Involvement of 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate phosphatases in facilitating resilience against ionic and osmotic stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae DOG genes, DOG1 and DOG2, encode for 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate phosphatases. These enzymes of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily are known to utilize the non-natural 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate as their substrate. However, their physiological substrate and hence their biological role remain elusive. In this study, we investigated their potential role as enzymes in biosynthesizing glycerol through an alternative pathway, which involves the dephosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone phosphate into dihydroxyacetone, as opposed to the classical pathway which utilizes glycerol 3-phosphate. Overexpression of DOG1 or DOG2 rescued the osmotic and ionic stress-sensitive phenotype of gpp1∆ gpp2∆ or gpd1∆ gpd2∆ mutants, both affected in the production of glycerol. While small amounts of glycerol were observed in the DOG overexpression strains in the gpp1∆ gpp2∆ background, no glycerol was detected in the gpd1∆ gpd2∆ mutant background. This indicates that overexpression of the DOG enzymes can rescue the osmosensitive phenotype of the gpd1∆ gpd2∆ mutant independent of glycerol production. We also did not observe a drop in glycerol levels in the gpp1∆ gpp2∆ dog1∆ dog2∆ as compared to the gpp1∆ gpp2∆ mutant, indicating that the Dog enzymes are not involved in glycerol biosynthesis. This indicates that Dog enzymes have a distinct substrate and their function within the cell remains undiscovered. IMPORTANCE: Yeast stress tolerance is an important characteristic that is studied widely, not only regarding its fundamental insights but also for its applications within the biotechnological industry. Here, we investigated the function of two phosphatase encoding genes, DOG1 and DOG2, which are induced as part of the general stress response pathway, but their natural substrate in the cells remains unclear. They are known to dephosphorylate the non-natural substrate 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate. Here, we show that overexpression of these genes overcomes the osmosensitive phenotype of mutants that are unable to produce glycerol. However, in these overexpression strains, very little glycerol is produced indicating that the Dog enzymes do not seem to be involved in a previously predicted alternative pathway for glycerol production. Our work shows that overexpression of the DOG genes may improve osmotic and ionic stress tolerance in yeast.

Using a three-dimensional-printed device with the patient's maxillary dental impression allows to perform minimally invasive brain biopsies in dogs and cats: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an innovative process for stereotactic brain biopsies in dogs and cats that would provide a definitive diagnosis and optimize the management of patients with brain lesions. ANIMALS: 4 dogs and 1 cat diagnosed with 1 or more brain lesion(s) underwent brain biopsies between March 24, 2023, and October 25, 2023. METHODS: Based on trajectories selected on images of MRI and CT scan performed on each patient, a computerized software program was used to design a 3-D-printed patient-specific device with maxillary dental impression located on a baseplate to secure the patient's head and with insertion ports for the biopsy instrumentations located on a C-arm. As proof of concept, the device was successfully used in 2 cadavers before being used on clinical patients. All biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Histological diagnosis was obtained in 80% (4/5) of the cases (choroid plexus tumor, astrocytoma, meningioma, and chronic meningoencephalitis of unknown origin). In 1 patient, the results of biopsy were nondiagnostic; postmortem diagnosis was consistent with a low-grade oligodendroglioma. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure without complications. This novel stereotactic system allows the surgeon to perform safe, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and minimally invasive precise brain biopsies in dogs and cats, without complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This unique technique could be applied to any size and type of skull and for any type of brain lesions and would provide diagnostic information that would be valuable for future treatment planning and prognosis.

NMR-based metabolomic investigation of dogs with acute flaccid paralysis due to tick paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a complex clinical syndrome with various aetiologies. If untreated, AFP may lead to death due to failure of respiratory muscles. Tick paralysis, which is a noninfectious neurologic syndrome of AFP, occurs following tick attachment, engorgement, and injection of tick saliva toxins. There is no specific diagnostic test for tick paralysis, and mortality increases as definitive diagnosis is delayed. Although metabolomic investigation of tick saliva was conducted, there is a lack of research on metabolomic evaluation of hosts affected by tick paralysis. OBJECTIVES: Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate metabolomic changes in serum samples of dogs with tick paralysis due to Rhipicephalus sanguineus using NMR-based metabolomics and to identify potential diagnostic/prognostic markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty dogs infested with R. sanguineus, with clinical findings compatible with AFP and with a confirmed tick paralysis diagnosis ex juvantibus, constituted the Paralysis Group. Ten healthy dogs, which were admitted either for vaccination and/or check-up purposes, constituted the Control Group. After the confirmation tick paralysis, medical history, vaccination and nutritional status, body surface area and estimated tick numbers of all the dogs were noted. Physical examination included body temperature, heart and respiratory rate, capillary refill time evaluation and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale calculation. Serum samples were extracted from venous blood samples of all the dogs and were prepared for NMR analysis, and NMR-based metabolomics identification and quantification were performed. RESULTS: NMR-based serum metabolomics of the present study revealed distinct up/down-regulated expressions, presenting a promising avenue. Moreover, it was observed that energy metabolism and especially liver functions were impaired in dogs with tick paralysis, and not only the respiratory system but also the kidneys were affected. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the present approach may help to better understand the pathological mechanisms developing in cases of AFP due to tick paralysis.

Serological and molecular survey of Q fever in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy.

Q fever is a re-emerging zoonosis whose epidemiological cycle in ruminants is well defined, while the role of other species (including pets) is still debated. In this study, the serological and molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a sample of dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy was evaluated. A seroprevalence of 5.97 % (16/268) was observed using a commercial multispecies ELISA, compared to only 2.7 % (5/197) at the molecular level. No risk factors correlated with higher levels of exposure except for the size of the animal (small dogs showed significantly higher seroprevalence). Positive samples were further evaluated for reactivity to phase I and II antigens using IFA and phase-specific ELISAs (for specific IgG detection). Two animals showed antibodies against both phases of infection, suggesting that Coxiella burnetii seroconversion in dogs follows similar dynamics to those observed in ruminants. One of the five samples that showed positive results in real-time PCR was confirmed at the PCR endpoint and showed similarity with other Coxiella spp. strains detected in tick and dog samples when sequenced. In this study, we demonstrated exposure to Coxiella burnetii for different categories of dogs in southern Italy, including pet dogs living indoors. Since reports of transmission of infection from pets to humans have been described in both rural and urban areas, careful surveillance of these species is also necessary. In the lack of additional information, comprehending the risk to humans requires monitoring of wild and domestic animal populations.

A case of olfactory ganglioneuroblastoma in a dog: immunohistochemical comparison with olfactory neuroepithelia and olfactory neuroblastomas.

In the present study, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of olfactory ganglioneuroblastoma in a dog were compared to those of canine olfactory neuroepithelia and neuroblastomas. Olfactory ganglioneuroblastoma consists of ganglion cell-like tumor cells with Schwannian stroma and neuroblast-like tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, ganglion cell-like tumor cells were immunopositive for synaptophysin, ß3-tubulin, and tyrosine hydroxylase, Schwannian stroma was immunopositive for GFAP and SOX2, and neuroblast-like tumor cells were immunopositive for OLIG2, ß3-tubulin, SOX2, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and p63. The immunohistochemical results of olfactory neuroepithelia and olfactory neuroblastomas were similar to those of neuroblast-like tumor cells. These results suggest that the ganglion cell-like tumor cells in the present case have a sympathetic neuron immunophenotype, whereas neuroblast-like tumor cells have an olfactory neuroepithelial immunophenotype.

The implementation of robotic dogs in automatic detection and surveillance of red imported fire ant nests.

BACKGROUND: The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA), scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta, is a destructive invasive species causing considerable harm to ecosystems and generating substantial economic costs globally. Traditional methods for RIFA nests detection are labor-intensive and may not be scalable to larger field areas. This study aimed to develop an innovative surveillance system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic dogs to automate the detection and geolocation of RIFA nests, thereby improving monitoring and control strategies. RESULTS: The designed surveillance system, through integrating the CyberDog robotic platform with a YOLOX AI model, demonstrated RIFA nest detection precision rates of >90%. The YOLOX model was trained on a dataset containing 1118 images and achieved a final precision rate of 0.95, with an inference time of 20.16 ms per image, indicating real-time operational suitability. Field tests revealed that the CyberDog system identified three times more nests than trained human inspectors, with significantly lower rates of missed detections and false positives. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the potential of AI-driven robotic systems in advancing pest management. The CyberDog/YOLOX system not only matched human inspectors in speed, but also exceeded them in accuracy and efficiency. This study's results are significant as they highlight how technology can be harnessed to address biological invasions, offering a more effective, ecologically friendly, and scalable solution for RIFA detection. The successful implementation of this system could pave the way for broader applications in environmental monitoring and pest control, ultimately contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and economic stability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Conducting a successful diet trial for the diagnosis of food allergy in dogs and cats.

A limited antigen diet trial and subsequent food provocation is currently the optimal method of confirming a diagnosis of food allergy in dogs and cats. However, performing an effective diet trial can be challenging as it requires a high level of client and pet compliance, appropriate diet selection and correct interpretation of the provocative challenge. This narrative guides the clinician through the process, highlights potential pitfalls and specifies how these can be avoided to achieve a successful outcome.

Methylprednisolone alone or combined with cyclosporine or mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs, a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Benefit of adding a second-line immunosuppressive drug to glucocorticoids for the treatment of non-associative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (naIMHA) in dogs has not been defined prospectively. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effectiveness of different immunosuppressive protocols in naIMHA dogs. ANIMALS: Forty-three client-owned dogs. METHODS: Open label, randomized, clinical trial. Dogs were treated with methylprednisolone (M-group), methylprednisolone plus cyclosporine (MC-group) or methylprednisolone plus mycophenolate mofetil (MM-group). Dogs were defined as responders by disappearance of signs of immune-mediated destruction and hematocrit stabilization. Frequency of responders was compared between M-group and combined protocols (MC and MM-group evaluated together), and among the 3 different therapeutic groups at 14 (T14), 30 (T30), 60 (T60) days after admission. Frequency of complications, length of hospitalization and relapse were also compared. Death rate was evaluated at discharge, T60 and 365 (T365) days. RESULTS: Proportion of responders was not significantly different between M-group and combined protocols (MC and MM-groups), nor among the 3 therapeutic groups at T14, T30, and T60 (P > .17). Frequency of relapse, complications, and length of hospitalization were not significantly different between M-group and dogs treated with combined protocols, nor among the 3 treatment groups (P > .22). Death was significantly more common only for MM-group compared with MC-group at T60 (+42.8%; 95% CI: 11.5-67.4; P = .009), and at T365 (+50%; 95% CI: 17.5-73.2; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Combined immunosuppressive therapy did not improve hematological response in naIMHA.

Continuous intake of galacto-oligosaccharides containing syrup contributes to maintaining the health of household dogs by modulating their gut microbiota.

Interest is growing in the relationship of the microbiota and intestinal environment with health in companion animals. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), typical prebiotics, are expected to provide benefits in dogs. Previous studies of GOS in dogs have involved dogs with similar rearing conditions and diets, which may have biased the results. We conducted an open study of 26 healthy dogs kept in households with diverse rearing environments in order to evaluate how the intake of a GOS-containing syrup affects the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. Each dog was fed 1.2-4.8 g of the GOS-containing syrup (GOS 0.5-2.0 g equivalent) for 8 weeks. Fecal microbiota, fecal concentrations of organic acids and putrefactive products, fecal odor, and serum uremic toxin concentrations were evaluated before intake (0 weeks), during the 8-week intake period (4 and 8 weeks), and 4 weeks after intake (12 weeks). The activity of N-benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase in dental plaque, which may be associated with periodontal disease, was evaluated at 0 and 8 weeks. Continuous intake of GOS resulted in changes in fecal microbiota, with a particularly marked increase in the abundance of Megamonas, which produces propionic acid. Other findings included a significant increase in the fecal acetic, propionic, and n-butyric acid concentrations. Additionally, significant decreases in fecal odor, fecal phenol concentration, and serum indoxyl sulfate concentration. Intake of GOS was also associated with a significant decrease in N-benzoyl-DL-arginine peptidase activity in dental plaques. These results suggest that continuous intake of GOS may contribute to canine health.

Assessment of pharmacologically induced changes in canine kidney function by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and contrast enhanced ultrasound.

Introduction: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI enable non-invasive measurement of renal blood flow (RBF), whereas blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI enables non-invasive measurement of the apparent relaxation rate (R2*), an indicator of oxygenation. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential role of these MRI modalities in assessing RBF and oxygenation in dogs. The correlation between contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the MRI modalities was examined and also the ability of the MRI modalities to detect pharmacologically induced changes. Methods: RBF, using CEUS, ASL- and DCE-MRI, as well as renal oxygenation, using BOLD-MRI of eight adult beagles were assessed at two time-points, 2­3 weeks apart. During each time point, the anesthetized dogs received either a control (0.9% sodium chloride) or a dopamine treatment. For each time point, measurements were carried out over 2 days. An MRI scan at 3 T was performed on day one, followed by CEUS on day two. Results: Using the model-free model with caudal placement of the arterial input function (AIF) region of interest (ROI) in the aorta, the DCE results showed a significant correlation with ASL measured RBF and detected significant changes in blood flow during dopamine infusion. Additionally, R2* negatively correlated with ASL measured RBF at the cortex and medulla, as well as with medullary wash-in rate (WiR) and peak intensity (PI). ASL measured RBF, in its turn, showed a positive correlation with cortical WiR, PI, area under the curve (AUC) and fall time (FT), and with medullary WiR and PI, but a negative correlation with medullary rise time (RT). During dopamine infusion, BOLD-MRI observed a significant decrease in R2* at the medulla and entire kidney, while ASL-MRI demonstrated a significant increase in RBF at the cortex, medulla and the entire kidney. Conclusion: ASL- and BOLD-MRI can measure pharmacologically induced changes in renal blood flow and renal oxygenation in dogs and might allow detection of changes that cannot be observed with CEUS. However, further research is needed to confirm the potential of ASL- and BOLD-MRI in dogs and to clarify which analysis method is most suitable for DCE-MRI in dogs.

Does "Dr. Google" improve discussion and decisions in small animal practice? Dog and cat owners use of internet resources to find medical information about their pets in three European countries.

Modern dog and cat owners increasingly use internet resources to obtain information on pet health issues. While access to online information can improve owners' knowledge of patient care and inform conversations with their veterinarian during consultations, there is also a risk that owners will misinterpret online information or gain a false impression of current standards in veterinary medicine. This in turn can cause problems or tensions, for example if the owner delays consulting their veterinarian about necessary treatment, or questions the veterinarian's medical advice. Based on an online questionnaire aimed at dog and cat owners in Austria, Denmark and the United Kingdom (N = 2117) we investigated the use of internet resources to find veterinary medical information, the type of internet resources that were used, and whether owner beliefs explain how often they used the internet to find medical information about their pet. Approximately one in three owners reported that they never used internet resources prior to (31.7%) or after (37.0%) a consultation with their veterinarian. However, when owners do make use of the internet, our results show that they were more likely to use it before than after the consultation. The most common internet resources used by owners were practice websites (35.0%), veterinary association websites (24.0%), or 'other' websites providing veterinary information (55.2%). Owners who believe that the use of internet resources enables them to have a more informed discussion with their veterinarians more often use internet resources prior to a consultation, whereas owners who believed that internet resources help them to make the right decision for their animal more often use internet resources after a consultation. The results suggest that veterinarians should actively ask pet owners if they use internet resources, and what resources they use, in order to facilitate open discussion about information obtained from the internet. Given that more than a third of pet owners use practice websites, the findings also suggest that veterinarians should actively curate their own websites where they can post information that they consider accurate and trustworthy.

Immune checkpoint regulation is critically involved in canine cutaneous histiocytoma regression.

Introduction: Canine cutaneous histiocytoma (CCH) is a benign tumor frequently occurring in young dogs which is derived from Langerhans cells (LC). Distinguishing features of this tumor are its spontaneous regression following a rapid tumor growth. Impaired control of immune checkpoints during tumor development and progression is a widespread phenomenon which may result in an absent or ineffective immune response. The interaction between the inflammatory response and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules is only partially described in this tumor type. The aim of this study was to identify immune checkpoint molecules and molecules from the interferon-mediated immune response that are involved in the regression of CCH. Methods: Forty-eight CCH derived from dogs ≤ 4 years of age were assigned to one of four groups according to the severity and distribution of lymphocyte infiltration. Using immunohistochemistry and whole-slide image scans of consecutive sections the expression of programmed death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD80, CD86, Survivin, forkhead box protein 3, Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, CD3, and mx1 were investigated. RNA in-situ hybridization was performed for transcripts of mx1 and interferon-γ. Results: Neoplastic cells showed an expression of PD-L1, CD80, CD86, and Survivin. The density of CD80 expressing cells was negatively correlated with regression while the density of cleaved caspase-3 positive cells increased with regression. Mx1 transcripts and protein were predominantly localized in neoplastic cells while interferon-γ transcripts were most frequently detected in T-cells. Conclusion: The expression of the immune checkpoint molecules CD86 and PD-L1 and particularly the reduced expression of CD80 in groups 3 and 4 indicate an influence of the investigated immune checkpoints on tumor regression. In parallel an activation of the apoptotic cascade during regression is suggested. Finally, the detection of mx1 within the neoplasm pinpoints to a yet undisclosed role of anti-cellular signaling in tumor immunity.

Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increase antioxidative activity in dogs.

Introduction: The prevalence of age-related diseases, including obesity (a lipid metabolism disorder), increases with the increase in a dog's lifespan. Most of age-related diseases are associated with oxidative stress by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from impaired mitochondrial functions. Safe and effective supplements with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities are required to prevent obesity and associated complications. Shiitake mushroom exhibit various functions including antioxidant activity. We investigated the effect of shiitake powder supplementation in healthy dogs. Methods: Shiitake powder was supplemented at a dose of 800 mg/kg body weight/day for 4 weeks. The dose was set as 0.60-0.65 mg/kg/day of eritadenine, a hypocholesterolemic factor. Results: The body weight and body condition score of the dogs did not change after shiitake supplementation. In contrast, plasma total cholesterol concentrations decreased and superoxide dismutase activity and leukocyte sirtuin1 mRNA expression increased significantly in the dogs that received the supplement. Discussion: Oral administration of shiitake powder increased antioxidative activity. The supplement may be useful in ameliorating the signs of age-related diseases, including obesity, in dogs.

A retrospective study of Monteggia fractures in 8 dogs and 1 cat.

Monteggia fractures (MFs) are proximal ulnar fractures with concurrent dislocation of the radial head. This retrospective study aims to report the clinical findings and discuss the treatments and outcomes in MFs cases of 9 cases. Previous medical records of the animals were reviewed for history, clinical features, radiographic findings and choice of treatment. Treatment follow-up was evaluated over the telephone by discussion with the owners. Six animals included in the study were presented 2 days after the initial trauma. Five dogs were presented after common road traffic accidents and two after unknown traumas. All dogs had type I MFs, while the cat had a type III MF. Radiographical findings showed that six animals had extra-articular ulnar fractures, while three animals had intra-articular ulnar fractures. All animals were treated with open reduction of the ulna and internal fixation surgical methods. Six ulnar fractures were stabilized with intramedullary pin(s) with cerclage wire. The clinical outcome was assessed by the owners as full function in 3 dogs, acceptable function in 2 dogs and unacceptable function in 2 dogs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. The cat case was rated as full function. One dog died from a pulmonary fat embolism. The findings presented here provide some support that cerclage wire placement could be a satisfactory method for annular ligament reconstruction as a simple and economical treatment option. Also, to the authors' knowledge, this is the third report of MFs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. In this series, comminuted, intraarticular fractures were related to major postoperative complications.

Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma of the canine male external genitalia: 15 cases (1994-2020).

Fifteen male dogs with squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia were admitted for further investigation and surgical management between 1994 and 2020. The dogs belonged to various breeds. Thirteen dogs were intact and two were castrated with a median age of 8 years and a median weight of 28 kg. Seven dogs were white-coated and eight nonwhite coated. Scrotal ablation and orchiectomy were performed in four dogs, partial penile amputation in two, partial penile amputation plus partial preputial ablation in one, penile amputation, and scrotal urethrostomy in seven, and local preputial excision in one dog. Postoperative complications included hemorrhage in 10 dogs, bruising at the urethrostomy site in seven, and urethrostomy dehiscence in one dog. Tumor recurrence was recorded in six dogs. Dogs with poorly differentiated tumors that had tumor recurrence had shorter survival and worse prognosis compared to those with well and moderately differentiated tumors. The mean survival time was 48.132 months. After a median follow-up of 23 months (range: 8 to 72 months), eight dogs were alive, five were euthanized and two dogs died from unrelated causes. Surgical excision seems to be a treatment option for dogs with squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia.

The CCL2-CCR4 Axis Promotes Regulatory T Cell Trafficking to Canine Glioma Tissues.

Purpose: Spontaneously occurring glioma in pet dogs is increasingly recognized as a valuable translational model for human glioblastoma. Canine high grade glioma and human glioblastomas share many molecular similarities, including accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Identifying in dog mechanisms responsible for Treg recruitment may afford targeting the cellular population driving immunosuppression, the results providing a rationale for translational clinical studies in human patients. Our group has previously identified C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) as a glioma-derived T-reg chemoattractant acting on chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in a murine orthotopic model of glioma. Recently, we demonstrated a robust increase of CCL2 in the brain tissue of canine patients bearing high-grade glioma. Methods: We performed a series of in vitro experiments using canine Tregs and patient-derived canine glioma cell lines (GSC 1110, GSC 0514, J3T-Bg, G06A) to interrogate the CCL2-CCR4 signaling axis in the canine. Results: We established a flow cytometry gating strategy for identification and isolation of FOXP3+ Tregs in dogs. The canine CD4 + CD25high T-cell population was highly enriched in FOXP3 and CCR4 expression, indicating they are bona fide Tregs. Canine Treg migration was enhanced by CCL2 or by glioma cell line-derived supernatant. Blockade of the CCL2-CCR4 axis significantly reduced migration of canine Tregs. CCL2 mRNA was expressed in all glioma cell lines and expression increased when exposed to Tregs but not to CD4 + helper T-cells. Conclusion: Our study validates CCL2-CCR4 as a bi-directional Treg-glioma immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting axis in canine high-grade glioma.

Synchronous citizen science with dogs.

Citizen science approaches have grown in popularity over the years, partly due to their ability to reach a wider audience and produce more generalizable samples. In dogs, these studies, though, have been limited in their controls over materials or experimental protocols, with guardians typically reporting results without researcher supervision. Over two studies, we explored and validated a synchronous citizen science approach. We had dog guardians act as experimenters while being supervised by a researcher over Zoom. In study 1, we demonstrated that synchronous citizen science produced equivalent levels of performance to in-lab designs in a choice task. Consistent with past in-lab research, dogs selected a treat (vs. an empty plate) in a two-alternative forced-choice task. In study 2, we showed that Zoom methods are also appropriate for studies utilizing looking time measures. We explored dogs' looking behaviors when a bag of treats was placed in an unreachable location, and dogs' guardians were either attentive or inattentive while dogs attempted to retrieve the treats. Consistent with past work, dogs in the attentive condition looked at their guardian for longer periods and had a shorter latency to first look than dogs in the inattentive condition. Overall, we have demonstrated that synchronous citizen science studies with dogs are feasible and produce valid results consistent with those found in a typical lab setting.

Impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram on decision making and modification of anaesthetic protocols in dogs.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective observational study explored the impact of preanaesthetic electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment on preoperative echocardiography requests and modifications to a standardised anaesthetic protocol in healthy dogs. METHODS: A total of 228 healthy dogs with no previously diagnosed heart disease that underwent general anaesthesia at Complutense Veterinary Teaching Hospital from December 2017 to June 2018 were included. Preanaesthetic ECGs were assessed for abnormalities, and the findings were documented. The number of dogs requiring echocardiography, based on ECG findings, and the echocardiography results were recorded. All anaesthesia-related decisions were documented. RESULTS: Overall, 72 dogs (31.6%) exhibited ECG abnormalities. Echocardiography was requested for five dogs (2.2%). The anaesthetic protocol was changed in 11 dogs (15.3% of those with ECG abnormalities). P wave disturbances, ventricular premature complexes and impulse conduction issues were abnormalities that prompted echocardiography. Bradycardia and electrical impulse conduction abnormalities influenced protocol modifications. LIMITATIONS: The limited sample size meant that it was not possible to investigate potential correlations between demographics and ECG alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Preanaesthetic ECG screening was useful for promoting echocardiography and influencing anaesthesia plans in a subset of dogs. Despite this, further assessment of the impact of routine use of non-targeted preoperative ECG on anaesthesia-related outcomes is warranted.

First Molecular Identification and Clinical Presentation of Crenosomosis in a Dog from Slovakia.

PURPOSE: Crenosoma vulpis (Dujardin,1845) is a lungworm which has spread worldwide in canines and is associated with upper respiratory infections. In a majority of cases, the infections are accompanied with chronic cough. Diagnosis of lungworms is often underdiagnosed and can be misinterpreted as other respiratory diseases. METHODS: The Small Animal Clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital admitted an 11-month-old dog presented with persistent cough associated with difficulty in breathing and even asphyxia. Based on clinical symptoms, the patient underwent radiological and bronchoscopic examination. Bronchoscopy revealed the presence of lungworms obturating the branches of the tracheobronchial tree. Larvae were collected by bronchoscopic lavage and subjected to parasitological and molecular examination. RESULTS: Microscopic detection and morphological identification of the worms removed during the bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of female adult worms. The subsequent molecular characterisation of the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA)), nuclear (18S rDNA) genes, as well as the analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) region of the ribosomal DNA, confirmed the Crenosoma vulpis species. Faecal samples were processed using the Baermann method, which confirmed the presence of the larval stage 1 of C. vulpis. The therapy with fenbendazole at a dose of 50 mg/kg of live weight once daily for the period of 7 days was initiated for the patient. CONCLUSION: This paper presents the first molecularly confirmed clinical case of a Crenosoma vulpis infection in an 11-month-old female dog of the Miniature Schnauzer breed in Slovakia.