SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Dogs”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Escherichia coli expression and purification of recombinant dog albumin, a cross-reactive animal allergen.

BACKGROUND: Animal hair-dander represents an important source of indoor allergens. Diagnosis and therapy of animal allergy would benefit from the availability of defined recombinant allergens. They may be preferred to animal-derived proteins, particularly for in vivo application in patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to express and purify recombinant dog albumin, an important cross-reactive animal allergen. METHODS: Complementary (c)DNA sequences coding for dog albumin were obtained by reverse transcription and subsequent PCR amplification from dog liver RNA. Dog albumin-encoding cDNA sequences were inserted into phage lambdagt11, and IgE-reactive phage clones were isolated by immunoscreening with serum IgE from a patient with dog allergy. Dog albumin was expressed as IgE-reactive recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and purified by inclusion body preparation, resolubilization, and diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography. Cross-reactivity of dog albumin with cat and human albumin was examined by immunoblot, as well as ELISA inhibition experiments. RESULTS: A cDNA sequence coding for complete dog albumin was obtained by reverse transcription and subsequent PCR amplification from dog liver. The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of dog albumin was highly homologous to the sequences of albumins from animals to human subjects, thus explaining the extensive cross-reactivities among albumins. Recombinant dog albumin was expressed in E coli and purified. It reacted with serum IgE from patients allergic to dog albumin and a monoclonal anti-human albumin antibody. Immunologic competition experiments performed with serum IgE from patients allergic to dog albumin and a mouse monoclonal antihuman albumin antibody indicated the presence of similar epitopes on dog, cat, and human albumin. CONCLUSION: Recombinant dog albumin may be used for diagnostic purposes to identify patients who are cross-sensitized to many animal species and perhaps for specific immunotherapy of sensitized individuals.

Albumins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Complications and outcome after thoracodorsal axial pattern flap reconstruction of forelimb skin defects in 10 dogs, 1989-2001.

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the frequency and extent of complications associated with thoracodorsal axial pattern flap reconstruction of forelimb skin defects in dogs and (2) outcome after treatment of such complications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten dogs. METHODS: Medical records for 10 dogs that had a thoracodorsal axial pattern skin flap reconstruction of a forelimb skin defect were reviewed. RESULTS: Three dogs had complete flap survival. Partial necrosis of the distal flap, ranging from an estimated 2% to 53% (mean, 21%) of the flap surface area, occurred in 7 dogs. Six dogs required surgical management of the skin necrosis, resulting in successful resolution in 5 dogs, whereas, in 2 dogs, the wound healed by second intention. Positive bacterial cultures were obtained from 3 dogs with distal flap necrosis. Seroma formation was noted in 2 dogs; the entire flap survived in 1 dog, whereas the second dog developed distal flap necrosis. Edema and bruising of the distal portion of the flap were noted in 8 dogs; distal flap necrosis subsequently developed in 7 dogs. Partial incisional dehiscence, which healed by second intention, occurred in 2 dogs. Of 6 owners available for follow-up, all were satisfied with the functional outcome, but 1 owner was not satisfied with the cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Partial flap necrosis was a frequent complication of thoracodorsal axial pattern flap reconstruction of forelimb skin defects and required additional wound care or surgical intervention to achieve healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracodorsal axial pattern flaps can provide full-thickness skin coverage of extensive skin defects of the forelimb, but owners should be aware of the likelihood of local wound complications.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Hemodynamic and renal responses to volume expansion in dogs with cardiac denervation.

Hemodynamic responses, renal function, and plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor (irANF) were examined following volume expansion (VE) in normal (N) conscious dogs and in conscious dogs with cardiac denervation (CD). Base-line urine flow was consistently greater (P less than 0.05) in dogs with CD (0.54 +/- 0.06 ml/min) than in N (0.29 +/- 0.03 ml/min) dogs but sodium excretion did not differ between N (2.80 +/- 0.58 mu eq.min-1.kg body wt-1) and CD (3.53 +/- 0.75 mu eq.min-1.kg-1) groups. With VE (18 ml/kg of 3% dextran in saline), mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased (P less than 0.01) by 16 +/- 3 from 103 +/- 4 mmHg in N dogs but did not change from pre-VE base line (103 +/- 2 mmHg) in dogs with CD. At 10 min after VE, urine flow increased more (P less than 0.01) in N dogs (1.39 +/- 0.24 ml/min) than in dogs with CD (0.26 +/- 0.09 ml/min). At that time, increases in sodium excretion were also greater (P less than 0.01) in N (9.13 +/- 1.96 mu eq.min-1.kg-1) dogs than in dogs with CD (1.06 +/- 0.68 mu eq.min-1.kg-1). With VE, increases in irANF plasma levels were not different in N dogs (40 +/- 12 from 34 +/- 5 pg/ml) and in dogs with CD (27 +/- 3 from 45 +/- 7 pg/ml). In dogs with CD, when MAP was increased by aortic constriction to mimic responses observed in N dogs, renal responses were similar to those of N dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Blunted natriuretic response to an acute sodium load in obese hypertensive dogs.

Several studies support the premise that there is a strong relation between obesity and high blood pressure. Although the mechanism for obesity-related hypertension has not yet been fully elucidated, recent studies have suggested that abnormalities in renal sodium handling may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of an acute saline load on renal excretory function in dogs with obesity-induced hypertension and in normotensive lean dogs. Experiments were performed in two groups of conscious, chronically instrumented dogs. One group of dogs (obese) was fed a high-fat diet for 5-6 weeks, and the other group (lean) ate a normal diet. The body weight of the obese dog group (26.3 +/- 0.7 kg) was 45% higher than the lean dog group (18.1 +/- 0.3 kg). Mean arterial pressure averaged 126 +/- 2 mm Hg in the obese dogs and 100 +/- 1 mm Hg in the lean dogs. The lean dogs had an average heart rate of 104 +/- 7 beats per minute, whereas the obese dogs averaged 134 +/- 8 beats per minute. Plasma renin activity was also significantly higher in the obese dogs. Both groups of dogs were given 135 meq sodium chloride over 60 minutes via an intravenous infusion of isotonic saline. Sodium and water excretion increased significantly in response to the acute saline load. However, the natriuresis and diuresis was markedly attenuated in the obese hypertensive dogs. During the first 40 minutes of saline loading, the increase in sodium and water excretion was 50-70% lower in the obese hypertensive dogs. The results of the present study indicate that obese hypertensive dogs have a reduced capability to excrete an acute sodium load. This abnormality in renal sodium handling may play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed1978

Evidence that the brain participates in the humoral natriuretic mechanism of blood volume expansion in the dog.

We examined the role of the central nervous system in the activation of the humoral natriuretic mechanism elicited by blood volume expansion. Studies were performed in anesthetized dogs pretreated with deoxycorticosterone acetate (15 mg/day) and sodium chloride for 12 days. An isolated dog kidney perfused with blood from the femoral artery of the volume expanded dog served as the bioassay system for the humoral natriuretic factor. In group I volume expansion of intact dogs (n = 14) with equilibrated blood promoted an increase in fractional sodium excretion (FE(Na)) from a control level of 2.6+/-0.5 to 13.6+/-1.6%, P <0.001. In the isolated kidney FE(Na) increased from 3.6+/-0.8 to 6.8+/-1.1%, P <0.01. The natriuresis from the isolated kidney occurred in the absence of significant changes in renal arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, plasma protein concentration, or packed cell volume, whereas renal blood flow decreased slightly. In group II (n = 20) the dogs were decapitated by means of a specially designed neck vise. In 10 dogs blood pressure was supported by a constant infusion of dopamine (3.8+/-0.7 mug/min per kg body weight). Despite the fact that in response to the same volume stimulus, decapitated dogs manifested an increase in blood volume and cardiac output similar in magnitude to that of intact dogs whereas the rise in mean arterial pressure of decapitated dogs exceeded that of intact dogs, the natriuretic response of decapitated dogs was significantly less than that of intact dogs. FE(Na) in decapitated dogs increased 4.7+/-1.1 compared to 11.1+/-1.4% in intact dogs (p <0.01). Furthermore, volume expansion of decapitated dogs failed to elicit a natriuretic response from the isolated kidney. FE(Na) in the isolated kidney measured 2.6+/-0.4 before and 2.6+/-0.4% after blood volume expansion. These data indicate that decapitation inhibits activation of the humoral natriuretic mechanism elicited by blood volume expansion and are consistent with the interpretation that the brain is the source of the natriuretic factor or that the brain participates in the activation of the humoral natriuretic mechanism at some other site in the body.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Demographic data of a population of insured Swedish dogs measured in a questionnaire study.

Dogs, in the age range 1-3 years old, were randomly selected from the largest animal insurance database in Sweden for inclusion in the study. The study was performed in 1997, and a total of 680 dog owners were selected for the study. A total of 461 dog owners completed the survey, at an overall response rate of 68%. Data was compared to a recent gallup performed on a sample of all dogs in Sweden. The demographic statistics of the insured dog population were in many aspects similar to the total dog population of Sweden. Typical for both insured dogs and the total population of dogs were a low proportion of neutered dogs, that many dogs were bought at an early age, that many dogs were in contact with a "breeder" when sold, and a similar profile of health status. However, "dog breeders" seemed to have their dogs insured to a higher extent than the general dog owner. It was concluded that as the populations were alike in many respects, it is reasonable to use the insurance database for epidemiological studies on diet and exercise in Swedish dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks during a 20-year period and to assess policy implications. ANIMALS: Dogs for which breed was reported involved in attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 that resulted in human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF). PROCEDURE: Data for human DBRF identified previously for the period of 1979 through 1996 were combined with human DBRF newly identified for 1997 and 1998. Human DBRF were identified by searching news accounts and by use of The Humane Society of the United States' registry databank. RESULTS: During 1997 and 1998, at least 27 people died of dog bite attacks (18 in 1997 and 9 in 1998). At least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in 238 human DBRF during the past 20 years. Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of these deaths. Of 227 reports with relevant data, 55 (24%) human deaths involved unrestrained dogs off their owners' property, 133 (58%) involved unrestrained dogs on their owners' property, 38 (17%) involved restrained dogs on their owners' property, and 1 (< 1%) involved a restrained dog off its owner's property. CONCLUSIONS: Although fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers), other breeds may bite and cause fatalities at higher rates. Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog's breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues. Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs. Many practical alternatives to breed-specific ordinances exist and hold promise for prevention of dog bites.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Genetic analysis of markers of the performance test for herding dogs. 1. Performance traits].

The objective of the present study was to analyse data based on records of sheep dog trials in order to evaluate the importance of genetic and environmental sources of variation and to draw conclusions for breeding purposes. The data analysed consisted of 2745 test results recorded at 48 sheep dog trials carried out in Germany from 1994 to 1998, on which a total of 337 sheep dogs had attended. Tested dogs descended from 147 sires and 201 dams, with a mean inbreeding coefficient of about 2.8%. Variance components of working traits were estimated applying Restricted Maximum Likelihood methods. Additive genetic effects, permanent environmental effects of the animal and the effect of the handler were treated as random factors using multivariate linear models. Additionally, the model included the fixed effects of the age of the dogs at the sheep dog trial, sex, the level of difficulty of the exercises as well as the event itself, the starting number of the dog, the number of the dogs' tests at the particular event and the number of dogs presented on sheep dog trials by their handlers. The inbreeding coefficient was regarded as a linear covariate. Sex of the dog and starting number did not explain a significant proportion of variance for traits analysed, whereas the event of the sheep dog trial and the starting class usually were of significant importance. The analyses were performed using all sheep dog trial classes and for each of the three classes separately. Repeatabilities of herding traits within the same event of sheep dog trial estimated from animal effect mostly varied within a range from w = 0.1 to w = 0.5 whereas repeatabilities estimated over all events of sheep dog trials mostly gave estimates from w = 0.1 to w = 0.3. The estimated heritabilities for the herding performance traits ranged from h2 < or = 0.001 to h2 = 0.13 with standard errors in the range between 0.001 and 0.08. The selection possibilities appear to be rather limited given the heritability estimates and the low number of progeny of parents.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed1992

[Dog slaughtering in Germany in the 19th and 20th centuries with special consideration of the Munich area].

In the 19th century professional dog slaughter and also the public sale of dog flesh arose. These slaughter and the sale was mainly practised by horse butchers. In Germany dogs had been mostly slaughtered in Sachsen, Schlesien, Anhalt and Bayern. From 1905 to 1940 the meat of 235.144 dogs was inspected. But the true number of slaughtered dogs was certainly larger. Yet in the fifties dogs were professionally slaughtered. After 1960 the slaughter dropped. Sporadically dog flesh was used as human food until 1985. The annual number of slaughtered dogs depended on economic factors like wages, prices of meat, availability of meat and dog tax. Dogs had been also slaughtered to produce dog fat for remedy. Slaughter of dogs has been already discussed in the 19th century. After 1930 it was called for abolishing the inspection order for dogs or for the prohibition of dog slaughter. After four bills of the years 1954, 1963 and 1985 the slaughter of dogs to produce human food was finally prohibited in 1986.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed2004

[Effects of lung protective ventilation on inhibiting inflammatory mediators released into plasma and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pulmonary and extrapulmonary insults in dog].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in oxygenation index and inflammatory mediators in plasma and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of different lung areas (upper lobe, heart lobe, diaphragm lobe) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by pulmonary and extra-pulmonary insults with lung protective ventilation treatment in dog. METHODS: Twenty-four male mongrel dogs were randomly divided into ARDSp (ARDS caused by pulmonary disease) experimental group, ARDSp control group, ARDSexp (ARDS caused by extra-pulmonary disease) experimental group, and ARDSexp control group. In ARDSp dogs detergent was introduced intratracheally to cause lung injury, while in ARDSexp dog's oleic acid was given intravenously to produce lung injury. After lung injury, the dogs in the experimental groups received lung protective ventilation treatment (tidal volume: 8 ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP): 10 cm H2O (1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa)), and the control groups received large tidal volume ventilation (tidal volume: 14-17 ml/kg, PEEP: 0). The contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL- 1beta), IL-6 in plasma and BALF from different areas of dog's lung (upper lobe, heart lobe, and diaphragm lobe), and arterial blood gas under lung protective ventilation treatment were measured. RESULTS: After lung injury, the results of arterial oxygenation index were getting worse, and the contents of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 in plasma were obviously elevated. The contents of inflammatory mediators in upper lobe and heart lobe of ARDSp dogs were higher than that of ARDSexp dogs (all P<0.05). After receiving lung protective ventilation, the symptoms in the dogs of experimental groups were gradually getting ameliorated compared to control groups, but ARDSexp experimental dogs rallied better than ARDSp experimental dogs. CONCLUSION: There are statistical differences in the amount of inflammatory mediators released in BALF from different lung areas and arterial oxygenation amelioration between ARDSp dogs and ARDSexp dogs, and better effects are seen in ARDSexp dogs than ARDSp dogs under lung protective ventilation treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Adequate diet prevents hepatic coma in dogs with Eck fistulas.

The conventional animal model of human portal systemic encephalopathy is the dog with Eck fistula. Dogs fed standard dog chow after Eck fistula manifest anorexia, weight loss, hepatic atrophy and encephalopathy. This study was done to determine the natural history of dogs undergoing Eck fistulas when adequate nutrition is maintained with a palatable diet. Twenty-four mongrel dogs were divided into four groups--Eck fistula fed standard dry dog chow (EF-SC) (n equals nine); sham operated fed standard chow (SO-SC) (n equals five); Eck fistula fed a liquid (Isocal) diet (EF-LD), LD), and sham operated fed a liquid diet (SO-LD) (n equals five). Dogs were sacrificed when they had clinical signs of encephalopathy or up to 120 days after operation. EF-SC dogs had a daily caloric intake approximately 40 per cent of that of the other groups. Two EF-SC dogs died of sepsis within two weeks of the operation, the other seven became encephalopathic between 46 and 91 days (a mean of 63.6 +/- 15.6). No other dogs had signs of neurologic deterioration. EF-SC dogs lost 19 +/- 9 per cent body weight and the serum albumin level decreased 14.5 per cent while the other groups maintained body weight and serum albumin levels. Both EF-SC and EF-LD groups had decreased liver weight to body weight ratios (LW X 100/BW) compared with sham operated upon dogs reflecting hepatic atrophy (1.97 +/- 0.7 and 2.2 +/- 0.23 versus 3.04 +/- 0.85 and 3.48 +/- 0.44). Results of histologic examination of the liver revealed hepatocyte atrophy, deglycogenation and lipid accumulation in EF dogs. We conclude from these data that providing dogs with Eck fistula a palatable diet prevents weight loss and malnutrition, but not hepatic atrophy. The lack of neurologic signs in well nourished dogs suggests to us that data concerning hepatic coma from the standard Eck fistula model should be interpreted with extreme caution.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Malignant mammary tumors in beagle dogs dosed with investigational oral contraceptive steroids.

Of 172 beagle dogs administered investigational oral contraceptive steroids for 2.4-5.2 years, 9 developed malignant mammary tumors. At necropsy their ages varied from 41 to 70 months, with a mean age of 4.9 years. The malignant tumors were observed in 1 dog that received ethynerone plus mestranol at 1.05 mg/kg/day and in 4 dogs that received chlorethynyl norgestrel plus mestranol at 1.05 mg/kg/day. Also, 4 dogs that received anagestone acetate plus mestranol at either 0.44 or 1.10 mg/kg/day developed malignant mammary tumors. Malignant tumors were not seen in 33 dogs administered mestranol at 0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg/day for 7 years or in 18 dogs given ethynerone without mestranol at 1.00 mg/kg/day for 5 years. No malignant tumors were observed in 18 control dogs maintained for 7 years without treatment. Three dogs had single malignant mammary nodules, 3 dogs had 2 malignant nodules, 2 dogs had 4-6 malignant nodules, and 1 dog in the treatment group given high dosages of ethynerone plus mestranol had 14 mammary nodules composed of fibrosarcoma. The malignant tumors were histologically classified as 5 anaplastic carcinomas, 2 solid carcinomas, 1 tubular adenocarcinoma, 1 squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 fibrosarcoma. Most dogs had only 1 histologic type of cancer (8/9 dogs); however, 1 dog had carcinomas of both solid and anaplastic types involving different glands. Metastases were present in 5 dogs and most often involved regional lymph nodes and lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of iron status in young dogs with portosystemic shunt.

Microcytosis is a common laboratory finding in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (PSS), although its pathogenesis is not yet understood. Because the most common cause of microcytosis in dogs is absolute or relative iron deficiency, iron status was evaluated in 12 young dogs with PSS. Complete blood counting was done before surgical correction in all dogs, and in 5 dogs after surgery, by use of an automated hematology analyzer. Serum iron concentration and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were determined coulometrically, and percentage of transferrin saturation was calculated. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin content was quantified by use of front-face fluorometry. Serum ferritin concentration was measured by use of ELISA. Serum ceruloplasmin content was determined colorimetrically (with p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride as substrate) as an indirect indicator of subclinical inflammation, which may result in impaired iron utilization. Special stains were applied to liver (10 dogs; Gomori's) and bone marrow aspiration biopsy (7 dogs; Prussian blue) specimens for qualitative assessment of tissue iron content. Nonpaired Student's t-tests were used to compare serum iron concentration, TIBC, percentage of transferrin saturation, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin, ferritin, and ceruloplasmin concentrations in dogs with PSS with those in clinically normal dogs. All dogs had microcytosis before surgery; microcytosis resolved in 3 dogs after surgical correction. Serum iron concentration and TIBC were significantly lower in PSS-affected dogs than in clinically normal dogs. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin, ferritin, and ceruloplasmin concentrations in PSS-affected dogs were not significantly different from those in health dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Biological effects of 137CsCl injected in beagle dogs.

The toxicity of intravenously administered 137CsCl in the beagle dog was investigated as part of a program to evaluate the biological effects of internally deposited fission-product radionuclides. The intravenous route of exposure was chosen for simplicity and accuracy because it was known that after intravenous injection, inhalation or ingestion, internally deposited 137CsCl is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, exposing the whole body to beta-particle and gamma radiations. Fifty-four dogs were injected intravenously with 137Cs to provide one group of six dogs with mean initial body burdens of 141 MBq 137Cs/kg body mass and four groups of 12 dogs each with mean initial body burdens of 104, 72, 52 and 36 MBq 137Cs/kg. Twelve dogs were injected with isotonic saline as study controls. Because the number of study control dogs was small, data from an additional 49 control dogs from other studies at the Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute that were performed over a similar span of years were also used. There was a significant, dose-dependent decrease in survival of the 137Cs-injected dogs. Eleven 137Cs-injected dogs, including all six in the highest initial body burden group, died within 81 days after injection, primarily due to hematopoietic cell damage resulting in severe pancytopenia. An additional 25 dogs had transient hematological dyscrasia but survived for long times. All 137Cs-injected male dogs had marked damage to the germinal epithelium of the testicular seminiferous tubules with azoospermia in the long-term survivors. Benign and malignant neoplasms occurred in a variety of organs in 137Cs-injected dogs, rather than in a single target organ. When individual organs were considered, the incidence of malignant neoplasms was increased in the liver and in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the 137Cs-injected dogs. There was a 137Cs treatment effect in the incidence of malignant neoplasms (P < 0.001) in male dogs but no 137Cs-related treatment effect in female dogs. However, when malignant mammary neoplasms were excluded from the analysis, there was no gender difference, and there was a dose-related response (P < 0.001) in both males and females for the incidence of malignant neoplasms.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

A Critical Review of Assumptions About the Prairie Dog as a Keystone Species.

/ Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have been labeled as keystone species because of their influence on biological diversity and ecosystem function. However, the validity of several assumptions used to support keystone status is questionable. We review the strength of the evidence and the magnitude of the prairie dog's effects on ecosystem structure and function. We use this review to reevaluate the keystone role for prairie dogs. Our goal is to encourage sound management of the prairie dog ecosystem by improving the ecological foundation of their keystone status. Our review confirms that prairie dogs affect a number of ecosystem-level functions but that their influence on prairie vertebrates may be less than previously suggested. Species richness and abundance patterns were variable among plants, mammals, and birds and were not consistently higher on prairie dog colonies compared to uncolonized areas. In addition, only nine of the 208 species listed in the literature as observed on or near prairie dogs colonies had quantitative evidence of dependence on prairie dogs. Abundance data indicated opportunistic use of colonies for an additional 20 species. A total of 117 species may have some relationship with prairie dogs, but we lacked sufficient data to evaluate the strength of this relationship. The remaining 62 species may be accidental or alien to the system. Despite our conclusion that some prairie dog functions may be smaller than previously assumed, collectively these functions are quite large compared to other herbivores in the system. We suggest that prairie dogs also provide some unique functions not duplicated by any other species and that continued decline of prairie dogs may lead to a substantial erosion of biological diversity and landscape heterogeneity across prairie and shrub-steppe landscapes. Thus, we concur that keystone status for prairie dogs is appropriate and may aid conservation efforts that help protect species dependent on prairie dogs and support other important ecosystem functions.KEY WORDS: Prairie dogs; Cynomys spp.; Keystone species; Ecosystem functions; Biological diversityhttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n2p177.html

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

[The German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) during the Period of National Socialism].

Sixty-one years after the end of the Hitler dictatorship, the history of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) has still hardly been investigated. According to different sources, especially the reports of the DOG congresses 1934, 1936, 1938, and 1940, the following picture can be drawn: 1. The seizure of power ("Machtergreifung") of Adolf Hitler was appreciated by most of the DOG members. 2. After a change of the constitution the DOG came under the control of the "Reichsinnenministerium". However, it escaped the egalitarianism ("Gleichschaltung") and remained relatively independent. 3. Approximately 40 % of the heads of the German university eye clinics who were the most influential DOG representatives were members of the national socialistic German working party (NSDAP). Almost all of these joined the party in 1933 or later. 4. Up to the last congress in Dresden, 1940, the DOG activities were quite extensive. After that time the activities strongly declined. 5. The "Law for the prevention of genetically disabled offspring" ("Gesetz zur Verhütung erbkranken Nachwuchses") from January 1st 1934 was intensely discussed by the DOG. Some prominent ophthalmologists and DOG members were at least in part responsible for the sterilisations because of "congenital blindness". However, as far as it is known, the DOG itself did not intervene directly concerning the practice of sterilisation. 6. Between 1932 and 1940, the DOG lost approximately 12 % of its members. Many of these stemmed from foreign countries, and many were German Jews. The latter left the DOG, as Walther Löhlein stated after the end of the war, "voluntarily". However, a main reason for leaving the DOG was very likely the feeling of being unwanted. The national socialism had several disastrous effects on ophthalmology. Although single DOG members participated in the excesses, the DOG as an organization was not directly involved. However, taking into consideration that more than 10 % of the members of the pre-Hitler era left their scientific society it is a matter of interpretation whether the DOG remained completely innocent between 1933 and 1945.

Eugenics↗

PubMed1995

An investigation into the health status and diseases of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) in the Kruger National Park.

Many factors have been cited as possible reasons for the decline in the number of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), but few studies have provided supportive data. Between 1990 and 1993, the dynamics of 10 wild dog packs in the southern district of the Kruger National Park in South Africa were monitored. Casual observations of the causes of disease and mortality in the entire population were also recorded. During the same period, 46 wild dogs were immobilised, weighed, and subjected to physical examination as well as the collection of blood and faecal specimens. External parasites were collected and blood smears were prepared. Serum specimens were subjected to routine blood chemistry analyses, hormone and serological assays and formalinised blood specimens and faeces were subjected to screening for endoparasites. The study population varied from 75 in 1990 to 123 in 1993 with a survival rate of 29.9% for pups, 64.3% for yearlings and 69% for adults. Eighty per cent or more of the population were under 4 years of age. The cause of death in all wild dogs in the Kruger National Park could be established only in a small number of cases. Lions were responsible for the death of 20/62 wild dogs and disease caused the death of 6/62 wild dogs. All immobilised dogs were in a good physical condition, but 85% of dogs had one or more skin lesions. Potential life-threatening lesions (bitewounds inflicted by other dogs and lesions inflicted by a snare) occurred in 4 dogs. One male dog had only one testicle in the scortum. Twenty-six (93%) blood smears were positive for gametocytes of Hepatozoon sp., presumably H. canis, and in 2 dogs trophozoites of Babesia canis were seen. Eighty-six per cent of the specimens were positive for Dipetalonema reconditum. All dogs were infested with ticks and Haemaphysalis leachi, Amblyomma hebraeum, A. marmoreum, Boophilus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus simus, R. evertsi, R. appendiculatus and R. zambesiensis were identified. Ctenocephalides sp. and Echidnophaga larina were also identified. Taenia sp., Toxascaris canis and Ancylostoma caninum were present in faecal specimens. Antibody titres to adenovirus (26/31), B. canis (6/15), canine para-influenza virus (21/31), coronavirus (20/31), Coxiella burnetti (8/29), reovirus Type 3 (9/31), Rickettsia conori/africae (27/29), rotavirus (16/31) and Toxoplasma gondii (16/16) were found. The average serum urea concentration was higher (16.4 mmol/e) than that described for captive wild dogs, but other biochemical parameters were generally in agreement with values reported for captive wild dogs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Imidacloprid plus moxidectin topical solution for the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofiloria immitis) in dogs.

A topically applied formulation containing 10% imidacloprid+2.5% moxidectin (Advocate/Advantage multi) has been developed for monthly application to dogs for the prevention of canine heartworm (HW) disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis; and for the treatment and control of flea infestations, mite infestations, and intestinal nematode infections. The efficacy of this formulation to prevent canine HW disease was confirmed at three study locations which included the use of 88 purpose-bred beagles 6-8 months of age. Two of these studies also evaluated the effects of post-treatment water exposure or shampooing on product performance. Each dog was infected with 50 third-stage D. immitis larvae on test days -30 to -45. Dogs were blocked according to gender and body weight on test day -1. Topically applied test articles were administered once on test day 0 as follows: 10% imidacloprid+2.5% moxidectin (52 dogs); 2.5% moxidectin mono solution (eight dogs); 10% imidacloprid mono solution (16 dogs); and placebo solution (12 dogs). Treatment dosages were applied to provide a minimum of 10 mg/kg imidacloprid and/or 2.5 mg/kg moxidectin. Subgroups of dogs were exposed to water to simulate swimming/rain exposure at designated post-treatment intervals. Additional dogs were shampooed at 90 min, 4 h, or 24 h post-treatment. All dogs were necropsied 110-119 days post-treatment for recovery of adult D. immitis. No adult D. immitis were recovered at necropsy from any of the dogs receiving 10% imidacloprid+2.5% moxidectin or 2.5% moxidectin mono solution, demonstrating 100% efficacy for prevention of D. immitis infection. A total of 701 adult D. immitis were recovered at necropsy from dogs receiving 10% imidacloprid mono solution or placebo (range of 11-40 D. immitis/dog). The efficacy of 10% imidacloprid+2.5% moxidectin treatment for the prevention of HW disease was not decreased when dogs were shampooed as early as 90 min post-treatment, or when dogs immersed in water 5 times post-treatment at weekly intervals.

Administration, Topical↗