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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]

Corns are a common cause of lameness in sighthounds. Treatments have included medical management, hulling and surgical excision. The present study investigated the use of superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy, at the level of the metacarpus/metatarsus, and combined superficial and deep digital flexor (S+DDF) tenotomy, at the level of the first phalanx (P1), as treatments. The study involved a total of 100 sighthounds with a total of 161 corns. At presentation, 27 dogs had multiple corns. Fourteen dogs developed further corns during the study period. Both treatments proved to be effective. By 8-weeks post-operatively, 97% of dogs had no or mild lameness (both tenotomy groups considered together). Corns subsequently exfoliated in 95% of dogs. SDF tenotomy was always selected if there were other major digital defects and subsequently became the treatment of choice. Major complications were uncommon. Hyperextension of P1/P2 was occasionally seen with S+DDF tenotomy. Corn recurrence occasionally occurred with both surgeries, due to tendon reconnection. Consequently, the authors’ currently recommended treatment is SDF tendonectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tazi is a Turkish sighthound breed that has not yet been officially recognized by the world canine organization - Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Research and analysis of morphometric parameters are required in order to write an official breed standard and recognize this breed. Previous research on this sighthound breed has shown only average values of individual morphological parameters and differences in them depending on gender, age or place of origin. However, the premise of this research is that there are several different varieties of Tazi, depending on the proportions of the body. Measurement results of 19 morphometric parameters showed that there are statistically significant differences between three sub-populations of Tazi, one with a format index greater than 100, the other with a format index less than 100 and third with a format index equal to 100. Such results are significant for setting the official breed standard in which the proportions of the body characteristic of this breed should be emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces readers to the status of sighthounds in Spain, the abuse they endure at the hands of humans, and the work being carried out to help them by Galgos Del Sol, a local rescue with international partners. This paper is not based on empirical data or on scientific methods; it is, however, sourced directly from the experiences of an established Spanish sighthound rescue organisation, and affords the reader a unique and informed insight into this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bald thigh syndrome is a common hair loss disorder in sighthounds. Numerous possible causes, including environmental conditions, trauma, stress, endocrinopathies and genetic components have been proposed, but only endocrinopathies have been ruled out scientifically. The overall goal of our study was to identify the cause of bald thigh syndrome and the pathological changes associated with it. We approached this aim by comparing skin biopsies and hair shafts of affected and control dogs microscopically as well as by applying high-throughput technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. While the histology is rather unspecific in most cases, trichogram analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed severe structural abnormalities in hair shafts of affected dogs. This finding is supported by the results of the transcriptomic and proteomic profiling where genes and proteins important for differentiation of the inner root sheath and the assembly of a proper hair shaft were downregulated. Transcriptome profiling revealed a downregulation of genes encoding 23 hair shaft keratins and 51 keratin associated proteins, as well as desmosomal cadherins and several actors of the BMP signaling pathway which is important for hair shaft differentiation. The lower expression of keratin 71 and desmocollin 2 on the mRNA level in skin biopsies corresponded with a decreased protein expression in the hair shafts of affected dogs. The genetic analysis revealed a missense variant in the IGFBP5 gene homozygous in all available Greyhounds and other sighthounds. Further research is required to clarify whether the IGFBP5 variant represents a predisposing genetic risk factor. We conclude from our results that structural defects in the hair shafts are the cause for this well-known disease and these defects are associated with a downregulation of genes and proteins essential for hair shaft formation. Our data add important knowledge to further understand the molecular mechanisms of HF morphogenesis and alopecia in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) shows a high intraspecific morphological diversity in its facial shape with a less well-known effect of different snout length types on the intranasal structures, i.e. the turbinal skeleton. Sighthounds are supposed to have a less developed sense of smell in favor of their visual abilities. It has been proposed that within the small space of a sighthound's slender snout the turbinals are less in number and reduced. In a recent ethological study the English greyhound failed at an odor-discrimination task. To test this hypothesis we performed a morphological and morphometric analysis of the turbinal skeleton in the borzoi as a member of the sighthound group based on high resolution computed tomography. For comparison we included saluki, German shepherd and Eurasian wolf in our study; borzoi and German shepherd are represented by different ontogenetic stages. Histological serial sections of a prenatal whippet were investigated to confirm identification of single turbinals. In order to elucidate the proportions and complexity of the turbinal skeleton we applied a new morphometric approach. Our results clearly show no significant difference in the number of turbinals in all investigated specimens but an unexpected high number of interturbinals in the sighthounds in comparison to the German shepherd and the wolf, a large surface area and a high surface density and turbinal complexity. Consequently, the turbinal morphology of the borzoi and most probably the sighthound group in general clearly shows no skeletal evidence for a reduced olfactory sense. Thus, our study demonstrates that the bony turbinals alone cannot provide a proxy for olfactory abilities in dogs. The epithelium, the olfactory receptors with their corresponding genes, the brain, and the ethology need to be considered as well when analyzing a species' olfactory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dog sports competitions have greatly expanded. The availability of reference values for each type of activity could help assess fitness accurately. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL) and rectal temperature (RT) are relevant physiological parameters to determine the dogs response to effort. Previous studies in greyhounds have reported the effect of high-intensity exercise on many physiological parameters immediately after completing different racing distances and recovery times. However, there are no studies concerning physiological changes over shorter racing distances. We therefore assessed the effect of sprint exercise on HR, BL and RT in nine greyhounds performing sprint exercise over a 100-m distance chasing a lure. After the exercise, dogs underwent a passive 10-min recovery phase. Before the exercise, immediately after it and at 5 and 10 min during recovery, HR and RT were assessed and blood samples were collected for BL determination. HR, BL and RT values increased significantly after the exercise (P<0.01). Whereas HR returned to pre-exercise values at 10 min during the recovery phase (P>0.1), BL concentration and RT remained increased (P<0.01). The abrupt increase in HR, BL and RT values observed immediately after the exercise indicates the high intensity of the effort performed. Similarly, BL concentration after the exercise exceeded the 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, suggesting a predominant anaerobic metabolism during effort. Although HR returned to pre-exercise values 10 min after the exercise, a more extensive recovery phase would be necessary for a total return to resting values, particularly for BL and RT. In greyhounds subjected to high-intensity exercise, HR, BL and RT were reliable physiological parameters to accurately assess the physiological response to effort. The use of sprint exercises over short racing distances could be useful for appropriately monitoring fitness in sporting dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Galgo is a member of the sighthound family and is one of the most popular breeds in Spain. Several sighthound breeds have laboratory values that are outside the reference intervals established for the general population of dogs. Serum protein electrophoresis has not been studied in Galgos and they are often interpreted as if they were Greyhounds. However, recent studies suggest that each sighthound breed presents its own specific laboratory features, and the extrapolation of the information described in Greyhounds to other sighthound breeds could lead to misdiagnoses. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to evaluate the results of serum protein electrophoresis in healthy Galgos and compare them with a control group of age- and gender-matched dogs of other breeds and (2) to determine if serum protein electrophoresis profiles in Galgos are similar to those previously reported in Greyhounds. Serum protein electrophoresis using agarose gel was measured in 30 healthy Galgos and 22 age- and gender-matched control dogs of other breeds to assess any differences. Galgos had higher albumin, β-globulins and albumin to globulin ratio and lower total globulins, α2-globulins and γ-globulins, than those in the control group. These data confirm that Galgos have breed-specific features in serum protein electrophoresis and that those values previously described in Greyhounds should not be extrapolated to Galgos. The knowledge of these breed-specific differences will help avoid misdiagnoses when interpreting serum protein electrophoresis in Galgos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chippiparai dog, a unique medium-sized, sight-hound breed seen in south India, is studied to assess the distribution and breed characteristics. The breeding tract of this dog is Tirunelveli district of southern Tamil Nadu. The trademark features are fawn coat, black nostrils, black eyes, broad chest and tucked up abdomen. The overall means of body length, head length, muzzle length, tail length, height at withers, height at rump, chest girth, belly girth, ear length and ear width in adults were 60.90 ± 1.34, 21 ± 0.39, 9.56 ± 0.17, 40.28 ± 0.77, 59.56 ± 1.30, 59.84 ± 1.38, 60.36 ± 1.36, 39.30 ± 0.75, 10.92 ± 0.23 and 8.10 ± 0.18 cm respectively. Sex had significant effect (P< 0.05) on body length, and highly significant effect (P< 0.01) on height at withers and chest girth. This study shows that Chippiparai dog breed is a medium-sized indigenous sight hound dog of Tamil Nadu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the haematological and biochemical profiles of eight sighthound breeds. Design Samples were taken from 192 individuals of the sighthound breeds ( Whippet, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Sloughi, Saluki, Borzoi, Pharaoh Hound and Azawakh). Routine haematological and biochemical examinations were performed and the results were evaluated statistically. Results There were significant differences in haematology and clinical biochemistry among the sighthound breeds. The most similar laboratory profile to Greyhounds was found in Whippets. Italian Greyhounds had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase activity than other sighthounds, except Pharaoh Hounds. Conclusion Application of the Greyhound laboratory profile to other sighthounds is not recommended because of the frequent differences in haematological and clinical biochemical reference intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using microbiological criteria (the number of CFU in nose prints on agar medium), it has been shown that the proportion of individuals with a high CFU count is significantly higher among brown hares caught by sighthounds or exposed to immobilization stress than among shot hares. A hypothesis is proposed that metabolites of the body surface microflora in animals exposed to long-term stress account for their specific stress odor. Observations on wild hare coursing with the use of GPS tracking (1-s update rate) provide evidence that hunting success is not directly dependent on the absolute and relative coursing speeds, the number of sighthounds, and the distance, duration, and number of coursing episodes. An analysis has been performed of stress odor as a universal criterion allowing the predator to estimate the vulnerability of potential prey. Selective elimination of unhealthy (stressed) individuals by predators is a mechanism of natural selection for increased adaptation of populations and species to the effects of a broad spectrum of environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the development of Greyhounds as racing sighthounds, these dogs have acquired unique physiologic adaptations that distinguish them from other breeds. Reference intervals for many analytes in retired racing Greyhounds ( RRGs) differ from those of other breeds; most of the hematologic differences have also been described in other sighthounds. In this review, we provide a survey of the literature on clinical pathology of Greyhounds and other sighthounds and results of laboratory testing, including analysis of CBCs, biochemical profiles, coagulation tests, and blood gases, in RRGs at The Ohio State University. Major clinicopathologic differences in this breed include higher RBC mass, creatinine concentration, glomerular filtration rate, activities of hepatic enzymes, and concentration of cardiac troponin, as well as lower WBC, neutrophil, and platelet counts, thromboelastographic values, and concentrations of serum haptoglobin, total globulins, and T4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Grey eosinophils ( GE) reported to occur in Greyhounds, and occasionally in other breeds, have clear granules, probably due to abnormal staining properties. Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of GE in Greyhounds and 2 other sighthound breeds, and to assess the capacity of the ADVIA 120 and Sysmex XT-2000i V hematology analyzers to correctly identify GE. Methods Blood samples from 20 Greyhounds, 29 Italian Greyhounds, and 24 Whippets were analyzed using the ADVIA and Sysmex hematology analyzers, and blood smears stained with May- Grünwald Giemsa were evaluated microscopically. The frequency of samples with GE detected on smears was recorded for each breed. Manual and automated eosinophil counts were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Agreement between methods was assessed using Passing- Bablok and Bland- Altman plots. Results GE were detected in all 3 breeds: 9/20 Greyhounds (45.0%), 10/29 Italian Greyhounds (34.5%), and 5/24 Whippets (62.5%) with no significant differences in the frequency of GE among the breeds. In samples containing GE, both analyzers underestimated the percentage of eosinophils and occasionally eosinophils were not detected at all. When a novel ' GE gate' was used, the percentage of eosinophils reported by the Sysmex was similar to that obtained by manual counting. Conclusions GE are found in the blood of sighthounds other than Greyhounds. Hematology analyzers may underestimate the percentage of GE, probably due to their abnormal physical or chemical features. Underestimation is slight and usually clinically insignificant, but occasionally eosinophils are completely misclassified. Using the Sysmex analyzer, a GE gate can be designed to normalize the eosinophil count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective-To assess use of serum thyroid hormone concentrations by veterinarians to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and to evaluate serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis. Design-Retrospective case series and cross-sectional study. Animals-398 sighthounds of various breeds with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and 283 healthy Salukis. Procedures-Pretreatment thyroid hormone assay results from sighthounds subsequently classified as hypothyroid by practitioners were retrieved from a laboratory database. In healthy Salukis, serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free T4, total triiodothyronine (T3), freeT3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones were assayed. Results-Records indicated hypothyroidism had been diagnosed in 303 (76.1%) sighthounds on the basis of low serum thyroid hormone concentrations alone and in 30 (7.5%) others despite all thyroid hormone indices being within reference limits. Only 65 116.3%) dogs had a high TSH concentration or positive thyroglobulin autoantibody result to support the diagnosis. In healthy Salukis, median (reference limits) serum concentrations of total T4, free T4, total T3, free T3, and TSH were 13.0 nmol/L (2.8 to 40.0 nmol/L), 12.0 pmol/L (2.0 to 30.3 pmol/L), 1.0 nmol/L (0.4 to 2.1 nmol/L), 4.0 pmol/L (1.6 to 77 pmol/L), and 0.18 ng/mL (0 to 0.86 ng/mL), respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Diagnosis of hypothyroidism by practitioners was most often made without adequate supportive laboratory evidence. Thyroid hormone values in healthy Salukis differed markedly from standard reference limits for some, but not all, thyroid hormone indices. Breed-specific reference limits should be used when interpreting thyroid hormone profiles of sighthounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disorder characterized by left ventricular dilatation and impaired systolic contraction. Irish wolfhounds (IW) and other large breed dogs are most commonly disposed to DCM. We analyzed the titin-cap (TCAP, telethonin) gene as candidate for DCM. Genomic DNA was analyzed in eight DCM affected and five DCM-free IWs. cDNA was sequenced in one DCM-affected IW and two unaffected dogs, one Tibetan terrier and one Dachshund. Compared to the Boxer reference sequence, one sequence difference was identified in the 3'UTR and two in the intron sequence. In the IWs the sequences were monomorphic. In order to rule out a breed-specific haplotype that predisposes to DCM, the polymorphisms were genotyped in 24 Elo dogs, a breed mix established from nine different breeds. The analysis showed that the mutations were not restricted to IW. Moreover, 80% of the Elos were homozygous for the IW haplotype. We conclude that TCAP can most likely be eliminated as cause for DCM in IWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of amikacin administered i.v., to Greyhound and Beagle dogs and determine amikacin pharmacokinetics administered subcutaneously to Greyhounds. Amikacin was administered i.v. at 10 mg/kg to six healthy Greyhounds and six healthy Beagles. The Greyhounds also received amikacin, 10 mg/kg s.c. Plasma was sampled at predetermined time points and amikacin concentrations determined by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The volume of distribution was significantly smaller in Greyhounds (mean = 176.5 mL/kg) compared to Beagles (234.0 mL/kg). The C0 and AUC were significantly larger in Greyhounds (86.03 μg/mL and 79.97 h·μg/mL) compared to Beagles (69.97 μg/mL and 50.04 h·μg/mL). The plasma clearance was significantly lower in Greyhounds (2.08 mL/min/kg) compared to Beagles (3.33 mL/min/kg). The fraction of the dose absorbed after s.c. administration to Greyhounds was 0.91, the mean absorption time was 0.87 h, and the mean maximum plasma concentration was 27.40 μg/mL at 0.64 h. Significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of amikacin in Greyhounds indicate it should be administered at a lower dose compared to Beagles. The dose in Greyhounds to achieve a Cmax: AUC ≥ 8 for bacteria (with an MIC ≤ 4 μg/mL) is 12 mg/kg q24 h compared to 22 mg/kg q24 in Beagles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on Saluki, an ancient breed of coursing hound. Description of Saluki according to the Arabs; Representation of the hound; View of the Muslims on Saluki.

Context Greyhounds have many haematological and serum biochemical parameters that differ from those in other breeds of dog. Blood gases and acid-base balance during exercise have been of special interest in racing greyhounds. These parameters have also been studied in healthy retired racing greyhounds (RRGs), confirming several breed-specific peculiarities; clinicopathological peculiarities have been reported in other sighthound breeds as well. The galgo Español (Spanish greyhound) is classified in the sighthound group; the authors hypothesise that blood gas parameters in galgos will also be different from those in other breeds of dog. The aim of this study was to compare venous blood gas parameters in a group of galgos with those in a group of mixed-breed dogs. Main conclusion Healthy galgos have different blood gas parameters from those of other dog breeds. Clinicians should be aware of these breed-related peculiarities. Approach and results Venous whole blood samples from 20 galgos and 17 mixedbreed dogs were collected and analysed immediately after collection using a point-of-care blood gas analyser. The P50 value was calculated from direct measurements in order to assess the affinity of haemoglobin (Hb) for oxygen. The blood gas parameters in the galgos and mixed-breed dogs were compared statistically using a t test or Mann-Whitney test, depending on the distribution of the data. Significance was accepted at P<0.05. The 17 parameters measured showed statistically significant differences between groups. Galgos had a higher bicarbonate concentration (P<0.0001), pCO2 (P=0.0002) and total carbon dioxide (P=0.0002) than the mixed-breed dogs, and a higher total Hb content (tHb, P<0.0001) and oxygen content (P=0.0005). In contrast, the galgos had lower blood pH (P=0.0386), chloride concentration (P=0.0123) and P50 (P=0.0013) than the mixed-breed group. Interpretation The most relevant results were the higher pCO2 and tHb. High Hb and oxygen capacity are consistent with previous reports in RRGs. The P50, which was lower in RRGs than in non-greyhound breeds, was also lower in the galgos; thus, this feature seems to be specific to the sighthound class. High-affinity Hb has always been thought to be counterproductive for exercise (because oxygen remains bound to the Hb molecule for longer and is not easily released to tissues); however, recent studies on blood substitutes demonstrate that low P50 Hb targets oxygen to hypoxic tissue. Significance of findings Blood gas, acid-base and electrolyte analyses are commonly used in veterinary clinical practice. The knowledge of breed/class-related peculiarities is essential in order to establish adequate and individualised therapies in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in dogs especially in sighthounds, which is the ancestral group of the greyhounds. It mentions that the diagnosis of hypothyroidism requires the presence of clinical signs that resolve with appropriate therapy. It suggests that hypothyroidism is diagnosed in sighthounds based on low concentrations of serum thyroid hormone. Moreover, the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) differentiates euthyroid sick syndrome from true hypothyroidism.

• Behaviour experts reported whether predatory behaviour can be prevented in greyhounds. • Whether PB can be prevented depends on the individual dog. • There are currently no reliable predictors of which dogs can be rehabilitated. • Environmental management is believed to be the most effective way to prevent PB. • Dogs may still be rehome-able even if they have previously engaged in PB. Greyhounds retired from the racing industry, or who are deemed unsuitable for racing, can make good companion animals. However, some greyhounds have a strong predilection towards predatory behaviour (PB), a motor pattern associated with the catching and consuming of prey. This tendency can negatively impact whether the dog is deemed suitable for adoption. Very few published studies have examined whether it is possible to prevent PB in dogs with this tendency, and those published studies made use of aversive techniques which are counter to the aims of many greyhound adoption programs (GAPs). The aim of this study was to measure dog behaviour experts' opinions about the nature of PB, factors affecting its expression, and whether it can be prevented using a variety of different training and management methods. In an online survey (N = 84 respondents) and follow-up interviews (N = 12), experts generally agreed that PB is self-rewarding and unrelated to aggression of any kind, but some indicated that it could be related to play. Participants also reported that early socialisation towards small animals, and being rewarded for not chasing small animals as a young puppy, had the strongest influence on preventing PB expression in adult dogs. When asked whether it is possible to prevent PB in dogs with a history of engaging in it, experts who used only positive, reward-based techniques were typically (but not exclusively) more pessimistic about preventing PB than experts who incorporate both aversive and reward-based methods into their training practices. In line with existing recommendations for preventing PB, experts indicated that effectively managing a dog's environment such that it never has an opportunity to engage in PB is the best way to prevent the behaviour. Contrary to expectations, experts reported that many adoptive owners would be willing and able to manage their dog's environment in this way. They argued that PB tendency should therefore not rule out the possibility of adoption, provided that the new owners are educated about the risks of PB and that regular maintenance checks occur to ensure that dogs continue to be appropriately managed. These results could provide guidance for GAPs looking to increase the number of greyhounds that are adopted as pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts on veterinary medicine topics which include the criteria used to diagnose serum thyroid hormone in Salukis and hypothyroidism in sighthounds, the impact of general anesthesia on plasma colloid oncotic pressure in dogs, and the therapeutic use of leflunomide for immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs.

The article presents abstracts related to veterinary medicine which include the international approach to atmospheric disease dispersion modelling, the use of thyroid hormone analysis in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism in sighthounds and the mortality of dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease.