Articles tagged with Veterinary Medicine
A survey of 1,369 cat owners found that those on vegan diets tended to report fewer veterinary visits and less medication use compared to those on meat-based diets. While the differences were not statistically significant, these findings support the healthfulness of vegan diets for cats.
A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.
A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.
A new study found that nearly half of dog owners in the US hold negative views about vaccinating their pets, citing safety and efficacy concerns. This hesitancy is linked to public mistrust in human vaccines during the pandemic, posing serious public health implications for both animals and humans.
Despite increased problem behaviors like stranger aggression and training problems, shelter dog owners reported high satisfaction rates of 94% due to improved behavior over time. Owners also noted a decrease in separation-related behaviors as their dogs became more assured of return home.
The Yangtze finless porpoise has evolved a specialized subcutaneous blubber layer that serves as an intelligent thermal coat, regulating body temperature in response to changing water temperatures. The blubber thickness changes with the water temperature, becoming thicker in colder waters and thinner in warmer waters.
A study published in Animal Nutrition found that chlorogenic acid enhances growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and immune function of broilers experiencing immunological stress. The compound regulates gut microbiota, metabolites, and intestinal proteins to achieve these improvements.
Research found that butyrate supplementation inhibited inflammation, enhanced immunity, and activated microbial metabolism in calves fed a high-fiber starter. This promotes a healthier gastrointestinal environment and contributes to improved overall health.
A new method scans moving horses to produce an enhanced saddle-map, highlighting ideal areas for saddle placement to reduce pain and injury. The research identifies the most mobile areas of a horse's back as the least suitable for distributing pressure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.
Researchers found two E. coli strains resistant to colistin and third-generation cephalosporins in dogs and cats in Japan. The study highlights the need for 'One Health' approaches to understand companion animals' role in antimicrobial resistance transmission.
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) display altered brain wave activity during sleep, including reduced slow-wave sleep and increased fast beta waves. This research builds on human studies linking disrupted sleep patterns to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that a father's alcohol consumption before conception can lead to FAS-related craniofacial differences in offspring. The study challenges the existing dogma that only maternal alcohol exposure causes fetal growth defects.
Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.
Researchers at IISc found that grazing by livestock leads to lower carbon storage in soil compared to wild herbivores due to antibiotic use. Re-wilding soils and quarantining animals could help offset the damage.
Researchers developed a horse-specific compression device that accelerates lymphatic flow, providing potential relief from painful swollen limbs. In a pilot study, six healthy thoroughbreds showed significantly accelerated lymphatic flow compared to untreated horses.
A new genetic test can identify dogs at risk of a potentially deadly disorder resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising after surgical procedures. The DEPOHGEN test will allow for preventative treatment by administering antifibrinolytic drugs to dogs with the mutation before surgery.
A predictive model developed by University of Groningen researchers can identify cows at risk of dystocia before insemination. The model, which uses machine learning on a large dataset, suggests that it could roughly halve the risk of calving problems.
Veterinary experts warn that AI algorithms used in radiology and imaging can provide faulty or incomplete diagnoses, posing risks to patient care. The absence of regulatory oversight for veterinary AI products increases concerns over accuracy, transparency, and potential harm.
Steaming hay kills harmful microorganisms, but damages proteins making them less digestible for horses. This can lead to impaired muscle development and nutrient deficiencies, affecting growth and coat health. Horses can be enriched with protein-rich feedstuffs to mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed two tests to assess age-related memory performance and neophobia differences in dogs. The memory test found that older dogs make more mistakes before finding food, while the novel object test revealed an increased tendency to avoid new objects with age.
The new guidelines aim to improve the cat's emotional experience during veterinary visits. They provide practical tips on creating a more reassuring environment, such as minimizing visual stimulation and using synthetic feline pheromones. The guidance also emphasizes the importance of remaining 'cat-focused' during interactions.
A new method of conventional IVF has been successfully developed by Katrin Hinrichs and colleagues, resulting in three healthy foals born to recipient mares. The technique offers a simplified alternative to existing methods like ICSI, which require expensive equipment and training.
A collection of studies examines how horse owners' behaviors affect equine health, including colic recognition, disease treatment, and vaccination. Disseminating this knowledge could lead to improved veterinary care and positive changes in horse welfare.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers has identified distinct genetic patterns among the most prevalent types of canine soft tissue sarcomas, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. The findings suggest that a single treatment approach may not be effective for all subtypes of the tumor.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A recent study found that isolating horses can lead to stress-related immunomodulations, weakening their immune systems. The researchers discovered that single housing caused these changes, regardless of the group composition, highlighting the importance of social interaction for horse health.
A multi-institutional team assessed the diagnostic criteria for canine glioma using the Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium's guidelines. The study found that consensus was achieved for 71 out of 85 cases (84%), with a moderate level of inter-pathologist agreement.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia in geriatric dogs. The study found that as hearing deteriorated, dogs' ability to perform tasks declined significantly. Cognitive scores related to vitality and companionship were also negatively impacted.
A new study successfully introduces healthy photoreceptor cells derived from stem cells into the retinas of dogs, marking significant progress toward a cell-based therapy for blindness. The treatment enables cells to survive and form connections with existing retinal cells, paving the way for a regenerative medicine approach.
MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.
Researchers discovered that nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles damage SARS-CoV-2 viral envelope, protein, and RNA, reducing its infectivity. The particles' reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for this damage, posing a promising alternative disinfection method.
A study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found English Bulldogs are at increased risk of breathing, eye, and skin conditions due to their extreme physical features. The authors advocate for redefining the breed standard towards more moderate characteristics to improve health.
Researchers found that frozen testicular tissue from rats can be reimplanted and produce viable sperm after over 20 years, but with reduced fertility. The study has important implications for treatment of boys with cancer and may provide a method to recover lost fertility.
A new study analyzed 30,563 records of dog deaths in the UK, finding that Jack Russell Terriers have the highest life expectancy at birth (12.72 years), while French Bulldogs have one of the lowest (4.53 years). Neutering also appears to increase life expectancy for dogs.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that shelter dog hair cortisol levels increased by one-third after six weeks in the shelter, indicating elevated stress. After adoption, cortisol levels decreased, returning to pre-shelter values. The results suggest that even well-managed shelters can cause stress in dogs.
A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.
A survey of over 2,500 dog owners found that nutritionally sound vegan diets were associated with better health outcomes for dogs compared to raw or conventional meat diets. The study controlled for various factors and suggested that a well-planned vegan diet may be the healthiest choice for canines.
A 12-year longitudinal study in Israel reveals that controlling stray cat populations requires continuous and intensive neutering of at least 70% of street cats. The study also suggests implementing a policy to control cat food resources, ensuring cats are properly fed before neutering, to mitigate rebound effects.
A study found that less than 5% of dog owners in the US are aware of and follow FDA guidelines for safe pet food and dish handling. The researchers suggest better education and implementation of these guidelines could reduce contamination and improve hygiene practices.
A recent survey found that nearly 27% of horse owners in the US purchase painkillers from non-compliant sources, missing crucial veterinary care. This raises concerns over the safe administration of these drugs, which can have toxic effects on horses and other animals.
Researchers from UBC Okanagan and the University of Exeter found ketamine to have significant anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects in a comprehensive systematic review. The study suggests ketamine may be helpful in treating various disorders, including eating disorders, substance use, and anxiety.
AAVMC awards Dr. Barry T. Rouse with the Excellence in Research Award for his outstanding contributions to viral immunology and immunopathology research. With over $20 million in NIH funding, he has published more than 425 papers and mentored almost 80 post-doctoral fellows.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a domestic cat was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant, but without significant genetic changes. This discovery highlights the virus's ability to infect a wide range of hosts and raises questions about its evolution in different species.
A study of 850 competing dogs found that most injuries were related to obstacle performance, particularly bar jump and tunnel obstacles. Many dogs experienced soft tissue injuries, lameness, and pain, but could recover in a few weeks.
Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.
Lab tests show current anti-COVID pills remain effective against omicron, but available antibody therapies are substantially less effective. Researchers tested various treatments and found that some antibodies have lost their ability to neutralize omicron at realistic dosages.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that flat-faced breeds like Neapolitan mastiffs and English bulldogs are disproportionately affected by the condition. The study suggests that breed-specific characteristics may contribute to the development of cherry eye.
A study from North Carolina State University demonstrates the accuracy of a less invasive technique for monitoring wildlife health using dried blood spots. Researchers found that this method is comparable to traditional techniques, allowing for easier and less stressful data collection from wild populations.
A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that Norwegian Red calf personality is related to feeding behavior and growth, with calves displaying different traits affecting their milk and concentrate intake. Calves weaned based on individual concentrate intake had higher average daily gains postweaning.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.
A study of 118 conservation units in Brazil found that 60% use unsuitable methods to detect deer presence. Visual analysis of droppings, fur, and footprints is a reliable method for most species, but others require DNA testing or camera traps.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
A new study on ACZM diplomates found that female veterinarians in zoological work don't suffer from a gender pay gap, but many feel they must give up having children to succeed. The study also revealed significant differences in perceptions of childbearing's impact on careers between males and females.
A recent study published in Canine Medicine and Genetics found that French Bulldogs have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with 20 common health disorders compared to other breeds. The authors propose breeding towards more moderate characteristics to reduce these risks.
A modelling study estimates nearly a quarter of a million unowned cats in UK urban areas, with higher deprivation and density linked to higher abundance. Socioeconomic factors and human population density were key predictors of unowned cat presence.