Feral dogs in Chitral gol national park, Pakistan: a potential threat to the future of threatened Kashmir Markhor (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis) / Cães ferozes no parque nacional Chitral gol, Paquistão: uma ameaça potencial para o futuro do Markhor da Caxemira ameaçado (Capra falconeri cashmiriensis)

Feral dogs are well-organized hunters of ungulates in many parts of the world, causing great damage to wildlife populations and ultimately to the ecosystem. In Pakistan, the impacts of feral dogs on the wildlife have not been documented yet. In a period of fifteen years (2006-2020), feral dogs have killed hundreds of threatened markhor in Chitral gol national park (CGNP), Pakistan. Despite direct predation other impacts including disturbance and competition with other natural predators, could compromise conservation and management efforts. The population of feral dogs seems to have been increased with the increase of dumping sites by communities. Our findings suggest that there are pressing needs of controlling the feral dogs population and eradicating them from the core zone of CGNP and surrounding buffer communities. Conventional culling of dogs should be coupled with modern techniques like castration and sterilization. Communities should be educated regarding the clean environment, proper disposal of home wastes and, biodiversity conservation.

Os cães ferozes são caçadores bem organizados de ungulados em muitas partes do mundo, causando grandes danos à população de animais selvagens e, em última instância, ao ecossistema. No Paquistão, os impactos dos cães selvagens na vida selvagem ainda não foram documentados. Em um período de 15 anos (2006-2020), cães selvagens mataram centenas de markhor ameaçados no parque nacional Chitral gol (CGNP), Paquistão. Apesar da predação direta, outros impactos, incluindo distúrbios e competições com outros predadores naturais podem comprometer os esforços de conservação e manejo. A população de cães selvagens parece ter aumentado com o aumento dos locais de despejo pelas comunidades. Nossas descobertas sugerem que há necessidades urgentes para controlar a população de cães selvagens e erradicá-los da zona central do CGNP e das comunidades-tampão vizinhas. O abate convencional de cães deve ser combinado com técnicas modernas como castração e esterilização. As comunidades devem ser educadas sobre o meio ambiente limpo, o descarte adequado de resíduos domésticos e a conservação da biodiversidade.

Development of infrastructure for a systemic multidisciplinary approach to study aging in retired sled dogs.

Canines represent a valuable model for mammalian aging studies as large animals with short lifespans, allowing longitudinal analyses within a reasonable time frame. Moreover, they develop a spectrum of aging-related diseases resembling that of humans, are exposed to similar environments, and have been reasonably well studied in terms of physiology and genetics. To overcome substantial variables that complicate studies of privately-owned household dogs, we have focused on a more uniform population composed of retired Alaskan sled dogs that shared similar lifestyles, including exposure to natural stresses, and are less prone to breed-specific biases than a pure breed population. To reduce variability even further, we have collected a population of 103 retired (8-11 years-old) sled dogs from multiple North American kennels in a specialized research facility named Vaika. Vaika dogs are maintained under standardized conditions with professional veterinary care and participate in a multidisciplinary program to assess the longitudinal dynamics of aging. The established Vaika infrastructure enables periodic gathering of quantitative data reflecting physical, physiological, immunological, neurological, and cognitive decline, as well as monitoring of aging-associated genetic and epigenetic alterations occurring in somatic cells. In addition, we assess the development of age-related diseases such as arthritis and cancer. In-depth data analysis, including artificial intelligence-based approaches, will build a comprehensive, integrated model of canine aging and potentially identify aging biomarkers that will allow use of this model for future testing of antiaging therapies.

Effect of age, sex, and body size on the blood biochemistry and physiological constants of dogs from 4 wk. to > 52 wk. of age.

BACKGROUND: Blood biochemistry and reference intervals help to differentiate between healthy and ill dogs as well as to provide information for the prognosis, evaluation, and monitoring; however, these intervals are often obtained from adult animals. It is essential to understand that puppies and adults are physiologically different, which justifies the need to obtain age-specific biochemical reference intervals. The aim of this research was to assess the potential effect of age, sex, body size, and their interaction on routine biochemical analytes and physiological constants (body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate). To carry out the research, we selected 197 healthy dogs of both sexes and different body sizes (small, medium and large) classified by age: group I (4-8 wk), group II (9-24 wk), group III (25-52 wk), and group IV (> 52 wk). The biochemical analysis included the measurement of the enzymatic activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, urea, and creatinine. Statistical analyses used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a general linear model (GLM), which allows the comparison of multiple factors at two or more levels (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that ALT, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and body temperature levels were lower in puppies than in adult dogs of group IV (p < 0.05), while the enzymatic activity of ALP, LDH, glucose concentration, and heart rate were higher. Whereas sex, body size and the interaction did not show a significant effect (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some biochemical components are influenced by age. For this reason, this manuscript contributes with additional data for the clinical interpretation of blood biochemical results in puppies.

Enteric neuronal development in canine small intestine - an immunohistochemical study.

The development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is still a valid and intensely studied issue. However, literature in the field has no data on this topic in the dog. The present investigations were performed in three groups of fetuses from mongrel dogs - from the third, sixth- -seventh, and ninth week of pregnancy - and in 3-5-day-old puppies (3 specimens for each age group). The tissues (the medial parts of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum with the cecum and a small portion of the adjacent ascending colon) were cut using a cryostat and the sections were processed for single- and double-labeling immunohistochemistry using antisera against acetylated tubulin (AcTub), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), galanin (GAL), neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In the 3-week-old fetuses, some oval cells invading the gut wall were found. From the seventh week of pregnancy onwards, two different enteric ganglia were present: submucosal and myenteric. The estimated number of nerve elements in the 9-week-old fetuses was much higher than that observed in the 6-7-week-old individuals. There was no significant difference in the estimated number of nerve structures between the 9-week-old fetuses and the 3-5-day-old puppies. The colonization pattern and the development of the ENS in the canine small intestine are very similar to those observed in other mam- mals. However, a few exceptions have been confirmed, regarding the time of appearance of the VIP-, GAL-, and CGRP-immunoreactive neurons, and their distribution in different portions of the canine bowel during development.

Limb development in skeletally-immature large-sized dogs: A radiographic study.

Despite the extreme morphological variability of the canine species, data on limb development are limited and the time windows for the appearance of the limb ossification centres (OCs) reported in veterinary textbooks, considered universally valid for all dogs, are based on dated studies. The aim of this study was to acquire up-to-date information regarding the arm, forearm and leg bone development in skeletally-immature large-sized dogs from 6 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Nine litters of 5 large-sized breeds (Boxer, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Saarloos Wolfdog, White Swiss Shepherd Dog) were included, for a total of 54 dogs, which were subject to radiographic examination on a bi-weekly basis. The appearance of 18 limb OCs was recorded and 14 radiographic measurements were performed; their relationship with age and body weight was investigated and any breed differences were analysed using different statistical non-parametric tests. The number of OCs present was significantly different at 6 and 8 weeks of age between the investigated breeds. The appearance of the OCs occurred earlier in the Saarloos Wolfdog, while the Labrador Retriever was the later breed. In Boxers and Labrador Retrievers, various OCs showed a delayed appearance compared to the data reported in the literature. The number of OCs was strongly and positively correlated to body weight. Breed differences were also observed in the relative increase of the measured OCs and were not limited to dogs of different morphotypes. Statistically significant differences were most frequently observed between Saarloos Wolfdogs and the other breeds. The OCs that showed a greater variability in their development were the olecranon tuber, the patella and the tibial tuberosity. Their increase was more strongly correlated with the dog's age and body weight. Our data strongly suggest that differences in limb development exist in dog breeds of similar size and morphotype.

Individual and group level personality change across the lifespan in dogs.

In humans, age-related changes in personality occur in a non-random fashion with respect to their direction, timing, and magnitude. In dogs, there are still gaps in our knowledge about the detailed dynamics of age-related personality changes. We analysed the personality of 217 Border collies aged from 0.5 to 15 years both cross-sectionally and longitudinally using a test battery, to specify age periods when changes most prominently occur, assess the magnitude of changes, and analyse individual differences in personality change. We found that similar to humans, changes in personality occur unevenly during the dogs' life course, however, their dynamics seems to be specific for each trait. Activity-independence decreased mostly from puppyhood (0.5-1 years) to adolescence (> 1-2 years), then continued to decrease in a slowing rate. Novelty seeking did not change markedly until middle age (> 3-6 years), then showed a steady linear decrease. Problem orientation increased strongly until middle age then showed no marked changes in later age periods. We also revealed individual differences in personality change over time, and showed that a few individuals with potential age-related impairments significantly affected the general age trajectory of some traits. These results raise caution against the over-generalisation of global age trends in dogs.

Comparison of growth patterns in healthy dogs and dogs in abnormal body condition using growth standards.

In dogs, optimal growth is critical for future health and wellbeing. Recently, a series of evidence-based growth standards, based on bodyweight, were developed for male and female dogs across 5 different size categories. The aim of the current study was to compare growth curves depicted by the standards with patterns of growth in dogs that were either healthy, had abnormal body condition, or had various diseases with the potential to affect growth. The data came from 2 research colonies in Europe (France and UK), and a large corporate network of primary care veterinary hospitals across the USA. Age and bodyweight data were used to model growth in healthy dogs, in dogs that became overweight or underweight by 3 years of age, and in dogs with diseases associated with altered growth. Centile line crossing during the growth phase was uncommon in healthy dogs, with <5% of dogs crossing >2 centile lines. In contrast, centile line crossing was more frequent in dogs with abnormal growth patterns or abnormal body condition. Dogs that developed obesity by 3 years grew faster than the growth standards predicted, and 68% crossed ≥2 centile lines in an upwards direction. Dogs with conditions associated with accelerated growth also grew faster than expected, and 54% crossed ≥2 centile lines. In contrast dogs that became underweight by 3 years gained weight slower than expected, and 49% crossed ≥2 centile lines in a downwards direction. These results suggest that the growth standards are useful for monitoring healthy growth in dogs. Prospective studies are now required to confirm these findings and to determine whether early intervention can prevent the development of diseases.

Comparing the tractability of young hand-raised wolves (Canis lupus) and dogs (Canis familiaris).

Dogs live in 45% of households, integrated into various human groups in various societies. This is certainly not true for wolves. We suggest that dogs' increased tractability (meant as individual dogs being easier to control, handle and direct by humans, in contrast to trainability defined as performance increase due to training) makes a crucial contribution to this fundamental difference. In this study, we assessed the development of tractability in hand-raised wolves and similarly raised dogs. We combined a variety of behavioural tests: fetching, calling, obeying a sit signal, hair brushing and walking in a muzzle. Wolf (N = 16) and dog (N = 11) pups were tested repeatedly, between the ages of 3-24 weeks. In addition to hand-raised wolves and dogs, we also tested mother-raised family dogs (N = 12) for fetching and calling. Our results show that despite intensive socialization, wolves remained less tractable than dogs, especially in contexts involving access to a resource. Dogs' tractability appeared to be less context dependent, as they followed human initiation of action in more contexts than wolves. We found no evidence that different rearing conditions (i.e. intensive socialization vs. mother rearing) would affect tractability in dogs. This suggests that during domestication dogs might have been selected for increased tractability, although based on the current data we cannot exclude that the differential speed of development of dogs and wolves or the earlier relocation of wolves to live as a group explains some of the differences we found.

Dog food production using curcumin as antioxidant: effects of intake on animal growth, health and feed conservation.

The objectives of this study were to produce dog food containing curcumin replacing synthetic antioxidants, to evaluate its beneficial effects on animal growth and health. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) was added after the extrusion process along with the other micronutrients. The final concentration of curcumin was 32.9 mg/kg. The control feed was composed of the same ingredients without curcumin. After a storage of 6 months, feed composition and pH did not differ; however, the feed with curcumin showed lower protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and higher total antioxidant capacity. After 2 months of feed production, 12 young Beagle dogs received either curcumin-containing food (n = 6)  or the control diet (n = 6). The animals were fed twice a day using individual kennels. Blood samples were taken on d 1, 35 and 42. During the first 30 d of the study, the animals had natural infectious diseases that were controlled with anti-protozoals and antibiotics. Greater numbers of red blood cells were observed in dogs fed with curcumin (d 35 and 45), and there were greater numbers of white blood cells as a consequence of increased neutrophils on d 42. At the end of the experiment, a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes was observed in dogs that ingested curcumin (d 42), suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect, manifested as a decrease in globulin levels. In the final 15 d of the experiment, the animals were clinical healthy. Higher serum levels of glucose, urea, triglycerides and cholesterol were observed in dogs fed with curcumin. Curcumin increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-protein thiols and the total antioxidant capacity in the serum, consequently reducing levels of oxygen reactive species. Curcumin supplementation of dogs did not favour growth or weight gain. Neverthless, it was concluded that curcumin improved animal health, with emphasis on the stimulation of the antioxidant system and evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect.

A model of puppy growth during the first three weeks.

Neonatal mortality in puppies is highly variable, with large scale surveys still reporting average values around 10% -15%. Weight measurement is the simplest way to monitor the development of the puppies, and a weight loss during the first 48 hr has been recognized as one of the factors that puts puppies at a higher risk of neonatal mortality. However, little is known about what constitutes optimum growth up to 3 weeks. In this study, a mathematical formula with the form P = P0 exp (0.13084 x - 0.001616 x2 ), where P is weight on Day x and P0 is weight on Day 0, obtained by multiple linear regression, is presented and validated with data from 345 puppies belonging to 60 litters of 19 different breeds, from toy to giant size, showing that it appropriately describes maximum puppy growth rate during the neonatal period for all breeds. This formula is in agreement with previous studies and generic recommendations that can be found in the literature on puppy growth from birth to 21 days regarding relative daily weight gain. It can be easily introduced in a spreadsheet or used to build growth charts that can help the breeder or the veterinarian in monitoring and evaluating puppy growth during the neonatal period. Although deviations from the maximum growth rate can now be quantified, there is still a need to determine the limits beyond which supplementary feeding is advised/required.

2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.

The guidelines are an update and extension of the AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines published in 2012. A noteworthy change from the earlier guidelines is the division of the dog's lifespan into five stages (puppy, young adult, mature adult, senior, and end of life) instead of the previous six. This simplified grouping is consistent with how pet owners generally perceive their dog's maturation and aging process and provides a readily understood basis for an evolving, lifelong healthcare strategy. The guidelines provide the following recommendations for managing 10 health-related factors at each of the first four canine life stages: lifestyle effect on the patient's safety, zoonotic and human safety risk, behavior, nutrition, parasite control, vaccination, dental health, reproduction, breed-specific conditions, and a baseline diagnostic profile.

Metabolisable energy intake and growth of privately owned growing dogs in comparison with official recommendations on the growth curve and energy supply.

The correct assumption of metabolisable energy (ME) requirement is essential for the nutrition consultation and diet formulation. In young dogs, too high energy supply can accelerate growth and thus lead to developmental orthopaedic diseases. The aim of the present study was to collect the data on ME intake and body weight (BW) development in privately owned growing dogs in order to compare these data with the current recommendations. Our hypothesis was that the actual ME intake of healthy young dogs would be lower than the actual recommendation. The data of 493 privately owned puppies (median age at first consultation 21 weeks, the median expected mature BW 30 kg) on ME intake, actual and expected mature BW were collected and compared with recommendations of the Society of Nutrition Physiology (GfE, Meyer and Zentek and NRC). In 243 dogs, there was a follow-up. The actual BW did not deviate systematically from the calculated expected BW (R2  = .929). The ME intake significantly decreased with age (p < .05) and significantly increased with expected mature BW (p < .05). There was no significant interaction between these two parameters (p > .05). Sex had no effect on the ME intake (p > .05). The ME intake of young dogs with a history of skeletal problems or of food allergy did not differ systematically from healthy dogs of similar age and expected mature BW. The ME intake was considerably below NRC recommendations, especially in younger puppies (>8-17 weeks: 78%, >17-26 weeks: 83% of NRC recommendation). A predictive linear equation for ME intake was developed: ME intake (MJ) = (1.063 - 0.565 × [actual BW/expected mature BW]) × actual BW0.75 .

Factorial calculation of calcium and phosphorus requirements of growing dogs.

Calcium and phosphorus requirements for growing dogs can be calculated by different methods. The current standard feeding recommendations are based on experimental data derived from young giant breed puppies. In order to determine the absolute requirement, an extrapolation via metabolisable energy requirement is recommended. Another approach is to calculate the requirement factorially, taking into account the endogenous losses and the amount of calcium and phosphorus retained due to tissue accretion during growth as well as the expected availability of these nutrients. The working hypothesis was that both methods are valid and lead to comparable results in young puppies of a high mature body weight (BW). Yet, deviations for other age and mature BW groups were expected. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the results of both methods using exemplary puppies of different age and mature BW groups. The hypotheses could be verified for calcium. The extrapolated requirements overestimate the factorial requirements by up to 59.7% for puppies <60kg mature BW and/or >6 months of age. In case of phosphorus requirement, the deviations between both methods are overall very high in all stages. Taking into account the potentially harmful effects of calcium and phosphorus excess, the feeding recommendations based on the extrapolation should be reconsidered.

Network analysis of canine brain morphometry links tumour risk to oestrogen deficiency and accelerated brain ageing.

Structural 'brain age' is a valuable but complex biomarker for several brain disorders. The dog is an unrivalled comparator for neurological disease modeling, however canine brain morphometric diversity creates computational and statistical challenges. Using a data-driven approach, we explored complex interactions between patient metadata, brain morphometry, and neurological disease. Twenty-four morphometric parameters measured from 286 canine brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were combined with clinical parameters to generate 9,438 data points. Network analysis was used to cluster patients according to their brain morphometry profiles. An 'aged-brain' profile, defined by a small brain width and volume combined with ventriculomegaly, was revealed in the Boxer breed. Key features of this profile were paralleled in neutered female dogs which, relative to un-neutered females, had an 11-fold greater risk of developing brain tumours. Boxer dog and geriatric dog groups were both enriched for brain tumour diagnoses, despite a lack of geriatric Boxers within the cohort. Our findings suggest that advanced brain ageing enhances brain tumour risk in dogs and may be influenced by oestrogen deficiency-a risk factor for dementia and brain tumours in humans. Morphometric features of brain ageing in dogs, like humans, might better predict neurological disease risk than patient chronological age.

Whole genome sequencing of canids reveals genomic regions under selection and variants influencing morphology.

Domestic dog breeds are characterized by an unrivaled diversity of morphologic traits and breed-associated behaviors resulting from human selective pressures. To identify the genetic underpinnings of such traits, we analyze 722 canine whole genome sequences (WGS), documenting over 91 million single nucleotide and small indels, creating a large catalog of genomic variation for a companion animal species. We undertake both selective sweep analyses and genome wide association studies (GWAS) inclusive of over 144 modern breeds, 54 wild canids and a hundred village dogs. Our results identify variants of strong impact associated with 16 phenotypes, including body weight variation which, when combined with existing data, explain greater than 90% of body size variation in dogs. We thus demonstrate that GWAS and selection scans performed with WGS are powerful complementary methods for expanding the utility of companion animal systems for the study of mammalian growth and biology.

Th17 cells increase during maturation in peripheral blood of healthy dogs.

Recent studies have indicated that T helper 17 (Th17) cells are involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases in dogs. However, age-related changes in canine Th17 cells have not yet been investigated. In the present study, the proportion of Th17 cells was examined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy dogs at various ages: Group 1 (n = 16; less than 1 year of age), Group 2 (n = 25; 1-5 years), and Group 3 (n = 19; 6-9 years), using flow cytometry and an anti-human interleukin (IL)-17A monoclonal antibody that reacts with canine IL-17A. The proportion of circulating Th17 cells positively correlated with age. The age-related differences were observed in the proportion of Th17 cells among Group 1 (mean ± SD: 1.52 ± 1.18%), Group 2 (mean ± SD: 3.81 ± 1.94%) and Group 3 (mean ± SD: 7.49 ± 2.54%). Our results suggest that age-related changes in Th17 cells need to be considered in future research on Th17-related diseases in dogs.

Age assessment in puppies: Coming to terms with forensic requests.

Age estimation in growing dogs is crucial not only in clinical practice but increasingly so in forensic practice as well. In the last few years, it has assumed great importance for correctly identifying the age of puppies illegally imported to Italy as well as to other European countries. Puppies are, in fact, transported when they are too young to be moved, which can cause both animal/public health and animal welfare issues. Therefore, the movement of animals within the European Community is governed by strict rules, and veterinarians are often required to evaluate the age of the imported puppies in a forensic scenario as accurately as possible. To date, X-ray evaluation of limb bones ossification centers (OCs) is generally accepted as a valid tool to assess the age of puppies. A wealth of information exists on this topic but it is not always easily available. This work is a historical review of the existing literature and proposes two tables illustrating the timelines of limb OCs appearance and closure, coming to terms with forensic requests to evaluate the age of a puppy. The timelines reported indicate the need to improve methodology to enhance the accuracy and to reduce the error in age estimation.

Efficiency of motivational tools and social media use in the control of canine obesity / Eficiência de ferramentas de motivação e do uso de mídia social no controle da obesidade canina

The increasing number of obese dogs in veterinary practice has been a warning to veterinarians about the need to develop new tools to approach the obese patient, aiming to attain satisfactory results in weight loss programs. A total of 18 obese or overweight dogs with no evidence of endocrine disorders were selected for this study. These animals were randomly divided into two groups with 9 animals each. In one of the groups, strategic tools were used by their tutors, aimed at behavioral and environmental modification, and this group was assisted daily through communication using a digital instant messaging app (WhatsApp). In the other group, these tools were not used, and the animals were followed only during the monthly consultation. The analyzed variable was the percentage of weight loss of each animal in one month of the method used. The animals of the daily assisted group had a mean weight loss of 5.17%, while the animals of the non-assisted group had a mean weight loss of 3.31%. Considering the results, one can state that the animals in the assisted group lost approximately 1.6 times more weight than the unassisted animals, when comparing the mean and the median weight loss percentage in the two groups. Although the results are encouraging, there was no statistical difference with a significance level of 0.05, and this is probably due to the small sample size, consisting of 18 animals.(AU)

A crescente casuística de cães obesos na clínica de cães tem sido um alerta aos médicos veterinários sobre a necessidade do desenvolvimento de novas ferramentas para a abordagem do paciente obeso, com o intuito de alcançar resultados satisfatórios em programas de redução de peso. Nesse estudo, foram selecionados 18 cães obesos ou acima do peso ideal, sem indícios de distúrbios endócrinos. Esses animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de nove animais. Em um dos grupos foram utilizadas ferramentas estratégicas para modificação comportamental e ambiental para seus tutores e esse grupo foi assistido diariamente por comunicação em aplicativo digital de mensagens instantâneas (WhatsApp). No outro grupo, essas ferramentas não foram utilizadas e os animais foram acompanhados somente na consulta mensal. A variável analisada foi o percentual de perda de peso de cada animal em um mês de aplicação do método. Os animais do grupo assistido diariamente apresentaram média de perda de peso de 5,17%, enquanto que os animais do grupo não assistido apresentaram média de 3,31%. Pelos resultados é possível afirmar que os animais do grupo assistido perderam aproximadamente 1,6 vezes a mais de peso que os animais não assistidos. Embora os resultados sejam motivadores, não houve diferença estatística com grau de significância de 0,05, isso provavelmente se deve ao número amostral de dezoito animais ser muito pequeno.(AU)

Effect of Auditory Stimulation During Early Development in Puppy Testing of Future Police Working Dogs.

The aim of this study was to determine if the use of auditory stimulation during early development stages of young puppies, using a variety of sounds such as music, radio talk shows, and ambient noise, that included car noises, sirens, and gunshots, could affect the results of early puppy testing of future police working dogs. Sixty-seven puppies at 7 weeks of age were submitted to a 9-situation test and their results analyzed. The sample comprised 34 males and 33 females, from 4 different breeds/crosses (27 German Shepherd Dog, 19 Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dog, 7 Dutch Shepherd Dog, and 14 animals of a cross of German Shepherd Dog with Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dog), representing 12 litters. Puppies were divided in 2 groups, G1 (n = 46) and G2 (n = 21), with G1 being submitted only to the standard socialization protocol in use in the Grupo de Intervenção Cinotécnico while puppies in G2, beside the standard socialization protocol, were also presented with auditory stimulation throughout the day, particularly during playtime and meal time. Significant differences were observed in some situations between groups, with puppies in G1 achieving better scores on this specific test, which aims to access a puppy's level of interaction with humans, reaction to manipulations, and reaction to different environmental stimulus. No differences were found between sexes but some differences between breeds were found, suggesting familial effects on noise reaction. Further studies, involving a greater number of puppies and litters, and that would also include noise exposure quantification, behavioral, and physiological assays are required to confirm these findings. It will also be of interest to evaluate if the results obtained as a young puppy have any connection with future adult performance.

General and type 2 parvovirus-specific passive immune transfer in puppies - Evaluation by early growth.

Failure of passive immune transfer put puppies at a higher risk of neonatal and weaning mortality due to low immune protection against infectious agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the general via serum IgG concentration (IgG) and the specific via serum maternally derived canine parvovirus type 2-specific antibody titer (CPV2 MDA) passive immune transfer within the first 4 weeks of age. Furthermore, the relationship between general and specific immune transfer and the possibility of non-invasive evaluation was assessed. Puppies (169) were weighed systematically between birth and Day 28. IgG and CPV2 MDA were assayed in serum samples at 2 and at 28 days of age. At Day 2, there was a positive correlation between IgG and CPV2 MDA (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001). At Day 2, 17.9% (27/151) of puppies presented a deficit of passive immune transfer according to IgG result (defined as IgG < 2.3 g/L) and 25.8% (39/151) of puppies were under the minimal protective CPV2 MDA titer (defined as <1:160). No correlation between IgG and CPV2 MDA was observed at Day 28 (ρ = 0.14; p = 0.11). Growth rate within the first 48 hours <-2.7% allowed to distinguish puppies at high risk of the general and specific passive immune failure (Youden's index = 0.79 and 0.75, respectively). The threshold value of early growth rate, although applicable only in puppies non-supplemented with milk replacer, allows identifying via non-invasive way individuals requiring a special care. Further investigation of the mechanism of passive immune transfer in dogs is necessary to understand the relationship between the general and specific immunoglobulin levels.