In dogs, changes in heart rate (HR) can reflect conditioning, fear, anticipation, and pain; however, these are not routinely assessed in veterinary rehabilitation patients. Knowing the expected HR changes during rehabilitation exercises can guide protocols and can optimize post-operative therapy. The primary objectives of the study were to assess HR in dogs undergoing treadmill exercise (TE) during the walk and to compare the three collection techniques of HR, namely, auscultation, a HR monitor (HR MONITOR), and a Holter monitor (HOLTER).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo evaluate changes in superficial temperature of hindlimb muscles before and after a 6-min walk in healthy dogs. Two infrared thermographic images were captured of the proximal and distal hindlimbs of 11 healthy dogs before and after a 6-min walk. Orthopedic exam and objective gait analysis confirmed the healthy status of study subjects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOptimal dietary protocols for the athletic canine are often defined by requirements for endurance athletes that do not always translate into optimal dietary interventions for all canine athletes. Prior research studying detection dogs suggests that dietary fat sources can influence olfaction; however, as fat is added to the diet the protein calories can be diminished potentially resulting in decreased red blood cell counts or albumin status. Optimal macronutrient profile for detection dogs may be different considering the unique work they engage in.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA previous work suggests that dietary fat may influence canine olfaction. The present study evaluated whether olfactory performance could be influenced by forms of dietary fat and exercise. Seventeen certified detection dogs were fed three different diets (high fat, low fat or high polyunsaturated fat) for 12 weeks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis project evaluated the use of an ingestible temperature sensor to measure body core temperature (Tc) in exercising dogs. Twenty-five healthy, unconditioned Labrador retrievers participated in an outdoor 3.5-km run, completed in 20 min on a level, 400-m grass track.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Many studies have demonstrated changes in clinicopathologic variables in response to exercise in athletic dogs. These changes have been attributed to the duration and intensity of exercise. However, inconsistencies in the timing of collection of resting blood samples can be a confounding variable when interpreting results.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSubjective evaluation of canine gait has been used for many years. However, our ability to perceive minute details during the gait cycle can be difficult and in some respects impossible even for the most talented gait specialist. The evolution of computer technology in computer assisted gait analysis over the past 20 years has improved the ability to quantitatively define temporospatial gait characteristics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA previous study showed that topical exposure to bioelastic-thromboxane synthetase inhibitor-matrix resulted in local tissue concentrations of thromboxane synthetase inhibitor sufficient for thromboxane synthetase inhibition. The objective of this research was to use an animal model to determine if a dressing having controlled release of thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (dazmegrel) could be used to prevent tissue breakdown over pressure points, i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSeven bandage configurations were placed on the right forepaw of six English pointer dogs to evaluate the effects that configurations have on reducing pad pressure. The "clam shell" configuration resulted in less pressure being applied to all palmar pad surfaces. For the major weight-bearing pad, a basic paw bandage with an intermediate compressible foam sponge that had a hole under the major weight-bearing pad, combined with a metal splint paw cup under the sponge, resulted in a significantly lower pressure recording than for other bandage configurations.
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