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Niinikoski I, Himanen S, Tenhunen M, Aromaa M, Lilja‐Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Evaluation of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1135-1145. [PMID: 38358051 PMCID: PMC10937515 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachycephalic dogs display sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The risk factors for SDB remain unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for SDB. We hypothesized that brachycephaly, increasing severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), excess weight, and aging predispose to SDB. ANIMALS Sixty-three privately owned pet dogs were prospectively recruited: 28 brachycephalic and 35 normocephalic (mesaticephalic or dolicocephalic) dogs. METHODS Prospective observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording with the neckband was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive respiratory event index (OREI). Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and BOAS severity was graded for brachycephalic dogs. RESULTS Brachycephaly was a significant risk factor for high OREI value (ratio of the geometric means 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2-9.9; P < .001) but aging was not (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = .2). Excess weight, defined as a BCS of over 5/9, (3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7; P < .001) was a significant risk factor. In brachycephalic dogs, BOAS-positive class (moderate or severe BOAS signs) was a significant risk factor (2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Brachycephaly decreases welfare in a multitude of ways, including disrupting sleep. Brachycephaly, increasing severity of BOAS and excess weight are risk factors for obstructive SDB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iida Niinikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Sari‐Leena Himanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
- Department of Clinical NeurophysiologyTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
| | - Mirja Tenhunen
- Department of Clinical NeurophysiologyTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
- Department of Medical PhysicsTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
| | - Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Liisa Lilja‐Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Minna M. Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Foltin S, Glenk LM. Going to the office - What's in it for the dog? J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37830294 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2023.2268540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Benefits and challenges of dogs being present at the office were analyzed from three perspectives: the company view, the dog owner (employee) and the dog view. For companies, office dogs may serve as a branding symbol, leading to higher employee satisfaction and productivity, increased stress resilience and fewer turnover intentions. Yet, companies need to apply pet policies, risk management strategies and mitigate nuisance such as barking, loose fur or excrement. Additional breaks to walk the dogs are required and other employees or customers may be irritated. Employees take advantage of stress reduction, social support, higher job satisfaction, not having to leave their animal at home. Still, an office dog is an added responsibility in terms well-being, safety, distraction from work and emotional involvement. Although the animal perspective has not yet been scientifically addressed, we propose potential benefits such as less separation distress by having the owner nearby, higher social engagement and additional walks during breaks. Challenges for dogs may involve unwanted attention, aversive environmental stimulation, being restrained via leash or crate, irritation caused by conspecifics, emotional contagion or individual requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Foltin
- Department of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - L M Glenk
- Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Research Institute for Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, Neurorehabilitation and Pain Treatment Mauer-Amstetten, Mauer-Amstetten, Austria
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Grady K, Cameron S, Kent SP, Barnes Heller H, Barry MM. Effect of an intervention of exercise on sleep and seizure frequency in idiopathic epileptic dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:59-68. [PMID: 36368312 PMCID: PMC10099787 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to compare sleep and seizure frequency between epileptic dogs prescribed a 20% activity increase and epileptic dogs not prescribed an activity increase. METHODS Sixty-nine dogs receiving anti-epileptic drug therapy were enrolled in a 6-month prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial with an intention-to-treat analysis. A canine activity monitoring device was used to measure activity levels and sleep scores. RESULTS Using an intention-to-treat analysis, the treatment group had an average of 0.381 more seizures per month (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.68) compared with the control group, although the difference in seizure days per month was not statistically significant. In a subgroup analysis of dogs whose activity increased by at least 10%, partial compliers had 0.719 more seizures per month (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.22) and 0.581 seizure days per month (95% CI: 0.001 to 1.16) compared with the control group. Sleep scores increased by 1.2% in the treatment compared with the control group (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.3%). CONCLUSIONS Seizure frequency and sleep score increased slightly, but significantly, in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy prescribed an increase in activity, compared with a control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Grady
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - S Cameron
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - S P Kent
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
| | - H Barnes Heller
- Barnes Veterinary Specialty Service, Madison, Wisconsin, 53716, USA
| | - M M Barry
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706, USA
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Emotional Arousal Impacts Physical Health in Dogs: A Review of Factors Influencing Arousal, with Exemplary Case and Framework. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030465. [PMID: 36766354 PMCID: PMC9913250 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive emotional arousal has been shown to impact physiological health in both veterinary species and human animals. The focus of work in many models of veterinary behavioural medicine has predominantly been associated with reducing activation of the protective emotional systems; in particular, fear-anxiety. The management of the engaging emotional systems of desire-seeking, social play, care and lust has not traditionally been considered in the treatment of physiological health of veterinary species. This article reviews the literature in both veterinary and human fields on the relationship between emotional arousal of both protective and engaging emotional systems and physical health conditions. The current literature describing the regulatory control of sleep on emotional arousal is also discussed. An exemplary case report of a seven month old male entire Cocker Spaniel showing fly-snapping behaviour which had been non-responsive to leviteracetam (Keppra) is presented. The emotional health assessment and treatment of this case is described along with the short and long term (fourteen month follow up) outcomes to demonstrate that some patients presenting in this way can be effectively managed with an appropriate behavioural medicine treatment plan. The authors put forward the argument that an emotional health assessment should be considered an essential component of the work up of all such cases.
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Hielscher-Zdzieblik B, Gansloßer U, Serpell J, Froboese I. The Long-Term Influence of Puppy Acquisition on Physical Activity: Results of a 3-Year, Longitudinal, Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10091687. [PMID: 36141299 PMCID: PMC9498865 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dog ownership has been associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA), including increases in total PA and walking time in some but not in all studies. These earlier studies did not consider puppy acquisition, in particular, and were limited to a maximum of 10 months duration. The purpose of the current pilot study was, therefore, to analyze long-term changes in participants’ PA behavior after puppy acquisition. Participants who acquired a puppy from one of nine preselected breeds differing in size and energy level were included. PA was assessed at baseline and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after puppy acquisition using an online questionnaire. Participants, who were initially included, did not differ in their PA at baseline (n = 38). In the group that completed the trial (n = 11) total PA, leisure time walking, total dog-related PA, and total dog walking increased within the first two years and decreased while remaining above baseline values during the last year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-dog-related PA did not change over time. We conclude that the acquisition of a puppy increases PA and thus, could have a long-lasting positive effect on physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Hielscher-Zdzieblik
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Udo Gansloßer
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - James Serpell
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ingo Froboese
- Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, 50933 Cologne, Germany
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Tooley C, Heath SE. Sleep Characteristics in Dogs; Effect on Caregiver-Reported Problem Behaviours. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141753. [PMID: 35883300 PMCID: PMC9312228 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sleep duration and quality can be difficult to assess. Clinicians working in the field of veterinary behavioural medicine with dogs showing problem behaviours currently have little evidence-based literature to guide recommendations on assessment of sleep or treatment options if sleep is deemed poor. This study aims to broaden the level of knowledge regarding canine sleep durations and characteristics and begin research into the relationship between behavioural responses and the duration and quality of sleep. A questionnaire was used to capture information regarding canine sleep characteristics and caregiver perceptions of the severity of problem behaviours shown by this cohort. Responses regarding 1330 dogs were received and assessed. Dogs shown to sleep less than 6 h whilst their caregivers are in bed showed a greater caregiver-reported severity of problem behaviours. Dogs more easily disturbed from sleep at times their caregiver was out of bed, showed increased reported severity of problem behaviours. Whilst it is not possible to determine an optimal canine sleep duration, sufficient evidence is presented to argue that addressing problem behaviours by recommending increased activity may not be appropriate when it results in deprivation in relation to species-specific sleep requirements. Abstract Optimal sleep duration and quality is difficult to define. There are strong arguments for a relationship between sleep, in particular REM sleep, and emotional health and behaviour in a variety of species. This study aims to broaden the level of knowledge regarding canine sleep durations and characteristics and begin research into the relationship between behavioural responses and the duration and quality of sleep. A caregiver questionnaire was used to capture information regarding the duration and characteristics of canine sleep, how easily this cohort of dogs were disturbed from sleep, and caregiver perceptions of the severity of problem behaviours shown by this cohort (n = 1330). A quadratic relationship between canine sleep duration whilst a caregiver is in bed and severity of problem behaviour is shown, with less than 8 h sleep and more than 10 h sleep correlating with increased severity of problem behaviours in this cohort. Dogs which were more easily disturbed from sleep at times their caregiver was out of bed, showed increased reported severity of problem behaviours. Whilst it is not possible to determine an optimal canine sleep duration, sufficient evidence is presented to argue that problem behaviour should not be remedied by sleep deprivation.
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Barry M, Cameron S, Kent S, Barnes-Heller H, Grady K. Daytime and nocturnal activity in treated dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to matched unaffected controls. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:1826-1833. [PMID: 34223667 PMCID: PMC8295678 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In dogs, antiepileptic drugs (AED) cause lethargy but quantitative data regarding the effects of AED on activity levels are not available, and little is known about how AEDs affect sleep quality. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively compare activity levels and nocturnal activity in dogs previously diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) receiving AEDs compared to age- and breed-matched control dogs. ANIMALS Sixty-two dogs with IE and 310 control dogs. METHODS This is a 3-month prospective parallel observational study. An activity monitoring device for dogs was used to measure daily activity levels and sleep scores in all dogs. RESULTS Dogs with IE treated with AEDs had an 18% average lower baseline activity level compared to control dogs (P = .005; point estimate = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.90). The combination of phenobarbital and potassium bromide (KBr) was associated with an average 28% decrease in activity in dogs with IE compared to control dogs (P = .03; point estimate = 0.72; CI, 0.62-0.82). Mean sleep scores were not significantly different in dogs with IE receiving AEDs compared to control dogs (P = .43). However, higher dosages of KBr were associated with lower sleep scores (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Dogs with IE receiving AEDs have lower activity levels, but no difference in sleep scores, compared to controls. The combination of phenobarbital and KBr had the largest decrease in activity between groups. Higher doses of KBr may affect nocturnal activity in epileptic dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Barry
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Starr Cameron
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sean Kent
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Kylie Grady
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Woods HJ, Li MF, Patel UA, Lascelles BDX, Samson DR, Gruen ME. A functional linear modeling approach to sleep-wake cycles in dogs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22233. [PMID: 33335259 PMCID: PMC7747556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79274-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of companion (pet) dogs is an area of great translational potential, as they share a risk for many conditions that afflict humans. Among these are conditions that affect sleep, including chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction. Significant advancements have occurred in the ability to study sleep in dogs, including development of non-invasive polysomnography; however, basic understanding of dog sleep patterns remains poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline sleep-wake cycle and activity patterns using actigraphy and functional linear modeling (FLM), for healthy, adult companion dogs. Forty-two dogs were enrolled and wore activity monitors for 14 days. FLM demonstrated a bimodal pattern of activity with significant effects of sex, body mass, and age; the effect of age was particularly evident during the times of peak activity. This study demonstrated that FLM can be used to describe normal sleep-wake cycles of healthy adult dogs and the effects of physiologic traits on these patterns of activity. This foundation makes it possible to characterize deviations from normal patterns, including those associated with chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. This can improve detection of these conditions in dogs, benefitting them and their potential as models for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope J Woods
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ming Fei Li
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ujas A Patel
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27612, USA.,Thurston Arthritis Centre, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David R Samson
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret E Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA. .,Comparative Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27612, USA.
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