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- Arendt, Maja Louise, et al.
(author)
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The ABCC4 gene is associated with pyometra in golden retriever dogs
- 2021
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pyometra is one of the most common diseases in female dogs, presenting as purulent inflammation and bacterial infection of the uterus. On average 20% of intact female dogs are affected before 10 years of age, a proportion that varies greatly between breeds (3-66%). The clear breed predisposition suggests that genetic risk factors are involved in disease development. To identify genetic risk factors associated with the disease, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in golden retrievers, a breed with increased risk of developing pyometra (risk ratio: 3.3). We applied a mixed model approach comparing 98 cases, and 96 healthy controls and identified an associated locus on chromosome 22 (p = 1.2 x 10(-6), passing Bonferroni corrected significance). This locus contained five significantly associated SNPs positioned within introns of the ATP-binding cassette transporter 4 (ABCC4) gene. This gene encodes a transmembrane transporter that is important for prostaglandin transport. Next generation sequencing and genotyping of cases and controls subsequently identified four missense SNPs within the ABCC4 gene. One missense SNP at chr22:45,893,198 (p.Met787Val) showed complete linkage disequilibrium with the associated GWAS SNPs suggesting a potential role in disease development. Another locus on chromosome 18 overlapping the TESMIN gene, is also potentially implicated in the development of the disease.
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- Axelsson, Erik, et al.
(author)
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The genetic consequences of dog breed formation-Accumulation of deleterious genetic variation and fixation of mutations associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease in cavalier King Charles spaniels
- 2021
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In: PLOS Genetics. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7390 .- 1553-7404. ; 17:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Selective breeding for desirable traits in strictly controlled populations has generated an extraordinary diversity in canine morphology and behaviour, but has also led to loss of genetic variation and random entrapment of disease alleles. As a consequence, specific diseases are now prevalent in certain breeds, but whether the recent breeding practice led to an overall increase in genetic load remains unclear. Here we generate whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 20 dogs per breed from eight breeds and document a similar to 10% rise in the number of derived alleles per genome at evolutionarily conserved sites in the heavily bottlenecked cavalier King Charles spaniel breed (cKCs) relative to in most breeds studied here. Our finding represents the first clear indication of a relative increase in levels of deleterious genetic variation in a specific breed, arguing that recent breeding practices probably were associated with an accumulation of genetic load in dogs. We then use the WGS data to identify candidate risk alleles for the most common cause for veterinary care in cKCs-the heart disease myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). We verify a potential link to MMVD for candidate variants near the heart specific NEBL gene in a dachshund population and show that two of the NEBL candidate variants have regulatory potential in heartderived cell lines and are associated with reduced NEBL isoform nebulette expression in papillary muscle (but not in mitral valve, nor in left ventricular wall). Alleles linked to reduced nebulette expression may hence predispose cKCs and other breeds to MMVD via loss of papillary muscle integrity.
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- Badman, Märit, et al.
(author)
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Veterinary Student Confidence after Practicing with a New Surgical Training Model for Feline Ovariohysterectomy
- 2016
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In: Journal of Veterinary Medical Education. - 0748-321X .- 1943-7218. ; 43, s. 427-433
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lack of confidence and self-efficacy are the main causes of negative emotions experienced by veterinary students when performing surgery. A surgical training model (STM) was developed to test the hypothesis that practical training on an STM before performing live surgery would enhance the students' confidence. In addition, low-cost and easily accessible materials were used for the construction. In the STM, neodymium magnets that were detached if too much traction was applied were used to ensure careful tissue handling during ligation of the ovarian pedicles and cervix. A pilot study was performed to evaluate veterinary undergraduate students' confidence when using the STM before performing their first live feline ovariohysterectomy (OHE) as lead surgeon. The results showed that the students rated their confidence level higher after performing feline OHE if they had practiced with the STM before surgery. Voluntary written comments revealed that live surgery as a learning situation could have a very negative emotional impact on some students.
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- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Incidence of intervertebral disk degeneration-related diseases and associated mortality rates in dogs
- 2012
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In: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. - : American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). - 0003-1488. ; 240, s. 1300-1309
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Differences in incidence rates among various breeds suggested a genetic involvement. Knowledge of the distribution of IVD degeneration related diseases among dogs of various breeds and ages may facilitate early diagnosis and preemptive treatments in patients at risk for developing these diseases. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;240:1300-1309)
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- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Intervertebral disc degeneration in the dog. Part 1: Anatomy and physiology of the intervertebral disc and characteristics of intervertebral disc degeneration
- 2013
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In: Veterinary Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-0233 .- 1532-2971. ; 195, s. 282-291
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is common in dogs and can give rise to a number of diseases, such as IVD herniation, cervical spondylomyelopathy, and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Although there have been many reports and reviews on the clinical aspects of canine IVD disease, few reports have discussed and reviewed the process of IVD degeneration. In this first part of a two-part review, the anatomy, physiology, histopathology, and biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of the healthy and degenerated IVD are described. In Part 2, the aspects of IVD degeneration in chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dog breeds are discussed in depth
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16. |
- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Intervertebral disc degeneration in the dog. Part 2: Chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic breeds
- 2013
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In: Veterinary Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-0233 .- 1532-2971. ; 195, s. 292-299
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dogs can be grouped into two distinct types of breed based on the predisposition to chondrodystrophy, namely, non-chondrodystrophic (NCD) and chondrodystrophic (CD). In addition to a different process of endochondral ossification, NCD and CD breeds have different characteristics of intravertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and IVD degenerative diseases. The anatomy, physiology, histopathology, and biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of the healthy and degenerated IVD are discussed in the first part of this two-part review. This second part describes the similarities and differences in the histopathological and biochemical characteristics of IVD degeneration in CD and NCD canine breeds and discusses relevant aetiological factors of IVD degeneration. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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17. |
- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Intervertebral disc disease in dogs - Part 1: A new histological grading scheme for classification of intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs
- 2013
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In: Veterinary Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-0233 .- 1532-2971. ; 195, s. 156-163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Three independent observers evaluated 35 IVDs at different stages of degeneration using the scheme. Glycosaminoglycan contents of the nucleus pulposus and macroscopic grading according to Thompson, which are considered 'gold standards' for IVD degeneration, were used to validate the scheme. Reproducibility was assessed by analysing the inter-observer reliability of all individual variables of the grading scheme, using a weighted kappa analysis. Significant correlations were found between Thompson grading and total histological score (r = 0.94; P < 0.01) and between glycosaminoglycan content and total histological score (r = -0.72; P < 0.01). Most individual histological variables showed 'moderate' to 'almost perfect' inter-observer reliability. The high correlation with the gold standards in combination with the high reproducibility indicates that the proposed histological grading scheme is reliable and objective for classification of IVD degeneration in both chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dog breeds. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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The Dog as an Animal Model for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration?
- 2012
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In: Spine. - 0362-2436 .- 1528-1159. ; 37, s. 351-358
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study Design. Prospective observational and analytic study.Objective. To investigate whether spontaneous intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) occurring in both chondrodystrophic (CD) and nonchondrodystrophic dogs (NCD) can be used as a valid translational model for human IVDD research.Summary of Background Data. Different animal models are used in IVDD research, but in most of these models IVDD is induced manually or chemically rather than occurring spontaneously.Methods. A total of 184 intervertebral discs (IVDs) from 19 dogs of different breeds were used. The extent of IVDD was evaluated by macroscopic grading, histopathology, glycosaminoglycan content, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity. Canine data were compared with human IVD data acquired in this study or from the literature.Results. Gross pathology of IVDD in both dog types (CD and NCD) and humans showed many similarities, but the cartilaginous endplates were significantly thicker and the subchondral cortices significantly thinner in humans than in dogs. Notochordal cells were still present in the IVDs of adult NCD but were not seen in the CD breeds or in humans. Signs of degeneration were seen in young dogs of CD breeds (<1 year of age), whereas this was only seen in older dogs of NCD breeds (5-7 years of age). The relative glycosaminoglycan content and metalloproteinase 2 activity in canine IVDD were similar to those in humans: metalloproteinase 2 activity increased and glycosaminoglycan content decreased with increasing severity of IVDD.Conclusion. IVDD is similar in humans and dogs. Both CD and NCD breeds may therefore serve as models of spontaneous IVDD for human research. However, as with all animal models, it is important to recognize interspecies differences and, indeed, the intraspecies differences between CD and NCD breeds (early vs. late onset of IVDD, respectively) to develop an optimal canine model of human IVDD.
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- Bergknut, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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The performance of a hydrogel nucleus pulposus prosthesis in an ex vivo canine model
- 2010
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In: Biomaterials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0142-9612 .- 1878-5905. ; 31, s. 6782-6788
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Both on imaging and macroscopically, 9/10 NPPs appeared to have a near perfect fit and disc height was restored in 8/10 spinal segments. The NPP may thus be an acceptable treatment option for low back patients meeting the requirements for NPP treatment. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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- Bremer, Hanna, et al.
(author)
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Serum C-reactive protein concentrations in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with immune-mediated rheumatic disease
- 2017
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In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-605X .- 1751-0147. ; 59
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (NSDTRs) are a dog breed often affected by immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD), a disorder characterised by chronic stiffness and joint pain. Most, but not all, dogs with IMRD, have antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are also commonly present in the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The clinical and diagnostic findings of IMRD indicate that it is an SLE-related disorder. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase protein, is a quantitative marker of inflammation for many diseases and is used for diagnosing and monitoring systemic inflammation in both humans and dogs. However, in human SLE, CRP concentrations are often elevated but correlate poorly with disease activity; they can be low in individual patients with active disease. The aim of the study was to investigate CRP in a group of NSDTRs with the SLE-related disorder IMRD. The hypothesis was that CRP concentrations would be increased in dogs with IMRD compared to healthy dogs, but that the increase would be mild. Serum CRP concentrations were measured in 18 IMRD-affected NSDTRs and 19 healthy control NSDTRs using two different canine-specific CRP assays. Dogs with IMRD and ANA had higher CRP concentrations than the control dogs, but the concentrations were below the clinical decision limit for systemic inflammation for most of the IMRD dogs. These results indicate that CRP concentrations were increased in dogs with IMRD and ANA, but the increase was mild, similar to what has been observed in human SLE.
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- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(författare)
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Dental home care in dogs-a questionnaire study among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- 2020
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Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 16:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Periodontal disease remains one of the dog's most common health issues, even though it is largely preventable by tooth brushing. Implementation of daily tooth brushing would not only improve animal welfare, but also reduce veterinary costs for the owner. There is a paucity of studies investigating attitudes, opinions and practices of dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses regarding preventative dental home care in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate these parameters in Sweden, thereby providing a basis for improved prophylactic strategies. Methods Validated questionnaire surveys were distributed to all Swedish dog owners (n = 209,263), veterinarians (n = 3657) and veterinary nurses (n = 1650) with e-mail addresses in the national registry. The response rates were 32% for dog owners and veterinarians, and 38% for veterinary nurses. The survey questions concerned attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care, including whether dog owners received information concerning dental home care or not, and if this information resulted in implementation. Results Attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care are presented for Swedish dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses. A fundamental finding was that the absolute majority of Swedish dog owners do not perform adequate prophylactic dental home care. Considerable discrepancies were identified in the opinions of veterinary health practitioners and dog owners regarding attitudes towards dental home care and conveying of information. Several areas for improvement in the communication between dog owners and veterinary health practitioners concerning dental home care were identified. Conclusion Our results illustrates the need for validated methods to increase dog owner compliance with dental home care recommendations. We also see a need of further education, regarding canine dental home care, among veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and dog owners. The results from this unique study constitute an important foundation for future development of prophylactic strategies, with the ultimate goal to improve dental health, and thereby animal welfare, in dogs.
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- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(författare)
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Development and validation of two questionnaires: Dental home care and dental health in Swedish dogs
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203 .- 1932-6203. ; 14:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Background: Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. However, no studies have investigated the attitudes, opinions and practices of dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses regarding dental health and preventative dental home care in dogs. The objective of this study was therefore to develop and validate questionnaires for this purpose, in accordance with survey methodology guidelines. Methods: Questionnaire items were determined based on the authors' academic knowledge and clinical experience, and modified throughout the validation process. Several measures were taken to reduce sampling, coverage, measurement and non-response errors. Content validity was assessed by Subject-Matter Experts (SME) and cognitive interviews were conducted in accordance with the “think-aloud protocol”. Non-response analysis was performed using several methods. Results: Constructs were identified using exploratory factor analysis and two predefined constructs from the dog owner questionnaire were confirmed “Dog owners' attitudes towards brushing their dog's teeth” (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and “Dog owners' assessment of their dog's dental health” (α = 0.76). Additionally, exploratory factor analysis identified three potential constructs. In the veterinary health practitioner questionnaire, two constructs were identified: “Veterinary health practitioners' attitudes towards dental chews and dental feed” (α = 0.78) and “Veterinary health practitioners' attitudes and opinions on dental problems and dental cleaning” (α = 0.73). Non-response analysis showed a higher proportion of women in the sample of dog owners and veterinarians compared to the target populations. Veterinarians in the sample were also younger. In contrast, gender and age distributions in veterinary nurses did not differ between sample and target. Conclusion: The validation presented in this work showed that the developed questionnaires could be used as accurate and reliable tools for measuring attitudes and practices regarding dental home care in dogs among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses.
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25. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(författare)
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Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health : A Questionnaire Study in Sweden
- 2020
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-1769. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, with a reported prevalence of at least 80% in dogs over 3 years of age. However, there is a lack of studies regarding dog owners' assessment of their dog's dental health, and whether they perceive clinical signs often associated with periodontal disease, i.e., dental calculus, halitosis or mobile or lost teeth. A validated questionnaire survey was distributed to all Swedish dog owners with email addresses in the national registry (n = 209,263). The response rate was 32%. The survey questions concerned opinions and practices regarding canine dental health, including assessment of dental health parameters and dog owners' ability to examine their dog's mouth. A construct (α = 0.76) was used to investigate dog owners' assessed symptoms of their dog's dental health in relation to background factors. Half of the respondents rated their dog's dental health as very good. However, one in four dog owners experienced difficulties when inspecting the dog's teeth. The most common reason for this difficulty was stated to be an uncooperative dog. Almost half of the dog owners reported halitosis to some degree in their dog, and almost four in ten owners reported dental calculus. One in eight dogs had been previously anesthetized for dental cleaning, and one in 12 dogs had experienced problems with gum disease, according to the owners. Owners' assessment varied significantly with the dog's age, weight, breed, breed group, sex, and concurrent disease. Owner-related factors that influenced the assessment of the dog's dental health were age, gender, education, county (urban/rural), and whether they were breeders or not. Dog owners with smaller dogs, older dogs and certain breeds predisposed to periodontal disease assessed their dog's dental health as worse than their counterparts, which is in agreement with previously reported higher prevalence of dental disease in these groups. This indicates that dog owners are able to perform relative assessment of their dog's dental health status. Our results also highlight the need for routine professional assessment of periodontal health, as well as education of dog owners and training of dogs to accept dental care procedures.
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