66 research outputs found
Dogs in society can prevent society going to the dogs
An editorial comment on the importance of dogs to society, to counter the emphasis given to the risks they pose
Behavior in dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism during treatment with levothyroxine
Background Thyroid hormone supplementation anecdotally has been described as a valid treatment option for dogs with aggressionârelated problems. However, prospective, controlled, and blinded trials evaluating behavior and neurohormonal status in hypothyroid dogs during treatment with levothyroxine are lacking. Objective Levothyroxine supplementation will have a significant influence on the behavior and neurohormonal status of dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Animals Twenty clientâowned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism. Methods This prospective study was to evaluate the behavior of dogs, which was screened at initial presentation, and after 6âweeks, and 6âmonths of treatment with levothyroxine (starting dosage 10âÎŒg/kg PO q12h) using the standardized Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (CâBARQ). At each time period, circulating serotonin and prolactin (PRL) concentrations were evaluated using a commercially validated ELISA kit and heterologous radioimmunoassay, respectively. Results After 6âweeks of thyroid hormone supplementation, CâBARQ scores demonstrated a significant increase in activity of hypothyroid dogs (Pââ.99 and Pâ=â.46) and PRL (Pâ=â.99 and Pâ=â.37) were noted between the 6âweek and 6âmonth periods compared with baseline. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The results of this study indicate increased activity of hypothyroid dogs after 6âweeks of thyroid hormone supplementation. None of the hypothyroid dogs in this cohort showed a significant change in any of the evaluated behavioral signs and neurohormonal status after 6âmonths of thyroid hormone supplementation
Practical use of behavioural indicators to enhance canine welfare in the veterinary practice
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