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Fernandez LS, Kane SA, DeChant MT, Prada-Tiedemann PA, Hall NJ. Environmental effects on explosive detection threshold of domestic dogs. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306817. [PMID: 39321177 PMCID: PMC11423966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Detection canines are deployed to detect explosives in a wide range of environmental conditions. These environmental conditions may have negative impacts on canine capabilities as a sensor. This study leveraged an air dilution olfactometer to present controlled odor concentrations of four different energetic materials (double base smokeless powder, Composition C4, ammonium nitrate, and flake Trinitrotoluene) to dogs working in a range of high temperature, standard, and low temperature conditions with high and low humidity conditions. The air dilution olfactometer controlled concentrations independent of environmental condition. Dogs' detection threshold limits were measured using a descending staircase procedure. We measured dogs' threshold twice for each energetic under each environmental condition. Results indicated heterogeneity in effects based on energetic, but all odors were detected at their lowest concentrations under standard conditions. Smokeless powder detection was reduced under all environmental conditions compared to standard and was least detectable under high temperature and humidity conditions. AN detection was poorest under high temperature high and low humidity conditions. C4 in contrast, was least detectable at low temperatures with high humidity. TNT detection was difficult under all conditions, so decrements due to environmental conditions were not statistically detectable. Additional measures were also found to be associated with detection limits. Under high temperature conditions, correlations were observed between canine mean subcutaneous temperature and detection limits, such that dogs experiencing greater temperature increases showed poorer detection limits. In addition, dog's latency to sample the odor port from the onset of a trial was longest in the high temperature conditions. Longer latencies were also predictive of poorer detection performance. Overall, dogs showed deficits in detection sensitivity limits under all environmental conditions for at least one energetic material when the concentration of that energetic material was not directly impacted by the environmental conditions. These results suggest that behavioral factors related to environmental exposure can have important impacts on canine detection sensitivity and should be considered in operational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Fernandez
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A Kane
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mallory T DeChant
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Paola A Prada-Tiedemann
- Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Odor Profiling Lab at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel J Hall
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
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Beard S, Hall EJ, Bradbury J, Carter AJ, Gilbert S, O'Neill DG. Epidemiology of heat-related illness in dogs under UK emergency veterinary care in 2022. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e4153. [PMID: 38783549 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4153] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dogs are exposed to increasing environmental risk for developing heat-related illness (HRI), with 2022 recorded as the hottest year to date in the UK and most of Europe. METHODS This study used VetCompass data to report the incidence risk, event fatality rate and canine risk factors for HRI in dogs presenting to Vets Now emergency care practices in the UK during 2022. RESULTS From the clinical records of 167,751 dogs under care at Vets Now emergency clinics in 2022, 384 HRI events were identified. The 2022 incidence risk of HRI within the Vets Now caseload was 0.23% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21%‒0.25%), with an event fatality rate of 26.56% (95% CI: 21.66%-32.25%). Multivariable analysis identified breed, age and sex/neuter status as risk factors for HRI. Brachycephalic dogs had 4.21 times the odds of HRI compared to mesocephalic dogs (95% CI: 3.22‒5.49, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS The clinical data used in this study were not primarily recorded for research and had some substantial levels of missing data (especially patient bodyweight). CONCLUSION In order to protect canine welfare, improved long-term mitigation strategies are urgently needed to minimise HRI risk and associated fatality in UK dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Beard
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Emily J Hall
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Jude Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Anne J Carter
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scottish Rural Colleges, Dumfries, UK
| | | | - Dan G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Carter AJ, Hall EJ, Bradbury J, Beard S, Gilbert S, Barfield D, O'Neill DG. Post-exercise management of exertional hyperthermia in dogs participating in dog sport (canicross) events in the UK. J Therm Biol 2024; 121:103827. [PMID: 38518416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103827] [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] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Exercise is a common trigger of heat-related illness (HRI) events in dogs, accounting for 74% of canine HRI cases treated under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom. However, few empirical studies have evaluated the effectiveness of differing cooling methods for dogs with exertional hyperthermia or HRI. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate effects of ambient conditions and post-exercise management practices (cooling methods and vehicular confinement) on the post-exercise temperature change of dogs participating in UK canicross events. Canine temperature was recorded at three intervals post-exercise: as close as possible to 0- (immediately post-exercise), 5-, and 15-min post-exercise. Ambient conditions and post-exercise management were recorded for 115 cooling profiles from 52 dogs. In 28/115 (24.4%) profiles, the dog's temperature increased during the first 5-min post-exercise. Overall, 68/115 (59.1%) profiles included passive cooling (stood or walked outside), 35 (30.4%) active cooling (cold-water immersion or application of a cooling coat), and 12 (10.4%) involved no cooling and were immediately housed in vehicles. No dogs developed hypothermia during the study and no adverse effects were observed from any cooling method. In hyperthermic dogs, overall post-exercise body temperature change was significantly negatively associated (i.e. the dogs cooled more) with 0-min post-exercise body temperature (β = -0.93, p < 0.001), and not being housed in a vehicle (β = -0.43, p = 0.013). This study provides evidence cold-water immersion (in water at 0.1-15.0 °C) can be used to effectively and safely cool dogs with exertional hyperthermia. Progressive temperature increases in many dogs - even after exercise has terminated - supports the message to "cool first, transport second" when managing dogs with HRI. When transporting dogs post-exercise or with HRI even after active cooling, care should be taken to cool the vehicle before entry and promote air movement around the dog during transport to facilitate ongoing cooling and prevent worsening of hyperthermia during travel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne J Carter
- Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Barony Campus, Scotland's Rural College, Parkgate, Dumfries, DG1 3NE, UK.
| | - Emily J Hall
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jude Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Sian Beard
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Vets Now, Penguin House, Castle Riggs, Dunfermline, KY11 8SG, UK
| | - Dominic Barfield
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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Tripovich JS, Wilson B, McGreevy PD, Quain A. Incidence and risk factors of heat-related illness in dogs from New South Wales, Australia (1997-2017). Aust Vet J 2023; 101:490-501. [PMID: 37899616 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13296] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Heat Related Illness (HRI) in dogs is expected to increase as heatwaves surge due to global warming. The most severe form of HRI, heat stroke, is potentially fatal in dogs. The current study investigated the incidence and risk factors for HRI in dogs in NSW, Australia, from 1997 to 2017. We identified 119 HRI cases during this period, with a fatality rate of 23%. Dog breeds at elevated risk of HRI were Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, British Bulldog, French Bulldog, Maremma Sheepdog, Italian Greyhound, Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Pug, Samoyed, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Border Collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and pooled non-Australian National Kennel Council breeds (which included the American and Australian Bulldog) when compared with cross breeds (i.e., the reference variable). As expected, HRI cases were more likely in December and January, during the Australian summer and during hotter years (e.g., 2016). There were no differences in the risk of HRI between males and females nor between desexed or un-desexed dogs; but older dogs were at increased risk of HRI. These findings underscore the need for data collection that will enable the incidence of HRI in dogs to be monitored and to better understand canine risk factors particularly as temperatures will continue to rise due to global warming. The risk of mortality from HRI underpins the need for education programs focussed on prevention and early identification of HRI so that owners present affected dogs to their veterinarian as promptly as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Tripovich
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Wilson
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P D McGreevy
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, The University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Bradbury J, Beard S, Gilbert S, Barfield D, O'Neill DG. Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016-2018 in the UK. Vet Sci 2023; 10:465. [PMID: 37505869 PMCID: PMC10385239 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070465] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The management of heat-related illness (HRI) in dogs has received limited attention in the veterinary literature, especially regarding effective cooling methods. Guidelines published in 2016 for prehospital management of dogs with HRI advised "cool first, transport second", and recommended using cold-water immersion and evaporative cooling (water application with air movement) as the optimal approaches to reduce the patient's temperature. The current retrospective cross-sectional observation study analysed electronic patient records from the VetCompass programme to describe the cooling methods used in dogs with HRI presented to primary care veterinary practices during 2016-2018. Of 623 HRI events identified, 341 (54.74%, 95% CI 50.81-58.60%) included information on cooling in their clinical record. Of these, 74/341 (21.70%, 95% CI 17.65-26.38%) were cooled prior to transport for veterinary care. Overall, 23.97% (95% CI 19.24-29.44%) were cooled using one of the two recommended cooling methods, whilst the most common cooling method recorded was the application of wet towels (51.31%, 95% CI 45.34-57.24%). Canine cooling guidance and messaging in both the public and veterinary sectors requires urgent review to ensure that the most effective cooling methods are promoted because delays to canine temperature reduction worsen patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hall
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anne J Carter
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scottish Rural Colleges, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Jude Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Sian Beard
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Vets Now, Penguin House, Castle Riggs, Dunfermline KY11 8SG, UK
| | - Dominic Barfield
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
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Caldas GG, da Silva DOB, Junior DB. Heat stroke in dogs: Literature review. VET MED-CZECH 2022; 67:354-364. [PMID: 39100130 PMCID: PMC11295878 DOI: 10.17221/144/2021-vetmed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat stroke is a clinical emergency secondary to a severe temperature increase due to the inefficiencies of heat dissipation mechanisms, causing central nervous system dysfunctions, which may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Heat disturbances can be classified as "classic" or "exertional" ones and several predisposing factors are involved in their development. This review provides a broad approach to the pathophysiological mechanisms of this syndrome, and the diagnostic and treatment methods to facilitate their approach in clinical routine and increase the survival rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Durval Barauna Junior
- Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University San Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Brazil
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Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Chico G, Bradbury J, Gentle LK, Barfield D, O’Neill DG. Risk Factors for Severe and Fatal Heat-Related Illness in UK Dogs—A VetCompass Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050231. [PMID: 35622759 PMCID: PMC9144152 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050231] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat-related illness (HRI) is predicted to increase in dogs due to rising global temperatures. This study evaluated retrospective VetCompass veterinary clinical records to explore geographical variability and ambient conditions associated with HRI events in UK dogs, and report the intrinsic (canine) and extrinsic (location, trigger, ambient weather) risk factors for severe disease and fatal outcome in dogs affected by HRI. Dogs living in London had the greatest odds for developing HRI compared with dogs living in the North West (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.31–2.74). The median ambient temperature on days of HRI events was 16.9 °C. For dogs with HRI, age, bodyweight and trigger were risk factors associated with severe disease. Age, skull shape and clinical grade of HRI presentation were associated with a fatal outcome. Whilst the majority of HRI events overall were triggered by exertion, the risk of severe disease was greater in situations where dogs could not escape the heat source (vehicular confinement), and the risk of death in HRI cases was greater for those dogs with reduced capacity to thermoregulate (older and brachycephalic dogs). These results highlight the need for better owner awareness of the factors that increase the risk of severe and fatal HRI, as a first stage in protecting canine welfare in the face of rising global temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Hall
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Anne J. Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Notts NG25 0QF, UK; (A.J.C.); (G.C.); (L.K.G.)
| | - Guaduneth Chico
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Notts NG25 0QF, UK; (A.J.C.); (G.C.); (L.K.G.)
| | - Jude Bradbury
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London WC2A 1EN, UK;
| | - Louise K. Gentle
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Notts NG25 0QF, UK; (A.J.C.); (G.C.); (L.K.G.)
| | - Dominic Barfield
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
| | - Dan G. O’Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Herts AL9 7TA, UK;
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Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Farnworth MJ. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human-Canine Relationships. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113302. [PMID: 34828033 PMCID: PMC8614552 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dog walking is important for maintaining the good health and welfare of pet dogs. Environmental factors such as weather conditions have been previously identified as potential barriers to dog walking but, so far, focus has been on the impact this has on the human. With more seasonal weather variation predicted due to climate change, it is unclear if weather also impacts on the willingness of dogs to undertake exercise and thus the overall activity levels of pet dogs. An online survey recruited 3153 respondents to outline the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on daily canine activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% less likely). In hot weather, 81.7% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and 87.0% reported less vigorous exercise by their dogs. As extreme weather events are likely to become more commonplace, it is likely this will negatively impact dog activity levels. Climate change mitigation strategies must therefore include considerations for dogs, if our canine companions are to retain their positions of service and companionship. Abstract Climate change is leading to more instances of seasonal weather variation. Studies have explored the impact of adverse winter weather on dog walking, but the impact on the dog’s overall activity levels have not been previously considered. This study explored dog owner perceptions of the effects of both summer and winter weather on their dog’s activity levels. An international online survey recruited 3153 respondents between May and December 2018, to explore the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on baseline activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% were less likely). In hot weather, over 80% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and vigour for their dogs. Carrying water or walking near water to facilitate activity in the summer was the most popular mitigation strategy (90.8%). Participation in dog sports appeared to reduce the impact of winter weather on canine activity and increase owner awareness of cooling strategies to facilitate summer activity. Strategies to promote safe activity participation are needed to maintain canine activity levels amidst rising global temperatures, including better understanding of cooling strategies for exercising dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Hall
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne J. Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
| | - Mark J. Farnworth
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK;
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