Comparing Scent Detection and Search Ability in Two Breeds of Dog

Dogs have long been recognised for their excellent olfaction and search ability, and are employed in many crucial tasks including finding buried human remains (Lasseter et al. 2003), explosive detection (Gazit et al. 2005), and even locating endangered wildlife (Cabik et al. 2008; Smith el al. 2003). A number of studies have also demonstrated the ability of the canine to detect human diseases and abnormalities such as bladder cancer (Willis et al. 2004), lung cancer (McCulloch et al. 2006), and hyperglycaemia in diabetic (Um et 01. 1992; Stocks 2002) and non-diabetic patients (O'Connor et al. 2008). So far, most research has focused on the ability of dogs to detect, recognize and localize specific odours. Even though a variety of dog breeds have been used in these studies, a comparison of scent detection ability between breeds has not yet been published. Beagles and greyhounds are compared in this study because they have been selectively bred for very different tasks (hunting and racing). Beagles are well recognised for their ability to hunt and track game using skills that largely on their olfaction. On the contrary, greyhounds have been bred for racing; an activity that relies more on their vision than olfaction (Case 2005). It Is probable that, over time, the beagle has developed a more acute sense of smell than the greyhound resulting in superior ability for scent detection. The present study aims to investigate if this theory is plausible. We hypothesised that beagles would perform better than greyhounds in a detecting task, and they would predominantly use scent over vision In their search. In contrast, greyhounds would rely more on their vision than olfaction

The Effect of B-vitamin Supplementation on Food Responses in Healthy Dogs

B-vitamins are sometimes used in a clinical setting to stimulate appetite in sick animals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether B-vitamin supplementation could influence behavioural and olfactory responses to food in healthy dogs. To test this theory, twelve dogs of mixed breeds received a daily oral supplementation of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 (17mg, 7mg, and 35mcg per kg BW, respectively) for 6 days in a 2-period crossover design. Food response was tested using a two-bowl preference test comparing an empty food bowl with one containing 1g of tinned food (Trial A) or 1g of tinned food + 200g activated charcoal (Trial B)

Oxidative stress and intraerythrocytic concentrations of sodium and potassium in diabetic dogs

Oxidative stress parameters; thiobarbituric acid reaction substances (RBC-TBARS), catalase (RBC-CAT) and reduced glutathione (RBC-GSH)) and the intraerythrocytic concentrations of electrolytes; sodium and potassium (RBC-Na and RBC-K) were determined in 18 well- controlled (WC) and 22 poorly-controlled diabetic mellitus (DM). Dogs with DM had significant higher blood glucose concentration (P < 0.001), haemoglobin A1c (P < 0.01) and fructosamine (P < 0.001) compared to normal healthy dogs (n = 19). Diabetic dogs in both groups had higher RBC-CAT (P < 0.05) while RBC-TBARS were higher significantly only in poorly-controlled DM group (P < 0.05). The RBC-K was significantly higher in both DM groups (P < 0.001). No changes in RBC-GSH and RBC-Na were found between DM and control healthy dogs. By linear regression analysis, the relationship were found between degree of diabetic mellitus and RBC-CAT, RBC-TBARS, RBC-Na and RBC-K. The relationship was also found between oxidative stress parameters and intraerythrocytic K+. The results suggest that in diabetic dogs, oxidative stress occurs which related to the severity of disease and may affect potassium homeostasis