Forgotten, But Not Lost-Alloparental Behavior and Pup-Adult Interactions in Companion Dogs

Many faces of dominance: the manifestation of cohabiting companion dogs' rank in competitive and non-competitive scenarios

There are indications that companion dogs of multi-dog households form a hierarchy, maintained by formal and agonistic dominance. Although it was found that the behaviour of dogs depends on their rank in several contexts, so far, the assessment of their rank itself has been based on owner-completed questionnaires. With this research we endeavoured to find associations between rank scores from the Dog Rank Assessment Questionnaire (DRA-Q) and cohabiting dogs' behaviour in a competitive test (Toy Possession test-32 dog pairs) and a non-competitive, citizen science scenario (Greeting test-20 dog pairs). Based on the grabbing the toy first and keeping the toy at the end variables, the dogs' rank score provided a reliable indication of the dominant and subordinate dogs' behaviour in the Toy Possession test. Similarly, the occurrence of dominant and submissive behaviours in the Greeting Test showed a good match with the agonistic and leadership subscores of the composite rank score from the DRA-Q. Our results provide a pioneering case for validating a questionnaire-based rank scoring method with biologically meaningful behavioural tests in the case of companion dogs. The finer analysis of the results highlighted that in the case of a multi-question scoring system, some components might provide more effective prediction of the dogs' rank-related behaviour in some situations, while other components are more relevant in others, with traits related to agonistic dominance having relevance across contexts.

Mammary gland inflammation in rabbits does (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A systematic review

Mastitis is a common condition in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) does, especially in rabbitries where mammae inflammations are the leading pathological expression of Staphylococcus aureus infections in reproductive females. It affects both the litter and the lactating female, including subsequent lactations. Non-septic (i.e. galactostasis and cystic mastitis) and septic (i.e. Mastitis acuta; including Mastitis gangrenosa; and Mastitis chronica) mammary inflammations are acknowledged; however, the literature is scarce regarding non-septic inflammations or subclinical mastitis. Thus, the present systematic review highlights and summarizes the existing data concerning mastitis in rabbit does, including diagnosis and treatment plans.

Influence of ADAPTIL® during the Weaning Period: A Double-Blinded Randomised Clinical Trial

Simple Summary

The process of weaning can potentially affect the development of dogs due to frustration of both the dam and the puppies and, consequently, affect their interactions. Comprehending the dam and puppies’ interactions during the weaning process could provide information to help overcome the challenges of this period. In addition, the use of ADAPTIL^®, a dog-appeasing pheromone, could potentially reduce the stress and decrease the frustration associated with weaning. To better understand the dam and puppies’ interactions around the weaning time and the effect of ADAPTIL^®, 25 bitch/litter dyads were evaluated under the influence of ADAPTIL^® (n = 14) or a placebo (n = 11). Video recording allowed the evaluation of the dam and puppies’ behaviours at weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight). Contact of the dam and the puppies were inversely affected when compared to puppy-to-puppy interactions. Over time, the dam spent less time with the puppies, and the puppies played more often with their littermates. Under ADAPTIL^®, the puppies seemed to cope better with frustration, and the bitches were more relaxed in the presence of the puppies. The perception of the breeders measured by visual analogue scales indicated a beneficial outcome of the use of the pheromone in the dam/puppies relationship during the weaning period.

Abstract

ADAPTIL^®, a dog-appeasing pheromone, was shown to modify the dam–puppies’ interactions during the neonatal period but could also influence the weaning period. Fourteen bitch/litter dyads continuously exposed to ADAPTIL^® from the third/fourth weeks until the seventh/eighth weeks postpartum were compared to 11 dyads exposed to a placebo. Maternal and puppy behaviours were video-recorded, and at three time points (weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight) after parturition. The well-being of the puppies and the overall relationship with the bitch were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) completed by the caregivers. All mothering behaviours, such as time of contact, licking and the amount of time dedicated to nursing puppies, decreased gradually from weeks three/four to weeks seven/eight. A switch in nursing position was observed over time: the use of the standing position increased compared to the lying position. The treatment had an effect on the nursing position: bitches in the ADAPTIL^® group nursed more often in a lying (p = 0.007) or sitting position (p = 0.037), whereas for the placebo group, they favoured the standing position (p = 0.011). Once the puppies became more demanding for suckling, the bitches started showing rejection signs or aggressive growling, with a peak at weeks seven/eight. The pheromone seemed to reduce the intensity of avoidance in bitches exposed to ADAPTIL^® at all time points. The score of all events combined as a sign of frustration showed a difference over the full period (p = 0.003), with the placebo group having a significantly higher score. From the caregiver perspective (through the VAS), under ADAPTIL^®, the bitches were calmer when puppies tried to suckle (p = 0.001), more tolerant towards pups (p = 0.025), showed a greater motherly attitude (p = 0.016), the puppies cried less when left alone (p < 0.001) and interactions amongst pups were more harmonious (p = 0.055). Under ADAPTIL^®, the bitches were less annoyed by the puppies, who seemed to cope better with frustration. The breeders perceived a benefit of the pheromone during the weaning period.