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Despite being ranked 33 in Americas most popular breeds (American Kennel Club, 2020), there is a lack of research addressing longevity and death related health problems of Mastiff dog breeds and specifically commonly kept Bull Mastiffs and English Mastiffs. Likely a result of small founder populations and minimal breeding geographical locations, limited genetic variation is found making it important to determine key health concerns which may reduce longevity. The purpose of this study was to report findings from an online global survey of owners of deceased Mastiffs detailing breed, age at death, and if known, cause of death. Owner information was also collected including location by continent and country and the owners breeding or hobbyist experience. A closed-question survey was used via an online network of global Mastiff clubs and associations totalling a useable sample of 1036 dogs across a range of breeds. Notably, it is reported that age and cause of death varied dependant on breed. Results indicate that the median age of death for all dogs was 8 years with mean age of death in Europe as 7.72 years and 8.17 years in North America. The most common cause of death identified for all dogs was cancer (47%), old age (16%), cardiac problems (8%) and gastric problems including GDV and bloat (7%). The mean age of death for cancer dogs was 7.85 years with 23 types of cancer stated with Osteosarcoma being the most commonly recorded and specifically for neutered animals. As the survey was aimed at hobbyist and registered breeders, study findings contribute to knowledge of Mastiff mortality with the aim of promoting welfare of the breed.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old 42-kg (92.4-lb) sexually intact nulliparous female Italian Mastiff was examined because of a history of vaginal prolapse during diestrus. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A physical examination revealed vaginal fold prolapse. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterus with hypoechogenic content, corpora lutea in the ovaries, and a cyst in the right ovary. Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis, neutrophilia, mild anemia, and low Hct. Progesterone and estradiol concentrations were 9.36 ng/mL and 30.42 pg/mL, respectively, in serum and 72.72 ng/mL and 792 pg/mL, respectively, in the ovarian cystic fluid. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Ovariohysterectomy was performed; the prolapsed tissue was repositioned by external manipulation and maintained in situ by temporary apposition of the vulvar lips with a retention suture. Anatomic and histologic examinations of the excised tissues revealed pyometra and papillary cystadenocarcinoma in the right ovary. The vaginal hyperplasia completely regressed at 35 days after surgery; 5 months after surgery, the dog's general condition was considered good. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings in this case were indicative of a hormonally active ovarian papillary cystadenocarcinoma in a female dog in diestrus. Hormone production by the cystadenocarcinoma was the predisposing factor that induced pyometra, mucosal hyperplasia, and vaginal fold prolapse in the dog. On the basis of these concurrent disorders, ovariohysterectomy was an appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is an increasing interest for breed-specific reference intervals in veterinary medicine. In a previous study, breed-specific biochemical reference intervals ( RIs) have been established for Dogues de Bordeaux ( DDBs). This breed is predisposed to familial juvenile glomerulonephropathy and hypothyroidism, and would benefit from hematologic RI. Objective The purpose was de novo establishment of breed-specific hematologic RIs for the DDB in accordance with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Methods One hundred and twenty DDBs from France and Belgium were recruited. CBCs were determined with the Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer within 12 hours of blood collection. RIs were determined using the nonparametric method. Effects of sex, age, and face mask color were studied. Results RIs were determined in 58 healthy dogs. DDBs had higher RIs for HGB, HCT, MCV, MCHC, and mean platelet volume, and lower RIs for reticulocytes counts, platelets by impedance (PLT-I) and optical count (PLT-O), and plateletcrit when compared with generic canine RIs. Age significantly affected RIs for HGB, HCT, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts. Conclusion The generic canine RIs established in the same laboratory with analogous preanalytical and analytical variations did not differ significantly from breed-specific RIs, and thus have no significant impact on clinical decision making; however, breed-specific RIs are advised for some RBC and all platelet-related variables to avoid erroneous suspicion of polycythemia and thrombocytopenia when using general canine RIs for evaluation of DDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Description--A 4-year-old spayed female Mastiff was evaluated for treatment of chronic nonhealing pressure wounds over both elbow regions resulting from attempts at hypertrophic callus excision. Clinical Findings--The wound bed granulation tissue was mottled red and yellow with hyperemic, rolled epithelial edges. The right wound communicated with a large fluid pocket along the thoracic wall. The dog had an inflammatory leukogram with a left shift. Treatment and Outcome--The wounds were debrided, and tissue specimens were col-lected for histologic evaluation, microbial culture, and bacterial identification by means of molecular diagnostic techniques. The left wound was closed immediately. Calcium alginate rope with silver was packed into the right wound. Vacuum-assisted closure was applied for 6 days. Debridement was repeated, and a thoracodorsal axial pattern flap was used to cover the wound. Systemic treatment with antimicrobials was initiated, and pressure over the elbow re-gions was relieved. Bacterial biofilms were identified histologically In tissue specimens from both wounds. Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus epidermidls, and Streptococcus caniswere cultured and identified by 16S rRNA fragment sequencing. Pyrosequencing identi-fied multiple bacterial species and no fungal organisms. Both wounds healed successfully. Clinical Relevance--Biofilms are implicated in infected orthopedic implants in veterinary pa-tients; however, this is the first report of a bacterial biofilm in chronic wounds in a dog. In human wound care, extensive debridement is performed to disrupt the biofilm; a multimodal treatment approach is recommended to delay reformation and help clear the infection. In this case, biofilm reformation was prevented by systemic treatment with antimicrobials, by reducing local pres-sure on the wounds, and by wound closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breed-specific reference intervals are of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. The health monitoring of the Dogue de Bordeaux, a breed predisposed to familial juvenile glomerulonephropathy and hypothyroidism, would benefit from specific reference intervals. Objective The purpose of this study was to establish breed-specific biochemical reference intervals for the Dogue de Bordeaux in accordance with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Methods One hundred and twenty Dogues de Bordeaux from France and Belgium were recruited. Complete urinalysis and chemistry panels, venous blood gas variables, total thyroxin and thyroid stimulating hormone, and fibrinogen and antithrombin were measured for each dog. Reference intervals were determined using the non-parametric method. Confounding variables such as sex, age and color of facial mask were analyzed. Results Due to pre-defined criteria for exclusion, 62 healthy dogs were finally selected for the reference intervals determination. Using the instrument manufacturer's generic canine RI for most analytes did not have a significant impact on potential clinical decisions, except for total proteins, ALT, AST, total cholesterol, lipase and total thyroxin, for which possible clinically relevant differences were noted. Conclusion Specific reference intervals for biochemical analytes in the Dogue de Bordeaux were determined under controlled pre-analytical and analytical conditions, and according to international recommendations. The use of these breed-specific reference intervals is recommended when using the specified analytic instruments, especially for the 6 analytes for which the reference intervals differed considerably from those provided by manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 7-year-old female mastiff presented for left pelvic limb lameness for three months after six years of undergoing surgery for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) due to cranial cruciate disease. The dog had swollen proximal tibia on presentation, had pain and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the proximal left tibia at the site of past TPLO. The article discusses the use of implant other than Slocum plate in the case of osteosarcoma after TPLO.

Background: Familial juvenile glomerulonephropathy (JGN) is reported in several breeds of dogs. The mode of inheritance and spectrum of pathological lesions vary among breeds. A progressive JGN was detected in a pedigree of French Mastiff (FM) dogs. Objectives: To describe clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings in related FM dogs suffering from progressive JGN and to determine the mode of inheritance of this condition. Animals: Sixteen affected and 35 healthy related FM dogs Methods: FM dogs <24 months of age and diagnosed with chronic kidney disease with evidence of proteinuria entered the study. Clinical, laboratory, histopathologic findings, and pedigree data were recorded. Results: Clinical signs were typical of progressive glomerulopathy with resultant renal failure. Increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and total cholesterol concentrations, and proteinuria were found in all patients. Affected dogs had abnormal kidney structure on abdominal ultrasound examination. Histopathologic examination revealed extensive cystic glomerular atrophy, glomerular hypercellularity, and capillary wall thickening without immune complex deposition when tested with immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Electron microscopy did not disclose specific primary glomerular lesions. Mean age at death was 20 months and mean length of survival after diagnosis was 6 months. Both males and females from healthy parents were affected. An autosomal recessive mode of transmission is suspected, but a more complex mode of inheritance cannot be excluded. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Progressive familial JGN occurs in FM dogs. Characterization of the pathogenesis and mode of inheritance of this disease warrants additional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the case of a male Mastiff dog which presented with a mass in the cervical region. Topics discussed include the increase in the size of the mass following the discontinuation of antimicrobial treatment, the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dorsal laminectomy to remove the mass which was confirmed to be a dermoid cyst.

The clinical, radiographic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surgical and pathological findings related to an osteochondral lesion of the sacrum in a mastiff dog are described. The dog showed chronic signs of pain in its pelvic limbs. Radiography revealed a triangular mineralized opacity at the craniodorsal aspect of the sacrum consistent with sacral osteochondrosis. A T2-weighted spin-echo MRI revealed dorsal and lateral compression of the cauda equina. The osteochondral fragment was removed via a dorsal laminectomy, and the clinical signs resolved. Histological abnormalities in the fragment were consistent with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a case of multiple myeloma in a 4-year-old mastiff. Presence of lameness and bone pain; Role of identifying osteolytic bone lesions, infiltration of marrow with myeloma cells, monoclonal gammopathy and Bence Jones proteinuria in establishing the diagnosis; Efficacy of melphalan and prednisone in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

In her book The Animal Estate , Harriet Ritvo reminds us that "animal-related discourse has often functioned as an extended, if unacknowledged metonymy, offering participants a concealed forum for the expression of opinions and worries imported from the human cultural arena'. This paper examines one such metonymy in the early modern period; the animal in question is the English dog. Early modern England was often perceived by other nations to be unique in the variety and number of its dogs, and of these the mastiff and spaniel were most celebrated as products of "English soil'. They accompanied many English ambassadors throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, they are mentioned in the annals of the Virginia colony, they were even the only two dogs aboard the Mayflower . The mastiff's courage, strength and ferocity in bull and bear baiting were appealing to those who wanted to advertise English masculine valour, both to themselves and to foreigners, but mastiffs were also criticized for their roughness, stupidity and laziness. Spaniels, the quintessential dogs of the English gentry, were antithetical to the mastiff in almost every respect. Often celebrated for their loyalty and devotion, qualities that made them a model of civility and common interest, devoted spaniels could all too often be described as fawning , showing a false sycophantic loyalty or self-destructive attachment. As a gendered pair, the mastiff and spaniel record a significant uneasiness about the English national character, caught between barbarism and excessive civility. It is an uneasiness that combines regional climate, including things such as "air' and " ground', and more abstract notions of race or breed as they were demonstrated in the animal world as a whole, and it demonstrates that the emerging discourse of nationality in the early modern period was as much concerned with the natural world as it was with human institutions.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which determined the mode of inheritance of progressive retinal atrophies among affected English mastiffs crossbred with bull mastiffs. Materials and methods; Results; Discussion.

The article presents a case study of an 18-week-old neutered female Mastiff puppy with 2-week history of acute left hind limb lameness. It states that the puppy had grade 3 lameness in left hind limb and severe stifle joint effusion. It notes that radiographic analysis revealed intracapsular soft tissue swelling with effusion in left stifle joint. It mentions that the puppy was treated with 6 weeks of strict rest and anti-inflammatory drug carprofen.

Despite being ranked 33 in Americas most popular breeds (American Kennel Club, 2020), there is a lack of research addressing longevity and death related health problems of Mastiff dog breeds and specifically commonly kept Bull Mastiffs and English Mastiffs. Likely a result of small founder populations and minimal breeding geographical locations, limited genetic variation is found making it important to determine key health concerns which may reduce longevity. The purpose of this study was to report findings from an online global survey of owners of deceased Mastiffs detailing breed, age at death, and if known, cause of death. Owner information was also collected including location by continent and country and the owners breeding or hobbyist experience. A closed-question survey was used via an online network of global Mastiff clubs and associations totalling a useable sample of 1036 dogs across a range of breeds. Notably, it is reported that age and cause of death varied dependant on breed. Results indicate that the median age of death for all dogs was 8 years with mean age of death in Europe as 7.72 years and 8.17 years in North America. The most common cause of death identified for all dogs was cancer (47%), old age (16%), cardiac problems (8%) and gastric problems including GDV and bloat (7%). The mean age of death for cancer dogs was 7.85 years with 23 types of cancer stated with Osteosarcoma being the most commonly recorded and specifically for neutered animals. As the survey was aimed at hobbyist and registered breeders, study findings contribute to knowledge of Mastiff mortality with the aim of promoting welfare of the breed., Competing Interests: None of the authors of this paper have a financial or personal relationship with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of this paper., (© 2021 The Authors.)

The article describes a case of a seven-year-old sprayed female Mastiff with an arrhythmia that was referred for cardiac evaluation prior to an elective orthopedic procedure. Echocardiography shows atrial fibrillation (AF) with third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and a slow ventricular escape rhythm that was coupled with ventricular premature contractions. The author notes the normal clinical consequence of AF were not initially evident in the dog because of the presence of concurrent AVB.

The article discusses the case of a 6-year-old female Mastiff, which was referred for evaluation of a firm mass on the head. The mass was first noticed when the dog was 4 months old and keep on growing until the mass was firmly attached to the dog's skull. Preliminary finding was melanoma, however, with the increasing size of the mass, several physical examinations were recommended. Differential diagnoses included nonaggressive bone lesion, idiopathic calvarial hyperostosis, oesteoma, and subperiosteal hemorrhage with reactice periostitis secondary to trauma.

The article presents a transcript of German philosopher Walter Benjamin's radio program for children about stories of dogs. It mentions research Carl Linnaeus' description of dogs, the Mexican bull-biter used to capture, bring down or kill humans, and the story of a breed of mastiff that roams wild in Madagascar.

The article provides information on the different breeds of dogs. The Newfoundland, Spitz dog, and collies all belong to the group known as wolf-dogs. The spaniels have silky, curly coats and the most valuable is the King Charles spaniel. The Saint Bernard, the English mastiff, and the bulldog all belong to the mastiff group.