American journal of veterinary research最新文献

{"title":"Anecdotal or experimental: how does published safety evidence affect self-reported willingness of avian veterinarians to use certain drugs in clinical practice?","authors":"Elizabeth B Handberg, Charles O Cummings, Meredith M Clancy, Brian Slattery, Kathryn C Gamble","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Assessment of how avian veterinarians interpret the relative strength of published studies with different design to incorporate drugs into their clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Veterinarian and final-year student members of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians were electronically surveyed about willingness to use 2 different drugs, polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG; Adequan) and voriconazole, in birds. The assessment was made before and after reading case series describing adverse drug events (ADE) and subsequent controlled experimental study (CES).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After reading each ADE series, 45 of 58 respondents (77.6%) reported willingness to use voriconazole and 15 of 42 (35.7%) to use PSGAG. After reading subsequently published CES of each drug, 50 of 53 respondents (94.3%) reported willingness to use voriconazole and 29 of 42 (69.0%) to use PSGAG. A majority of respondents (40 of 53 [75.5%]) stated that CES was more impactful in forming their overall opinion of voriconazole, and 29 of 42 respondents (69.0%) stated the same for PSGAG.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Veterinarians are more likely to be influenced by the results of CES presenting evidence of potential drug safety as compared to ADE case series when determining whether to use a drug in clinical avian practice.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Practicing high-quality, evidence-based veterinary medicine is essential to the health of all animals. Published CES provides greater influence on practicing avian clinicians than ADE case series. Experimental studies represent higher tiers of evidence than case series and are needed to challenge or confirm dogmas within the field of zoological medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148688447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transcatheter arterial embolization for massive hepatocellular carcinoma in 18 dogs (2020-2025).","authors":"Ko Kadowaki, Shin Nishimura, Akihiro Toyoda, Ryuhei Yamamoto","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To report tumor response, complications, outcomes, and extrahepatic collateral arterial supply presence in dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>18 dogs diagnosed with massive HCC.</p><p><strong>Clinical presentation: </strong>All dogs underwent contrast-enhanced CT and pretreatment histopathologic confirmation by laparoscopic biopsy (n = 1) or ultrasound-guided needle core biopsy (17). Tumor response was assessed using percentage of change in tumor volume on CT before TAE and 1 to 3 months after TAE.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-TAE tumor response was classified as partial response in 9 of 18 (50.0%), stable disease in 6 of 18 (33.3%), and progressive disease in 1 of 18 (5.6%). Two dogs (11.1%) died within 2 weeks after TAE. The median percentage of change in tumor volume, excluding those 2 dogs, was -32.6%. Extrahepatic collateral arterial supplies to tumors were identified in 13 of 18 (72.2%), including the gastroepiploic (22.2%), right phrenic (22.2%), left phrenic (27.8%), pancreatic (16.7%), and mesenteric (5.6%) arteries. Collateral supply from 2 and 3 vessels was observed in 3 of 18 (16.7%) and 1 of 18 (5.6%), respectively; second TAE was performed in 2 of 18 (11.1%) and hepatic lobectomy after TAE in 4 of 18 (22.2%) cases. Postoperative complications included mild diarrhea (77.8%), anorexia (61.1%), mild anemia (16.7%), and acute gallbladder infarction (11.1%) etc. Both cases of gallbladder infarction were asymptomatic with good clinical outcomes. Median survival time was 447 days, including all 18 dogs. Transcatheter arterial embolization achieved disease control in most dogs and often involved extrahepatic collaterals.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>TAE may be a useful option in selected dogs with massive HCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148688443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Melatonin differentially modulates chondro-osteogenic lineage commitment and suppresses proinflammatory mediator production in equine mesenchymal stem cells.","authors":"Hoda Elkhenany, Mana Okudaira, Renata L Linardi, Kyla F Ortved","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the effects of melatonin on chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation, chondro-osteogenic transdifferentiation, and inflammatory responses in equine mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) in vitro.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This in vitro experimental study was conducted from October 2023 through June 2024. The eMSCs were cultured under chondrogenic, osteogenic, and chondro-osteogenic transdifferentiation conditions with or without melatonin and exposed to proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]). Expression of chondrogenic and osteogenic markers was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR. Concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in culture supernatants were quantified by multiplex immunoassay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In chondrogenic cultures, melatonin was associated with increased collagen type II (COLII) and sex-determining region Y-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) expression and was associated with higher COLII-to-collagen type I (COLI) and SOX9-to-runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) ratios, consistent with preservation of chondrogenic phenotype. During chondro-osteogenic transdifferentiation, melatonin increased RUNX2 and ALP expression and decreased COLII:COLI and SOX9:RUNX2 ratios, suggesting promotion of an early osteogenic or hypertrophic shift. In contrast, in osteogenic cultures, melatonin decreased RUNX2, ALP, and COLI expression, indicating context-dependent effects on osteogenic differentiation. Across culture conditions, melatonin significantly reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations in culture supernatants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Melatonin differentially modulated lineage behavior in eMSCs, preserving chondrogenic characteristics in some settings, promoting early osteogenic transition during transdifferentiation, and suppressing proinflammatory mediator production.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>These findings support further investigation of melatonin as a potential adjunct for modulating proinflammatory responses during equine cartilage repair and other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148688463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Needle bevel orientation does not affect the cranial spread of injectate in a lumbosacral epidural in canine cadavers.","authors":"Olivia Harris, Tatiana Henriques Ferreira, Samantha Loeber, Sarah Hughes, Kyle J Bartholomew","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the cranial and circumferential spread of iohexol (240 mg/mL) diluted 1:3 with saline injected at the lumbosacral junction in canine cadavers using 0.1- and 0.2-mL/kg volumes administered with a cranial- or caudal-facing Tuohy bevel direction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Lumbosacral epidurals were performed with a cranial- or caudal-facing needle bevel. The median vertebrae reached and the estimated percentage of the spinal cord surrounded with injectate were assessed via CT after administering two 0.1-mL/kg aliquots of injectate. Contrast medium was diluted to achieve physical properties closer to local anesthetics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>5 cadavers in each group were assessed in August of 2024. The median vertebrae reached with a 0.1-mL/kg volume using a cranial bevel and 100%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 1% circumferential epidural coverage contrast medium were 1, 7, and 10 bodies compared to a caudal bevel direction of 1, 7, and 9 bodies. For 0.2-mL/kg total volume using a cranial bevel and having 100%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 1% circumferential epidural coverage, there were 2, 9, and 14 bodies compared to a caudal bevel direction being 2, 11, and 15 bodies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings in this cadaveric study suggest that needle bevel direction does not affect the cranial epidural spread of injectate performed at the lumbosacral space.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>While no benefit to performing a lumbosacral epidural with a caudally facing bevel in limiting cranial spread was found, further studies in live patients are required to adjust clinical recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148700677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reference intervals for myocardial T1, T2, and extracellular volume in clinically normal dogs and cats at 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: a single-center study.","authors":"Ryan C Fries, Saki Kadotani, Carl Toborowsky, Emily A Javery","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0136","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.03.0136","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To establish species-specific reference values for myocardial native T1, native T2, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in clinically normal dogs and cats using a 3-Tesla (3-T) cardiac MRI (CMRI) and to provide a description of image acquisition and analysis suitable for veterinary clinical and research applications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cardiac examinations were performed between 2015 and 2024 using a 3-T system with ECG gating under general anesthesia on clinically normal client-owned dogs and cats. Native T1 and T2 maps were acquired at the midventricular short-axis level using validated mapping sequences adapted from human CMRI protocols. Calculated ECV values were obtained from native and postcontrast T1 measurements in conjunction with Hct values. Reference intervals were determined using parametric methods and expressed as 95% prediction intervals with 90% CIs around the lower and upper reference limits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In dogs (n = 54), native T1, native T2, and ECV reference intervals (95% prediction intervals) were 1,057 to 1,152 ms, 42.0 to 60.9 ms, and 19.3% to 25.7%, respectively. In cats (n = 60), corresponding reference intervals were 1,066 to 1,172 ms, 34.2 to 61.6 ms, and 21.8% to 30.3%. Age was not a significant predictor of myocardial ECV in either species.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study establishes clinically applicable reference values for myocardial T1, T2, and ECV in dogs and cats at 3 T and provides imaging methodology to facilitate reproducibility.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Species-specific reference intervals established in this study enable objective quantification of myocardial composition and support clinical implementation of CMRI tissue characterization in dogs and cats.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvements in knowledge and detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales transmission in companion animals will strengthen prevention across the One Health spectrum.","authors":"Erin Frey, Karen A Alroy, Amanda Beaudoin, Ian DeStefano, Dubra Diaz-Campos, Emily Curren, Claire Fellman, Michelle Funk, Jennifer Granick, Allison E James, Leslie Kollmann, Kate KuKanich, Darby McDermott, Jason W Stull, Meera Surendran-Nair, Regina Wagner, Christy King, Souci Louis, G Sean Stapleton, Stephen D Cole","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0273","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.06.0273","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CRE) represent a growing threat to veterinary patients. Although CP-CRE infections in companion animals remain relatively rare, outbreaks in veterinary hospitals are increasingly being reported. Case reports and epidemiologic studies also support CP-CRE transmission between people and animals, making emergence in companion animals both an animal health and public health problem. However, substantial knowledge gaps limit understanding of the human and animal health impacts of CP-CRE in companion animals and of effective prevention and control interventions. For example, the true prevalence of CP-CRE colonization in companion animals is unknown, longitudinal dynamics of carriage remain poorly defined, and specific risk factors for acquisition in veterinary hospitals and community settings require further study. There are also unique structural and cultural challenges to implementing veterinary infection prevention and control practices, and evidence-based best practices tailored to veterinary settings are lacking. Diagnostic and surveillance infrastructure for companion animals is also highly fragmented, with inconsistent carbapenemase testing availability, limited mandatory reporting, and minimal capacity to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks. This review synthesizes current clinical and molecular epidemiology of CP-CRE in companion animals; identifies critical gaps in diagnostics, surveillance, and veterinary infection prevention and control implementation; and outlines research priorities needed to mitigate and control CP-CRE within veterinary facilities. The companion Currents in One Health by Granick et al, JAVMA, 2026, addresses the clinical implications of the emergence of CP-CRE in companion animals and strategies for veterinary practitioners to mitigate spread.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Serum iodine concentrations in euthyroid dogs and dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.","authors":"Rebecca J Egbert, John P Buchweitz, Madison A Godfrey, Brian K Petroff","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterize the total and inorganic serum iodine concentrations of canines with varying thyroid disease status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Leftover serum samples submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnostic thyroid panel screening between January and June 2023 were utilized for this retrospective study. Thyroglobulin autoantibody was used as a marker for autoimmune thyroiditis. Inorganic and total iodine were measured via an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. An estimated reference interval was calculated for inorganic and total iodine using results from euthyroid dogs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Iodine concentrations were measured in dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis (n = 101) and hypothyroidism (97) and euthyroid dogs (86). Serum iodine concentrations ranged widely but were not increased in dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis or hypothyroidism in comparison to euthyroid animals. Concentrations of both total and inorganic iodine were statistically different between dogs suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis and those with hypothyroidism.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Elevated serum iodine is not associated with autoimmune thyroiditis or hypothyroidism in dogs.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>The concentration of iodine alone in canine serum is not a marker for thyroid disease in dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148652812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combining lefamulin with rifampin provides in vitro synergistic antimicrobial effects against Rhodococcus equi isolates susceptible to macrolides and rifampin.","authors":"Sally F O Alpini, Marlane G Seeger, Bibiana P da Silveira, Cierra A Cadena, Elaine Pham, Laura Huber, Angela I Bordin, Jing Wu, Sara D Lawhon, Noah D Cohen","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0213","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Because of lefamulin's antimicrobial spectrum and intrapulmonary disposition, the objective of this study was to estimate MICs for macrolide- and rifampin-susceptible (MRS) and macrolide- and rifampin-resistant (MRR) isolates of Rhodococcus equi to lefamulin either alone or in combination with rifampin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Gradient diffusion and broth microdilution were performed to determine MICs for lefamulin alone using MRS (n = 43) and MRR isolates (61) of R equi. Twenty MRR and 20 MRS isolates were tested for synergistic effects using a checkerboard assay and the fractional inhibitory concentration index as an outcome measure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For both MRR and MRS isolates, MIC values were significantly higher using broth microdilution (median MIC, 32 µg/mL; range, 8 to 64 µg/mL) than gradient diffusion (median MIC, 12 µg/mL; range, 5 to 28 µg/mL) testing. The fractional inhibitory concentration values of MRR isolates (median, 0.562; range, 0.250 to 1.000) were significantly higher than those of MRS isolates (median, 0.280; range, 0.039 to 1.038). In addition, the proportion of isolates exhibiting synergistic interaction was significantly greater among MRS isolates (16 of 20 [80%]) than among MRR isolates (6 of 20 [30%]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the MIC values for lefamulin against R equi were high relative to concentrations considered therapeutic in humans. When combined with rifampin, lefamulin exhibited synergistic effects for MRS but not MRR isolates.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Need exists for alternative antimicrobials to treat rhodococcal foal pneumonia. Results indicate that studies in foals of the pharmacokinetics and pulmonary disposition of lefamulin in combination with rifampin are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148629142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Poor quality of life and recent veterinary consultation are associated with increased owner-perceived pain and/or suffering prior to euthanasia in dogs.","authors":"Alexis M Mann, Janice O'Brien, Audrey Ruple, Rell L Parker","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.05.0193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the influence of age, quality of life, illness, and recent veterinary consultation on an owner's perception of pain and/or suffering and consequently end-of-life decision-making for dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study examined Dog Aging Project end-of-life survey data. Owner and dog demographic characteristics were analyzed by whether pain and/or suffering were listed as a reason for euthanasia. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Owner surveys from 2020 through 2024 were included. Overall, 7,764 of 8,955 owners (87%) reported pain and/or suffering as a reason for euthanasia, with older owners, smaller dogs, and dogs < 5 years of age as factors that had lower frequency of pain as a reason for euthanasia. A multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of a chronic condition and number of lifetime diagnoses were not associated with pain as a reason for euthanasia (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.03 and OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.28, respectively). Recent veterinary consultation was positively associated with pain or suffering (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.05), and better quality of life was negatively associated with pain or suffering (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.93).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Owners should be educated regarding the signs of pain and/or suffering to promote awareness of the high prevalence of pain and/or suffering and inform end-of-life care and decision-making.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Veterinary visits influence owner perception of pain and/or suffering. Future studies could evaluate the best way to educate dog owners during end-of-life care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148618184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Service dogs in a matched survey were more physically active and had higher odds of being fed grain-free diets than companion dogs.","authors":"Devon K Otero, Kelly Wilson, Tyler G James","doi":"10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0153","DOIUrl":"10.2460/ajvr.26.04.0153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>There is a strong, bidirectional relation between the health outcomes of service dogs and their human handlers. Despite this relation, limited information is available on service dog health. This study assesses differences in health status, diet, and physical activity among service dogs and companion dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study of the Dog Aging Project's Health and Life Experiences Survey, using data collected on or before December 31, 2021. Service dogs and companion dogs were matched on signalment. Descriptive statistics, conditional logistic regression, and Poisson regression were estimated to assess health differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>240 canines were in each group. A higher prevalence of service dog owners reported annual household income of less than $39,999. Owners in both groups reported their dogs' health to be very good to excellent, and almost 50% of each group used daily joint supplements. Service dogs had a higher adjusted OR of ever being on a grain-free diet (1.98; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.33), 15% more total minutes of daily physical activity, and longer leashed physical activity compared to companion dogs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Service dogs in this matched cohort had higher activity levels, greater odds of grain-free diet exposure, yet similar prevalence of joint supplementation to companion dogs. Further studies are needed to elucidate functional impacts on both handlers and service dogs and to limit inherent selection bias.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This study adds to the relatively limited evidence base regarding service dog health outcomes. The distinct lifestyle patterns of service dogs may warrant tailored veterinary monitoring and client communication, particularly for nutritional and musculoskeletal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":7754,"journal":{"name":"American journal of veterinary research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148597772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}