Animal assisted interventions (AAI) are widely recognized for their benefits to humans, but what about the welfare and stress experienced by the animals involved? Although interest in this subject is increasing, the existing literature reveals inconsistencies, particularly between physiological indicators and observed behavioral responses. In this survey, which examines the opinions of 52 handlers, we explore the occurrence of acute stress and the potential for burnout in AAI, as well as the associated behavioural patterns. The results indicate that handlers possess skills in recognizing stress, and training should continue to provide tools for stress identification and ways to reduce stressful situations or remove animals from the setting. Acute stress appears to occur most frequently during AAA sessions with children, where unexpected events often trigger stress responses such as changes in posture, heightened alertness, and facial expressions.
{"title":"Stress and burnout in dogs involved in animal assisted interventions: A survey of Italian handlers’ opinion","authors":"Beatrice Chiara Cortesi , Clara Palestrini , Debra Buttram , Silvia Mazzola , Simona Cannas","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animal assisted interventions (AAI) are widely recognized for their benefits to humans, but what about the welfare and stress experienced by the animals involved? Although interest in this subject is increasing, the existing literature reveals inconsistencies, particularly between physiological indicators and observed behavioral responses. In this survey, which examines the opinions of 52 handlers, we explore the occurrence of acute stress and the potential for burnout in AAI, as well as the associated behavioural patterns. The results indicate that handlers possess skills in recognizing stress, and training should continue to provide tools for stress identification and ways to reduce stressful situations or remove animals from the setting. Acute stress appears to occur most frequently during AAA sessions with children, where unexpected events often trigger stress responses such as changes in posture, heightened alertness, and facial expressions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 63-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009
Francisco José Fornari Sousa , Saulo Henrique Weber , Bianca Barbosa , Ruan Rolnei Daros , Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa , Pedro Vicente Michelotto
There is limited research on the profile and care of horses used in equine-assisted services (EAS), as well as the underlying causes of health issues in these animals. An online survey was sent to all 369 equine therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine Therapy between September and December 2022. The survey included questions on the EAS program (10), horse health management (10), and horse demographics (6). A total of 65 centers (17.6%) responded, representing 393 horses (6.0 ± 5.1 per center): 65.4% were castrated males, 32.8% mares, and 1.8% stallions, aged 6.3–22.5 years. The most common breeds were saddle horses (60%), Quarter Horses (31%), draft horses (4%), ponies (3%), and Thoroughbreds (2%). Of the horses, 43% were purchased for EAS, 41% were donated, and 15.4% were rented. Respondents reported moderate to weak correlations between back pain and front (P < 0.01, r = 0.511) and hind limb lameness (P < 0.01, r = 0.411), hoof abscess (P = 0.020, r = 0.256), hoof cracks (P = 0.033, r = 0.229), and mean age (P = 0.014, r = 0.271). A weak negative correlation was observed between back pain and the frequency of odontological care (P = 0.018, r = −0.261). This survey provides initial insights into the health and management of EAS horses in Brazil, identifying key areas for further investigation to improve welfare and practices.
{"title":"Exploring the profile, management, and care of horses in equine-assisted services in Brazil","authors":"Francisco José Fornari Sousa , Saulo Henrique Weber , Bianca Barbosa , Ruan Rolnei Daros , Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa , Pedro Vicente Michelotto","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is limited research on the profile and care of horses used in equine-assisted services (EAS), as well as the underlying causes of health issues in these animals. An online survey was sent to all 369 equine therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine Therapy between September and December 2022. The survey included questions on the EAS program (10), horse health management (10), and horse demographics (6). A total of 65 centers (17.6%) responded, representing 393 horses (6.0 ± 5.1 per center): 65.4% were castrated males, 32.8% mares, and 1.8% stallions, aged 6.3–22.5 years. The most common breeds were saddle horses (60%), Quarter Horses (31%), draft horses (4%), ponies (3%), and Thoroughbreds (2%). Of the horses, 43% were purchased for EAS, 41% were donated, and 15.4% were rented. Respondents reported moderate to weak correlations between back pain and front (P < 0.01, r = 0.511) and hind limb lameness (P < 0.01, r = 0.411), hoof abscess (P = 0.020, r = 0.256), hoof cracks (P = 0.033, r = 0.229), and mean age (P = 0.014, r = 0.271). A weak negative correlation was observed between back pain and the frequency of odontological care (P = 0.018, r = −0.261). This survey provides initial insights into the health and management of EAS horses in Brazil, identifying key areas for further investigation to improve welfare and practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 70-77"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thermal homeostasis is one of the principal indexes of animal welfare; the circadian rhythm of body temperature is well established and its disruption or alteration are signals of stress. The present study investigated the daily rhythm of 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and clock gene Per2 in Capra hircus to improve the knowledge in this field. Camosciata delle Alpi goats (7 female, 2 years old, 67±2 kg, clinically healthy), were housed in a stable under natural environmental conditions. Blood sample collections were performed every 4 h for a 48-h period. Serum concentrations of T3, T4, UCP1, and clock gene Per2 were determined. Before the blood sample collection rectal temperature was recorded at all data points. Two-way for repeated measure analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of time of day on all studied parameters. T3, T4, Per2, and rectal temperature showed a robust daily rhythm. The acrophases observed in the investigated parameters were statistically different. In particular, T3 acrophase was observed between 20:15 and 21:45; T4 acrophase was between 02:41 and 03:35; Per 2 acrophase was between 7:18 and 08:11; RT acrophase was between 17:45 and 19:55. Per2 expression was correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels, and the rectal temperature values were correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels and Per2 In conclusion, in goats housed in boxes, the rectal temperature daily rhythm was linked to the daily rhythm of thyroid hormones and Per2 clock gene expression in the peripheral blood. In goats not subjected to thermal stress UCP1 did not show a daily fluctuation.
{"title":"Rectal temperature in Capra hircus, involvement of the daily rhythm of thyroid hormones, uncoupling protein 1 and clock gene Per2","authors":"Claudia Giannetto , Francesca Arfuso , Elisabetta Giudice , Annalisa Guercio , Vincenza Cannella , Laura Perillo , Stella Agradi , Giuseppe Piccione","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermal homeostasis is one of the principal indexes of animal welfare; the circadian rhythm of body temperature is well established and its disruption or alteration are signals of stress. The present study investigated the daily rhythm of 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), and clock gene <em>Per2</em> in <em>Capra hircus</em> to improve the knowledge in this field. Camosciata delle Alpi goats (7 female, 2 years old, 67±2 kg, clinically healthy), were housed in a stable under natural environmental conditions. Blood sample collections were performed every 4 h for a 48-h period. Serum concentrations of T3, T4, UCP1, and clock gene <em>Per2</em> were determined. Before the blood sample collection rectal temperature was recorded at all data points. Two-way for repeated measure analysis of variance showed a statistically significant effect of time of day on all studied parameters. T3, T4, <em>Per2,</em> and rectal temperature showed a robust daily rhythm. The acrophases observed in the investigated parameters were statistically different. In particular, T3 acrophase was observed between 20:15 and 21:45; T4 acrophase was between 02:41 and 03:35; <em>Per</em> 2 acrophase was between 7:18 and 08:11; RT acrophase was between 17:45 and 19:55. <em>Per2</em> expression was correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels, and the rectal temperature values were correlated with T3 and T4 serum levels and <em>Per2</em> In conclusion, in goats housed in boxes, the rectal temperature daily rhythm was linked to the daily rhythm of thyroid hormones and <em>Per2</em> clock gene expression in the peripheral blood. In goats not subjected to thermal stress UCP1 did not show a daily fluctuation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 57-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001
Maíra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank , Maria João Ramos Pereira , Stela Maris de Jezus Castro , Kevin Gomes , Flávia Pereira Tirelli
Domestic cats (Felis catus) living indoors need a series of resources that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a similar way to how they would in the wild environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the routine of many people and their pets, which can affect the environment and well-being of domestic cats and generate changes in their behavior and Body Condition Score (BCS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown and social interaction between cats and their owners on the environment, behavior, BCS and welfare of domestic cats and compare these variables in three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (pre-pandemic - confinement - post-confinement). To this end, a questionnaire was developed for cat caregivers and information was collected from 1064 cats, following the pandemic, of which 873 met the selection criteria and were included in the analyses. Three scores were used to assess the cats' environment, behavior and body condition (the Environment Score, Behavior Score and Body Condition Score [BCS]), the first two of which were developed during this study. As expected, the cats' environment varied between the three periods, indicating an improvement in the Environmental Score over time. We also found variations in the Behavioral Score, which was higher in the period before the pandemic when compared to the following two periods, indicating an increase in the frequency of some behavioral problems, such as restlessness. We observed a reduction in overweighted cats (BCS 4 or 5) associated to free access to the outdoors and more physical activities. During confinement, cats spent more time with their owners, which was the main change in routine observed in our study. However, cats that spent more time alone had lower Environmental Score. We also observed an increase in the cats’ BCS (number of overweight cats) during and after confinement, as well as an increase in attention-seeking behavior. In summary, we found variations in the environment, routine and some behaviors exhibited by cats, as well as in their BCS, when comparing the three periods. Our study adds new insights into how changes in routine and the increased presence of caregivers can affect the environment, behavior and body condition of cats, and shows how a population of cats responded to these changes arising from the three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
{"title":"Before, during and after the pandemic: Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the welfare, behavior and body condition of domestic cats (Felis catus)","authors":"Maíra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank , Maria João Ramos Pereira , Stela Maris de Jezus Castro , Kevin Gomes , Flávia Pereira Tirelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) living indoors need a series of resources that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a similar way to how they would in the wild environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the routine of many people and their pets, which can affect the environment and well-being of domestic cats and generate changes in their behavior and Body Condition Score (BCS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown and social interaction between cats and their owners on the environment, behavior, BCS and welfare of domestic cats and compare these variables in three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (pre-pandemic - confinement - post-confinement). To this end, a questionnaire was developed for cat caregivers and information was collected from 1064 cats, following the pandemic, of which 873 met the selection criteria and were included in the analyses. Three scores were used to assess the cats' environment, behavior and body condition (the Environment Score, Behavior Score and Body Condition Score [BCS]), the first two of which were developed during this study. As expected, the cats' environment varied between the three periods, indicating an improvement in the Environmental Score over time. We also found variations in the Behavioral Score, which was higher in the period before the pandemic when compared to the following two periods, indicating an increase in the frequency of some behavioral problems, such as restlessness. We observed a reduction in overweighted cats (BCS 4 or 5) associated to free access to the outdoors and more physical activities. During confinement, cats spent more time with their owners, which was the main change in routine observed in our study. However, cats that spent more time alone had lower Environmental Score. We also observed an increase in the cats’ BCS (number of overweight cats) during and after confinement, as well as an increase in attention-seeking behavior. In summary, we found variations in the environment, routine and some behaviors exhibited by cats, as well as in their BCS, when comparing the three periods. Our study adds new insights into how changes in routine and the increased presence of caregivers can affect the environment, behavior and body condition of cats, and shows how a population of cats responded to these changes arising from the three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 45-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a lower urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of our study was to detect potential associations between behavioral parameters and recurrence rates in cats diagnosed with FIC. Our main hypothesis was that anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. For this retrospective study, we recruited cats diagnosed with FIC who presented to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) from March 2019 to February 2022. Cats with concurrent systemic diseases or with any other condition that could explain the urinary signs were excluded. Cat owners were sent an online survey to collect data on their cat’s behavioral parameters, potential recurrences, and whether they complied or not with provided environmental recommendations. Thirty-three surveys from 23 neutered male and 10 spayed female feline patients were received and analyzed. We found a significant association between fear of unfamiliar people and recurrence of FIC: 94% of cats who had recurrences were reported by their owners to show fear of strangers had recurrences compared to 59% of cats in the single episode group (P=0.04). Cats with reported fearful behavior in the presence of familiar people also tended to be overrepresented in the group with recurrences (P=0.08). Factors that did not differ between the two groups include displaying aggression towards humans and other animals, being a victim of aggression, displaying urine marking, owner compliance with the prescribed environmental modifications (P>0.05). Identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed.
{"title":"Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline \"idiopathic\" cystitis","authors":"Marianne Caudron , Pascale Laroche , Isabelle Bazin , Marion Desmarchelier","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a lower urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of our study was to detect potential associations between behavioral parameters and recurrence rates in cats diagnosed with FIC. Our main hypothesis was that anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. For this retrospective study, we recruited cats diagnosed with FIC who presented to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) from March 2019 to February 2022. Cats with concurrent systemic diseases or with any other condition that could explain the urinary signs were excluded. Cat owners were sent an online survey to collect data on their cat’s behavioral parameters, potential recurrences, and whether they complied or not with provided environmental recommendations. Thirty-three surveys from 23 neutered male and 10 spayed female feline patients were received and analyzed. We found a significant association between fear of unfamiliar people and recurrence of FIC: 94% of cats who had recurrences were reported by their owners to show fear of strangers had recurrences compared to 59% of cats in the single episode group (P=0.04). Cats with reported fearful behavior in the presence of familiar people also tended to be overrepresented in the group with recurrences (P=0.08). Factors that did not differ between the two groups include displaying aggression towards humans and other animals, being a victim of aggression, displaying urine marking, owner compliance with the prescribed environmental modifications (P>0.05). Identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 90-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011
Anne Dorthe Nygaard Sødal Tygesen , Björn Forkman , Peer Berg
The aim of this study is to describe personality traits in eight dog breeds using the Behaviour and Personality Description in Dogs (BPH) test, and subsequently to assess their heritability. The study population comprises 7425 individual dogs across eight different breeds. Factor analysis was used to identify five fundamental behavioral traits: 1) Playful behavior; 2) Flight and distancing behavior; 3) Sociality; 4) Socially threatening and fearful behavior; 5) Submissive behavior. The genetic analysis used the five identified phenotypic behavioral traits and the pedigree data recorded in the Swedish Kennel Club’s database for each of the eight breeds. Complete pedigree information was available for between 1514 and 8916 individuals. A mixed linear model was used to calculate the heritability estimates of the traits for each of the breeds. The research explores breed differences, revealing unique profiles for each breed while emphasising substantial within-breed variability. Behavioral genetics analysis indicates low to intermediate heritabilities, suggesting a genetic influence on these traits. In addition, the study highlights the effect of environmental factors—particularly test day—on canine behavior. There was a general lack of pattern in heritability estimates within each of the breed groups and when considering the breeds individually. High heritability values were found for factors 2 and 3 (Flight/distancing behavior and Sociality) in some breeds, but factor 3 was also associated with some of the lowest values. The most consistent trait was factor 2 (Flight and distancing behavior), hence it has the highest average estimate. Heritability can offer useful insights into the breeding potential for desired traits, such as sociability, playfulness and reduced aggression in animals. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of canine behavior, offering valuable implications for breeding practices, training and understanding the diverse behavioral landscapes within and between dog breeds.
{"title":"Behavioral genetic analysis on dogs","authors":"Anne Dorthe Nygaard Sødal Tygesen , Björn Forkman , Peer Berg","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study is to describe personality traits in eight dog breeds using the Behaviour and Personality Description in Dogs (BPH) test, and subsequently to assess their heritability. The study population comprises 7425 individual dogs across eight different breeds. Factor analysis was used to identify five fundamental behavioral traits: 1) Playful behavior; 2) Flight and distancing behavior; 3) Sociality; 4) Socially threatening and fearful behavior; 5) Submissive behavior. The genetic analysis used the five identified phenotypic behavioral traits and the pedigree data recorded in the Swedish Kennel Club’s database for each of the eight breeds. Complete pedigree information was available for between 1514 and 8916 individuals. A mixed linear model was used to calculate the heritability estimates of the traits for each of the breeds. The research explores breed differences, revealing unique profiles for each breed while emphasising substantial within-breed variability. Behavioral genetics analysis indicates low to intermediate heritabilities, suggesting a genetic influence on these traits. In addition, the study highlights the effect of environmental factors—particularly test day—on canine behavior. There was a general lack of pattern in heritability estimates within each of the breed groups and when considering the breeds individually. High heritability values were found for factors 2 and 3 (Flight/distancing behavior and Sociality) in some breeds, but factor 3 was also associated with some of the lowest values. The most consistent trait was factor 2 (Flight and distancing behavior), hence it has the highest average <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> estimate. Heritability can offer useful insights into the breeding potential for desired traits, such as sociability, playfulness and reduced aggression in animals. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of canine behavior, offering valuable implications for breeding practices, training and understanding the diverse behavioral landscapes within and between dog breeds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Steady worldwide growth in commercial treats production and sale shows the importance of pets, such as dogs, in human life and the great attention of owners to the health of their pets. The owners buy such goods not only for their nutritional value but also to strengthen their bond and interest with pets. Regarding the importance of treats in pet dogs’ health, and on the other hand, its relationship with some diseases such as obesity, the frequency of treat consumption and related factors were evaluated for the first time in Iran in this cross-sectional study. To that end, data were randomly collected from 659 dog owners in 7 cities of Iran, including Ahvaz, Tehran, Karaj, Sari, Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Urmia, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS software version 22, and the relationship between treat consumption and independent variables was determined using the Chi-square test and logistic regression. The relative frequency percentage of information about treats and the frequency of treat consumption were 92% and 88%, respectively. Treat consumption in multivariate logistic regression also had a significant relationship with the dog owner's education (P≤0.05), breed (P≤0.001), lengths of dog ownership (P≤0.05), dog’s weight control (P≤0.01), and the dog’s BCS (P≤0.01). Although knowledge of the treat’s components, such as protein, fat, and sugar, was acceptable to dog owners, there was little knowledge of the possibility of microbial and fungal contamination in the treats. Nearly half of the owners were unaware of the relationship between treats and diseases, especially obesity, digestive, and endocrine problems in dogs; this case highlights the importance of veterinarians as a reliable source of information for dog owners in Iran. It is clear that increasing the owner's knowledge about treats has led to a change in attitude and practice, and accordingly, can affect the dog's health and the owner’s comfort.
Data availability
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
{"title":"Perceptions, behaviours, and practices of dog owners for giving treats: A cross sectional investigation","authors":"Leila Tabrizian , Mahdi Pourmahdi Borujeni , Reza Avizeh , Mohammad Reza Zalaki Ghorbanipour , Majid Zakerian , Ali Karamian , Reza Azargoun","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Steady worldwide growth in commercial treats production and sale shows the importance of pets, such as dogs, in human life and the great attention of owners to the health of their pets. The owners buy such goods not only for their nutritional value but also to strengthen their bond and interest with pets. Regarding the importance of treats in pet dogs’ health, and on the other hand, its relationship with some diseases such as obesity, the frequency of treat consumption and related factors were evaluated for the first time in Iran in this cross-sectional study. To that end, data were randomly collected from 659 dog owners in 7 cities of Iran, including Ahvaz, Tehran, Karaj, Sari, Mashhad, Kermanshah, and Urmia, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS software version 22, and the relationship between treat consumption and independent variables was determined using the Chi-square test and logistic regression. The relative frequency percentage of information about treats and the frequency of treat consumption were 92% and 88%, respectively. Treat consumption in multivariate logistic regression also had a significant relationship with the dog owner's education (P≤0.05), breed (P≤0.001), lengths of dog ownership (P≤0.05), dog’s weight control (P≤0.01), and the dog’s BCS (P≤0.01). Although knowledge of the treat’s components, such as protein, fat, and sugar, was acceptable to dog owners, there was little knowledge of the possibility of microbial and fungal contamination in the treats. Nearly half of the owners were unaware of the relationship between treats and diseases, especially obesity, digestive, and endocrine problems in dogs; this case highlights the importance of veterinarians as a reliable source of information for dog owners in Iran. It is clear that increasing the owner's knowledge about treats has led to a change in attitude and practice, and accordingly, can affect the dog's health and the owner’s comfort.</div></div><div><h3>Data availability</h3><div>The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143292794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.001
Greta V. Berteselli , Simona Cannas , Francesca Cozzi
A 16-month-old, 20-kg intact female Australian shepherd dog was presented to a behavioral consultation for anxiety and aggression-related disorders. Physical examination and blood tests showed no health problems. A tailored behavioral and pharmacological treatment plan was initiated, which included clomipramine and behavioral modifications. However, after three weeks of treatment, the dog's clinical condition worsened, with increased anxiety, reluctance to move, and the emergence of oral ritualized, repetitive behaviors. This prompted a neurological examination, which revealed that the dog was lethargic, difficult to approach, disoriented, and blind. Based on these findings, a neurodegenerative disorder was suspected. Genetic testing subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL6), a hereditary storage disorder known to occur in this breed. NCL6 is a storage disease comprised in a group of inherited, progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulation of autofluorescent ceroid lipopigments in neurons and other cell types, including those in the retina. After few weeks the diagnosis, the dog was euthanized due to the rapid progression of the disease. Behavioral changes such as anxiety and aggression, particularly when followed by the onset of prosencephalic neurological signs, should prompt a neurological evaluation and, when available, genetic testing.
{"title":"Anxiety and aggressive behavior as initial presentation of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in an Australian Shepherd dog: A case report","authors":"Greta V. Berteselli , Simona Cannas , Francesca Cozzi","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 16-month-old, 20-kg intact female Australian shepherd dog was presented to a behavioral consultation for anxiety and aggression-related disorders. Physical examination and blood tests showed no health problems. A tailored behavioral and pharmacological treatment plan was initiated, which included clomipramine and behavioral modifications. However, after three weeks of treatment, the dog's clinical condition worsened, with increased anxiety, reluctance to move, and the emergence of oral ritualized, repetitive behaviors. This prompted a neurological examination, which revealed that the dog was lethargic, difficult to approach, disoriented, and blind. Based on these findings, a neurodegenerative disorder was suspected. Genetic testing subsequently confirmed a diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL6), a hereditary storage disorder known to occur in this breed. NCL6 is a storage disease comprised in a group of inherited, progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulation of autofluorescent ceroid lipopigments in neurons and other cell types, including those in the retina. After few weeks the diagnosis, the dog was euthanized due to the rapid progression of the disease. Behavioral changes such as anxiety and aggression, particularly when followed by the onset of prosencephalic neurological signs, should prompt a neurological evaluation and, when available, genetic testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 31-35"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.002
Natasha Duncan-Sutherland , Mareta Hunt , Michael Shepherd , Bridget Kool
We explored the views of caregivers regarding the value of dogs and the effects of caregiver views on children in private and public spaces in New Zealand.
This was an observational study utilizing a national anonymized online survey and focus groups in Auckland and Kaikohe to explore caregiver perceptions of the value of dogs within whānau (families) or the community, experiences of dog-related harm in the context of children, and the perceived importance of education as a prevention strategy. Quantitative and qualitative data were sought, using a general inductive approach.
256 caregivers responded to the online survey, and 12 caregivers participated in focus groups. Dogs were highly valued by Māori and non-Māori, predominantly as part of family. 233 dog-related incidents were described, occurring in both public and private settings, with both bite and non-bite harm from being charged at, knocked over, jumped on or attacked, as often significantly intimidating or traumatic experiences for children and their caregivers. Key themes were the emotional effect of an attack, the perception that children could avoid harm through education, blame placed on children, minimization of the trauma a dog can cause, and owner underestimation of risk.
This study revealed a broader picture of how children are physically and emotionally affected by dogs in both private and public spaces, indicating the need for proactive approaches in both. Dogs may become activated to attack due to their nature and unpredictable tendencies in response to children’s natural movements, and future strategies may need to include a focus on owner-perception of risk to children in addition to creating child-safe environments and addressing systemic issues, rather than relying on child or dog behavior to prevent harm. The finding of high value people have for dogs is important to understand as this may be a barrier to implementation of evidence-based strategies.
{"title":"Caregiver perspectives on the value of dogs and their effects on children in private and public spaces","authors":"Natasha Duncan-Sutherland , Mareta Hunt , Michael Shepherd , Bridget Kool","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We explored the views of caregivers regarding the value of dogs and the effects of caregiver views on children in private and public spaces in New Zealand.</div><div>This was an observational study utilizing a national anonymized online survey and focus groups in Auckland and Kaikohe to explore caregiver perceptions of the value of dogs within whānau (families) or the community, experiences of dog-related harm in the context of children, and the perceived importance of education as a prevention strategy. Quantitative and qualitative data were sought, using a general inductive approach.</div><div>256 caregivers responded to the online survey, and 12 caregivers participated in focus groups. Dogs were highly valued by Māori and non-Māori, predominantly as part of family. 233 dog-related incidents were described, occurring in both public and private settings, with both bite and non-bite harm from being charged at, knocked over, jumped on or attacked, as often significantly intimidating or traumatic experiences for children and their caregivers. Key themes were the emotional effect of an attack, the perception that children could avoid harm through education, blame placed on children, minimization of the trauma a dog can cause, and owner underestimation of risk.</div><div>This study revealed a broader picture of how children are physically and emotionally affected by dogs in both private and public spaces, indicating the need for proactive approaches in both. Dogs may become activated to attack due to their nature and unpredictable tendencies in response to children’s natural movements, and future strategies may need to include a focus on owner-perception of risk to children in addition to creating child-safe environments and addressing systemic issues, rather than relying on child or dog behavior to prevent harm. The finding of high value people have for dogs is important to understand as this may be a barrier to implementation of evidence-based strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 36-44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.004
Terezia Balusikova , Luis Mate de Haro , Beatriz Moreno Aguado , Nadia Shihab
This case report describes the behavioral presentation of Lafora disease (LD), an inherited, progressive myoclonic epilepsy, in a middle-aged female beagle. The initial presentation, progression, diagnostics, and disease management challenges are described. The initial fears relayed by the caregiver pertained to the behavioral changes and cognitive impairment, eclipsing any concern relating to the clinical hallmark of LD, the myoclonic seizure. Lafora disease should, therefore, be considered a potential differential diagnosis in patients with sudden behavioral changes such as phobic and fearful behaviors, anxious behaviors, hallucinations, photosensitivity, and noise sensitivity, especially in overrepresented breeds. This report highlights the potential for variation in the clinical manifestation of this neurodegenerative disorder and emphasises the need for an interdisciplinary approach throughout the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring process.
{"title":"Behavioral changes as a presentation of Lafora disease in a beagle","authors":"Terezia Balusikova , Luis Mate de Haro , Beatriz Moreno Aguado , Nadia Shihab","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case report describes the behavioral presentation of Lafora disease (LD), an inherited, progressive myoclonic epilepsy, in a middle-aged female beagle. The initial presentation, progression, diagnostics, and disease management challenges are described. The initial fears relayed by the caregiver pertained to the behavioral changes and cognitive impairment, eclipsing any concern relating to the clinical hallmark of LD, the myoclonic seizure. Lafora disease should, therefore, be considered a potential differential diagnosis in patients with sudden behavioral changes such as phobic and fearful behaviors, anxious behaviors, hallucinations, photosensitivity, and noise sensitivity, especially in overrepresented breeds. This report highlights the potential for variation in the clinical manifestation of this neurodegenerative disorder and emphasises the need for an interdisciplinary approach throughout the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring process.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 12-18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143292793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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