A behavior screening questionnaire improves problem identification in veterinary primary care with implications for patient health.

Objective: To compare how often owners identified concerns about their pets' behavior during routine examinations in 2 test conditions (voluntarily or when completing a questionnaire), and to test the efficacy of a simple behavior screening questionnaire to be used by practicing veterinarians.

Animals: Privately owned dogs and cats presenting for routine examinations to 1 of 2 primary care clinics.

Methods: The study was conducted in 2 sequential phases.

Effects of acepromazine and trazodone on anesthetic induction dose of propofol and cardiovascular variables in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE To compare the doses of propofol required to induce general anesthesia in dogs premedicated with acepromazine maleate or trazodone hydrochloride and compare the effects of these premedicants on cardiovascular variables in dogs anesthetized for orthopedic surgery. DESIGN Prospective, randomized study. ANIMALS 30 systemically healthy client-owned dogs.

Obtaining a pet: realistic expectations.

Millions of dog-human relationships fail each year-some from simple and preventable mismatches. False or unrealistic expectations of a dog's behavior are a common reason for failed human-animal bonds. Veterinarians can reduce the incidence of false expectations and thereby increase the likelihood of successful adoptions by offering preadoption counseling to help clients sort through the many factors involved in the process of successful pet selection, by preparing clients to take on the important tasks of puppy socialization and the management of the home learning environment, and by educating new owners about the needs and behavior of dogs.

Evaluation of association between retention in the home and attendance at puppy socialization classes.

Objective: To evaluate associations between retention of dogs in their adoptive homes and attendance at puppy socialization classes and other factors.

Design: Epidemiologic survey.

Animals: 248 adult dogs that were adopted as puppies from a humane society.