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Given the relative scarcity of research focusing on non-rescue sighthound behavior, the present exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence of, and factors associated with, behavioral complaints and owner satisfaction in Italian greyhounds and whippets, using an online questionnaire. Some other behavioral characteristics (such as being challenging, gentle, or reliable), deemed likely to be important for satisfaction and/or cited in the breed standards, were likewise analyzed, and possible predictors of owner satisfaction with the dogs were investigated. The survey yielded answers for 326 dogs (164 whippets, 162 Italian greyhounds) given by a convenience sample of 268 caretakers. Compared to whippets, Italian greyhounds were reported more often to show aggressive behavior toward people (11.7% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.05), fear of people (13.6% vs. 6.1%, P < 0.05) and of dogs/other animals (10.5% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.001), separation distress (29.8% vs. 19.1%, P < 0.05) and house soiling (43.7% vs. 11.1%; P < 0.001) and less often to show predatory behavior (56.2% vs. 79.9%, P < 0.001). Age of the dog was the most often significant predictor among those studied, with older dogs being reported as showing less fear of people (P < 0.001), fear of dogs/other animals (P < 0.01), predatory behavior (P < 0.05), "disobedience/lack of cooperation" (P < 0.001), and "miscellaneous other issues" (P < 0.01). Intact females were reported as to be less challenging/demanding (P < 0.010), and to show stereotypies less often (P < 0.001) than other dogs. Dogs being scored the maximum score on satisfaction-related questions were associated with them being reliable, not challenging, and not being reported as showing out-of-context fear of other dogs and other animals (all P < 0.05). • 268 owners answered a survey on complaints and satisfaction with their sighthounds. • Italian greyhounds were more aggressive, fearful, and anxious compared to whippets. • Dogs with maximum owner satisfaction were reliable, not fearful or challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Greyhounds have been reported to have hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC), but the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications are unclear. Hypothesis Our primary aim was to assess serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCy) and related analytes in Greyhounds and to identify a likely metabolic pathway for HHC. A secondary aim was to determine whether HHC is associated with evidence of oxidative stress. Animals Healthy pet Greyhounds (n = 31) and non‐sighthound control dogs (n = 15). Methods Analysis of serum HCy, cobalamin, folate, and methionine, and plasma cysteine, glutathione, and total 8‐isoprostane concentrations. Results Homocysteine concentrations were higher in Greyhounds (median, 25.0 μmol/L) compared to controls (13.9 μmol/L; P

Sighthounds, a distinctive group of hounds comprising numerous breeds, have their origins rooted in ancient artificial selection of dogs. In this study, we performed genome sequencing for 123 sighthounds, including one breed from Africa, six breeds from Europe, two breeds from Russia, and four breeds and 12 village dogs from the Middle East. We gathered public genome data of five sighthounds and 98 other dogs as well as 31 gray wolves to pinpoint the origin and genes influencing the morphology of the sighthound genome. Population genomic analysis suggested that sighthounds originated from native dogs independently and were comprehensively admixed among breeds, supporting the multiple origins hypothesis of sighthounds. An additional 67 published ancient wolf genomes were added for gene flow detection. Results showed dramatic admixture of ancient wolves in African sighthounds, even more than with modern wolves. Whole-genome scan analysis identified 17 positively selected genes (PSGs) in the African population, 27 PSGs in the European population, and 54 PSGs in the Middle Eastern population. None of the PSGs overlapped in the three populations. Pooled PSGs of the three populations were significantly enriched in "regulation of release of sequestered calcium ion into cytosol" (gene ontology: 0051279), which is related to blood circulation and heart contraction. In addition, ESR1 , JAK2 , ADRB1 , PRKCE , and CAMK2D were under positive selection in all three selected groups. This suggests that different PSGs in the same pathway contributed to the similar phenotype of sighthounds. We identified an ESR1 mutation (chr1: g.42,177,149 T > C) in the transcription factor (TF) binding site of Stat5a and a JAK2 mutation (chr1: g.93,277,007 T > A) in the TF binding site of Sox5. Functional experiments confirmed that the ESR1 and JAK2 mutation reduced their expression. Our results provide new insights into the domestication history and genomic basis of sighthounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whippets are traditionally trained to compete in lure coursing. While in humans and horses, training is routinely monitored by special tests, this is not carried out in the training of whippets. The aim of this study was to check if laboratory tests designed for racehorses could be useful in monitoring whippets training for lure coursing.

Background: Greyhounds have been reported to have hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC), but the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications are unclear. Hypothesis: Our primary aim was to assess serum concentrations of homocysteine (HCy) and related analytes in Greyhounds and to identify a likely metabolic pathway for HHC. A secondary aim was to determine whether HHC is associated with evidence of oxidative stress. Animals: Healthy pet Greyhounds (n = 31) and non‐sighthound control dogs (n = 15). Methods: Analysis of serum HCy, cobalamin, folate, and methionine, and plasma cysteine, glutathione, and total 8‐isoprostane concentrations. Results: Homocysteine concentrations were higher in Greyhounds (median, 25.0 μmol/L) compared to controls (13.9 μmol/L; P <.0001). Cobalamin concentrations were lower in Greyhounds (median, 416 ng/L) compared to controls (644 ng/L; P =.004) and were inversely correlated with HCy (r = −0.40, P =.004). Serum concentrations of folate, which is regenerated when HCy is converted to methionine, also were inversely correlated with HCy (r = −0.47, P =.002). Serum methionine concentrations were more than 4‐fold lower in Greyhounds (median, 3.2 μmol/L) compared to controls (median, 15.0 μmol/L), but this difference was not significant (P =.3). Plasma cysteine, glutathione, and 8‐isoprostane concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our findings suggest a primary defect in conversion of HCy to methionine in Greyhounds, with related impaired folate generation. Ineffective cycling by methionine synthase could lead to secondary cobalamin depletion. Notably, low serum folate and cobalamin concentrations can be observed in Greyhounds without signs of intestinal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumomediastinum denotes the presence of gas within the mediastinum and generally occurs by leakage of air from an aerated viscus that traverses or abuts the mediastinal plane. The Macklin effect has been described in several veterinary studies and describes gas tracking along the perivascular interstitium following alveolar rupture causing interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and subsequently cervical subcutaneous emphysema. This retrospective case series describes incidental spontaneous pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and cervical subcutaneous emphysema secondary to the Macklin effect in dogs with no related clinical signs. Twelve dogs were identified from the author's institution, of which 75 % were Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets or Lurchers). Pulmonary interstitial emphysema had a predominantly paravascular distribution, although in some cases a parabronchial distribution was also identified. We conclude that incidental pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum and secondary cervical subcutaneous emphysema can be incidental, presumed secondary to the Macklin effect and that Sighthound breeds may be overrepresented. • Pulmonary interstitial emphysema was identified in patients without clinical signs of thoracic disease. • The emphysema had predominantly a paravascular followed by a parabronchial distribution. • Sighthounds were the most common breed group, with Whippets being the most common breed. • No pulmonary, tracheal or oesophageal pathology was observed. • None of the cases in this study developed pneumothorax secondary to pneumomediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dogs are relinquished worldwide, therefore may be important to enhance the success of adoptions through appropriate matching of dog and perspective caretaker, if possible. This exploratory study aimed to investigate whether matching to caretakers' preferences in some dog characteristics was associated with an increase in caretakers' declared satisfaction with their dogs using a Kano model approach, alongside more common inferential ones, such as logistic regressions (alpha = 0.005). We also aimed to investigate whether there were differences between rescued galgos from Spain and other dogs in this regard. Data on 400 dogs (of which 193 were galgos ,) were gathered using an online survey and convenience sampling. The questionnaire included a satisfaction score and some Kano model questions assessing the relevance of matching dog and caretaker's preferences regarding activity level, affection shown, self-confidence/boldness and color. Matching to caretakers' preferences in activity level, affection, boldness were Kano model Exciters (not expected positive features) for most respondents, whereas matching to preferred color was an indifferent one. Respondents having adopted more than 180 days previously answered they found matching to preference in activity (P < 0.0001) and color (P = 0.003) indifferent more often than respondents who had just adopted ≤45 days before. Matching in affection shown, activity level and in preferred color were significantly associated with the dogs being given the maximum score in perceived satisfaction by the respondents (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). This outcome was not the case for self-assurance when the restrictive alpha for exploratory studies was applied. Further studies on the effects of matching to different behavioral and morphologic characteristics on adopters' satisfaction are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]