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Simple Summary: Standard echocardiography is an essential diagnostic tool for the assessment of cardiac performance in healthy and diseased animals. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography is an advanced echocardiographic technique that is useful for the assessment of myocardial function. Factors such as dog breed, age, and body weight (BW) are known to influence the echocardiographic parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breed, age, and BW on the echocardiographic parameters in healthy Retrievers, including Flat-coated, Golden, and Labrador Retrievers. The results showed that there were no significant associations between breed and echocardiographic parameters. On the other hand, they revealed that left ventricular dimensions increased with BW. Furthermore, parameters including peak aortic blood flow velocity, trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow, the ratio of trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow to atrial contraction, and global radial strain were influenced by age. Standard echocardiography is vital for the assessment of cardiac performance in healthy and diseased animals. Similarly, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique that is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of myocardial function. Breeds, age, and body weight (BW) are known to be important factors affecting the echocardiographic parameters; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, age, and BW on the echocardiographic parameters in three breeds of clinically healthy Retrievers. A total of 46 Retrievers, including 16 Flat-coated Retrievers (FR), 16 Golden Retrievers (GR), and 14 Labrador Retrievers (LR) were included in the study. The comparison of the breeds revealed significant differences in the LV wall thickness of FR and GR, although further analysis using MLR showed that the differences were most likely associated with BW, similarly to the other LV dimensions. Functional parameters, including ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and left-atrial-to-aortic ratio, were independent of breed, age, and BW. On the other hand, peak aortic blood flow velocity, trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow, and the ratio of trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow to atrial contraction were influenced by age. The 2D-STE-derived radial and circumferential strain parameters were independent of breed, age, and BW, except for global strain in the radial direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard echocardiography is vital for the assessment of cardiac performance in healthy and diseased animals. Similarly, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique that is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of myocardial function. Breeds, age, and body weight (BW) are known to be important factors affecting the echocardiographic parameters; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, age, and BW on the echocardiographic parameters in three breeds of clinically healthy Retrievers. A total of 46 Retrievers, including 16 Flat-coated Retrievers (FR), 16 Golden Retrievers (GR), and 14 Labrador Retrievers (LR) were included in the study. The comparison of the breeds revealed significant differences in the LV wall thickness of FR and GR, although further analysis using MLR showed that the differences were most likely associated with BW, similarly to the other LV dimensions. Functional parameters, including ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and left-atrial-to-aortic ratio, were independent of breed, age, and BW. On the other hand, peak aortic blood flow velocity, trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow, and the ratio of trans-mitral rapid ventricular filling flow to atrial contraction were influenced by age. The 2D-STE-derived radial and circumferential strain parameters were independent of breed, age, and BW, except for global strain in the radial direction.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of undenatured type II collagen supplementation on inflammation and cartilage degeneration after exercise in healthy dogs. Forty healthy Labrador Retrievers (20 male/20 female; range 5-12 yr; average 8 yr) were sorted into two groups: undenatured type II collagen group receiving 40 mg UC-II (10 mg collagen type II/min. 3% undenatured type II collagen; Lonza Consumer Health, Inc.) and placebo group receiving 40 mg maltodextrin daily by capsule. After 2-wk loading, all dogs began an 11-wk endurance exercise regimen consisting of two weekly runs, starting at 5 km and increasing incrementally to 8 km, with one final 16 km run. Blood samples were collected at baseline, pre and post first 5 km run, and pre- and post-16 km run. Activity per kilometer was greater in male undenatured type II collagen vs. male placebo over all runs (P = 0.004), and average moving speed was greater in all undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo over all runs (P < 0.001). Hematology analysis indicated that during the first insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had a greater lymphocyte count (P < 0.001) and lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.001) vs. placebo dogs. Undenatured type II collagen dogs had a lesser neutrophil percentage (P = 0.042) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (P = 0.001) compared to placebo dogs. For the final insult, undenatured type II collagen dogs had greater lymphocyte percentage (P = 0.013) and lesser mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.043) compared with placebo dogs. Both groups had significant changes between timepoints for several hematological parameters. Biomarker IL-6 was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs compared with placebo at post 5 km (P = 0.037). Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) was lesser in undenatured type II collagen dogs at post 16 km (P = 0.023), and only the placebo dogs had a significant increase in COMP from pre to post 16 km (P = 0.021). In summary, Labrador Retrievers supplemented with undenatured type II collagen had decreased inflammation and cartilage degeneration compared with nonsupplemented dogs during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three month old Labrador Retriever puppy was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic (RVP), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) with the history of anorexia, lethargy, difficulty in breathing, icteric mucus membrane, conjunctiva and skin. Haematological, serological and blood smear examination showed critically low haemoglobin, increased bilirubin level and morula of Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) respectively. The dog was treated with emergency blood transfusion and later on with antibiotics and supportive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Curly fur is a common phenotype in many dog breeds, known to result from a missense variant (c.451C>T) in exon 2 of the keratin 71 (KRT71) gene. During screening for this variant across various breeds, we found that Curly Coated Retrievers (CCRs) fixed with the trait did not carry the known variant. By analysis of whole‐genome sequencing data of one CCR we identified a novel genetic cause for curly fur. We found a novel structural variant in exon 7 of the KRT71 gene (c.1266_1273delinsACA) that was predicted to result in a frameshift and stop loss, therefore significantly affecting the structure of the protein, if translated. The variant was also found at lower frequencies in five other breeds, including Lagotto Romagnolo, Bichon Frise, Spanish Water Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Irish Terrier. One curly‐coated Lagotto carried neither of the two KRT71 variants. These results identify a second variant for curly coat in KRT71 and suggest the existence of additional alleles. This study enables the development of an additional KRT71 gene test for breeders to understand and manage coat types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are predisposed to the development of histiocytic sarcoma (HS), a poorly differentiated, highly malignant neoplasm. The authors have previously documented a significant lymphocytic infiltrate in such tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the presence and expression of regulatory T cells in HS tumor samples. Forty tumors were included in this study. All tumors were immunolabeled for CD3, CD79a, CD25, CD45RA, and FOXP3. The proportion of positive cells was compared between tumors presenting as a localized primary soft tissue mass (soft tissue origin HS) and disseminated HS affecting viscera, especially the spleen (splenic origin HS). By immunohistochemistry, 95% of infiltrating T cells were positive for Foxp3 in all sections, suggesting the presence of regulatory T cells. The proportion of cells positive for FOXP3 was higher in the tumors arising in soft tissues, whereas the proportion of CD45RA-positive cells was higher in the splenic origin HS. Canine HS has an aggressive clinical behavior and is uniformly fatal. The difference in the proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes positive for these 2 markers in the 2 locations may represent differences in tumor microenvironment between the 2 sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia has doubled the amount of waste it generated at the end of the nineties. In less than 20 years, the country, through its constant push for ‘development’ based on exploitation of natural resources and with the increasing entrance of international products, has created a future scenario that is worrying in terms of waste management. Very poor environmental education and cultural difficulties in passing from law to reality have turned the entire country and its landfills into time bombs. In such terms, dealing with this issue is a learning-while-doing process that cannot be ignored. This paper addresses two groups of people involved in the waste management of Ibagué: the retrievers, and the generators, of the waste. This study summarizes a human-centered design approach to the issue with a focus on the retrievers as an essential actor of the waste management chain in the city, and is based on a case study developed in one of the main suburbs of Ibagué. Their labor conditions, their social needs and the perspective they have of waste were the main resources for developing five design criteria to be considered when designing a waste retrieval service for Ibagué. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Internet has radically changed how dogs are advertised for adoption in the United States. This study was used to investigate how different characteristics in dogs' photos presented online affected the speed of their adoptions, as a proof of concept to encourage more research in this field. The study analyzed the 1st images of 468 adopted young and adult black dogs identified as Labrador Retriever mixed breeds across the United States. A subjective global measure of photo quality had the largest impact on time to adoption. Other photo traits that positively impacted adoption speed included direct canine eye contact with the camera, the dog standing up, the photo being appropriately sized, an outdoor photo location, and a nonblurry image. Photos taken in a cage, dogs wearing a bandana, dogs having a visible tongue, and some other traits had no effect on how fast the dogs were adopted. Improving the quality of online photos of dogs presented for adoption may speed up and possibly increase the number of adoptions, thereby providing a cheap and easy way to help fight the homeless companion animal population problem. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Purpose. Successful recanalization after endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) did not translate into a good clinical outcome in randomized trials. The goal of the study was to identify the predictors of a good outcome after mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers. Methods. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database included consecutive patients treated with stent retrievers. We evaluated the influence of risk factors for stroke, baseline NIHSS score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score, recanalization rate, onset-to-recanalization and onset-to-groin puncture time, and glucose levels at admission on good outcomes. The number of stent passes during procedure and symptomatic hemorrhage rate were also recorded. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days was considered as a good outcome. Results. From January 2011 to 2014, 70 consecutive patients with an acute ischemic stroke underwent EVT with stent retrievers. The absence of a medical history of diabetes was associated with good outcomes. Apart from diabetes, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were similar between subjects with poor outcome versus those with good outcomes. Median time from onset to recanalization was significantly shorter in patients with good outcomes 245 (IQR: 216–313 min) compared with poor outcome patients (315 (IQR: 240–360 min); P=0.023). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was observed in eight (21.6%) of 37 patients with poor outcomes and no symptomatic hemorrhage was seen in patients with good outcomes (P=0.006). In multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, a favorable ASPECT score (ASPECT > 7) and successful recanalization after EVT were predictors of good outcomes. Every 10-year increase was associated with a 3.60-fold decrease in the probability of a good outcome at 3 months. The probability of a good outcome decreases by 1.43-fold for each 20 mg/dL increase in the blood glucose at admission. Conclusion. To achieve a good outcome after EVT with stent retrievers, quick and complete recanalization and better strategies for patient selection are warranted. We need randomized trials to identify the significance of tight blood glucose control in clinical outcome during or after EVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of a 3-year-old male castrated golden retriever dog is presented who was admitted to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD VMTH) for evaluation of urinary incontinence. Topics discussed include diagnosis of urethral duplication in the dog; treatment of urethral duplication using cyanoacrylate and coil embolization; and treatment of the urinary tract infection.

The article presents a case study of a nine-year-old Labrador dog which has a fractured incisor tooth. The dog has a history of atopy and is treated with cyclosporin. The laboratory tests of the animal patient which includes a complete blood count and serum chemistries that shows normal limits is mentioned. The article discusses the potential causes of gingival enlargement involving the mandibular incisor teeth.

Examination of gene functions in specific tumor types improves insight in tumorigenesis and helps design better treatments. Due to the rarity of histiocytic/dendritic cell sarcoma in humans, it is difficult to accrue such knowledge. Therefore, comparative research of these cancers in predisposed dog breeds, such as the Flatcoated retriever, can be of value. Histiocytic sarcoma in the dog can be grouped into a soft tissue- and visceral form. The soft tissue form at first is localized, while the visceral form progresses more quickly to a terminal state, which might be related to variations in gene expression. Microarray analyses were performed on fresh-frozen tissue from Flatcoated retrievers with either soft tissue- or visceral histiocytic sarcoma. Expression differences of ten most significantly differentially expressed genes were validated with quantitative real-time PCR (q PCR) analyses. Q PCR analyses confirmed the significantly aberrant expression of three of the selected genes: C6 was up-regulated; CLEC12A and CCL5 were down-regulated in the visceral histiocytic sarcoma compared to the soft tissue form. The findings of our study indicate that these two forms of histiocytic sarcoma in the dog display a variation in gene expression and warrant analysis of functional changes in the expression of those genes in these rare sarcomas in man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A genetic predisposition for certain tumour types has been proven for some dog breeds. Some studies have suggested that this may also be true for the Golden retriever breed. The present study aimed to examine a possible existence of a tumour (type) predisposition in the Dutch population of Golden retrievers by evaluating annual estimated incidence rates compared to incidence rates from previous publications. A second aim was to evaluate whether incidences of various tumours differed as related to the diagnostic method chosen, being either cytology or histology. Results Tumours submitted to Utrecht University during the period 1998-2004 diagnosed either by means of cytology (n = 2,529) or histology (n = 2,124), were related to an average annual Dutch kennel club population of 29,304 Golden retrievers. Combining individual tumours from both the cytological and the histopathological data-set resulted in an annual estimated incidence rate of 2,242 for 100,000 dog-years at risk regarding tumour development in general. The most common cytological tumor diagnoses were 'fat, possibly lipoma' (35%), mast cell tumour (21%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (10%). The most commonly diagnosed tumours by histology were mast cell tumour (26%), soft tissue sarcomas (11%) and melanoma (8%). Both the cytological and histopathological data-sets, showed variation; in patient age distribution, age of onset and incidence of various tumours. Conclusion Comparing our data with previous reports in non-breed-specified dog populations, the Golden retriever breed shows an increased risk for the development of tumours in general, as well as an increased risk for the development of specific tumour types, including the group of soft tissue sarcomas. Variations in age, location and incidence of various tumours were observed between the two data-sets, indicating a selection bias for diagnostic procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine patellar luxation has been described in various dog breeds, with high prevalence especially in smaller dogs. Most dogs suffer from medial displacement of the patella, although in larger dogs lateral displacement is also seen. A sex predisposition has been described for females. Patellar luxation is considered a polygenic, multifactorial disorder. From 1990 to 2007, in total 3834 Flat-Coated Retrievers were screened; 23.6% of those animals were affected with patellar luxation. Lateral displacement of the patella was most common in this breed (61% of cases), whereas medial (31% of cases) and lateral and medial (8% of cases) were less common. Unilateral involvement (51% of cases) was just as often observed as was bilateral involvement (49% of cases). Females were more often affected with patellar luxation (30% of all tested females) than were males (17% of all tested males). The heritability of patellar luxation was 0.17 ± 0.03 in this population, and breeding with one affected parent increased the prevalence of patellar luxation in offspring by 45% compared to that with two unaffected parents. Since the start of the screening program, there was an initial decrease from 28% to 18% in incidence, but this stagnated thereafter. The annual average estimated breeding values followed the same pattern. With approximately one quarter of the Dutch Flat-Coated Retrievers being affected with patellar luxation, this population shows unusually high prevalence compared with reports in other large-breed dogs. The heritability for patellar luxation in this population was moderate (0.17), indicating that environmental factors play a large role in the manifestation of the disorder. A screening program reduced the prevalence of patellar luxation in this breed, but improvement has recently stagnated. Inclusion of breeding values in the screening program could improve its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemangiosarcoma involving the ureter was diagnosed in an 11-year-old spayed female golden retriever. The dog presented with clinical signs consistent with abdominal pain and pyrexia. Palpation of the abdomen identified the presence of a large, firm mass in the left craniodorsal quadrant. Abdominal ultrasonography detected a mass encasing the left ureter, with left hydronephrosis and left proximal hydroureter. The left kidney and ureter with surrounding mass were resected. A diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma (HSA) was made after histologic and immunohistochemical (Factor VIII) examination of the mass. The dog was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy comprising five treatments of doxorubicin and was euthanised 442 days following surgery because of metastatic disease. A ureteral mass should be considered as a differential diagnosis when unilateral hydronephrosis is identified. This report describes HSA involving the ureter in a dog. Computed tomography was performed to better define the mass, demonstrate contralateral renal excretion of intravenous iodinated-contrast, and screen for pulmonary metastases. This information was critical for clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a flat-coated retriever presenting with middle ear cholesteatoma. Otoscopic examination revealed tympanic membrane rupture linked to hyperplastic tissue at the entrance of the middle ear. Standard magnetic resonance imaging sequences enabled the identification of a severely expanded bulla containing material that was isointense to brain tissue on T1-weighted images and of mixed intensity of T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences.

Abstract: Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in young (21–27 years old), middle-aged (50–57 years old) and older adults (70–77 years old) to determine whether the decline in source memory that occurs with advancing age coincides with contemporaneous neurophysiological changes. Source memory for the spatial location (quadrant on the screen) of images presented during encoding was examined. The images were shown in the center of the screen during the retrieval task. Retrieval success for source information was characterized by different scalp topographies at frontal electrode sites in young adults relative to middle-aged and older adults. The right frontal effect during unsuccessful retrieval attempts showed amplitude and latency differences across age groups and was related to the ability to discriminate between old and new images only in young adults. These results suggest that the neural correlates of the retrieval success and attempt were affected by age and these effects were present by middle-age. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation ( IAVD) is a rhythm disturbance in which atria and ventricles are driven by independent pacemakers at equal or nearly equal rates. Objectives To describe electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic features of IAVD in a group of 11 Labrador Retrievers and its possible correlation with focal junctional tachycardia ( FJT). Animals Between December 2004 and October 2010, medical records of 11 Labrador Retrievers with surface electrocardiographic findings compatible with IAVD were retrospectively analyzed. Methods Twelve-lead surface electrocardiograms, thoracic radiographs, and echocardiographic findings of each dog and electrophysiologic mapping results of 3 dogs were retrospectively analyzed. Results In 10 of 11 dogs, the ECG pattern revealed the presence of IAVD with type I synchronization. In 5 of 10 dogs, IAVD with type I synchronization was interrupted by periods of junctional tachycardia with 1 : 1 ventriculo-atrial conduction. One of 11 dogs presented IAVD with type II synchronization. The ECG diagnosis of IAVD with type I and type II synchronization, and junctional rhythm with 1 : 1 ventriculo-atrial conduction was confirmed in 3 of 11 dogs with endocardial mapping in which the diagnosis of focal junctional tachycardia was made. Conclusion and Clinical Importance IAVD with type I synchronization is more common than IAVD with type II synchronization in Labrador Retrievers, and a correlation between IAVD and FJT can be hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, congenital and hereditary skin diseases associated with epidermal cell-cell separation (acantholysis) are very rare, and spontaneous animal models of these diseases are exceptional. Our objectives are to report a novel congenital acantholytic dermatosis that developed in Chesapeake Bay retriever dogs. Nine affected puppies in four different litters were born to eight closely related clinically normal dogs. The disease transmission was consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Clinical signs occurred immediately after birth with superficial epidermal layers sloughing upon pressure. At three month of age, dogs exhibited recurrent superficial skin sloughing and erosions at areas of friction and mucocutaneous junctions; their coat was also finer than normal and there were patches of partial hair loss. At birth, histopathology revealed severe suprabasal acantholysis, which became less severe with ageing. Electron microscopy demonstrated a reduced number of partially formed desmosomes with detached and aggregated keratin intermediate filaments. Immunostaining for desmosomal adhesion molecules revealed a complete lack of staining for plakophilin-1 and anomalies in the distribution of desmoplakin and keratins 10 and 14. Sequencing revealed a homozygous splice donor site mutation within the first intron of PKP1 resulting in a premature stop codon, thereby explaining the inability to detect plakophilin-1 in the skin. Altogether, the clinical and pathological findings, along with the PKP1 mutation, were consistent with the diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia-skin fragility syndrome with plakophilin-1 deficiency. This is the first occurrence of ectodermal dysplasia-skin fragility syndrome in an animal species. Controlled mating of carrier dogs would yield puppies that could, in theory, be tested for gene therapy of this rare but severe skin disease of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Coil and stent migration is a potentially catastrophic complication in endovascular neurosurgery, which may lead to cerebral thromboembolism. Techniques for removing migrated coil and stent are not well established. Methods and Results. We present three cases in which coil or stent migration occurred during endovascular embolization of a cerebral aneurysm. The Merci Retrievers were used successfully in all cases to remove the displaced foreign bodies. Technical details are described. Conclusion. The Merci Retriever device can be utilized successfully for removal of migrated coils and stents in endovascular neurosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scatter-hoarding mammals are thought to rely on spatial memory to relocate food caches. Yet, we know little about how long these granivores (primarily rodents) recall specific cache locations or whether individual hoarders have an advantage when recovering their own caches. Indeed, a few recent studies suggest that high rates of pilferage are common and that individual hoarders may not have a retriever’s advantage. We tested this hypothesis in a high-density (>7 animals/ha) population of eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) by presenting individually marked animals (>20) with tagged acorns, mapping cache sites, and following the fate of seed caches. PIT tags allowed us to monitor individual seeds without disturbing cache sites. Acorns only remained in the caches for 12–119 h (0.5–5 d). However, when we live-trapped and removed some animals from the site immediately after they stored seeds (thus simulating predation), their seed caches remained intact for significantly longer periods (16–27 d). Cache duration corresponded roughly to the time at which squirrels were returned to the study area. These results suggest that squirrels have a retriever’s advantage and may remember specific cache sites longer than previously thought. We further suggest that predation of scatter hoarders who store seeds for long periods and also possess a recovery advantage may be one important mechanism by which seed establishment is achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a research study on risk for histiocytic sarcoma (HS) of Flat Coated Retriever breed and their clinical presentation and histopathologic-immunohistochemical classification. Reviewed were data on 180 dogs with HS-like tumors for diagnosis related to anaplastic, pleomorphic round or spindle cell sarcoma as well as clinical signs and metastasis evidence. Results showed limb lesions in 101 dogs, visceral lesions in 47 dogs while tumors occurred in the forelimb of 73 dogs and visceral lesion signs include lethargy and inappetence.

Objective--To establish a protocol to collect temporal-spatial gait analysis variables by use of a portable walkway system in Labrador Retrievers at a walk and to determine reference values. Animals--56 healthy Labrador Retrievers. Procedures--6 passes across the walkway (3 passes in each direction) were recorded. Inclusion criteria for a pass were that the dog was at a walk (velocity, 60.0 to 90.0 cm/s) and had minimal head turning. The first 3 passes that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed for each dog. Results--Mean stride length was 88.4 cm. Mean stance time (ST) of forelimbs and hind limbs was 0.62 and 0.56 seconds, respectively. Mean stance time percentage (ST%; proportion of stance time to total gait cycle time) for forelimbs and hind limbs was 55.6% and 50.2%, respectively. Mean total pressure index (TPI) of forelimbs and hind limbs was 27.1 and 17.4, respectively. Mean number of sensors (NS) activated by each paw strike of forelimbs and hind limbs was 17 and 13, respectively. Mean forelimb-to-hind limb symmetry ratios were 1.11 (ST), 1.10 (ST%), 1.62 (TPI), and 1.37 (NS). Symmetry ratios for left limbs to right limbs, left forelimb to right forelimb, and left hind limb to right hind limb were 1.00. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--A protocol for collection of temporal-spatial gait analysis variables with a portable walkway system in Labrador Retrievers at a walk was developed, and reference values for variables and symmetry ratios were reported Further research will determine the extent to which symmetry ratios differ in dogs with orthopedic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which assessed the possibility of a hunter retriever dog becoming infected with avian influenza virus (AIV) after collecting an infected waterfowl during the Alaskan hunting season. A brief review of the related literature is presented. Materials and methods used included Monte Carlo simulation with @Risk software and the Epidemiologic Problem-Oriented Approach (EPOA) methodology for the systematic collection, organization and analysis of epidemiologic information. It discusses the findings of the study.

The article focuses on several conditions that are linked with the exercise intolerance in retrievers. These conditions that are associated with exercise intolerance include obesity, bone and joint disorders and cardio vascular disorders. Further, it presents several tables that list the supplemental history for exercise intolerance, respiratory disorders and clinical comparisons of canine x-linked muscular dystrophy, centronuclear myopathy, and x-linked myotubular myopathy.

Salter-Harris fracture treatment of distal tibia through employment of hybrid external skeetal fixative The authors report the results of the use of a hybrid external skeletal fixator for the treatment of a Salter-Harris fracture, type I, of the distal epiphysis of the tibia in a fourmonth- old female retriever. Due to the reduced distance between the articular surface and that of the fracture, the authors decided to combine Ilizarov's and Kirchener-Ehmer's principles of external fixation to secure the stability of the reduced fracture. After five days, the retriever started to lean on the affected limb and the fixator was removed thirty days after the surgery. The combination of the benefits offered by each of the fixation systems proved to be optimal for the repair of this Salter-Harris fracture, type I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 2-year-old castrated male Golden Retriever evaluated for multiple small masses at its left caudal maxillary gingiva and a swelling at its left ventral eyelid. The dog was given a poor overall prognosis because of the extensive local and metastasic disease detected after performing computed tomography (CT) scanning on the dog. The dog was euthanized two months after initial hospital admission because of progressive lethargy, weakness, and neurologic signs.

Thirteen healthy Labrador retrievers underwent a 5-stage incremental treadmill exercise test to assess its reliability. Blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), and body temperature (BT) were measured at rest, after each stage of exercise, and after a 20-min recovery. Reproducibility was assessed by repeating the test after 7 days. Two-way MANOVAs revealed significant differences between consecutive stages, and between values at rest and after recovery. There was also a significant reduction in physiological strain between the first and second trial (learning effect). Test reliability expressed as typical error (BL = 0.22 mmol/l, HR = 9.81 bpm, BT = 0.22°C), coefficient of variation (BL = 19.3%, HR = 7.9% and BT = 0.6%) and test–retest correlation (BL = 0.89, HR = 0.96, BT = 0.95) was good. Results support test reproducibility although the learning effect needs to be controlled when investigating the exercise-related problems commonly observed in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Chagas disease caused sudden death in two dogs from Porto Alegre rural zone of, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. A 9-month-old Pit Bull male (dog 1) and a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever female (dog 2) died in January 2005 and May 2008, respectively. At necropsy, the hearts were enlarged. In dog 2, heart was remarkably globoid with multiple pale areas scattered in the myocardium, especially in the right ventricle. Heart chambers, especially in the right side, were dilated. Histological findings were similar in both cases and consisted of diffuse non suppurative myocarditis predominantly with lymphocytic interstitial infiltrates. Within myocardial fibers were observed pseudocysts filled with amastigotes forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Serologic test TESA-blot resulted positive in samples from dog 2 and showed IgM e IgG anti-T.cruzi antibodies characteristic of acute Chagas disease. The results indicate that Trypanosoma cruzi infection must be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden death in dogs in southern Brazil and that the specie may act as a reservoir and sentinel for the disease in human beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A disease complex with chronic musculoskeletal signs, including stiffness and joint pain, and to which there is a strong predisposition in the canine breed Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever (Toller) has been recognized in Sweden. The aim of this first clinical description of the disorder in Tollers was to describe the clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, as well as to try to identify a possible immune-mediated background of the disease and to show the outcome of treatment in 33 Tollers. Methods: The study included 33 Tollers with musculoskeletal signs and 20 healthy controls. All the dogs were thoroughly examined and followed for a period of 2 months - 4 years. An IIF-ANA (antinuclear antibody) test and an assay for the presence of antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were performed, as well as some haematology, serum biochemistry and urine tests. Routine radiographic examinations were performed on 11 dogs. Results: All the Toller patients showed stiffness and lameness that had lasted for at least 14 days and displayed pain from several joints of extremities on manipulation. Twenty-seven per cent of the dogs also showed muscle pain and 18% different skin symptoms. Seventy per cent of the Tollers with signs of disease displayed a positive IIF-ANA test. Most of the dogs were treated with corticosteroids, with the majority of the dogs (65%) showing good responses. There was no association between the IIF-ANA results and the clinical signs or results of treatment. Conclusion: This paper describes a disorder in Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers where the clinical signs, ANA reactivity and response to corticosteroids strongly suggest that the disorder is immune-mediated. The findings of this research may indicate a chronic systemic rheumatic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 13-year-old spayed female Labrador Retriever which was examined by the University of Georgia Oncoloy Service for treatment of an incompletely excised malignant melanoma of the caudal aspect of the oral cavity that was first noticed during dental prophylaxis. It says that the dog was panting and eupneic with muffled heart sounds on physical examination.

Cream dogs of several breeds require a genotype of e/e at MC1R based on 27 individuals in this study. All Akita, Caucasian Mountain Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Schnauzer, and Puli with this genotype are cream, suggesting they are fixed at a second locus which causes the phaeomelanin pigmentation caused by this genotype to be diluted or pale. Conversely, although all Chinese Shar-Pei and Poodles that were cream had an e/e genotype at MC1R, not all dogs with this genotype are cream. Today, many Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers with an e/e genotype are cream instead of the traditional yellow to golden color seen in the past. The second gene in these breeds must have multiple alleles, only one of which causes phaeomelanin pigment to be diluted or pale. Tyrosinase (TYR) and solute carrier family 45, member 2 (SLC45A2) have been shown to cause cream coat color in other species and were therefore investigated in dogs as candidate genes for this second locus. Although polymorphisms were detected in cDNA sequence from TYR and SLC45A2, no polymorphism was consistently associated with cream dogs or cosegregated with cream coat color in any of the families used in this study. A microsatellite was detected in a published BAC sequence (GenBank no. AAEX01017083) in intron 2 and was used to map SLC45A2 to CFA4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To evaluate the effects of obesity on pulmonary function in healthy adult dogs. Animals--36 Retrievers without cardiopulmonary disease. Procedures--Dogs were assigned to 1 of 3 groups on the basis of body condition score (1 through 9): nonobese (score, 4.5 to 5.5), moderately obese (score, 6.0 to 6.5), and markedly obese (score, 7.0 to 9.0). Pulmonary function tests performed in conscious dogs included spirometry and measurement of inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance (Raw) and specific Raw (sRaw) during normal breathing and during hyperpnea via head-out whole-body plethysmography. Functional residual capacity (FRC; measured by use of helium dilution), diffusion capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and arterial blood gas variables (PaO2, Paco2, and alveolar-arterial gradient) were assessed. Results--During normal breathing, body condition score did not influence airway function, DLCO, or arterial blood gas variables. During hyperpnea, expiratory sRaw was significantly greater in markedly obese dogs than nonobese dogs and Raw was significantly greater in markedly obese dogs, compared with nonobese and moderately obese dogs. Although not significantly different, markedly obese dogs had a somewhat lower FRC, compared with other dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--In dogs, obesity appeared to cause airflow limitation during the expiratory phase of breathing, but this was only evident during hyperpnea. This suggests that flow limitation is dynamic and likely occurs in the distal (rather than proximal) portions of the airways. Further studies are warranted to localize the flow-limited segment and understand whether obesity is linked to exercise intolerance via airway dysfunction in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To quantitatively assess distraction-induced bone formation in a crural lengthening model in dogs by use of delayed-image bone scintigraphy. Animals--12 mature Labrador Retrievers. Procedure--Dogs were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. A circular external skeletal fixation system was mounted on the right crus of each dog. Osteotomy of the distal portion of the tibia and fibula was performed in groups 1 and 2 and was followed by a lengthening procedure of 10 mm in the first group only. The third group served as sham-operated controls. Delayed-image bone scintigraphy with technetium-99m hydroxy methylene diphosphonate was performed 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. Delayed-image-to-region-of-interest, delayed-image-to-crural, and delayed-image--to-femoral scintigraphic activity ratios were calculated. New bone formation was quantified by use of densitometric image analysis, and values for the scintigraphic ratios were compared. Results--In the distraction and osteotomy groups, delayed-image-to-region-of-interest and delayed-image-to-crural ratios increased significantly. Although densitometric image analysis revealed increased bone formation after distraction, the region-of-interest ratios and crural ratios were similar in both groups. All dogs had increased delayed-image-to-femoral ratios. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Delayed-image bone scintigraphy ratios were not effective at differentiating between the amounts of distraction-induced bone and osteotomy-induced bone. Metabolic bone activity in the adjacent femur was increased as a consequence of circular external skeletal fixator placement. Delayed-image bone scintigraphy was not adequately sensitive to quantitatively monitor bone formation but may be useful as an early predictor of bone healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the findings of a study examining the effects of the presence of pets in an office on people's perceptions of the work environment, the company, and the people who work there. Participants were 482 college students from a medium-sized university in the Southeast who were randomly assigned to view a slide of an office that contained one of six breeds of dogs, one of four breeds of cats, or no animal at all, and then completed a survey. Results indicated that pets are perceived to improve the moods of both customers and employees, to increase social interaction, and to make the employees appear less busy. However; they do make an office appear less professional and less clean and safe. There were few differences in perceptions based upon the various breeds of cats and dogs, with the exception of shorthaired black cats, which were generally rated less favorably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To determine concentrations of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in CSF of a large number of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy or genetic epilepsy and to evaluate changes in CSF amino acid concentration with regard to drug treatment and sex. Animals--35 Labrador Retrievers with genetic epilepsy (20 male and 15 female), 94 non-Labrador Retrievers with idiopathic epilepsy (71 male and 23 female), and 20 control dogs (10 male and 10 female). Procedure--Collection of CSF was performed > 72 hours after the occurrence of seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of γaminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (GLU), aspartate (ASP), serine, and glycine were determined by use of high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results--CSF concentrations of GABA and GLU were significantly lower in Labrador Retrievers with genetic epilepsy (LR-group dogs) than in control-group dogs or in non-Labrador Retrievers with idiopathic epilepsy (non-LR-group dogs). The GLU-to-GABA ratio was significantly higher in LR-group dogs than in non-LR-group dogs. CSF concentrations of GLU and ASP were significantly lower when all dogs with epilepsy (non-LR- and LR-group dogs combined) were compared with control-group dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--A decrease in CSF concentrations of GABA appears to play a role in the pathogenesis of genetically determined epilepsy in Labrador Retrievers. However, this decrease in CSF concentrations of GABA may also be a consequence of seizure activity. The GLU-to-GABA ratio may prove to be a useful indicator of genetic epilepsy in Labrador Retrievers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To estimate the heritability of atopic dermatitis in Golden and Labrador Retrievers. Animals--429 dogs related to 13 dogs with atopic dermatitis. Procedure--Atopic dermatitis was defined on the basis of the type and frequency of clinical signs recorded in the clinical records, and each dog was classified with atopic dermatitis or probable atopic dermatitis or as nonatopic. By use of data from atopic and nonatopic dogs, regression analyses of parental status on offspring status were performed to estimate heritability. Results--There was no difference in the frequency of atopic dermatitis between sexes or between breeds. There was a marked association between the atopic status of the parent and that of the offspring, particularly for sires. By use of data from 32 litters in which the status of both parents was known and considering only those dogs classified with atopic dermatitis or as nonatopic, the heritability (± SE) of atopic dermatitis was estimated to be 0.47 (± 0.17). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Atopic dermatitis has a strong genetic component, and breeding of dogs with clinical signs of atopic dermatitis should be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a quiz on the diagnosis of a 48-month-old labrador retriever diagnosed with acute metritis secondary to retained fetal membranes and a retained nonviable fetus. Medical history; Presenting signs and symptoms; Physical examination findings; Results of abdominal ultrasonography; Treatment and outcome.

Summary We have examined whether black/yellow coat colour in Labrador retrievers is controlled by allelic variants at the extension locus. As the gene encoding the melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor (MC1R) has been shown to correspond to the extension locus in several species, we have determined the genomic MC1R sequence in Labrador retrievers with black and with yellow coat colour. Using primers based on the fox (Vulpes vulpes) MC1R sequence we initially isolated and sequenced the innerpart of the canine MC1R. By means of inverse PCR we succeeded in the characterization of both flanking regions of the MC1R gene (Genbank: AF064455). Comparison of the complete MC1R sequences of a yellow and a black Labrador retriever revealed a single C→T mutation at nucleotide position 916 in the yellow dog. This transition changed the codon for arginine at position 305 into a stop codon, resulting in the elimination of the evolutionary strongly conserved 10 carboxyterminal amino acid residues. With an allele-specific-oligonucleotide (ASO) test it was shown that the mutation cosegregated with the recessively inherited yellow coat colour in the Labrador retriever. Golden retrievers also appeared to be homozygous for the mutation. Seventeen other breeds were all negative for the mutation. Since the Labrador and Golden retriever are closely related, we suggest a common founder for the yellow coat colour in Labrador and Golden retrievers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]