• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.31-35
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• 2014

As with humans, overweight or obesity is a major health concern in the companion animal population. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of dog owners attending primary small animal veterinary practices from different areas in Chuncheon, Kangwon province, Korea was undertaken to explore the relationships between socioeconomic and other relevant risk factors associated with canine obesity. In addition, the author was to estimate the prevalence of obesity compared to published literatures for dogs. Owners were asked about dog age, neuter status, feeding habits, dog exercise, household income and owner age. The body condition score (BCS) of the dogs was also assessed. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between BCS and potential risk factors controlling for confounding variables, using odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 275 dogs (136 males and 139 females) aged 1-12 years (mean age $5.6{\pm}3.7$ years) were surveyed in 2013. Of these, 46.9% of dogs (n = 129) were classed as an ideal body shape (BCS = 3), 30.9% (n = 85) were overweight (BCS = 4), 8.4% (n = 23) were obese (BCS = 5) and 13.8% (n = 38) were underweight (BCS = 1 or 2). Neutered males and spayed females had the highest prevalence of obesity (43.4% and 33.9%); intact females had the lowest prevalence of obesity (31.6%). In univariable model, risk factors associated with canine obesity are multifactorial and include owner income, owner age, age of dog, neuter status, frequency of feeding per day, frequency of snacks and consultation with veterinarian on dog's weight. In final multivariable logistic regression model, dogs whose owners reported no consultation with veterinarians for weight management were significantly more likely to be obesity than ideal (OR = 7.6, 95% CI, 4.2-13.8; p < 0.0001). This study showed a high prevalence of obesity in domestic companion dogs. Since this was a cross-sectional study with small samples, the association of canine obesity with risk factors warrants more research. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first Korean study on dog body condition and obesity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.851-855
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• 1994

The semen from four male dogs which had been proven to be fertile in the past were frozen in a deep freezer at $-60^{\circ}C$ by simple freezing method using methanol and preserved at the same teperature for from 7 to 10 days. The semen were inseminated to 7 female dogs in estrus to find out the usability of this freezing method in artificial insemination for dogs. In addition, post-thaw motility and viability of sperm from two male dogs which had been fertile were also evaluated to investigate individual difference. Successful pregnancy was obtained by artificial insemination with canine semen frozen at $-60^{\circ}C$ by simple freezing method using methanol, namely, 3 bitches among 7 bitches which had been inseminated delivered puppies(42.8%). The average litter size of the whelping dogs were 4.3 puppies. The average post-thaw motility of canine sperm in the cases of conception was showen higher than those of non-conception(65.0% vs. 42.5%), along with the, same result in the average post-thaw viability between the two groups(53.3% vs, 27.5%). Individual difference of post-thaw motility and viability was obtained between two fertile dogs(p<0.05).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.223-227
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• 2016

This study evaluated the levels of cardiac biomarkers in dogs with either pulmonic stenosis or aortic stenosis and the correlation between biomarkers and the severity of stenosis assessed by the echocardiography. To achieve this study goal, 38 dogs (10 healthy control dogs, 15 dogs with pulmonic stenosis and 13 dogs with aortic stenosis) were examined. The jet velocity and pressure gradient in this study population were measured by echocardiographic estimation, after which the study group was subdivided by the severity of stenosis. The plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in this study group. The median concentrations of cTnI and NT-proBNP of the disease group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and these increased gradually as stenosis worsened. The severity of stenosis and the concentrations of cTnI and NT-porBNP were also found to be significantly correlated. Finally, the plasma cTnI and NT-proBNP tests were found to beneficial for differentiating clinical patients, predicting the progression of disease, and monitoring the outcome of interventional therapy for stenosis.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2009

Atopic dermatitis, caused by immune hyper-responsiveness, is wide spread in humans as well as in the dogs, especially in industrialized condition. Pet dogs are generally exposed to the same environment as their owners, and a significant portion of these animals are also known to suffer from this allergic disease. However, diagnosis and treatment methods of atopic dermatitis in animals have not been well established. We explored the possibility of using recently developed PG102 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in the canine population. PG102 is a water soluble extract prepared from Actinidia arguta, and has been shown to produce significant therapeutic effect in variable allergy animal models. After oral administration of PG102 at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks, severity of disease was greatly improved. IgE is one of representative members used to diagnose allergic diseases in humans. However, it is not well established whether there is any correlation between the serum level of IgE and atopic dermatitis. Our data indicated that dogs diagnosed to have atopic dermatitis contained higher level of serum IgE than the normal dogs and that treatment of dogs with PG102 significantly lowered the serum level of IgE. Taken together, this study demonstrated that PG102 treatment yielded significant amelioration of canine atopic dermatitis and down-regulation of serum IgE and that the serum level of IgE can be used as a convenient member for diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in dogs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.94-100
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• 2000

This study was carried out to determine the causative agent and the epidemiological features of canine dermatitis in Tae-gu, Korea from 1997 to 1998. Specimens of collected from skin lesions were examined mycologically, parasitologically and bacteriologically. In all, 70 dogs of differing ages, gender and living environment were sampled. In mycological examination during this period, pathogenic fungi were cultured from 29(41.3%) of 70 canine specimens. Dermatophytes were cultured from 15(21.4%) and Malassezia pachydermatis were 14(20.0%) of the specimens. The frequent dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum canis (12.9%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes (4.3%), T rubrum (2.9%), T raubitschekii and M gypseum (each 1.4%). There was a high proportion of positive cultures from dogs less than 1 year and over than 3 years of age, and in some long haired breeds, but there was no significant difference between the sexes, and the living environments. Although dermatophytes were more frequently isolated in spring and winter, no significant difference was detected in the seasonal distribution of the canine dermatophytosis. Out of 70 dogs, dermatitis ectoparasites(27.1%; Demodex canis 18.6% and Sarcoptes scabie 8.6%) and bacterial pyoderma(40.4%) were diagnosed. Demodex canis and Sarcoptes scabie were common canine ectoparasites, with a higher incidence in short haired breeds and in summer and winter. Bacterial pyoderma was a higher incidence in long haired breeds, and in summer. In the pathogenic agents isolated from 57 dogs(81.4%), single infection rate was 66.7%(38 dogs) and mixed infection rate was, 35.1%(19 dogs). In the majority of mixed infection cases, Gram positive cocci and Malassezia pachydermatis (in 5 cases, 8.8%), as well as ectoparasites(in 6 cases, 10.5%) were demonstrated simultaneously.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.327-336
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• 1993

Present experiments were undertaken in order to clarify the effect of splenectomy on the hematology and marrow megakaryocyte picture and to know the genesis of postsplenectomy thrombocytosis in dogs. Six mongrel dogs weighing 8.5~18㎏ were used, of which three were splenectomized and the other three were laparotomized for comparison. Erythrocyte count, total and differential leukocyte counts, thrombocyte count and packed cell volume measurement were made using the blood samples. In addition, bone marrow samples obtained from the femur at 7th and 23rd day of the operation were examined for the number per low-power field, the diameter, and the distribution frequency of the megakaryocyte. From these experiments, following results were obtained : Erythrocyte count and packed cell volume showed significant decrease beginning on the 15th day of splenectomy. Total and differential leukocyte counts showed marked increase for the first 2 days of postsplenectomy. The thrombocyte count of splenectomized dogs increased from the 2nd day of the operation, reached to the peak count on the 15th day, and returned to the preoperation count by the 28th day. The megakaryocyte count per low-power field of the biopsied preparation increased in according to the increase in thrombocyte count. The megakaryocyte diameter of splenectomized dog showed no increase on the 7th or 23rd day of the operation. However, the distribution frequency of the larger megakaryocyte was higher in the splenectomized dogs than in the laparotomized dogs. The total plasma protein concentration showed no significant change after splenectomy or laparotomy. From these results, it may be concluded that the postsplenectomy thrombocytosis results from the increased megakaryocytopoesis or the activated thrombocytopoesis of the marrow megakaryocytes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.163-167
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• 2012

Mosapride stimulated dietary motility was introduced because of the arrhythmogenic effect of cisapride. Cisapride, 5-HT receptor agonist, induces prolongation of QT interval. Additionally, this condition can raise the possibility of acute, "malignant" arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes. It is hard to find any reports about effects of mosapride on cardiac parameters in dogs. By confirming electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, the surface extremity leads ECG that was obtained from the four-limb electrodes and which was recorded by an ECG recorder after administration of mosapride 3 mg/kg PO b.i.d, and mosapride 3 mg/kg with itraconazole 5 mg/kg PO b.i.d, respectively. QT interval was shortened on the days of 3, 5, and post-day 1 in both mosapride 3 mg/kg administrated group and mosapride with itraconazole group. Heart rate increased significantly. QTc was slightly prolonged in mosapride administration group and mosapride with itraconazole group. However, all dogs of QTc were in normal variation (150~250 msec). Besides, the dogs showed no side effects reported in human medicine during the administration with these drugs. Although mosapride can increase the heart rate, this study suggest that mosapride may be useful for the dogs with disorders of gastrointestinal motility because of no fatal arrhythmogenic effect inspite of administration with itraconazole in dogs.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2015

Objectives To assess the safety of Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture by analyzing the potential single-dose intramuscular toxicity of Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture at various dose levels in SD (Spraque-Dawley) rats and Beagle dogs. Methods For evaluation of single-dose intramuscular toxicity of Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture, 40 SD rats (20 male and 20 famale) and 4 Beagle dogs (2 male and 2 female) were used. The rats were divided in four groups of 10 each, and treated intramuscularly with Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture at doses of 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg in distilled water, and distilled water as a vehicle control group, respectively. The Beagle dogs were divided into two groups of 2 each, and treated intramuscularly with Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture at doses of 0.15, and 0.3 mg/kg in distilled water, respectively, and signs of toxicity were observed. After a wash-out period of 3 days, the procedure was repeated with Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture at doses of 0.6, and 1.2 mg/kg in distilled water, respectively. Mortality, body weight changes, and necropsy findings were examined during the study period. Results There were no mortalities in either the SD rats or Beagle dogs. There were also no significant differences in adverse effects, body weight, or necropsy findings between the Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture and control groups. Conclusions There results suggest that the lethal dose 50 ($LD_{50}$) and approximate lethal dose (ALD) value of the test substance Shinbaro3 Pharmacopuncture are higher than 1.2 mg/kg in SD rats and Beagle dogs.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2020

We investigated the genotypes of Leptospira spp. detected in symptomatic dogs in Thailand. During April to December 2012, 6 out of 41 client-owned dogs were diagnosed with leptospirosis based on polymerase chain reaction tests. All of the infected dogs showed clinical symptoms related to leptospirosis. Direct genotyping of the causative agent of the canine leptospirosis was conducted from the archival DNA samples extracted from urine or blood of those 6 infected dogs. Sequencing of the partial 16S rRNA and lipL32 genes from all samples identified Leptospira (L.) interrogans as the infecting species. Multilocus sequence typing tests were successful for 2 out of 6 samples. The sequence type (ST) was identified as ST50 for both samples where the profile corresponded to L. interrogans species and Bataviae serogroup. The presence of this genotype of Leptospira has never been reported in Thailand. Thus, our findings showed the existence of ST50 L. interrogans serogroup Bataviae and the ability to cause leptospirosis in dogs in Thailand.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.45 no.2 s.142
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• pp.121-128
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• 2007

Arthrostoma miyazakiense (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) is a hookworm species reported from the small intestines of raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Japan. Five Korean raccoon dogs (N. procyonoides koreensis) caught from 2002 to 2005 in Jeollanam-do (Province), a southeastern area of South Korea, contained helminth eggs belonging to 4 genera (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and Capillaria spp.) and cysts of Giardia sp. in their feces. Necropsy findings of 1 raccoon dog revealed a large number of adult hookworms in the duodenum. These hookworms were identified as Arthrostoma miyazakiense based on the 10 articulated plates observed in the buccal capsule and the presence of right-sided prevulval papillae. Eggs of A. miyazakiense were $60-65{\times}35-40{\mu}m$ (av, $62.5{\times}35{\mu}m$), and were morphologically indistinguishable from those of Ancyiostoma caninum. The eggs were cultured to infective 2nd stage larvae via charcoal culture, and 100 infective larvae were used to experimentally infect each of 3 mixed-bred puppies. All puppies harbored hookworm eggs in their feces on the 12th day after infection. This is the first report thus far concerning A. miyazakiense infections in raccoon dogs in Korea, and the first such report outside of Japan.