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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374858. [PMID: 38638643 PMCID: PMC11025458 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain can profoundly affect the wellbeing of dogs and our understanding is limited regarding the multidimensional impact it has on dog quality of life. This study aimed to assess the factors that are significant and predictive of behavior problems in dogs using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) to further understand what factors influence their welfare. Methods Seventy six AWAG assessments were undertaken across 46 dogs that clinicians diagnosed as having musculoskeletal conditions that caused chronic pain. Wilcoxon-rank sum tests were used to assess the difference in scores between dogs with behavior disorders and a cohort of healthy dogs (n = 143). Results All physical factors besides body condition, and all psychological, environmental, and procedural factors were significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic pain, evidencing how chronic pain impacts all domains of a dog's life. Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient (RS) revealed several significant strong positive correlations such as the association between the severity of clinical symptoms with poorer mobility and the frequency at which the dog experienced fearful stimuli. Logistic regression showed that fears and anxieties frequency, the dog's reaction to stressors, engagement with enrichment, and social interactions were significant predictors of chronic pain in dogs. Discussion This highlights that typical signs of musculoskeletal disorders such as gait changes, stiffness, lameness might manifest after behavioral changes such as increased fearfulness, prolonged recovery from a stressful event, a reduced interested in social interactions, toys or play. Owners only seeking veterinary attention when the presence of physical signs of disease are evident may result in a delayed veterinary attention resulting in reduced welfare. Regular veterinary assessments combined with use of the AWAG can proactively identify these behavioral indicators and result in prompt treatment and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Malkani
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Piotti P, Pierantoni L, Albertini M, Pirrone F. Inflammation and Behavior Changes in Dogs and Cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:1-16. [PMID: 37722946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Sickness is a normal response to infections or stress triggered by proinflammatory cytokines that drive local and systemic inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokines act on the brain causing the so called "sickness behavior,"which is thought to improve recovery but can become maladaptive in the long term. Chronic inflammation characterizes many diseases and there is some evidence that dogs and cats experience age-associated increases in inflammation, a condition named "inflammaging." A complex and multifactorial relationship exists between these inflammatory mechanisms, pain, and psychological illness that may complicate veterinary diagnosis and affect the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Piotti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Ludovica Pierantoni
- Veterinary Behaviour & Consulting Services at CAN Training Centre, Via Camaldolilli, 79, Naples 80128, Italy
| | - Mariangela Albertini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
| | - Federica Pirrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
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Hauser H. Separation-related Problems and Their Interaction with Physical Disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2024; 54:29-42. [PMID: 37718126 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The condition of separation-related problems (SRPs) is common in companion dogs and clinicians should be comfortable diagnosing it. There are numerous diagnoses related to physical disease that have clinical signs similar to SRP, that exacerbate SRP, or may cause regression in treatment of SRP. Common examples include conditions affecting the following systems: musculoskeletal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to rule out causes of physical disease and address them accordingly. The signalment of the patient, medications they are receiving, and other behavioral comorbidities should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Hauser
- Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, 2626 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403, USA.
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Demirtas A, Atilgan D, Saral B, Isparta S, Ozturk H, Ozvardar T, Demirbas YS. Dog owners’ recognition of pain-related behavioral changes in their dogs. J Vet Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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Malkani R, Paramasivam S, Wolfensohn S. Preliminary validation of a novel tool to assess dog welfare: The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:940017. [PMID: 36187841 PMCID: PMC9523688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.940017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare monitoring is a vital part of veterinary medicine and can be challenging due to a range of factors that contribute to the perception of welfare. Tools can be used, however; there are few validated and objective methods available for veterinary and animal welfare professionals to assess and monitor the welfare of dogs over their lifetime. This study aimed to adapt a framework previously validated for other species, The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), for dogs and to host the tool on an accessible, easy to use online platform. Development of the AWAG for dogs involved using the scientific literature to decide which factors were relevant to score welfare in dogs and to also write the factor descriptors. The primary tool was trialed with veterinary professionals to refine and improve the AWAG. Content validity was assessed by subject matter experts by rating the validity of the factors for assessing dog welfare using the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave). Construct validity was evaluated by users of the tool scoring healthy and sick dogs, as well as healthy dogs undergoing neutering procedures. Mann Whitney tests demonstrate that the tool can differentiate between healthy and sick dogs, and healthy and healthy dogs post elective surgery. Test re-test reliability was tested by users conducting multiple assessments on individual dogs under non-changing conditions. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by two users scoring an individual dog at the same time in veterinary referral practice. Repeated measures ANOVA for test re-test and inter-rater reliability both show no statistical difference between scores and that the scores are highly correlated. This study provides evidence that the AWAG for dogs has good content and construct validity, alongside good test re-test and inter-rater reliability.
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Edwards P, Smith B, McArthur M, Hazel S. At the heart of a dog's veterinary experience: Heart rate responses in dogs vary across a standard physical examination. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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The link between neurology and behavior in veterinary medicine: A review. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
When an owner notices a behavior change in their cat that concerns them enough to present the cat to the vet, there are 3 possibilities: the behavior change reflects a change in behavioral health (a change in psychological state), a change in medical health (a change in physical state), or a combination (comorbid medical and behavioral pathologies). Because many behavioral pathologies are diagnoses of exclusion, it is important that the veterinarian rule out all of the likely medical differentials for the changed behavior. This article is a behavior-by-behavior guide to the more common differentials for the most common problem behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Stelow
- University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Watanabe R, Frank D, Steagall PV. Pain behaviors before and after treatment of oral disease in cats using video assessment: a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:100. [PMID: 32272922 PMCID: PMC7146962 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02302-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Specific behaviors associated with pain in cats with oral disease have not been consistently studied. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify pain-induced behaviors in cats before and after treatment of oral disease using video assessment. Twenty-four cats (6 ± 3.3 years old; 4.9 ± 1.7 kg) were included in a prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial. Cats were equally divided into minimal (G1: minimal dental treatment) or severe (G2: multiple dental extractions) oral disease groups. After acclimation at day 0, they underwent oral examination, radiographs, scaling, and dental extractions under general anesthesia (anesthetic protocol: acepromazine, hydromorphone, propofol, isoflurane, meloxicam, and local anesthetic blocks; day 1), and were discharged at day 6. Cats were filmed remotely for 10 min using a wide-angle glass lens camera before surgery (baseline) and throughout the study at different time points (36 h of video recording). The videos consisted of four parts namely general, playing, feeding and post-feeding behaviors. A board-certified behaviorist evaluated the duration/frequency of different behaviors based on an ethogram, which were analyzed using linear mixed models and a generalized linear model, respectively (p < 0.05). Results In comparison with baseline, duration of “not pawing the face” was significantly shorter at day 3 in G2. These cats spent significantly longer time “standing” and “laying” at days 3 and 6, respectively; G1 spent significantly less time “walking” and “standing” at days 3 and 4, respectively and significantly longer time “immobile” at day 3. Duration of “no/slow tail movement” was significantly longer in G2 than G1 at day 5. Duration of “pawing the ribbon” (playing) was significantly shorter in G2 than G1 at day 1. Feeding and post-feeding behaviors with soft food were not significantly different between groups or over time. Frequency of “difficulty grasping dry food” was significantly higher in G2 than G1 up to day 6. Frequency of post-feeding “head shaking” was significantly higher in both groups at day 6 when compared with baseline. Conclusions This study identified pain-induced behaviors in cats undergoing treatment of oral disease. These behaviors may be used to differentiate painful versus pain-free cats in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Diane Frank
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Paulo V Steagall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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Edwards PT, Hazel SJ, Browne M, Serpell JA, McArthur ML, Smith BP. Investigating risk factors that predict a dog's fear during veterinary consultations. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215416. [PMID: 31329583 PMCID: PMC6645454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Attending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there have been conflicting reports relating to the proportion of dogs that show fear during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, 41% of companion dogs displayed mild to moderate fearful behaviour when examined by a veterinarian, and 14% exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully when in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship between fear and the environmental and demographic factors measured was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, combined these risk factors only explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. This suggests that fear exhibited during veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that the environment or human-animal interactions are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. We conclude by highlighting opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra T. Edwards
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Susan J. Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A. Serpell
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. McArthur
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bradley P. Smith
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Fearful Fido: Investigating dog experience in the veterinary context in an effort to reduce distress. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lefman SH, Prittie JE. Psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients: Causation, implications, and therapies. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2019; 29:107-120. [PMID: 30861632 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the sources, adverse effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychogenic stress in hospitalized human and veterinary patients. DATA SOURCES Data were collected by searching PubMed for veterinary and human literature from the past 10 years. HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS Psychogenic stress has been linked to immune suppression; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and cutaneous diseases; delayed wound healing; alterations in pain perception; and neurologic impairment. Sources of psychogenic stress include environmental alterations such as excessive noise and light, social and physical factors, sleep disruption, drugs, and underlying disease. Nonpharmacologic options for stress reduction include environmental and treatment modifications, music therapy, and early mobilization. Pharmacologic options include sedation with benzodiazepines and dexmedetomidine. Trazodone and melatonin have been examined for use in sleep promotion but are not currently recommended as standard treatments in ICU. VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS Activation of the stress response in veterinary patients is largely the same as in people, as are the affected body systems. Possible sources of stress can include social, physical, and environmental factors. No gold standard currently exists for the identification and quantification of stress. A combination of physical examination findings and the results of serum biochemistry, CBC, and biomarker testing can be used to support the diagnosis. Stress scales can be implemented to identify stressed patients and assess severity. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include low-stress handling, pheromones, environmental modifications, and sleep promotion. Pharmacologic options include trazodone, benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and melatonin. CONCLUSION The prevalence and clinical significance of psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients is unknown. Future studies are needed to specifically examine the causative factors of psychogenic stress and the effects of various therapies on stress reduction. The recognition and reduction of psychogenic stress in veterinary patients can lead to improvements in patient care and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara H Lefman
- Emergency and Critical Care, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY
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Calder CD. Who should you turn to for help managing behavior problems in small animal practice? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2018; 253:847-848. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.7.847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Assessment of quality of life and chronic pain in dogs. Vet J 2018; 239:59-64. [PMID: 30197111 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of chronic pain and quality of life (QOL) are integral to clinical veterinary research and practice, and recent years have seen an increase in the published tools available for the assessment of both. However, the relationship between chronic pain and QOL in veterinary patients has received insufficient attention. This narrative review for the first time explores similarities, differences and interactions between chronic pain and quality of life and identifies common challenges to their assessment in dogs. In the opinion of these authors, assessments of both chronic pain and quality of life should be pro-active, global, regular, applied to answer specific questions for researchers and decision makers, and transparent about what has, and has not, been assessed. Collaboration in this field between animal welfare scientists, veterinary researchers and clinicians appears rare, and should be prioritised.
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Abstract
Failure of analgesic drugs in clinical development is common. Along with the current "reproducibility crisis" in pain research, this has led some to question the use of animal models. Experimental models tend to comprise genetically homogeneous groups of young, male rodents in restricted and unvarying environments, and pain-producing assays that may not closely mimic the natural condition of interest. In addition, typical experimental outcome measures using thresholds or latencies for withdrawal may not adequately reflect clinical pain phenomena pertinent to human patients. It has been suggested that naturally occurring disease in veterinary patients may provide more valid models for the study of painful disease. Many painful conditions in animals resemble those in people. Like humans, veterinary patients are genetically diverse, often live to old age, and enjoy a complex environment, often the same as their owners. There is increasing interest in the development and validation of outcome measures for detecting pain in veterinary patients; these include objective (eg, locomotor activity monitoring, kinetic evaluation, quantitative sensory testing, and bioimaging) and subjective (eg, pain scales and quality of life scales) measures. Veterinary subject diversity, pathophysiological similarities to humans, and diverse outcome measures could yield better generalizability of findings and improved translation potential, potentially benefiting both humans and animals. The Comparative Oncology Trial Consortium in dogs has pawed the way for translational research, surmounting the challenges inherent in veterinary clinical trials. This review describes numerous conditions similarly applicable to pain research, with potential mutual benefits for human and veterinary clinicians, and their respective patients.
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Affenzeller N, McPeake KJ, McClement J, Zulch H. Human‐directed aggressive behaviour as the main presenting sign in dogs subsequently diagnosed with diskospondylitis. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2017-000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Affenzeller
- Animal Behaviour ClinicAnimal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare GroupSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
- Department of Companion AnimalsClinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small AnimalsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kevin James McPeake
- Animal Behaviour ClinicAnimal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare GroupSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
| | | | - Helen Zulch
- Animal Behaviour ClinicAnimal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare GroupSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of LincolnLincolnUK
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Landsberg G, Maďari A, Žilka N. Behavioural and Medical Differentials of Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Dogs and Cats. CANINE AND FELINE DEMENTIA 2017. [PMCID: PMC7121040 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53219-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a diagnosis of exclusion given that there is no specific diagnostic test or tool and that medical disorders can cause the same set of signs. The veterinary surgeon must first identify that signs are present, collect a full history and then perform a full physical examination and relevant diagnostic tests to rule out medical causes for the signs including blood and urine analysis, radiographs and diagnostic imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Landsberg
- North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour, Specialty Clinic, Thornhill, Ontario Canada
| | - Aladár Maďari
- Univ of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Small Animal Clinic, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Žilka
- Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Sechi S, Di Cerbo A, Canello S, Guidetti G, Chiavolelli F, Fiore F, Cocco R. Effects in dogs with behavioural disorders of a commercial nutraceutical diet on stress and neuroendocrine parameters. Vet Rec 2016; 180:18. [PMID: 27885066 PMCID: PMC5284471 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The well-being of dogs can be affected by changes in human lifestyle, eating habits and increased stressors that lead to behavioural disorders including fear, hyperactivity and anxiety, followed by negative affective moods and poor welfare. This randomised, controlled clinical evaluation involved 69 dogs, 38 males and 31 females, of different breeds, with behavioural disorders related to anxiety and chronic stress. They were fed a control diet or a nutraceutical diet (ND group) for 45 days. Neuroendocrine (serotonin, dopamine, β-endorphins, noradrenaline and cortisol) and stress (derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP)) parameters related to behavioural disorders were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study period. Results showed a significant increase in serotonin, dopamine and β-endorphins plasma concentrations (*P<0.05, *P<0.05 and **P<0.01, respectively) and a significant decrease in noradrenaline and cortisol plasma concentrations in the ND group (*P<0.05). dROMs significantly decreased in the ND group (*P<0.05) while BAP was not affected. This study demonstrated for the first time that a specific diet significantly and positively affected neuroendocrine parameters and dROMs. These results open significant perspectives concerning the use of diet and nutraceuticals in the treatment of behavioural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sechi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology and Veterinary Clinic Section, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Di Cerbo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - S Canello
- Research and Development Department, Forza10 USA Corp., 10142 Canopy Tree Ct. 32836 Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - G Guidetti
- Research and Development Department, Forza10 USA Corp., 10142 Canopy Tree Ct. 32836 Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - F Chiavolelli
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Clinical and Public Health, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - F Fiore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology and Veterinary Clinic Section, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - R Cocco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology and Veterinary Clinic Section, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Wrigglesworth DJ, Bailey MQ, Colyer A, Hughes KR. PILOT STUDY TO ASSESS MEAL PROGRESSION THROUGH THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF HABITUATED DOGS DETERMINED BY FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING WITHOUT SEDATION OR PHYSICAL RESTRAINT. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2016; 57:565-571. [DOI: 10.1111/vru.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Q. Bailey
- Banfield Pet Hospital; PO Box 13998, 8000 NE Tillamook St Portland OR 97213-0998
| | - Alison Colyer
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition; Waltham on the Wolds; Leicestershire LE14 4RT UK
| | - Kevin R. Hughes
- WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition; Waltham on the Wolds; Leicestershire LE14 4RT UK
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Demontigny-Bédard I, Beauchamp G, Bélanger MC, Frank D. Characterization of pica and chewing behaviors in privately owned cats: a case-control study. J Feline Med Surg 2016; 18:652-7. [PMID: 26088566 PMCID: PMC10816388 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15591589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to characterize pica behavior in cats. METHODS Cat owners were recruited to participate in a questionnaire survey on pica behavior exhibited by their cats. Emphasis was put on the type of item ingested. Questions on early history and environment, as well as general health and gastrointestinal signs, were asked. Owners of healthy cats not showing pica were also recruited into a control group. Associations between variables and groups were statistically tested. RESULTS Pica was directed most commonly at shoelaces or threads, followed by plastic, fabric, other items, rubber, paper or cardboard and wood. Some cats ingested specific items but only chewed others. A significant positive association was found between sucking and ingesting fabric (P = 0.002). Ad libitum feeding was significantly lower in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.01). Prevalence of self-sucking behavior was significantly higher in the pica group than the control group (P = 0.001). Cats with pica vomited significantly more often than control cats (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Pica, the ingestion of inedible items, does not seem to be the consequence of a suboptimal environment or early weaning. Cats with pica were less commonly fed ad libitum than healthy cats. As frequently reported, pica and vomiting were related, but the causative association is not well established and thus warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Demontigny-Bédard
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Montreal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Guy Beauchamp
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Bélanger
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Montreal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Diane Frank
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Montreal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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Bain MJ, Good KL. Animal Behavior Case of the Month. Vitreous degeneration. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015. [PMID: 26225605 DOI: 10.2460/javma.247.4.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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