Search Results (941)

Canine morbillivirus (CDV), the cause of canine distemper, is a pathogen affecting many hosts. While modified live virus (MLV) vaccines are crucial for controlling the disease in dogs, cases of vaccine-related infections have been found in both domestic and wild animals. Specifically, the America-1 and Rockborn-like vaccine genotypes are concerning due to their spread and ability to transmit between different species. This study conducted a review and analysis of molecular detections of these strains in various carnivores (domestic, captive, synanthropic, and wild species). This study used a conceptual model considering host ecology and the domestic–wild interface to evaluate plausible transmission connections over time using Linear Directional Mean (LDM) and Weighted Mean Centre (WMC) methods. Statistical analyses examined the relationship between how likely a strain is to spread and factors like host type and vaccination status. The findings showed that the America-1 genotype spread in a more organised way, with domestic dogs being the main source and recipient, bridging different environments. Synanthropic mesocarnivores also played this same role, with less intensity. America-1 was most concentrated in the North Atlantic and Western Europe. In contrast, the Rockborn-like strain showed a more unpredictable and restricted spread, residual circulation from past use rather than ongoing spread. Species involved in vaccine-related infections often share characteristics like generalist behaviour, social living, and a preference for areas where domestic animals and wildlife interact. We did not find a general link between a host vaccination status and the likelihood of the strain spreading. The study emphasised the ongoing risk of vaccine-derived strains moving from domestic and synanthropic animals to vulnerable wild species, supporting the need for improved vaccination approaches. Mapping these plausible transmission routes can serve as a basis for targeted surveillance, not only of vaccine-derived strains, but of any other circulating genotype. Full article

Lymphoma is the most common neoplasm of lymphoid tissues in dogs. Exportin 1 (XPO1) is an important major nuclear receptor for exporting proteins and RNA species. The XPO1 upregulation can eliminate some tumor suppressor proteins (TSPs) function upon their nuclear–cytoplasmic export. The XPO1 inhibitor, KPT-335, blocks the translocation of TSPs and restores their function to induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the XPO1 mRNA and protein expression in canine lymphoma cell lines and confirm the relevance with KPT-335. XPO1 mRNA and protein levels were quantified, and the effect of KPT-335 was assessed by a cell proliferation assay. The results indicated that XPO1 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in 17-71, CLBL-1, CLC, CLGL-90, and UL-1, and were moderately expressed in GL-1, Ema, and Nody-1. All canine lymphoma cell lines showed dose-dependent growth inhibition and decreased cell viability in response to KPT-335, with IC₅₀ concentrations ranged from 89.8–418 nM. The expression levels of XPO1 mRNA and protein were related; however, no correlation was found between those expression levels and the efficacy of KPT-335. These findings suggest that XPO1 may represent a promising target for therapeutic intervention in canine lymphoma. Full article

The number of puppies imported to the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) is increasing, as are concerns about the legality, welfare and potential disease risks associated with their trade. This study aimed to use an online survey to collect questionnaire data from UK residents about their awareness and knowledge of EU Pet Passports, illegal puppy importation, and dog-borne exotic diseases and the risks they might pose to UK-resident dogs and people. Valid responses were collected from n = 7184 UK residents, mainly current dog owners. We identified substantial knowledge gaps relating to EU Pet Passports, how puppies might be moved across Europe, and the legal age of importation. Awareness of exotic diseases was poor; knowledge about the risks they posed was even poorer, particularly in relation to dog–human transmission. With some respondents not even being confident that they had heard of rabies, there is substantial work to do to ensure that the UK canine and human populations remain safe in the face of significant welfare and exotic disease threats. These knowledge deficits may facilitate the burgeoning illegal trade in puppies across the EU. Legal change may be required to prevent consumers from unintentionally supporting poor welfare sources of puppies. Full article

The experimental tests needed for the estimation of the fatigue limit generally require extensive time and many specimens. A valid but not standardized alternative is the thermographic analysis of the self-heating phenomenon. The present work is aimed at using Infrared thermography to determine the fatigue limit in two kinds of Ti-6Al-4V samples obtained by hot rolling: (1) with the standard dog-bone shape (unnotched specimen) and (2) with two opposed semicircular notches at the sides (notched specimen). Uniaxial tensile experiments are performed on unnotched samples, and the surface temperature variation during loading is monitored. The stress corresponding to the end of the thermoelastic stage gives a rough indication of the fatigue limit. Then, fatigue tests at different sinusoidal loads are performed, and the thermographic signal is monitored and processed. The results obtained using lock-in thermography in dissipative mode, e.g., analyzing the second harmonic, showed a sudden change in slope when the applied stress exceeded a certain limit. This slope change is related to the fatigue limit. In addition, the ratio between the fatigue limits obtained for notched and unnotched specimens, e.g., the fatigue strength reduction factor, is consistent with literature values based on the selected geometry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasingly recognized as a global health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis. While probiotics offer promise in regulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism, strain-specific effects remain underexplored, particularly for canine-derived probiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel probiotic strain, Ligilactobacillus animalis LA-1, and evaluate its anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms using a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: LA-1 was isolated from the feces of a healthy dog and assessed for probiotic potential in vitro, including gastrointestinal tolerance, bile salt hydrolase activity, cholesterol-lowering capacity, and fatty acid absorption. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed either a standard chow diet or an HFD for 16 weeks, with HFD mice receiving oral LA-1 supplementation (2 × 10⁹ CFU/day). Multi-omics analyses, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted liver metabolomics, were employed to investigate the effects of LA-1 on gut microbiota composition, metabolic pathways, and obesity-related phenotypes. Results: LA-1 supplementation significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, hepatic lipid accumulation, and adipose tissue hypertrophy, without affecting food intake. It improved serum lipid profiles, reduced liver injury markers, and partially restored gut microbiota composition, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and enriching SCFA-producing genera. Total SCFA levels, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased following LA-1 treatment. Liver metabolomics revealed that LA-1 modulated pathways involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, resulting in decreased levels of acetyl-CoA, triglycerides, and bile acids. Conclusions: L. animalis LA-1 exerts anti-obesity effects via gut microbiota modulation, enhanced SCFA production, and hepatic metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight its potential as a targeted probiotic intervention for obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

Temporal changes in testicular traits have been reported in both humans and dogs. Analysis of % living sperm and motility from semen collections from 186 Labrador Retrievers and 113 Golden Retrievers between 2006 and 2023, and of incidents of cryptorchidism in over 15,000 dogs of the same breeds and crosses born between 1994 and 2023 was undertaken to determine influential factors. A general temporal increase in incidence of cryptorchidism masked significant differences in the trend between breeds, which persisted after accounting for genetic and litter effects. The incidence in the F1 cross was significantly lower than in either pure breed, implying hybrid vigour. The semen traits were both moderately repeatable within individuals, but this belied breed differences in its composition; for both traits, only the heritability was significantly greater than zero in the Golden Retriever, while only the permanent environment effect was present in Labrador Retrievers. There were significant negative temporal trends in Golden Retrievers for both semen traits, but not in Labrador Retrievers; significant negative effects of age (except on % motility in Labrador Retrievers); and significant negative effects of a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia on both traits in both breeds. These results reveal complex breed by environment interactions in traits related to testicular form and function. Full article

Infertility is a complex and common problem in reproductive medicine consultations. Three factors must be examined during the preconception phase: breeding management, the fertility of the bitch, and the fertility of the stud dog. Among these factors, improper breeding management remains the main cause of reproductive failure, with accurate recognition of ovulation being crucial for successful mating. Artificial insemination allows for a thorough evaluation of semen quality compared to natural mating. In addition, genetic selection, nutritional factors, and reproductive health management can either impair or improve the fertility of females and males. Idiopathic infertility can occur in bitches, but it is important to rule out other possible causes first. In bitches with irregular estrus cycles, ovarian dysfunction and endocrine imbalances should be investigated. In bitches with regular cycles, uterine disorders such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis or congenital anomalies may be the cause. Both mating-related and chronic endometritis are recognized as contributing factors to infertility. Infectious agents, particularly Brucella spp. and Mycoplasma spp., should also be evaluated, although interpretation of Mycoplasma test results requires caution. In males presenting with poor semen quality, potential causes include infectious diseases (with brucellosis always requiring exclusion), hormonal imbalances, and the impact of exogenous treatments. The article underscores the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic protocols, proactive health surveillance, and data-driven breeding strategies in systematically addressing this multifaceted challenge. Full article

Background: Dog agility is a rapidly growing sport involving a partnership between a dog and the handler, running through an obstacle course. Despite its increasing popularity and physical benefits, research on handler injuries remains limited. This study aimed to assess injury epidemiology of athletes practicing dog agility. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a comprehensive online survey consisting of 124 items, available in both English and Italian. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: Introduction collected demographic data and medical history; Materials and Methods focused on agility-related activities; Results explored injuries sustained in the past 12 months; Discussion examined training habits unrelated to agility. Results: Among 389 participants, the most represented age group ranged between 30 and 40 years old. Overall, 7% reported upper limb injuries, while 27% experienced at least one lower limb injury. Additionally, 20% of participants used medication, and 25% reported at least one chronic illness. On average, handlers trained twice per week and competed in two events per month. Lower limb injuries were predominantly muscular (49%) or ligamentous (14%) and most commonly occurred on grass pitches (56%). These injuries were more common in participants with a higher BMI, those using dynamic handling styles, and those competing at higher levels. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study highlighted the importance of identifying risk factors associated with dog agility handlers. Lower limb injuries were the most common, often associated with increased physical demands and handling styles involving intensive running and correlated with reduced physical fitness. Athletic conditioning, including structured warm-up and cool-down practices, might help decline injury risks. Full article

This article highlights the importance of evaluating the morphological characteristics of female dogs during breeding soundness examinations (BSEs) to assess their reproductive potential and ensure the health of future offspring. Key traits considered in this evaluation include body type, body condition score, skull size and shape, mammary gland conformation, and coat quality. Each of these factors plays a significant role in the health and fertility of breeding females. For example, deviations from breed standards in body size can lead to complications during pregnancy and whelping, while an inappropriate body condition score may disrupt hormonal balance and reproductive cycles. This review also addresses concerns related to brachycephalic breeds, whose conformation can contribute to respiratory and reproductive issues. Additionally, assessing vertebral and pelvic conformation is crucial to prevent dystocia and other complications during delivery. By systematically evaluating these morphological traits, veterinarians can promote ethical breeding practices that prioritize the welfare and genetic health of both breeding females and their puppies. Therefore, integrating comprehensive morphological evaluations into BSEs is essential for responsible dog breeding management, ultimately supporting better reproductive outcomes and healthier future generations. Full article

The pet food industry faces significant sustainability challenges, including reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and adopting circular economy practices. This study aimed to assess and propose energy efficiency measures to enhance sustainability within the sector. The research evaluated the use of unapproved food as biomass for boiler combustion. It analyzed its chemical composition, energy impact, and emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through TD-GC/MS, as well as the corrosion effects on boiler metals. An energy assessment of the production process and a combustion characterization of the waste were conducted to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and sustainability. The results demonstrated that the chemical composition of the waste and other biomass-related parameters were within acceptable economic and environmental ranges. A reduction of 0.015 Mg of CO₂eq per Mg of produced pet food was achieved. Regarding VOCs, their environmental impact was minimal due to the molecular structure of the compounds. Additionally, the corrosion rate caused by waste incineration was comparable to that of domestic gas in the case of cat food, with a rate of 214.74 mpy, while the dog food yielded 55.42 mpy, which is near that of other types of biomass, such as wood chips and pellets. The use of residual biomass in pet food production is a viable alternative for reducing carbon footprint, promoting a circular economy, and improving the industry’s sustainability. Full article

In Tunisia, rabies is endemic and represents a significant public health issue. The objectives of our study were to describe the epidemiological and clinical profiles of human rabies cases and report the risk factors associated with their occurrence. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of human rabies cases confirmed at the Rabies Laboratory of the Pasteur Institute in Tunis from January 2000 to November 2022. Temporal–spatial, sociodemographic, and clinical variables and factors related to the exposure context, post-exposure, and response were collected for each patient. A total of 58 human rabies cases were identified. The governorates of Kairouan and Nabeul were the most affected, with a predominance of rural areas (77%, 34/44). The highest number of cases was recorded between May and November (74%, 43/58). The cases predominantly involved males, with the most affected age group being individuals aged from 31 to 59 years (30%, 17/57). Rabies transmission was primarily due to dogs (86%, 43/50) and a single bite (55%, 32/58). After an average incubation period of 60.3 days, hydrophobia and behavioral disturbances were the most common symptoms. This study demonstrates that the risk of human rabies remains present in Tunisia, highlighting the need to improve awareness and post-exposure prophylaxis practices. Full article

Many dogs suffer from pruritus, which is commonly caused by atopic dermatitis and associated with skin inflammation. The immune system and inflammatory response, and in particular the gut–skin axis, are central to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Managing atopic dermatitis involves complex, iterative treatment plans; early strategies supporting gut–skin health are needed to prevent elevated itching from progressing toward a disease condition requiring drug therapy. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial evaluated the ability of a novel, indole-rich canine immune health postbiotic (CIHP) to reduce itching and promote a healthy gut microbiome in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior. Thirty dogs were stratified into two groups based on baseline scratching frequency, receiving either CIHP or placebo as a powder topper for 28 days. Canine itching was evaluated through accelerometer-based tracking and the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score on Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Skin and coat health was assessed on Days 0, 14, and 28, and the gut microbiome was sequenced from fecal samples on Days 0 and 28. CIHP reduced scratching by 20% relative to the baseline (p = 0.032) and PVAS score by 27% compared to the placebo (p = 0.02). CIHP improved skin and coat quality compared to the placebo at Day 14 (p = 0.01) and increased Shannon diversity by 4.6% (p = 0.043), shifting gut microbiome composition. These findings validate this postbiotic’s ability to reduce itching in dogs with subclinical, but elevated itching behavior, provide evidence of promoting a healthy gut–skin axis, and suggest potential as an early intervention in the context of pruritic conditions, as well as for broader immune-related benefits. Full article

The aim of this work is to explore and understand the lived experience of nurses who chose to schedule visits with an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), i.e., a dog, during their working shift. Background/Objectives: Nursing practice is rigorous, weighted with intense responsibility that creates an environment conducive to stress and anxiety for the nurses, who have reported a higher level of work stress than other healthcare professionals. Knowing and addressing the factors impacting mental health/nurses’ well-being is crucial to providing care to patients. Stressful work environments result in burnout, compassion fatigue, depression, anxiety, suicide, and resignation. Understanding nurses’ perspectives on work related stress encourages hospitals to structure practices supporting nurses’ mental health and ability to provide quality care. Methods: A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed. Participants scheduled six weekly 10-min visits with Rex, a certified Service Dog for anxiety depression and PTSD, and registered ESA. A sample of 11 RNs participated in Rex visits at the workplace; field notes were taken during observations of visits. Semi-structured 30-min interviews conducted via Zoom, audio-recorded, and transcribed with NVivo were conducted. Results: Data were examined with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four main themes emerged: Preparing for the unknown, Doing the work, Refueling and resetting-Visits with Rex, What about nurses? Conclusions: This study highlights the need for nurses and hospital systems to incorporate self-care/self-reflection, including time/opportunities for nurses’ stress management during their practice. Knowledge of nurses receiving ESA interventions sheds light on how to protect/preserve the well-being of nurses practicing in this demanding profession. ESAs for nurses in the workplace offers an option to utilize dog therapy to re-energize and continue their shift renewed and refreshed. Full article

The mammalian immune system, including key components such as toll-like receptors (TLRs), lymphocytes, and cytokines, plays a vital role in defending against diseases. In dogs, genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic regulation of immune-related genes contribute to breed-specific differences in susceptibility or resistance to infectious, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Cytokines, essential for immune cell differentiation and activation, exhibit variable expression among breeds due to genetic factors like single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and miRNA regulation. This variability influences immune responses not only to infections but also to chronic inflammatory conditions and cancer, providing insights for improved diagnosis, treatment, and breeding. Selective breeding has further shaped diverse immune phenotypes across breeds, especially through genetic variations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, which affect vulnerability to immune-mediated and immunodeficiency disorders. Recent studies emphasize the role of specific miRNAs in modulating immune responses during parasitic and viral infections, opening new avenues for precision veterinary medicine and immunotherapy. This review highlights the genetic and epigenetic regulation of immune genes in dogs and explores their potential applications in advancing veterinary diagnostics, therapeutics, and breeding strategies to enhance canine health. Full article

Cohabiting family dogs form hierarchies, and there are rank-related differences in certain behaviours even in noncompetitive situations. For companion dogs, the main limited resource could be the owner, but this assumption needs further behavioural testing. We hypothesized that dogs’ hierarchical status within multi-dog household is associated with variations in their attachment and dependency behaviours toward their owner. We tested n = 62 cohabiting companion dogs from 31 multi-dog households. The rank score of each subject was determined with a questionnaire (DRA-Q). We used the strange situation test (SST) to assess the dogs’ attachment complex towards their owner. The results show that higher-ranking dogs showed less signs of stress in the SST when their owner was present, but they also showed fewer friendly behaviours towards the stranger. Older dogs also presented fewer stress behaviours; however, they were friendlier with the stranger. This is the first time that dogs’ hierarchy was taken into consideration regarding dog–owner attachment. We can conclude that dogs’ rank and its stability could play a crucial role in creating differences between cohabiting dogs’ attachment patterns. We propose further research into the functional analysis of these behavioural differences. Full article