Effect of exercise on serum markers of muscle inflammation in Spanish Greyhounds

Physiological changes in captive elephants in Northern Thailand as a result of the COVID-19 tourism ban - muscle, liver, metabolic function, and body condition

The international travel ban initiated in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected how captive elephants were managed in Thailand. A lack of tourists and associated income meant elephants were chained longer with reduced food provisions, had fewer mahouts, and limited exercise like riding, which likely affected health and welfare. Fifty-eight elephants from six tourist camps were assigned a body condition score (BCS) and blood samples were collected monthly for 2 years during the travel ban to measure: (1) muscle enzymes [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)]; (2) liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)]; (3) lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoproteins]; and metabolic function [glucose, insulin, fructosamine]. Serum CK concentrations were lower at the end of the study, possibly due to no tourist activities like riding. Changes in liver function included increased AST and ALP, also possibly due to physical inactivity. Feeding less bananas and sugar cane was associated with fewer elephants in the obese category and lower TG concentrations. However, increases in glucose, insulin and fructosamine were observed as local people returned to feed elephants after lifting travel restrictions. In sum, changes in several health biomarkers were observed in association with restricted activities and food resources. Camps need better plans to meet the health and welfare needs of elephants during any future disruptions to the tourism industry, although reduced feeding of sweet treats appeared to have positive effects on body condition and metabolic function.

Using complete blood count-derived inflammatory markers to compare postoperative inflammation in dogs undergoing open or laparoscopic ovariectomy

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory response triggered in dogs after laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOV) or ovariectomy through mini-celiotomy (COV) has never been compared using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammatory index (SII).

METHODS

Bitches underwent LapOV (n = 25) or COV (n = 25). NLR, PLR and SII were calculated 1 hour before ovariectomy (T0) and 2-3, 6-8 and 20-24 hours (T1-T3) after surgery.

RESULTS

Surgical time was longer in the LapOV group. Changes over time were observed in the NLR, PLR and SII in both groups (p < 0.001). PLR at baseline and T1 (p = 0.03 and 0.01) and NLR, PLR and SII at T2 (p = 0.01, 0.01 and 0.009) were higher in the LapOV group than in the COV group, but they did not differ at T3.

LIMITATIONS

The overrepresentation of Greyhounds in the LapOV group and the short-term follow-up are the study's main limitations.

CONCLUSION

Although an inflammatory peak was observed 6-8 hours after COV or LapOV, it was higher after the laparoscopy. However, there was no difference in the bitches' inflammatory status 24 hours after surgery.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Snake Envenomation in Dogs in South Korea (2004-2021)

Snake envenomation is a medical emergency capable of causing local and systemic complications. However, information on venomous snakebite in dogs in South Korea is scarce. In this study, fifty-nine dogs treated at a private veterinary clinic from 2004 to 2021 were retrospectively studied. The aim was to characterize the demographics, elapsed time between snakebite and veterinary clinic presentation, laboratory findings, clinical signs, treatments, adverse reactions to antivenom, and prognosis of venomous snakebite. Snakebite was mostly observed between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. from April to October. On the days of envenomation, the weather conditions were mostly cloudy, followed by rain/precipitation, and least frequently fair weather. Grassland was the most common incident location, and leashed dog walking was the most frequent activity when snakebite occurred. The main local symptoms were edema, hemorrhagic discharge, cutaneous erythema, ulceration, and necrosis. Major systemic clinical signs were tachypnea, tachycardia, altered mentation, ptyalism, and hypotension. Based on the time interval between snakebite and presentation at the veterinary clinic, two groups were defined: <4 h (Group 1, 49.2%) and ≥4 h (Group 2, 50.8%). Systemic inflammation was more frequently observed in Group 2. The level of C-reactive protein at presentation (p = 0.036) and the highest-level during hospitalization (p = 0.023) were significantly elevated in Group 2 (≥4 h). The dogs in Group 2 displayed more frequent muscle damage (increased creatine kinase) than the dogs in Group 1, and a higher level of creatine kinase was associated with delayed (≥4 h) presentation after snakebite (p = 0.003). All of the dogs were treated symptomatically, and 34 dogs (58%) received antivenom. Treatment with antivenom showed no adverse reactions in this study. All of the treated dogs recovered. One dog was euthanized without any treatment due to respiratory distress, hypotension, and cost constraints. In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on venomous snakebite in dogs in South Korea. The prognosis was excellent, especially when the dogs were treated within 4 h.

Comparison of serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in dogs with Neospora meningoencephalitis and noninfectious meningoencephalitis

Background

Creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity can be increased with myositis associated with Toxoplasma and Neospora infection in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Serum activity of CK and AST can be used as a rapid screen for predicting positive serology in meningoencephalitis caused by Toxoplasma gondii or Neospora caninum in dogs compared to dogs with noninfectious meningoencephalitis.

Animals

Eighty dogs with meningoencephalitis based on magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study. Serological cutoffs (≥1:800 immunofluorescence for Neospora and ≥1:400 IgG or ≥1:64 IgM or both for Toxoplasma) categorized dogs as infected (n = 21, all neosporosis) or noninfected (n = 59). Activities of CK and AST between infected and noninfected groups were compared using a Mann‐Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

No dogs were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Serum CK and AST activities were significantly increased (P < .001) in dogs with positive serology for Neospora (CK: median, 1334 U/L; range, 281‐3633 U/L and AST: median, 124 U/L; range, 59‐333 U/L) compared to noninfectious cases (CK: median, 215 U/L; range, 69‐683 U/L and AST: median, 36 U/L; range, 19‐139 U/L). A CK cutoff of 485 U/L had 95.24% sensitivity and 96.61% specificity with a negative predicative value of >99%. An AST cutoff of 57 U/L had 94.44% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity with an estimated negative predicative value of 99%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

High serum CK and AST activity can increase suspicion for neosporosis while awaiting serological tests for dogs with meningoencephalitis.

Clinical Evaluation of Creatine Kinase and Aspartate Aminotransferase for Monitoring Muscle Effort in Working Dogs in Different Simulated Fieldworks

The clinical profiles of muscle biomarkers (Creatine Kinase-CK-and Aspartate Aminotransferase-AST) performed during training may help in determining the fitness level of dogs and their potentiality to perform specific activities. This study investigated the potential variations of physiological parameters and muscular biomarkers in trained search and rescue dogs during search activity in two different areas. The aim was to verify the absence of any muscular enzymes after 20 min of search activity. The variations of physiological parameters (pulse rate; respiratory rate; rectal body temperature) and skeletal muscular biomarkers (CK and AST) were evaluated before and after search activity. Twenty-three trained dogs met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups. One group experienced search activity in a well-known area, while the second one in a similar, but unknown, area. The results for physiological parameters and skeletal muscular biomarkers values showed no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05), confirming that an effective conditioning protects against enzymatic alteration during a 20 min duration of submaximal activity.

Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

Undenatured type II collagen mitigates inflammation and cartilage degeneration in healthy Labrador Retrievers during an exercise regimen

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of undenatured type II collagen supplementation on inflammation and cartilage degeneration after exercise in healthy dogs. Forty healthy Labrador Retrievers (20 male/20 female; range 5-12 yr; average 8 yr) were sorted into two groups: undenatured type II collagen group receiving 40 mg UC-II (10 mg collagen type II/min. 3% undenatured type II collagen; Lonza Consumer Health, Inc.) and placebo group receiving 40 mg maltodextrin daily by capsule. After 2-wk loading, all dogs began an 11-wk endurance exercise regimen consisting of two weekly runs, starting at 5 km and increasing incrementally to 8 km, with one final 16 km run. Blood samples were collected at baseline, pre and post first 5 km run, and pre- and post-16 km run. Activity per kilometer was greater in male undenatured type II collagen vs. male placebo over all runs (P = 0.004), and average moving speed was greater in all undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo over all runs (P < 0.001). Hematology analysis indicated that during the first insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had a greater lymphocyte count (P < 0.001) and lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.001) vs. placebo dogs. Undenatured type II collagen dogs had a lesser neutrophil percentage (P = 0.042) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (P = 0.001) compared to placebo dogs. For the final insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had greater lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.013) and lesser mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.043) compared with placebo dogs. Both groups had significant changes between timepoints for several hematological parameters. Biomarker IL-6 was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo at post 5 km (P = 0.037). Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs at post 16 km (P = 0.023), and only the placebo dogs had a significant increase in COMP from pre to post 16 km (P = 0.021). In summary, Labrador Retrievers supplemented with undenatured type II collagen had decreased inflammation and cartilage degeneration compared with nonsupplemented dogs during exercise.

Demographics and travel history of imported and autochthonous cases of leishmaniosis in dogs in the United States and Canada, 2006 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Leishmania infantum infections are reported in foxhounds throughout the United States (US) and Canada, but only rarely in other dog breeds. A seroprevalence report from 2006 documented leishmaniosis in foxhounds (8.9%) tested in the US between 2000 and 2003. All other breeds were seronegative.

OBJECTIVE

To reexamine demographics and travel history of L. infantum-infected dogs in the US and Canada, we hypothesize detection of L. infantum in more foxhounds than nonfoxhounds and that infected nonfoxhounds will have traveled to endemic regions.

ANIMALS

A total of 125 dogs positive for L. infantum by immunofluorescent antibody, PCR, or both.

METHODS

Retrospective, descriptive study of L. infantum-infected dogs between 4 January 2006 and 22 May 2019. Travel history and known lineage to foxhounds was collected from questionnaires.

RESULTS

Leishmania infantum was detected in 125 (6.4%) of 1961 dogs tested between 4 January 2006 and 22 May 2019, of which 10 (8%) were foxhounds and 115 (92%) were nonfoxhound breeds. Travel history available for 69 (55%) dogs showed 60 (86.9%) dogs had traveled outside of the US or Canada. Nine (13%) dogs had not traveled outside of the US or Canada, 5 of which were nonfoxhounds.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

The majority of L. infantum cases were detected in nonfoxhounds, many of which had traveled to L. infantum-endemic countries, and several nonfoxhound breeds had no travel history. Leishmania surveillance should be considered for dogs that return from L. infantum-endemic regions to monitor emergence of this zoonotic disease in the US and Canada.

The Time Course of Inflammatory Biomarkers Following a One-Hour Exercise Bout in Canines: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

The purpose of this study is to generate preliminary data on the inflammatory effects of an hour of hunting in dogs. Four basset hounds were set out to find a scent and freely adopted running or walking over wooded terrain for one hour. Blood samples were obtained before exercise and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 h after the end of the exercise for analysis of markers of inflammation (prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 1β (IL-1β)), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), and inflammation resolution (resolvin D1 (RvD1)). There was an increase in inflammation one hour after the exercise, shown by a significant increase in PGE₂. Following the peak, PGE₂ steadily declined at the same time as RvD1 increased, with RvD1 peaking at six hours. This pilot study provides evidence that dogs that undergo an hour of hunt exercise experience transient inflammation that peaks one hour after the end of exercise; inflammation resolution peaks six hours after the end of exercise. Future studies should seek to further understand the distinct and combined roles of PGE₂ and RvD1 in dog adaptation to exercise stress.

Abstract

There is little information available to describe the inflammatory consequences of and recovery from moderate-intensity exercise bouts in hunting dogs. The purpose of the current study is to generate pilot data on the appearance and disappearance of biomarkers of inflammation and inflammation resolution following a typical one-hour exercise bout in basset hounds. Four hounds were set out to find a scent and freely adopted running or walking over wooded terrain for approximately one hour. Venous blood samples were obtained before the exercise and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 h following cessation of exercise and were analyzed for biomarkers of inflammation (prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 1β (IL-1β)) tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), and inflammation resolution (resolvin D1 (RvD1)). There was an increase in inflammation one hour after the exercise, shown by a significant increase in PGE₂. Following this peak, PGE₂ steadily declined at the same time as RvD1 increased, with RvD1 peaking at six hours. This pilot study provides evidence that dogs that undergo an hour of hunt exercise experience transient inflammation that peaks one hour after the end of exercise; inflammation resolution peaks six hours after the end of exercise. Future studies should seek to further understand the distinct and combined roles of PGE₂ and RvD1 in dog adaptation to exercise stress.

The effects of crossbreeding, age, and sex on erythrocyte indices and biochemical variables in crossbred pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

BACKGROUND

A number of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) breeds exist, and the pet rabbit population consists of a variety of pure- and crossbred animals. However, the reference intervals (RIs) for rabbits are limited by outdated methods and a single-breed source.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish more complete, updated erythrocytic and biochemical RIs for the crossbred pet rabbit population to improve routine diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice, and to examine the effects of crossbreeding on erythrocytic and biochemical parameters.

METHODS

Blood specimens were collected from 85 clinically healthy crossbred pet rabbits representing a wide range of breeds. RIs for the erythrocyte indices and 12 chemistry analytes were determined as recommended by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. The results were compared with four widely used RIs. Age and sex differences for all variables were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The results diverged from the RIs for New Zealand white rabbits, indicating that not all RIs from this species are appropriate for use in exotic animal practices. Breed-associated variations were evident for aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and glucose, while crossbreed effects were found for total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate. Statistically significant differences and clinical relevance among age groups were detected for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and creatinine.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing RIs specifically for crossbred pet rabbits is desirable for clinicians treating pet rabbits of various breeds and ages. Age-specific RIs for this population warrants further investigation.

Effects of resistance training on serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation in police working dogs

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of a resistance training protocol on iron metabolism of police working dogs. Understanding of how physical exercise influences biochemical parameters is essential for a proper interpretation of exams and adjustments of nutritional and conditioning programs. Nine dogs, being four Belgian Malinois and five German Shepherd, 18.56±0.53 months old, were evaluated before (M1) and six weeks after (M2) a training program using a treadmill. Training sessions were performed twice/week including a 20-min of treadmill activity on a speed compatible with 60-80% of HRpeak on weeks 1 and 2; same exercise of weeks 1 and 2 with a 5% grade added between 7.5 and 12.5 min on weeks 3 and 4; and, same protocol of weeks 3 and 4 with three short bursts of strenuous exercise 60 min after the end of the treadmill exercise on weeks 5 and 6. On both moments (M1 and M2), animals were examined and blood samples were obtained before (T0) and after (T1) an incremental effort test and at 30 min (T2) and 120 min (T3) of recovery. Serum iron (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TS) were determined. All variables were analysed using Tukey test, with P<0.05. Iron parameters were not modified by the current exercise protocol for training police working dogs.

Serum amyloid A and muscle activity biomarkers in horses submitted to equestrian show jumping

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum amyloid A (SAA) and biomarkers of muscle activity of horses submitted to show jumping activity. To do this, the variables SAA, glucose, lactate and the biomarkers creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were evaluated in 10 horses submitted to the show jumping exercise in a tournament for beginners. The evaluations occurred before exercise (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 minutes (T2), 60 minutes (T3) and 24 hours after the end (T4). Data were evaluated using analysis of variance for repeated measures. The statistical software SAEG 9.1 was used to verify the level of significance between the moments for P<0.05. Glucose presented a difference between the moments T0 (97.7±13.3mg/dL) and T1 (79.7±14.1mg/dL). Lactate presented elevation in T1 (15.3±6.1mmol/L) compared to the others T0 (3.8±0.8mmol/L), T2 (6.5±3.9mmol/L), T3 (5.3±2.2mmol/L) and T4 (5.1±1.6mmol/L). The CK showed a significant difference between T0 (82.8±51.2U/L) and T1 (140.1±58.5U/L) and between T4 (74.4±43.1U/L) with T1 (140.1±58.5U/L). The AST presented no difference between moments. The show jumping activity with one-meter obstacles did not induce changes in the SAA protein between the moments.

Shoulder Lameness in Dogs: Preliminary Investigation on Ultrasonography, Signalment and Hemato-Biochemical Findings Correlation

Forelimb lameness in medium and large breed dogs is frequently caused by traumatic or degenerative injuries of the shoulder. Patient history, physical examination, x-rays, blood, and chemical work are routinely used to achieve diagnosis, and may be associated with ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography is increasingly popular in small animal practice due to its low cost, ease of repetition, and the fact that it is non-invasive and can be performed in conscious patients. It is also widely accepted that muscular stress or injuries can induce detectable variations in blood and chemical work. The aim of this preliminary study is to search for correlation between measurements of selected hematobiochemical parameters and ultrasound diagnosis in dogs affected by shoulder injuries. A retrospective study was conducted on orthopedic clinical records of dogs presented to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital for lameness caused by shoulder problems over a period of 5 years. Dogs with both hematobiochemical and ultrasound examinations were selected. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to ultrasound diagnosis: (1) mild/moderate tendinopathy, (2) severe tendinopathy, (3) articular damage, (4) chronic myopathy, and (5) neoplastic injury. Statistical analysis was performed to detect possible correlations between group and hematobiochemical parameters. Forty-four dogs met the inclusion criteria and forty-nine shoulders were diagnosed as injured. Significant differences were found between the age, sex, body weight, neutrophil count, and AST levels. In particular, statistically significant increases were found for neutrophil count and AST concentration in case of ultrasonographically diagnosed severe tendinopathy, articular damage, and neoplastic pathology. Further and wider studies are suggested to determine whether these biomarkers can become a useful diagnostic aid.

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.

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.

Effects of resistance training on electrocardiographic and blood parameters of police dogs

The aims of this study were to evaluate effects of a 6 week resistance training on electrocardiographic (ECG) and blood parameters of police dogs. Our hypothesis was that this training protocol improves fitness, contributing to the welfare of these animals. Nine dogs, 18.56±0.53 months old, were evaluated before (M1) and six weeks after (M2) a training protocol using treadmill. Their training program was performed 2 times/week, and included 20 min of treadmill activity on a speed compatible with 60-80% of HRmax on weeks 1 and 2, same exercise of weeks 1 and 2 with a 5% grade added between 7.5 and 12.5 min in weeks 3 and 4, and, finally, same exercise of weeks 3 and 4 with three short bursts of strenuous exercise, 60 min after the end of treadmill activity. On both moments, animals were examined before (T0) and after (T1) an incremental effort test, and at 30 (T2) and 120 min (T3) of recovery, measuring heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature. Blood samples were taken to determine erythrogram, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, triglycerides, lactate and glucose. Electrocardiographic variables were analysed at T0 and T1. All variables were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests, with P≤0.05. After training, there was an increase on the length of work on treadmill of 41.5% for the German Shepherd (P=0.0139) and 21.4% for the Belgian Malinois (P=0.0085) along with a increase of maximal speed of 34.0% for the German Shepherd (P=0.0084) and 15.9% for the Belgian Malinois (P=0.0241). It was observed in physiological, blood and ECG parameters differences between M1 and M2 (P<0.05). Other findings included a lower rest QTc value at T0 after training (P=0.0194). The chosen training led to a better fitness of the police dogs as all of them worked more intensively with a low cardiovascular requirement in M2. In conclusion, current exercise protocol in a treadmill improved dogs fitness, when we analysed ECG, physiological and blood parameters, making possible that animals may be used in more extended and multiple missions, contributing welfare of these animals.

Measurement of Creatine kinase and Aspartate aminotransferase in saliva of dogs: a pilot study

Background

Muscle enzymes in saliva have been reported to be possible markers of heart and muscle damage in humans. The aim of this study was to assess if Creatine kinase (CK) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities could be measured in canine saliva, and to evaluate their possible changes in situations of muscle damage.

Results

The spectrophotometric assays for CK and AST measurement in saliva of dogs showed intra- and inter-assay imprecision lower than 1 and 16% and coefficients of correlation close to 1 in linearity under dilution tests. Healthy dogs showed activities in saliva of CK between 27 and 121 U/L and AST between 46 and 144 U/L, whereas in saliva of dogs with muscle damage CK ranged between 132 and 3862 U/L and AST between 154 and 4340 U/L. Positive moderate correlations were found between saliva and serum activities of the two enzymes (CK, r = 0.579; P = 0.001; AST, r = 0.674; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

CK and AST activities can be measured in canine saliva with commercially available spectrophotometric assays. In addition these enzymes show higher values in saliva of dogs with muscle damage and their values are moderately correlated with those of serum.

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.