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Mondino A, Khan M, Case B, Fefer G, Panek WK, Gruen ME, Olby NJ. Winning the race with aging: age-related changes in gait speed and its association with cognitive performance in dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1150590. [PMID: 37396989 PMCID: PMC10309205 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1150590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In humans, gait speed is a crucial component in geriatric evaluation since decreasing speed can be a harbinger of cognitive decline and dementia. Aging companion dogs can suffer from age-related mobility impairment, cognitive decline and dementia known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. We hypothesized that there would be an association between gait speed and cognition in aging dogs. Methods We measured gait speed on and off leash in 46 adult and 49 senior dogs. Cognitive performance in senior dogs was assessed by means of the Canine Dementia Scale and a battery of cognitive tests. Results We demonstrated that dogs' food-motivated gait speed off leash is correlated with fractional lifespan and cognitive performance in dogs, particularly in the domains of attention and working memory. Discussion Food-motivated gait speed off leash represents a relatively easy variable to measure in clinical settings. Moreover, it proves to be a more effective indicator of age-related deterioration and cognitive decline than gait speed on leash.
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Alvites R, Caine A, Cherubini GB, Prada J, Varejão ASP, Maurício AC. The Olfactory Bulb in Companion Animals-Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Importance. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050713. [PMID: 37239185 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Olfactory Bulb is a component of the Olfactory System, in which it plays an essential role as an interface between the peripheral components and the cerebral cortex responsible for olfactory interpretation and discrimination. It is in this element that the first selective integration of olfactory stimuli occurs through a complex cell interaction that forwards the received olfactory information to higher cortical centers. Considering its position in the organizational hierarchy of the olfactory system, it is now known that changes in the Olfactory Bulb can lead to olfactory abnormalities. Through imaging techniques, it was possible to establish relationships between the occurrence of changes secondary to brain aging and senility, neurodegenerative diseases, head trauma, and infectious diseases with a decrease in the size of the Olfactory Bulb and in olfactory acuity. In companion animals, this relationship has also been identified, with observations of relations between the cranial conformation, the disposition, size, and shape of the Olfactory Bulb, and the occurrence of structural alterations associated with diseases with different etiologies. However, greater difficulty in quantitatively assessing olfactory acuity in animals and a manifestly smaller number of studies dedicated to this topic maintain a lack of concrete and unequivocal results in this field of veterinary sciences. The aim of this work is to revisit the Olfactory Bulb in companion animals in all its dimensions, review its anatomy and histological characteristics, physiological integration in the olfactory system, importance as a potential early indicator of the establishment of specific pathologies, as well as techniques of imaging evaluation for its in vivo clinical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Alvites
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde (CESPU), Avenida Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Abby Caine
- Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire CB8 0UH, UK
| | - Giunio Bruto Cherubini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", University of Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, San Piero a Grado, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Justina Prada
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Artur Severo P Varejão
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Colette Maurício
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Hamamoto Y, Yu Y, Asada R, Mizuno S, Hasegawa D. Age-related brain atrophy in cats without apparent neurological and behavioral signs using voxel-based morphometry. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1071002. [PMID: 36504872 PMCID: PMC9729775 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1071002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brain atrophy is observed with aging and may cause cognitive decline or dysfunction. Aging cats may demonstrate behavioral changes related to cognitive dysfunction. In the clinical veterinary field, although the conventional region of interest method by manual or semiauto tracing on magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect atrophy of regional structures, such as the hippocampus, it is difficult to assess atrophy globally. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) has been developed to detect global and regional abnormalities in humans. The purpose of the present study investigates whether the feline brain volume decreases with aging using VBM analysis. Materials A total of 65 cats, aged 17-200 months, without apparent neurological and behavioral signs were included in the statistical analysis. Results We observed that the gray matter in the bilateral parietal lobes was decreased significantly with aging. The regions that showed decreased volume included the right postcruciate, cingulate gyrus, rostral suprasylvian/ectosylvian gyri, and the left postcruciate gyrus. No significant reduction in white matter was observed. Together, our results show that age-related brain atrophy can be detected using VBM analysis. Discussion The age-related atrophy of the parietal cortex may not cause neurological and behavioral signs in cats. Therefore, veterinarians should consider age when assessing the relation between morphometric and functional abnormalities of the parietal cortex in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Hamamoto
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan,Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan,The Research Center for Animal Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan,*Correspondence: Yuji Hamamoto
| | - Yoshihiko Yu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan
| | - Rikako Asada
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mizuno
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan,The Research Center for Animal Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Japan
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Burbaitė E, Gradeckienė A, Juodžentė D, Jankauskas M. MRI abnormalities in a severe cognitive impairment mimicking a forebrain lesion in a geriatric dog. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022; 44:e001022. [PMID: 35775863 PMCID: PMC9239522 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is a neurological condition, that causes dogs to experience a wide variety of clinical signs. On rare occasions the symptoms may be unusual and severe, therefore they reminiscent of another disease. In this case report a 16 year and 8-month-old intact female poodle presented with circling, head pressing, and generalized ataxia. Prior clinical and neurologic examinations indicated the neurolocalisation to be forebrain. Morphometric brain parameters in MRI indicated otherwise. Quantitative MRI parameters such as the ventricle-brain index, interthalamic adhesion thickness, area, and the ratio of the interthalamic adhesion thickness to brain height may aid in the diagnosis of CCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Burbaitė
- Faculty of VeterinaryVeterinary AcademyLithuanian University of Health SciencesKaunasLithuaniaVeterinarian, Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Correspondence
Evelina Burbaitė
Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences – LUHS
Tilžės g. 18, LT- 47181, Kaunas, Lithuania
E-mail:
| | - Aistė Gradeckienė
- Faculty of VeterinaryVeterinary AcademyLithuanian University of Health SciencesKaunasLithuaniaVeterinarian, Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dalia Juodžentė
- Faculty of VeterinaryVeterinary AcademyLithuanian University of Health SciencesKaunasLithuaniaVeterinarian, Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Martinas Jankauskas
- Faculty of VeterinaryVeterinary AcademyLithuanian University of Health SciencesKaunasLithuaniaVeterinarian, Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Successful and Unsuccessful Brain Aging in Pets: Pathophysiological Mechanisms behind Clinical Signs and Potential Benefits from Palmitoylethanolamide Nutritional Intervention. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092584. [PMID: 34573549 PMCID: PMC8470385 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092584] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common yet underreported neurodegenerative disorder of elderly dogs and cats and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. The increasingly expanding life expectancy means a larger proportion of affected animals in the coming decades. Although far from being curative, available treatments are more effective the sooner they are started. Educating veterinary practitioners and owners in the early recognition of age-related cognitive dysfunction is thus mandatory. By shedding light on the mechanism underlying the disease, novel and more effective approaches might be developed. Emerging evidence shows that successful and unsuccessful brain aging share a common underlying mechanism that is neuroinflammation. This process involves astrocytes, microglia, and mast cells and has a restorative homeostatic intent. However, for reasons not fully elucidated yet, neuroinflammation can also exert detrimental consequences substantially contributing to neurodegeneration. Here we summarize the evidence accumulated so far on the pathogenic role of neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The potential benefit of palmitoylethanolamide dietary intervention in rebalancing neuroinflammation and exerting neuroprotection is also discussed. Abstract Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common neurodegenerative disorder of old age and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. With the unavoidable expanding life expectancy, an increasing number of small animals will be affected. Although there is no cure, early detection and intervention are vitally important to delay cognitive decline. Knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression is an equally decisive factor for developing effective approaches. Uncontrolled neuroinflammation, orchestrated in the central nervous system mainly by astrocytes, microglia, and resident mast cells, is currently acknowledged as a hallmark of neurodegeneration. This has prompted scientists to find a way to rebalance the altered crosstalk between these cells. In this context, great emphasis has been given to the role played by the expanded endocannabinoid system, i.e., endocannabinoidome, because of its prominent role in physiological and pathological neuroinflammation. Within the endocannabinoidome, great attention has been paid to palmitoylethanolamide due to its safe and pro-homeostatic effects. The availability of new ultramicronized formulations highly improved the oral bioavailability of palmitoylethanolamide, paving the way to its dietary use. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide has been repeatedly tested in animal models of age-related neurodegeneration with promising results. Data accumulated so far suggest that supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide helps to accomplish successful brain aging.
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Saganuwan SA. Modified formulas for calculation of encephalization: quotient in dogs. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:223. [PMID: 34082832 PMCID: PMC8176606 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dogs are a breed of animals that play important roles in security service, companionship, hunting, guard, work and models of research for application in humans. Intelligence is the key factor to success in life, most especially for dogs that are used for security purposes at the airports, seaports, public places, houses, schools and farms. However, it has been reported that there is correlation between intelligence, body weight, height and craniometry in human. In view of this, literatures were searched on body weight, height and body surface areas of ten dogs with intent to determining their comparative level of intelligence using encephalization quotient. RESULTS Findings revealed that dogs have relationship of brain allometry with human as proven by encephalization quotient [Formula: see text] and Brain Mass (E) = kpβ, where p is the body weight; k = 0.14 and β = 0.528, respectively. Saganuwa's formula yielded better results as compared with the other formulas. Dogs with body surface area (BSA), weight and height similar to that of human are the most intelligent. Doberman pinscher is the most intelligent followed by German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Benue State, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Nigeria.
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