A survey of handling and transportation of UK farmed deer.

Studies on the transport of deer (Cervidae), in the UK, were published > 15 years ago. A more recent study of deer transport is required to allow for assessments and improvements to the transport of farmed deer. Sixteen deer farmers participated in a survey describing their management practices related to transport. Their responses showed that most vehicles used to transport deer were designed for other livestock. Participating farmers estimated journey times to slaughter as 1-8 h, with an arithmetic mean of 4.8 (± 2.38) h. Specific concerns raised by the respondents, relating to the transport of deer, included a need for deer-specific vehicles, stop-off areas for long journeys, market locations and haulier experience. Furthermore, data were collected from two abattoirs between July 2019 and June 2020 comprising journey times, slaughter times, bruising, location of origin, vehicle type and the number of animals. In total, 4,922 deer were transported across 133 journeys (from farm to abattoir) from 61 farms. Median and range for journey length were 3.2 (0.4-9.8) h and 154.2 (7.1-462.2) km, whereas group size and time spent in the lairage were 24 (1-121) and 17.8 (10.2-68.9) h, respectively. Group size was found to be significantly associated with both the presence of bruising in a group and the amount of bruising per deer. This study provides a much-needed update on the transport of farmed deer in the UK and highlights key areas for future research including the welfare impact of transport in larger groups and for longer durations.

Influence of muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy on postoperative pain and lameness: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the magnitude of lameness and level of pain after muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy (MSLT) and standard lateral thoracotomy (SLT) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs. METHODS: The latissimus dorsi muscle was retracted in the MSLT group and was transected in the SLT group. Gait was analyzed with a force plate, and the peak vertical force symmetry index (SI) was calculated within 24 hours before surgery, 3 days postoperatively, and 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Symmetry index and pain scores as measured by the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Short Form were assessed as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: The SI 3 days postoperatively was lower compared with the preoperative SI value in all dogs, consistent with lameness of the ipsilateral thoracic limb (P < .001). The absolute differences in preoperative and 3-day-postoperative SI provided evidence that this change was 3.1-fold greater after SLT compared with after MSLT (P = .009). Pain scores 1 day after surgery were lower after MSLT (1) compared with after SLT (2.5, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Lateral thoracotomies caused postoperative pain and ipsilateral forelimb lameness, and both were reduced by sparing the latissimus dorsi. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sparing the latissimus dorsi should be considered to decrease immediate postoperative morbidity in dogs undergoing lateral thoracotomy.

Perceptions of minimally invasive osteosynthesis: A 2018 survey of orthopedic surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To report perspectives of minimally invasive osteosynthesis (MIO) techniques in veterinary surgical practice in 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Electronic questionnaires. SAMPLE POPULATION: Diplomates and residents of the American College of Veterinary Surgery and European College of Veterinary Surgery and members of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. METHODS: Survey questions pertaining to MIO and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) were sent electronically to the sample population. Questions assessed training, current caseload, benefits, and limitations of MIO and MIPO. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six veterinary surgeons completed questions pertaining to MIO, and 238 veterinary surgeons completed questions pertaining to MIPO. With regard to MIO, only 16% of respondents reported that they performed MIO regularly or exclusively, and 62% wanted to perform more MIO than they were currently undertaking. Tibial fractures were most commonly selected for MIO/MIPO stabilization techniques in both cats and dogs. Challenges in achieving adequate fracture reduction were identified as the greatest limitations of MIO/MIPO techniques. Forty-three percent of respondents felt there were not enough MIPO training opportunities. CONCLUSION: Currently, MIO/MIPO techniques are performed infrequently, with a large proportion of respondents revealing that they would like to perform more in the future. There is also evidence that additional training opportunities would be welcomed for MIPO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of our survey provide evidence that, despite the benefits of MIO and MIPO compared with more traditional fracture stabilization approaches, significant barriers must be overcome before the techniques are likely to be more widely adopted.

Clinical measurements performed during alfaxalone total intravenous anaesthesia for radiography and neurophysiological investigations in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinically relevant, physiological measurements collected during a 3 hour duration of alfaxalone total intravenous anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: A total of 112 client-owned middle-aged or older dogs. METHODS: Dogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.03 mg kg-1). Anaesthesia was induced and subsequently maintained for up to 3 hours with alfaxalone administered intravenously. Dogs breathed 100% oxygen via an endotracheal tube. Heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were evaluated 30 minutes after administration of acepromazine and used as baseline values for comparisons of intra-anaesthetic data. Blood glucose was measured 1 week prior to anaesthesia and every hour during alfaxalone anaesthesia. Quality and duration of recovery were recorded. Mean data for physiological variables were compared over three time points-before induction of anaesthesia, for the first hour of anaesthesia and from 60 minutes to discontinuation of anaesthesia. RESULTS: Mean induction dose of alfaxalone was 1.4 mg kg-1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-1.5). Post induction apnoea for >60 seconds occurred in 13 (11.6%) dogs. Mean alfaxalone infusion rate during the first 60 minutes of anaesthesia was 0.099 mg kg-1 minute-1; mean infusion rate was 0.092 mg kg-1 minute-1 from 60 minutes until discontinuation of anaesthesia. Heart rate was well maintained; hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure < 60 mmHg) was encountered in 23 (21%) dogs. Blood glucose levels did not alter during anaesthesia. Median time between discontinuation of alfaxalone infusion and extubation was 17 (7-35 minutes), time to assuming sternal recumbency was 75 (58-110 minutes), and time to standing was 109 (88-140 minutes). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alfaxalone infusion provided effective anaesthesia in this population. In a minority of cases, respiratory and haemodynamic support of the patient was required.

The clinical efficacy of EMLA cream for intravenous catheter placement in client-owned dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reaction of client-owned dogs to intravenous (IV) catheter placement after applying a local anaesthetic (EMLA) or placebo cream for either 30 or 60 minutes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 202 client-owned dogs of various breeds. METHODS: With owner consent, dogs were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: EMLA 60 minutes, EMLA 30 minutes, Placebo 60 minutes and Placebo 30 minutes. After the cream was applied for the allocated time, an IV catheter was placed and the behavioural reaction of the dog was scored. The reaction score was analysed using a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U tests of the multiple pairwise comparisons, with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: A large number of dogs, even in the placebo groups, did not react to IV catheter placement. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test showed an overall difference between treatment groups (χ2 = 11.029, df = 3, p = 0.012). The pairwise comparisons showed a lower overall reaction score in the EMLA 60 group than in the EMLA 30 and Placebo 60 groups (adjusted p = 0.018 and adjusted p = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that EMLA cream applied for 60 minutes reduces the behavioural reaction of dogs to IV catheter placement; therefore, this intervention can be advocated for routine use in veterinary medicine to enhance the welfare of dogs undergoing IV catheter placement.

Electrosurgery reduces blood loss and immediate postoperative inflammation compared to cold instruments for midline celiotomy in dogs: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of an electrosurgical device with traditional cold instruments (scalpel and scissors) for midline celiotomy incision. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred and twenty client-owned dogs undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively recruited and randomized to receive electroincision or cold instrument incision. For cold incision, surgeons used basic surgical instruments including scalpel and scissors. For electroincision, surgeons only used the electrosurgical device in cutting mode. Time for the approach, blood loss, and the incision length were recorded. A blinded observer assessed pain and incision redness, swelling, and discharge at 24 and 48 hours postoperative (graded 0-3). Owner assessment of incision healing was recorded by telephone interview. RESULTS: Blood loss during surgery was significantly lower for electroincision (mean 0.7, SD 1.7 mL) than cold incision (mean 3.0, SD 4.3 mL, P < .0001) with no significant difference in incision length or time for approach. Electroincision was associated with significantly less incision redness (cold median 1, range 0-3; electroincision median 0, range 0-2, P = .02) and less incision discharge (cold median 0.5 range 0-3; electroincision median 0, range 0-1, P = .006) at 24 hours postoperative. There was no significant difference in pain scores or incision healing in dogs receiving the two techniques. No incisional hernias were reported. A surgical site infection occurred in 1 dog (cold incision). CONCLUSIONS: Electroincision for a celiotomy approach in the dog reduces blood loss, and incision redness and discharge in the immediate postoperative period without affecting the occurrence of wound complications such as infection and dehiscence (including linea alba).

Do heat and moisture exchangers in the anaesthesia breathing circuit preserve body temperature in dogs undergoing anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the use of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) preserves body temperature in dogs weighing <10 kg anaesthetised for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Thirty-one client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were assigned randomly to a treatment group [HME (n = 16) or no HME (n = 15)]. Dogs were pseudorandomised according to the premedication they were administered, either dexmedetomidine or no dexmedetomidine. Induction agents were not standardised. General anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane vaporised in 100% oxygen delivered using a T-piece and a fresh gas flow of 600 mL kg-1 minute-1. Rectal temperature was measured before premedication (T1), after induction (T2), before moving to the MRI unit (T3) and at the end of the MRI scan (T4). Ambient temperatures were measured in the induction room, outside and inside the MRI unit. Data were analysed using a general linear model with T4 as the outcome variable. Linear correlations were performed between T1, T2, T3 and T4, and variables that predicted T4 were investigated. RESULTS: Sex, age and body mass were not significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences in rectal temperature between groups at any time point (group with HME at the end of MRI = 36.3 ± 1.1 °C; group with no HME at the end of MRI = 36.2 ± 1.4 °C) but at the end of the MRI, dogs administered dexmedetomidine (36.6 ± 0.7 °C) had a higher rectal temperature compared with dogs not administered dexmedetomidine (35.9 ± 1.6 °C) for premedication. Rectal temperature varied directly with ambient temperature in MRI scanning room and inversely with anaesthetic duration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Using an HME did not alter body temperature in dogs weighing <10 kg undergoing an MRI, but including dexmedetomidine in the premedication regimen seemed to preserve the body temperature during anaesthesia.

Fish can show emotional fever: stress-induced hyperthermia in zebrafish.

Whether fishes are sentient beings remains an unresolved and controversial question. Among characteristics thought to reflect a low level of sentience in fishes is an inability to show stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH), a transient rise in body temperature shown in response to a variety of stressors. This is a real fever response, so is often referred to as 'emotional fever'. It has been suggested that the capacity for emotional fever evolved only in amniotes (mammals, birds and reptiles), in association with the evolution of consciousness in these groups. According to this view, lack of emotional fever in fishes reflects a lack of consciousness. We report here on a study in which six zebrafish groups with access to a temperature gradient were either left as undisturbed controls or subjected to a short period of confinement. The results were striking: compared to controls, stressed zebrafish spent significantly more time at higher temperatures, achieving an estimated rise in body temperature of about 2-4°C. Thus, zebrafish clearly have the capacity to show emotional fever. While the link between emotion and consciousness is still debated, this finding removes a key argument for lack of consciousness in fishes.

Mortality and fish welfare.

Mortality has received insufficient attention as a fish welfare topic. Here, we aim to prompt fish farming stakeholders to discuss fish mortalities in relation to welfare. Mortality in farmed fish populations is due to a variety of biotic and abiotic causes, although it is often difficult to differentiate between underlying and immediate causes of mortality. Most mortality appears to occur during episodes associated with disease outbreaks and critical periods (in development or production). Most causes of mortality can be assumed to be associated with suffering prior to death. As mortality rates in farmed fish populations are suspected to rank amongst the highest in commonly farmed vertebrate species, mortality should be a principal fish welfare issue. Long-term mortality rates can be used as a retrospective welfare performance indicator and short-term mortality rates as an operational welfare indicator. Scrutiny of mortality records and determining causes of death will enable action to be taken to avoid further preventable mortality. The welfare performance of fish farms should only be judged on levels of predictable and preventable mortality. Fish farmers will already be monitoring mortality due to commercial and legal requirements. As profitability in fish farming is directly linked to survival, confronting mortality should ultimately benefit both fish and farmers.

The influence of Lake Okeechobee discharges on Karenia brevis blooms and the effects on wildlife along the central west coast of Florida.

Blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis) are a common occurrence in the Gulf of Mexico, especially along Florida's coast. The blooms produce brevetoxins, potent neurotoxins that are associated with mortalities of marine wildlife. In recent years, K. brevis blooms seem to have become more frequent and intense. The cause of these suspected increases is highly debated, with one suggested explanation being anthropogenic eutrophication. Patient records from the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island, Florida, USA, and K. brevis cell count samples from the west coast of Florida were used to assess trends in red tides and affected wildlife. Flow data from the Okeechobee waterway was used to investigate if discharges from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary, where eutrophication is present, influence red tides along Florida's central west coast. Overall, K. brevis blooms show trends of increasing intensity and duration along Florida's coast between 1954 and 2020 (latest data available). This means the amount of wildlife affected will likely increase in the future, as a linear relationship was found between the number of admissions to CROW and K. brevis densities. Furthermore, water discharges from the Okeechobee waterway (including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary) into the Gulf of Mexico were significantly correlated with K. brevis densities, which suggests that anthropogenic pollution might play a role in the observed increases. Clear correlations were found between K. brevis densities and brevetoxicosis patient numbers admitted, and this was strongest with overall admissions lagging 23 days behind cell counts. This further confirms brevetoxins as the likely cause of their morbidity and supports previous research on brevetoxin retention in the environment. Different species groups had significant correlations with K. brevis cell counts, double-crested cormorants showing the strongest link, and there were significant differences between these groups in lag times. The differences are likely due to their distinct foraging behaviours or susceptibilities to brevetoxins. These findings can help predict future trends in red tides and can guide further research on the effects of discharges on K. brevis blooms.

Age of sexual maturity and factors associated with neutering dogs in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Surgical neutering of dogs is common, however the average age that dogs reach sexual maturity, are neutered, and dog owners' attitudes to neutering in the UK and the Republic of Ireland have not been explored in a longitudinal study. METHODS: Owner-reported data on the timing of the first oestrus, timing of neutering and the reasons given for neutering dogs by 12 and 15 months of age were summarised. Factors associated with neutering at 15 months and factors associated with intention to neuter were quantified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: At 15 months of age, 90.0% (n = 207/230) of unneutered females had had their first oestrus. By 7, 9, 12 and 15 months of age, 22.1% (n = 131/593), 32.2% (197/593), 45.4% (n = 269/593) and 59.9% (n = 352/593) of dogs were neutered, respectively. Breed purity, dog's source, owners' intentions to neuter and the number of dogs in the household were associated with neuter status at age 15 months. Dog's sex, Kennel Club registration, dog's source, dogs intended to be working dogs and previous dog ownership were associated with intentions to neuter. Preventing puppies was the most common reason for neutering. CONCLUSION: Understanding factors that shape owners' intentions to neuter can inform owner-vet discussions regarding whether to neuter a dog and the optimal age for doing so.

Development of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS): A multidimensional composite pain scale specific to rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A species-specific composite pain scale is a prerequisite for adequate pain assessment. The aim of this study was to develop a multidimensional pain scale specific to rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) called the Bristol Rabbit Pain Scale (BRPS). The scale was developed over five phases using a unique combination of methods: focus groups and behavioural observation. The first two phases aimed at identifying descriptors to describe a rabbit in pain, and then reducing their number, both using focus groups. A total of 72 pain descriptors were grouped under six categories (Demeanour, Posture, Facial expression, Attention to the painful area, Audible and Other) and 'No pain' descriptors were added. The third phase aimed to confirm, through video observation of rabbits, the categories and descriptors previously described, to reject those terms that were ambiguous, and identify any new descriptors that had not been included in the previous list of descriptors. This led to the rejection of the categories Audible and Attention to the painful area and of 34 descriptors. Seven new descriptors were identified. The last two phases constructed the final format of the BRPS by refining the categories, ranking the descriptors on an ordinal scale and testing the internal reliability of the scale using Cronbach's alpha test. This led to a composite pain scale of six categories (Demeanour, Posture, Locomotion, Ears, Eyes and Grooming) with four intensities of pain (0, 1, 2, and 3), a total score of 0-18, and a high Cronbach's alpha coefficient (alpha = 0.843). This BRPS fills an important gap in the field of rabbit medicine and has the potential to improve the assessment and management of pain in rabbits providing veterinary professionals with a novel multidimensional pain assessment tool. Further studies will investigate the clinical utility, validity and reliability of the BRPS.

The ethics of Halal meat consumption: preferences of consumers in England according to the method of slaughter.

BACKGROUND: The continued growth of the global Halal meat market has resulted in many mainstream businesses in the developed world trading in Halal products. A good understanding of Halal consumer behaviour with regard to their preference of meat according to the method of slaughter (pre-stunned or not) and the frequency of consumption is vital for the formulation of future animal welfare legislation, consumer protection policies and research strategies of educational institutions. METHODS: In this study, 250 Halal meat consumers in England were surveyed to obtain a better understanding of their meat consumption frequency, preference of meat according to species of animals and the method of slaughter. RESULTS: The results show that the majority (50.8 per cent) of consumers ate meat at least once a week, 45.6 per cent at least once a day, 3.2 per cent at least once a month and 0.4 per cent ate meat occasionally. Poultry meat was marginally the most preferred meat among respondents overall, followed by lamb and beef, with the majority of respondents (approximately 70 per cent) indicating preference for meat from animals slaughtered without stunning over those stunned before slaughter. There were gender differences within some responses. CONCLUSION: The results give an insight into Halal consumer behaviour, and may be useful to retailers, researchers, consumer advocates, animal welfare charities and government.

Transport, Associated Handling Procedures and Behaviour of Calves Marketed through Chilean Auction Markets.

In Chile, selling animals through livestock markets is common. At markets, stressful events like loading, unloading and travel are at least duplicated. We described procedures associated with transport of calves at 20 markets and evaluated compliance with Chilean law by performing a survey of drivers who transport calves from origin farms to markets (OM) and from markets to destination (MD). During loading and unloading, we evaluated handling by stockpersons, facilities, fitness for transport, and behavioural indicators of the calves through direct observation using protocols. A total of 80% of drivers claimed having the training required by law. The mean travel time was 1 h 31 min for OM and 1 h 44 min for MD journeys (overall range 5 min-40.5 h). Most drivers used bedding material and provided adequate space availability. A total of 99.2% of the observed calves were assessed as fit to transport; slipping, turning back, vocalizing and balking were frequent behaviours observed during loading and unloading. Prohibited practices like prodding and hitting using driving devices were still observed, mainly during loading. Compliance with the law during transport of calves was adhered to; however, the associated handling within markets was still inadequate, evidencing need for training in order to improve animal welfare.

Further Examination of the Performance of Blank Cartridges Used in Captive Bolt Devices for the Pre-Slaughter Stunning of Animals.

Blank cartridges produce gas through deflagration and are used as the main power source in captive bolt devices used within abattoirs and on farms in Europe. The European legislation recognises this and requires users to follow manufacturers' recommendations in terms of which power cartridge to use. Variation in cartridge performance of Eley (E) cartridges was found in previous research, which was published before Accles and Shelvoke (AS) started full production of their own cartridges. This work examined cartridge performance, structural integrity and dimensional tolerances, and found that the new AS cartridges that varied more greatly in performance in terms of velocity, kinetic energy and mechanical stability of casing than the more established E cartridges. In this study, 15% of the cartridges split at the primer flange on firing, resulting in less kinetic energy, which could impact the ability of the captive bolt to produce a successful stun. This, combined with the variation in performance in a primary component of a device that should have a uniform performance, could lead to animal welfare issues as this variation cannot be predetermined by examination of the cartridge pre firing.

Otoscopy and aural cytological findings in a population of rescue cats and cases in a referral small animal hospital in England and Wales.

OBJECTIVES: Otitis externa is seen clinically in cats, although studies investigating this condition within the UK are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Otodectes cynotis mites and microbial infection in the ear canals of cats in various rescue centres and a referral hospital. METHODS: Otoscopy was performed in 332 cats. Otoscopic findings were noted, including the gross visualisation of Otodectes species. A sample of cerumen was collected for cytological evaluation and a cerumen smear for detection of Otodectes mites if there was a large amount of aural exudate present. RESULTS: O cynotis infestation was noted in 3/341 cats (0.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-2.6). A total of 129/341 (37.8%; 95% CI 32.7-43.0) cats were found to have Malassezia species within one or both ears. Bacteria were found unilaterally in 9/341 (2.6%; 95% CI 1.4-4.9) cats. Analysis of the cytological findings showed an increased likelihood for Malassezia species to be present as age increased (n = 293; Pearson r = 0.204, P <0.001). There was also an increased likelihood of finding Malassezia species in both ears if found within one ear (n = 327; r = 0.499, P <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the number of Malassezia organisms and the quantity of aural exudate (n = 338; r = 0.778, P <0.001). Cats in which Otodectes species infestation were noted (n = 3) had moderate or large quantities of cerumen. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study shows that there was a low prevalence of O cynotis in this cohort of cats. In normal cats it was not unusual to find Malassezia microorganisms upon aural cytology, bacteria were noted far less frequently and in two cats this was associated with underlying anatomical pathology.

Comparing paracetamol/codeine and meloxicam for postoperative analgesia in dogs: a non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: There are limited published data on the analgesic efficacy of paracetamol/codeine in dogs. METHODS: Prospective, randomised, blinded, positive-controlled clinical trial with 70 dogs (paracetamol/codeine, n=46; meloxicam, n=24) undergoing surgery. Drugs were administered orally 2 hours before and for 48 hours after surgery at the licensed dose. Anaesthesia was standardised. Dogs received buprenorphine 6 hourly for the first 24 hours after surgery. Outcome assessments were made pretrial and at regular intervals up to 48 hours after extubation and comprised the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Score-Short Form, visual analogue scale for sedation and inflammation and mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT). Non-inferiority of paracetamol/codeine compared with meloxicam was defined using a non-inferiority margin (Δ) against the 95 per cent confidence interval of the difference between the treatment means. RESULTS: Pain scores were low in both treatment groups. With the exception of MNT all upper 95 per cent confidence intervals for the differences between outcome variable treatment means were within +Δ for each variable, establishing non-inferiority for each outcome variable. CONCLUSIONS: Paracetamol/codeine is a useful perioperative analgesic that within the context of the perioperative analgesia regimen studied (methadone premedication, buprenorphine for the first 24 hours after surgery) shows non-inferiority to the NSAID meloxicam.

Puppy acquisition: factors associated with acquiring a puppy under eight weeks of age and without viewing the mother.

BACKGROUND: Puppy acquisition decisions may impact upon the health and behaviour of these dogs in later life. It is widely recommended by welfare organisations and veterinary bodies that puppies should not leave maternal care until at least eight weeks (56 days) of age, and that when acquiring a puppy it should be viewed with its mother. METHODS: Owner-reported prospective data were used to explore risk factors for puppy acquisition age, and whether the mother was viewed during acquisition, within a cohort of dog owners participating in an ongoing longitudinal project. RESULTS: A quarter (461/1844) of puppies were acquired under eight weeks of age and 8.1 per cent were obtained without viewing the mother (n=149). Only 1.6 per cent of puppies were obtained under eight weeks of age and without the mother being seen (n=30). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that owners who intended their puppy to be a working dog, visited their puppy prior to acquisition, and/or obtained a puppy of unknown breed composition had increased odds of acquiring a puppy under eight weeks of age. The odds also increased as the number of dogs in the household increased but decreased as annual income rose. Owners who visited their puppy prior to acquisition, obtained a Kennel Club registered puppy, viewed the puppy's father, and/or collected their puppy from the breeder's home had decreased odds of acquiring a puppy without viewing the mother. CONCLUSION: Targeting interventions towards identified owners who are more likely to acquire a puppy against current recommendations could help reduce these types of acquisitions.

Efficacy of adhesive incise drapes in preventing bacterial contamination of clean canine surgical wounds.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of adhesive incise drapes in reducing bacterial contamination of clean canine surgical wounds. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=100) having elective ovariohysterectomy or stifle surgery. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: drape or no drape. Swabs obtained from the inner edge of the surgical wound at the beginning (swab 1) and end (swab 2) of surgery were submitted for microbial culture. Number of colony forming units was counted for all positive cultures and change in bacterial counts between swabs 1 and 2 was calculated. Percentage adhesive drape adherence at the end of surgery was calculated from a digital photograph of the surgical site. duration of surgery/anesthesia and the anesthetic induction agent used were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in bacterial counts between swabs 1 and 2 (P=.001). Wound contamination was 14% (6 drape; 8 no drape; P=0.78) with Staphylococcus spp. most commonly isolated. Median percentage drape adherence at the end of surgery was 89.3% (0-100%). Duration of anesthesia was significantly related to wound contamination (P=.013), but duration of surgery and anesthesia induction agent were not. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive incise drapes did not reduce wound contamination of clean canine surgical wounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of adhesive incise drapes in clean surgical procedures is of questionable benefit in dogs.