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PubMed1987

Effect of RA233 on metastasis in dogs with osteosarcomas.

The influence of RA233, an inhibitor of platelet function, on the occurrence of metastasis in 18 dogs with osteosarcomas was evaluated. At least 24 hours before surgical removal of the primary tumor, dogs were given RA233 orally (20 mg/kg of body weight divided into 3 equal doses). Original sites of the osteosarcoma included humerus, 6 dogs; radius, 5 dogs; tibia, 3 dogs; femur, 2 dogs; maxilla, 1 dog; and mandible, 1 dog. Survival time for 13 dogs euthanatized for progression of neoplastic disease ranged from 3 months to 10 months, with a mean survival time of 5.5 months. Medication was discontinued in 1 dog because of possible adverse reaction. One dog died of disease unrelated to the tumor, and one dog was euthanatized after the surgery. Two dogs were tumor free 9 and 17 months after surgery. Seemingly, the metastasis potential was not diminished in dogs given 20 mg of RA233/kg/day.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs: 21 cases (1976-1986).

Case records from 21 dogs with hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism were evaluated. The dogs were greater than or equal to 7 years old, and 6 were Keeshonds. The most common clinical signs were polydipsia/polyuria, listlessness, and muscle weakness. The serum calcium concentrations were 12.1 to 19.6 mg/dl. Serum phosphorus concentrations were low in 5 dogs, within the reference range in 13 dogs, and high in 3 dogs that also had high concentrations of BUN. Twenty dogs had a parathyroid adenoma, and 1 had a parathyroid carcinoma. Nineteen dogs had their parathyroid tumor surgically removed. Within 5 days of tumor removal, 11 of the 19 dogs became hypocalcemic and the remaining 8, normocalcemic. Nine of the 11 hypocalcemic dogs developed clinical signs. Iatrogenic hypercalcemia was induced in 7 of 16 dogs treated orally with calcium carbonate plus vitamin D. Only 1 of 19 dogs that had their parathyroid tumor excised died in hypocalcemic tetany. Two additional dogs died within 2 weeks of surgery, one because of pancreatitis, the other due to renal failure. Eight dogs died 9 to 37 months after surgery of unrelated problems. Eight dogs were alive for at least 7 to 28 months after surgery.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1987

Colorectal adenocarcinoma in dogs: 78 cases (1973-1984).

Colorectal adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 78 dogs. Clinical signs in all 78 dogs included tenesmus, hematochezia, and dyschezia; most of the dogs had clinical signs less than or equal to 12 weeks before examination. Ultimately, most dogs were euthanatized because of the severity of clinical signs. Proctoscopy and colonoscopy were essential for complete assessment of extent of disease. Tumors were classified by gross appearance and included single, pedunculated masses, 2 or more nodular masses, and annular or intraluminal masses. In dogs in which survival time was compared with location and gross appearance of the tumor, dogs with annular masses had the shortest mean survival time (1.6 months), and dogs with single, pedunculated, polypoid tumors had the longest mean survival time (32 months). The rectum was a more common site than the colon, with 48.2% of the tumors developing in the middle portion of the rectum. Six different modes of surgical treatment were used, depending on the location and type of mass. Dogs that did not have surgical treatment had a mean survival time of 15 months. Mean survival time in the surgically treated dogs varied slightly according to mode of treatment; they survived 7 to 9 months longer than the untreated dogs. Dogs that underwent cryosurgery and local excision had the longest survival times (24 and 22 months, respectively). Statistical analysis disclosed a significantly longer survival time for dogs treated by excision or cryosurgery, as opposed to dogs undergoing biopsy only (P = 0.001). Statistical difference in survival times was not found between dogs that had mass excision and those that had cryosurgery.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1986

Results of surgical treatment for hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia in the dog: 25 cases (1980-1984).

Results of surgical treatment for neoplasia of the adrenal cortex that caused hyperadrenocorticism were evaluated in 25 dogs. Surgical examination of the adrenal glands was performed by use of a ventral midline approach in 24 dogs and a retroperitoneal approach in 1 dog. All 25 dogs had a unilateral, adrenocortical tumor. Histologic examination identified 14 adrenocortical carcinomas and 11 adenomas. Seven dogs with carcinoma had visible metastasis to the liver, 3 had local invasion into the caudal vena cava, and 1 had extension into the adjacent renal vein. Seven of the 9 dogs with metastasis were euthanatized at time of surgery. Of the remaining 18 dogs that survived surgery, 9 (4 with carcinoma and 5 with adenoma) developed serious postoperative complications including acute renal failure, pneumonia, and pulmonary artery thromboembolism; 8 of these dogs died or were euthanatized. Of the remaining 10 dogs, clinical signs associated with hyperadrenocorticism resolved in the 7 dogs that had adrenocortical adenoma and in 1 of the 3 dogs that had carcinoma. The remaining 2 dogs with carcinoma had persistent hyperadrenocorticism and were treated with high doses of mitotane. Although no response was observed in 1 dog with visible hepatic metastasis, a decrease in serum cortisol concentrations and resolution of clinical signs were detected in the other dog during prolonged daily administration of mitotane.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1987

Intraoperative radiotherapy of carcinoma of the prostate gland in ten dogs.

Ten dogs with carcinoma of the prostate gland were treated with intraoperative orthovoltage radiotherapy (radiation therapy to surgically exposed tumors). Seven dogs had tumor growth confined to the prostate gland and urethra, and 3 dogs had carcinoma of the prostate gland and regional lymph node involvement. Total radiation doses delivered to the prostate gland of 9 dogs and the affected regional lymph nodes of 3 dogs, using orthovoltage x-rays, ranged from 20 to 30 Gy. Carcinoma of the prostate gland of one dog was intraoperatively irradiated to 15 Gy and was then given a boost of 40 Gy, using cobalt-60 teletherapy. Survival time ranged from 41 to 750 days after intraoperative radiotherapy. Median and mean survival times for all dogs were 114 and 196 days, respectively. The median survival time for 7 dogs with localized prostatic carcinoma was 180 days, which was longer, but not significantly longer (P = 0.09), than the median survival time of 80 days in 3 dogs having prostatic carcinoma and metastatic disease. Intraoperative radiotherapy was tolerated well and caused complete response in 5 dogs. However, surgical complications in 2 dogs, which had subtotal lymphadenectomy or prostatic biopsy performed concurrently at the time of irradiation, resulted ultimately in their deaths. The 2 other dogs with metastatic disease and 1 dog without metastatic disease also had poor response to treatment. Our results indicated that intraoperative radiotherapy is an effective treatment for localized prostatic carcinoma in the dog.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia.

The plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH (ACTH stimulation test) was evaluated in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia. The mean basal cortisol concentration (6.3 microgram/dl) was high, but 7 dogs had basal cortisol concentrations that were within normal range. Administration of exogenous ACTH increased the plasma cortisol concentrations in each dog. Normal post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were found in 9 (41%) of the 22 dogs; 13 (59%) had an exaggerated increase in cortisol concentrations after ACTH administration. In 9 of 13 dogs with carcinoma and in 4 of 9 with adenoma, the cortisol response was exaggerated. The mean post-ACTH cortisol concentration in the dogs with carcinoma was approximately 4 times that of the dogs with adenoma; the 7 dogs with the highest concentrations had carcinoma. Repeat studies were performed in 6 dogs 2 to 8 weeks after initial testing. In 5 of the 6 dogs, repeat testing yielded data of similar diagnostic significance. One dog, however, had an abnormally high post-ACTH cortisol concentration at initial evaluation, but had only a minimal response to ACTH administration, with a normal post-ACTH cortisol concentration, at time of resting. Although ACTH stimulation testing is useful in diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism, it can not reliably separate dogs with hyperfunction adrenocortical tumors from clinically normal dogs or from dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia).

Adenoma↗

PubMed1980

Diskospondylitis in dogs.

During a 3-year period, diskospondylitis was diagnosed in 32 dogs. The condition affected primarily large dogs, with males outnumbering females by approximately 2:1. Diagnosis was made principally by evaluation of radiographs, wherein various degrees of vertebral lysis, sclerosis, and spondylosis were seen. Evaluation of titers for Brucella canis and bacterial cultures of blood, urine, and bone were used to identify the causative organism(s). Six of 24 dogs were seropositive for B canis, 21 of 26 dogs were blood culture-positive, 10 of 23 dogs were urine culture-positive, and 9 of 11 dogs were bone culture-positive. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism identified by cultures of blood, urine, and bone. Antibiotic therapy alone and in combination with vertebral curettage was used to treat dogs with minimal neurologic dysfunction. Dogs with severe neurologic deficits were treated with curettage, hemilaminectomy, vertebral immobilization, and antibiotics. Follow-up information was available for 29 dogs. Twenty dogs were clinically normal after treatment. Five dogs were euthanatized because of the severity of neurologic dysfunction; three of these dogs were not treated, and two deteriorated despite treatment. Three dogs died while hospitalized, and one dog died after discharge.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Thymoma in dogs: 23 cases (1980-1991).

Medical records of 23 dogs in which thymoma was diagnosed between Jan 1, 1980 and Dec 31, 1991 were reviewed. All thymomas were located in the cranial mediastinum. Eleven dogs had megaesophagus, and myasthenia gravis was confirmed in 7 of these 11. One dog developed clinical signs of myasthenia gravis after removal of the thymoma. Concurrent, nonthymic neoplasms were found in 5 dogs, and 2 had hypercalcemia. Three dogs developed third-degree atrioventricular heart block, 1 of which had generalized myositis involving the cardiac muscle. None of the dogs had evidence of distant metastasis. Histologically, the predominant tumor types were differentiated epithelial type (9/23) and lymphocyte-rich type (6/23). Clear cells (large cells with nonstaining cytoplasm) comprised > or = 50% of the cell population in tumors from 5 dogs. Mast cells were detected histologically in 85% of the thymomas evaluated. Sixteen dogs were treated, and in 15 of these, surgery was the primary means of treatment. Six of the 9 dogs with megaesophagus that underwent surgery died or were euthanized within 1 week of diagnosis; whereas only 1 of the 4 dogs without megaesophagus that underwent surgery died within 1 week of diagnosis. Two dogs underwent surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy. One dog died of complications associated with chemotherapy. One dog was treated with chemotherapy alone and survived 14 months. Seven dogs did not undergo treatment; 4 of these were euthanatized immediately after the mass was first discovered.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1993

[Efficacy of ivermectin in preventing Dirofilaria repens infestation in dogs naturally exposed to contagion].

The ability of ivermectin to control canine dirofilariosis in naturally infected dogs was tested. Two studies were carried out in the coast line of Grosseto district (Italy), where D. repens infection is endemic. A sample of 384 dogs from the area was examined as background controls and we found D. repens in 21.1%, D. immitis in 7.8% and both species in 6.5%. In the first study we used 72 privately-owned dogs, of varying sex, breed and age; all animals were negative to Knott's modified test for microfilariae and to CITE test for the adult antigens. All the dogs were treated monthly per os with tablets of ivermectin (> or = 6 mcg/kg) seven times from May 1991. All dogs were found negative for microfilariae 6-8 months after the last treatment. The second experiment was carried out on 16 Beagles aged 5.5-7 months (8 control dogs and 8 treated dogs). The dogs lived in a semi-open kennel in the selected area. We treated 8 dogs--8 times at monthly intervals, starting in June--with ivermectin tablets per os (> or = 6 mcg/kg). The monthly examination for circulating microfilariae (Knott's modified test) showed D. repens in two control dogs 7 months after the beginning of the experiment, one month later in 6 control and in another control animal also positive for D. immitis between the 10th and 11th month. Treated dogs were always negative. At the necropsy of all the dogs, about 11 months after the beginning of the experiment, we found adults or pre-adults of filariae in all the control dogs. Four animals had a double infection, 3 with D. repens and one with D. immitis. We never found adults or pre-adults of filariae in treated dogs.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of intradermal allergy test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in dogs with allergic skin disease.

Results of an ELISA for allergen-specific IgE were compared with results of an intradermal (ID) allergy test in 5 clinically normal dogs and 36 dogs referred for evaluation of allergic dermatitis. The ELISA had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 0%. Agreement between ID allergy test and ELISA for positive and negative results ranged from 44 to 56% for pollens, 39% for house dust/dust mite, 22% for fungi, and 54% for fleas. Agreement between ID allergy test and ELISA scores for all pollens was only 10% greater than that expected by chance alone, and a kappa value of 0.17 confirmed poor test agreement. The greatest disparity in results was seen in dogs with negative ID and positive ELISA results. Median ELISA absorbance values for 15 groups of related allergens were compared in 4 groups of dogs: clinically normal dogs, atopic dogs with positive ID reactivity, suspected atopic dogs with negative ID reactivity, and flea-allergic dogs. There was no significant difference in median ELISA values between clinically normal dogs and flea-allergic dogs, or clinically normal dogs and atopic dogs for any allergen group. Although the ELISA absorbance value for fungal antigens was significantly higher in dogs suspected of being atopic than in clinically normal dogs, there was no significant difference in median ELISA values for any other allergen group. These findings suggested the disparity between ID allergy test and ELISA results was primarily attributable to false-positive ELISA reactions rather than greater ELISA sensitivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Prescription and use of analgesics in dogs and cats in a veterinary teaching hospital: 258 cases (1983-1989)

The frequency of prescribing analgesics and administering them for the treatment of apparent postoperative pain in 243 dogs and 15 cats was evaluated. Surgeries performed on the animals evaluated included limb amputations, limb-sparing bone cancer resection, thoracotomy, cervical vertebral instability repair, and humeral fracture repair. Only 1 cat was treated once with an analgesic after surgery, and cats were not evaluated statistically. Dogs undergoing amputation, limb salvage procedure, or thoracotomy were more likely to be treated than dogs undergoing the other surgeries. Ninety-six (40%) of the 243 dogs were under the influence of an analgesic at any time during their postoperative hospital stay, and 69 dogs (28%) received 1 or more doses of an analgesic after recovery from general anesthesia. One hundred thirty-three dogs were cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery. Written instructions for treatment with an analgesic were given for 61 of those dogs, and 50 were given at least 1 dose of the prescribed analgesic. Dogs cared for in the ICU were twice as likely to be given an analgesic as dogs cared for in the surgery ward. The estimated duration of analgesic effect exceeded 8 hours in 46 (19%) of 243 dogs. Small and juvenile dogs were least likely to be treated. Interns and residents were twice as likely as faculty to administer analgesics. Most written interpretations of pain behavior observed in the ICU were made on the basis of vocalizations. Half of the dogs for which medical record comments suggested moderate to severe pain were not given an analgesic. The most frequently administered analgesic immediately following surgery was oxymorphone, followed by butorphanol and morphine. Aspirin was never administered to dogs in the ICU, but was used in 10 dogs that were in the surgery ward for > 74 hours.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMed1996

One-year follow-up evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and no signs of CNS dysfunction 1 year after diagnosis and initial MRI. DESIGN: Prospective study of surviving dogs from a previous study. ANIMALS: 13 dogs underwent MRI of the brain at the time that PDH was diagnosed and prior to treatment. At that time, none of the dogs had clinical signs suggestive of an intracranial mass. Approximately 1 year after diagnosis and MRI, the brain was again evaluated by MRI. RESULTS: On the initial MRI scan, 5 of the 13 dogs had normal findings, and 8 had evidence of a mass (tumor) in the area of the pituitary gland. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on the initial MRI scan, 3 had a normal MRI brain scan 1 year later. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on initial MRI scan, 2 had a visible pituitary mass at 1 year. The 8 dogs that had a visible mass on the initial MRI brain scan had easily identified pituitary masses on the second MRI scan. Of these 8 dogs, 4 had no apparent change in pituitary mass size, and 4 had obvious increase in vertical height of the pituitary mass. Of the 4 dogs, 2 developed signs of neurologic dysfunction within 1 year after diagnosis of PDH, presumably attributable to that mass. Of the 13 dogs, 12 were treated with mitotane soon after completion of the initial MRI scan. Sensitivity to mitotane and initial pituitary mass size or growth were not correlated. Of the 13 dogs evaluated initially and 1 year after diagnosis, 10 had pituitary masses identified on MRI brain scans. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The incidence of visible pituitary masses among dogs with PDH at the time of or within a year of diagnosis was > 75%. In 2 dogs, signs of CNS dysfunction developed within 1 year of PDH diagnosis when pituitary masses were > or = 10 mm.

Adrenocortical Hyperfunction↗

PubMed1997

Simultaneous diuresis cysto-urethrometry and multi-channel urethral pressure profilometry in female dogs with refractory urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess urethral closure and bladder storage function in female dogs with refractory urinary incontinence by use of simultaneous diuresis cysto-urethrometry (UCM) and multi-channel urethral pressure profilometry (UPP). ANIMALS: 53 female dogs of various breeds with a history of 'non-neurogenic,' acquired urinary incontinence unresponsive to standard conservative treatment. PROCEDURE: UPP and UCM were performed on dogs sedated with xylazine, using a flexible polyvinylchloride multi-channel catheter connected to a perfusion system. Urine production was determined by use of radionucleotide dilution analysis. Values of reproducible urodynamic variables obtained previously in clinically normal dogs were compared with findings in the incontinent dogs. Cutoff values with the highest predictive values of urodynamic variables were determined and selected for functional classification. RESULTS: Except for threshold volume, median values of all urodynamic variables were significantly different between continent and incontinent dogs. Urethral pressure values, their relative variation, bladder threshold pressure, and prevalence of detrusor contractions were significantly lower than values in normal dogs, but compliance was higher. Forty-one dogs had urodynamic findings suggestive of poor urethral closure function assessed by UCM, but 10 of these had normal closure pressure values during UPP. Abnormal bladder storage function was interpreted from the findings of 19 dogs. Low capacity was found in 3, low threshold pressure in 15, and high compliance in 9 dogs. Seven of the dogs with abnormal bladder storage function had normal urethral closure function assessed by UPP and UCM. Five dogs had no abnormal findings, and 1 continent dog was abnormal by our classification. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal bladder storage function was suggested in a considerable number of dogs with refractory urinary incontinence.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs using isophane insulin penfills and the use of serum fructosamine assays to diagnose and monitor the disease.

The objectives of the study were to test the use of a prefilled insulin syringe (Insulatard Novolet, isophane insulin, 100 IU/mL) in treating diabetic dogs and to test the clinical usefulness of serum fructosamine measurements in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus in dogs. For this study 15 dogs from throughout Norway with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were included and treated over a period of 180 days. All 15 dogs showed pretreatment hyperglycaemia. Of the 13 dogs tested, all showed elevated pretreatment serum fructosamine values. Within 2 weeks, 3 of the 15 included dogs had dropped out of the study. In 8 of the 12 remaining dogs, the clinical signs ceased within this period. Within a month, another dog was euthanised and one had died. Seven of the 10 remaining dogs were clinically normal. Three dogs had normal serum fructosamine concentrations, while in 6 dogs moderately or highly elevated serum fructosamine concentrations persisted. In one case serum fructosamine was not measured at this time. Increase in serum fructosamine concentration seemed to reflect hyperglycaemia and deteriorated clinical condition. Decrease in serum fructosamine concentration seemed to reflect improved glycaemic status and clinical condition. During the study period the owners did a total of approximately 3500 injections on their dogs. No reports of injection difficulties were received. This study documents that Insulatard Novolet is easy and safe to use in treating diabetic dogs and that serum fructosamine reflects long-term glucose concentrations in dogs. Serum fructosamine measurements provided a simple and easy way to diagnose persistent hyperglycaemia and monitor the treatment in diabetic patients.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1997

Randomized controlled trial of cyclosporine for treatment of perianal fistulas in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of cyclosporine for treatment of perianal fistulas in dogs. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. ANIMALS: 20 German Shepherd Dogs with naturally developing perianal fistulas. PROCEDURE: 10 dogs were treated with cyclosporine; the other 10 dogs were given a placebo. Overall improvement and change in total surface area of involvement and depth of the deepest fistula were determined after 4 weeks. Thereafter, cyclosporine-group dogs were treated for an additional 12 weeks and control-group dogs were treated with cyclosporine for 16 weeks. RESULTS: All cyclosporine-group dogs, but none of the control-group dogs, were subjectively improved after 4 weeks. Mean total surface area and mean fistula depth decreased 78 and 62%, respectively, in the cyclosporine-group dogs but increased 29 and 11%, respectively, in the control-group dogs. After 16 weeks of cyclosporine treatment, fistulas had healed in 17 (85%) dogs. However, fistulas recurred in 7 of 17 dogs, and additional cyclosporine treatment or anal sacculectomy and surgical excision of fistulas was necessary. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Cyclosporine appeared to be effective in dogs with perianal fistulas. Even in dogs in which fistulas were not completely healed, cyclosporine administration appeared to be beneficial, because the surgical procedures that were required were less extensive than those that would have been necessary if cyclosporine had not been given.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Rehabilitation of dogs with surgically treated cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifles by use of electrical stimulation of muscles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effect of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on rate and degree of return to function of the limb and development of degenerative joint disease (DJD) after surgical creation and subsequent stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal adult large (19.5 to 31.5 kg) dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized, and the right CrCL was severed via arthrotomy, destabilizing the stifle. After 3 weeks, the stifle was surgically stabilized. Three weeks later, 6 dogs were subjected to an EMS treatment protocol for the thigh muscles. At 5, 9, 13, and 19 weeks after stifle destabilization, treated (n = 6) and control (n = 6) dogs were evaluated for return of stifle function. Gross and histologic evaluations of the stifles were performed at 19 weeks after stifle destabilization. RESULTS: Treated dogs had significantly (P = 0.001) better lameness score than did control dogs. There was less palpable crepitation of the stifle in treated dogs (P = 0.06); treated dogs also had significantly (P = 0.01) fewer radiographic signs of bone changes. Thigh circumference was significantly (P = 0.02) larger in treated dogs. There was less gross cartilage damage (P = 0.07) in the EMS-treated dogs, but more medial meniscal damage (P = 0.058, cranial pole; P = 0.051, caudal pole). CONCLUSIONS: Improved lameness scores, larger thigh circumference, and decreased radiographically apparent bony changes observed for the treated group of dogs support the hypothesis that dogs treated by EMS after surgical stabilization of the CrCL-deficient stifle had improved limb function, with less DJD, than did dogs treated with the currently accepted clinical protocol of cage rest and slow return to normal activity. However, results of force plate evaluation did not support the hypothesis. Increased meniscal damage in dogs treated by EMS may be cause for concern.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Efficacy of a drug combination of praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel against giardiasis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of a combination of praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel at 2 dosages for treating naturally acquired giardiasis in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 male and 9 female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Dogs were identified as naturally infected with Giardia sp, using the zinc sulfate concentration technique (ZSCT), and were allocated to 1 of 3 groups. Group-1 dogs were treated orally with a praziquantel (5.4 to 7 mg/kg of body weight), pyrantel pamoate (26.8 to 35.2 mg/kg), and febantel (26.8 to 35.2 mg/kg) combination, every 24 hours for 3 doses. Group-2 dogs were treated with the combination once. Group-3 dogs were nontreated controls. Four fecal samples were examined, using the ZSCT, from each dog of each group within 6 days of the last treatment. Dogs were considered to have giardiasis if 1 or more of the fecal samples had positive results for Giardia cysts. Dogs were examined daily for at least 10 days after the last treatment. RESULTS: Giardia cysts were not detected in the feces of any group-1 dog or in the feces of 2 of 5 group-2 dogs. Cysts were detected in the feces of 5 of 5 group-3 (nontreated control) dogs. Signs of toxicosis were not observed in any dog. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The current labeled dose (for treatment of various nematodes and cestodes, but not Giardia sp) of the combination given orally once reduces cyst excretion in Giardia-infected dogs, and should be considered for treatment of dogs shedding Giardia cysts, whether or not they have clinical signs of infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Dogs respond appropriately to cues of humans' attentional focus.

Dogs' ability to recognise cues of human visual attention was studied in different experiments. Study 1 was designed to test the dogs' responsiveness to their owner's tape-recorded verbal commands (Down!) while the Instructor (who was the owner of the dog) was facing either the dog or a human partner or none of them, or was visually separated from the dog. Results show that dogs were more ready to follow the command if the Instructor attended them during instruction compared to situations when the Instructor faced the human partner or was out of sight of the dog. Importantly, however, dogs showed intermediate performance when the Instructor was orienting into 'empty space' during the re-played verbal commands. This suggests that dogs are able to differentiate the focus of human attention. In Study 2 the same dogs were offered the possibility to beg for food from two unfamiliar humans whose visual attention (i.e. facing the dog or turning away) was systematically varied. The dogs' preference for choosing the attentive person shows that dogs are capable of using visual cues of attention to evaluate the human actors' responsiveness to solicit food-sharing. The dogs' ability to understand the communicatory nature of the situations is discussed in terms of their social cognitive skills and unique evolutionary history.

Animals↗