Feasibility of combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to evaluate gastrointestinal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic gastroenteropathies, including gluten sensitivity and marmoset wasting syndrome, frequently occur in captive colonies of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Early identification and diagnosis of affected animals are desirable. Endoscopic examination of the colon in marmosets is described, but the small intestine can harbor significant mucosal lesions not representing those in the colon. Evaluating the small intestine currently requires invasive surgical biopsies due to the small patient size, carrying a risk of severe complications. METHODS: Endoscopic intubation and multisite biopsy of the duodenum/proximal jejunum are demonstrated in 10 marmosets under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with colonoscopy efficiently aid in examining the gastrointestinal tract and obtaining an antemortem histologic diagnosis in marmosets with chronic gastrointestinal signs. CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive technique is feasible in marmosets. Future investigations into the pathogenesis of chronic gastroenteropathies will benefit from these data, leading to improved animal welfare and better individual and colony health management.

How does multilevel upper airway surgery influence the lives of dogs with severe brachycephaly? Results of a structured pre- and postoperative owner questionnaire.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs is typified by a variety of anatomical abnormalities causing a diverse spectrum of clinical signs of varying intensity. This variability makes the assessment of the surgical outcome after upper airway surgery difficult. Using a structured questionnaire, the present study investigated the dog owner-perceived severity and frequency of a broad spectrum of welfare-relevant impairments 2 weeks before and 6 months after brachycephalic dogs underwent a recently developed multi-level upper airway surgery. All dogs underwent surgical treatment of stenotic nares (ala-vestibuloplasty), the nasal cavity (laser-assisted turbinectomy, LATE), the pharynx (palatoplasty and tonsillotomy), and if indicated, laryngeal surgery (laser-assisted ablation of everted ventricles and partial cuneiformectomy). Owners of brachycephalic dogs (n = 102) referred for upper airway surgery were eligible to participate. Questionnaire data from owners of 37 Pugs and 25 French bulldogs were evaluated. In all dogs, the clinical signs associated with brachycephaly improved markedly after surgery. Most encouraging was the striking reduction in life-threatening events by 90% (choking fits decreased from 60% to 5% and collapse from 27% to 3%). The incidence of sleeping problems decreased from 55% to 3%, and the occurrence of breathing sounds declined by approximately 50%. There was a marked improvement in exercise tolerance and a modest improvement in heat tolerance. Dogs with severe brachycephaly benefitted substantially from multi-level surgery, and there were particular improvements in the incidences of severe impairment and life-threatening events. However, despite the marked improvement perceived by dog owners, these dogs remained clinically affected and continued to show welfare-relevant impairments caused by these hereditary disorders.

How does severe brachycephaly affect dog's lives? Results of a structured preoperative owner questionnaire.

Brachycephalic syndrome (BS) is a complex canine disease, which is characterized by diverse clinical signs primarily involving the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Through a structured owner questionnaire, the present study investigated how owners perceived the frequency and severity of a broad spectrum of welfare-relevant impairments caused by this hereditary disease. One hundred owners of brachycephalic dogs (Pugs and French bulldogs) referred for surgical treatment of BS completed the questionnaire. As a basis for comparison, 20 owners of mesocephalic dogs also completed part of the questionnaire. Questionnaire responses revealed that in addition to the well-known respiratory signs, brachycephalic dogs experienced severe exercise intolerance and prolonged recovery time after physical exercise (88%), significant heat sensitivity (more severe signs at temperatures above 19°C; 50%) and a variety of sleep problems (56%). To our knowledge, this is the first study using a structured owner questionnaire specifically to investigate a broad range of problems caused by selective breeding for brachycephaly. In particular, decreased exercise tolerance, increased recovery time due to heat intolerance and the extent of sleep problems have either been underestimated in the past, or have severely worsened over recent generations of dogs. The extent and severity of clinical signs and their impact on quality of life greatly exceeded our expectations. This study emphasizes the major impact that selective breeding for extreme brachycephalic features has on animal welfare.