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Reeve C, Wilson C, Hanna D, Gadbois S. Dog Owners' Survey reveals Medical Alert Dogs can alert to multiple conditions and multiple people. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249191. [PMID: 33852599 PMCID: PMC8046193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical Alert Dogs (MADs) are a promising support system for a variety of medical conditions. Emerging anecdotal reports suggest that dogs may alert to additional health conditions and different people other than those that they were trained for or initially began alerting. As the use of medical alert dogs increases, it is imperative that such claims are documented empirically. The overall aims of this study were to record the proportion of MAD owners who have a dog that alerts to multiple health conditions or to people other than the target person and to determine whether any sociodemographic variables were associated with dogs alerting to multiple conditions, multiple people, or both. MAD owners completed an online survey that contained a series of forced choice questions. Sixty-one participants reported a total of 33 different conditions to which dogs alerted. Eighty-four percent of participants reported that their dog alerted to multiple conditions and 54% reported that their dog alerted to multiple people. This is the first study to document that a large percentage of people report that their MAD alerts to multiple conditions and/or to multiple people. We present a discussion of how these alerting abilities could develop, but questions about the underlying mechanisms remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Reeve
- The School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Clara Wilson
- The School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Donncha Hanna
- The School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Simon Gadbois
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Bakeman U, Eilam H, Schild CM, Grinstein D, Eshed Y, Laster M, Fride E, Anavi-Goffer S. Detection of Impending Aggressive Outbursts in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: Violence Clues from Dogs. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17228. [PMID: 31754122 PMCID: PMC6872740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52940-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggression in psychiatric wards is a continuing matter of concern for both patients and medical staff. Here we have tested the hypothesis that the frequency of such incidents can be reduced with a new strategy of using trained alert dogs that warn of impending violent outbursts. Dogs were positioned among patients in psychiatric wards. Analyses show that the dogs warned of impending aggressive outbursts, responding to signals from a specific patient out of a group of unfamiliar psychotic patients. Their alerts were not a response to stress as canine cortisol levels were not significantly changed. Visual glance was the preferred method used by young dogs to respond to patient. Until a similar electronic technology is developed, trained alert dogs can help caregivers to protect both the patient and those around them from injuries that may otherwise result from aggressive outbursts in psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uriel Bakeman
- Mind Print Ltd., 7/3 Yair Stern St., Herzeliya, 46421, Israel
| | | | - Clara Moray Schild
- Forensic Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat Yam, 59100, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Eshed
- Yoad Eshed Ltd., Bet-Yehoshua, 40591, Israel
| | - Morris Laster
- Mind Print Ltd., 7/3 Yair Stern St., Herzeliya, 46421, Israel
| | | | - Sharon Anavi-Goffer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Reeve C, Cummings E, McLaughlin E, Smith S, Gadbois S. An Idiographic Investigation of Diabetic Alert Dogs' Ability to Learn From a Small Sample of Breath Samples From People With Type 1 Diabetes. Can J Diabetes 2019; 44:37-43.e1. [PMID: 31477521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a growing market for diabetes-alert dogs but little has been published regarding their ability to reliably detect hypoglycemia. We aimed to determine whether 2 dogs could detect hypoglycemic breath samples from people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and then transfer detection to novel hypoglycemic breath samples. METHODS Breath samples were collected from individuals with T1D during times of normo-, hypo- and hyperglycemia. Two dogs, previously trained (3 alternative forced choice) with breath samples from 3 different individuals with T1D, were presented with 3 breath samples from the same individual: 1 hypoglycemic, 1 normoglycemic and 1 hyperglycemic, and trained to identify the hypoglycemic sample using a "yes/no" procedure. The dogs' ability to transfer detection was then tested by presenting them with a novel sample set from the same individual. Then we tested whether 1 dog could transfer detection of the odour of hypoglycemia by presenting new samples from a different individual. RESULTS One dog was able to transfer detection of the odour of hypoglycemia to samples from the same individual (specificity 89%, sensitivity 62%), but a second dog was not. Results were inconclusive regarding the ability of 1 dog to transfer detection of the odour of hypoglycemia across 2 individuals. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that some dogs can be trained to detect hypoglycemic breath of an individual with T1D, but detection may not transfer to novel samples from other individuals. Results should be interpreted with caution, as the dogs were trained with only a small number of breath samples before testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Reeve
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland; Canid and Reptile Behaviour and Olfaction Team, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Elizabeth Cummings
- IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Sonia Smith
- Canid and Reptile Behaviour and Olfaction Team, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Simon Gadbois
- Canid and Reptile Behaviour and Olfaction Team, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Wilson C, Morant S, Kane S, Pesterfield C, Guest C, Rooney NJ. An Owner-Independent Investigation of Diabetes Alert Dog Performance. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:91. [PMID: 30972346 PMCID: PMC6445953 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To quantify Diabetes Alert Dog (DAD) performance by using owner-independent measures. Research Design and Methods: Eight owners of accredited DADs used a FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System (FGMS). Concurrent Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage was collected for between 5 and 14 days in each owner's home or workplace. The footage was blind-coded for dogs' alerting behaviors. The sensitivity, False Positive Rate and Positive Predictive Values (PPV) of dogs' alerts to out-of-range (OOR) episodes were calculated. Ratings for 11 attributes describing participant's lifestyle and compliance (taken from each dog's instructor) and the percentage of DAD alerts responded to by the owner as per training protocol (taken from CCTV footage) were assessed for association with dog performance. Results: Dogs alerted more often when their owners' glucose levels were outside vs. inside target range (hypoglycaemic 2.80-fold, p = 0.001; hyperglycaemic 2.29-fold, p = 0.005). Sensitivity to hypoglycaemic episodes ranged from 33.3 to 91.7%, the mean was 55.9%. Mean PPV for OOR episodes was 69.7%. Sensitivity and PPV were associated with aspects of the dog and owner's behavior, and the owner's adherence to training protocol. Conclusions: Owner-independent methods support that some dogs alert to hypo- and hyperglycaemic events accurately, but performance varies between dogs. We find that DAD performance is affected by traits and behaviors of both the dog and owner. Combined with existing research showing the perceived psychosocial value and reduced critical health care needs of DAD users, this study supports the value of a DAD as part of a diabetes care plan. It also highlights the importance of ongoing training and continued monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wilson
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Morant
- Medicines Monitoring Unit (MEMO), School of Medicine, The University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Kane
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, Bristol, United Kingdom.,The Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, United States
| | | | - Claire Guest
- Medical Detection Dogs, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Rooney
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, Bristol Veterinary School, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Abstract
AIMS To summarize the current knowledge on the phenomenon of dogs, both trained and untrained, sensing hypoglycaemia and alerting their owners to it. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for all types of articles reporting on untrained or trained 'diabetes alert' dogs. Articles published up until December 2014 in the English or German language were included. RESULTS Several case reports and observational studies provide evidence that animals can perform at a level above that attributable to chance, and may reliably detect low diurnal as well as nocturnal hypoglycaemic episodes. Behavioural changes in untrained dogs were reported during 38-100% of hypoglycaemic events experienced by their owners. The sensitivity and specificity of the performance of trained diabetes alert dogs sensing hypoglycaemia ranged from 22 to 100% and 71 to 90%, respectively. Additionally, 75-81% of patients with diabetes who owned a trained dog reported a subsequent improvement in their quality of life. Nevertheless, the available data are limited and heterogeneous because they rely on low patient numbers and survey-based studies prone to recall bias. CONCLUSION Further research is needed to confirm the preliminary data on the reliability and mechanism underlying the dogs' abilities to detect hypoglycaemia, and its impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Weber
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Centre at Heinrich Heine University, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Centre for Diabetes Research, Partner Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - M Roden
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Centre at Heinrich Heine University, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Centre for Diabetes Research, Partner Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K Müssig
- Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Centre at Heinrich Heine University, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research, Düsseldorf, Germany
- German Centre for Diabetes Research, Partner Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Petry NM, Wagner JA, Rash CJ, Hood KK. Perceptions about professionally and non-professionally trained hypoglycemia detection dogs. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2015; 109:389-96. [PMID: 26044610 PMCID: PMC4520763 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2015.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with diabetes increasingly have questions about diabetes alert dogs. This study evaluated perceptions about dogs trained professionally or otherwise to detect glucose levels. METHODS A link to a survey about glucose detecting dogs was announced on diabetes websites. RESULTS 135 persons responded, with 63 answering about their child with diabetes. Most respondents obtained their dog from a professional trainer (n = 54) or trained it themselves (n = 51). Owners of self- and professionally-trained dogs were very positive about dogs' abilities to alert them to low and high glucose levels, while owners of dogs that learned entirely on their own (n = 15) reported lower frequencies of alerts and more missed hypoglycemic episodes, p<.01. Regardless of how dogs learned, perceptions about managing diabetes were improved during periods of dog ownership relative to times without, p<.001. Self-reported rates of diabetes-related hospitalizations, assistance from others for treating hypoglycemia, and accidents or near accidents while driving reduced during periods of dog ownership compared to periods without dogs, ps<.01. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest potential effectiveness of and high satisfaction with glucose-detecting dogs. Clinicians can use these results to address pros and cons of dog ownership with patients who inquire about them.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Petry
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, USA.
| | - J A Wagner
- University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, USA
| | - C J Rash
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, USA
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Abstract
Soon after the discovery that insulin regulates blood glucose by Banting and Best in 1922, the symptoms and risks associated with hypoglycemia became widely recognized. This article reviews devices to warn individuals of impending hypo- and hyperglycemia; biosignals used by these devices include electroencephalography, electrocardiography, skin galvanic resistance, diabetes alert dogs, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). While systems based on other technology are increasing in performance and decreasing in size, CGM technology remains the best method for both reactive and predictive alarming of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Howsmon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - B Wayne Bequette
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
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Rooney NJ, Morant S, Guest C. Investigation into the value of trained glycaemia alert dogs to clients with type I diabetes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69921. [PMID: 23950905 PMCID: PMC3737201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that some pet dogs respond to their owners' hypoglycaemic state. Here, we show that trained glycaemia alert dogs placed with clients living with diabetes afford significant improvements to owner well-being. We investigated whether trained dogs reliably respond to their owners' hypoglycaemic state, and whether owners experience facilitated tightened glycaemic control, and wider psychosocial benefits. Since obtaining their dog, all seventeen clients studied reported positive effects including reduced paramedic call outs, decreased unconscious episodes and improved independence. Owner-recorded data showed that dogs alerted their owners, with significant, though variable, accuracy at times of low and high blood sugar. Eight out of the ten dogs (for which owners provided adequate records) responded consistently more often when their owner's blood sugars were reported to be outside, than within, target range. Comparison of nine clients' routine records showed significant overall change after obtaining their dogs, with seven clients recording a significantly higher proportion of routine tests within target range after obtaining a dog. HbA1C showed a small, non significant reduction after dog allocation. Based on owner-reported data we have shown, for the first time, that trained detection dogs perform above chance level. This study points to the potential value of alert dogs, for increasing glycaemic control, client independence and consequent quality of life and even reducing the costs of long-term health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Rooney
- Anthrozoology Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Wells DL, Lawson SW, Siriwardena AN. Feline Responses to Hypoglycemia in People with Type 1 Diabetes. J Altern Complement Med 2011; 17:99-100. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Wells
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Shaun W. Lawson
- Department of Computing and Informatics, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Association between dietary vitamin D intake and serum lipid profiles in Asian and Caucasian UK women: preliminary results from the Vitamin D, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to Sunlight in Southern England (D-FINES) Study. Proc Nutr Soc 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0029665108009932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Canine Responses to Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. J Altern Complement Med 2008; 14:1235-41. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Philis-Tsimikas A. An update on the use of insulin detemir, with a focus on type 2 diabetes (drug evaluation update). Expert Opin Pharmacother 2008; 9:2181-95. [DOI: 10.1517/14656566.9.12.2181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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A dog’s detection of low blood sugar: a case report. Ir J Med Sci 2008; 177:155-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11845-008-0128-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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