RESUMO

This study aimed to investigate trends and concerns related to the commercialization of dogs in Brazil. The authors analyzed 1,500 ads for the sale of Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua, and German Spitz breeds using the methodology of hedonic price analysis. Marginal and relative values of attributes were calculated for puppy sex, coat, age, pedigree, vaccination and deworming, seller type and region, using ordinary least squares. The most valued attributes for each breed were identified as selling by kennels, pedigree, and coat color. The results suggest that this market niche is willing to pay for guarantees of better dog breeding, which represents an opportunity for the development of certification labels for origin and good practices for kennels. Such labels could become an effective strategy to ensure greater transparency and better welfare standards in the Brazilian dog market. This study also provides valuable insights for the development of guidelines and public policies aimed at improving animal welfare and reducing information asymmetry in the pet market.

RESUMO

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is one of the commonest orthopaedic diseases in small dog breeds. Although the bone deformities associated with canine medial patellar luxation are described in numerous studies, the pathogenesis of the condition is still disputable. What is more, there is no categorical evidence that luxation of the patella is associated to a shallow trochlear groove as no objective method for determination of trochlear depth and shape has been proposed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the depth and shape of femoral trochlear groove on radiographs obtained from healthy dogs and dogs affected with grade II and grade III MPL. A total of 45 dogs (33 with MPL and 12 healthy) from 4 small breeds (Mini-Pinscher, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier) were included in the study. After deep sedation, stifle radiographs were obtained in tangential projection (skyline view). The dogs were positioned in ventral recumbency, the examined stifle bent as much as possible, and the central beam focused on the patella between femoral condyles. Six morphometric parameters associated with the onset of trochlear dysplasia similar to those used in human medicine were measured: trochlear sulcus angle (SA), lateral and medial trochlear inclination angles (LTI; MTI), trochlear groove depth (TD), patellar thickness (PaT) and the ratio between trochlear depth and patellar thickness (PaT/TD). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used for evaluation of differences between healthy joints and those affected with grade II and III MPL. The association between measured variables was evaluated via the Spearman's rank-order correlation. TD was greater in healthy joints as compared to those affected with MPL grade II and III (P < 0.001). In healthy stifles, PaT value exceeded significantly (P < 0.01) that in joints with grade III MPL. The TD/PaT ratio was significantly greater in healthy joints vs both those with grade II (P < 0.01) and grade III MPL (P < 0.001). In healthy joints, there was a significant negative relationship (rho­0.508; P = 0.0113) between SA and TD: smaller sulcus angles corresponded to deeper trochleas. This correlation was even stronger in joints with patellar luxation (rho ­0.723; P < 0.0001). The LTI and MTI showed a very strong positive correlation in healthy joints (rho 0.854; P < 0.0001) and at the same time, lack of significant association in joints affected with MPL (rho -0.163; P = 0.327 for grade II MPL and rho 0.175; P = 0.448 for grade III MPL) was demonstrated. The altered trochlear shape and depth were more pronounced in joints with grade III MPL. As MPL grade increased, the SA became statistically significantly greater. In grade III MPL it was accompanied with considerably reduced trochlear depth, medial trochlear inclination angle and trochlear depth/patellar thickness ratio. Five of the measured morphometric parameters for radiographic detection of trochlear dysplasia in dogs were found to be important in the evaluation of trochlear morphology in dogs. The obtained results indicated the presence of trochlear dysplasia in dogs with MPL. A 3-stage classification system for assessment of abnormal trochlear development in small dog breeds: mild; moderate and severe trochlear dysplasia, was proposed. The occurrence of shallow trochlear groove and medial femoral condyle's hypoplasia could be accepted as signs of mild and moderate trochlear dysplasia. The pre-operative measurements of these parameters could improve surgical planning and decisions-making.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Dogs have undergone an intensive artificial selection process ever since the beginning of their relationship with humans. As a consequence, a wide variety of well-defined breeds exist today. Due to the enormous variation in dog phenotypes and the unlikely chance of gene exchange between them, the question arises as to whether they should still be regarded as a single species or, perhaps, they be considered as different taxa that possess different reproductive traits. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize some male reproductive traits, focusing on kinematic characteristics of dog spermatozoa from several breeds. Thirty-seven dogs from the following breeds were used: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Valencian Rat Hunting Dog, British Bulldog and Chihuahua. Semen samples were obtained via manual stimulation and diluted to a final sperm concentration of 50 million/ml, and they were subsequently analysed by the computer assisted semen analysis (CASA-Mot) ISAS® v1 system. Eight kinematic parameters were evaluated automatically. All parameters showed significant different values among breeds and among individuals within each breed. The fastest sperm cells were those of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and the slowest were recorded in Chihuahuas. The intra-male coefficient of variation (CV) was higher than the inter-male CV for all breeds with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier showing the lowest values. When taking into consideration the cells by animal and breed, discriminant analyses showed a high capability to predict the breed. Cluster analyses showed a hierarchical classification very close to that obtained after phylogenetic studies with genome markers. In conclusion, future workers on dog spermatozoa should bear in mind major differences between breeds and realize that results cannot be extrapolated from one to another. Because sperm characteristics are associated with breed diversity, dogs may represent a good model to examine changes in reproductive parameters associated with selection processes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to determine the differences among four dog breeds as to food selectivity, choice agreement, and the number scores that best evaluate the degree of food choice agreement. For that, 115 food preference tests were analyzed. In each of those tests, 20 dogs were used (eight Beagles, four Labradors, four Siberian Huskies, and four Basset Hounds), in two evaluation days. The medians of intake difference between two diets were calculated for days one, two, and for both days to determine if there were selectivity difference among breeds. A randomized block experimental design was applied, and medians were submitted to the test of Friedmann. Food choice agreement and the degree of agreement among breeds were evaluated by the kappa index, using two different scales. Basset Hounds were the most selective when two different foods were offered, whereas Labradors were the least selective. When performing food preference tests, Siberian Huskies and Basset Hounds are recommended; however, they must be used individually to prevent that the results of one breed could neutralize those of the other breed. The use of a scale of food preference with three scores is recommended in order to obtain results that are more reliable.

Objetivando averiguar possíveis diferenças entre quatro raças de cães para concisão na escolha, concordância na preferência alimentar e número de escalas que melhor avalia a intensidade de concordância, foram avaliados 115 testes de preferência alimentar. Para cada teste foram usados 20 cães (oito Beagles, quatro Labradores, quatro Huskys Siberiano, e quatro Basset Hound) em dois dias de avaliação. Foram calculadas as medianas da diferença de consumo entre as duas rações no dia um, dois e no período total, para averiguar diferenças entre raças para concisão na escolha. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso e as medianas calculadas foram submetidas ao Teste de Friedmann. A análise de concordância e intensidade de concordância para preferência alimentar entre cada raça foi avaliada pelo Índice Kappa, por meio de duas escalas. Cães da raça Basset Hound foram os mais concisos na seleção quando na presença de mais de um alimento, enquanto Labradores foram os menos seletivos. Para delineamento de ensaios de preferência alimentar é indicado combinar as raças Husky Siberiano e Basset Hound, porém em testes separados, para evitar que uma anule a outra. Para aferição dos resultados é aconselhada a utilização de três escalas, a fim de se obter resultados mais confiáveis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to determine the differences among four dog breeds as to food selectivity, choice agreement, and the number scores that best evaluate the degree of food choice agreement. For that, 115 food preference tests were analyzed. In each of those tests, 20 dogs were used (eight Beagles, four Labradors, four Siberian Huskies, and four Basset Hounds), in two evaluation days. The medians of intake difference between two diets were calculated for days one, two, and for both days to determine if there were selectivity difference among breeds. A randomized block experimental design was applied, and medians were submitted to the test of Friedmann. Food choice agreement and the degree of agreement among breeds were evaluated by the kappa index, using two different scales. Basset Hounds were the most selective when two different foods were offered, whereas Labradors were the least selective. When performing food preference tests, Siberian Huskies and Basset Hounds are recommended; however, they must be used individually to prevent that the results of one breed could neutralize those of the other breed. The use of a scale of food preference with three scores is recommended in order to obtain results that are more reliable.(AU)

Objetivando averiguar possíveis diferenças entre quatro raças de cães para concisão na escolha, concordância na preferência alimentar e número de escalas que melhor avalia a intensidade de concordância, foram avaliados 115 testes de preferência alimentar. Para cada teste foram usados 20 cães (oito Beagles, quatro Labradores, quatro Huskys Siberiano, e quatro Basset Hound) em dois dias de avaliação. Foram calculadas as medianas da diferença de consumo entre as duas rações no dia um, dois e no período total, para averiguar diferenças entre raças para concisão na escolha. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso e as medianas calculadas foram submetidas ao Teste de Friedmann. A análise de concordância e intensidade de concordância para preferência alimentar entre cada raça foi avaliada pelo Índice Kappa, por meio de duas escalas. Cães da raça Basset Hound foram os mais concisos na seleção quando na presença de mais de um alimento, enquanto Labradores foram os menos seletivos. Para delineamento de ensaios de preferência alimentar é indicado combinar as raças Husky Siberiano e Basset Hound, porém em testes separados, para evitar que uma anule a outra. Para aferição dos resultados é aconselhada a utilização de três escalas, a fim de se obter resultados mais confiáveis.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study aimed to determine the differences among four dog breeds as to food selectivity, choice agreement, and the number scores that best evaluate the degree of food choice agreement. For that, 115 food preference tests were analyzed. In each of those tests, 20 dogs were used (eight Beagles, four Labradors, four Siberian Huskies, and four Basset Hounds), in two evaluation days. The medians of intake difference between two diets were calculated for days one, two, and for both days to determine if there were selectivity difference among breeds. A randomized block experimental design was applied, and medians were submitted to the test of Friedmann. Food choice agreement and the degree of agreement among breeds were evaluated by the kappa index, using two different scales. Basset Hounds were the most selective when two different foods were offered, whereas Labradors were the least selective. When performing food preference tests, Siberian Huskies and Basset Hounds are recommended; however, they must be used individually to prevent that the results of one breed could neutralize those of the other breed. The use of a scale of food preference with three scores is recommended in order to obtain results that are more reliable.

Objetivando averiguar possíveis diferenças entre quatro raças de cães para concisão na escolha, concordância na preferência alimentar e número de escalas que melhor avalia a intensidade de concordância, foram avaliados 115 testes de preferência alimentar. Para cada teste foram usados 20 cães (oito Beagles, quatro Labradores, quatro Huskys Siberiano, e quatro Basset Hound) em dois dias de avaliação. Foram calculadas as medianas da diferença de consumo entre as duas rações no dia um, dois e no período total, para averiguar diferenças entre raças para concisão na escolha. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso e as medianas calculadas foram submetidas ao Teste de Friedmann. A análise de concordância e intensidade de concordância para preferência alimentar entre cada raça foi avaliada pelo Índice Kappa, por meio de duas escalas. Cães da raça Basset Hound foram os mais concisos na seleção quando na presença de mais de um alimento, enquanto Labradores foram os menos seletivos. Para delineamento de ensaios de preferência alimentar é indicado combinar as raças Husky Siberiano e Basset Hound, porém em testes separados, para evitar que uma anule a outra. Para aferição dos resultados é aconselhada a utilização de três escalas, a fim de se obter resultados mais confiáveis.

RESUMO

This study aimed to determine the differences among four dog breeds as to food selectivity, choice agreement, and the number scores that best evaluate the degree of food choice agreement. For that, 115 food preference tests were analyzed. In each of those tests, 20 dogs were used (eight Beagles, four Labradors, four Siberian Huskies, and four Basset Hounds), in two evaluation days. The medians of intake difference between two diets were calculated for days one, two, and for both days to determine if there were selectivity difference among breeds. A randomized block experimental design was applied, and medians were submitted to the test of Friedmann. Food choice agreement and the degree of agreement among breeds were evaluated by the kappa index, using two different scales. Basset Hounds were the most selective when two different foods were offered, whereas Labradors were the least selective. When performing food preference tests, Siberian Huskies and Basset Hounds are recommended; however, they must be used individually to prevent that the results of one breed could neutralize those of the other breed. The use of a scale of food preference with three scores is recommended in order to obtain results that are more reliable.

Objetivando averiguar possíveis diferenças entre quatro raças de cães para concisão na escolha, concordância na preferência alimentar e número de escalas que melhor avalia a intensidade de concordância, foram avaliados 115 testes de preferência alimentar. Para cada teste foram usados 20 cães (oito Beagles, quatro Labradores, quatro Huskys Siberiano, e quatro Basset Hound) em dois dias de avaliação. Foram calculadas as medianas da diferença de consumo entre as duas rações no dia um, dois e no período total, para averiguar diferenças entre raças para concisão na escolha. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso e as medianas calculadas foram submetidas ao Teste de Friedmann. A análise de concordância e intensidade de concordância para preferência alimentar entre cada raça foi avaliada pelo Índice Kappa, por meio de duas escalas. Cães da raça Basset Hound foram os mais concisos na seleção quando na presença de mais de um alimento, enquanto Labradores foram os menos seletivos. Para delineamento de ensaios de preferência alimentar é indicado combinar as raças Husky Siberiano e Basset Hound, porém em testes separados, para evitar que uma anule a outra. Para aferição dos resultados é aconselhada a utilização de três escalas, a fim de se obter resultados mais confiáveis.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Canine RBCs are expected to have high sodium and low potassium (LK) concentrations. However, some dogs have a low sodium and high potassium (HK) phenotype due to a Na-K pump in the mature RBC membrane. Awareness of this particularity avoids misinterpretation of hyperkalemia in affected dogs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the CBCs, serum biochemistry profiles, urinalysis data, and electrocardiography data in HK and LK Akita dogs. METHODS: In this study, the intra-RBC potassium (KRBC) was measured in 48 healthy adult Akita dogs. The HK group included dogs with KRBC concentration at least 5-fold that of plasma, while the LK dogs served as controls. RESULTS: The HK phenotype was determined in 10 dogs (21%). With the exception of higher plasma potassium concentrations in the HK group compared with LK controls (6.6 mmol/L vs 4.4 mmol/L, P < .001), there were no other differences in serum biochemistry variables. In hematology, mean HGB concentration (13.5 vs 15.9, P < .001), PCV (42.9 vs 46.7, P = .009), RBC (6.1 vs 7.4, P < .001), and MCHC (31.3 vs 34.0, P < .001) were significantly lower in the HK group, while MCV (70.0 vs 63.4, P < .001) was higher compared with the LK controls. There were no significant differences in urinalysis or electrocardiography data between groups. CONCLUSIONS: HK Akita dogs showed significant differences in several hematologic variables, as well as higher plasma potassium concentration. Therefore, the HK phenotype should be considered in the interpretation of these variables in this breed.

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RESUMO

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) is a negative regulator of growth hormone signaling. The deletion of SOCS2 in mice results in a 30-50% increase in post-natal growth. In an effort to identify polymorphisms in the SOCS2 gene that may be associated with body size in dogs, we characterized the canine SOCS2 gene and analyzed its genetic diversity among small and large dog breeds. The study was carried out on a total of 520 dogs from 66 different breeds. Dogs were classified as large or small based on height and weight as determined by their respective American Kennel Club breed standards. The SH2 and SOCS domains of the canine SOCS2 gene were sequenced in 32 dogs from different breeds. Only one non-synonymous sequence variant (DQ415457:g.326G>T) was detected which corresponds to an amino acid change (Asp127Tyr). All samples were genotyped by PCR/RFLP and the allele frequencies were determined for each dog breed. The T allele was distributed primarily among European large dog breeds with a gene frequency ranging from 0.72 to 0.04. The nature of the nucleotide change and the effect on the protein together with the finding of a QTL related to body size in the same CFA15 region by other researchers suggest canine SOCS2 as a potential candidate gene for body size in dogs. Future studies will be needed to clarify the role of the 326G>T polymorphism and its interaction with genes like growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1

Assuntos