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Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the discussion on walks with a beloved shepherd dog along a creek, reflecting on the changing seasons and landscapes including the sensory experiences of different environments, the passage of time and loss, and the resilience found in nature.

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kangal Shepherd Dogs are highly valuable working dogs unique to Turkey, known for their robustness in withstanding harsh climatic conditions and possessing advanced herd protection and management abilities due to their genetic characteristics. Haematological values serve as crucial indicators of the physiological and physiopathological parameters in animals. A complete blood cell count (CBC) emerges as a powerful diagnostic tool when appropriately assessed. Given the establishment of pure breeds, it is essential to acknowledge that breedspecific hematologic values may exhibit variations influenced by factors such as gender, lifestyle, age, and geographical location. Therefore, understanding the physiological distinctions between genders becomes paramount. This study aims to assess the impact of gender on the complete blood count in Kangal Shepherd Dogs. Upon comparing hematologic parameters between female and male Kangal Shepherd Dogs, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean platelet volume (MPV) value, which was higher in females than males (p < 0.05). While the mean red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), and haematocrit (HCT) values were higher in males, no statistically significant results were found (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the study of the epizootiological characteristics of echinococcosis in dogs, sheep and goats in the Caspian Sea region of Russia where Echinococcus occurrence varies from 30 to 80%, as well as the results of tests of the complex product Prazibars (at different doses) for its effectiveness against this parasitosis. The extensity of Echinococcus invasion in sheep and goats in the Caspian Depression is 38.6%; it is expansive and affects more and more areas. Some researchers report that Echinococcus granulosus occurrence in sheep in the Caspian Sea region of Russia increases by 0.2–0.3% annually and averages 32.8%. It is demonstrated that Echinococcus granulosus invasion intensity and extensity in sheep dogs in the natural altitudinal zones of the region average 3,136.7 ± 343.0 par­asites/animal and 30.1%, respectively. In the zones covered by the study, Echinococcus species are detected in adult pasture-raised sheep throughout the year, the invasion intensity and extensity average 22.3 ± 2.1 parasites/animal and 23.0%, respectively. It was found that echinococcosis was reported in adult sheep and goats in all the Caspian Sea region areas covered by the study. Complete helminthological necropsy revealed the presence of fertile larva cysts in 1 mL of echinococcal fluid in sheep and goats of all age groups, except for animals under 1 year of age; their number averaged 23.02 ± 1.28 larval cysts/animal. It is shown that echinococcosis is widely spread in carnivores and livestock across all altitudinal zones of the Caspian Sea region of Russia, including Dagestan, and this suggests the necessity of continuous epizootiological control and monitoring of the situation with respect to cestodes of the family Taeniidae, in particular Echinococcus granulosus. Since echinococcosis in dogs and other carnivores constitutes a large-scale social problem and is a helminthiasis that is dangerous for humans, seeking state-of-the-art ways and means to combat this parasitic disease of carnivores is an urgent challenge. Based on the results of the tests performed, the complex product Prazibars administered individually one time at a dose of 15.0 mg/kg of live weight in admixture with minced meat demonstrated high effectiveness against spontaneous echinococcosis in dogs and other carnivorous animals.

Introduction: This study was carried out to investigate the haematological reference values in Russian Shepherd dogs raised in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Clinically healthy eighty subjects of the same breed were considered in this study. The sample population constituted adult and young dogs. Methods: The haematological parameters were obtained using the Auto Haemoanalyzer, while a pair of thin blood smear was made for each blood sample for differential Leukocyte count. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all the data obtained. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. The total white blood cell count (TWBC) count, absolute neutrophil and relative lymphocyte counts in the young female (2month -9 months) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the young male (2 month -9 months). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the female adult dogs were significantly lower than in the adult male Russian shepherd. The TWBC count and platelet count were significantly higher in the young male Russian shepherd compared to the adult male Russian shepherd dogs. Results: The red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) in the adult male were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the young male Russian Shepherd dogs. The relative and absolute neutrophil counts in the adult female Russian shepherd dogs were significantly higher compared to the young female while the relative lymphocyte count in the young female was significantly higher than that in the adult female. No statistically significant difference was observed with other haematological parameters. Significance: This study was able to establish the haematological reference values of Russian Shepherd breed of dogs raised in Jos, plateau state, Nigeria Therefore, the haematological reference values obtained from these dogs could be used for interpretation of laboratory data in locally raised Russian Shepherd dogs raised in Plateau State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary eye diseases occur to varying degrees in all dog breeds. Individual purebred breeds have specific predispositions to various eye disorders. The German Shepherd is diagnosed mainly with chronic superficial keratitis/pannus, but also with: distichiasis, plasmoma/atypical pannus, corneal dystrophy, persistent pupillary membranes, cataract, cone degeneration, retinal dysplasia, optic nerve hypoplasia/micropapilla, and limbal melanoma. Individual ocular abnormalities are manifested by characteristic clinical manifestations and ophthalmological findings. Some eye diseases can lead to blindness, others affect the comfort of life or work use of the dog to varying degrees. A thorough knowledge of individual ocular pathologies in a particular breed leads not only to the identification of the diagnosis but also to the correct assessment of the dog's breeding usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpouse of this study was to investigate which bacteria cause plaque inflammation in dogs. To meet this goal, samples were taken from dogs of the German Shepherd breed, brought and examined by a veterinarian, who were found to have problems with dental plaque. The examination covers a time interval of three years between January 2018 to January 2021. The samples were taken in veterinary clinics in the Pelagonija region. A total of 48 samples were taken from different dogs with an average age of 4 to 7 years and of different sexes. Five swabs were taken from each sample, which were cultivated on petri dishes in selective nutrient medium and cultured at different temperatures. 114 isolates were were identified by means of various biochemical tests isolated from such petri dishes after cultivation, by biochemical tests. From the obtained results it can be concluded that most often the appearance of dental plaque occurs in animals aged 4.2 years to 6.7 years. You may also notice that the appearance of dental plaque in dogs does not depend on the sex of the dog. It was found a good growth on the selective nutrient substrates, such as Baird Parker Agar, Bile eseulin azide, which are confirmed by the additional tests performed (Oxidase reaction, Catalysis activity, Indole test, Hydrolysis of hyporate, Acetoin formation, Acetylmethylcarbinol, Voges-Proscauer reaction) and Test methyl-Roth (MR-test). The most common bacteria that cause dental plaque problems in German Shepherd dogs in 2018 according to the results are the following generic Staphylococcus 25%, Streptococcus 22% and Streptococcus Enterococcus 18%, Veillonella 13%, Bacteriodes 10%, Prevotella 7%, Lactobacillus 5%. While the bacteria present and causing dental plaque problems in 2019 are Staphylococcus 29%, Streptococcus 25%, Enterococcus 19%, Veillonella 10%, Bacterioides 8%, Prevotella 6%, and Lactobacillus 3%. And according to our results in 2020 the most common bacteria that cause dental plaque injury are: Staphylococcus 33%, Streptococcus 27%, Enterococcus 16%, Veillonella 11%, Bacterioides 6%, Prevotella 4%, and Lactobacillus 3%. As a conclusion of the results it can be concluded that the most common genera that cause plaque injuries in dogs of German Shepherd breed in Pelagonija region are the genera: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Enterococcus the other genera occur but in a much smaller percentage. Inflammation of the dental plaque in this breed of dog has been found to be caused by more than three bacteria that can act together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A typical case of a 7-years-old Kurdish male shepherd dog was referred with two weeks history of lethargy, restlessness, anorexia and severe emaciation. Physical examination of the dog revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, strong pale mucous membrane, systolic murmur of the heart, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and fever. Hematological abnormalities indicated moderate to marked leukocytosis characterized by 89% neutrophilia with a left shift to progranulocytes and 1.6% presumptive myeloid blasts, marked thrombocytopenia, marked non-regenerative normocytic hypochromic anemia and dysplasia in platelets and neutrophils. The histopathological examination revealed excessive infiltration with neoplastic myeloid cells that invaded all the internal organs. Bone marrow analysis revealed marked hypercellularity with a predominance of immature cells, marked myeloid 6.2%, dysplasia of neutrophils lineage and rare erythroid progenitors and numerous megakaryocytes. Enlargement of superficial and visceral lymph nodes and internal body organs, especially liver and spleen were observed in the autopsy after animal euthanasia. Our results confirmed that this dog was suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the mean value of myeloid blasts in peripheral blood and bone marrow. But, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between the mean values of leukocytic ratio in peripheral circulation and bone marrow. This is the first case report study that has been recorded in a native shepherd dog in a rural area around Duhok province/Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A six-month old, 24 kg, intact male Caucasian Shepherd crossbred dog was presented at the Sokoine University of Agriculture Teaching Animal Hospital with a history of difficulty standing and walking, and bilateral swelling of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyeal region. The owner also reported prior calcium supplementation in form of dietary tablets. Upon physical examination; the animal was lethargic with fever, bilateral ocular discharge, tachypnea and reduced appetite. Hard painful bilateral swelling of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyseal region was observed. Differential cell count showed neutrophilia and monocytosis. Sclerosis and paracortical cuffing of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyseal region were seen on radiographic examination. Similar changes were also visualised in the proximal crural metaphyseal region. Further, cranial bowing of the radius with lateral deviation of the foot (carpal valgus) were also observed. Metaphyseal osteopathy was diagnosed based on the history, clinical and radiographic findings. The exact cause of metaphyseal osteopathy is unknown, however there have been reports linking it to breed predisposition and mineral over supplementation. Administration of corticosteroids and supportive care are recommended in dogs with metaphyseal osteopathy. However, a bony change that is paracortical cuffing requires several months for resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a case of hepatozoonosis with concurrent TVT unresponsive to chemotherapy in a 10-year old female German shepherd dog treated with Vincristine for 10 weeks at the State Veterinary Clinic, Abeokuta, was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A diagnosis of hepatozoonosis and TVT were made based on clinical presentations including protruding mass from the vulva, parasitological technique and cytological evaluation of the tumour mass and bone marrow using optical fine needle aspirate. Pathological changes observed in various organs at post-mortem, following euthanasia were cachexia, pale and icteric ocular and oral mucous membranes, enlarged and oedematous lymph nodes. Histopatholgical lesions were round to oval neoplastic cells from the growth observed in the vagina. There were different developmental stages of the merogony of Hepatozoon canis in the bone marrow. We concluded that concurrent hepatozoonosis and TVT and, possibly, the geriatric state of the patient contributed largely to the problem of unresponsiveness to treatment. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of concurrent infection of canine hepatozoonosis and TVT in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran is one of the endemic areas of Dirofilariasis, and also one of the most important zoonotic infections. Dirofilaria immitis causes a severe and fatal disease called heartworm disease in dog. It also produces pulmonary nodules in humans. The worm is to be investigated as a potential infection of humans and animals in various provinces in Iran. In this research, the samples were studied with modified Knott's test and molecular method. The results of the modified Knott's test method indicated that 14.00% of sheepdogs were infected with filarial microfiler. The microfilers were characterized with basic morphological features, the length of the infective larva and tail ending. There was an estimated prevalence of 4.45% for Dirofilaria immitis and 9.55% for Acanthocheilonema reconditum microfiler. To verify the differential diagnosis, molecular method was performed using PCR with Dirofilaria specific primers for amplification of ITS2 locus. Gene locus sequencing results of D. immitis and sequence alignment recorded in GeneBank showed 97.00% similarity, and relatively 98.00% similarity was observed in A. reconditum. The results of the molecular method confirmed the result of modified Knott's test method. Low infection with D. immitis was observed the region, probably due to the fact that the annual temperature and precipitation in this area were not suitable for the proliferation of the vector mosquitoes. In general, there was less infection in the region compared to regions with relatively similar climatic conditions. Hence, the results suggested that alternative diagnostic tests are required to determine the occult infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Recently, the researches about herbal medicines as substitutes for chemical drugs have risen in number. OBJECTIVES: To add more aspects to this research area, this study evaluated the changes in biochemical factors of the blood serum due to the consumption of Thymus daenensis extract and the effect of the period of its consumption into the diet of herd dogs. METHODS: Eight adult male dogs were chosen and fed with a fixed diet for 1 month. Then they were randomly assigned to two groups of four. The members of first (control) group were fed only with the fixed diet and the second group received 200mg/ml, administered as 1ml/kg of Thymus daenensis extract into their fixed diet. Finally, the dogs were bloodlet at 3 different times, namely before intervention, 7 and 14 days after the intervention to measure the factors of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferases. RESULTS: Comparing to the control group and the starting point of this experiment, levels of FBS, LDL, TGL, CHOL, AST factors significantly decreased 14 days after intervention, but the HDL factor increased after 7 and 14 days of intervention (P<0.05). The level of ALT factor did not change during period of the study (P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, oral consumption of Thymus daenensis extract led to decrease in the amounts of glucose and lipids of blood and this herb can be recommended for treating diabetics and persons suffering from high cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several breeds have physiological peculiarities that induce variations in reference intervals (RIs) compared with the general canine population. Shetland sheepdogs (SSs) are reported to be more predisposed to different diseases (eg, hyperlipidemia, gallbladder mucocele, and hypothyroidism). Consequently, a breed‐specific approach is more often required. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the RIs of the general canine population could be applied to that of SSs, and to generate breed‐specific RIs, where appropriate. Methods: Sixty clinically healthy and fasted SSs (36% of the population registered at the Italian Breed association) were examined. Routine hematology and biochemistry analyses were performed. The transference method was used to compare the results of SSs with the RIs of the general canine population. When these RIs were not validated, new RIs were generated according to the guidelines of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Differences associated with sex, age, coat color, and whether used as a pet, a herding dog, or an agility dog were also investigated. Results: The transference method validated for 30/38 SS RIs. For 6 of the remaining 8 variables, the difference with the claimed RIs could depend on preanalytical or analytical artifacts, whereas for glucose and total cholesterol, these differences could depend on breed peculiarities. However, in all SSs, the concentration of cholesterol was <12.95 mmol/L. Relevant differences associated with sex, age, coat color, and use were not found. Conclusions: This study suggests that breed‐specific RIs should be used for glucose and cholesterol in SSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most popular dog breeds deployed by both the police and military has been the German Shepherd yet little is known about the morphology or body segment parameters of this breed. Such measures are essential for developing biomechanical models which, in turn, may guide clinicians in developing surgical interventions, injury treatment and prevention procedures. This paper provides a complete set of body segment parameters and inertial properties for the German Shepherd. Morphometric measures and 3-dimensional inertial properties, including mass, centre of mass, moment of inertia and volume, were measured from 17 segments from 6 German Shepherd police service dog cadavers. Using whole body mass and geometric modelling, 11 regression equations were developed for predicting segment masses, and 33 equations were developed for predicting moments of inertia. Using these data, inverse dynamic analyses may be applied in future investigations of canine mechanics, guiding surgical procedures, rehabilitation and training especially for the German Shepherd breed but potentially for other breeds too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CASE REPORT A 9-year-old female intact Shetland Sheepdog was presented with dysphonia, mild bilateral nasal discharge, a slightly decreased appetite, reduced activity level and vomiting. Oropharyngeal examination demonstrated a left-sided soft tissue mass lateral to the hyoid apparatus. Computed tomography revealed a wellvascularised tumour at the level of the carotid bifurcation. There was no evidence of any other changes. Fine needle aspiration of the tissue mass structure was suspicious for a neuroendocrine neoplasia, most likely a chemodectoma. During surgical manipulation of the tumour there were episodes of severe arterial hypertension, raising the suspicion of a functional chemodectoma. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, but developed aspiration pneumonia, which resolved with medical therapy. At 6 months after surgery the patient was presented for repeated computed tomography, which did not show any signs of recurrence or metastasis within the thoracic and abdominal cavities. CONCLUSION Based on this experience, future cases of suspected carotid body tumours should be screened for functionality, and pretreated with alpha-adrenergic blockade before surgery if indicated, to reduce the risk of severe hypertension during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physeal fractures of the distal femur are among the most commonly encountered fractures in skeletally immature dogs. These fractures respond poorly to conservative management and thus early surgical reduction and stabilisation are recommended. A 7-month-old intact male Border collie presented with a history of chronic lameness. Clinical examination revealed a predominantly non-weight-bearing lameness of the right hindlimb and concurrent muscle atrophy. A pronounced, but atypical, procurvatum deformity of the right distal femur was diagnosed on survey radiographs. Malunion of a Salter–Harris Type III physeal fracture was suspected as there was an associated history of trauma. A cranially based closing wedge ostectomy was performed to address the femoral deformity and subsequently stabilised using a supracondylar bone plate. The dog recovered well and was moderately weight-bearing lame on the right hindlimb 6 weeks post-operatively. Ten months following the operation the range of motion had improved in the right stifle and no signs of lameness were evident at a walk. We advocate surgical correction of sagittal plane deformities of the distal femur using the CORA method. Overall, a good functional outcome was achieved, which is consistent with previously reported cases with similar deformities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to analyze, within a group of 21 females from Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog breed, 13 characters of genetically improved, characters stipulated in „Selection sheet and body measurements for Romanian shepherds”. The animals were registered with the Romanian Mioritic Association Club from Romania. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, was selected from a natural population breed in Carpathian Mountains. Following the analysis for the mean value and dispersion indices for those 13 body measurement was realized a better knowledge of the genetic structure of the population for these characters and was created the possibility of estimating sexual dimorphism. Also, this paper highlighted the following reports of the characters analyzed at the males taken in the study: the ratio between the average of length and width skull was 1.00:1.02 the ratio between the average of length skull and the average of length muzzle was 1.36:1.00 and between average of the width of skull and the muzzle was 1.75:1.00. By Comparing between them length, width and depth of muzzle, resulted a ratio of 1.25:1.00:1.14. Also, this paper highlights the fact that the variability was medium for head length, skull length and skull width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Agricultural Sciences is the property of Akdeniz Universitesi Ziraat Fakultesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Canine trypanosomosisis (CT) is a common disease caused by tsetse- and non-tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes worldwide. The severity of the disease varies from acute, sub-acute to chronic with non-specific clinical signs. Here, we attempt in a cross-sectional study to assess the current situation of CT and the role of dogs in transmitting trypanosomes to other domesticated animals. The study was carried out during July 2016 on 50 caged German shepherd dogs in Khartoum State to investigate the prevalence of dog trypanosomosis using both serological ( CATT/Trypanosoma evansi) and molecular (KIN-PCR, RoTat1.2 VSG-PCR and TviCatL-PCR) tests to detect possible trypanosome infections. CATT/T. evansi detected antibodies against T. evansi in 15 (30%) dogs, while parasite DNA was detected in 17 (34%) dogs by RoTat1.2 PCR. In contrast, a KIN-PCR detected the subgenus Trypanozoon, Trypanosoma congolense savannah, T. congolense Kenya and T. vivax in 36 (72%), 3 (6%), 1 (2%), and 2 (4%) dogs, respectively. However, a species-specific PCR for Trypanosoma vivax was detected 7 (14%) positive cases. We concluded that CT was caused by at least three species of trypanosomes, namely T. evansi, T. vivax and T. congolense. Trypanozoon other than T. evansi could not be ruled out since other tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes have also been detected and species-specific PCRs were not used. This study illustrates that dogs play an important role in the transmission dynamic and the epidemiology of the abovementioned trypanosome species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The subjects of our study were to report the usage of herbal, animal and mineral remedies on Aksaray Malaklısı shepherd dogs from traditional ethnoveterinary medicine knowledge and to compare the remedies used in traditional veterinary medicine with those used in the other locations of Turkey and countries. The work was carried out in Aksaray province (Turkey) by interviewing dog breeders. Fifty participants provided the information in this paper on the ethnoveterinary remedies used for treatment of diseases in Aksaray Malaklısı shepherd dogs. Ethnoveterinary remedies traditionally utilised for treatments of Aksaray Malaklısı shepherd dogs against ecto and endo-parasites, open skin wounds, diarrhea, constipation, abscess, toxication, mastitis, distemper, keratoconjunctivitis and fracture were identified. It was found that 13 plants in total were being used in the treatment of dog disorders in Aksaray pasturelands. Pinus nigra L. (tar) and Allium sativum L. were the most used plant species. Used motor oil, naphthalene, dikloro difenil trikloroethan (DDT), sulfur, crop powder and salt were the most utilised substances among mineral remedies. The most commonly used animal remedies included the milk and milk products (butter, yogurt and ayran), fat, and eggs. The present study showed that a number of reported herbal, animal and mineral substances, some of them with promising rational therapeutic applications, have been detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess signalment and concurrent disease processes in dogs with aortic thrombotic disease (ATD). DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS: Dogs examined at North American veterinary teaching hospitals from 1985 through 2011 with medical records submitted to the Veterinary Medical Database. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of ATD (case dogs). Five control dogs without a diagnosis of ATD were then identified for every case dog. Data were collected regarding dog age, sex, breed, body weight, and concurrent disease processes. RESULTS: ATD was diagnosed in 291 of the 984,973 (0.03%) dogs included in the database. The odds of a dog having ATD did not differ significantly by sex, age, or body weight. Compared with mixed-breed dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs had a significantly higher odds of ATD (OR, 2.59). Protein-losing nephropathy (64/291 [22%]) was the most commonly recorded concurrent disease in dogs with ATD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with ATD did not differ significantly from dogs without ATD in most signalment variables. Contrary to previous reports, cardiac disease was not a common concurrent diagnosis in dogs with ATD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare hereditary mechanobullous disorder called epidermolysis bullosa (EB) causes blistering in the skin and the mucosal membranes. To date, nineteen EB-related genes have been discovered in human and other species. We describe here a novel EB variant in dogs. Two newborn littermates of Central Asian Shepherd dogs with severe signs of skin blistering were brought to a veterinary clinic and euthanized due to poor prognosis. In post-mortem examination, the puppies were shown to have findings in the skin and the mucosal membranes characteristic of EB. A whole-genome sequencing of one of the affected puppies was performed to identify the genetic cause. The resequencing data were filtered under a recessive model against variants from 31 other dog genomes, revealing a homozygous case-specific nonsense variant in one of the known EB-causing genes, COL7A1 (c.4579C>T, p.R1527*). The variant results in a premature stop codon and likely absence of the functional protein in the basement membrane of the skin in the affected dogs. This was confirmed by immunohistochemistry using a COL7A1 antibody. Additional screening of the variant indicated full penetrance and breed specificity at ~28% carrier frequency. In summary, this study reveals a novel COL7A1 variant causing recessive dystrophic EB and provides a genetic test for the eradication of the disease from the breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-y-old neutered male German Shepherd Dog was presented with a 3-d duration of lethargy, restlessness, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, pale mucous membranes, systolic heart murmur, dehydration, and fever. Hematologic abnormalities included moderate-to-marked leukocytosis, characterized by neutrophilia with a left shift to progranulocytes and 2% presumptive myeloid blasts, marked anemia that was nonregenerative, and marked thrombocytopenia. Dysplasia was evident in neutrophils and platelets. Bone marrow examination revealed marked myeloid and megakaryocytic hyperplasia with 7% blasts, erythroid hypoplasia, and trilineage dysplasia. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that bone marrow cells were mostly of neutrophil lineage, with reduced expression of common leukocyte antigens (CD45, CD18) and neutrophil-specific antigen. Bone marrow cells were cytogenetically analyzed for the breakpoint cluster region–Abelson oncogene using multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization. The genetic aberration was present in 7% of cells, which was a negative result (>10% of cells is considered positive). Euthanasia was elected. Histologic examination showed extensive infiltration of multiple organs by neoplastic myeloid cells, with effacement of lymph node and splenic architecture. The final diagnosis was atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), an uncommon myeloproliferative disorder with features of myelodysplastic syndromes (dysplasia) and chronic leukemia (neutrophilic leukocytosis with <20% marrow blasts, extramedullary infiltrates). The trilineage dysplasia, lack of monocytosis, and supporting cytogenetics distinguish aCML from CML, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3-year-old, 25 kg male German shepherd dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta with the chief complaint of anorexia. History revealed that the dog had been off feed for about three days. Furthermore, there was a fire incidence in the residence of the dog in the absence of the owner five days prior to presentation. The fire burnt the skin of the dorsum. At presentation, general clinical examination revealed normal vital parameters, and normal mucous membrane. Physical examination revealed flame burns from the cervical region (the C-spine) to the caudal region (the sacral bone). This lesion was painful to touch. Anaesthesia was achieved using 6mg/kg Propofol® (Dongkook pharmaceutical, Korea) administered intravenously and 30ml of lignocaine HCL® (AzraZeneca,UK) infiltrated around the wound edge from the c-spine to the sacral bone. The hair around the burns area was clipped, the wound was debrided and cleansed using 10% solution of Chlorhexidine gluconate® (Saro LifeCare Ltd, Nigeria). Dermazin® cream was applied topically on the wound and the dog was given 4.5ml Enrofloxacine, intramuscularly (I.M), 4ml Multivitamin I.M and 4ml Vitamin B complex as supportives. On the second day of presentation, Dermazin® cream was replaced with pure honey® (FUNAAB Consult) for wound dressing. 5ml Vitamin C I.M. was included in the treatment regime on Day 4. All medications were given for 6 days except for wound dressing with pure honey® which continued until complete healing was achieved 88 days post presentation. Daily wound dressing with honey in this case re-vitalized the tissue, prevented re-infection and aided the lesion to proceed to the remodeling phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Case report: A 6.5-year-old clinically healthy German Shepherd Dog with regular oestrous cycles of 6 months was presented for pregnancy diagnosis on day 38 after ovulation (p.ov.). Ultrasonography revealed three individual placental sites in progressed resorption and two vital adequately developed foetuses sharing a joint placenta. On days 41 and 48 p.ov., sonographic signs indicated normal development of both foetuses, but on day 52 p.ov., both foetuses were found to be dead. A caesarean section was performed the same day. Examination of the removed uterus confirmed the diagnosis of a 'twin' pregnancy with two foetuses sharing the same placental site but separate amniotic membranes. One foetus showed generalized oedema (anasarca). Bacterial culture of swabs taken from inside the placental cavity was negative. At histological examination of the uterus, no signs of inflammation were found. Serum relaxin concentrations (day 38, 41, 48 and 52. p.ov.) were consistent with those of bitches with normal pregnancies. Cytogenetic analysis of the two foetuses revealed dizygotic twins, one male and one female according to SRY-PCR. By genotyping 17 high-polymorphic canine microsatellites, it could be demonstrated that the two foetuses developed from two different oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents A three-year-old intact female Old English sheepdog was presented for evaluation of infertility. A uterine biopsy was performed during dioestrus, and the microscopic appearance was inconsistent with progesterone stimulation; the glands were sparse, simple and failed to show coiling, while the glandular epithelium was cuboidal instead of columnar. There was very little evidence of glandular activity. Due to the inappropriate appearance of the glands for the stage of the cycle, immunohistochemistry for progesterone receptors was performed. No progesterone receptor-positive immunoreactivity was identified in the endometrial luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium or stroma. Weak intranuclear immunoreactivity was identified within the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. The absence of progesterone receptors within the endometrial glands is the most likely explanation for the abnormal appearance of the endometrium and for this bitch's infertility. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endometrial progesterone receptor absence in a bitch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to analyze, within a group of 26 males from Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog breed, 13 characters of genetically improved, characters stipulated in, "Selection sheet and body measurements for Romanian shepherds". The animals were registered with the Romanian Mioritic Association Club from Romania. Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, was selected from a natural population breed in Carpathian Mountains. In order to develop a genetic improvement program at this effective of 26 males from Romanian Sheperd Dog breed, found in evidence of Romanian Mioritic Association Club from Romania, should be considered the following conclusions on variance those 13 characters studied in this paper, respectively, the variability was middle for the width of skull and ear and low for the other 11 characters analyzed. Also, this paper highlighted the following reports of the characters analyzed at the males taken in the study: the ratio between the average of length and width skull was 1.005:1, the ratio between the average of length skull and the average of length muzzle was 1.31:1 and between average of the width of skull and the muzzle was 1.82:1. By Comparing between them length, width and depth of muzzle, resulted a ratio of 1.38:1:1.10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative mitral valvular disease (DMVD) is the most frequent cardiac disease, causing mitral regurgitation (MR) in dogs. The purpose of this study was to compare the ratio of the regurgitant jet area (RJA) to the left atrial area (LAA) (RJA/LAA) with subtracting method to quantify regurgitant volume (RegV) and regurgitant fraction (RF) in asymptomatic Anatolian Shepherd Dogs (ASHs) with DMVD. Thirty-eight ASHs with DMVD were used as experimental group. The control group consisted of 35 healthy ASHs. In 38 ASHs with DMVD (20 B1 dogs and 18 B2 dogs), the severity of MR was assessed by RJA/LAA and subtraction method. No differences were noted between the assays measuring the severity of MR by א2 analysis. The observed agreement between the assays was 81% for RJA/LAA vs RegV and was 73% for RJA/LAA vs RF, and the kappa statistic values for RJA/LAA vs RegV and for RJA/LAA vs RF were 0.63 (substantial agreement) and 0.50 (moderate agreement), respectively. Our results indicate that each quantification method was valuable to estimate the acuteness of the disease in ASHs with MR and all were in good accordance with the echocardiographic heart size and N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements. Therefore, the each of these non-invasive methods may be functional to serially estimate the acuteness of MR in DMVD in order to monitor the progression of disease. Future studies have to evaluate, if these will be useful to anticipate the risk or time of decompensation in asymptomatic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tatra Shepherd Dog is one of five Polish native breeds of dogs originating from the Polish Tatra Mountains. The objective of the study was to determine genetic variation in a population of 60 dogs of this breed, based on polymorphism of 18 microsatellite (STR) markers, recommended by ISAG for canine parentage testing. The analysis showed considerable genetic variability in the studied loci. The 100 alleles identified in the test material were used to determine the polymorphism of the discussed markers. The highest polymorphism was found in the locus AHT171, in which 8 alleles were identified and PIC and HO values exceeded 0.8. The lowest polymorphism was detected for AHTk211, in which 3 alleles were determined, and PIC and HO values were 0.233 and 0.281, respectively. Average FIS had a low negative value, which suggests zero inbreeding of the studied breed. The probability of parentage exclusion estimated for the 18 markers totalled 99.996%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the economic value of using sheepdogs as livestock guardians in southeastern Brazil by implementing a semi-structured interview format divided into four main categories: maintenance costs of sheep production, selling prices of carcasses, annual rate of depredation, and sheepdog acquisition and maintenance costs. According to our results, producers perceive the 'unproductive' costs of sheepdogs similarly to the way they view taxes. However, management using sheepdogs as herd guardians tends to be most profitable for herds above 483 head from the fourth year on, being possibly more stable and predictable over time. In contrast, management without sheepdogs shows stochastic dynamics with occasional, though unpredictable, episodes of sheep depredation. This means that sheep farmers follow a cyclical decision strategy, which basically depends on the purchase price of the sheepdog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical and metabolic variables were evaluated in 13 dogs with border collie collapse (BCC) before, during, and following completion of standardized strenuous exercise protocols. Six dogs participated in a ball-retrieving protocol, and seven dogs participated in a sheep-herding protocol. Findings were compared with 16 normal border collies participating in the same exercise protocols (11 retrieving, five herding). Twelve dogs with BCC developed abnormal mentation and/or an abnormal gait during evaluation. All dogs had post-exercise elevations in rectal temperature, pulse rate, arterial blood pH, PaO2, and lactate, and decreased PaCO2 and bicarbonate, as expected with strenuous exercise, but there were no significant differences between BCC dogs and normal dogs. Electrocardiography demonstrated sinus tachycardia in all dogs following exercise. Needle electromyography was normal, and evaluation of muscle biopsy cryosections using a standard panel of histochemical stains and reactions did not reveal a reason for collapse in 10 dogs with BCC in which these tests were performed. Genetic testing excluded the dynamin-1 related exercise-induced collapse mutation and the V547A malignant hyperthermia mutation as the cause of BCC. Common reasons for exercise intolerance were eliminated. Although a genetic basis is suspected, the cause of collapse in BCC was not determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of IT organizations face considerable challenges in tailoring their test process frameworks, since not every process applies to all types of testing projects in any one test organization. Regardless of whether an organization's testing process is CMM1 compliant, CMMI2 compliant, ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System compliant, or just internally compliant, a single process framework of an organization cannot be applicable for all types of project. After all, some projects are straightforward and have relatively short gestation periods, while others are huge transformation projects that include a high level of uncertainty and painstaking complexity. Within this landscape where project composition, type, and nature are varied and diverse there is a need to define the context of each project. As test process leaders, Test Managers need to drive the definition of project context and implement processes that can be signed off as early as project kick-off and implemented diligently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a nine-year-old spayed female Shetland Sheepdog which was examined due to an oral mass affecting the left maxilla. The dog's radiographic examination shows a normal periodontal ligament space, lack of a periapical lucency, and a pulp cavity. The animal's oral examination reveals buccal aspect of the left maxilla. The article discusses the use of computed tomography imaging in surgical planning.

Theileriosis, caused by tick-borne hematozoan organisms, is a protozoan disease of domestic and wild mammals. The most phylo-molecular explorations of genus Theileria have been globally focused on the livestock and here are few investigations about canine Theileriosis. Twenty three and 52 blood samples were collected from sheepdogs and their owners, respectively, at different geographical foci of Mazandaran province (East, Central, and West regions), Northern Iran. To primary identify, the taken blood samples were fixed, stained, and surveyed by microscopic observation. DNA samples were extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction of 18s rRNA gene. The amplicons were directly sequenced to explore Theileria spp., and their heterogeneity traits. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed definitely the presence of Theileria luwenshuni, Theileria ovis, and Theileria buffeli (13 %) in sheepdog isolates, while no infection was found in dog owners. Consensus positions of T. luwenshuni showed two amino acid substitutions (haplotype diversity; 0.9) in codons 53 and 64 compared to wild type with identity 99.5 % and divergence 0.5-1.1, also one codon substitution (Hd; 0.875) found in T. buffeli with identity 97.6-99.5 % and divergence 0.5-2.5. No novel haplotype was identified in T. ovis isolate. The current results strengthen our understanding about genetic variability, molecular taxonomic status, and epidemiology of canine theileriosis among sheepdogs and their owners in Iran where there is no similar study. As well, it will facilitate the implementation of measures to control theileriosis in the region. Based on our knowledge, the current study presents the first report of T. luwenshuni, T. buffeli, and T. ovis infections in sheepdogs worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the first estimation of polymorphism of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian- Croatian Shepherd dog Tornjak in Bosnia and Herzegovina using 10 microsatellite loci, which are an integral part of StockMarks® for Canine Genotyping Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). Ten microsatellite loci used in this study are appropriate for assessing the genetic diversity of this breed. Measures of genetic diversity were estimated based on allelic and genotypic calculations, observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosities, deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and polymorphism information content (PIC). The lowest genetic diversity was estimated for locus PEZ20, and the highest for PEZ6 locus. Observed and expected mean heterozygosities were 0.7261 and 0.7392, respectively. Statistically significant deviation (p<0.05) from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was found for PEZ1, PEZ12, PEZ3 and PEZ6 loci. The PIC values suggested that all markers (100%) are very informative (PIC > 0.5) in terms of their suitability for genetic diversity studies. When all observed parameters are taken into account (observed and expected heterozygosities, PIC, number of detective and effective alleles, number of detected and maximum possible genotypes, major allele frequency and major allele frequency index), we can conclude that PEZ6 locus shows the highest genetic diversity while PEZ3 displays the lowest. However, assuming values of observed and expected heterozygosities, as well as PIC, we consider loci PEZ20 to be the least diverse, but this locus has more effective alleles and more genotypes present than PEZ3. These preliminary results are the first genetic diversity survey of the Bosnian- Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog Tornjak in Bosnia and Herzegovina and could be useful to the dog breeders in designing and managing breeding strategies. Summarizing the information above, we can conclude that the population of the Bosnian- Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd dog Tornjak from B&H is not affected by substantial loss of genetic diversity. Results of our study indicate presence of reasonably high level of genetic variability and lead to a better understanding of this dog breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog, was selected from a natural population breed in Carpathian Mountains. The aim of this paper was to estimate variance at 12 body measurements using 23 females from Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog breed. The animals were registered with the Romanian Mioritic Association Club from Romania. In order to develop a genetic improvement program at this effective of 23 females from Romanian Sheperd Dog breed, found in evidence of Romanian Mioritic Association Club from Romania, should be considered the following conclusions on variance those 12 characters studied in this paper, respectively, there is a large variance for the height at the middle back, the height at the croup, the height at the base of the tail, the width of the croup, the length of the tail, the depth of the thorax, the thorax perimeter, the height of the elbow and for the height at the withers, the body length and the height at the hocks, the variance is middle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]