropomorphism, II-Animation, III-Likeability, IV-Perceived intelligence, and V-Perceived safety. (3) Results: In the post-interaction assessment of the TIAGo robot, no lower scores were observed relative to the first (photo-based) scoring. Positive changes were observed in III (p < 0.001), I (p < 0.01), II (p < 0.05), and IV (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, high levels of loneliness constituted a correlate for improvement after interaction in I (p < 0.05); computer skills—in III (p < 0.01), and GDS score corresponding to depression—in IV (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Our study reveals a positive change in older people’s perception of an HSR after interacting with it. Interaction is thus an indispensable element in the development process. Developers and implementers should pay particular attention to the robot’s smart functions, movements, and responsiveness. Full article

Ivermectin, an anthelmintic used in livestock, is excreted in faeces and can therefore affect non-target organisms. While its effects on coprophagous insects have been well studied, recent research suggests that it can be taken up by plants, raising the possibility that it may affect a much wider range of invertebrates than previously known. Our study investigated the effects of ivermectin on insects from different feeding guilds. First, we tested its effects on the larvae of the noctuid moths Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera (chewing herbivores) using an artificial diet. Secondly, we investigated the effects of its presence in the soil of pea plants Pisum sativum on the pea-feeding aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (phloem-feeding herbivore). Thirdly, we tested ivermectin in an artificial diet for Drosophila melanogaster used as a host for the parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae. Our results showed that ivermectin reduced pupal weight and survival in moth larvae, inhibited aphid colony establishment and reduced parasitoid emergence rates from ivermectin-exposed Drosophila pupae. These results highlight the potential of ivermectin to affect multiple trophic levels and emphasise the need for sustainable veterinary practices in the use of anthelmintics in free-ranging livestock and companion animals. Full article

The veterinary profession is rapidly evolving, requiring curricular renewal to address emerging challenges and enhance graduate preparedness. A survey was conducted among students and alumni of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (n = 279), Portugal, to evaluate the need for an updated veterinary curriculum. Respondents conveyed a strong preference for companion animal medicine, likely influenced by sociocultural factors and media representation. To address current and future demands, it was recommended to re-evaluate curricular structures (e.g., course duration and electives), incorporate non-technical skills, and enhance practical education. Additional reforms should be supported by feedback mechanisms and stakeholder consultations. Alumni expressed dissatisfaction with the job market, which should be addressed through continuous education and specialization and greater intervention of the Portuguese Veterinary Board. In summary, areas for improvement and increased stakeholder involvement were identified as opportunities for veterinary curricular renewal. Full article

Background: Climate warming and anthropogenic environmental changes impact the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study investigated the occurrence of ticks and the risk of TBPs infection in urban and rural recreational areas in Eastern Poland at record-high temperatures in winter. Methods: Ticks were collected from vegetation using the flagging method. Various types of polymerase chain reactions were applied to detect Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp. in the studied ticks. Results: 268 ticks were sampled in the four urban/suburban and one rural sites, including 78 Ixodes ricinus specimens and 190 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks. Of the ticks, 49.19% were infected by at least one TBP, including 41.03% of I. ricinus and 63.04% of D. reticulatus specimens. Co-infections with TBPs that involved only I. ricinus were recorded in 6.41% of these ticks. Conclusions: The study indicates that hosts are exposed to tick attacks and TBPs infection in Central Europe at high temperatures in winter. The high activity of ticks may increase the incidence of tick-borne diseases in humans and companion animals. The record’s importance indicates that practical preventive measures against TBPs should be taken due to weather conditions rather than the season. Full article

Over the past decade, the number of companion dogs and cats has grown significantly, leading to an increase in veterinary visits. These visits can be stressful for animals, potentially affecting their long-term physical and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate how dog and cat owners perceive the factors influencing their pets’ behavior and welfare during veterinary visits. After completing a veterinary visit, dog and cat owners filled a survey assessing their pets’ behavioral responses at different stages of the consultation. A total of 94 dog and cat owners participated in this study. The findings revealed that perceived stress levels were the highest right after entering the practice but declined significantly after about 10 min in the waiting room. The owners’ observations, based on their familiarity with their pets’ typical behavior, were considered a useful tool for assessing the stress levels in their companion animals during the veterinary visits. Although they had the possibility to choose terms from a list of behaviors, no ethogram was provided previously or during the data collection. In conclusion, while stress remains a key concern for animal welfare, the most critical period identified was immediately before and after entering the veterinary practice. Further research is needed to better understand this crucial phase and its implications for the health and welfare of dogs and cats. Full article