Evaluation of stem-cell therapies in companion animal disease models: a concise review (2015-2023).

Companion animals in veterinary medicine develop multiple naturally occurring diseases analogous to human conditions. We previously reported a comprehensive review on the feasibility, safety, and biologic activity of using novel stem cell therapies to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats (2008-2015) [Hoffman AM, Dow SW. Concise review: stem cell trials using companion animal disease models. Stem Cells. 2016;34(7):1709-1729. https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2377]. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated summary of current studies in companion animal disease models that have evaluated stem cell therapeutics that are relevant to human disease. Here we have reviewed the literature from 2015 to 2023 for publications on stem cell therapies that have been evaluated in companion animals, including dogs, cats, and horses. The review excluded case reports or studies performed in experimentally induced models of disease, studies involving cancer, or studies in purpose-bred laboratory species such as rodents. We identified 45 manuscripts meeting these criteria, an increase from 19 that were described in the previous review [Hoffman AM, Dow SW. Concise review: stem cell trials using companion animal disease models. Stem Cells. 2016;34(7):1709-1729. https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.2377]. The majority of studies were performed in dogs (n = 28), with additional studies in horses (n = 9) and cats (n = 8). Disease models included those related to musculoskeletal disease (osteoarthritis and tendon/ligament injury), neurologic disease (canine cognitive dysfunction, intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord injury) gingival/dental disease (gingivostomatitis), dermatologic disease (atopic dermatitis), chronic multi-drug resistant infections, ophthalmic disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, eosinophilic keratitis, immune-mediated keratitis), cardiopulmonary disease (asthma, degenerative valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy), gastrointestinal disease (inflammatory bowel disease, chronic enteropathy), and renal disease (chronic kidney disease). The majority of studies reported beneficial responses to stem cell treatment, with the exception of those related to more chronic processes such as spinal cord injury and chronic kidney disease. However, it should also be noted that 22 studies were open-label, baseline-controlled trials and only 12 studies were randomized and controlled, making overall study interpretation difficult. As noted in the previous review, improved regulatory oversight and consistency in manufacturing of stem cell therapies are needed. Enhanced understanding of the temporal course of disease processes using advanced-omics approaches may further inform mechanisms of action and help define appropriate timing of interventions. Future directions of stem-cell-based therapies could include use of stem-cell-derived extracellular vesicles, or cell conditioning approaches to direct cells to specific pathways that are tailored to individual disease processes and stages of illness.

A non-invasive method to determine core temperature for cats and dogs using surface temperatures based on machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Rectal temperature (RT) is an important index of core temperature, which has guiding significance for the diagnosis and treatment of pet diseases. OBJECTIVES: Development and evaluation of an alternative method based on machine learning to determine the core temperatures of cats and dogs using surface temperatures. ANIMALS: 200 cats and 200 dogs treated between March 2022 and May 2022. METHODS: A group of cats and dogs were included in this study. The core temperatures and surface body temperatures were measured. Multiple machine learning methods were trained using a cross-validation approach and evaluated in one retrospective testing set and one prospective testing set. RESULTS: The machine learning models could achieve promising performance in predicting the core temperatures of cats and dogs using surface temperatures. The root mean square errors (RMSE) were 0.25 and 0.15 for cats and dogs in the retrospective testing set, and 0.15 and 0.14 in the prospective testing set. CONCLUSION: The machine learning model could accurately predict core temperatures for companion animals of cats and dogs using easily obtained body surface temperatures.

A forecasting model for suitable dental implantation in canine mandibular premolar region based on finite element analysis.

In recent years, dental implants have become a trend in the treatment of human patients with missing teeth, which may also be an acceptable method for companion animal dentistry. However, there is a gap challenge in determining appropriate implant sizes for different dog breeds and human. In this study, we utilized skull computed tomography data to create three-dimensional models of the mandibles of dogs in different sizes. Subsequently, implants of various sizes were designed and subjected to biomechanical finite element analysis to determine the optimal implant size. Regression models were developed, exploring the relationship between the average weight of dogs and the size of premolar implants. Our results illustrated that the regression equations for mean body weight (x, kg) and second premolar (PM2), third premolar (PM3), and fourth premolar (PM4) implant length (y, mm) in dogs were: y = 0.2785x + 7.8209, y = 0.2544x + 8.9285, and y = 0.2668x + 10.652, respectively; the premolar implant diameter (mm) y = 0.0454x + 3.3506, which may provide a reference for determine suitable clinical implant sizes for dogs.

Walk or be walked by the dog? The attachment role.

BACKGROUND: The human-animal bond has been recognized as having positive effects on the health and well-being of both humans and pets. The present study aims to explore the influence of attachment on physical activity (PA), lifestyle, and health outcomes of dog owners (DO), highlighting the mutual benefits resulting from the relationship between DO and dogs. METHODS: Thirty-eight DO and their dogs participated in this study. Socio-demographic data, the Self-Rated Health (SRH), FANTASTICO Lifestyle Scale, and the Lexington Attachment Pet Scale (LAPS) were assessed. PA was measured in both the DO and the dogs, using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer in the context of daily routine. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation analyses were performed to examine the associations between LAPS, PA levels, socio-demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and SRH. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the dog owners' light-level PA and the pets' vigorous level of PA (rho = 0.445, p = 0.01). Furthermore, the importance of the pets' health (rho = -0.785, p = 0.02) and the LAPS subscales, namely proximity (rho = 0.358, p = 0.03), and attachment (rho = 0.392, p = 0.01), were related to taking the pet for a walk. Regarding lifestyle, DO with a healthier lifestyle had a better self-assessment of their health using the SRH (rho = 0.39, p = 0.02). Moreover, DO with better lifestyles also exhibited greater concern for their pet's health (rho = 0.398, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes that individuals who adopt healthier habits tend to perceive themselves as healthier and exhibit greater concern for their pets' health. The attachment between DO and dogs is important in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and engagement in PA. Our results highlight that the presence of a dog is associated with a higher level of PA in DO, depending on the strength of the human-animal bond.

Functions and Metabolism of Amino Acids in Bones and Joints of Cats and Dogs.

The bone is a large and complex organ (12-15% of body weight) consisting of specialized connective tissues (bone matrix and bone marrow), whereas joints are composed of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, synovial joint capsules and membranes, and a synovial joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Maintaining healthy bones and joints is a dynamic and complex process, as bone deposition (formation of new bone materials) and resorption (breakdown of the bone matrix to release calcium and phosphorus) are the continuous processes to determine bone balance. Bones are required for locomotion, protection of internal organs, and have endocrine functions to maintain mineral homeostasis. Joints are responsible for resisting mechanical stress/trauma, aiding in locomotion, and supporting the overall musculoskeletal system. Amino acids have multiple regulatory, compositional, metabolic, and functional roles in maintaining the health of bones and joints. Their disorders are prevalent in mammals and significantly reduce the quality of life. These abnormalities in companion animals, specifically cats and dogs, commonly lead to elective euthanasia due to the poor quality of life. Multiple disorders of bones and joints result from genetic predisposition and are heritable, but other factors such as nutrition, growth rate, trauma, and physical activity affect how the disorder manifests. Treatments for cats and dogs are primarily to slow the progression of these disorders and assist in pain management. Therapeutic supplements such as Cosequin and formulated diets rich in amino acids are used commonly as treatments for companion animals to reduce pain and slow the progression of those diseases. Also, amino acids (e.g., taurine, arginine, glycine, proline, and 4-hydroxyproline), and glucosamine reduce inflammation and pain in animals with bone and joint disorders. Gaining insight into how amino acids function in maintaining bone and joint health can aid in developing preventative diets and therapeutic supplementations of amino acids to improve the quality of life in companion animals.

Life in a fishbowl: Space and environmental enrichment affect behaviour of Betta splendens.

The public has expressed growing concern for the well-being of fishes, including popular pet species such as the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). In captivity, male Bettas behave aggressively, often causing injuries and death if housed together. As a result, they are typically isolated in small fishbowls, which has been widely criticised as cruel. To investigate the impact of keeping Bettas in these conditions, we recorded the behaviour of individual males in containers of different sizes that were either bare or enriched with gravel, large rocks, and live plants. When male Bettas were housed individually in small bowls (0.5 L) they spent less time swimming than they did when they were kept in larger aquaria (10, 38, and 208 L). Fish that were kept in enriched containers exhibited more instances of swimming. To determine if two male Bettas housed together might coexist peacefully if given enough space and cover from plants and large rocks, we quantified the behaviour of pairs of male Bettas in bare or enriched aquaria of different sizes (10, 38, 208, 378 L). Fish performed fewer approaches and aggressive displays, but not attacks, and more bouts of foraging, when in larger aquaria. This study shows that the small fishbowls typically used in pet stores suppress swimming behaviour in male Bettas and at least a 10-L aquarium is required to ensure full expression of swimming behaviour. Furthermore, even the use of very large aquaria cannot guarantee peaceful cohabitation between two males.

Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil in Controlling of Bacteria Associated with Oral Cavity of Dogs In Vitro and Dry Pet Feed.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of dogs and applied directly to artificially contaminated feed. The commercial dry dog feed received the inoculum of the bacteria prevalent in the oral cavity of the dogs where C. citratus was deposited in the feed by spray. In total, 42 isolates were obtained, 38 Gram-positive and 4 Gram-negative. Staphylococcus spp. was the most prevalent bacteria in the oral cavity of dogs (76.2%). The isolates showed high levels of resistance to different antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration capable of inhibiting oral bacteria was 0.38 mg/mL. C. citratus essential oil showed positive results with a significant bacterial reduction when applied to feed, signaling the need for further studies to enable its use in the control of pathogens transmitted by animal feed.

Antimetastatic effect of intratumoral Treg antagonists in mice with renal cancer.

The interplay of regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumour microenvironment presents a significant challenge in anticancer immunotherapy. This study investigates the potential of Treg blockade to enhance the efficiency of effector T cells. Two distinct treatment cocktails were examined: 3p-hpRNA (5' triphosphate hairpin RNA) combined with unmethylated CpG oligonucleotide (CpG); CpG in combination with OX40 receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (anti-OX40). Treatment efficacy was assessed using a murine model of kidney adenocarcinoma.Renca cells (renal cortical cells with adenocarcinoma) were subcutaneously engrafted in 30 BALB/c mice, then animals were allocated into three treatment groups: Group 1: CpG+anti-OX40, Group 2: CpG+3p-hpRNA, Group 3: untreated control. Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on tumour growth, the occurrence of metastases and overall survival.On day 28 post-implantation, experiments had to be terminated due to tumour progression. Although comparisons of survival times and primary tumour sizes thus became inconsequential, histological examinations provided valuable insights. We observed distinct variations in primary tumour characteristics among the different groups: Groups 1 and 2 displayed demarcations, while Group 3 exhibited diffuse tumours with necrosis. Lung metastases were evident in 70% of untreated mice, whereas none were observed in either of the treated groups.Our findings instil confidence in the potential efficacy of the treatments, thereby laying a solid foundation for future investigations.

Public perspectives on strays and companion animal management in Malaysia.

Strays and companion animal management is a sensitive issue in Malaysia that incites solid and conflicting views. Through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of 704 respondents, this study explored public opinion on a) causes of the stray animal population, b) the management of the stray animal population, and c) the national strategy on strays and companion Animal Management. The results show that 70.3% of respondents agreed that a lack of public awareness regarding animal care was the major contributor to the stray animal population. In addition, 58.1% of respondents felt that treating and vaccinating animals exposed to zoonotic diseases is a viable approach that could be instituted as a reasonable measure in stray animal population management. Finally, developing animal protection areas through a multi-stakeholder partnership strategy initiative recorded the highest support (48.4%) for intervention planning for stray animal management at a national level. Notably, a significant percentage of public responses were implicitly influenced by demographic variables. These findings provide valuable insights into public opinion regarding stray and companion animal management in Malaysia. These findings could inform the development of future legislation aimed at reducing the unfavorable effects of stray animal populations on humans and the ecology of MalaysiaPlease check if affiliations [is/are] captured correctly.

Perceptions of the rabbit as a low investment 'starter pet' lead to negative impacts on its welfare: Results of two Danish surveys.

Concerns over compromised companion rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) welfare are widespread. The welfare problems have been linked to the perception of rabbits as low investment 'children's pets.' To test this hypothesis and investigate the current conditions for rabbits, data were gathered from two surveys in 2021: a nationally representative survey of Danish companion animal owners (Survey I) and a detailed social media-based survey of Danish rabbit owners (Survey II). Using logistic regression, three owner-related variables (whether a child/adult was responsible for care of the rabbit, owner-opinion on rabbits' suitability as 'starter pets' and willingness-to-pay [WTP] for veterinary treatment) were employed to investigate the effect of rabbit status on owner-provision of selected husbandry conditions. The 76 (Survey I) and 4,335 (Survey II) responses suggested that most rabbits are acquired for children and are solitarily housed, and that many are kept in cages of an unsuitable size and not checked daily. Owners who perceived rabbits as 'starter pets' and with lower WTP were more likely to house rabbits in restricted space and to not provide continuous gnawing opportunities, ad libitum hay or routine healthcare. A child fulfilling the role of the rabbit's main caretaker was also associated with inadequate housing type and fewer gnawing opportunities. Thus, many rabbits live in unsuitable conditions, and owners who perceive rabbits as low investment 'children's pets' are more likely to not provide recommended resources. Changing owners' perceptions of rabbits and promoting suitable husbandry through official education programmes and minimum requirements is important if there are to be improvements made to rabbit welfare.

Effect of human-animal interaction on the well-being and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19, the economic and the political crises happening in Lebanon, have enforced social distancing and isolation, causing severe psychological states. However, these psychological consequences have highlighted the aim behind the interactions between humans and animals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interaction between humans and animals and to compare the well-being and quality of life of the Lebanese pet owners in Lebanon in the face of stressors currently experienced and animals' companionship. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional retrospective design was involved in this study. The study enrolling 314 participants via an online survey was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. The questionnaire used was pre-tested and participants were given the choice of not participating. Participants were Lebanese and over the age of 18; they responded to questions regarding their interactions with animals and the impact of different stressors on their mental and physical state. RESULTS: The study's findings indicate that most participants perceived their animals as a valuable source of support, and there was a significant correlation between the strength of the bond with their companion animals (as measured by the Comfort from Companion Animal Scale (CCAS) (R=0.14, P=0.009)) and their well-being. Additionally, the study revealed that individuals who had a closer relationship with their pets engaged in more physical activity, socialized more through social media during the pandemic period, and maintained better relationships with their parents and other relatives. However, the results showed no significant correlation between individuals' quality of life and their interaction with animals (R=0.10, P=0.07). CONCLUSION: The positive impact of human-animal interaction on human well-being has been observed in Lebanon under various stressors. This impact is closely related to the strength of the bond between humans and their animals. During the pandemic period, having a companion animal was found to promote human well-being by encouraging physical activity and social interaction. It is noteworthy that emotional and psychological health was not affected by the number of animals an individual owned. However, the recent COVID-19, political, and socio-economic crises in Lebanon have raised serious concerns regarding the psychological state of its citizens. Thus, further research is needed to address the issues highlighted in this study.

A Global Survey of the Views of Practicing Companion Animal Veterinarians on Their Undergraduate Curriculum and Their Access to Continuing Education Resources.

A global survey was developed to gain insight into the opinion of companion animal veterinarians about their undergraduate education and their access to continuing education on the following topics: client communication, animal welfare, surgical techniques, human-animal bond, dentistry, animal behavior, and zoonotic disease/epidemiology. In 2016, the survey was distributed via SurveyMonkey® in five languages to companion animal veterinarians around the world. A total of 1,167 respondents returned to the survey. The distribution of survey responses differed by geographic region (number of respondents in parentheses; where respondents work/have been trained): Europa (including the Russian Federation, 359/423), Asia (311/205), North America (77/89), South America (24/16), Africa (46/41), and Oceania (147/167). The results were strongly influenced by a large number of respondents (in parentheses) who graduated in the Russian Federation (180/162), Australia (133/154), Israel (136/82), the Netherlands (64/64), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (36/46), and the United States of America (46/44). On the basis of the responses, all topics were poorly covered or not taught, except for surgical techniques and zoonotic disease/epidemiology, which were covered adequately or well. However, there were country and geographic regional differences. This was also true for continuing education resources, which were-in addition to countries and geographic regions-also influenced by the educational topic. As already stated by Dhein and Menon in 2003, time away from the practice, travel distance, and expense may be reasons why companion animal veterinarians do not follow continuing education. Online continuing education could fill in the gap and is more time and cost-efficient.

Insights into Current Veterinary Pharmaceutics for Companion Animals in Japan: A Study Based on Data from the Veterinary Drug Side Effect Database.

In veterinary medicine, various drugs are used on a daily basis. Using inappropriate medications poses health hazards to companion animals and humans; thus, assessing adverse events in veterinary medicine has great social significance but remains an untapped area of research. In this study, to promote the appropriate use of veterinary drugs and clarify common pharmaceutical issues in Japanese veterinary medicine, we analyzed information in the Veterinary Drug Side Effects Database (National Veterinary Assay Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan). We found that the number of reports has been increasing annually, including those on high-risk drugs, molecular-targeted drugs, and antibody-based drugs. The details of the reports were similar to those from the United States, including the misadministration of veterinary drugs to humans, improper drug management, and re-administering drugs with a history of side effects. Furthermore, 46.50% of all reports mentioned the administration of one or more drugs, with the highest number of concomitant drugs being 10. In addition, 37.78% of all reports described the use of drugs in manners deviating from the intended use indicated in the package insert. Therefore, to avoid adverse events, pharmacists may have to be involved in dispensing and aseptically preparing veterinary medicines and providing drug information and medication guidance. To optimize pharmacotherapy for ill companion animals, "veterinary pharmacy" and "veterinary medicine pharmacy" must be developed in line with clinical situations in Japan, while considering knowledge from countries that are advanced in terms of veterinary medicine.

Conservation biology for the commercial insect trade in Japan: agricultural bumblebees and companion insects as examples.

Japan imports a wide range of arthropods for industrial use and as companion animals. Such imports may threaten ecosystems locally and in their regions of origin. Two iconic insect imports that pose ecological problems are agricultural bumblebees and companion beetles. Colonies of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris have contributed significantly to agricultural production since they were first brought to Japan in the 1990s. But, in their progressive feralisation, they harm populations of native bumblebees through competition, hybridisation, and the introduction of parasites. They also threaten native plant reproduction. The species is currently permitted for agricultural use only in netted greenhouses. Since 2000, imports of companion beetles have thrived, with an estimated market size of many billions of yen. The popularity of rare species has led to a sharp rise in prices, overhunting, and smuggling from their native countries. These exotic species may also become invasive if they escape into nature. There are no clear restrictions on beetle imports, but a government campaign is aimed to improve ethical standards for breeding. In addition, imported tarantulas, centipedes and scorpions are becoming increasingly popular. These species pose similar threats as imported beetles and bees, but the actual state of importation and breeding is difficult to ascertain. Importing insects into Japan can create the following issues: the overexploitation of rare species collected from their native habitats; the traffic in species of which collection and sale is prohibited; the risk that escaped individuals will breed as invasive species; and the introduction of alien microorganisms and parasites.

Le Japon importe un large éventail d'arthropodes pour un usage industriel mais aussi en tant qu'insectes de compagnie. Ces importations représentent une menace potentielle tant pour les écosystèmes locaux que pour leurs régions d'origine. S'agissant des deux insectes iconiques que sont les bourdons pollinisateurs et les coléoptères de compagnie, les importations posent de nombreux problèmes écologiques. Les colonies de bourdons Bombus terrestris ont fortement contribué à la production agricole depuis leur première introduction au Japon dans les années 1990. Cependant, une fois installés et retournés progressivement à l'état sauvage, ils nuisent aux populations natives de bourdons par la compétition qu'ils exercent à leur encontre, la survenue d'hybridations spontanées et l'introduction de parasites. Ils représentent aussi une menace pour la reproduction des plantes natives. L'utilisation de cette espèce en agriculture n'est actuellement autorisée que dans des serres fermées. Depuis 2000, les importations de coléoptères de compagnie ont prospéré et représentent un marché estimé à plusieurs milliards de yens. La popularité des espèces rares a entraîné une forte hausse des prix, un excès de captures et un essor de la contrebande depuis leurs pays d'origine. Ces espèces exotiques peuvent également devenir envahissantes si elles s'échappent dans la nature. Les importations de coléoptères ne font l'objet d'aucune restriction légale mais le gouvernement a lancé une campagne visant à améliorer les normes éthiques des élevages. En outre, les tarentules, les myriapodes et les scorpions d'importation gagnent aussi en popularité. Ces espèces posent des menaces similaires à celles des abeilles et des coléoptères importés, mais l'échelle des importations et des élevages les concernant est difficile à déterminer avec certitude. Les problèmes que peuvent générer les importations d'insectes au Japon sont les suivants : une surexploitation des espèces rares prélevées dans leurs habitats natifs ; le trafic illicite d'espèces dont la collecte et la vente sont interdites ; le risque que des insectes échappés dans la nature puissent se reproduire, l'espèce devenant alors envahissante ; le risque d'introduction de microorganismes et de parasites exotiques.

El Japón importa muy diversos artrópodos que son destinados a usos industriales o utilizados como mascota. Estas importaciones pueden entrañar una amenaza para los ecosistemas, tanto en los lugares de destino como en sus regiones de origen. Dos importaciones emblemáticas de insectos que causan problemas ecológicos son las de abejorros de uso agrícola y las de escarabajos utilizados como mascota. Desde que en el decenio de 1990 fueron introducidas por primera vez en el Japón, las colonias de abejorro común (Bombus terrestris) han revestido gran utilidad para la producción agrícola. Ahora bien, su progresiva feralización resulta perjudicial para las poblaciones de abejorros nativos, debido a los fenómenos de competencia, hibridación e introducción de parásitos que la acompañan, y pone también en peligro la reproducción de ciertas plantas nativas. Actualmente solo está autorizado el uso agrícola de esta especie en invernaderos cerrados con malla. Desde el año 2000 vienen aumentando las importaciones de escarabajos que se utilizan como mascota, hasta el punto de que ello supone hoy, según los cálculos, un mercado de miles de millones de yenes. La popularidad de ciertas especies raras ha traído consigo una fuerte subida de los precios, capturas excesivas y contrabando de esas especies desde sus países de origen. Si escapan al medio natural, además, estas especies exóticas también pueden devenir invasoras. Las importaciones de escarabajos no están sujetas a restricciones claras, aunque el Gobierno tiene instituida una campaña para mejorar la deontología de las normas de cría. Por otro lado, cada vez hay más querencia por tarántulas, ciempiés y escorpiones importados. Estas especies entrañan amenazas análogas a las que plantean escarabajos y abejas de importación, pero resulta difícil determinar cuál es la situación actual por lo que respecta a su importación y cría. La importación de insectos al Japón puede acarrear los siguientes problemas: la sobreexplotación de especies raras en su hábitat nativo; el tráfico de especies cuya captura y venta están prohibidas; el riesgo de que haya ejemplares que escapen y se reproduzcan hasta devenir especie invasora; y la introducción de microorganismos y parásitos foráneos.

Dogs and cats prioritize human action: choosing a now-empty instead of a still-baited container.

Dogs and cats are sensitive to human social signals such as pointing, gazing and facial expressions. Previous studies have demonstrated that dogs show over-reliance on human actions in the presence of conflicting physical cues. However, it is still unclear whether this tendency is specific to dogs, or shared with other domesticated animals. Here, we compared the behavior of dogs and cats in a two-choice task after they saw a person taking and pretending to eat food from a baited container. After one experimenter showed the dogs (Experiment 1) or cats (Experiment 2) two opaque containers, each containing a piece of the food, another (the demonstrator) removed food from one container and ate it (Eating condition), or simply picked up the food and returned it to the container (Showing condition). We recorded which container the subjects approached first after the demonstration. Both dogs and cats were less likely to choose the container associated with the human in the Eating than the Showing condition, although choice for this container was above chance in both conditions. In Experiment 3, we confirmed that dogs and cats naturally chose a baited over an empty container. These results suggest that both species' reasoning abilities might be influenced by a bias for prioritizing specific human actions. Although dogs and cats have different domestication histories, their social awareness of humans appears similar, possibly because they both share their environment with humans.

Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis meningitis associated with a companion dog in a young adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter spp., common commensals in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, especially poultry, can cause acute gastrointestinal illness in humans through animal-to-human transmission. Although Campylobacter fetus, especially subspecies fetus, rarely leads to systemic infections such as bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, it is unclear whether Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) causes infectious diseases in humans. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old man with a history of chronic alcoholism visited the emergency department with weakness of the left extremities. The patient was clinically diagnosed with community-acquired bacterial meningitis. The organism from the blood culture was subsequently identified as Campylobacter fetus. On phylogenetic analysis, the 16S rRNA sequence showed 99.93% similarity with other Cfv 16S rRNA sequences. The patient had no exposure to identifiable sources except for close contact with a companion dog, which could have been a possible source of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that Cfv could lead to human systemic infections such as meningitis and that companion animals, in addition to well-known animal hosts, could be sources of transmission.

Older women's experiences of companion animal death: impacts on well-being and aging-in-place.

BACKGROUND: Companion animal death is a common source of grief, although the extent and context of that grief is poorly understood, especially in older adulthood. The aim of this multiple-methods study was to develop a greater understanding of the impact of companion animal death on older women living alone in the community, as older women are a distinct at-risk group, and the supports that should be available to help these individuals with their grief. METHODS: Participants were recruited from across Alberta, a Canadian province, through seniors' organizations, pet rescue groups, and social media groups of interest to older women. After completing a pre-interview online questionnaire to gain demographic information and standardized pet attachment and grief measures data, participants were interviewed through the Zoom ® computer program or over the telephone. An interpretive description methodology framed the interviews, with Braun and Clarke's 6-phase analytic method used for thematic analysis of interview data. RESULTS: In 2020, twelve participants completed the pre-interview questionnaires and nine went on to provide interview data for analysis. All were older adult (age 55+) women, living alone in the community, who had experienced the death of a companion animal in 2019. On the standardized measures, participants scored highly on attachment and loss, but low on guilt and anger. The interview data revealed three themes: catastrophic grief and multiple major losses over the death of their companion animal, immediate steps taken for recovery, and longer-term grief and loss recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of acknowledging and addressing companion animal grief to ensure the ongoing well-being and thus the sustained successful aging-in-place of older adult women in the community.

Antimicrobial agent use in small animals what are the prescribing practices, use of PK-PD principles, and extralabel use in the United States?

In this review, the availability and deficiencies of current antimicrobial agents for companion animals in the United States are described. Although several active agents are FDA-approved for small animals, there are many unmet needs. These needs are greatest for cats, for the treatment of antibiotic drug-resistant infections, and to treat new or emerging pathogens that were not considered on older labels. The older agents approved before 1997 are often outdated, unavailable, or have inaccurate labeling. Subsequently, veterinarians treat dogs and cats with many unapproved antimicrobial agents that are licensed for human use. Although these drugs may be effective, there are also concerns that this use can produce drug-resistant bacteria that may be a public health risk. Although this concern is real, there is also evidence that any antimicrobial use in small animals can produce resistant fecal bacteria and stewardship principles should aim at reducing any unnecessary antibiotic use. This could be accomplished by avoiding some of the older, ineffective, or outdated agents described in this paper. There is a need for incentives to approve new agents that will be more appropriate for treating infections in companion animals without increasing the risk of drug-resistant bacteria that could potentially be transferred to humans and the environment and create a public health risk.

"Forever in Our Hearts" Online: Virtual Deathscapes Maintain Companion Animal Presence.

Embodying companion animals as part of ourselves obliges a similar grief, when they die, to the anguish that follows the death of a human partner, relative, or close friend. Individual mourning may fail to assuage pain that is further intensified when the bereaved human lacks society's recognition not only of their grief but also of the intrinsic worth of their deceased animal companion. Such disenfranchised grief may lead to isolation and to withdrawal from social integration. However, diverse memorials recorded online, and reasons for their inclusion in cyberspace, are enabling validation of the lives of nonhuman animal companions by both isolated and more sociable pet-bereaved mourners.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, Japan, 2013-2017.

We conducted an epidemiologic study of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Japan during 2013-2017. Of 303 cases reported during that period, 133 (44%) were included in this study. The median time between onset of illness and diagnosis of SFTS shortened, from 11.5 to 3.0 days, but the case-fatality rate remained high, at 27%. In 64 patients (48%), a close contact with companion animals was reported within 2 weeks of disease onset. Of these 64 patients, 40 were surveyed further, and we confirmed that 3 had direct contact with body fluids of ill companion animals; 2 had direct contact with the saliva of an ill feral cat or pet dog. These patients reported no history of tick bite, suggesting that ill companion animals might be a source of SFTS virus transmission. Direct contact with the body fluids of ill companion animals should be avoided.