Background: Physical activity alters the cardiovascular system of dogs depending on the exercise characteristics and the animal&rsquo;s physical conditioning. Little is known about the cardiovascular changes in working police dogs. This study evaluated the cardiovascular responses of working Labradors to regular exercise and various workload.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Twelve working Labradors of Tamil Nadu police department that were regularly trained and exercised 30 minutes morning and evening and twelve normal household pet Labradors brought for regular checkup to Madras Veterinary College Teaching hospital were taken for the study. All the animals were subjected to physical, clinical, hematobiochemical, electrocardiographic examinations and cardiac auscultation before performing echocardiography. Those animals which showed normal recordings in all the above tests were further subjected to M-mode, Pulsed wave and Tissue Doppler echocardiography. In this study, the resting heart rate values of working groups were lesser than that of normal pet dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of echocardiography showed significant increase in Interventricular septal diameter during diastole, left atrial diameter, aortic artery diameter and the left atrium to aortic diameter ratio without impairing systolic and diastolic cardiac functions in working dogs. The present study indicated that there were few changes in the echocardiographic parameters which might be a response to physiological adaptation and regular exercise.

Normal M-mode, Pulsed Wave and Tissue Doppler Echocardiographic Studies in Healthy Working Police Dogs

<div>Background: Canine hepatozoonosis is caused by Hepatozoon canis and is transmitted through ingestion of an ixodid tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato containing mature oocysts. Periodical screening of vectors and their host for the presence of pathogen acts as reliable method for understanding the pattern of the disease which thereby reduces the chance of disease and the cost of treatment. 
 
Methods: A total of 482 blood samples and 47 pooled tick samples collected from 482 dogs during the study period were screened through conventional and molecular techniques for the presence of H. canis. The haematology and biochemical profile of infected animals were evaluated. Positive PCR products were sequenced, compared with the existing sequences and were analysed phylogenetically. 
 
Result:&nbsp;Out of 482 blood samples collected from dogs, only 5 were found to be positive microscopically for H. canis while 32 blood samples and 8 tick samples were found positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amongst epidemiological attributes, age and gender were found to have no significant relationship for the occurrence of the disease while, breed of the dog had a significant association. Haematology and biochemistry revealed profound anaemia, monocytosis and elevated blood urea nitrogen in dogs with H. canis.</div>

Molecular Epidemiology, Characterisation of Hepatozoon canis in Dogs as well as in Ticks and Haemato-biochemical Profile of the Infected Dogs in Chennai

<div>Background: The objective of the present study was to define existence of age and body weight related cardiac structural and functional changes in both healthy GSD as well as those having structural or functional cardiac affections. Thus the present study was conducted to establish the reference values of various parameters of ECG based on age and body weight and further evaluation of clinical cases based on these reference values. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted on eight apparently healthy German shepherd dogs aged 36-72 months with body weight 22-33.2 kg free from cardio-thoracic diseases to establish the reference values of various electrocardiographic parameters (Group-I) and used to evaluate the cardiac rhythm in 3 GSD dogs having some cardiac diseases (Group-II) based on the reference values obtained from Group-I.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Heart rate showed negative correlation with age and body weight. Positive correlation of amplitude of S and T wave, QRS complex, duration of T wave, P-R interval and R-R interval with age and body weight; amplitude of Q wave, duration of P wave and Q-T interval with body weight was observed. Negative correlation of amplitude of P and R wave, S-T interval with age and body weight; amplitude of Q wave, duration of P wave and Q-T interval with age was observed.</div>

Electrocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Rhythm: A Comparative Study of Apparently Healthy German Shepherd Dogs Versus Dogs with Cardiac Affections

<div>The increased demand for indigenous native dog&rsquo;s breeds like Rajapalayam, Kanni and Chippiparai, leading to flourishing of more kennels in and around the breeding tract of the above breeds. The breeders without an experience in dog breeding are also involved in this dog breeding business and some of them face number of problems in running the business and meet with fiscal loss. Individuals who run the kennel with successful managemental practices and marketing tactics can only survive in this business. Considering the above problems in mind, a study was carried out to list out the major constraints perceived by the kennel owners of the indigenous dog breeds so as to sketch out a package of practices in indigenous dog breeding business. A study was carried out to identify the major constraints perceived by the dog breeders of the above indigenous dog breeds. The data were collected by pre-tested interview scheme from 39 kennel owners randomly selected from the breeding tract viz Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu. Prime constraints listed in the previous study were used to get response form the kennel owners. Kennel owners with more than five year of experience and maintaining more than 25 adult breedable dogs were interviewed. The constraints perceived by the kennel owners were collected and Garett&rsquo;s ranking technique was followed to rank the constraints perceived by them in their business. The study revealed that, majority of the dog breeders&nbsp; reported that, the unavailability of timely veterinary care (83.80%) is the major problem in dog breeding business followed by high cost involved in establishment of kennel (70.15%), difficulty in getting KCI registration for their dog (58.23%), unavailability of Vaccine (56%), frequent disease problems (50%), unethical&nbsp; business tactics by the competitors (48.33), inbreeding and inherited diseases (45%), pup Mortality(40%), poor breeding performance of dogs (35%), low demand and low price for the pups (28%) and unaware about scientific management (17%).&nbsp;</div>

Constraints Perceived by the Kennel Owners in Rearing of Indigenous Dog Breeds (Rajapalayam, Kanni and Chippiparai Dog) in Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu

Background: Obesity, which has recently created many problems in humans and animals, is stated as being above 15-20% of normal body weight. This condition is commonly classified using body condition scoring in dogs. This study compared oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), routine hemograms and biochemicals in obese dogs and dogs with normal body conditions.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Blood samples were taken from 20 normal body condition and 20 obese dogs. ADMA, oxidative stress and routine hematologic and biochemical parameters were evaluated.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Platelet count (p = 0.009), blood urea nitrogen (p &lt;0.001), cholesterol (p = 0.006), ADMA (p &lt;0.05) and malondialdehyde&nbsp;(p&lt;0.001) were statistically high, while superoxide dismutase and catalase (p &lt;0.001 and p &lt;0.001, respectively) were statistically low in the obese group than the normal body condition group. As a result, we think the interpretation of the indicated biomarkers may help evaluate obesity and related pathologies in dogs, monitor treatment, or help prevent potential problems associated with obesity.

Comparison of Asymmetric Dimethyl Arginine and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Obese Dogs and Dogs with Clinically Normal Body Condition Based on Routine Hemogram and Serum Biochemicals

<div>Background: A Rottweiler male dog carcass (7 years) with clinical history of inappetence, pyrexia, diarrhoea and nasal discharge was received in the post mortem hall of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana. The current work was aimed to study the clinical history, pathological and parasitological examination in the Rottweiler male dog carcass.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: After collection of the samples, laboratory work was undertaken in the laboratories of Department of Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana (India) in the year 2018-2019 regarding the examination of the clinical history, pathological and parasitological investigation. 
 
Result: Necropsy revealed anaemic mucous membranes; pale conjunctiva; hydrothorax; hydroperitoneum; lungs and heart were congested, blackish discolouration of liver; fully distended gall bladder; congested along with thickened intestinal mucosa; intestinal lumen contained white nematode as well as long creamy cestodes identified as Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum, respectively. Histopathologically, intestine revealed presence of severe fibrino-necrotic enteritis characterized by infiltration of mono nuclear cells, degeneration and desquamation of microvilli, congested blood vessels and haemorrhages. Spleen revealed acute splenitis with presence of severe hemorrhages along with neutrophilic infiltration. Liver revealed areas of necrotic hepatitis. The case was confirmed as parasitic fibino-necrotic enteritis due to mixed infection by Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum.&nbsp;</div>

<div>A Case of Parasitic Fibrino-necrotic Enteritis in A Rottweiler Dog</div>

<div>Background: Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EPB) is an emerging canine lower respiratory disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of lungs and bronchial mucosa that has traditionally been refer to as pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia (PIE). Since the diagnosis of this disease is of great challenge to the veterinarians and currently very limited work have been carried out and recorded in veterinary literature the present study was planned and conducted to document clinical and bronchoscopic changes in dogs with Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy and to assess bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in the diagnosis of Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in dogs. 
 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>Methods: Present study consisted of eight apparently healthy dogs and eight clinical cases. The parameters included in this study were clinical examination, BALF microbiological culture, BALF antibiogram, bronchoscopy and BALF cytology. 
 
&nbsp;</div>

<div>Result: Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) was recorded in eight dogs. In BALF cytology based on eosinophilic scoring, mild to moderate form of eosinophilic infiltration was observed in six dogs. Severe eosinophilia was observed in two cases. No micro-organisms were observed on cytology of EBP dogs. The most predominant bronchoscopic findings were the presence of muco-purulent secretions and mild to moderate thickening of bronchial mucosa in EBP dogs. BALF analysis is found to be the gold standard test in the confirmation of EBP in dogs. Bacterial and fungal culture was performed on all 24 BALF samples collected. The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus sp. (66 per cent) followed by Streptococcus sp. (25 per cent) one E. coli (4 per cent) and one sample showing growth of Klebseilla sp. (4 per cent). In the study, the antibiogram pattern of BALF showed high sensitivity for Enrofloxacin.</div>

Bronchoscopic Evaluation of Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy in Dogs

<div>Background: The available literature and work done so far on diagnosis and therapeutic management of lower urinary tract affections in canine practice is very meagre specially on urethro-cystoscopic examinations, medicinal dissolution of calculi and immunotherapy for neoplasia of UB in dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The present study was carried in 55 dogs with lower urinary tract affections classify according to pathological conditions and therapeutic management. The diagnostic modalities like radiography, ultrasonography in all dogs, urethro-cystoscopy in seven dogs and their findings were studied. The response of therapeutics were also studied. 
 
Conclusion: The dogs having small size calculi treated according to urine pH with oral medicinal dissolution using Ammonium Chloride (Group 1A, n=9) and Di Sodium Hydrogen Citrate (Group 1B, n=10) for sixty days, Group 1C (n=25) dogs with cystitis (n=17) subjected for bacterial culture treated according to sensitive antibiotics, TCC of bladder (n=7) with immunotherapy using BCG vaccine and a dog with leiomyosarcoma with cystotomy. The dogs (Group 2, n=11) with large size calculi (n=10), a lodge catheter in UB and dogs (Group 3, n=6) did not responded medicinal dissolution from group 1A (n=2) and 1B (n=4) treated surgically. One to multiple, variable size recovered calculi (n=24) revealed highest brown colour grossly, calcium oxalate type, higher in Pomeranian breed and dogs fed with combination of vegetarian and commercial feed.</div>

<div>Clinico-diagnosis and Surgico-therapeutic Management of Lower Urinary Tract Disorders in Dogs</div>

Background: The research work was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of various diagnostic tests by using conventional microscopic examination, rapid Ab detection test and molecular technique, haemato-biochemical changes, Abdominal organs changes using ultrasonography, and therapeutic efficacy of different treatment protocols on Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) infected dogs from in and around Navsari, Gujarat, India.

Methods: 69 dogs suspected of ehrlichiosis based on clinical signs and hematological values and then subjected to blood and buffy coat smear examination, rapid Ab detection test&nbsp;and PCR based assay targeting 16S rRNA gene. The pre and post-treatment haematology and biochemical analysis of treatment groups along with all the positive dogs were performed. Further, all the treatment group dogs were subjected to ultrasound for evaluating organ abnormalities. Modified Clinical Sign Grading (MCSG) score for CME-infected dogs was carried out to evaluate therapeutic responses based on minimizing the clinical score. Descriptive statistics along with Student t-test and One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by DMRT was performed to compare differences between means wherever applicable.

Result: CME incidence among the 69 suspected cases was 49.28%. Out of 69 suspected dogs, Ehrlichial inclusions or morulae in the monocytes could be identified in only 4.35% of blood smears and 10.14% of buffy coat smears examined by Giemsa and or Field-stained and 15.94% of dogs were found positive for Ehrlichia genus by PCR. 72.5 per cent of dogs were found positive for antibodies to E. canis, out of 40 dogs. The sensitivity of blood smear examination, buffy coat smear examination, and thrombocytopenia was 10.34%, 24.14%&nbsp;and 89.66%, respectively. The specificity of all the diagnostic tests was 100%. The anemia along with leucopenia, were the most significant hematological alteration recorded while ALP, creatinine, and BUN were elevated and albumin was significantly decreased in CME-infected dogs. Significant improvement of haemato-biochemical parameters towards normalcy in both treatment groups. However, a higher percentage of reduction was observed in the clinical score of imidocarb treated CME affected dogs than in the oxy-doxycycline therapy after 14 days.

Clinico-diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Ehrlichiosis in Dog

<div>Background: B. canis infections have been reported in many countries of the world. B.canis can cause infections both in dogs and human beings. It can be transmitted to human via laboratory accidents during handling and contact with sick dogs. is an infectious agent for humans and it is transmitted to humans by various ways including laboratory accidents and contact with sick dogs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In this study serum samples were collected by using stratified random sampling method from the Diyarbak&yacute;r Metropolitan Municipality Animal Care and Rehabilitation Center, where approximately 600 dogs were housed. 
 
Result: Out of 83 samples, 9.6% and 26.5% of serum samples were found as positive by&nbsp;B.canis RSAT and&nbsp;B.canis ELISA, respectively. While 6% and 9.6% of the samples were positive by B. abortus S99 RSAT and B. abortus ELISA, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of B. abortus S99 ELISA was 98% and 95.5%, respectively. On the other hand, sensitivity and specificity of B.canis M(-)&nbsp; ELISA was 96.6% and 94%. As a result, it was concluded that B. canis infection is common in dogs and this should be considered both for dogs and public health. Unfortunately, there is no standardized commercial serological test for diagnosis of B.canis and other rough Brucella species currently. This is the main reason that rough brucella infections might not represent the real B.canis infection situation. Therefore, most of the cases have the possibility of being undetected. For this reason it is utmost important that B.canis RSAT and ELISA can be used as routine tests in the hospitals and veterinary clinics in the serological diagnosis of brucellosis.</div>