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Mahmoodi M, Ayatollahi Mehrgardi A, Momen M, Serpell JA, Esmailizadeh A. Deciphering the genetic basis of behavioral traits in dogs: Observed-trait GWAS and latent-trait GWAS analysis reveal key genes and variants. Vet J 2024; 308:106251. [PMID: 39368730 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 09/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Dogs exhibit remarkable phenotypic diversity, particularly in behavioral traits, making them an excellent model for studying the genetic basis of complex behaviors. Behavioral traits such as aggression and fear are highly heritable among different dog breeds, but their genetic basis is largely unknown. We used the genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify candidate genes associated with nine behavioral traits including; stranger-directed aggression (SDA), owner-directed aggression (ODA), dog-directed aggression (DDA), stranger-directed fear (SDF), nonsocial fear (NF), dog-directed fear (DDF), touch sensitivity (TS), separation-related behavior (SRB) and attachment attention-seeking (AAS). The observed behavioral traits were collected from 38,714 to 40,460 individuals across 108 modern dog breeds. We performed a GWAS based on a latent trait extracted using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) method with nine observable behavioral traits and compared the results with those from the GWAS of the observed traits. Using both observed-trait and latent-trait GWAS, we identified 41 significant SNPs that were common between both GWAS methods, of which 26 were pleiotropic, as well as 10 SNPs unique to the latent-trait GWAS, and 5 SNPs unique to the observed-trait GWAS discovered. These SNPs were associated with 21 genes in latent-trait GWAS and 22 genes in the observed-trait GWAS, with 19 genes shared by both. According to previous studies, some of the genes from this study have been reported to be related to behavioral and neurological functions in dogs. In the human population, these identified genes play a role in either the formation of the nervous system or are linked to various mental health conditions. Taken together, our findings suggest that latent-trait GWAS for behavioral traits in dogs identifies significant latent genes that are neurologically prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mahmoodi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Ayatollahi Mehrgardi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Momen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - James A Serpell
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali Esmailizadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Ramos D, Yazbek KVB, Brito AC, Georgetti B, Dutra LML, Leme FOP, Vasconcellos AS. Is It Possible to Mitigate Fear of Fireworks in Dogs? A Study on the Behavioural and Physiological Effects of a Psychoactive Supplement. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1025. [PMID: 38612264 PMCID: PMC11010855 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Canine fear of fireworks is a common problem worldwide, with serious implications for the welfare of both dogs and their owners. Therapies for the problem are available, and herbal and nutraceutical agents are increasingly suggested by professionals; nonetheless, studies on their real efficacy in reducing firework fear are lacking. In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 44 dogs (25 in the "supplement" group and 19 in the "placebo" group) completed a long-term continuous treatment with either a supplement made of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora or a placebo, including two real exposures to fireworks (on 2020 Christmas and 2021 New Years' Eve, after 42 and 48 days of treatment, respectively). Owners of both groups received the same general environmental management and food/toy offering recommendations for trying with their dogs on those nights. Behavioural (measured by LSSS-Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale and PANAS-Positive and Negative Activation scale, as rated by the owners) and stress (measured via salivary cortisol measures) reactions were evaluated. Significantly greater fear decrease (LSSS) was recorded in the "supplement" dogs, as compared to the "placebo" group. Cortisol dosages on New Year's Eve ("noisy" night) were in line with behavioural results; "supplement" dogs showed a smaller increase in the stress response from 22:30 to 00:30 h on New Year's Eve and a greater decrease in their stress response from 02:30 h to 10:30 h on New Year's Day compared to "placebo" dogs. Smaller cortisol levels were also shown by "supplement" dogs than "placebo" dogs on a controlled "quiet night" (27th December). Owners' rates on PANAS remained stable during the whole period of therapy for both groups. The evaluated supplement, a combination of tryptophan, valerian, and passiflora, showed satisfactory results and rare side effects when treating dogs fearful of fireworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ramos
- Psicovet–Medicina Veterinária Comportamental, Jundiaí 13202-242, Brazil;
| | - Karina V. B. Yazbek
- Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica Ltda, São Paulo 04545-042, Brazil; (K.V.B.Y.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Amanda C. Brito
- Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica Ltda, São Paulo 04545-042, Brazil; (K.V.B.Y.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Barbara Georgetti
- Psicovet–Medicina Veterinária Comportamental, Jundiaí 13202-242, Brazil;
| | - Luisa M. L. Dutra
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30535-901, Brazil; (L.M.L.D.); (A.S.V.)
| | - Fabiola O. P. Leme
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Angélica S. Vasconcellos
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30535-901, Brazil; (L.M.L.D.); (A.S.V.)
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Flint HE, Hunt ABG, Logan DW, King T. Daily dosing of cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrates a positive effect on measures of stress in dogs during repeated exposure to car travel. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skad414. [PMID: 38244994 PMCID: PMC10810271 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Dogs are routinely exposed to events that may elicit stress and result in negative emotional states which can impact pet dog welfare. One event many dogs living with people are routinely exposed to is car travel, with many dogs displaying behaviors, along with corresponding physiological responses, that are indicative of stress and anxiety. There are a range of management and treatment options that exist from behavior modification, drug therapy, and supplements, often with varying results. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether multiple doses of a tetrahydrocannabinol-free cannabidiol (CBD) distillate over a period of 6 mo could positively influence measures of stress in dogs. In a blinded, parallel design study, dogs (n = 19) underwent a series of short car journeys (test) where a range of physiological and behavioral measures were collected pre, during, and post-test. The car journeys elicited stress in this population of dogs, as indicated by significant changes (P < 0.05) in several stress-related measures (serum cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability, whining, lip licking, yawning, and qualitative behavioral ratings) observed from baseline to test, which persisted over repeated car travel events. The mitigating effect of CBD treatment varied by measure, with cortisol, whining, lip licking, and qualitative behavioral ratings indicating a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group for at least one time point. Additional research investigating a range of dog populations and stressors is required to fully understand the complex effect of CBD on canine emotional wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Flint
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Alysia B G Hunt
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Darren W Logan
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
| | - Tammie King
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK
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Broseghini A, Guérineau C, Lõoke M, Mariti C, Serpell J, Marinelli L, Mongillo P. Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ): Validation of the Italian Translation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071254. [PMID: 37048510 PMCID: PMC10093636 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop an Italian translation of the 100-item Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) version and to validate its psychometric properties, in order to facilitate systematic, large-scale studies on dog behavior for Italian-speaking dog owners. A total number of 803 responses by dog owners were collected online. Using the Principal Axis Method and Common Factor Analysis with Quartimin oblique rotation (p < 0.05), a factorial structure was found including 13 factors composed of 62 items and explaining 53.5% of the total variance. Eight factors showed high reliability (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70), namely: stranger-directed aggression/fear, dog-directed fear, owner-directed aggression, separation-related behavior, chasing, dog-directed aggression, attachment/attention seeking, and elimination problems. Three factors were slightly under the threshold and two had only modest reliability (non-social fear, energy level, touch sensitivity, excitability and trainability). A potential explanation for factors with low reliability is that the composing items do not describe behaviors resulting from homogeneous stimuli or situations. Although our factorial structure resembled in most respects that of the most recently published Canadian version, some important exceptions are present regarding dog rivalry, intraspecific aggression, fear/aggression towards strangers, touch sensitivity and chewing inappropriate objects. Such differences may be due to demographic and/or cultural differences between the sampled populations. Overall, the results suggest that a 62-item Italian C-BARQ can be reliably used in studies on dog behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Broseghini
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Cécile Guérineau
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Miina Lõoke
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - James Serpell
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lieta Marinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Mongillo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
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An investigation into the effectiveness of various professionals and behavior modification programs, with or without medication, for the treatment of canine fears. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Role of Lactium™ in Psychodermatology: The CERTAIN Trial# on Patients with Acne Vulgaris. Dermatol Res Pract 2022; 2022:2916317. [PMID: 35573814 PMCID: PMC9095396 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2916317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress plays an important role in the causation and aggravation of psychodermatological conditions such as acne vulgaris. Alpha casein hydrolysate (αs1-casein hydrolysate; Lactium) has been shown to decrease serum cortisol levels, reduce stress-related symptoms, and promote relaxation. “This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of Lactium™ plus standard care to those of standard of care alone in reducing stress levels and acne severity in patients with acne vulgaris.” The C.E.R.T.A.I.N trial (Name registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India-No. CTRI/2019/01/017172) is a randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label, two-arm, investigator-initiated clinical trial. A total of 100 patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two groups: Lactium™ plus standard care or standard care alone. Stress levels were assessed using serum cortisol levels, Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) acne severity scale scores, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was also used to assess the impact of the skin disease on patients' quality of life. At 12 weeks, stress levels were significantly lower in group A (Nixiyax plus standard of care) than that in group B(only standard care), as measured by the change in serum cortisol levels (4.75 ± 4.46 vs. −0.24 ± 5.22). Furthermore, the mean change in PSS scores (3.09 ± 2.04 vs. 0.90 ± 2.76) and HAM-A scores (5.11 ± 1.94 vs. 1.25 ± 3.13) was significant. Patients in both arms had a significant decrease in total, inflammatory, and noninflammatory acne lesions, as well as a significant improvement in DLQI and IGA scores. In patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris, Lactium™ was found to be both safe and well-tolerated. Lactium™ plus standard care is more effective than standard care alone in reducing acne severity through stress reduction.
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Titeux E, Padilla S, Paragon BM, Gilbert C. Effects of a new dietary supplement on behavioural responses of dogs exposed to mild stressors. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1469-1482. [PMID: 34236774 PMCID: PMC8464231 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Objectives The effectiveness of a new dietary supplement (derived from fish hydrolysate and melon juice concentrate rich in superoxide dismutase) in reducing fear and stress‐related behaviours in pet dogs was examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study. Methods 39 dogs were recruited after the owners had filled out a fear susceptibility index questionnaire. Over a 30‐day period, one group of dogs received the supplement, and another group a placebo. Twelve behavioural variables were recorded in a series of four subtests (ST1‐ST4) on days 0, 15 and 30. Saliva cortisol levels were measured before and after each set of STs. Results The dogs rated as more fearful displayed significantly higher cortisol values before the day 0 test session, were less active, spent less time playing with the experimenter, and approached the unfamiliar object less frequently. The owners did not correctly guess whether their dog had received the supplement or not. Behaviours of dogs were significantly different across the three sessions, with significant increases of stress‐related behaviours (time spent in the door zone, number of interactions with the door, of whining, and of lip‐licking). Conversely time spent with the experimenter increased, interactions and curiosity for the novel object and play with the experimenter decreased, presumably due to a habituation process. This suggests that the design of the four subtests session was relevant to test for mild stressors situations. Moreover, supplemented and placebo dogs responded differently to the three test sessions, indicating a supplement effect on dogs' behaviours and their adaptation to mild stressors situations. Conclusion The trial results suggested that the supplement facilitates activity and curiosity in a familiar environment, promotes dog‐human interactions with an increased human familiarity, and tends to reduce subtle stress behaviours. Our results suggest that the supplement was effective in the context of mild stressors and habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Titeux
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France
| | | | - Caroline Gilbert
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France.,Laboratoire MECADEV, UMR 7179, CNRS/MNHN, Brunoy, Paris, France
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Pereira M, Lourenco A, Lima M, Serpell J, Silva K. Evaluation of mediating and moderating effects on the relationship between owners’ and dogs’ anxiety: A tool to understand a complex problem. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Che D, Nyingwa PS, Ralinala KM, Maswanganye GMT, Wu G. Amino Acids in the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health of Domestic Cats. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1285:217-231. [PMID: 33770409 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-54462-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Domestic cats (carnivores) require high amounts of dietary amino acids (AAs) for normal growth, development, and reproduction. Amino acids had been traditionally categorised as nutritionally essential (EAAs) or nonessential (NEAAs), depending on whether they are synthesized de novo in the body. This review will focus on AA nutrition and metabolism in cats. Like other mammals, cats do not synthesize the carbon skeletons of twelve proteinogenic AAs: Arg, Cys, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, Tyr, and Val. Like other feline carnivores but unlike many mammals, cats do not synthesize citrulline and have a very limited ability to produce taurine from Cys. Except for Leu and Lys that are strictly ketogenic AAs, most EAAs are both glucogenic and ketogenic AAs. All the EAAs (including taurine) must be provided in diets for cats. These animals are sensitive to dietary deficiencies of Arg and taurine, which rapidly result in life-threatening hyperammonemia and retinal damage, respectively. Although the National Research Council (NCR, Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2006) does not recommend dietary requirements of cats for NEAAs, much attention should be directed to this critical issue of nutrition. Cats can synthesize de novo eight proteinogenic AAs: Ala, Asn, Asp, Gln, Glu, Gly, Pro, and Ser, as well as some nonproteinogenic AAs, such as γ-aminobutyrate, ornithine, and β-alanine with important physiological functions. Some of these AAs (e.g., Gln, Glu, Pro, and Gly) are crucial for intestinal integrity and health. Except for Gln, AAs in the arterial blood of cats may not be available to the mucosa of the small intestine. Plant-source foodstuffs lack taurine and generally contain inadequate Met and Cys and, therefore, should not be fed to cats in any age group. Besides meat, animal-source foodstuffs (including ruminant meat & bone meal, poultry by-product meal, porcine mucosal protein, and chicken visceral digest) are good sources of proteinogenic AAs and taurine for cats. Meeting dietary requirements for both EAAs and NEAAs in proper amounts and balances is crucial for improving the health, wellbeing, longevity, and reproduction of cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Che
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, and Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Pakama S Nyingwa
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, and Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Khakhathi M Ralinala
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, and Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Gwen M T Maswanganye
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, and Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Hafeez Z, Benoit S, Cakir-Kiefer C, Dary A, Miclo L. Food protein-derived anxiolytic peptides: their potential role in anxiety management. Food Funct 2021; 12:1415-1431. [DOI: 10.1039/d0fo02432e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Could bioactive peptides from food proteins be used as prophylactic in the management of anxiety disorders?
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Benoit
- Université de Lorraine
- CALBINOTOX
- F-54000 Nancy
- France
| | | | - Annie Dary
- Université de Lorraine
- CALBINOTOX
- F-54000 Nancy
- France
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Watson F, Rusbridge C, Packer RMA, Casey RA, Heath S, Volk HA. A review of treatment options for behavioural manifestations of clinical anxiety as a comorbidity in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Vet J 2018; 238:1-9. [PMID: 30103909 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric comorbidities affect a large percentage of people with epilepsy and have a detrimental impact on their quality of life. Recently, behavioural comorbidities, with similar characteristics to human psychiatric diseases, have been identified in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In particular, behaviours motivated by the fear-anxiety emotional system have been found to be associated with the occurrence of idiopathic epilepsy in both dogs receiving anti-epileptic drugs, and drug-naïve dogs. There has been little research into the relationship between epilepsy and behavioural signs, and even less into potential treatment protocols. The following article will review available literature from human medicine to describe the current state of knowledge about the bi-directional relationship between anxiety and epilepsy, draw parallels from reported anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties of anti-epileptic drugs and attempt to provide pharmaceutical and behavioural guidance for veterinary patients with epilepsy and comorbid anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Watson
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK; Fitzpatrick Referrals, Halfway Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK.
| | - C Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals, Halfway Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Main Academic Building (VSM), Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - R M A Packer
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - R A Casey
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK; Dogs Trust, Clarissa Baldwin House, 17 Wakley Street, London, EC1V 7RQ, UK
| | - S Heath
- Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice, 10 Rushton Drive, Upton, Chester, CH2 1RE, UK
| | - H A Volk
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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Landsberg G, Milgram B, Mougeot I, Kelly S, de Rivera C. Therapeutic effects of an alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan supplemented diet on fear and anxiety in the cat. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:594-602. [PMID: 27677831 PMCID: PMC5505228 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16669399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study assessed the anxiolytic effectiveness of a test diet (Royal Canin Feline Calm diet) supplemented with L-tryptophan and alpha-casozepine. Methods Subjects were 24 cats that were classified as mildly or markedly fearful based on the presence of a person in their home room. Three different protocols were used to assess anxiety: (1) evaluation of the response to a human in the cat's home room (home room test); (2) analysis of the response to placement in an empty test room (open-field test); and (3) analysis of the response to an unfamiliar human (human interaction test). All three protocols were first run at baseline, and the results were used to assign the animals to control and test diet groups that showed equivalent fear and anxiety. Both groups were retested on the three protocols after 2 weeks (test 1) and again after 4 weeks (test 2). Results The diet groups differed for two behavioral measures in the open-field test: inactivity duration and inactivity frequency. The control group showed statistically significant increases in inactivity duration between baseline and test 1 and baseline and test 2, while the group fed the test diet showed a marginally not significant decrease in inactivity duration between baseline and test 1 and a not significant decrease for test 2. There was also a significant increase in inactivity frequency between baseline and test 1 in the test diet group and marginally not significant decrease in the control group. There were no differences between groups in the approach of the cats toward people for the home room test and the human interaction test. Conclusions and relevance These results suggest that the test diet reduced the anxiety response to placement in an unfamiliar location, but that fear in the presence of an unfamiliar person was not counteracted by the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabelle Mougeot
- Royal Canin, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- CanCog Technologies, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Packer RMA, De Risio L, Volk HA. Investigating the potential of the anti-epileptic drug imepitoin as a treatment for co-morbid anxiety in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:90. [PMID: 28388948 PMCID: PMC5383962 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Behavioural changes associated with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) have been identified in dogs, with fear and anxiety-related problems seen in both drug-naïve dogs and dogs treated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Treating anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE may be challenging, as seizures are a contraindication for many conventional anxiolytic drugs. In addition, many dogs with IE are already treated with AEDs to reduce their seizure frequency, which may have negative effects if used in polytherapy. Imepitoin is low-affinity partial agonist at the benzodiazepine (BDZ) site of the GABAA receptor, and has been demonstrated to have both anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects in laboratory rodents. Imepitoin has been developed for the treatment of IE in dogs, with demonstrated anticonvulsant effects and high tolerability and safety. To date, imepitoin’s potential to reduce anxiety in dogs with IE has not been investigated. An online survey was conducted to investigate the effect of imepitoin on fear and anxiety-related behaviours in dogs with IE. Eighty-five valid responses were received from owners of dogs with IE currently treated with imepitoin. Anxiety-related behaviour was quantified before and during imepitoin treatment using a validated questionnaire tool (C-BARQ). Results No differences were observed in the five fear/anxiety-related measures between the two time periods (before vs. during treatment) for dog directed fear, stranger directed fear, non-social fear, pain sensitivity and separation related behaviour. A median 45% reduction in seizure frequency/month was observed following imepitoin treatment; however, imepitoin did not appear effective in reducing seizure frequency in a minority of cases. Polyphagia was the most common chronic side effect, and more side effects were reported in polytherapy cases. Conclusions Imepitoin does not appear to improve anxiety-related behaviour in dogs with IE treated with this medication for its anti-epileptic effects. Investigating the effects of imepitoin upon the behaviour of dogs with recognised behavioural anxiety-related problems (e.g. specific fears and phobias, separation related behaviours), in both healthy dogs and dogs with epilepsy is required to further explore any potential anxiolytic effects of this medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | | | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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Evaluation of a pheromone collar on canine behaviors during transition from foster homes to a training kennel in juvenile Military Working Dogs. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Packer RMA, Law TH, Davies E, Zanghi B, Pan Y, Volk HA. Effects of a ketogenic diet on ADHD-like behavior in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 55:62-8. [PMID: 26773515 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epilepsy in humans and rodent models of epilepsy can be associated with behavioral comorbidities including an increased prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and seizure frequency have been successfully reduced in humans and rodents using a ketogenic diet (KD). The aims of this study were (i) to describe the behavioral profile of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) while on a standardized nonketogenic placebo diet, to determine whether ADHD-like behaviors are present, and (ii) to examine the effect of a ketogenic medium chain triglyceride diet (MCTD) on the behavioral profile of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) compared with the standardized placebo control diet, including ADHD-like behaviors. METHODS A 6-month prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover dietary trial comparing the effects of the MCTD with a standardized placebo diet on canine behavior was carried out. Dogs diagnosed with IE, with a seizure frequency of at least 3 seizures in the past 3months (n=21), were fed the MCTD or placebo diet for 3months and were then switched to the alternative diet for 3months. Owners completed a validated behavioral questionnaire to measure 11 defined behavioral factors at the end of each diet period to report their dogs' behavior, with three specific behaviors hypothesized to be related to ADHD: excitability, chasing, and trainability. RESULTS The highest scoring behavioral factors in the placebo and MCTD periods were excitability (mean±SE: 1.910±0.127) and chasing (mean±SE: 1.824±0.210). A markedly lower trainability score (mean±SE: 0.437±0.125) than that of previously studied canine populations was observed. The MCTD resulted in a significant improvement in the ADHD-related behavioral factor chasing and a reduction in stranger-directed fear (p<0.05) compared with the placebo diet. The latter effect may be attributed to previously described anxiolytic effects of a KD. CONCLUSIONS These data support the supposition that dogs with IE may exhibit behaviors that resemble ADHD symptoms seen in humans and rodent models of epilepsy and that a MCTD may be able to improve some of these behaviors, along with potentially anxiolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Tsz Hong Law
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK; Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Davies
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Brian Zanghi
- Nestle Purina Research, One Checkerboard Square, 2RS, St Louis, MO 63164, USA
| | - Yuanlong Pan
- Nestle Purina Research, One Checkerboard Square, 2RS, St Louis, MO 63164, USA
| | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Assessment of noise-induced fear and anxiety in dogs: Modification by a novel fish hydrolysate supplemented diet. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kano M, Uchiyama H, Ohta M, Ohtani N. Oral tyrosine changed the responses to commands in German shepherds and Labrador retrievers but not in toy poodles. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tamimi N, Jamshidi S, Serpell JA, Mousavi S, Ghasempourabadi Z. Assessment of the C-BARQ for evaluating dog behavior in Iran. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2014.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Stress-induced and emotional eating in animals: A review of the experimental evidence and implications for companion animal obesity. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Overall KL. Improving welfare by quantifying function. J Vet Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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