Correlation of temperature-sensing microchip and rectal temperature measurements in cats

Introduction

Rectal temperature (RT) is the reference standard for clinical evaluation of body temperature in mammals. However, the use of a rectal thermometer to measure temperature can cause stress and other problems, especially in cats. There is a need for clinical techniques that reduce both stress and defensive behavior as part of the provision of better medical care. Subcutaneous temperature-sensing identification microchips fulfil the current legal requirements and provide a reading of subcutaneous temperature (MT).

Methods

The clinical study tried to determine whether there is agreement between MT and RT in normal (n = 58), hospitalized (n = 26) and sedated/anesthetized (n = 36) cats. Three measurements were taken using both methods (MT and RT) in each cat. Correlation between MT and RT, and differences between MT and RT, were estimated for pairs of data-points from the same individual, and all data pairs in each group were considered overall.

Results

There was a strong positive correlation between MT and RT (r = 0.7 to 1.0) (p < 0.0005). The mean differences (d) were always negative and although statistically significant, these d values are likely of no biological importance. The overall d was ‑0.1°C in normal cats (p < 0.0005), -0.1°C in hospitalized cats (p = 0.001) and -0.1°C in sedated/anesthetized cats (p = 0.001). The limits of agreement between MT and RT appear narrow enough for MT to be acceptable estimate of RT. The overall limits of agreement (95%) were ‑0.71°C and 0.53°C (in normal cats); ‑0.51°C and 0.34°C (in hospitalized cats) and ‑0.60°C and 0.42°C (in sedated/anesthetized cats).

Discussion

MT may provide a good alternative to RT measurement in cats. However, this study was mostly performed in animals that were normothermic. Therefore, further studies in larger groups of cats under different conditions are needed to compare trends and assess variation with time.

Evaluation of the Submaximal Treadmill-Based Fitness Test in Six Brachycephalic Breeds-A Follow-Up Study

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs challenges veterinary surgeons both with a complex clinical picture as well as wide-ranging ways to diagnose the disease, often not easily implemented nor standardised in clinical practice. The assessment of a combination of exercise testing, the occurrence of breathing noises, recovery time, and respiratory effort proved to be an appropriate method to identify Pugs with BOAS. The purpose of this study was to apply an established standardised, submaximal, treadmill-based fitness test for Pugs to other brachycephalic dog breeds. A total of 79 participants, belonging to 6 different brachycephalic breeds, trotted 15 min with an individual comfort speed of 3-7 km/h on a treadmill. Additionally, functional BOAS grading based on respiratory clinical signs before and after exercise was applied. The test was passed if the dogs presented with a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and their vital parameters recovered to baseline within 15 min after exercise. A total of 68% showed a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and passed the fitness test. Of the failed participants, 65% failed due to BOAS affectedness, 9% were categorised as not affected by BOAS and failed due to not passing the fitness test only, and 26% showed both failure criteria. The fitness test can be a useful method to identify BOAS-affected dogs in other brachycephalic breeds and to diagnose BOAS in dogs that only show clinical signs under exercise.

The effect of the surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome on the thermoregulatory response to exercise in French bulldogs: a pilot study

Introduction

Due to altered anatomy of the upper respiratory tract, brachycephalic dogs exhibit increased airway resistance and reduced surface area for evaporative heat loss, predisposing them to respiratory and thermoregulatory problems, a syndrome referred to as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Compared to non-brachycephalic dogs, brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to heat-related injuries even at low ambient temperatures and relatively low physical activity levels. Surgical treatment alleviates clinical signs, potentially improving dogs' thermoregulatory ability with BOAS. Our study aimed to investigate the thermoregulatory response in French bulldogs before and after the surgical correction of BOAS, respectively.

Methods

Thirteen dogs were exposed to dynamic exercise on a treadmill and the dynamics of their rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR) was measured. The experiment was performed in two independent sessions, before and after the surgical treatment. The test consisted of two consecutive 5-min walks at a speed of 2.5 km/h, first at an inclination of 0% and the second at an inclination of 5%, and a 30-min recovery period. Rectal temperature and HR were measured before the start of the test (t0), at the end of the first (t1) and the second part (t2), and 15 min (t3) and 30 min (t4) in the recovery.

Results

A significant increase in RT and HR was observed during exercise and recovery compared to the resting values, implying that the exercise intensity was sufficient to challenge the thermoregulatory response. The increase of RT was significantly lower during both parts (t1: p  = 0.004; t2: p  <  0.001) of exercise after the surgical treatment than before the treatment. Although a trend of lower RT after recovery was observed compared to before the surgery, it did not reach statistical significance. Similarly to RT, the HR was significantly lower during exercise after the first (p  =  0.020) and the second part (p  =  0.011) of exercise after the surgery compared to before the surgery but did not reach significance in the recovery.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment of BOAS can improve thermoregulation during exercise in French bulldogs with BOAS.

Proposed Protocol for Field Testing of Endurance Fitness of Young Labrador Retrievers

The number of dogs and, with it, dog sports are growing in popularity, and the training of dogs begins at an early age. Although fitness testing is an imperative part of purposeful training and sports, to our knowledge, no objective field tests are available for measuring young dogs' endurance fitness. The aim of this study is to describe a simple, easy-to-repeat, and inexpensive way to test training intervention effects on endurance fitness in young Labrador Retrievers. Healthy client-owned 16-week-old Labrador Retrievers will be recruited and divided into test and control groups. The test group will have an eight-week training program followed by a four-week detraining period, while the control group will live a normal puppy life. All dogs will be tested for endurance fitness four times at four-week intervals: at baseline, one month later, two months later at the end of the training period, and one month after ending the training program. Each of the four testing sessions will be identical and will consist of four measurements of heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (BL): at baseline, after trotting 1000 m, after sprinting 200 m, and at recovery 5-8 min after the sprint. The training-induced changes in endurance fitness are evaluated by changes in HR and heart rate recovery times (HRR), BL, and running times.

Changes in physiological parameters in healthy dogs on an underwater treadmill when the water level is set at the hip joint

Understanding internal and external loading in exercise is important for safe rehabilitation. The physiological parameters of dogs have been studied in swimming, but those of dogs walking on an underwater treadmill have not been documented. In this study, four healthy beagle dogs were examined for changes in physiological parameters before and after walking in water for 20 min at a speed of 4 km/h with the water level set at the height of the hip joint as an external load. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using paired sample t-tests. Results indicated that heart rate (125 ± 11.8 beat/min to 163 ± 9.5 beat/min) and lactate levels (2 ± 0.1 mmol/L to 2.4 ± 0.2 mmol/ L) significantly increased from before to after walking on an underwater treadmill. Additional research is needed on internal loading when using underwater treadmills, which would further contribute to the safety of rehabilitation.

Thermography as a tool to assess training effects in military working dogs

Military working dogs are exposed to high levels of physical load during their work, although this is not always evident from their behaviour. This workload causes various physiological changes, including variation in the temperature of the affected body parts. In this preliminary study, we investigated whether thermal changes following the daily work routine of military dogs are detectable by infrared thermography (IRT). The experiment was carried out on eight male German and Belgian shepherd patrol guard dogs performing two training activities, obedience and defence. The surface temperature (Ts) of 12 selected body parts on both body sides was measured with the IRT camera 5 min before, 5 min after and 30 min after training. As predicted, there was a greater increase in Ts (mean of all measured body parts) after defence than after obedience, 5 min (by 1.24 vs. 0.60 °C, P < 0.001) and 30 min after activity (by 0.90vs. 0.57 °C, P < 0.01) compared to pre-activity levels. These findings indicate that defence is more physically demanding than obedience activity. Considering the activities separately, obedience increased Ts 5 min after the activity only in the trunk (P < 0.001) but not in the limbs, whereas defence increased it in all measured body parts (P < 0.001). Ts 30 min after obedience decreased to the pre-activity level in parts at trunk, while in distal parts of the limbs Ts remained elevated. The prolonged elevation in Ts of the limbs after both activities indicates heat flow from the core to the periphery as a thermoregulatory mechanism. The current study suggests that IRT may be a useful tool for assessing physical workload in different body parts of dogs.

Evaluation of a Treadmill-Based Submaximal Fitness Test in Pugs, and Collecting Breed-Specific Information on Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Simple Summary

In the present study, a submaximal fitness test on a treadmill was evaluated to assess its feasibility under standardised conditions. Moreover, its effectiveness in identifying pugs with clinical signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was examined. It was apparent that respiratory symptoms can be exposed during the fitness test, and intensified with an increased duration of exercise. This method of testing improves the clinical evaluation of the dogs and helps identify restrictions due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Since most of the dogs could be familiarised with the treadmill, it may be a feasible option for performing fitness tests in brachycephalic dogs. Major benefits, therefore, are that each dog can be closely monitored during the entire process, and that the examination can be conducted under standardised conditions.

Abstract

Despite efforts of veterinarians and breeders, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is still a common problem in pugs, underlining the need for objective tests to identify and prevent breeding with affected dogs. In the current study, a submaximal, treadmill-based fitness test was evaluated as a tool to identify signs of airway obstruction not recognisable under rest conditions. In addition to this, different body conformation and measurements were assessed regarding their association with BOAS. A total of 62 pugs and 10 mesocephalic dogs trotted with an individual comfort speed on a treadmill for 15 min. Before and during the examination, dogs were examined for signs of respiratory distress, and a functional BOAS grading was applied. The influence of body conformation on BOAS grading was tested in a univariable and multivariable logistic regression model. During exercise, more respiratory noises were observed, and existing respiratory noises became more apparent in comparison to when at rest. In the multivariable logistic regression model, no factor had a statistically significant influence on BOAS classification. Submaximal fitness testing helped to identify signs of respiratory distress not apparent under resting conditions, and could be a valuable addition for identifying dogs with BOAS. Performing testing on a treadmill facilitates continuous observation of the patients, and enables standardisation of the test regarding the test environment, as well as provides an uninterrupted, steady workload.

The Effect of Two Acute Bouts of Exercise on Oxidative Stress, Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters, and Rectal Temperature in Trained Canicross Dogs

Canicross is a sport discipline that connects human and canine athletes in running. Changes in physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and exercise-induced oxidative stress have not been thoroughly characterized in canicross dogs. The aim of our study was the assessment of the health status of trained canicross dogs that were subjected to two acute bouts of exercise with their owners during the training season. Health status was assessed by measuring the rectal temperature, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as blood oxidative stress parameters (plasma malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation marker; whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase1, antioxidant enzymes) before and during a two-day canicross training session and after a 24-h rest period. Seven trained canicross dogs (three females/four males) aged 12–120 months were included in the study. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the first acute bout of exercise (day 1), after the second acute bout of exercise (day 2), and after 24 h of rest (day 3). Rectal temperature was measured at the same time as blood sample collection. The majority of hematological and biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges at all sampling times. Rectal temperature was significantly higher after training on days 1 and 2 compared to resting temperature on day 3. Hematological parameters did not change significantly; however, there were significant differences in urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, and triglycerides between specific sampling times. Despite significant changes, these biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges. Significant changes in biochemical parameters seem to reflect the dogs' physiological response to each acute bout of exercise, considering all biochemical parameters and rectal temperature returned to pre-exercise values after a 24-h rest period (day 3). No significant differences in oxidative stress parameters were found between any sampling times. Relatively high erythrocyte superoxide dismutase1 activity at all sampling times may indicate that the canicross dogs are adapted to training by an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes. Based on our results, we can conclude that the trained canicross dogs included in our study were healthy, in good physical condition, and fit for the two acute bouts of field exercise.

Medición de los niveles de lactato sérico y frecuencia cardiaca en caninos (Canis lupus familiaris) braquicefálicos, mesocefálicos y dolicocefálicos sometidos a prueba de esfuerzo en trotadora motorizada

Se analizaron los niveles de lactato sérico y de frecuencia cardiaca (FC) en 15 perros clínicamente sanos que fueron sometidos a pruebas de esfuerzo en trotadora motorizada, buscando verificar un grado de fatiga muscular frente a una prueba de esfuerzo intenso. Se consideraron pacientes con morfología craneana de tipo braquicefálico, mesocefálico y dolicocefálico. Las mediciones séricas de lactato fueron conseguidas por medio de un medidor portátil, mientras que las frecuencias cardiacas se obtuvieron a través de un oxímetro portátil a los tiempos 0, 10, 20 y 30 minutos, en los diferentes momentos de esfuerzo físico en la trotadora motorizada, la cual fue adaptada en su inclinación en 15% y a un máximo de velocidad de 10 km/h. Las medias de los niveles séricos entre perros mesocefálicos y dolicocefálicos fueron significativas, a diferencia de los perros braquicefálicos los cuales resultaron no significativos. Las medias de frecuencias cardiacas no tuvieron diferencia significativa

How Do Avalanche Dogs (and Their Handlers) Cope with Physical Exercise? Heart Rate Changes during Endurance in a Snowy Environment

Simple Summary

Search and rescue (SAR) dogs are irreplaceable support in natural disasters. Not only are these animals required to have optimal scenting capabilities, but they are also required to have excellent physical conditions. Implementing protocols to monitor their fitness would help to optimize their performance and welfare. This study evaluated heart rate (HR) changes in avalanche SAR dogs and handlers during a 5.5 km endurance exercise in the snow, at an altitude of approximately 2000 m.a.s.l., reflecting their usual working and workload conditions. Dogs’ and handlers’ HR and activities were monitored by a global positioning satellite (GPS)/HR system. Factors influencing dogs’ and handlers’ HR changes and their possible correlation were investigated. As expected, the dog’s HR changes during the endurance activity were affected by speed, gradient, altitude, and time. The handlers’ HR changes differed and were not correlated with those recorded in the dogs. Thus, SAR handlers may not perceive the physical stress of their dog in real-time. Findings indicate that GPS/HR monitoring systems could be utilized in field conditions for monitoring SAR units’ physical fitness. A “fitness index” could be developed by incorporating HR and velocity measurements in order to target training strategies and indicate risk factors for physical distress in working dogs.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the heart rate (HR) responses of avalanche SAR dogs and handlers under working field conditions. Thirteen SAR units (dogs and handlers) performed an exercise (Endurance) consisting of approximately 5.5 km of rough tracks through deep snow, at an altitude of 1991–2250 m.a.s.l. The exercise was repeated twice for each of the two different tracks. Both handlers and dogs were equipped with a global positioning satellite/heart rate (GPS/HR) system (Polar^®). Multivariable models were used to evaluate the effects of environmental (i.e., gradient, altitude, track, and time) and intrinsic (i.e., speed, repetition, and breed) factors on changes from baseline HR (Δ%HR). The dog’s Δ%HR was greater in the flat and uphill compared with downhill, and increased progressively as the speed increased (p < 0.001). Moreover, it rose at altitudes above 2100 m.a.s.l. and peaked after 30 min of the Endurance activity (p < 0.01). These findings indicated that HR monitors could be a valuable tool to contribute to the evaluation of avalanche dogs’ fitness in their real working environment. In contrast, the lack of correlation between the dogs’ and handlers’ HR changes suggests that handlers might not perceive the physical conditions of their dog in real-time. Thus, implementing protocols to monitor avalanche SAR dogs’ fitness using a GPS/HR monitoring system could help handlers to tailor the training and workload and to detect the risk factors for physical distress of working dogs.

Efficacy of high-intensity interval training compared with moderate-intensity continuous training on maximal aerobic potency in dogs: Trial protocol for a randomised controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a more efficient method to improve exercise capacity than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) because of its greater physiological stimulus.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this protocol is to evaluate the efficacy of HIIT on maximal aerobic potency in dogs as compared to MICT.

METHODS

This protocol is for a randomised, blinded controlled clinical trial, with three parallel groups for the purpose of demonstrating superiority. Thirty dogs aged between 12 and 84 months of both sexes and different breeds will be included. Dogs, before initiating and after finalising the training will perform an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to obtain maximal speed and lactate threshold; resting parameters of heart and respiratory rate, left ventricle chamber and systolic function will be measured. Dogs assigned to each intervention will endure a 42-min session of HIIT or MICT during 12 weeks. HIIT comprises four intervals of 4 min each at a load of 85%, alternating with a 4-min resting period. MICT group will have a continuous load of 60%. The control group will remain in a cage. An intention-to-treat statistical analysis will be implemented. Analysis of covariance will be used to estimate the effect of HIIT compared with MICT training on maximal aerobic potency, aerobic resistance, systolic function at rest, left ventricle chamber measurements and indexes, respiratory rate and HR at rest.

CONCLUSION

Significant time and effort are invested into training sports/working dogs, which could benefit from improving physical capacity by means of the HIIT methodology.

Development of infrastructure for a systemic multidisciplinary approach to study aging in retired sled dogs

Canines represent a valuable model for mammalian aging studies as large animals with short lifespans, allowing longitudinal analyses within a reasonable time frame. Moreover, they develop a spectrum of aging-related diseases resembling that of humans, are exposed to similar environments, and have been reasonably well studied in terms of physiology and genetics. To overcome substantial variables that complicate studies of privately-owned household dogs, we have focused on a more uniform population composed of retired Alaskan sled dogs that shared similar lifestyles, including exposure to natural stresses, and are less prone to breed-specific biases than a pure breed population. To reduce variability even further, we have collected a population of 103 retired (8-11 years-old) sled dogs from multiple North American kennels in a specialized research facility named Vaika. Vaika dogs are maintained under standardized conditions with professional veterinary care and participate in a multidisciplinary program to assess the longitudinal dynamics of aging. The established Vaika infrastructure enables periodic gathering of quantitative data reflecting physical, physiological, immunological, neurological, and cognitive decline, as well as monitoring of aging-associated genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring in somatic cells. In addition, we assess the development of age-related diseases such as arthritis and cancer. In-depth data analysis, including artificial intelligence-based approaches, will build a comprehensive, integrated model of canine aging and potentially identify aging biomarkers that will allow use of this model for future testing of antiaging therapies.

Effects of Interval Exercise Training on Serum Biochemistry and Bone Mineral Density in Dogs

Simple Summary

In this study, six male beagle dogs underwent 12 weeks of interval exercise following the Frequency, Intensity, Time/duration, Type, Volume, and Progression (FITT-VP) training principle. The heart rate (HR) response was measured during the entire exercise period, and changes in bone mineral density (BMD), muscle volume (MV), and hematology and serum biomarkers were evaluated at the pre-exercise training period and post-exercise training period. We showed that exercise training increased BMD in the femur and serum total alkaline phosphatase (TALP), aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase levels. In addition, our data suggest a positive correlation between BMD and TALP, demonstrating that increased TALP might be an important contributing factor for enhancing BMD with physical training in dogs.

Abstract

Exercise has been suggested as a powerful intervention for health care and fitness management in humans; however, few studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise training in dogs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on heart rate (HR), bone mineral density (BMD), muscle volume (MV), and hematological and serum biomarkers in dogs. Six healthy beagles completed the interval treadmill exercise, developed on the basis of the FITT principle, two times a week for 12 weeks. To evaluate the physiological parameters, the HR values were analyzed using the Polar H10 system during the entire exercise period. At pre-and post-exercise, quantitative computed tomography and hematological and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. The interval exercise resulted in a normal HR response and no adverse behavioral or physiological effects on the dogs. We showed that exercise improved BMD in the femur (541.6 ± 16.7 vs. 610.2 ± 27.8 HA, p < 0.01) and increased serum total alkaline phosphatase (TALP; 68.6 ± 9.2 vs. 81.3 ± 17.2, p < 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (23.5 ± 1.0 vs. 33.5 ± 1.6, p < 0.01), and creatine kinase (114.8 ± 5.3 vs. 214.0 ± 20.8, p < 0.01) levels. There was a positive relationship between BMD and TALP (femur: r = 0.760, p = 0.004; vertebrae: r = 0.637; p = 0.025). Our findings suggest that interval exercise training is beneficial to increase BMD in the femur, and an increased TALP level would be a concomitant mechanism for enhancing BMD with exercise in dogs.

Air Speed to Increase Rate of Cool Out for Horses After Intense Exercise

Cooling out horses is a common practice after intense exercise. Typical cooling procedures include both walking and drenching (often with scraping). The cool out is performed to ensure the horses physiologic responses returned to a baseline range as quickly as possible. The use of water in cool out provides the greatest potential for removing heat from the animals. However, adding air velocities that can increase evaporation rates from the horses can potentially increase the rate of cool out; thereby reducing the time until the horses' physiologic measurements return to baseline. This study measured the rate of cool out for 7 Thoroughbreds, which were run on the track for 1 or 1.5 miles. Animals were provided a combination of walking and drenching in addition to 3 fan treatments no fan, fan directed at lateral side, and fan directed at posterior. Physiologic responses were analyzed using the Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) procedure and while no significant differences were found in the rate of cool out, trends indicated both rectal temperature (P = .10) and heart rate (P = .11) returned to baseline more quickly with the addition of a fan.

Heart Rate Changes Before, During, and After Treadmill Walking Exercise in Normal Dogs

In dogs, changes in heart rate (HR) can reflect conditioning, fear, anticipation, and pain; however, these are not routinely assessed in veterinary rehabilitation patients. Knowing the expected HR changes during rehabilitation exercises can guide protocols and can optimize post-operative therapy. The primary objectives of the study were to assess HR in dogs undergoing treadmill exercise (TE) during the walk and to compare the three collection techniques of HR, namely, auscultation, a HR monitor (HR MONITOR), and a Holter monitor (HOLTER). We hypothesized that the HR would increase by 20% during TE, that HR taken after TE would not be the same as the HR during TE, and that all methods of measurement would have good agreement. HR was recorded in all methods simultaneously, in eight adult healthy large breed dogs during rest (REST), immediately before TE (PRE), during TE (WALK), and 15 and 60 s after TE (POST-15, POST-60). Statistical analyses included Spearman and Pearson correlations, Bland-Altman analyses, and a repeated measures ANOVA with Sidak's post-hoc test (significant at value of p < 0.05). Increased HR was reflected in TE during WALK, and elevations in HR during WALK were not reflected in POST timepoints. Auscultation was also not possible during WALK. Significant moderate-to-strong correlations existed among all monitoring options at each of the timepoints (rho range = 0.5-0.9, p < 0.05). There were no correlations between peak HR and age or weight. The main limitation of this study is that only healthy and large breed dogs were used. Both monitors captured the increase in HR during exercise and could guide TE regimens to minimize patient risk of injury and to maximize training effectiveness.

The dog as an exercise science animal model: a review of physiological and hematological effects of exercise conditions

[Purpose]

Exercise is a fundamental way to maintain and improve health and physical fitness. Many human studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of exercise on various biological parameters. However, studies investigating the effects of exercise in dogs are limited. This review summarized the current data from studies that examined the effects of different exercise conditions (treadmill vs. non-treadmill and acute vs. chronic) on physiological and hematological parameters in dogs.

[Methods]

Papers addressing the effects of exercise in dogs published from January 2000 to October 2020 were retrieved from the online databases of Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed and were selected and reviewed.

[Results]

The exercise conditions differentially affected physiological and hematological responses and adaptation in dogs. Therefore, the development and comprehensive evaluation of scientific exercise programs for dogs are necessary.

[Conclusion]

The dog would be a valuable exercise science animal model, and studies aiming at the optimal health, well-being, and quality of life of dogs need to be conducted.

Changes in physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters in police working dogs during a treadmill incremental exercise test

This study aimed to evaluate the physiological, haematological and biochemical changes during a treadmill incremental exercise test (IET). Animals were submitted to five stages of 6 min each, at 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 mph, at an inclination of 5%. Blood samples were collected at rest (T0), immediately after exercise (T5) and after a 20 min rest period (T6), to determine complete blood count, urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total plasma protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (AP), cholesterol, triglycerides (Trig), Ca2+, Na+, K+ and Cl-. Blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and glycaemia were measured at rest (T0), after each stage (T1-T5) and after the rest period (T6). Variations were recorded between T0 and T5 in red blood cells, haemoglobin, AP, Na+, K+ (P<0.01), Trig (P<0.05), Ca2+ and Cl- (P<0.02). Differences were observed in BL at T5 (P<0.02) and T6 (P<0.02), RT at T2-T6 (P<0.01), HR at T3-T5 (P<0.01) and glycaemia at T2-T4 (P<0.01) and T5 (P<0.05). This study is a novel description of the shifts of physical fit police working dogs during this IET protocol.

Hematological and Biochemical Reference Intervals for 5 Adult Hunting Dog Breeds Using a Blood Donor Database

Simple Summary

Hematological and biochemical profiles are essential in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease in veterinary medicine, requiring optimal Reference Intervals (RIs) for accurate interpretation. The aim of this study is to determine hematobiochemical RIs for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. A total of 445 healthy adult hunting dogs (156 Ariégeois, A; 52 Bleu de Gascogne, B; 64 Bracco italiano, C; 123 Segugio italiano, D; 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen, E) were included in the study. Significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes, for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation, were detected, and new RIs for these parameters are provided.

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown the importance of breed-related differences between hematological and biochemical results in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to determine hematologic and biochemical Reference Intervals (RIs) for 5 hunting dog breeds from a blood donor database, adopting an indirect sampling method, and to compare them with laboratory established and published RIs to identify possible breed and attitude-related differences. The study analyzed the blood parameters of 445 adults (222 females and 223 male, with age ranging from 2 to 8 years, mean age 5.3 years), client-owned, clinically healthy blood donor dogs of 5 breeds: 156 Ariégeois, 52 Bleu de Gascogne, 64 Bracco italiano, 123 Segugio italiano, and 50 Briquet Griffon Vandeen. Statistical analysis was performed as recommended by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines. RIs for red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HB), main corpuscular volume (MCV), main corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), main corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red distribution widht (RDW), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leukocytes count, PLT, Albumin, Total Protein, Urea, Creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for each of the 5 breeds were performed, and significant differences with the established RIs were detected. We found significant differences in 12 hematologic and serum biochemical analytes for which a breed-specific variation appears to be the most plausible explanation. New RIs for HCT, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine, AST, and ALT are provided for at least 1 breed. Breed-specific RIs for adult hunting dogs will help avoid misinterpretation of laboratory results in these breeds.

Development of Novel Continuous and Interval Exercise Programs by Applying the FITT-VP Principle in Dogs

Although proper exercise training induces positive physiological effects, improper exercise can lead to injury, fatigue, and poor performance. The frequency, intensity, time/duration, type, volume, and progression (FITT-VP) are the essential components of exercise training to maintain or improve physical fitness and health. The purpose of this study was to develop specific exercise programs by applying the FITT-VP principle and to examine the effects on heart rate (HR) and hematological and biochemical parameters in dogs. The healthy male Beagles (n = 4) included in this study performed continuous and interval exercises, comprising 12 protocols. The HR monitoring elicited an affirmative response to activities but varied depending on the protocols. The hematologic parameters (e.g., red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were within the reference ranges both before and after exercise. The creatine kinase level significantly increased, and the cholesterol level decreased after exercises. In conclusion, the continuous and interval exercise program elicits an appropriate HR reaction, has no adverse effects on the serum parameters, and provides valuable insight for healthcare in dogs.

Selected cardiac abnormalities in Trypanosoma cruzi serologically positive, discordant, and negative working dogs along the Texas-Mexico border

BACKGROUND

Chagas disease is increasingly recognized in the southern U.S., where triatomine vectors transmit Trypanosoma cruzi among wildlife and domestic dogs with occasional vector spillover to humans. As in humans, clinical outcome in dogs is variable, ranging from acute death to asymptomatic infections or chronic heart disease. In order to characterize cardiac manifestations of T. cruzi infections, we tracked a cohort of naturally-infected dogs and a matched cohort of uninfected dogs. We hypothesized that selected measures of cardiac disease (abnormal rate, abnormal rhythm, and elevated cardiac troponin I (cTnI; a biomarker of cardiac injury)) would occur more commonly in infected than uninfected dogs matched by age, breed, sex and location. In addition to the clearly positive and negative dogs, we specifically tracked dogs with discordant test results across three independent serological assays to gather clinical data that might elucidate the infection status of these animals and inform the utility of the different testing approaches.

RESULTS

We placed an ambulatory ECG monitor (Holter) on 48 government working dogs and analyzed 39 successful recordings that met length and quality criteria from 17 T. cruzi-infected, 18 uninfected dogs and 4 dogs with discordant results. Overall, 76.5% of positive, 100.0% of discordant, and 11.1% of negative dogs showed > 1 ECG abnormality (p < 0.0001), and positive and discordant dogs had a higher mean number of different types of ECG abnormalities than negative dogs (p < 0.001-0.014). The most common cardiac abnormalities included supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and atrioventricular block. Positive dogs had higher serum concentrations of cTnI than both negative dogs (p = 0.044) and discordant dogs (p = 0.06). Based on dog handler reports, nearly all (4/5; 80%) dogs with reported performance decline or fatigue were T. cruzi-infected dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

Further understanding cardiac manifestations in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi is critical for prognostication, establishing a baseline for drug and vaccine studies, and better understanding of zoonotic risk.

Effect of pimobendan on physical fitness, lactate and echocardiographic parameters in dogs with preclinical mitral valve disease without cardiomegaly

Pimobendan has gained enormous importance in the treatment of mitral valve disease in dogs. The current consensus statement of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) recommends a treatment for dogs with symptomatic disease and dogs with asymptomatic disease with radiographic and echocardiographic signs of cardiomegaly. To investigate whether these dogs also benefit from a therapy with pimobendan, 21 dogs with mitral valve disease ACVIM B1 underwent a standardized submaximal exercise test on a treadmill. In this double-blinded and randomized study, the animals were divided into two groups, one receiving pimobendan and the other a placebo. At the first visit and at every follow-up appointment (at days 90 and 180), heart rate during the complete exercise test and lactate before and after running were measured. In addition to this, a questionnaire was completed by the dogs’ owners and all dogs were given an echocardiographic examination to detect any changes and to observe if the disease had progressed. Due to the diagnosis of leishmaniosis, one dog in the pimobendan group was retrospectively removed from the study so that 20 dogs were included for statistical analysis. No differences were observed at any time between the pimobendan-group and the placebo-group regarding heart rate. At day 180, the increase in lactate after exercise was significantly lower than in the placebo-group. The increase in the pimobendan-group at day 180 was lower than at day 90. Most of the dog owners from the pimobendan-group declared that their dogs were more active at day 90 (6/10) and at day 180 (8/10), while most dog owners from the placebo-group observed no changes regarding activity at day 90 (8/10) and day 180 (6/10). It can be concluded that the results of this study indicate that some dogs with mitral valve disease ACVIM B1 might benefit from a therapy with pimobendan.

Benefits of dietary supplements on the physical fitness of German Shepherd dogs during a drug detection training course

A high standard of physical fitness is an essential characteristic of drug detection dogs because it affects not only their ability to sustain high activity levels but also their attention and olfaction efficiency. Nutritional supplements could improve physical fitness by modulating energy metabolism, oxidative processes, and perceived fatigue. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by submaximal exercise on drug detection dogs (German Shepherd breed) and to assess whether a dietary supplement improves their physical fitness. During a drug detection dog training course, seven dogs were fed with a basal diet (Control Group) for three-month period, while a further seven dogs were fed with a basal diet as well as a daily nutritional supplement containing branched-chain and limiting amino acids, carnitine, vitamins, and octacosanol (Treatment Group). At the end of this period, individual physical fitness was assessed by making each subject take a graded treadmill exercise test. A human heart rate monitor system was used to record the dog's heart rate (HR) during the treadmill exercise and the subsequent recovery period. The parameters related to HR were analysed using nonparametric statistics. Blood samples were collected before starting the nutritional supplement treatment, before and after the treadmill exercise and following recovery. Linear mixed models were used. The dietary supplements accelerated HR recovery, as demonstrated by the lower HR after recovery (P<0.05) and Time constants of HR decay (P<0.05), and by the higher Absolute HR Recovered (P<0.05) recorded in the Treatment group compared with the Control dogs. The supplemented dogs showed the lowest concentrations of creatine kinase (CK; P<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, P<0.05) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; P<0.01) suggesting a reduction in muscle damage and improvement of energy metabolism. These data suggest that this combined supplement can significantly enhance the physical fitness of drug detection dogs.

Lactate and glucose thresholds and heart rate deflection points for Beagles during intense exercise

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the lactate threshold of dogs could be determined by a visual method and to assess the extent of agreement and bias among treadmill velocities for the lactate threshold as determined by visual (LTv) and polynomial (LTp) methods, glucose threshold as determined by visual (GTv) and polynomial (GTp) methods, and heart rate deflection point (HRdp) as a method for estimating the aerobic capacity of dogs. ANIMALS 18 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES Each dog underwent a standardized incremental treadmill exercise test once. The test ended when the dog began to show signs of fatigue. Plasma lactate and glucose concentrations and heart rate (HR) were plotted against exercise intensity (treadmill velocity) for the duration of the test, and the LTv, GTv, and HRdp were determined visually. The LTp and GTp were determined by means of a second-order polynomial function. One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, Bland-Altman analyses, and ordinary least products regression were used to assess the extent of agreement and bias among the various threshold velocities. RESULTS Mean velocity did not differ significantly among the thresholds evaluated. There was a strong positive correlation between the LTv velocity and the velocity for GTv (r = 0.91), LTp (r = 0.96), GTp (r = 0.94), and HRdp (r = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that LTv could be determined for dogs undergoing intense exercise on a treadmill, and the treadmill velocity corresponding to the LTv was associated with the velocity for the other hallmarks of endurance. Thus, that method may be useful for prescription and evaluation of conditioning programs for dogs.

Quantifying body surface temperature differences in canine coat types using infrared thermography

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been used to assess the health of canines by measuring surface temperatures. However, little is known about the effect hair coat differences has on expected surface temperature in healthy canines under the influence of hair coat differences. The aim of this study was to identify the influence of coat characteristics in body surface temperature (BST) in canines (Canis lupus familiaris). To determine the changes in BST, an infrared thermal imaging camera (i.e. FLIR B400) was used. Thermal images of the left and right sides of privately-owned dogs (n = 50) were acquired. Each animal acclimated in an indoor environment away from direct sunlight (23 ± 2.0 °C) for 15 min, and images were taken at a distance 0.67 ± 0.24 m. Regions of interest (ROIs) of mean surface temperatures were examined across the lateral surface of each animal. No statistical differences were detected based on laterality (P = 0.08). Mean BSTs were categorized by each dog's hair coat type: short coat (SC), curly coat (CC), long coat (LC), and double coat (DC). These BSTs were then analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, or ANOVA, (Shapiro-Wilk) and pairwise comparison. SC animals had the highest BST (31.77 ± 0.19 °C; P < 0.001) whereas LC (28.14 ± 0.31 °C; P < 0.001) and DC animals (28.25 ± 0.23 °C; P < 0.001) were lower in BST. CC animals portrayed intermediate BST (29.85 ± 0.33 °C; P < 0.001). The Pearson correlation and one-way ANOVA between rectal temperature and BST and coat type were not statistically significant (r = -0.24 and P = 0.07, respectively). Results indicate that short-haired dogs exhibit a more drastic increase in BST (approximately 2 °C) in comparison to other dogs and this should be considered in future clinical applications.

Development of a perceived exertion scale for dogs using selected physiologic parameters

OBJECTIVE

To develop a perceived exertion scale for dogs exercising on a treadmill and to assess intra- and inter-observer variability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen healthy client-owned dogs participated in paired exercise trials. Measurements of lactate, glucose, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and regional tissue oximetry were obtained before, during and after exercise. Perceived exertion scale scores were recorded during exercise and using video recordings to evaluate inter-observer variability. Correlations were evaluated using the Spearman's non-parametric method.

RESULTS

Thirteen dogs completed both trials. Dogs walked or trotted on the treadmill with an average perceived exertion score of 2 in both trials. Holter heart rate was positively correlated with perceived exertion scale scores from all observers for both trials. In trial 1, plasma glucose decreased in association with increase in perceived exertion and, in trial 2, cutaneous oximetry decreased, respiratory rate increased and temperature increased with increases on the perceived exertion scale. Inter-observer perceived exertion scale scores were positively correlated in both trials. There was no intra-observer variability between trials.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The perceived exertion scale correlated with the measured physiologic parameters in dogs exercising at mild to moderate intensity. The perceived exertion scale was consistent and repeatable but larger study numbers and further validation are needed before it can be widely applied.

Physical response of dogs supplemented with fish oil during a treadmill training programme

The rise in popularity of dog sports competitions has led to the evaluation of improvements in dog physical performance. The potential benefit of dietary supplementation with fish oil (FO) on the physical performance of human beings and horses has been reported. However, such effect has not been studied in dogs. We therefore evaluated the effect of FO dietary supplementation on heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT) and thigh circumference (TC) in dogs during aerobic treadmill training, and further determined HR response and blood lactate (BL) concentration during an incremental exercise test. Using a cross-over design, eight male dogs were randomly assigned to two groups and received a standard balanced commercial diet (control, CG, n = 7) and the same diet supplemented with 54 mg FO/kg metabolic weight per day (FOG, n = 8). All dogs had 30-min treadmill sessions at 8 km/hr and 7.5% slope twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessment of HR and RT was performed before and immediately after each session; HR was also assessed 5 min after the end of each session. Thigh circumference was evaluated before each session. All dogs performed an incremental exercise test on the treadmill at 0, 6 and 12 weeks to evaluate HR response and BL concentration. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure (SAS 9.4). In FOG, pre-HR (-4.9%) and post-HR (-2.4%) values and post-RT (-0.3%) values were lower during treadmill training, whereas TC (+2.2%) values were higher as compared with CG (p < 0.01). Through the incremental exercise test, mean HR (week 6, -5.3%; week 12, -6.0%) values in FOG were lower than in CG (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FO supplementation slightly improved the physiological response of dogs to exercise during training.

Avaliação clínica e bioquímica de cães submetidos a dois métodos de hidroterapia

RESUMO Avaliou-se a resposta dos parâmetros fisiológicos de frequência cardíaca (FC) e respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e a atividade sérica das enzimas creatina quinase (CK) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) em cães adultos hígidos, machos e fêmeas, sob duas modalidades de hidroterapia. Dez cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos de cinco animais, denominados de grupo I (caminhada em esteira aquática) e grupo II (natação) e submetidos a duas sessões por semana com duração inicial de 10 minutos, acrescida de cinco minutos por sessão até 30 minutos, durante nove semanas. As avaliações foram realizadas antes, imediatamente depois e quatro horas após o exercício em todas as sessões para as variáveis de FC, FR e TR e nos dias um, sete, 28 e 60 para CK e LDH. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) quando comparados os valores médios dos parâmetros fisiológicos de frequência cardíaca e respiratória e de temperatura retal. Os níveis de CK e LDH não se elevaram após a hidroterapia nos diferentes tempos e dias avaliados. Dessa forma, foi possível concluir que as sessões de natação e de caminhada em esteira aquática não causaram alterações nos parâmetros fisiológicos de frequência cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura retal e nos níveis sanguíneos de creatina quinase (CK) e lactato desidrogenase (LDH) no protocolo proposto.

Intense exercise and endurance-training program influence serum kinetics of muscle and cardiac biomarkers in dogs

Few data exist on the physiological consequences of an incremental exercise test (IET) and training in dogs. Here we evaluated the effect of an endurance-training program (ETP) on the kinetics of the serum biomarkers: creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), myoglobin, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). Eighteen Beagle dogs were assigned to three groups: sedentary (S), untrained (U), and trained (T). The dogs from the groups T and U underwent IET, and their lactate threshold (LT) was determined. The LT and velocity corresponding to the LT (VLT) was determined by visual inspection. The VLT was utilized to determine the training intensity level. Thus, the dogs from group T underwent an eight-week aerobic conditioning program with the intensity training set to 70-80% of the VLT. Next, dogs from the groups T and U have submitted to IET again. The group S did not undergo IETs or training. The maximal velocity (Vmax) at which the dog achieves in the IET and heart rate were determined. For biomarkers, venous blood samples were collected before the experimental procedure (baseline) and before and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the IETs. VLT and Vmax increased in group T (P < .05), indicating an improvement in dogs' aerobic and anaerobic fitness. CK and AST rose (P < .05), peaking 6 h after both IETs and returning to baseline levels after 12-24 h. Levels of cTnI and myoglobin were unaltered. CK-MB peaked 1 h after the IETs and returned to baseline levels after 12 h (P < .05). We concluded that ETP improved the aerobic capacity of the dogs without any skeletal or cardiac muscle injury.

Efeito de diferentes intensidades de exercício em esteira sobre os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos de cães hígidos

RESUMO Objetivou-se a padronização de testes de exercício de alta e baixa intensidades em esteira, bem como a avaliação do eletrocardiograma de cães submetidos a esses testes. Para tal fim, sete cães da raça Australian Cattle Dog e quatro da raça Border Collie clinicamente saudáveis foram submetidos a dois testes de exercício em esteira, com pelo menos sete dias de intervalo: T1 - teste de exercício de alta intensidade e curta duração, e T2 - teste de exercício de baixa intensidade e longa duração. A amplitude e a duração de ondas e intervalos foram avaliadas no momento antes do exercício (M0) e nos momentos imediatamente após o término dos testes (MPE) e 30 minutos após (M30). A frequência e o ritmo cardíacos foram avaliados antes dos testes e continuamente por 30 minutos após o término do exercício. Verificou-se diferença significativa somente para a duração do intervalo QT em M30 em T1, além de algumas arritmias, como complexos atriais e ventriculares prematuros isolados em três animais após o teste T1, e em quatro após T2. Os testes de exercício foram adequados para promover estimulação simpática nos cães, contudo não causaram alterações significativas no eletrocardiograma, provavelmente em razão do excelente condicionamento físico dos animais.

Six-month field efficacy and safety of the combined treatment of dogs with Frontline Tri-Act® and NexGard Spectra®

BACKGROUND

Safety and efficacy of the combined monthly use of spot-on fipronil 6.76% w/v / permethrin 50.48% w/v (Frontline Tri-Act®) and chewable tablets of afoxolaner 1.9% w/w / milbemycin oxime 0.4% w/w (NexGard Spectra®) in dogs was evaluated in a field study over a period of 6 months.

METHODS

Forty-one healthy dogs living in highly endemic area for canine leishmaniosis and other canine vector borne diseases (VBD) were included in the study at the beginning of the Leishmania transmission season. Sixteen dogs were pet dogs living each in a single household; twenty-five dogs were hunting dogs living in three kennels. At inclusion, the dogs were ELISA (rapid test) negative for antibodies to Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and for antigens of Dirofilaria. The dogs were also negative for blood microfilariae at the Knott's test, and no clinical or haematological abnormalities were observed. Of the included dogs, six hunting, apparently healthy, dogs were ELISA (rapid test) positive to Leishmania, and some were naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes (58.5%) and/or infested by fleas (58.5%) and ticks (9.8%). All the included dogs were treated at Days 0, 28, 56, 84, 112 and 140, and followed-up for efficacy until the study end (Day 168).

RESULTS

No adverse events related to the two products, nor skin reactions, general signs, or changes in the haematological profile, were observed during the study. At Day 14, anthelminthic efficacy was 100% for Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina and Capillaria aerophila, while few hunting dogs were still shedding eggs of Trichuris vulpis (1/25 hunting dog) and Ancylostomatidae (9/25 hunting dogs). All pet dogs were nematode free at the end of the study. Hunting dogs were free of roundworms and whipworms. Twenty-four hours after the first treatment, 95.8% of the ectoparasite infested dogs were free from fleas and ticks. Ectoparasites were significantly controlled during the 6-month study period, with 100% efficacy on both fleas and ticks from Day 56 to Day 168. Blood and serum samples collected on Day 168 were tested for vector-borne pathogens using same methods of the inclusion and no new seroconversions or circulating blood microfilariae were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant use of Frontline Tri-Act® and NexGard Spectra® in dogs for six months was well tolerated. The combination was effective in controlling fleas, ticks, gastro-intestinal nematodes, and neither new seroconversion to the tested vector-borne pathogens nor blood microfilariae were detected in treated dogs at the end of the study.

Physiological parameter values in greyhounds before and after high-intensity exercise

Dog sports competitions have greatly expanded. The availability of reference values for each type of activity could help assess fitness accurately. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL) and rectal temperature (RT) are relevant physiological parameters to determine the dogs response to effort. Previous studies in greyhounds have reported the effect of high-intensity exercise on many physiological parameters immediately after completing different racing distances and recovery times. However, there are no studies concerning physiological changes over shorter racing distances. We therefore assessed the effect of sprint exercise on HR, BL and RT in nine greyhounds performing sprint exercise over a 100-m distance chasing a lure. After the exercise, dogs underwent a passive 10-min recovery phase. Before the exercise, immediately after it and at 5 and 10 min during recovery, HR and RT were assessed and blood samples were collected for BL determination. HR, BL and RT values increased significantly after the exercise (P<0.01). Whereas HR returned to pre-exercise values at 10 min during the recovery phase (P>0.1), BL concentration and RT remained increased (P<0.01). The abrupt increase in HR, BL and RT values observed immediately after the exercise indicates the high intensity of the effort performed. Similarly, BL concentration after the exercise exceeded the 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, suggesting a predominant anaerobic metabolism during effort. Although HR returned to pre-exercise values 10 min after the exercise, a more extensive recovery phase would be necessary for a total return to resting values, particularly for BL and RT. In greyhounds subjected to high-intensity exercise, HR, BL and RT were reliable physiological parameters to accurately assess the physiological response to effort. The use of sprint exercises over short racing distances could be useful for appropriately monitoring fitness in sporting dogs.

Investigating factors affecting the body temperature of dogs competing in cross country (canicross) races in the UK

Increasing numbers of people are running with their dogs, particularly in harness through the sport canicross. Whilst canicross races are typically held in the winter months, some human centred events are encouraging running with dogs in summer months, potentially putting dogs at risk of heat related injuries, including heatstroke. The aim of this project was to investigate the effects of ambient conditions and running speed on post-race temperature of canicross dogs in the UK, and investigate the potential risk of heatstroke to canicross racing dogs. The effects of canine characteristics (e.g. gender, coat colour) were explored in order to identify factors that could increase the risk of exercise-induced hyperthermia (defined as body temperature exceeding the upper normal limit of 38.8°C).108 dogs were recruited from 10 race days, where ambient conditions ranged from - 5 to 11°C measured as universal thermal comfort index (UTCI). 281 post race tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded, ranging from 37.0-42.5°C. There was a weak correlation between speed and post-race temperature (r = 0.269, P < 0.001). Whilst no correlation between any single environmental factor or UTCI and post-race temperature was found, the proportion of dogs developing exercise-induced hyperthermia during the race increased with UTCI (r = 0.688, P = 0.028). Male dogs (χ(1) = 18.286, P < 0.001), and dark coated dogs (χ(2) = 8.234, P = 0.014), were significantly more likely to finish the race with a temperature exceeding 40.6°C. Prolonged elevati°n of body temperature above this temperature is likely to cause heatstroke. At every race dogs exceeded this critical temperature, with 10.7% (n = 30) of the overall study population exceeding this temperature throughout the study period. The results suggest male dogs, dark coloured dogs, and increased speed of running all increase the risk of heatstroke in racing canicross dogs. Further research is required to investigate the impact of environmental conditions on post-race cooling, to better understand safe running conditions for dogs.

Environmental and Physiological Factors Associated With Stamina in Dogs Exercising in High Ambient Temperatures

This IACUC approved study was performed to evaluate the environmental, physiological, and hematological components that contribute to stamina following successive bouts of exercise that included searching (5-min), agility (5-min), and ball retrieve (<10-min). Regularly exercised dogs (N = 12) were evaluated on five separate occasions. The population consisted of eight males and four females ranging in age from 8 to 23 months, which included six Labrador retrievers, three German shepherds, and one each English springer spaniel, German wirehaired pointer, and Dutch shepherd. The exercise period was up to 30 min with 5 min of intermittent rest between the exercise bouts or until a designated trainer determined that the dog appeared fatigued (e.g., curled tongue while panting, seeking shade, or voluntary reluctance to retrieve). At the end of the exercise period, pulse rate (PR), core temperature, blood lactate, and venous blood gas were collected. The median outdoor temperature was 28.9°C (84°F) (IQR; 27.2–30°C/81–86°F) and median humidity was 47% (IQR; 40–57%). Median duration of exercise was 27 min (IQR; 25–29). No dog showed signs of heat stress that required medical intervention. The components used to measure stamina in this study were total activity, post-exercise core body temperature (CBT), and increase in CBT. When controlling for breed, total activity, as measured by omnidirectional accelerometer device, could be predicted from a linear combination of the independent variables: pre-exercise activity (p = 0.008), post-exercise activity (p < 0.001), outdoor temperature (p = 0.005), reduction in base excess in extracellular fluid compartment (BEecf) (p = 0.044), and decrease in TCO₂ (p = 0.005). When controlling for breed and sex, increase in CBT could be predicted from a linear combination of the independent variables: study day (p = 0.005), increase in PR (p < 0.001), increase in lactate (p = 0.001), reduction in BEecf (p = 0.031), increase in glucose (p = 0.044), increase in hematocrit (p = 0.032), and increase in hemoglobin (p = 0.038). This study suggests that the influence of outdoor temperature, pre- and post-exercise activity, and the metabolic parameters are important components of stamina associated with exertion.

Changes in cardiovascular performance, biochemistry, gastric motility and muscle temperature induced by acute exercise on a treadmill in healthy military dogs

Changes in physiological parameters that are induced by acute exercise on a treadmill in healthy military dogs have not been thoroughly investigated, especially with regard to age. This study investigated the effects of acute exercise on a treadmill on cardiovascular function, biochemical parameters and gastric antral motility in military dogs. Thermography was used to assess variations in superficial hindlimb muscle temperature. Nine healthy dogs were distributed into three groups according to their age (Group I: 25 ± 7 months; Group II: 51 ± 12 months; Group III: 95 ± 10 months) and sequentially subjected to running exercise on a treadmill for 12 min (3.2 km/h at 0° incline for 4 min, 6.4 km/h at 0° incline for 4 min and 6.4 km/h at 10° incline for 4 min). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), gastric motility, haematocrit and biochemical analyses were performed at rest and after each session of treadmill exercise. Infrared thermographic images of muscles in the pelvic member were taken. Exercise decreased DAP in Group I, increased systolic arterial pressure in Groups II and III and increased mean arterial pressure in Group III (all p < 0.05). After the exercise protocol, plasma creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased only in Group I (p < 0.05). Exercise increased heart rate and decreased the gastric motility of a solid meal at 180 min in all groups (all p < 0.05). Exercise also elevated temperature in the femoral biceps muscles in Group I compared with the older dogs. The results indicate that acute exercise decreased gastric motility in dogs, regardless of age, and caused more pronounced cardiovascular changes in older dogs than in younger dogs. Acute exercise also altered biochemical parameters and superficial hindlimb muscle temperature in younger military dogs.

Agreement between i-STAT and YSI 2300 devices to determine lactate concentrations in dogs undergoing exercise

Little information is available comparing the i-STAT and the YSI 2300 Stat Plus devices to determine the lactate concentration [Lac] in dogs undergoing intense exercise. The reproducibility of the YSI 2300 for quantifying the [Lac] in canine blood [Lac]b and plasma [Lac]p samples has been observed. In addition, the i-STAT handheld device was used to quantify [Lac] in dogs subjected to exercise, and the results were compared with that of YSI 2300. Venous blood samples of Beagle and American Pit Bull Terrier dogs were obtained during an intense exercise training on a treadmill. [Lac]p and [Lac]b were quantified using the YSI 2300 instrument to determine the reproducibility of the results. A total of 52 specimens were compared for both plasma and whole blood. For comparing the devices (YSI 2300 vs i-STAT), 96 samples were used. Ordinary least products regression, the correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement of using the i-STAT device. The relationship between duplicate measurements of both [Lac]b and [Lac]p by YSI 2300 was strong (r=0.99). A correlation between the data obtained using the i-STAT and YSI 2300 instruments was observed for both the [Lac]p (r=0.97) and [Lac]b (r=0.88). The i-STAT exhibited a small constant bias (-0.25 mmol/l) compared to YSI 2300 ([Lac]b). There were proportional biases of 0.89 mmol/l for [Lac]p and 1.22 mmol/l for [Lac]b when using YSI 2300 vs i-STAT. We confirmed the reproducibility of the YSI 2300 for canine lactate blood/plasma samples. The results obtained by the i-STAT and YSI 2300 analyser were highly correlated, but a small constant bias was observed between them. The i-STAT device can be used in clinical evaluations, and it is also adequate for designing and monitoring fitness programmes.

Effects of aerobic exercise on hematologic indices of women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Background:

To investigate the effects of moderate aerobic exercise on the hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell (RBC) mass of women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Specialized Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Al-Zahra Hospital of Isfahan, during a 4-month period in 2014. We included patients with RA who did not have any malignancy and hematologic disorder. Two groups — one group receiving aerobic therapy along with medical therapy (N = 16) and the other group receiving medical therapy alone (N = 17) both for a period of 8 weeks. The levels of RBC mass, Hb, and HCT were measured before and after the intervention. The changes in these parameters were compared between the two study groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding the baseline characteristics. The aerobic exercise resulted in increased RBC mass (P < 0.001), Hb (P < 0.001), and HCT (P < 0.001). However, those who received medical therapy alone did not experience any significant changes in these parameters. We found that the RBC mass (P = 0.581), Hb (P = 0.882), and HCT (P = 0.471) were comparable between the two study groups after 8 weeks of intervention.

Conclusion:

Although the aerobic exercise results in increased Hb, HCT, and RBC mass in patients with RA, the increase was not significant when compared to that in controls. Thus, the increase in the HB, HCT, and RBC could not be attributable to aerobic exercise.

The Use of an Open Field Model to Assess Sound-Induced Fear and Anxiety Associated Behaviors in Labrador Retrievers

Previous studies have shown that the playing of thunderstorm recordings during an open-field task elicits fearful or anxious responses in adult beagles. The goal of our study was to apply this open field test to assess sound-induced behaviors in Labrador retrievers drawn from a pool of candidate improvised explosive devices (IED)-detection dogs. Being robust to fear-inducing sounds and recovering quickly is a critical requirement of these military working dogs. This study presented male and female dogs, with 3 minutes of either ambient noise (Days 1, 3 and 5), recorded thunderstorm (Day 2), or gunfire (Day 4) sounds in an open field arena. Behavioral and physiological responses were assessed and compared to control (ambient noise) periods. An observer blinded to sound treatment analyzed video records of the 9-minute daily test sessions. Additional assessments included measurement of distance traveled (activity), heart rate, body temperature, and salivary cortisol concentrations. Overall, there was a decline in distance traveled and heart rate within each day and over the five-day test period, suggesting that dogs habituated to the open field arena. Behavioral postures and expressions were assessed using a standardized rubric to score behaviors linked to canine fear and anxiety. These fear/anxiety scores were used to evaluate changes in behaviors following exposure to a sound stressor. Compared to control periods, there was an overall increase in fear/anxiety scores during thunderstorm and gunfire sound stimuli treatment periods. Fear/anxiety scores were correlated with distance traveled, and heart rate. Fear/anxiety scores in response to thunderstorm and gunfire were correlated. Dogs showed higher fear/anxiety scores during periods after the sound stimuli compared to control periods. In general, candidate IED-detection Labrador retrievers responded to sound stimuli and recovered quickly, although dogs stratified in their response to sound stimuli. Some dogs were robust to fear/anxiety responses. The results suggest that the open field sound test may be a useful method to evaluate the suitability of dogs for IED-detection training.

ISO-based assessment of accuracy and precision of glucose meters in dogs

Background

Portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) allow easy glucose measurements. As animal‐specific PBGMs are not available everywhere, those for humans are widely used.

Objectives

To assess the accuracy and precision of 9 PBGMs in canine whole blood (WB) and plasma, based on the ISO 15197:2013.

Animals

Fifty‐nine client‐owned dogs attending the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Methods

Analytical evaluation of 100 blood samples was performed for accuracy and 23 for precision (glucose 29–579 mg/dL) following ISO recommendations. A PBGM was considered accurate if 95% of the measurements were within ±15 mg/dL from the reference when glucose was <100 mg/dL and within ±15% when it was ≥100 mg/dL, and if 99% of them were within zones A and B in error grid analysis (EG). A hexokinase‐based analyzer was used as reference. Ninety samples were assessed for hematocrit interferences.

Results

Accuracy requirements were not fulfilled by any PBGM in WB (74% of measurements within the limits for the most accurate) and by 1 only in plasma. However, the EG analysis in WB was passed by 6 PBGM and by all in plasma. The most accurate were also the most precise, with coefficients of variation <5% in WB and <3% in plasma. Hematocrit correlated with bias against the reference method in 4 PBGM (r = −0.243 − [−0.371]; P < .021).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This disparity among PBGM suggests that meters approved for humans need to be evaluated before use in other species.

Acute phase proteins response in hunting dogs

Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells (WBC) were assessed in 20 dogs divided into 2 groups. The dogs of group A were not subjected to hunting exercise (control group), while the dogs of group B were subjected to hunting exercise for 3 hr (experimental group). Blood samples were collected from each animal before hunting (T0), immediately after 3 hr of hunting (T1), and after 1 hr of recovery (T2). The general linear model (GLM) repeated measures procedure showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.0001) and a significant rise (P < 0.0001) in concentration of Hp, SAA, and CRP after hunting exercise, with a consequent decline during recovery period in group B. These parameters could be considered valid and easily obtainable biomarkers in relation to hunting stress in dogs. Additional studies will continue to elucidate the magnitude and the time of response of other acute phase proteins.