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Making the Case for Multi-Axis Assessment of Behavioural Problems. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030383. [PMID: 32120944 PMCID: PMC7143497 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Companion animals can experience behavioural and mental health problems that are similar to those we see in people. These problems are influenced by many factors, including an animal’s genetic background, its rearing environment, the environment it lives in, and the social relationships it has with people and other animals. This paper proposes a model for collecting and organising information about all of the factors that contribute to behavioural and mental health problems in companion animals, in order to produce a comprehensive, structured assessment of them. Abstract The systematic classification of human mental health disorders and behavioural problems in companion animals face the same challenges. These disorders and problems are complex, multi-factorial, and can interfere with the individual’s ability to function within society, a social or family environment. Classification systems are reductive, they discard a lot of critical information, and can be overly focused on the presenting problem, inflexible and obstructive to new research. As a result, human psychiatry is moving away from classification systems and toward a clinical and research model based on dimensional characteristics that encompass the full range from normal to abnormal, and include multiple sources of influence from genetic, to environmental and psychosocial. In this paper, we set out a multi-axis model for the collection and organisation of information about companion animal behaviour problem cases that avoids some of the limitations of classification systems, is aligned with the current research approach in human psychiatry, and assists the clinician in making a complete and thorough assessment of a case.
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Acar H, Ulgen A. Relationship between Thyroid Hormone Levels and Crime Type: A Controlled Study in Prisoners. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:9172134. [PMID: 32215012 PMCID: PMC7085389 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9172134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors cause aggression, which can be related to imbalance of T3 and T4 hormones, which can act as neurotransmitters and are reported to be elevated during aggression. This indicates changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis that cause long-term changes in aggressive behaviour, especially in criminals. Moreover, mental and behavioural disorders possibly occur in individuals with impairment in thyroid hormone balance. The main rationale for this study was to asses if high T3, high T4, and low TSH hormones may have an effect on aggression-related crime tendency. Furthermore, the study aimed to measure levels of thyroid hormones in prisoners and to examine relationships of the hormone levels with crime rates. Our study was conducted in Ankara Sincan Closed Prisons. The study group consisted of 208 male volunteers who were imprisoned and the control group included 82 male volunteers who were not imprisoned. Prisoners in the study group were divided into two groups: those who committed aggression-related crime (Group A, n = 96) and prisoners convicted of other crimes (Group B, n = 112). Pulse rates, T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and theT3/T4 ratio were measured in these prisoners. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square Fisher's exact test to test for any statistically significant differences. Results showed that toxic goitre rates, T3 and T4 values, and pulse rates were significantly higher in Group A than in the control group. Significant increase in T3 and T4 levels and the presence of toxic goitre were associated with aggression-related crime. These examinations should be performed on prisoners in general, especially those convicted of violent crimes. Additional rehabilitation and research programs should also be developed for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Acar
- Girne American University Medical Faculty, Karmi, Cyprus
| | - Ayse Ulgen
- Girne American University Medical Faculty, Karmi, Cyprus
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Chiofalo B, Fazio E, Cucinotta S, Cravana C. Thyroid and Lipid Status in Guide Dogs During Training: Effects of Dietary Protein and Fat Content. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090597. [PMID: 31443579 PMCID: PMC6769750 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition plays a leading role that most influences thyroid response and energetic metabolism. Aim was to compare the effect of diet on thyroid and lipid status in guide dogs during a 12-weeks training period. Eight Labrador Retrievers were divided into two groups homogeneous for sex, age, body weight, and Body Condition Score (BCS) and fed two commercial diets one, HPF, characterized by low-carbohydrate/high-protein/high-fat (29%:39%:19% as-fed) and the other, LPF, by high-carbohydrate/low-protein/low-fat (50%:24%:12% as-fed) content. The serum thriiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TAGs) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were determined at Day 0, 28, 56, and 84, before the daily training. Statistical model included the effects of Diet (HPF vs. LPF) and Time (Day 0 to Day 84), and their interaction. In the HPF group, Diet significantly (p < 0.01) increased T4, CHOL, and TAGs and decreased NEFA. In both groups, Time significantly (p < 0.05) increased T4 and TAGs, CHOL at Day 28, and NEFA at Day 56. The interaction did not influence serum hormones and lipid pattern. The adjustments in thyroid and lipid responses to moderate exercise in HPF group were driven mainly by the nutrient composition of the diet in relation to the involvement of metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagina Chiofalo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Esterina Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucinotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cravana
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Hrovat A, De Keuster T, Kooistra HS, Duchateau L, Oyama MA, Peremans K, Daminet S. Behavior in dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment with levothyroxine. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 33:64-71. [PMID: 30499213 PMCID: PMC6335523 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid hormone supplementation anecdotally has been described as a valid treatment option for dogs with aggression‐related problems. However, prospective, controlled, and blinded trials evaluating behavior and neurohormonal status in hypothyroid dogs during treatment with levothyroxine are lacking. Objective Levothyroxine supplementation will have a significant influence on the behavior and neurohormonal status of dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Animals Twenty client‐owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Methods This prospective study was to evaluate the behavior of dogs, which was screened at initial presentation, and after 6 weeks, and 6 months of treatment with levothyroxine (starting dosage 10 μg/kg PO q12h) using the standardized Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C‐BARQ). At each time period, circulating serotonin and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were evaluated using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous radioimmunoassay, respectively. Results After 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation, C‐BARQ scores demonstrated a significant increase in activity of hypothyroid dogs (P < .01). No significant change in any of the behavioral signs was observed after 6 months of treatment. No significant difference in circulating concentrations of serotonin (P > .99 and P = .46) and PRL (P = .99 and P = .37) were noted between the 6‐week and 6‐month periods compared with baseline. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The results of this study indicate increased activity of hypothyroid dogs after 6 weeks of thyroid hormone supplementation. None of the hypothyroid dogs in this cohort showed a significant change in any of the evaluated behavioral signs and neurohormonal status after 6 months of thyroid hormone supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alenka Hrovat
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tiny De Keuster
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hans S Kooistra
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Biometrics Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mark A Oyama
- Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathelijne Peremans
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Lopes Fagundes AL, Hewison L, McPeake KJ, Zulch H, Mills DS. Noise Sensitivities in Dogs: An Exploration of Signs in Dogs with and without Musculoskeletal Pain Using Qualitative Content Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:17. [PMID: 29487858 PMCID: PMC5816950 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Noise sensitivity is a common behaviour problem in dogs. In humans, there is a well-established relationship between painful conditions and the development of fear-related avoidance responses. Whilst it is likely that a relationship exists between noise sensitivity and pain in dogs, this does not appear to have been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the signs of noise sensitivity in dogs with and without musculoskeletal pain by comparing case histories using qualitative content analysis. Data were extracted from the clinical records of 20 cases of dogs presenting with noise sensitivity seen by clinical animal behaviourists at the University of Lincoln, composed of 2 groups—10 “clinical cases” with pain and 10 “control cases” without pain. Loud noises as a trigger of noise sensitivity were a common theme in both groups but ubiquitous among “clinical cases.” In “clinical cases” (i.e., those where pain was identified), the age of onset of the noise sensitivity was on average nearly 4 years later than “control cases.” In addition, strong themes emerged relating to widespread generalisation to associated environments and avoidance of other dogs in the “clinical cases,” which did not appear in the “control cases.” “Clinical cases” responded well to treatment once the involvement of pain had been identified. Veterinarians and behaviourists should carefully assess dogs with noise sensitivities for pain-related problems especially if presenting with these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynn Hewison
- Animal Behaviour Clinic, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J McPeake
- Animal Behaviour Clinic, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Zulch
- Animal Behaviour Clinic, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Simon Mills
- Animal Behaviour Clinic, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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McPeake K, Affenzeller N, Mills D. Noise sensitivities in dogs: a new licensed treatment option. Vet Rec 2017; 180:353-355. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.j1644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin McPeake
- Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln; Green Lane Lincoln LN6 7DL UK
| | - Nadja Affenzeller
- Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln; Green Lane Lincoln LN6 7DL UK
| | - Daniel Mills
- Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group; School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln; Green Lane Lincoln LN6 7DL UK
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Polo G, Calderón N, Clothier S, Garcia RDCM. Understanding dog aggression: Epidemiologic aspects. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Karlsson AC, Svemer F, Eriksson J, Darras VM, Andersson L, Jensen P. The Effect of a Mutation in the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSHR) on Development, Behaviour and TH Levels in Domesticated Chickens. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129040. [PMID: 26053744 PMCID: PMC4460094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) has been suggested to be a “domestication locus” in the chicken, due to a strong selective sweep over the gene found in domesticated chickens, differentiating them from their wild ancestor the Red Junglefowl (RJF). We investigated the effect of the mutation on development (incubation time), behaviour and thyroid hormone levels in intercross chickens homozygous for the mutation (d/d), wild type homozygotes (w/w) or heterozygotes (d/w). This allowed an assessment of the effect of genotype at this locus against a random mix of RJF and WL genotypes throughout the rest of the genome, controlling for family effects. The d/d genotype showed a longer incubation time, less fearful behaviours, lower number of aggressive behaviours and decreased levels of the thyroid hormone T4, in comparison to the w/w genotype. The difference between TSHR genotypes (d/d vs. w/w) in these respects mirrors the differences in development and behaviour between pure domesticated White Leghorns and pure RJF chickens. Higher individual T3 and T4 levels were associated with more aggression. Our study indicates that the TSHR mutation affects typical domestication traits, possibly through modifying plasma levels of thyroid hormones, and may therefore have been important during the evolution of the domestic chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Carin Karlsson
- IFM Biology, Division of Zoology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Frida Svemer
- IFM Biology, Division of Zoology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Veerle M. Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leif Andersson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, Division of Zoology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Overall KL. Change can mean progress. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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