Considering the various health problems associated with obesity in dogs, including renal diseases, joint disorders, and skin diseases, effective management strategies and guidelines are urgently needed. This situation has led to a growing demand for veterinary medications aimed at addressing obesity in dogs. However, the field faces a significant hurdle due to the absence of standardized guidelines for assessing the effectiveness of these anti-obesity medications in dogs. In response to this gap, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) in Korea has made a crucial step by introducing clinical trial guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of treatments for canine obesity, specifically aimed at approving veterinary medicinal products. The guidelines outlined the selection criteria for target dogs, highlighting the importance of consistency within the control and treated groups. Treatment efficacy is subsequently evaluated by physical examination, body fat reduction, and biochemical indicators. In addition, the guidelines cover dosage and administration, monitoring after dosing, and statistical analysis. By doing so, this guideline not only highlights the significance of the APQA’s initiative in improving the care of obese dogs but also provides practical insights to enhance the standardization and effectiveness of clinical trials in veterinary medicine.

Visiting animal hospitals can induce significant stress in dogs, potentially adversely affecting their long-term health and behavior. This study systematically analyzed stress responses in dogs during veterinary visits and identified effective mitigation strategies through a comprehensive literature review. We selected using the keywords ‘animal hospital’, ‘veterinary examination’, ‘stress’, ‘handling’, ‘low stress’ and ‘dog’ from the PubMed database, during June 1 to July 31, 2024. A total of 19 studies were included and analyzed. An analysis of the literature showed that the presence of an owner played an important role in alleviating stress levels in dogs. Moreover, the owner's active participation in the inspection process was associated with a significant reduction in the stress response, especially during routine procedures that can cause anxiety. In addition, the implementation of low-stress processing techniques is recommended in order to minimize unnecessary stress, and these tools promote a more positive experience for the dog during the veterinary visit. Thus, the administration of pharmacological interventions such as trazodone and gabapentin prior to veterinary visits was shown to effectively reduce anxiety and stress, contributing to a more favorable overall experience for the animals. The results suggested that the importance of owner involvement, the systematic application of low-stress handling techniques, and careful use of pharmacological agents. Through this study, we believe that veterinary practices can develop a positive relationship with the clinical environment, which can ultimately improve health outcomes and increase well-being for canine patients.

This study investigates the effects of a sulfur spa product on the skin and hair health of dogs. With the rise in environmental pollution and health threats to pet dogs, interest in natural, non-irritating skin care products for dogs has grown. The study involved 15 Maltese dogs divided into three groups: a control group only shampooed, a water group soaked in tap water post-shampoo, and a sulfur group soaked in sulfur-infused tap water post-shampoo. Measurements of skin moisture, oil, skin barrier, and pH were taken from the dogs' back and abdomen after 60 minutes of treatment over six weeks. Additionally, skin condition and hair cuticles were analyzed using microscopes. Results showed that the sulfur group had significantly higher skin moisture levels in both the back and abdomen compared to the control and water groups. While there was no significant change in skin oil levels and skin barrier, the sulfur group had the lowest skin barrier, indicating a potential reduction in trans-epidermal water loss due to the detoxified sulfur. The pH levels were within the alkaline range typical for dog skin, averaging between 5.7 and 6.5. Visual observations revealed a reduction in dead skin cells and improvements in skin cleanliness. Analysis of hair cuticles showed that sulfur positively impacts hair smoothness and elasticity.

Background: As the number of households raising companion dogs increases, the pet genetic analysis market also continues to grow. However, most studies have focused on specific purposes or native breeds. This study aimed to collect genomic data through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip analysis of companion dogs in South Korea and perform genetic diversity analysis and SNP annotation. Methods: We collected samples from 95 dogs belonging to 26 breeds, including mixed breeds, in South Korea. The SNP genotypes were obtained for each sample using an Axiom™ Canine HD Array. Quality control (QC) was performed to enhance the accuracy of the analysis. A genetic diversity analysis was performed for each SNP. Results: QC initially selected SNPs, and after excluding non-diverse ones, 621,672 SNPs were identified. Genetic diversity analysis revealed minor allele frequencies, polymorphism information content, expected heterozygosity, and observed heterozygosity values of 0.220, 0.244, 0.301, and 0.261, respectively. The SNP annotation indicated that most variations had an uncertain or minimal impact on gene function. However, approximately 16,000 non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) have been found to significantly alter gene function or affect exons by changing translated amino acids. Conclusions: This study obtained data on SNP genetic diversity and functional SNPs in companion dogs raised in South Korea. The results suggest that establishing an SNP set for individual identification could enable a gene-based registration system. Furthermore, identifying and researching nsSNPs related to behavior and diseases could improve dog care and prevent abandonment.

Three different dogs who had immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) were treated for more than two weeks with blood transfusion in an animal clinic. Despite this treatment and hospitalization, there was no clinical improvement in clinical signs as well as complete blood cell count (CBC) including hematocrit (HCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP). All cases were then injected two or three times with allogeneic stem cells through an intravenous route for treatment. Upon administrating stem cells to the IMHA dogs, clinical conditions and the indexes of HCT and CRP were clinically improved within or close to normal ranges.

In this study, we evaluated wound healing following the use of 3% topical povidone ointment in dogs with minor wounds and evaluated it as a new wound treatment applicable to veterinary medicine. Twenty-six dogs that had suffered minor wounds such as abrasions, punctures, and incised wound within 8 hours were recruited, and all treatments were performed with the consent of their owners. Vitality, behavioral symptoms, and dermal symptoms due to wounds were evaluated between the povidone ointment group (n=18) and the control group (chlorhexidine group, n=8). As a result of evaluating changes in vitality and behavior, the povidone ointment group showed improvement to 1.94 (±2.53), 0.61 (±1.34), and 0.39 (±1.24) while the chlorhexidine group showed improvement to 2.00 (±1.6), 0.87 (±0.99), and 0.86 (±0.99) on days 0, 3, and 7 respectively, showing similar improvement in symptoms between the two groups (p>0.05). When observing wound symptoms, most of the swelling and inflammation improved within 3 days. The averages for the chlorhexidine group on days 0, 3, and 7 were 4.88 (±2.85), 2.88 (±2.64), and 2.38 (±2.39), and for the povidone ointment group, 5.55 (±3.22), 3.83 (±3.07), and 1.38 (±1.61), respectively. The wound healing effect of the povidone ointment group was similar to that of the chlorhexidine group (p>0.05). Through this study, we believe that topical povidone ointment can be applied to various wounds by replacing chlorhexidine.

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) refers to a condition wherein the normal functioning of the brain is impaired, resulting in either temporary or permanent damage. The causes of CVD include both hemorrhagic and ischemic events. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) refers to a condition that occurs acutely. A CVA typically involves a sudden blockage of blood supply to the brain or the rupture of blood vessels, causing damage to brain tissue. This results in impairment of crucial brain functions and can manifest in various neurological signs. This study investigated characteristics of the signalment, clinical symptoms, lesion locations, and prevalence of CVA diagnosed using a 3.0T MRI in dogs. The breeds included 5 Maltese and one each of Poodle, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Shih-tzu, and Yorkshire terrier. There was one neutered male, five intact males, two spayed females, and two intact females. The median age and weight were 7.5 years and 3.39 kg, respectively. Clinical signs included gait abnormality in five dogs, and four dogs exhibited seizures. Additionally, there were cases of head tilt or turn (n=3) and nystagmus (n=1). The most frequently affected region was the cerebrum (n=7), followed by the cerebellum (n=3), brainstem (n=2), and thalamus (n=1). Three cases exhibited multiple lesions among these regions. In this study using a 3.0T MRI scanner, the prevalence rate was 4.39%, which was higher than that reported in previous studies.

Canine hyperadrenocorticism, a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol production. Notably, hypercoagulability leading to pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) poses a substantial concern. PTE may be underestimated because of the rapid dissolution of canine thrombi postmortem. However, traditional coagulation assays face challenges in early detection of hypercoagulability. Therefore, this study explored the use of thromboelastography (TEG) as a diagnostic tool for identifying hypercoagulability in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. A total of 31 dogs visited the Gyeongsang Animal Medical Center between 2018 and 2022, comprising 21 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and 10 controls who underwent clinical and coagulation analyses. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed using a low-dose dexamethasone stimulation test or adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation test, and conventional laboratory parameters and coagulation parameters, such as the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastic time, fibrinogen, and TEG results, were compared between the groups. Clinical data revealed significantly elevated monocyte, platelet, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, which were attributed to excess cortisol secretion (p<0.05). TEG analysis demonstrated significantly decreased K values and increased α and MA values in hyperadrenocorticism dogs (p<0.05), indicating a shortened clotting time and enhanced clot strength, suggestive of hypercoagulability. TEG effectively highlights hypercoagulability in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and provides valuable insights in predicting blood clot formation. Although predicting clot formation in dogs remains complex owing to multifactorial influences, this study underscores the potential utility of TEG in enhancing such predictions for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.

본 연구는 과체중과 정상체중의 비글견 사이에서 미네랄 소화율의 차이를 평가하기 위해 수행되었다. 중성화 된 건강한 비글견 11마리(47.7개월령 ±0.14)의 Body condition score (BCS)를 기준으로 Normal BCS 그룹(BCS≤5, n=5)과 High BCS 그룹(BCS ≥6, n=6)의 두 그룹에 배치하였다. 시험사료는 반려견의 영양소 요구량을 충족하도록 제조하여 개체 별 에너지요구량에 맞춰 일일 2회에 나누어 14일 동안 급여하였다. 미네랄의 외관상 전장 소화율은 0.5% 산화크롬(Cr2O3)을 이용한 지시제법을 이용하여 평가되었다. 사료와 분변 내 Macro 미네랄(K, Mg, P, Na, Ca)과 Micro 미네랄(Se, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn)의 함량은 유도결합플라즈마 분광광도계를 이용하여 분석하였다. 체중과 BCS는 Normal BCS 그룹 보다 High BCS 그룹이 유의하게 높았으며(p<0.01), 시험기간 동안 두 그룹 내 각각의 체중과 BCS는 통계적으로 유의한 변화는 관찰되지 않았다(p>0.05). 미네랄 소화율을 평가한 결과, Macro 미네랄 중에서는 마그네슘, 인, 칼슘의 소화율이 High BCS 그룹에서 높은 경향으로 관찰되었으며(p<0.1), Micro 미네랄 중에서는 High BCS 그룹에서 망간의 소화율이 유의하게 높았고(p<0.05), 셀레늄과 아연의 소화율은 높은 경향(p<0.1)을 나타내었다. 또한, 통계적인 유의성과 관계없이 분석한 모든 미네랄 지표에서 High BCS 그룹이 Normal BCS 그룹보다 높은 소화율의 결과를 보여 주었다. 본 연구의 결과는 비글견에서 과체중 또는 비만이 미네랄 소화율의 변화를 유도할 잠재적 가능성을 보여주었다.

Glutamine has been used to treat canine patients with parvoviral enteritis. However, little is known about the effect of L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Ala-Gln) supplementation in dogs with parvoviral enteritis. The objective of this study was to determine whether Ala-Gln supplementation can improve dog survival and ameliorate clinical signs without adverse effects. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 39 client-owned dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned to two groups and administered either an Ala-Gln solution (Dipeptiven, 0.4 g/kg, n = 20) or an equivalent volume of placebo (n = 19) orally twice daily. Of the 39 dogs, 17 were vaccinated (n = 9 in the Ala-Gln-treated group and n – 9 in the placebo group). All dogs received standard treatment while hospitalized. The dogs were monitored according to a clinical scoring system and evaluated diagnostically daily for 11 days. Survival rates in both groups were quantified using Kaplan‒Meier survival curves and statistically compared using the log-rank test. The total score for clinical signs did not differ between the groups, except on day 2. The survival rates differed significantly (p=0.038). Three Ala-Gln-treated dogs (15.0%) died during the study, whereas eight dogs in the placebo group died (42.1%). No adverse effects were found to be associated with Ala-Gln treatment. Oral administration of Ala-Gln improves survival in dogs with parvoviral enteritis without causing adverse effects.

본 연구는 개가 나타내는 공격 행동 원인을 살펴보고, 이로부터 피해를 예방하는 대처 방안을 살펴보는데 목적을 가지고 있다. 이를 위해 2010년부터 2023년까지 국내·외 연구 및 출판 도서 24편을 바탕으로 개의 공격 행동의 원인이 되는 내적·외적·심리적 요인과 대처방안을 제시하기 위해 문헌고찰을 수행하였다. 연구 결과 첫째, 개의 영양상태와 심 리적 안정을 포함한 내인적 요인이 공격 행동에 영향을 미치는 요인임이 나타났다. 둘째, 견주의 책임감 있는 양육태도와 질병 및 스트레스로부터의 보호, 적절한 훈련과 사회화 과정이 필요함을 확인하였다. 셋째, 개에 대한 이해와 적절한 접근에 대한 인식 통해 공격 행동으로 인한 사고를 예방할 수 있음을 확인하였다. 나아가 개의 이해와 견주의 역할, 지역사회와 시스템 차원의 접근을 통해 근본적인 대책을 수립할 수 있다. 본 연구는 개의 공격 행동의 원인과 대처방안에 대한 후속 연구의 기초자료를 제공하고, 실효성 있는 정 책의 방향 제안에 근거를 제공하였다는 점에서 의의를 가진다.

This study aims to develop a multi-functional cage for dogs as a house to reduce their anxiety when they go out using cages. This study investigates the types and characteristics of cages and cage preference by surveying men and women in their 20s who use them. The cage product reviews are also analyzed. The research results are as follows: First, domestic dog cages are classified into crate, shoulder, cross (sling bag), backpack, carrier, and stroller types. The crate type is easy to clean and can be used as a house, but it is bulky and therefore inconvenient to carry when using public transportation. The shoulder type is a fabric material with good air permeability but has the disadvantage of being easily soiled. It can be used as a house and is light weight, making it convenient when using public transportation. Second, as a result of consumer research, respondents prefer the shoulder-type fabric over the crate-type plastic material. Third, from the shoulder-type product review, the shape stability, companion dogs’ psychological safety, the wearability of companions, and management convenience are derived. Fourth, based on the survey results, a multifunctional cage is developed taking into account the companion dog, companion person, and functional factors.

심장사상충은 개의 폐동맥과 우심실에 기생하면서 혈액순환 장애와 심기능부전을 일으 키는인수공통기생충으로 최근 반려동물과 함께하는 인구수가 증가함에 따라 심장사상충 감염에 대한 인식도 증가하고 있다. 그래서 이 연구는 도시 지역인 광주지역에서 사육되 는 7개 품종 97마리에 대한 심장사상충의 감염률을 항원검사법을 이용하여 조사하였다. 전체 감염률은 총 97마리 중 2마리가 감염되어 2.1%이었다. 사육환경에 따른 감염률은 단독주택 사육환경이 7.1%(1/14마리), 아파트 사육환경이 1.2%(1/83마리)로 단독주택 사육환경에서 높았으며, 성별에 따른 감염률은 수컷이 3.6%(2/55마리), 암컷이 0.0%(0/42마리)로 수컷에서 높았다. 또한 연령에 따른 감염률은 5세 이상에서 4.9%(2/41마리)이었고 4세 이하에서 감염견은 검출되지 않았다. 이 연구를 통해 심장사 상충 감염률은 단독주택 사육환경, 수컷 그리고 노령견에서 높다는 것을 확인하였다.

This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and describe the treatment outcomes of multidrug therapy in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). A total of 23 dogs diagnosed with MUE were treated with prednisolone in combination with cyclosporine, cytosine arabinoside (CA), leflunomide, and mycophenolate mofetil. Based on the survival time, these dogs were divided into two groups: group A (n = 10), surviving for < 100 days, and group B (n = 13), surviving for > 100 days. Signalment, seizure activity, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis results, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings were reviewed. Survival studies were conducted to investigate the association of each prognostic factor and treatment with the clinical outcome. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body weight, occurrence of seizures, cell number and protein concentration in the CSF, or location of lesions between groups A and B. Abnormal MR features were more frequently observed in group A than in group B. It was identified that the longest median survival time was administration of multi-drug therapy including CA. In conclusion, abnormal MR features were associated with poor prognosis in dogs with MUE and CA-based multi-drug therapy could be considered the most effective treatment of MUE.

The objective of this study was the acoustic analysis of vocalizations of domestic dogs when they want to play with humans. Using a digital camcorder and microphone, we recorded and acoustically analyzed the vocalizations of six 7-month-old dogs (beagle) when they wanted to play with humans. The vocalizations were classified into five types, namely, barking (type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ), whining (type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ), and howling, based on the shapes of waveforms and spectrograms. There was a significant difference in the fundamental frequency (p<0.01), intensity (p<0.0001), 1st formant (p<0.001), 2nd formant (p<0.0001), 3rd formant (p<0.001), and 4th formant (p<0.05) among the vocalizations, whereas the duration was not different (p<0.05). Whining type I showed high values in the fundamental frequency and 3rd formant, while whining type II showed high values in the fundamental frequency and 1st, 2nd, and 4th formant. Further, bark types I and II showed high intensity values, with bark type II having a high value in the 1st formant. Finally, whining showed high values in the 4th formant only and significantly lower values in the 1st and 2nd formants than other vocalizations. Domestic dogs mainly exhibited barking and whining with differences in characteristics of fundamental frequency, intensity, and formant dispersion when they wanted to play with humans during the experiment. Accordingly, we suggest that vocalization could be a useful method for identifying dogs’ intentions or emotional state in a non-invasive manner.

Busulfan is the most commonly used drug for preconditioning during the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells and male germ cells. Here, we describe side effects of high doses of busulfan in male mongrel dogs. Busulfan was intravenously administered to three groups of dogs at doses of 10, 15, and 17.5 mg/kg body weight. The total white blood cell, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts steadily reduced in a dose-dependent manner following busulfan treatment. The white blood cell, neutrophil, and monocyte counts recovered after 6 weeks of busulfan treatment, however, the eosinophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts remained unaltered. Additionally, there was one fatality in the each of the groups that were administered 15 and 17.5 mg/kg busulfan. The gross lesions included severe hemorrhage in the stomach, intestinal tracts, mesentery and urinary bladder. Microscopic investigation revealed severe pulmonary edema and hemorrhage in the lungs, and severe multifocal to coalescing transmural hemorrhage in the intestines and urinary bladder. These results indicated that treatment with busulfan at doses higher than 15 mg/kg initiates severe bleeding in the internal organs and can have fatal results.

Imperforate hymen is a rare congenital disorder that may predispose to retention of fluid in the vagina and uterus, thereby resulting in conditions such as hematocolpos, pyocolpos, and pyocolpometra in female dogs. A 7-year-old intact female shih tzu exhibiting abdominal distension, depression, anorexia, dysuria, dyschezia, and tenesmus was diagnosed with pyocolpos; a 9-year-old intact female Yorkshire terrier with abdominal mass, dysuria, and tenesmus was diagnosed with hematocolpos; and a 7-year-old intact female shih tzu with dysuria, dyschezia, anorexia, and vomiting was diagnosed with pyocolpometra. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy were performed, and the blind end of the vaginal stump was omentalized. This clinical report provide diagnostic process and surgical treatment option for congenital vaginal obstruction cases.

Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a major etiological agent causing gastrointestinal enteritis in domestic and wild carnivores. Since the emergence of CPV-2 in the late 1970s, subtypes CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c have spread worldwide. CPV-2 prevalence differed according to region and season. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of CPV-2 infection in Korea. Samples were collected from 536 dog feces in animal shelters and 225 necropsied intestinal tissues of dog carcasses submitted in the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) for diagnostic purposes from 2016 to 2020 in Korea. Among the 761 samples, 181 (23.8%) were positive for the following subtypes: CPV-2a (n=138), CPV-2c (n=16), CPV-2b (n=14), and CPV-2 (n=2). Feline parvovirus (n=2) and co-infection with CPV-2a and CPV-2c (n=1) were also detected. There was no significant difference in the regional distribution of CPV-2 in Korea, which is prevalent in winter. This result shows the prevalence of CPV-2 according to various environments in Korea and will be useful in establishing an effective prevention strategy against CPV-2 that reflects the situation in Korea with continuous monitoring.