Behavioural and physiological indicators of shelter dogs' welfare: reflections on the no-kill policy on free-ranging dogs in Italy revisited on the basis of 15 years of implementation

The Italian National Law 281 of 1991 forbids the euthanatization of free-ranging dogs, unless they have an incurable illness or are proved to be dangerous. Without neglecting the undeniable benefits of the "no-kill" policy, nevertheless it has brought about a chronic overpopulation in shelters and, as a result, higher costs of management and welfare problems since some dogs remain in the shelter for life. In 2004-2008, the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of the Lazio and Tuscany regions carried out a survey in the Lazio Region to verify the effects of the Italian National Law 281/91 on free-ranging dog management following 15 years from its implementation. One of the aims of the study was an assessment of the welfare of dogs in a shelter sample (8 shelters out of 47 censused in the Lazio Region). 97 mixed-breed dogs were selected, their behaviour was studied and a blood sample was taken for each dog in order to determine the individual blood concentration of cortisol and the amount of oxidative damage (level of dRoms), as well as the amount of antioxidants to cope with it. Moreover, the total leukocyte count (leukogram) was accomplished. We ran general backward stepwise regression models using "level of antioxidant", "level of dRoms" and "level of serum cortisol" as dependent variables respectively. The results showed that the most important variable that improved the level of welfare of dogs consisted in having the opportunity to regularly go out of the cage for a walk, whereas other variables like gender, size of the cage (small, medium, large), being alone in the cage, and being neutered/entire, had no significant effect on the physiological indicators of welfare. Dogs that enjoyed the regular walk had a higher total antioxidant capacity, and performed a lower frequency of displacing activities and stereotyped behaviour. Moreover, oxidative stress parameters seem to be indicators well matched with behavioural indicators of stress. Thus, for the first time, markers of oxidative status are utilised for the welfare evaluation in the domestic dog. Furthermore, the results of this paper give some suggestion about how small steps can help to improve shelters and, furthermore, this paper intends to solicit the debate on the no-kill policy.

[Orthognathic surgery. Study of nerve injuries]

The correction of oral and maxillo-facial mal-formations causes lesions to sensitive nerves due to the invasive and traumatic surgery techniques required. Generally neuro-sensory and cutaneous-mucosal defects are reversible, with full recovery within 6-12 months. In a follow-up study (2 and 8 years) we found altered tactile and pain sensitivity in 43% of patients at subjective evaluation, with objective alteration in 17% of the group. Dental sensitivity evaluated by a pulp test showed an increase in for all teeth tested; values were higher for superior than for inferior teeth. Despite the increased pulp sensitivity threshold, due to the surgical damage, no signs of pulp disease were detected. Quality of life was not affected even by such a high subjective change in sensitivity. We therefore believe that patients undergoing orthognathic surgery must be fully informed; they must be made to understand the risks involved, and that damage may occur to sensitive nerves following surgery. All surgeons, including those with experience in the field, should continually seek to improve their skill and learn new techniques, in order to reduce complications to a minimum.

[Mandibular hyperostosis. A case report]

A case of hyperostosis of the left hemimandible medial face in a young patient is reported. This in an interesting case both for the remarkable size and the location of the lesion and because it was unique and asymmetrical; as a matter of fact this pathology, frequent on the jaws, is usually symmetrical and bilateral. The most probable etiopathogenetic hypothesis for the case presented to our observation seems to be an unknown localized stimulation of osteoblastic cells. Considering its size, the lesion was removed.

[Facial nerve paralysis. A case report]

The correction of oral and maxillofacial malformations need invasive and traumatic surgery techniques that may cause damages to nerves. Some lesions related symptoms have been described especially with regard to sensory nerves and, more rarely, also to motor nerves. A case personally observed is described.