Chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs requires lifelong management and may cause caregiver burden (CB), potentially affecting owner well-being and, indirectly, veterinarians. We aimed to determine whether owners of dogs with CE experience CB compared to owners of healthy dogs and to assess emotional, social, and financial aspects, as well as the owner-dog relationship. The questionnaire was completed by 223 owners of dogs with CE and 447 owners of healthy dogs. Cross-sectional study using an owner-reported questionnaire. Items were adapted from the Zarit Burden Interview and the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale. Disease severity was assessed using the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index. Owners of dogs with CE reported substantial psychological burden and lower quality of life (QoL) for themselves compared with controls. More frequent episodes of severe clinical signs were associated with CB and decreased QoL. Despite this, the owner-dog relationship remained largely intact with most owners maintaining emotional closeness and attachment to the dog. Contributing factors to CB included veterinary visits, the perception of dogs with CE as time-consuming, and financial factors. However, concerns for the dog's well-being-such as suffering, recurrence of severe clinical signs, or death-were ranked as the most important source of burden. Chronic enteropathy can cause substantial CB and negatively affect owners' QoL, while the emotional bond with the dog remains preserved. These findings highlight the importance of considering caregiver well-being as part of veterinary care.
Prior literature within the field of human-animal interaction has illuminated the potential impact of companion animals on prosocial behaviors. This study explores pet ownership association with both adolescent self-reported and parent-reported adolescent engagement in prosocial behavior, using a large dataset of adolescents in the United States, collected between the years of 2019-2022. This study analyzes secondary data from the longitudinal ABCD Study. The final analytic sample includes 8504 adolescents (53.4% boys) with an average age of 12.46 (SD = 0.68) at Time 1 and 13.6 (SD = 0.73) at Time 2. Ordinal logistic regressions were estimated within a structural equation modeling framework to evaluate if pet ownership type (e.g., dog owners, cat owners) was associated with increased odds of parent- and adolescent-reported engagement in prosocial behaviors as measured by an adapted subscale from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire controlling for age and gender. The parent-report adolescent prosocial latent variable indicated no significant effect of pet ownership. The adolescent self-report prosocial latent variable revealed that adolescents in dog-owning and mixed-pet (e.g., cats and dogs) households had greater odds of agreeing that they engage in prosocial behavior compared to adolescents in non-pet households. There was a significant interaction between pet ownership and gender, with girls in mixed-pet household having greater odds of reporting prosocial behavior compared to boys in non-pet households. Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated relative stability between the Time 1 and Time 2 waves in terms of broad within-group responses to prosocial behavior items. This research highlights differences between types of pet-owning families in terms of reported engagement in prosocial behaviors.
Air fryers are increasingly used in home kitchens, yet their relationships with domestic culinary labour and diet quality remain unclear. This cross-sectional study included cohabiting adults in Istanbul, Türkiye, with one respondent recruited per household (N = 384; 50% women); 192 participants (50%) reported owning an air fryer. Cooking and food preparation skills were assessed using a validated 33-item scale (14-item cooking skills and 19-item food skills subscales), and Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed using MEDAS. Group comparisons and robust regression models were performed. Compared with non-owners, owners had longer education duration (median 14 vs 12 years) and lower BMI (median 25.7 vs 27.4 kg/m²) (both p < 0.001). Women scored higher than men on cooking skills, food skills, and MEDAS within both ownership strata (all p < 0.01). In robust regression models, air fryer ownership was positively associated with cooking skills (β = 4.253, p = 0.028) and food skills (β = 6.589, p = 0.004). Higher MEDAS scores were associated with older age (β = 0.049 per year, p < 0.001) and regular exercise (β = 1.873, p < 0.001), whereas male sex (β=-1.311, p < 0.001), lower perceived income, and regular smoking were associated with lower MEDAS scores (p < 0.05). Air fryer owners also more frequently reported equal sharing with a spouse for selected routine kitchen tasks, particularly table setting, meal preparation, and dishwashing. Air fryer ownership was associated with higher cooking- and food-skill scores and with more equal sharing of some kitchen tasks, but not with Mediterranean diet adherence.
Despite high rates of firearm suicide among older adults, little is known about their needs and preferences for information on safer firearm storage. This study examines information needs and communication preferences of older adult firearm owners with depression or cognitive impairment to inform public health firearm injury prevention strategies. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with older adult firearm owners with depression or mild cognitive impairment in the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) region of the USA. We used a hybrid inductive-deductive approach and thematic analysis. Interviews occurred between October 2022 and February 2023. Older adult firearm owners expressed a preference for messaging from trusted authorities and wanted comparisons of storage methods and information on firearm transfer or relinquishment. Trusted messengers included peer firearm owners, law enforcement and physicians. Participants preferred messaging that combined narrative and statistical or technical information and viewed video delivery as acceptable and often preferable. Interventions must use accurate firearm terminology and be reviewed by experienced firearm owners to ensure credible messaging. Messengers should be prepared to discuss storage and transfer logistics aligned with relevant policy on firearm transfer or be prepared to connect patients with knowledgeable community partners. Older adults identified knowledge gaps and expressed openness to counselling by trusted authority figures.
To understand the dog owners' willingness to pay (WTP) for rabies vaccines to control rabies and influencing factors in selected zones of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Questionnaire data were collected from 403 dog owners selected for this purpose. Contingent valuation method was used to evaluate WTP. The interval regression analysis was used to identify factors associated to owners' WTP for rabies vaccine. The majority of dog owners (65%) were WTP for suggested price bid amounts, but some had shown variability when it comes to specific price bid amounts, namely their WTP decreased when the price of the vaccine increased. The mean WTP for rabies vaccine was 38.61 ETB (0.471USD) per year. Government employees were 18.5 (95% CI: 5.55-26.10, P value <0.003) times more likely WTP for rabies vaccine compared to farmers. Respondents who believe that vaccines prevent diseases were 19.5 times more likely to be WTP for rabies vaccine. Although majority of dog owners were WTP for rabies vaccine, increasing awareness of the importance of vaccination in disease control and increasing availability of rabies vaccine by low price would increase the chances of controlling rabies through vaccination.
This study compared veterinary clinics with and without designated feline-only areas or hours across four domains: feline stress during visits, handling and restraint techniques, owner education on preventive care and common diseases, and overall client satisfaction. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted across eight clinics in Greater Lisbon, Portugal (November 2015-January 2016). In total, 204 cat owners completed a 37-question survey evaluating clinic experience, feline stress, owner education, and service quality. Respondents were divided based on whether their clinic offered feline-segregated areas or hours (n = 96) or not (n = 108). Data were analysed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05), with effect sizes calculated via Cramér's V and rank-biserial correlation. Owners at non-segregated clinics reported greater difficulty removing cats from carriers (p = 0.034) and administering home medication (p = 0.040). Their cats were more frequently scruffed (18.4% vs 7.4%) or sedated (10.3% vs 2.5%; p = 0.046; Cramér's V = 0.24), with the presence of other species increasing perceived stress (p = 0.004; r = 0.21). Non-segregated clinic owners also received significantly less information regarding FeLV (42.6% vs 17.7% uninformed; p < 0.001), FIV (40.7% vs 15.6%; p < 0.001), flea prevention (27.8% vs 7.3%; p < 0.001), and deworming (21.3% vs 5.2%; p = 0.001). Satisfaction with staff and veterinarians was higher in the segregated group (p = 0.001 for both). Clinics utilizing designated feline-only spaces or hours demonstrated superior outcomes across all evaluated domains. These findings provide quantitative support for feline-friendly principles, suggesting that investing in species segregation, staff training, and client education yields tangible improvements in animal welfare, client relationships, and veterinary practice quality.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) studies have been widely used to assess gaps in KAP towards rabies. However, there is no evidence of baseline studies that have assessed KAP towards rabies among selected communities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study design was adopted. Participants (n = 768) were selected using systematic random sampling. Data from respondents (≥18 years of age) were collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Overall, 26.95% (207/768) of the respondents could name the cause of rabies, while 53.52% (411/768) indicated that they would adhere to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can include, depending on the category of the bite wound, wound washing, and receiving a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and rabies vaccine at the time of the first medical visit. Most respondents (90.10%, 692/768) would seek medical attention following a dog bite. Most dog owners (82.11%, 459/559) owned a vaccination certificate for their pet. Allowing dogs to roam without supervision was widely reported by the respondents. Dog ownership was the only factor significantly associated (p = 0.0001) with knowledge of rabies. Gaps in some aspects of knowledge about rabies were observed, which require awareness creation among residents of the study area, irrespective of whether they own pets.
Although back pain is common among horticulture workers, effective prevention and management strategies are lacking. The first phase of a study using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment Framework is described with aims to characterize stakeholder perceptions of: 1) the need to address back pain, 2) attitudes towards pain medication including opioids, 3) contextual factors, and 4) preferences for training related to musculoskeletal injury prevention. In-depth interviews were completed in English or Spanish (n = 14) with consultants, owners, supervisors, and workers and in English or Spanish. Transcripts were recorded, transcribed, and coded, followed by qualitative inductive-deductive thematic analysis. While back pain is widespread, productivity requirements and working through pain may lead to de-emphasizing awareness and practices to prevent and manage back pain. Nursery and landscape workers tend to work regardless of pain, often using over-the-counter pain relievers to get through the day. Use of pain medication is seldom discussed, including risks of opioids and owners and consultants were hesitant to provide Naloxone in the workplace. Non-modifiable but variable contextual factors to consider when designing training are seasons and weather, type of horticulture, business models, productivity goals, and income needs. Training, policies, administrative controls, and worker knowledge and attitudes towards pain are potentially modifiable. Most current training is informal and on-the-job, and supervisors play a critical intermediary role. Integrating training into current work practices could minimize reductions in work time. Proactive interventions to limit and manage back pain and increase awareness of medication risks are needed for horticulture workers. Themes will be useful to design horticulture-specific training: 1) variability in contextual factors (weather, seasons, business models) requires training options that can be used at down-times and in different locations, 2) productivity drivers and worker tendencies to work through pain to protect their income require short, practical strategies and training without disrupting workflow, and appropriate messaging, 3) need for a supportive workplace culture, and 4) importance of involving supervisors. The non-modifiable and modifiable contextual findings from this study will be helpful for designing prevention training in the horticulture industry and could potentially apply to other outdoor physically challenging occupations.
To describe the perioperative and long-term outcomes of dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right hepatic division causing compression or involvement of the caudal vena cava (CVC) treated with right divisional hepatectomy using temporary caval occlusion (TCO). Retrospective case series. Nineteen client-owned dogs. Medical records were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, preoperative imaging findings, operative details, adjunct procedures, transfusion requirements, histopathological diagnosis and surgical margin status, perioperative complications, and survival to discharge. Long-term outcome information was obtained from recheck examinations when available and from telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and/or owners. Right divisional hepatectomy with TCO was completed in all dogs; a Pringle maneuver was used in two of 19 dogs. Median TCO duration was 17.6 min (range, 7.0-25.7) and median operative time was 82 min (range, 69-127). Primary suture repair of the CVC was required in six of 19 dogs. R0 resection was achieved in 14 of 19 dogs. One dog died on postoperative day 2; 18/19 dogs were discharged. Of these dogs, seven were alive without reported recurrence or intrahepatic metastasis at the last follow up, 95-1355 days after surgery, whereas 11 had died at a median of postoperative day 729 (range, 204-1154). Postoperative intrahepatic metastasis was suspected in two dogs. Temporary caval occlusion-assisted right divisional hepatectomy provided venous control in selected dogs with massive right-sided HCC and compression or involvement of the CVC, with no intraoperative mortality, one in-hospital death, and postoperative complications in six of the 18 discharged dogs. Temporary caval occlusion facilitates controlled dissection of the right hepatic veins and repair of small caval defects when present.
Hypoadrenocorticism in cats is a rare endocrine disorder that should be considered in patients presenting with vague, intermittent, or waxing and waning clinical signs. Chronic gastrointestinal signs, poor growth, or episodes of hypovolemic shock should raise clinical suspicion. British Shorthair cats may be overrepresented among affected cats, and clinicians should be particularly alert when this breed presents with compatible signs. Definitive diagnosis requires an ACTH stimulation test, which should be performed prior to the initiation of any glucocorticoid treatment to avoid diagnostic interference. In clinically stable cats, baseline cortisol measurement may be used as an initial screening tool. However, as no feline-specific thresholds have been validated, the commonly used cut-off of >2 µg/dL (>55 nmol/L) to rule out hypoadrenocorticism should be interpreted with caution, as it may be less reliable than in dogs. Long-term management involves lifelong glucocorticoid replacement, typically using oral prednisolone. Cats generally require higher maintenance doses than dogs to maintain clinical stability. Mineralocorticoid deficiency is managed with subcutaneous administration of an extended-release desoxycorticosterone preparation (Zycortal®) given monthly at a starting dose of 2,2 mg/kg - substantially higher than canine doses. As an alternative, daily oral fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef® or Astonin®H) could be used at 0,01-0,02 mg/kg/day in selected cases. Regular monitoring of sodium and potassium levels is essential to adjust mineralocorticoid dosages and optimize treatment. Because affected cats cannot mount an adequate stress response, additional glucocorticoid supplementation («glucocorticoid boost») is required during stressful situations or concurrent illness. Owners must be educated about the signs of adrenal crisis, which can be more subtle and difficult to recognize in cats compared to dogs. Emphasis should be placed on consistent medication administration and routine veterinary monitoring to ensure long-term disease control and quality of life. Hypoadrenokortizismus bei Katzen: Neue Erkenntnisse zu klinischen Merkmalen, Diagnose und Behandlung Der Hypoadrenokortizismus ist eine seltene Endokrino­pathie der Katzen, an die bei unspezifischen, intermittierenden oder schubweise auftretenden klinischen Symptomen gedacht werden sollte. Bei chronischen gastrointestinalen Beschwerden, mangelnder Gewichtszunahme oder wiederkehrenden Episoden eines hypovolämischen Schocks sollte an einen Hypoadrenokortizismus als Verdachtsdiagnose gedacht werden. Britisch-Kurzhaar-Katzen könnten überrepräsentiert sein, weshalb bei dieser Rasse bei entsprechenden Symptomen besondere Aufmerksamkeit geboten ist. Die definitive Diagnose erfordert einen ACTH-Stimula­tionstest, der vor Beginn einer Glukokortikoidtherapie durchgeführt werden muss, um diagnostische Verfälschungen zu vermeiden. Bei klinisch stabilen Katzen kann die Messung des basalen Cortisolspiegels als initialer Screening-Test herange­zogen werden. Da jedoch bislang keine katzenspezifischen Schwellenwerte validiert wurden, sollte der häufig verwendete Grenzwert zum Ausschluss eines Hypoadrenokortizismus von >2 µg/dL (>55 nmol/L) mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden, da er möglicherweise weniger zuverlässig ist als beim Hund. Die Langzeittherapie umfasst eine lebenslange Glukokortikoidsubstitution, typischerweise mit oral verabreichtem Prednisolon. Katzen benötigen im Vergleich zu Hunden in der Regel höhere Erhaltungsdosen, um eine klinische Stabilität zu erreichen. Der Mineralokortikoidmangel wird durch eine monatliche subkutane Injektion des Depotpräparats Desoxycorti­costeron (Zycortal®) in einer Anfangsdosis von 2,2 mg/kg behandelt; diese Startdosis liegt deutlich über der für den Hund empfohlenen Dosis. Alternativ könnte eine tägliche orale Gabe von Fludrocortisonacetat (Florinef® oder Astonin®H) in einer Dosis von 0,01–0,02 mg/kg/Tag erfolgen. Die regelmässige Kontrolle der Natrium- und Kaliumwerte ist essenziell, um die Mineralokortikoiddosis individuell anzupassen und die Therapie zu optimieren. Da betroffene Katzen keine adäquate Stressreaktion entwickeln können, ist während Stresssituationen oder begleitender Erkrankungen eine zusätzliche Glukokortikoidgabe («Glukokortikoid-Boost») erforderlich. Besitzer sollten umfassend über die Anzeichen einer Nebennieren-Krise aufgeklärt werden, die bei Katzen subtiler und schwieriger zu erkennen sein kann als bei Hunden. Eine konsequente Medikamentengabe und regelmässige tierärztliche Kontrollen sind entscheidend für eine langfristige Krankheitskontrolle und eine gute Lebensqualität. L’hypoadrénocorticisme chez le chat est un trouble endocrinien rare qu’il convient d’envisager chez les patients présentant des signes cliniques vagues, intermittents ou fluctuants. Des signes gastro-intestinaux chroniques, un retard de croissance ou des épisodes de choc hypovolémique doivent éveiller la suspicion clinique. Les chats British Shorthair pourraient être surreprésentés parmi les chats atteints et les cliniciens doivent être particulièrement vigilants lorsque cette race présente des signes compatibles. Le diagnostic définitif nécessite un test de stimulation à l’ACTH, qui doit être réalisé avant le début de tout traitement aux glucocorticoïdes afin d’éviter toute interférence diagnostique. Chez les chats cliniquement stables, la mesure de la cortisolémie de base peut servir d’outil de dépistage initial. Cependant, comme aucun seuil spécifique aux félins n’a été validé, la valeur seuil couramment utilisée de 2 µg/dL (55 nmol/L) pour exclure l’hypoadrénocorticisme doit être interprétée avec prudence, car elle peut être moins fiable que chez les chiens. La prise en charge à long terme implique un traitement substitutif à vie par glucocorticoïdes, généralement sous forme de prednisolone par voie orale. Les chats nécessitent généralement des doses d’entretien plus élevées que les chiens pour maintenir une stabilité clinique. La déficience en minéralocorticoïdes est traitée par l’administration sous-cutanée d’une préparation de désoxycorticostérone à libération prolongée (Zycortal®) administrée mensuellement à une dose initiale de 2,2 mg/kg – nettement supérieure aux doses canines. À titre d’alternative, l’acétate de fludrocortisone (Florinef® ou Astonin®H) peut être administré par voie orale à raison de 0,01 à 0,02 mg/kg/jour dans certains cas. Une surveillance régulière des taux de sodium et de potassium est essentielle pour ajuster les doses de minéralocorticoïdes et optimiser le traitement. Les chats atteints étant incapables de mettre en place une réponse adéquate au stress, une supplémentation supplémentaire en glucocorticoïdes («boost glucocorticoïde») est nécessaire lors de situations stressantes ou en cas de maladie concomitante. Les propriétaires doivent être informés des signes de crise surrénale, qui peuvent être plus subtils et difficiles à reconnaître chez les chats que chez les chiens. L’accent doit être mis sur l’administration régulière des médicaments et un suivi vétérinaire de routine afin d’assurer le contrôle à long terme de la maladie et la qualité de vie. L’ipoadrenocorticismo è un’endocrinopatia rara nei gatti, che dovrebbe essere presa in considerazione in presenza di sintomi clinici aspecifici, intermittenti o ricorrenti. Nei casi di disturbi gastrointestinali cronici, mancato aumento di peso o episodi ricorrenti di shock ipovolemico, l’ipoadrenocorticismo dovrebbe essere incluso tra le diagnosi differenziali. I gatti di razza British Shorthair potrebbero essere sovrarappresentati, pertanto in questa razza è necessaria particolare attenzione in presenza di sintomi compatibili. La diagnosi definitiva richiede un test di stimolazione con ACTH, che deve essere eseguito prima dell’inizio della terapia con glucocorticoidi per evitare interferenze diagnostiche. Nei gatti clinicamente stabili, la misurazione del cortisolo basale può essere utilizzata come test di screening iniziale. Tuttavia, poiché non sono ancora stati validati valori soglia specifici per il gatto, il valore comunemente utilizzato per escludere l’ipoadrenocorticismo di 2 µg/dL (55 nmol/L) deve essere interpretato con cautela, in quanto potrebbe essere meno affidabile rispetto al cane. La terapia a lungo termine prevede una sostituzione glucocorticoidea per tutta la vita, generalmente con prednisolone somministrato per via orale. Rispetto ai cani, i gatti richiedono solitamente dosi di mantenimento più elevate per raggiungere una stabilità clinica. Il deficit di mineralocorticoidi viene trattato con un’iniezione sottocutanea mensile del preparato depot desossicorticosterone (Zycortal®) a una dose iniziale di 2,2 mg/kg; tale dose è significativamente più alta rispetto a quella raccomandata per il cane. In alternativa, si può utilizzare la somministrazione orale quotidiana di fludrocortisone acetato (Florinef® o Astonin® H) alla dose di 0,01–0,02 mg/kg/die. Il monitoraggio regolare dei livelli di sodio e potassio è essenziale per adattare individualmente la dose di mineralocorticoidi e ottimizzare la terapia. Poiché i gatti affetti non sono in grado di sviluppare una risposta adeguata allo stress, durante situazioni stressanti o malattie concomitanti è necessaria una somministrazione aggiuntiva di glucocorticoidi («boost» glucocorticoideo). I proprietari devono essere adeguatamente informati sui segni di una crisi surrenalica, che nei gatti può essere più subdola e difficile da riconoscere rispetto ai cani. Una somministrazione costante dei farmaci e controlli veterinari regolari sono fondamentali per garantire un buon controllo della malattia e una qualità di vita soddisfacente.
Madagascar's malaria burden has been increasing for several years despite continued investments in vector control. Supplemental measures to reduce vector populations and outdoor biting, such as larval source management (LSM), may be required in some settings. Madagascar piloted drone-delivered microbial larviciding using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) in rice fields in two districts with populations unfamiliar with drones during Feb-Jul 2022. We assessed knowledge and perceptions among purposefully selected rice farmers, rice field workers, and community members during focus group discussions (FGDs) in the two districts three to four months after the intervention. In total, 293 people participated in 39 FGDs, which were analyzed using a combined deductive-inductive approach. Despite initial concerns, both Bti-based larviciding and using drones to apply larvicides were ultimately well accepted by rice field owners and workers and community members in rice-growing areas of Madagascar. Key concerns spanned safety of Bti for people, livestock, and the environment, and harms related to drones crashing or being used for nefarious purposes. Participants perceived decreases in mosquitoes and malaria and increased rice yield related to the intervention. Receipt of project messaging appeared to differ by demographic group, with rice field workers frequently reporting having missed community meetings while working in the fields; many participants also reported that text-heavy communications were difficult to understand. Participants appreciated the involvement of personnel from health, agriculture, and environmental sectors, and they recommended expanding such intersectoral collaboration, involving trusted local officials, hiring local actors to help plan and implement the activities, and combining larvicide and fertilizer application in subsequent projects. Future LSM activities could benefit from social behavior change (SBC) efforts addressing safety and privacy concerns linked to the larvicide and the delivery method and highlight potential health and financial benefits related to decreased malaria burdens in the community, improved quality of life associated with fewer mosquito bites, the efficiency of drones in applying larvicide products, and the need to continue using ITNs. SBC will be most effective if provided early and repeatedly as needed, via channels appropriate to the community's language and literacy levels and in venues that are geographically and temporally convenient to those potentially impacted by the intervention.
This paper presents the results of research into the technical wear and durability of the facade layers of the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems) used on the walls of masonry buildings located in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District (LGCD) in Poland. In addition to safety and serviceability issues, the problem of damage appears as one of the potential causes of a reduction in the thermal performance of the building envelope. This, in turn, places the problem high on the list of factors that must be met in order to ensure the required energy performance of buildings. This paper is concerned with the damage process and the phenomenon of material degradation over the entire technical life cycle. As a result of the conducted analyses, a model of the course of technical wear (deterioration) over time was obtained for the façade layers of an ETICS system. The total technical life cycle of the system was determined to be close to 40 years. In addition, based on the PRRD (Prediction of Reliability according to Rayleigh Distribution) method, the optimal renovation date, service life and predicted end of technical life (total degradation) of the ETICS system were determined. As a result of the analyses, it emerged that the required time after which renovation is necessary was determined to be approximately 25 years of ETICS service life. The estimated service life of ETICS under the analysed conditions was approximately 33 years. The obtained results can, help building owners and administrators, to plan the renovation of ETICS systems more efficiently in order to maintain the thermal resistance of buildings at an appropriate level. Determining the optimum time of required repair leads to a more reasonable demand for building materials. This in turn, given the large building stock, can make a significant contribution to the global reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
Donkeys (Equus asinus africanus) play a critical role in rural and peri-urban livelihoods in Kenya, supporting transportation, agriculture, and income generation. Despite their economic and social importance, donkeys remain underrepresented in national policies and development strategies. Limited data exist on the governance structures, operational challenges, and opportunities for upgrading the donkey value chain. This study aimed to map the donkey value chain, assess governance frameworks, identify constraints, and explore upgrading opportunities across diverse Kenyan production systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven purposively selected counties-Bungoma, Kitui, Nairobi, Kiambu, Narok, Turkana, and Nakuru-to capture variation across agro-ecological zones and rural-urban divides. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with government officials, donkey owners, transporters, and other value chain actors. Thematic analysis was performed using Taguette software, while quantitative data were summarised to show key value chain nodes and trends. Findings revealed that the donkey value chain is largely informal, with minimal regulatory oversight and fragmented markets. Inputs such as, veterinary services, and feed were accessed primarily through informal networks, with market dynamics influenced by seasonal labour demands. Donkeys were predominantly used for transporting farm produce, firewood, water, and waste, while their manure was used for agricultural fertilization and pest control. Donkey milk, though not widely consumed, was used in some communities for treating respiratory ailments such as asthma and tuberculosis. In Turkana County, donkey meat consumption persisted as a cultural practice, contrasting with other regions where donkeys were primarily working animals. Weak governance structures facilitated illegal donkey trade and theft, contributing to a rapid decline in donkey populations, particularly following the establishment and subsequent closure of donkey abattoirs that fuelled demand for skin. Sustaining the donkey sector requires strengthening regulatory frameworks to enhance animal welfare, control illegal trade, and improve service delivery. Formal integration of donkeys into national livestock policies is crucial for unlocking investment in donkey-related research, improving access to veterinary care and quality inputs, and scaling up the productive and medicinal use of donkey-derived outputs such as milk and manure.
The genetic architecture of bovine hoof and leg conformation traits remains incompletely understood, particularly in dairy cattle and with respect to non-additive effects. Moreover, the limited genetic resolution of previous studies hampered the identification of candidate variants. This study aimed to investigate traits in Swiss Holstein (HO) and Brown Swiss (BS), comprising bone structure, heel depth, foot angle, locomotion, rear leg rear view, and rear leg set in HO, and heel depth, foot angle, hock quality, and rear leg side view in BS, by (1) estimating trait heritabilities, (2) identifying QTL using additive and non-additive GWAS based on imputed whole-genome sequence (WGS) variants, (3) detecting candidate genes and variants using Bayesian fine-mapping, (4) assessing the effects of the recessive HYAL1 on conformation, longevity, and production traits in French HO, and (5) clinically characterizing HYAL1-homozygous HO. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.10 to 0.28 in HO and from 0.10 to 0.26 in BS. Additive and non-additive GWAS detected 25 significant associated regions (P ≤ 5 × 10-8) for bone structure and locomotion in HO and for heel depth and hock quality in BS. Conditional analyses reduced these to 15 unique QTL and Bayesian fine-mapping prioritised 17 candidate variants (3 in HO, 14 in BS), including 15 additive, one dominant, and one recessive effect. A nonsense variant in HYAL1 (NP_001017941.1:p.(Gln93*)) showed a significant recessive effect on bone structure in HO (P = 1.62 × 10-17). The harmful allele was observed predominantly in HO at 4.4% in Swiss and 8.4% in French HO. Analyses in the French population further showed adverse effects on six-year survival, indicating early culling after the first lactation, and 14 routinely recorded conformation and production traits, most notably locomotion and rear leg rear view. Clinical examination of HYAL1-homozygotes revealed polysynovitis. This study indicates a predominantly polygenic architecture of hoof and leg conformation traits in HO and BS cattle and show that integrating imputed WGS data with non-additive analyses of proxy phenotypes improves the detection and refinement of QTL and candidate variants. In particular, the identification of a recessive HYAL1 nonsense variant associated with bone structure in HO uncovered a hidden Mendelian disorder.
Lipohypertrophy, characterized by subcutaneous adipose tissue accumulation at sites of insulin administration, affects 29-76% of insulin-treated people with diabetes (PwD), yet remains underrecognized. This complication significantly impacts glycemic control through unpredictable insulin absorption, necessitating up to 25% higher insulin doses and increasing care costs. An evidence-informed consensus initiative was warranted to establish recommendations for the screening, prevention, and management of lipohypertrophy. A modified Delphi methodology was employed involving 13 international experts in endocrinology, primary care, and diabetes research. A structured literature review informed five consensus rounds, leading to fifteen statements addressing epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, management, and education/training/systems. Inadequate injection site rotation was identified as the strongest modifiable risk factor for lipohypertrophy. The panel recommends systematic injection site examination every 6 months during the first 2 years of insulin therapy, then annually, with more frequent screening for high-risk PwD. Standardized examination protocols incorporating visual inspection and systematic palpation were endorsed, with ultrasound reserved for detecting subclinical lipohypertrophy. Prevention strategies emphasize proper education, site rotation, and single-use needle practices. Implementation of consensus recommendations presented here may improve glycemic outcomes, reduce insulin requirements and cost of care, and enhance quality of life for PwD on insulin therapy.
Calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis is a common and recurrent condition in dogs, typically managed with dietary modification, thiazide diuretics, and potassium citrate. In human medicine, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as dapagliflozin are increasingly used to manage diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease and have been shown to alter urinary factors associated with nephrolithiasis. Their effects in veterinary patients, however, remain uncharacterized. This case report describes the novel off-label use of dapagliflozin in a dog with refractory CaOx cystolithiasis despite standard preventive therapies. An 8-year-old neutered male Chihuahua with a history of recurrent CaOx urolithiasis experienced multiple episodes of stone recurrence despite adherence to a therapeutic stone-prevention diet, hydrochlorothiazide, and potassium citrate. Dapagliflozin was initiated off-label as adjunctive therapy to evaluate its potential impact on urinary calcium excretion. Pre- and post-treatment urinalyses and urine calcium-to-creatinine ratios were compared. Following initiation, the dog developed glucosuria, acidic urine, and increased urine specific gravity, while urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratios remained elevated. The medication was discontinued after 12 days due to concerns about underhydration. Short-term SGLT2 inhibition combined with a thiazide diuretic did not reduce hypercalciuria and may increase lithogenic risk if fluid intake is insufficient to offset the osmotic diuresis. This case underscores the importance of hydration monitoring and highlights potential pharmacologic interactions when using SGLT2 inhibitors off-label in dogs. Further controlled studies are needed to elucidate their safety and therapeutic role in managing CaOx urolithiasis in veterinary patients.
Treatment response in canine leishmaniosis is driven by the dog host, the Leishmania parasite, and pharmacological factors, with drug resistance increasingly undermining the effectiveness of therapy. Current methods for assessing antileishmanial drug resistance rely on culture-based approaches, which are slow and technically demanding. A direct quantitative PCR test (LeishGenR™) was applied to 104 clinical samples from 95 dogs in the Mediterranean area diagnosed with leishmaniosis in veterinary clinical settings and testing positive for Leishmania infantum by PCR. The assay enabled rapid detection of genetic drug-resistance biomarkers for allopurinol (metk), meglumine antimoniate (mrpa), and miltefosine (LdMT), providing a clinically relevant, timely alternative to culture-based approaches by directly analyzing circulating Leishmania infantum amastigotes. The assay (LeishGenR™) showed high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (> 87.5%) for genetic drug-resistance profile assignment and a strong correlation with whole-genome sequencing for gene copy number assessment (metk: r = 0.878; mrpa: r = 0.943 and LdMT = 0.691). Genetic drug-resistance biomarkers were detected in 24.3% of L. infantum DNA from clinical samples analyzed (20/82; 95% CI 16.3-34.6), most commonly for allopurinol (13.4%; 95% CI 7.6-22.4), then meglumine antimoniate (9.4%; 95% CI 4.6-18.2), and for miltefosine (5.4%; 95% CI 1.8-14.8). Prevalence was higher in dogs previously treated for leishmaniosis. This study demonstrates the ability to detect genetic biomarkers of drug resistance in L. infantum directly from clinical samples of dogs with leishmaniosis. This method enables rapid, precise detection of genomic biomarkers, circumventing delays associated with culture-based methods and supporting more effective clinical management and surveillance. Among dogs with high parasitemia referred to clinics in Mediterranean regions sampled in this study, the findings reveal a significant prevalence of circulating L. infantum strains carrying genomic drug resistance biomarkers to standard treatments for canine leishmaniosis.
Theodore Cantor described Coronella violacea in 1839 for a colubrid snake collected from "Rungpore" (now Rangpur, Bangladesh). It was applied to several species in the genus Oligodon until Smith (1940) treated the name as a junior synonym of Oligodon cyclurus (Cantor, 1839). Evidence from the unpublished notes and watercolor drawings of Cantor indicate Coronella violacea is not a synonym of O. cyclurus, but is conspecific with Oligodon kheriensis Acharji & Ray, 1936. The collector of the holotype of Coronella violacea is identified as Honoratus Bonnevie, a Norwegian-born merchant and indigo plantation owner who lived in Rangpur during Cantor's residency in British India. Precedence cannot be reversed in favor of O. kheriensis, so the older name is resurrected as Oligodon violaceus stat. reinstat., with O. kheriensis relegated as a junior synonym. Since the holotype of Coronella violacea is considered lost, the holotype of Oligodon kheriensis is designated as the neotype, an act that objectively links the two nomina with one another.
This study evaluated the decision-making structure that influence pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures to prevent classical swine fever (CSF) outbreaks and identified sociological factors affecting implementation in order to explore effective intervention strategies. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among pig farmers in Japan to collect data on farm and farmer characteristics, the implementation of biosecurity measures, and farmers' awareness of and motivation to carry out such measures. Questionnaires were distributed to 516 farms across 15 prefectures, and the analysis was conducted using data from 228 farms with valid responses. Structural equation modeling was applied to quantitatively analyze the decision-making process based on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and capacity (KAP-C) and the protection motivation theory (PMT) frameworks. In addition, relationships between farm characteristics and biosecurity measure implementation, as well as factors derived from nudge theory, were evaluated. As a result, the latent variable Capacity was not identified in the KAP-C model, and Knowledge was associated with Attitudes (β = 0.99), which was also with Practice (β = 0.83). Similarly, in the PMT model, Threat (β = 0.43) and Coping (β = 0.56) appraisals were associated with Action. In both models, risk and threat perceptions were associated with Practice. In contrast, farms with higher capacity, such as large-scale farms (p < 0.001) and those managed by younger owners (p = 0.050), had higher rates of biosecurity implementation. Farms with a history of CSF outbreaks also demonstrated higher implementation rates (p < 0.001). Guidance from veterinary clinicians (ρ= 0.24, p < 0.001) and Livestock Hygiene Service Centers (LHSCs; ρ = 0.16, p = 0.014), integrating measures into routine farm work positively affected biosecurity practices, and commitment such as goal setting (ρ = 0.46, p < 0.001) and community-based engagement (ρ = 0.35, p < 0.001) positively influenced the implementation of biosecurity measures. Farmers may respond effectively to messages in which veterinary clinicians and LHSCs collaborate to clearly present effective biosecurity measures and disease threats, foster concern for pigs, and encourage participation in biosecurity practices at the community level.
Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most common allergic skin disease in horses, but existing clinical scoring systems lack extensive validation, limiting standardized disease monitoring and therapeutic evaluation. Develop and validate a standardized, sensitive, and reproducible clinical scoring system for IBH in horses. Forty-four privately-owned horses with clinically diagnosed IBH examined under field conditions in Switzerland. In this prospective field validation study, the equine IBH severity score (EqIS) integrates a lesion severity score and an area score using a multiplicative algorithm. Six trained evaluators assessed horses independently. Primary outcomes were intra- and interobserver reliability of the lesion severity score and EqIS assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Secondary analyses included agreement of the area score (Pearson correlation), correlations between owner-reported visual analog scale (VAS) scores and EqIS, and comparison between EqIS and a simplified EqIS developed for field use. Intraobserver reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.995 for the lesion severity score and 0.989 for EqIS), and interobserver reliability was similarly high (ICC = 0.98 for both). The area score showed strong interobserver agreement (Pearson r = 0.86-0.94). Owner VAS scores correlated moderately with EqIS (ρ = 0.49-0.51) and strongly with each other (ρ = 0.88). The simplified EqIS demonstrated strong agreement with the validated version (R2 = 0.86). The EqIS is the first extensively validated IBH-specific scoring system and demonstrates excellent reproducibility across evaluators. It provides an objective tool for standardized disease assessment and therapeutic monitoring, whereas the simplified EqIS offers a practical alternative for routine field use.