Effects of Exercise on Urinary Parameters and Proteins in Well-Trained Canicross Dogs: A Preliminary Study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of exercise during canicross competition on urinary biochemical parameters and urinary proteins. Our results showed that, among the parameters analysed in routine urinalysis, pH was affected by exercise and albuminuria also showed changes immediately after physical exercise with a return to baseline within 2 h after the physical activity. In particular, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis allowed the separation of the urinary proteins on the basis of their molecular mass allowing a qualitative evaluation of the urinary proteome and a quantitative analysis of urine albumin and uromodulin, with a significant increase in urinary albumin and a decrease in uromodulin after exercise.

Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs.

Exercise-induced proteinuria has been widely investigated in humans, also in relation to intensity and duration of activity. Instead, there are only limited publications regarding urinary biochemical parameters and urinary proteins before and after physical activity in dogs. This paper aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on urinary biochemistry and proteins in military dogs.

Internet-Based Survey on Physical Activity and Incidence of Injury in Active Working Dogs.

A survey with 100 multiple choice and open-ended questions was proposed by free access to working dogs' handlers. One hundred and nine respondents were recorded and their dates processed. The most represented breeds were: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Border Collie and German Shepherds.

Ocular and Superficial Body Thermographic Findings in Sled Dogs before and after Competition.

Competitions involving sled dogs are rapidly growing and body temperature assessment could represent a prompt and non-invasive method of screening for potential pathological conditions during or after activity. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate if thermography is able to monitor the pre- and post-competition ocular and superficial body temperature variations during a sled dog competition. It subsequently compared the data relating to the ocular temperatures in different race types: mid-distance (30 km) and sprint (≤16 km).

Military Working Dogs Operating in Afghanistan Theater: Comparison between Pre- and Post-Mission Blood Analyses to Monitor Physical Fitness and Training.

The intergovernmental organization known as the United Nations (UN) was born "to maintain international peace and security" through different operations and tasks, including "mine action" and "explosive detection". Explosives are the most frequent cause of injuries in military personnel and an enormous danger for civilians. The role of explosive detection dogs (EDDs) and mine detection dogs has gained great consideration over time, leading to their intense use in military operations.

Total Perineal Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Study in Six Dogs.

Perineal hernia refers to the herniation of pelvic and abdominal viscera into the subcutaneous perineal region through a pelvic diaphragm weakness: a concomitant prostatic disease is observed in 25-59% of cases. Prostatectomy involves the removal of the prostate, either partially (partial prostatectomy) or completely (total prostatectomy). In case of complicated perineal hernia, staged procedures are recommended: celiotomy in order to perform colopexy, vasopexy, cystopexy, and/or to treat the prostatic disease, and perineal access in order to repair the perineal hernia.

Partial Vaginectomy, Complete Vaginectomy, Partial Vestibule-Vaginectomy, Vulvo-Vestibule-Vaginectomy and Vulvo-Vestibulectomy: Different Surgical Procedure in Order to Better Approach Vaginal Diseases.

Total or partial vulvo-vaginectomy or vaginectomy are not routinely performed due to the complexity of the techniques and because they are considered radical treatments. Little information can be found in the literature, as the same technique is often named in a different way by different authors, confusing the reader. Therefore, the aim of this essay is to describe five different surgical techniques: partial vaginectomy, complete vaginectomy, partial vestibule-vaginectomy, vulvo-vestibule-vaginectomy and vulvo-vestibulectomy.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: Review on Biomechanics, Etiopathogenetic Factors and Rehabilitation.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in veterinary medicine. CrCL plays a fundamental role in the stability and biomechanics of the femoral-tibio-patellar joint, and its incorrect functionality severely impacts on the quality of life of patients. In dogs, the structural weakening of this joint due to the progressive degeneration of the ligament is the most accredited etiopathogenetic hypothesis in relation to the dog signalment (breed, sex and age) and the stifle joint conformation.

Clinical Evaluation of Creatine Kinase and Aspartate Aminotransferase for Monitoring Muscle Effort in Working Dogs in Different Simulated Fieldworks.

The clinical profiles of muscle biomarkers (Creatine Kinase-CK-and Aspartate Aminotransferase-AST) performed during training may help in determining the fitness level of dogs and their potentiality to perform specific activities. This study investigated the potential variations of physiological parameters and muscular biomarkers in trained search and rescue dogs during search activity in two different areas. The aim was to verify the absence of any muscular enzymes after 20 min of search activity.

Superficial Heating Evaluation by Thermographic Imaging before and after Tecar Therapy in Six Dogs Submitted to a Rehabilitation Protocol: A Pilot Study.

Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic method commonly used to monitor changes of the body surface temperature potentially induced by different conditions such as fever, inflammation, trauma, or changes of tissue perfusion. Capacitive-resistive diathermy therapy (such as energy transfer capacitive and resistive-Tecar) is commonly used in rehabilitation due to its diathemic effect secondary to blood circulation increase that could accelerate the healing process. The aim of this study was to monitor by thermal camera the diathermic effects induced by Tecar on the surface of the region of application.

Changes in Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate and Rectal Temperature in Working Dogs before and after Three Different Field Trials.

Physiological changes (pulse rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature) induced by exercise are usually studied as physical fitness indices. The aim of this study was to investigate how these physiological parameters could be modified in a group of trained working dogs during three different field trials (rubble, search on field, obedience), in order to assess which parameter would be more useful to detect the dog response to exercise. Nine dogs were included in this study.

Pre- and post-surgical evaluation of plasma lactate concentration in 45 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: A preliminary study.

This preliminary study was designed to contribute to the evaluation of reliability of plasma lactate concentration (PLC) and its clearance as predictive and prognostic factors of gastric necrosis and clinical outcome of dogs affected by gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Main aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the prognostic reliability of PLC at presentation (T0) in dogs with GDV, 2) to compare the obtained data and considerations with the veterinary literature, and 3) to introduce the possible validity of PLC values at 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours after surgery as a predictive factor. Dogs with GDV were retrospectively evaluated.

Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses.

Background: Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.

Shoulder Lameness in Dogs: Preliminary Investigation on Ultrasonography, Signalment and Hemato-Biochemical Findings Correlation.

Forelimb lameness in medium and large breed dogs is frequently caused by traumatic or degenerative injuries of the shoulder. Patient history, physical examination, x-rays, blood, and chemical work are routinely used to achieve diagnosis, and may be associated with ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography is increasingly popular in small animal practice due to its low cost, ease of repetition, and the fact that it is non-invasive and can be performed in conscious patients.

Switching Assistance for Exoskeletons During Cyclic Motions.

This paper proposes a novel control algorithm for torque-controlled exoskeletons assisting cyclic movements. The control strategy is based on the injection of energy parcels into the human-robot system with a timing that minimizes perturbations, i.e.

Prognostic value of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and lipase activity in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

This study evaluated the association between a selection of candidate predictor variables, including the elevation of specific pancreatic enzymes, and outcome in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Twenty-two dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus were included, being classified as survivors or non-survivors based on the final outcome. Dogs with intestinal obstruction (n = 16) were selected for comparison.

Studying the magnetic stimulation of nervous tissues: A calculation framework to investigate stimulation areas.

The electromagnetic stimulation of nervous tissue has represented an alternative to electrical stimulation since the 1980s. The growing number of potential applications has led to an increasing interest in the development of modeling tools that can help the design of novel electromagnetic stimulators. In this context, the aim of this paper is to provide a versatile calculation framework to investigate the properties of the electric field generated by a plurality of miniature coils, arranged in cuff configuration.

Relative Echogenicity of Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Foals from Birth to 4 Months of Age: A Longitudinal Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality. Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed.

A case report of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy left-side gastropexy to resolve a recurrent gastric dilatation in a dog previously treated with right-side gastropexy for gastric dilatation volvulus.

A 6-year-old, large-breed, female dog was evaluated for gastric dilatation (GD). The dog was affected by GD volvulus, which had been surgically treated with gastric derotation and right incisional gastropexy. Recurrence of GD appeared 36 hours after surgery.

Assessment of intraocular measurements in neonatal foals and association with gender, laterality, and body weight: a clinical study.

Objective of this study was to describe intraocular measurements in newly born foals (1-7 days of age) and assess the association between globe measurements and gender, laterality, and body weight. B-scan ultrasonographic biometry was performed on both eyes of 22 healthy foals (44 eyes) ages 1-7 days using a 10-MHz transducer. Intraocular measurements (anterior chamber depth, central lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial globe length, longitudinal globe length, lens poles distance) were carried out using the ultrasound internal calipers.

Sartorius muscle contracture in a German shepherd dog.

Objective: To report sartorius muscle contracture in a dog.

Study Design: Case report.

Animals: A 5-year-old, male, German Shepherd dog.

Laparoscopic ultrasonography in six dogs.

The aim of this study was to describe the technique of laparoscopic ultrasonography in six dogs with intra-abdominal disease. Investigation of the abdominal cavity was undertaken initially in each dog by laparoscopy alone. After exploration and visualization of a diseased organ, a 7.