본 연구는 사회적 구조의 변화로 인한 유기견 증가로 인해 유기견 입양률 향상의 필요 성을 인지하여 입양률을 향상시키고자 유기견 미용이 입양률 향상에 미치는 영향을 분석 하고 미용을 접목시킨 애플리케이션 개선 방안을 제시하는 것을 목적으로 한다. 본 연구 팀은 임실 N 펫스타에 참가한 참가자들 356명에게 ‘유기견 애플리케이션 개선을 위한 설 문조사’를 실시하였고 미용사와 애플리케이션의 협업을 위한 현실적 견해를 얻기 위해 현 장 종사자 3인에게 인터뷰를 진행하였다. 설문조사 및 선행연구 결과 유기견의 미용 상태 는 입양자들에게 긍정적인 반응을 이끌어낼 수 있으며 입양률 증가에 긍정적인 영향을 줄 수 있는 것으로 확인되었다. 또한 현장 종사자 3인에게 전문가 인터뷰를 진행한 결과 미용사들과 애플리케이션 간의 협업의 가능성을 보았으며 현실적인 견해를 얻을 수 있었 다. 본 연구는 미용과 입양률의 상관관계를 밝혀내었으나 미용사와 애플리케이션 간 연계 를 위해서는 해결해야 할 과제들이 남아있기에 이 문제들을 해결하기 위한 후속연구의 필요성이 있다. 또한 유기견 품종 및 성격과 같은 세세한 요소들은 통제되지 않았기에 향 후에는 정교한 분석을 실시한 연구의 필요성이 있다.

심장사상충증은 D. immitis 감염에 의해 발생하는 대표 적인 기생충성 질환으로, 반려견과 반려묘에서 심각한 심 폐 기능 장애를 유발하며 중증 감염 시 생명을 위협할 수 있다. 현재 심장사상충증 예방은 주로 매크로사이클릭 락 톤 계열 항기생충제를 기반으로 한 장기적 예방 투약에 의 존하고 있으나, 평생 반복 투여에 따른 관리 부담, 순응도 저하 및 약제 내성 문제로 인해 대체 또는 보완적 예방 전 략의 필요성이 제기되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 반려동물 심 장사상충증 예방을 목적으로 D. immitis 유래 항원 단백질 을 기반으로 한 multi-epitope 백신을 in silico 분석을 통해 설계하고, 그 면역학적 및 구조적 특성을 평가하였다. 선행 연구 및 공개 데이터베이스를 바탕으로 분비 단백질과 체 성 단백질을 포함한 4종의 항원 후보(Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd)를 선 정하였으며, 숙주 단백질과의 상동성 분석을 통해 교차 반 응 가능성이 낮은 epitope를 선별하였다. 이후 B-cell 및 T-cell epitope 예측을 수행하고, 선별된 epitope를 peptide linker와 adjuvant를 이용하여 하나의 백신 서열로 구성하 였다. 설계된 백신 후보는 높은 용해도와 친수성을 보였으 며, AlphaFold3 기반 구조 예측 결과 안정적인 3차원 구조 와 epitope의 표면 노출 가능성이 확인되었다. 또한 면역 반응 시뮬레이션 결과 adjuvant가 포함된 조건에서 면역 활성 지표가 향상되는 경향을 나타냈다. 본 연구는 in silico 분석을 통해 심장사상충증 예방을 위한 multi-epitope 백 신 설계의 가능성을 제시하였으며, 향후 실험적 검증을 통 한 백신 개발의 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대 된다.

「개식용종식법」 제정으로 인해 「축산법」상 개의 법적 지위 재정립이 사회적 쟁점으로 부상하였다. 본 연구는 「축산법」에서 개를 가축에서 제외할 경우 파생될 유관 법령(총 24개)과의 연관성 및 쟁점을 심층 분석하였다. 분석 결과, 「축산법」을 준용하는 법령들은 개정 내용이 자동 반영되지만, 「가축분뇨법」, 「가축전염병예방법」, 「농업식품기본법」 등 개를 별도로 정의하거나 준용 여부가 모호한 법령들은 추가적인 법적 공백이나 충돌을 야기할 수 있음이 확인되었다. 특히 반려견 개 사육업자의 농업인 지위 상실, 가축분뇨 및 가축전염병 관리의 공백, 농지 이용 제한 등의 문제가 제기된다. 따라서 「축산법」 개정은 「축산물위생관리법」, 「동물보호법」, 「개식용종식법」과의 모호성 해소뿐만 아니라, 다양한 유관 법령과의 관계 재정립 이 필요하다. 이는 이해당사자 간의 면밀한 검토와 사회적 합의를 통해 균형 잡힌 법 제도를 마련하는 기초 자료가 될 것이다.

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: Pyometra, involves pus accumulation that can lead to death if detected late, making early diagnosis and management crucial, and it is more common in older dogs. The Axiom™ Canine HD Array was used in the study to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with pyometra, with the aim of providing foundational data for the future development of SNP markers. Methods: Samples were collected from 95 dogs of 26 breeds in South Korea, and SNP genotypes were analyzed for the final two SNPs (AX-168186923, AX-168208364). To verify the sequences and genotypes of the selected SNPs, we conducted a sequencing analysis of 96 dogs from 11 breeds previously reported to have been affected by the disease. To confirm the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the selected SNPs and the influence of non-synonymous SNP (nsSNP), candidate gene function and, protein structure change prediction analyses were performed. Results: Sequence and genotype analyses of the selected SNPs revealed differences in genotype frequencies among the varieties. A strong LD block was formed between the SNPs, confirming that both SNPs were genetically associated. Candidate gene ABCC4 analysis revealed that ABCC4 transports prostaglandins. An analysis of the three-dimensional protein structure affected by the nsSNP (AX-168186923) showed that the amino acid changed from Methionine to Valine, but the overall protein structure remained unchanged. Conclusions: The SNPs selected in this study can be used to identify genetic factors, associated with pyometra and vulnerable breeds. This is expected to reduce companion animal related costs and the psychological burden on owners.

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.