This paper reviews the genetic evolution and zoonotic potential of Alphacoronavirus suis (CCoV and FCoV), highlighting the emergence of highly virulent, recombinant variants. CCoV evolved from enteric strain into pantropic variants (e.g., CB/05, CCoV-2c, CCoV10/22) and gaining enhanced virulence, systemic dissemination, and severe clinical signs including lymphopenia. FCoV saw the emergence of the highly virulent FCoV-23 in 2023, which exhibits near-universal progression to FIP, increased neurological involvement, and exceptional direct cat-to-cat transmission efficiency, a major deviation from classical FCoV. The detection of CCoV-HuPn-2018 in humans and ongoing recombination in wildlife confirm the zoonotic potential. Alphacoronavirus suis was historically confined to the veterinary field, and attention to this group, apart from FCoV causing Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), was relatively limited. However, recent emergence of variants exhibiting altered host tropism and direct transmission capability, coupled with the detection of CCoV in humans, necessitates integrated surveillance for pandemic preparedness against these rapidly evolving alphacoronaviruses.

The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to investigate the Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLE) score and its components as prognostic markers in dogs with acute pancreatitis. Forty-seven dogs were diagnosed with acute pancreatitis based on satisfying two criteria: the presence of two acute clinical signs (vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, or lethargy) and confirmation via specific canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) testing. cPL concentration within the intermediate range supported by compatible ultrasonographic evidence. The dogs were categorized into survival and non-survival groups. The APPLE score components (mentation, respiratory rate, fluid score, SpO₂, WBC, creatinine, albumin, total bilirubin, and lactate) were assessed within 24 hours of admission. Statistical comparisons between the groups showed that the non-surviving dogs had significantly higher APPLE scores (39.36 ± 4.41) compared to the survivors (25.67 ± 9.63, p < 0.01). The predictive ability of the APPLE score for distinguishing the survival group from the non-survival group was excellent, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.900. Using the optimal cut-off value, a sensitivity of 1.000 (100.0%) and a specificity of 0.750 (75.0%) were achieved. There were also differences in mentation score, fluid score, SpO₂, creatinine, lactate, and cPL levels between the two groups, indicating poorer prognoses in the non-survivor group. In conclusion, the APPLE score serves as a valuable tool for predicting outcomes in dogs suffering from acute pancreatitis. Its use can help clinicians identify patients at risk, enhance risk assessment, inform treatment decisions, and improve communication with dog owners regarding prognosis.

Background: This study evaluated the impact of intra-abdominal lidocaine and systemic meloxicam, alone and in combination, on oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Methods: Twenty-eight female dogs presenting to the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 7 each): Control (OHE only), Lidocaine (1 mg/kg sprayed intraperitoneally at surgical sites), Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg SC post-closure), and Lidocaine + Meloxicam (both treatments as above). Blood was sampled pre-operatively and at 2, 12, and 24 hours post-surgery. Serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were quantified as indices of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity. Results: In the combined-treatment group, MDA, CAT, and GSH-Px levels declined significantly over time, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. In contrast, lidocaine alone produced a significant time-dependent decrease only in CAT activity, while meloxicam alone did not significantly alter any marker. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the synergistic use of intraperitoneal lidocaine with systemic meloxicam more effectively mitigates postoperative oxidative stress than either agent alone, and may represent a beneficial analgesic–antiinflammatory strategy in canine OHE.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most prevalent cardiac disease in dogs worldwide. Left atrial enlargement is a prominent feature associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure in dogs with MMVD. Left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAD) has been suggested as a supplementary parameter for evaluating LA size in various species. The purpose of our study was to establish a correlation between the left atrial anteroposterior diameter normalized to body weight (LADn) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in dogs with MMVD and to assess the diagnostic potential of LADn for MMVD. We conducted this study on 35 dogs and categorized them into the control and MMVD groups. The control group consisted of 10 dogs, whereas the MMVD group included 25 dogs classified into stages B1, B2, and C according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines. LADn was measured using echocardiography, and NT-proBNP levels were assessed using a fluorescent immunoassay. In conclusion, LADn shows promise as a valuable diagnostic marker of MMVD in dogs. The strong positive correlation between LADn and NT-proBNP levels demonstrates the usefulness of LADn as a clinical index for evaluating cardiac function and disease progression in dogs with MMVD.

본 연구는 반려견과 함께하는 동물매개활동 프로그램이 반려견 보호자 의 애착과 심리적 안녕감에 미치는 영향을 실증적으로 검증하고자 하였 다. 이를 위해 20∼30대 반려견 보호자 12명을 대상으로 실험집단과 통 제집단으로 각각 무선대치 하고, 주 2회씩 총 12회기의 프로그램을 실시 하였다. 연구 도구로는 반려견 애착을 측정하기 위해 한국판 LAPS 척도 를 사용하였으며, 심리적 안녕감 분석은 Ryff(1989)의 척도를 수정한 한 국판 척도를 활용하였다. 통계 분석은 SPSS 27.0을 활용하여 Wilcoxon signed ranks test와 Mann-Whitney U test를 통해 이루어졌다. 연구 결과, 실험집단의 반려견 애착 점수는 사전 평균 2.49점에서 사후 3.65 점으로 유의하게 향상되었으며, 심리적 안녕감 하위요인 중 환경지배력, 긍정적 대인관계, 개인적 성장에서도 통계적으로 유의한 향상이 나타났 다. 이러한 결과는 동물매개활동 프로그램이 반려견 보호자의 정서적 유 대감과 심리적 복지 향상에 긍정적인 영향을 줄 수 있음을 시사한다.

This study investigated the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on phacoemulsification outcomes in dogs, focusing on blindness and postoperative complications. A retrospective analysis of 26 dogs (38 eyes) was conducted, comparing diabetic (n=4) and non-diabetic dogs (n=22). Postoperative outcomes were observed for 2 months, and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to assess statistical significance (p<0.05). Blindness occurred in 50% of diabetic eyes compared to 6% in non-diabetic eyes (OR=14.0, p=0.0116). Major complications included glaucoma and retinal detachment, both more common in diabetic dogs. Diabetic dogs are at a significantly higher risk of blindness after phacoemulsification, highlighting the need for thorough preand postoperative management to reduce complications that could lead to vision loss.

Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs presents with persistent symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and changes in appetite. Traditional diagnostic methods, including blood tests, ultrasound, and endoscopy, often fail to assess the entire small intestine. Capsule endoscopy offers a non-invasive approach, enabling comprehensive visualization of the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In case 1, a 10-year-old Maltese with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss underwent capsule endoscopy, revealing severe lacteal dilation and moderate gastric erythema, leading to a diagnosis of severe intestinal lymphangiectasia and moderate enteritis. Despite initial corticosteroid therapy and dietary changes, clinical improvement was limited. In case 2, an 11-year-old mixed-breed dog with chronic vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss was assessed. Capsule endoscopy detected moderate gastric erythema, severe small intestinal irregularities, and jejunal bleeding, diagnosing mild esophagitis, moderate gastritis, and severe enteritis with hemorrhage. Treatment with a hypoallergenic diet, corticosteroids, and acid suppressants resulted in gradual symptom relief. This report demonstrates that capsule endoscopy can be utilized as a screening tool for evaluating the mucosal status in patients with CE.

Background: With the growing interest in the health of companion dogs, their average lifespan has increased, leading to an increase in the proportion of elderly dogs. As elderly dogs are vulnerable to various diseases, there is a need for alternatives to predict the risk of major diseases in senior dogs, prevent them in advance, and manage their health effectively. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing primary angle-closure glaucoma, a major disease in elderly dogs, using the Axiom Canine HD Array and establishing foundational data. Methods: Samples from 95 dogs of 26 breeds from South Korea were analyzed using an SNP chip. Ultimately, two SNPs were selected. To assess the impact of non-synonymous SNP (nsSNPs), functional analysis of candidate genes, Hazard Assessment, and protein structure prediction were conducted. Sequencing for SNP validation involved samples from 95 dogs of ten breeds with reported domestic and international glaucoma cases. Results: The candidate gene TNS1 was associated with the integrin signaling pathway. The selected nsSNP was found to cause a mutation at the ninth position of the amino acid sequence, changing serine to leucine and resulting in alterations to the overall protein structure. Sequencing analysis results for SNP validation revealed differences in frequency among breeds. Conclusions: The identified SNP markers are potential risk prediction tools. Utilizing genotype frequency data by breed and individual could aid in disease management and contribute to advancements in the medical industry.

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.