Improving the Health of Teeth in Cats and Dogs with Live Probiotic Bacteria

Background: Periodontal infections are the most common disease of cats and dogs. About 70% - 80% of them suffer from these infections during their lifetime. These infections occur in two forms, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gingiva which can be cured. As with humans, the harmful bacteria can cause infections also in organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Besides veterinary treatment, also the owner’s everyday care is essential. Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and clinically test easy home care probiotic product for cats’ and dogs’ oral health. Methods: Nine cats and thirteen dogs were given a combination of selected bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus SP4, Lactobacillus plantarum 14D and Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (Petguide powder) in powder form daily for four weeks on top of the dry feed. Microbiological samples were taken before and after the intervention from each dog and cat. The samples were analyzed with flow cytometric analysis using Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium sp. as indicators for oral health. Results: The home care treatment with these specific, live probiotic bacteria was shown to prevent the growth of infectious bacteria within four weeks. Petguide probiotic powder reduced the relative abundance of infectious microbes significantly (p = 0.005) in cats and dogs. Conclusion: The results suggest that the probiotic product with three live strains of probiotic bacteria prevents the growth of infectious bacterial species that are known to cause infections in pets’ mouths. Therefore, this probiotic combination could be used to improve the oral health of pets and increase their quality of life.

Goodbye to a Good Friend: An Exploration of the Re-Homing of Cats and Dogs in the U.S.

When dogs and cats are not retained in a home, they are re-homed to somewhere, and while there is a collection of research around relinquishment to shelters, little is known about the general re-homing picture. A cross sectional random digit dial survey was conducted with an aim to learn more about who is re-homing, where they are re-homing and why they are re-homing owned dogs and cats in the US. We found the prevalence of re-homing in five years at 6% making for an estimated 6.12 million household re-homing pets every five years. Pets were most likely to be re-homed by being given to a friend or family member (37%) closely followed by being taken to a shelter. Those who re-homed due to a reason related to the pet as opposed to reasons such as family issues were more likely to re-home to a shelter. For respondents who rented, housing reasons were the number one reason for re-homing, and for respondents of lower income, they were significantly more likely to re-home due to cost and housing issues as opposed to pet related issues. We conclude that some reasons for re-homing are not easily modified and humane re-homing is the best option, but that there are many areas in which intervention and prevention programs may increase retention.

Insights into the interplay between gut microbiota and lipid metabolism in the obesity management of canines and felines

Obesity is a prevalent chronic disease that has significant negative impacts on humans and our companion animals,including dogs and cats.Obesity occurs with multiple comorbidities,such as diabetes,hypertension,heart disease and osteoarthritis in dogs and cats.A direct link between lipid metabolism dysregulation and obesity-associated diseases has been implicated.However,the understanding of such pathophysiology in companion animals is lim-ited.This review aims to address the role of lipid metabolism in various metabolic disorders associated with obesity,emphasizing the involvement of the gut microbiota.Furthermore,we also discuss the management of obesity,including approaches like nutritional interventions,thus providing novel insights into obesity prevention and treatment for canines and felines.

Microbiota alterations in acute and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation of cats and dogs

The intestinal microbiota is the collection of the living microorganisms(bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. Novel bacterial identification approaches have revealed that the gastrointestinal microbiota of dogs and cats is, similarly to humans, a highly complex ecosystem. Studies in dogs and cats have demonstrated that acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), are associated with alterations in the small intestinal and fecal microbial communities. Of interest is that these alterations are generally similar to the dysbiosis observed in humans with IBD or animal models of intestinal inflammation, suggesting that microbial responses to inflammatory conditions of the gut are conserved across mammalian host types. Studies have also revealed possible underlying susceptibilities in the innate immune system of dogs and cats with IBD, which further demonstrate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and host health. Commonly identified microbiome changes in IBD are decreases in bacterial groups within the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and increases within Proteobacteia. Furthermore, a reduction in the diversity of Clostridium clusters XIVa and IV(i.e., Lachnospiraceae and Clostridium coccoides subgroups) are associated with IBD, suggesting that these bacterial groups may play an important role in maintenance of gastrointestinal health. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the functional changes associated with intestinal dysbiosis in dogs and cats.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Eastern China

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.Eastern China,and to evaluate the main associated risk factors relating to exposure to 71 gondii in this region.Methods:Sera from 160 clogs and 116 cats from Zhenjiang City were tested for anti-T.gondii antibodies using EUSA.The seropositivity by area of activity,sex and age was analyzed.Results:Overall.21 dogs(13.l%) and 24 cats(20.7%) had antibodies to T.gondii.The infection rate in stray dogs(38.7%) and cats(28.6%! was significantly higher(P<0.05) than in household dogs(6.9%) and cats(18.2%).The seroprevalence in male clogs(14.8%) and cats(21.05%) were slighlly higher than their female counterparts(11.4%in dogs and 20.0%in cats),but were not significantly differenent(P>0.05).A high proportion of dogs at 3 to 6 years of age were positive to T.gondii(20.0%)while cats with relatively high seropositivity rates were at 0 to 1 year of age(33.3%).Conclusions:The prevalence of T.gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City was high,which is probably the main source of T.gondii infection in this area.

Rain Cats and Dogs"的构型理据探源

英语成语"raincatsanddogs"(下倾盆大雨或下猫狗雨)的构型理据多少年来一直让英语爱好者感到茫然不解。《布留沃英文成语与寓言词典》等几部权威辞书对此给出几种构型理据,但还不确切。在引用相关原始资料基础上,最终大体揭示出成语"raincatsanddogs"埋藏已久的理据真相。

A study of the rotation rate of single-rooted teeth in dogs

Sixteen one-year-old dogs were used in our experiment.We rotated the maxillary secondincisors of the dogs,applying a force of 100g and a moment of 550g·mm.The duration of theexperiment varied from 72h to 8 weeks.Activation was performed once every 2 weeks and the impressions were taken in order to measure the angles of rotation.The results of our experiment showthat the rotation rate of single-rooted tooth in dogs is 3.04/week.The graph shows the form ofgradual stairs.This paper introduces a new specialized experimental apparatus for tooth rotation.The angles of rotation are measured geometrically.

A study of therapeutic effects of 7.5% NaCl-6% dextran 70 in small dosage on hemorrhagic shock at high altitude in dogs

The effects of 7.5％ NaCl-6％ dextran 70 in small dosage on the cardiovascular func-tion and the survival rate in hemorrhagic shock at a simnlated altitude of 4000 m were observedin dogs.The animals were bled from the femoral artery for 8 rain to reduce the mean arterialpressure to 5.73±0.1kPa,which was maintained for an hour.Then the dogs were intravenouslyinjected with 4ml/kg 0.9％ NaCL(NS group,n=7),7.5％ NaCl(HS group,n=6)and 7.5％Naa-6％ dextran 70(HSD group,n=6)respectively.In the 2-hour-period after injection,5out of 7 dogs of NS group died but only 1 out of the 6 of both the HS and HSD groupsdied.Significant increase of mean arterial pressure,left ventricular pressure,±dp/dt max of leftventricle,cardiac output,cardiac index and cardiac minute work index was observed in both theHS and HSD groups.Improvement of the cardiovascular function was even more marked inHSD group than in HS group,thougth the difference between the 2 groups was statisticallyinsignificant.There was a tendency for the pulmonary vascular resistance to decrease in HS andHSD groups as compared with the NS group.The percentage of plasma expansion of HSDgroup was larger than that of HS group(P【0.05)and of NS group(P【0.01),but nosignificant difference existed between the HS and NS groups.It is believed that intravenous injection of hypertonic saline alone or in combination with dextran is effective for the treatment ofhemorrhagic shock at high altitude and the combination of 7.5％ NaCl and 6％ dextran 70seems even more effective.

Amino acid nutrition and metabolism in domestic cats and dogs

Domestic cats and dogs are carnivores that have evolved differentially in the nutrition and metabolism of amino acids.This article highlights both proteinogenic and nonproteinogenic amino acids.Dogs inadequately synthesize citrulline(the precursor of arginine)from glutamine,glutamate,and proline in the small intestine.Although most breeds of dogs have potential for adequately converting cysteine into taurine in the liver,a small proportion(1.3%-2.5%)of the Newfoundland dogs fed commercially available balanced diets exhibit a deficiency of taurine possibly due to gene mutations.Certain breeds of dogs(e.g.,golden retrievers)are more prone to taurine deficiency possibly due to lower hepatic activities of cysteine dioxygenase and cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase.De novo synthesis of arginine and taurine is very limited in cats.Thus,concentrations of both taurine and arginine in feline milk are the greatest among domestic mammals.Compared with dogs,cats have greater endogenous nitrogen losses and higher dietary requirements for many amino acids(e.g.,arginine,taurine,cysteine,and tyrosine),and are less sensitive to amino acid imbalances and antagonisms.Throughout adulthood,cats and dogs may lose 34%and 21%of their lean body mass,respectively.Adequate intakes of high-quality protein(i.e.,32%and 40%animal protein in diets of aging dogs and cats,respectively;dry matter basis)are recommended to alleviate aging-associated reductions in the mass and function of skeletal muscles and bones.Pet-food grade animal-sourced foodstuffs are excellent sources of both proteinogenic amino acids and taurine for cats and dogs,and can help to optimize their growth,development,and health.

Comparative Anatomy of the Vasculature of the Dog (Canis familiaris) and Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Paw Pad

The microvasculature of footpads in the dog and domestic cat was investigated using histology and scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. Methylmethacrylate resin vascular casts for scanning electron microscopy, Indian ink injected whole mount and histological specimens were each prepared, in a series of 16 limbs of 4 adult dogs and 12 limbs of 3 adult domestic cats. The network of blood vessels in the dog paw pad appears to have an intricate pattern, especially with regard to venous outflow forming a peri-arterial venous network. Numerous arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) were found in the canine dermis. While, that of the domestic cat had less complex vascular pattern in the footpad without the peri-arterial venous network. AVAs were observed sporadically in the feline dermis. The peri-arterial venous network in the paw pad formed a countercurrent heat exchanger in dogs. When the foot pad is exposed to a cold environment in dogs, the countercurrent heat exchanger serves to prevent heat loss by re-circulating heat back to the body core, adopting an inhospitable environment. AVAs also play a role in regulating the body temperature. A lack of the peri-arterial venous network and few AVAs appear to make felines more prone to suffer from a cold condition than canines.

浅析小学英语故事教学Cats and Dogs——第七届全国小学英语课堂教学观摩研讨会一等奖课例

教学内容分析本课例所选故事课题为"Cats and Dogs",选自外语教学与研究出版社的《英语(新标准)》,一年级起点第八册的课后阅读Reading for Pleasure。属于课外选学内容。这是一则讲述有关"猫狗不和"的民间传说,也是一个生动有趣的童话故事,其故事情节、矛盾较突出,图文并茂受到学生们的喜爱。故事运用了叙述与对话相结合的语言表达方式。教材配套了故事的音频与卡通。

Regulation of Quan Du Zhong capsule on VEGF/bFGF and expression of Bcl‑2/Bax and Caspase‑3 protein in the repairing process of canine femoral head necrosis

Objective:To explore the repair and treatment effect of Quan Du Zhong capsule on necrosis of femoral head in dogs.Methods:Totally 12 beagles were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,with three in each group.In addition to the normal group,the other groups established the femoral head necrosis model by liquid nitrogen alternative freezing.The normal group and the model group did not have any intervention during the modeling period,and the Quan Du Zhong group began to receive the Quan Du Zhong by gavage on the day of modeling;Xianlinggubao capsule group was given Xianlinggubao capsule by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks on the day of modeling.The levels of VEGF and bFGF in the blood vessels of each group at the 12th week were compared,and the ratios of BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th,Tb.N were measured by Micro CT,and the expressions of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3 proteins were detected by immune reaction.Results:1.Compared with the normal group,the level of serum VEGF and bFGF in the model group decreased after 12 weeks of modeling(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,the levels of serum VEGF and bFGF water in the Xianlinggubao capsule group and the Quan Du Zhong capsule group increased on average at the 12th week of modeling,with statistical difference(P<0.05).The level of the Quan Du Zhong capsule group was the highest,followed by the Xianlinggubao capsule group.2.Compared with the normal group,BMD,BS/BV,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N in the model group were lower,and Tb.SP were higher,the results were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the BMD,BV/TV,Tb.Th and Tb.N of Xianlinggubao capsule group and the total eucommia capsule group increased,while the BS/BV and Tb.SP decreased(P<0.05).3.The Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group could significantly increase the expression of bcl-2 protein in the femoral head of dogs,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).The expression of bax protein in the femoral head of dogs in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and the Xianlinggubao capsule group was significantly reduced compared with the model group(P<0.05).The expression of caspase-3 protein in the femoral head of dogs was significantly reduced in the Quan Du Zhong capsule group and Xianlinggubao capsule group,which was significantly different from the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Quan Du Zhong capsule can increase the expression of VEGF and bFGF in serum,increase the expression of bcl-2,inhibit the expression of bax,and reduce the expression of caspase-3,which plays a synergistic role in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head,and has potential targets.

Lesson 18 CATS AND DOGS说课稿

一、说教内容 大家好,今天我说课的内容是河北教育出版社出版的Learning English Student Book 3 UNIT3 Lesson 18 CATS AND DOGS，主要学习cat，dog，goat，sheep，COW，pig，duck等新词以及了解以上各动物的叫声。本单元的教学内容都是围绕Animals展开的．

Do Policy Based Adoptions Increase the Care a Pet Receives? An Exploration of a Shift to Conversation Based Adoptions at One Shelter

Animal shelters’ adoption processes vary across the US. Some programs have rigorous policy based programs in which potential adopters are screened in or out based on their responses to a series of qualifying questions. Some other organizations use a conversation based approach with-out policies around such things as income, vaccination status of animals in the home and landlord approval. Those organizations that use the policy-based approach do so with the premise that the animal will be loved and cared for better by those that meet their criteria. Policy based adoptions can be arduous and can decrease adoptions, as, for example, those living in apartments that are unable to prove their landlord accepts pets are turned away. We hypothesized that meeting or not meeting policy based criteria would have no impact on the care or bond of the adopter with the pet. This study examined the quality of care and attachment in two groups of adopters, a group that adopted while policy based adoptions were in place and a group that adopted when policies were eliminated. There were no substantial differences between the two groups. This important finding indicates that those that adopt through conversation based adoptions (policy-free) provide similar high quality care and are just as likely to be highly bonded to their pet as those that adopt through policy based adoptions.

Safety Study of Flunixin Meglumine Injection on Target Animal Dogs

The study was conducted to evaluate the safety of Flunixin meglumine injection on target animal dogs, and to provide a scientific basis for the dose selec- tion of clinical application. A total of 24 healthy Springer Spaniels were randomly divided into four groups. Intramuscular injection of Flunixin meglumine was carried out to test group dogs with the doses of 2 rag/kg, 6 rag/kg, 10 mg/kg for 5 days, respectively. The injected doses were one times, three times and five times as the recommended clinical dose. Intramuscular injection of water was carried out to control group dogs for 5 days. Clinical symptom was observed after the injection, and the blood was collected at different times （before, during and after the injection） to conduct blood routine examination and blood biochemical indexes measurement. Post-mortem examination and histopathological examination were carried out after the test. The results indicated that test dogs showed normal spirit, with no death and no other adverse reactions. Part values of blood routine examination indexes and blood biochemical indexes in test groups showed significant differences between pre-administration and post-administration, but basically fluctuated within the reference range. Autopsy results showed no obvious pathological changes. Histological examination showed the viscera and tissues （liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney） in high dose group and control group showed no abnormality and pathological changes. The results indicated that Flunixin meglumine injection with the dose of 2 - 10 rag/kg had a minimal effect on physiological and biochemical indexes of dog blood.

Ground Flaxseed – How Safe is it for Companion Animals and for us?

EFSA released the 89-page Scientific Opinion“Evaluation of the health risks related to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in foods other than raw apricot kernels”.This opinion,and the ensuring media coverage,has left uncertainty in the minds of consumers,feed and supplement manufacturers and flaxseed producers of how much ground flaxseed can safely be consumed without crossing the threshold of cyanide toxicity.This editorial updates the science and tries to bring clarity to the question“how much flaxseed can I safely feed my dog,cat,horse on a daily basis?”and“how much can I safely eat?”The great majority of ground flaxseed products have a cyanogenic glycoside content of less than 200 mg/kg seed.For people,consuming 30 grams of such flaxseed the average peak blood cyanide concentration will be about 5μmole/L,much less than the toxic threshold value of 20 to 40μmole/L favoured by EFSA.Thus,as much as 120 grams of crushed/ground flaxseed can be consumed by a 70 kg adult person before a toxic threshold of 40μmole/L is reached(up to 1.7 grams ground flaxseed/kg body weight).The toxic threshold of cyanide for dogs is 2 to 4-fold greater than for humans,and unknown for cats and horses.The daily serving amounts for dogs and cats are about 0.23 grams/kg body mass per day,which will result in blood cyanide well below the toxic threshold.The highest recommended daily serving amount for horses is 454 grams per day,or 0.8 to 2 grams per kg/body mass depending on mass of the horse.This amount for horses should not be exceeded.

Pathologic Alterations of Canine and Feline Adrenal Glands

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and age-dependency of adrenal changes in dogs and cats, which were dissected between 2004 and 2006 at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology, LMU Munich. The adrenal glands of 101 dogs and 159 cats were dissected free from adjacent tissue, weighed, lamellated perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and were embedded in paraffin and plastic for histologic inspection. Ageing cats most frequently showed accessory cortical nodules in the capsule, cortex and medulla, pigment deposition and shock bodies. The appearance of accessory cortical nodules and pigment deposition were linked to the age of the cats and that of shock bodies was linked to infectious diseases. Inflammatory alterations were rare and neoplastic changes were not observed. In dogs, the most frequent alterations were accessory cortical nodules in the capsule, cortex and medulla and circulatory disturbances and there was a significant linkage of the appearance of cortical nodules and pigment deposition and age. Metabolic, inflammatory and tumorous diseases were rarely observed in the dogs examined. In summary, cats and dogs show similar incidental alterations of the adrenals. Clinical relevant adrenal lesions such as atrophy or primary neoplasia were rarely diagnosed.

Effects of a Geographically-Targeted Intervention and Creative Outreach to Reduce Shelter Intake in Portland,Oregon

Animal shelters focus much of their efforts towards decreasing euthanasia and one of the best ways to reduce euthanasia risk may be to prevent cats and dogs from ever entering a shelter. This study, conducted in Portland, Oregon, relied on the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to precisely and scientifically identify an intervention area (with high shelter intake) and to identify control areas to compare the project results with community-wide trends. The intervention itself was designed and implemented in a comprehensive way by seeking numerous paths to engage pet owners and reduce shelter intake of cats and Pit Bull type dogs. This research highlighted the ability of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to significantly improve a community’s capacity to identify the most appropriate locations to focus resources and to closely track and measure interventions. Portland’s targeted intervention to reduce shelter intake utilized many outreach tools with varying levels of impact. The overall intervention yielded a reduction in intake of owned cats that was greater in total numbers and percentage than four control areas. Furthermore, this work identified a percentage of cat spay/neuter out of the estimated number of owned, originally intact cats within the intervention and control areas. As percentages approached or surpassed 20%, those areas realized larger intake reductions than control areas with lower percentages.

Dogs & Cats & Teenagers

I just realized that while children are dos—loyal and affectionate—teenagers are cats.It's so easy to be a dog owner. You feed it, train it, and boss it around. It puts head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it.