Radiographic evaluation of the forelimb bone development in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

This study aimed to assess the fusion of growth plates and the development of secondary ossification centres in the forelimb bones of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), contrasting the findings with established data from domestic dogs. Three maned wolves, comprising one male and two females, initially aged between 3 and 4 months, were subjected to monthly radiographic evaluations until 10-11 months of age, followed by bimonthly assessments until 18-19 months of age, encompassing both forelimbs. The closure times of growth plates were observed as follows: supraglenoid tubercle (7-8 months), proximal humerus (17-19 months), distal humerus (8-9 months), medial epicondyle of the humerus (8-9 months), proximal ulna (9-10 months), proximal radius (13-15 months), distal ulna (13-15 months) and distal radius (17-19 months). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the areas of secondary ossification centres in the proximal epiphyses of the humerus and radius, respectively, observed from the initial evaluation at 8-9 months and 6-7 months. Conversely, the epiphyses of the supraglenoid tubercle, distal humerus, proximal ulna, distal ulna, medial epicondyle of the humerus and distal radius did not exhibit significant area differences between 3-4 months and 4-5 months, yet notable distinctions emerged at 5-6 months. In summary, while the radiographic appearance of epiphyseal growth plates and secondary ossification centres in maned wolves resembles that of domestic dogs, closure times vary. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of epiphyseal growth plates in this species.

Limb development in skeletally-immature large-sized dogs: A radiographic study

Despite the extreme morphological variability of the canine species, data on limb development are limited and the time windows for the appearance of the limb ossification centres (OCs) reported in veterinary textbooks, considered universally valid for all dogs, are based on dated studies. The aim of this study was to acquire up-to-date information regarding the arm, forearm and leg bone development in skeletally-immature large-sized dogs from 6 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Nine litters of 5 large-sized breeds (Boxer, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Saarloos Wolfdog, White Swiss Shepherd Dog) were included, for a total of 54 dogs, which were subject to radiographic examination on a bi-weekly basis. The appearance of 18 limb OCs was recorded and 14 radiographic measurements were performed; their relationship with age and body weight was investigated and any breed differences were analysed using different statistical non-parametric tests. The number of OCs present was significantly different at 6 and 8 weeks of age between the investigated breeds. The appearance of the OCs occurred earlier in the Saarloos Wolfdog, while the Labrador Retriever was the later breed. In Boxers and Labrador Retrievers, various OCs showed a delayed appearance compared to the data reported in the literature. The number of OCs was strongly and positively correlated to body weight. Breed differences were also observed in the relative increase of the measured OCs and were not limited to dogs of different morphotypes. Statistically significant differences were most frequently observed between Saarloos Wolfdogs and the other breeds. The OCs that showed a greater variability in their development were the olecranon tuber, the patella and the tibial tuberosity. Their increase was more strongly correlated with the dog’s age and body weight. Our data strongly suggest that differences in limb development exist in dog breeds of similar size and morphotype.

Factorial calculation of calcium and phosphorus requirements of growing dogs

Calcium and phosphorus requirements for growing dogs can be calculated by different methods. The current standard feeding recommendations are based on experimental data derived from young giant breed puppies. In order to determine the absolute requirement, an extrapolation via metabolisable energy requirement is recommended. Another approach is to calculate the requirement factorially, taking into account the endogenous losses and the amount of calcium and phosphorus retained due to tissue accretion during growth as well as the expected availability of these nutrients. The working hypothesis was that both methods are valid and lead to comparable results in young puppies of a high mature body weight (BW). Yet, deviations for other age and mature BW groups were expected. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the results of both methods using exemplary puppies of different age and mature BW groups. The hypotheses could be verified for calcium. The extrapolated requirements overestimate the factorial requirements by up to 59.7% for puppies <60kg mature BW and/or >6 months of age. In case of phosphorus requirement, the deviations between both methods are overall very high in all stages. Taking into account the potentially harmful effects of calcium and phosphorus excess, the feeding recommendations based on the extrapolation should be reconsidered.

Whole genome sequencing of canids reveals genomic regions under selection and variants influencing morphology

Domestic dog breeds are characterized by an unrivaled diversity of morphologic traits and breed-associated behaviors resulting from human selective pressures. To identify the genetic underpinnings of such traits, we analyze 722 canine whole genome sequences (WGS), documenting over 91 million single nucleotide and small indels, creating a large catalog of genomic variation for a companion animal species. We undertake both selective sweep analyses and genome wide association studies (GWAS) inclusive of over 144 modern breeds, 54 wild canids and a hundred village dogs. Our results identify variants of strong impact associated with 16 phenotypes, including body weight variation which, when combined with existing data, explain greater than 90% of body size variation in dogs. We thus demonstrate that GWAS and selection scans performed with WGS are powerful complementary methods for expanding the utility of companion animal systems for the study of mammalian growth and biology.

Echocardiographic indices of age- and gender-dependent cardiac remodeling over the adult lifespan in Irish Wolfhounds

INTRODUCTION

Characterizing age- and gender-dependent cardiac remodeling over the adult lifespan in Irish Wolfhounds (IWs) by echocardiography. In people, a life-long cardiac remodeling process has been demonstrated.

ANIMALS, MATERIALS, METHODS

Irish Wolfhounds (56 males, 90 females) with no indication of cardiac disease at final assessment (>7.0 years old). For each dog, four transthoracic echocardiographic studies were analyzed. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic internal dimensions (LVIDs, LVIDd), LV fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF), LV free wall and interventricular septal thickness, right ventricular diastolic dimension, and left atrial (LA) and right atrial systolic diameters were compared at time points in the following age categories (years): 1.0-2.5; 3.0-4.0; 4.5-6.0; and 7.0-10.5 and related to age, body weight, and heart rate.

RESULTS

Over the adult life course, males had statistically significant increases in LV internal dimensions, atrial diameters, and decreases of FS and EF. From youngest to oldest age of examination means ± standard deviations were as follows: LVIDs, 32.7 ± 2.9 vs. 36.5 ± 2.9 mm; LVIDd, 49.6 ± 4.7 vs. 53.4 ± 3.8 mm; right atrial diameter, 36.8 ± 3.3 vs. 42.6 ± 3.3 mm; LA, 49.0 ± 3.6 vs. 55.0 ± 3.7 mm; and FS, 34.6 ± 3.7 vs. 31.0 ± 3.2. In females, LV internal dimensions did not change significantly, increases in right atrial (38.1 ± 3.7 mm to 40.0 ± 5.2 mm) and LA diameter (48.8 ± 3.6 to 52.4 ± 4.3 mm) were attenuated, as were decreases of FS (33.4 ± 3.7 to 31.5 ± 4.4, p = 0.02). LV wall thicknesses did not significantly change in both genders.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Over the adult life course, echocardiography demonstrated increasing LV dimensions in male IWs only. In both genders, FS and EF decreased, and atrial diameters increased. Females showed an attenuated remodeling process.

Increased resistance to sudden noise by audio stimulation during early ontogeny in German shepherd puppies

The period of early ontogeny constitutes a time when the physical immaturity of an organism is highly susceptible to external stimuli. Thus, early development plays a major role in shaping later adult behavior. The aim of the study was to check whether stimulating puppies at this early stage in life with sound would improve their responsiveness towards unfamiliar noises during the selection process of the police behavioral test for puppies. The cohort comprised 37 puppies from the litters of three mothers. At the commencement of the experiment the dogs were aged 16 days, rising to the age of 32 days at its close. The mothers and litters of the treatment group were either exposed to radio broadcasts, (see below; three litters totaling 19 puppies), while the control group was not exposed to any radio programs (eight litters totaling 18 puppies). All three mothers had previously experienced both auditory circumstances, as described herein. Ordinary radio broadcasts were played to the puppies in the treatment group three times a day for 20 minute periods, always during feeding time. The cohort was subjected to the so-called Puppy Test, i.e. analysis of the potential of each animal, once the dogs had reached the age of 7 weeks. Such tests included exposure to a sudden noise caused by a shovel (100 dB), noise when alone in a room, and response to loud distracting stimuli (the latter two at 70 dB). Said tasks were rated by the same analyst on a scale of 0–5 points; the better the response of the dog, the higher the score given. The differences between the treatment and control groups were analyzed via Mixed Models (PROC MIXED) in SAS. The animals comprising the treatment group responded with a higher score to the sudden noise caused by the shovel than the control dogs (P<0.01). Interestingly, gender was seen to affect response, with the males scoring more than the females (P<0.1). In conclusion, the results suggested that audio stimulation early in life improved the response of the dogs to intense sudden noise, as caused by the shovel. Therefore, acoustic stimulation during the very early period of life has the potential to raise the necessary skills of dogs for military and police purposes, or civilian life.

Early results on canine fetal kidney development: Ultrasonographic evaluation and value in prediction of delivery time

To date there have been no studies that describe the ultrasonographic evaluation of kidney development in canine fetuses. The aim of this prospective and longitudinal study was to monitor fetal kidney development with ultrasound and use fetal kidney measurements as a complementary biometric index for estimation of gestational age. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 15 clinically healthy pregnant bitches every four days from 30^th day of pregnancy, until visualization of the fetal renal pelvis was no longer possible. Four distinct periods of ultrasonographic canine fetal kidney development were defined. Kidney length and renal pelvis distention were measured on longitudinal plane images. The fetal kidney ranged from 0.40 cm to 2.30 cm in length, and diameter of the pelvis ranged from 0.06 cm to 0.17 cm, however by the end of gestation the renal pelvis was no longer dilated and so its diameter could not be measured. Statistical analysis confirmed a relationship between gestational age and fetal kidney growth. Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal kidney development is simple to perform. There is a strong correlation between gestational age and kidney length, which allowed generation of an equation to estimate delivery date with high sensitivity between 48 and 52 days of pregnancy. Fetal organ development can be considered complete when the renal pelvis is no longer dilated, this finding can assist the ultrasonographer in staging the gestation by prompting examination for fetal intestinal motility which begins at the same gestational age. Measurement of fetal kidney length can be used in conjunction with other methods to estimate gestational age and predict delivery time.

Growth standard charts for monitoring bodyweight in dogs of different sizes

Limited information is available on what constitutes optimal growth in dogs. The primary aim of this study was to develop evidence-based growth standards for dogs, using retrospective analysis of bodyweight and age data from >6 million young dogs attending a large corporate network of primary care veterinary hospitals across the USA. Electronic medical records were used to generate bodyweight data from immature client-owned dogs, that were healthy and had remained in ideal body condition throughout the first 3 years of life. Growth centile curves were constructed using Generalised Additive Models for Location, Shape and Scale. Curves were displayed graphically as centile charts covering the age range 12 weeks to 2 years. Over 100 growth charts were modelled, specific to different combinations of breed, sex and neuter status. Neutering before 37 weeks was associated with a slight upward shift in growth trajectory, whilst neutering after 37 weeks was associated with a slight downward shift in growth trajectory. However, these shifts were small in comparison to inter-individual variability amongst dogs, suggesting that separate curves for neutered dogs were not needed. Five bodyweight categories were created to cover breeds up to 40kg, using both visual assessment and hierarchical cluster analysis of breed-specific growth curves. For 20/24 of the individual breed centile curves, agreement with curves for the corresponding bodyweight categories was good. For the remaining 4 breed curves, occasional deviation across centile lines was observed, but overall agreement was acceptable. This suggested that growth could be described using size categories rather than requiring curves for specific breeds. In the current study, a series of evidence-based growth standards have been developed to facilitate charting of bodyweight in healthy dogs. Additional studies are required to validate these standards and create a clinical tool for growth monitoring in pet dogs.

Population Dynamics of Owned, Free-Roaming Dogs: Implications for Rabies Control

BACKGROUND

Rabies is a serious yet neglected public health threat in resource-limited communities in Africa, where the virus is maintained in populations of owned, free-roaming domestic dogs. Rabies elimination can be achieved through the mass vaccination of dogs, but maintaining the critical threshold of vaccination coverage for herd immunity in these populations is hampered by their rapid turnover. Knowledge of the population dynamics of free-roaming dog populations can inform effective planning and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns to control rabies.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We implemented a health and demographic surveillance system in dogs that monitored the entire owned dog population within a defined geographic area in a community in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. We quantified demographic rates over a 24-month period, from 1st January 2012 through 1st January 2014, and assessed their implications for rabies control by simulating the decline in vaccination coverage over time. During this period, the population declined by 10%. Annual population growth rates were +18.6% in 2012 and -24.5% in 2013. Crude annual birth rates (per 1,000 dog-years of observation) were 451 in 2012 and 313 in 2013. Crude annual death rates were 406 in 2012 and 568 in 2013. Females suffered a significantly higher mortality rate in 2013 than males (mortality rate ratio [MRR] = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.28-1.85). In the age class 0-3 months, the mortality rate of dogs vaccinated against rabies was significantly lower than that of unvaccinated dogs (2012: MRR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.05-0.21; 2013: MRR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11-0.69). The results of the simulation showed that achieving a 70% vaccination coverage during annual campaigns would maintain coverage above the critical threshold for at least 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings provide an evidence base for the World Health Organization's empirically-derived target of 70% vaccination coverage during annual campaigns. Achieving this will be effective even in highly dynamic populations with extremely high growth rates and rapid turnover. This increases confidence in the feasibility of dog rabies elimination in Africa through mass vaccination.

Digestibility and metabolizable energy of raw soybeans manufactured with different processing treatments and fed to adult dogs and puppies

The objective of this study was to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), ME, and fecal characteristics of adult dogs and puppies fed raw soybeans (RSB) and their by-products. Six treatments were evaluated: 1 reference diet (REF), based on a maize-poultry by-product meal, and 5 extruded diets containing 70% of the ingredients of the REF diet and 30% of a soybean processed product [defatted soybean meal (DSM), micronized soybeans (MSB), soybean meal (SBM), RSB, or toasted soybeans (TSB)]. Six adult dogs (5.8 yr old) and 6 puppies (5.1 mo old) were used in a study with a double Latin square design (6 × 6). Urease was reduced in all diets after extrusion, but trypsin inhibitor was reduced only in the diets containing SBM, DSM, and RSB. The ATTD of CP in DSM, SBM, MSB, TSB, and RSB were 85.1%, 85.2%, 88.4%, 84.7%, and 78.9%, respectively, for adult dogs. Soybean meal and DSM had the lowest ATTD of acid-hydrolyzed fat (AHF; 84.3% for both ingredients in adult dogs). The ATTD of DM and AHF in DSM and AHF in all soybean products were greater in puppies than adult dogs (P < 0.05). The ME content was greatest in MSB (21.39 MJ/kg) and least in DSM (15.23 MJ/kg). The feces of dogs fed soybean products were softer and had a lower pH (average of 5.91 vs. 6.05 for adult dogs fed soybean products and REF diets, respectively) and ammonia content (average of 3.82 vs. 4.32 g/kg for adult dogs fed soybean products and REF diets, respectively), except those fed RSB, which had similar fecal pH and ammonia values, compared with those fed the REF diet. Soybean products are good protein sources for both adult and growing dogs, provided they are heat treated before diet extrusion.

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) contributes to reduced size in dogs

Domestic dog breeds have undergone intense selection for a variety of morphologic features, including size. Among small-dog breeds, defined as those averaging less than ~15 in. at the withers, there remains still considerable variation in body size. Yet essentially all such dogs are fixed for the same allele at the insulin-like growth factor 1 gene, which we and others previously found to be a size locus of large effect. In this study we sought to identify additional genes that contribute to tiny size in dogs using an association scan with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset CanMap, in which 915 purebred dogs were genotyped at 60,968 SNP markers. Our strongest association for tiny size (defined as breed-average height not more than 10 in. at the withers) was on canine chromosome 3 (p = 1.9 × 10(-70)). Fine mapping revealed a nonsynonymous SNP at chr3:44,706,389 that changes a highly conserved arginine at amino acid 204 to histidine in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). This mutation is predicted to prevent formation of several hydrogen bonds within the cysteine-rich domain of the receptor's ligand-binding extracellular subunit. Nine of 13 tiny dog breeds carry the mutation and many dogs are homozygous for it. This work underscores the central importance of the IGF1 pathway in controlling the tremendous size diversity of dogs.

[Dynamics of structural changes in the dorsal roots of spinal nerves in growing dogs]

Dorsal roots of spinal nerves (S1 segment) were studied in 9 growing mongrel dogs aged 2, 5 and 10 months using morphologic and morphomertric the methods. Longitudinal paraffin sections, impregnated with silver nitrate, and semithin transverse sections, stained with methylene blue-basic fuchsin, were used. The general regularities of structural organization, as well as the patterns of nerve fiber arrangement in the studied age periods have been determined. In the process of growth, the thickening of the dorsal roots was found (which was most pronounced until 5 months together with the increase of the diameter and the changes in the proportions of small, medium and large myelinated nerve fibers, the decrease of their number per unit section area.

Intraspecies disparity in growth rate is associated with differences in expression of local growth plate regulators

Disparities in longitudinal growth within a species can be partly explained by endocrinological differences. We hypothesized that regulatory networks acting locally in the growth plate may also be important. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating the IGF/IGFBP expression, the vitamin D pathway, and the PTHrP-Indian hedgehog (IHH) feedback loop in rib growth plates from 10- and 21-wk-old small- (Miniature Poodles, MP) and large-breed dogs (Great Danes, GD) using immunohistochemistry and quantitative (q)PCR. The rib growth plates of GD were 1.7 times thicker compared with those of MP, with larger proliferative (in absolute terms) and larger hypertrophic (in absolute and relative terms) zones. IGF/IGFBP gene expression profiling of the growth plates revealed decreased gene expression of igfbp2, -4, and -6 and an unaltered expression of igf-I and igf-II and their respective receptors in GD vs. MP. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR findings showed that the vitamin D pathway was more active in GD than in MP. Staining for 1α- and 24-hydroxylase was more abundant and intense in GD and the gene expressions of 1α-hydroxylase and the vitamin D receptor-driven 24-hydroxylase were six- and eightfold higher in GD vs. MP, respectively. Consistent with the immunohistochemistry findings, the expression of mRNA for components of the parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)-IHH loop was different in GD compared with MP, with there being a relative threefold downregulation of Pthrp and a tenfold upregulation of Ihh in GD vs MP. These differences suggest that the effects of IHH in the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophy, both independently of PTHrP, can become more dominant during rapid growth rates. In conclusion, our data suggest that, in addition to modest endocrine differences, more pronounced changes in the expression of locally acting regulatory networks, such as the IGF system, vitamin D pathway, and PTHrP-IHH feedback loop are important contributors to within-species disparities in growth rates.

Feeding large-breed puppies

Growth is a physiologically demanding process that requires adequate amounts of energy as well as optimal intake of essential nutrients. Key nutritional factors, including energy and calcium, have been identified as important during growth. Large-breed puppies have a genetic tendency toward fast growth rates that can stress developing skeletal structures and result in malformations if left unchecked. Overnutrition in large-breed puppies leads to not only heavier body weight but also faster bone growth with abnormal bone remodeling. The end result is a larger but less dense skeletal structure supporting a load that is heavier than ideal. Controlling the growth rate and providing nutrients in amounts adjusted for energy intake can help decrease the risks of skeletal abnormalities caused by rapid growth in large-breed puppies.

Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and plasma glucose and urea in dogs fed a commercial dog food once or three times daily

Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and levels of glucose and urea in the plasma were determined in 8 dogs that received 2 different dog foods once or 3 times daily. One dog food (A) was 5 times more expensive than the other (B). Fecal pH and consistency, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) were determined. Blood samples were taken from 30 min before to 60 min after a meal. Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP, and fecal consistency were higher, and daily fecal excretion and fecal pH were lower when dogs were fed food A (P < 0.001). The feeding schedule had no effect on plasma glucose and urea. Neither feeding X frequency nor food 3 frequency interactions was significant for the parameters studied.

M-mode echocardiographic changes in growing beagles

Heart growth in 6 female beagle dogs was measured by using M-mode echocardiography at 4, 7, 10, 13, 17, and 21 mo of age. The same 6 dogs were evaluated throughout the study to establish when cardiac development ends in this breed. The following parameters were measured during systole and diastole: left ventricle posterior wall thickness, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular internal dimension, left atrial dimension during ventricular systole, aortic root dimension at end diastole, E-point to septal separation, left ventricular preejection period, ejection time of the left ventricular outflow, and time between the cessation and onset of the mitral inflow intervals. The percentage of the left ventricle posterior wall thickening, fractional shortening, ejection fraction, left ventricular end systolic and end-diastolic volumes, ratio of the left atrial dimension to aortic root dimension, and the Tei index of myocardial performance were calculated. The heart rate was measured by cardiac auscultation. The influence of ageing on each echocardiographic parameter and relationships with body weight and surface were studied. Results show that cardiac development in female beagles can be considered finished by the age of 1 y, perhaps as soon as 7 mo. The cardiac indexes studied were unaffected by the age and corporal dimensions, confirming the usefulness of these parameters for evaluating cardiac functionality alterations independent of a dog's age and body weight or surface area.

Human listeners attend to size information in domestic dog growls

The acoustic features of vocalizations have the potential to transmit information about the size of callers. Most acoustic studies have focused on intraspecific perceptual abilities, but here, the ability of humans to use growls to assess the size of adult domestic dogs was tested. In a first experiment, the formants of growls were shifted to create playback stimuli with different formant dispersions (Deltaf), simulating different vocal tract lengths within the natural range of variation. Mean fundamental frequency (F0) was left unchanged and treated as a covariate. In a second experiment, F0 was resynthesized and Deltaf was left unchanged. In both experiments Deltaf and F0 influenced how participants rated the size of stimuli. Lower formant and fundamental frequencies were rated as belonging to larger dogs. Crucially, when F0 was manipulated and Deltaf was natural, ratings were strongly correlated with the actual weight of the dogs, while when Deltaf was varied and F0 was natural, ratings were not related to the actual weight. Taken together, this suggests that participants relied more heavily on Deltaf, in accordance with the fact that formants are better predictors of body size than F0.

Dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis and pectus excavatum in a dog

This is the first published report of a dog with dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pectus excavatum. A juvenile dog presented with a grade V/VI left base systolic heart murmur, tachycardia, and pectus excavatum. Diagnosis of the aforementioned conditions was based on radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. At 9 1/2 wk of age the heart murmur was no longer audible and the right ventricular stenosis and hypertrophy had dissipated and regressed, respectively. Resolution may be associated with growth of the dog. A good prognosis is foreseen.

OIE guidelines on dog population control

At the 73rd General Session the OIE decided to develop guidance for Members on humane methods for the control of stray animal populations. In 2006, an ad hoc Group was convened under the leadership of the OIE Permanent Animal Welfare Working Group. With valuable assistance from the OIE Collaborating Centre on Animal Welfare, a Questionnaire was developed and sent to OIE Members, of which 81 countries submitted responses. In light of this information, the ad hoc Group prepared a first draft report, which notes the importance of controlling stray dog populations to help prevent zoonotic diseases and non-disease related nuisances to society and the environment. In choosing the preferred method of control, the risks to operators must be taken into account, as well as religious, cultural and economic contexts of the country concerned. Depending on the situation, methods requiring individual animal restraint or methods for use at a distance may be recommended. While activities that aim to physically reduce the numbers of stray dogs are important, achievement of the long term goals of dog population control and avoidance of risks to human health depends on the education of dog owners and the general public as to their responsibilities. The draft report notes that sub-national jurisdictions are often those responsible for the control of stray dog populations. The key role played by non-governmental organisations in stray dog management in many countries is acknowledged. The draft report emphasises that the close involvement of veterinarians and of official Veterinary Services, working in collaboration with public health authorities, is necessary to realise long term goals.

Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) develop liver lesions when exposed to a chronic and dietary low dose of an environmental organohalogen cocktail

We assessed the relationship between exposure to organohalogen polluted minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) blubber and liver morphology and function in a generational controlled study of 28 Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris). The prevalence of portal fibrosis, mild bile duct hyperplasia, and vascular leukocyte infiltrations was significantly higher in the exposed group (all Chi-square: p<0.05). In case of granulomas, the frequency was significantly highest in the bitches (P generation) while the prevalence of portal fibrosis was highest in the F generation (pups) (both Chi-square: p<0.05). No significant difference between exposed and controls was found for bile acid, ALAT, and ALKP, while ASAT and LDH were significantly highest in the control group (both ANOVA: p<0.05). We therefore suggest that a daily intake of 50-200g environmentally organohalogen polluted minke whale blubber can cause liver lesions in Greenland sledge dogs. It is reasonable to infer that other apex predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and humans may suffer from similar impacts.

The determination of growth performance and some morphological characteristics effective on development curves of German Shepherd puppies during the suckling period

This study was carried out to establish the body weight, survival rate and some body measurements in German Shepherd puppies during the suckling period. The puppies were each weighed every seven days, and measured at ten different body sites every fourteen the day until weaning. The mean live weight of each puppy was measured as 776 g in the 1st week, 1750 g in the 4th week and 2614 g in the 8th week. The survival rate for the puppies was calculated at 95.2% and 83%, respectively at the end of the 4th and 8th week. Some of the body measurements of the puppies at the age when they were removed from suckling (52nd day) such as head length, head girth, body length, shoulder height, ear length, chest girth, rump height, front wrist girth, tail length and back wrist girth were found to be 14.76, 24.03, 22.97, 25.16, 5.93, 30.64, 24.16, 6.62, 15.51 and 5.99 cm, respectively.