A pilot study of a joint outdoor exercise program for dog owners and dogs.

Increasing levels of physical inactivity is a global burden for mankind and is also an emerging problem in companion dogs. In both humans and dogs, insufficient physical activity is associated with increased risk for noncommunicable diseases and impaired quality of life (QoL). The aim of the current pilot study was to evaluate effects of a joint outdoor exercise program for dog owners (n = 22) and dogs (n = 22) with focus on QoL and body measurements. Results indicate that an eight-week exercise intervention alone, with a target distance of at least 2 km twice a week, may be sufficient to significantly increase self-reported QoL and acceptance of bodily appearance in dog owners despite no reductions in body measurements. In dogs, a significantly reduced body condition score (BCS) was registered, despite no considerable changes in feeding. The increased owner motivation for continued joint exercise suggests potential for lifestyle changes, which could be investigated in future studies including control groups and long-term follow-ups. The importance of the human-animal bond as a success factor for increased mutual physical activity and health benefits in both dog owners and dogs is recommended to be studied in a more in-depth manner.

Relationship Between ß-cell Response and Insulin Sensitivity in Horses based on the Oral Sugar Test and the Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemic Clamp.

BACKGROUND: A hyperbolic relationship between ß-cell response and insulin sensitivity (IS) has been described in several species including rodents, dogs, and humans. This relationship has not been elucidated in the horse. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the hyperbolic relationship between ß-cell response and IS exists in horses by using indices of ß-cell response from the oral sugar test (OST) and IS measurements from the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). A second aim was to compare how well IS estimates from the OST and EHC correlate. ANIMALS: Forty-nine horses with different degrees of insulin regulation (normal-to-severe insulin dysregulation). METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Horses were examined with an OST and an EHC. RESULTS: Decreased IS was associated with increased ß-cell response in the horses. Nine of 12 comparisons between indices of ß-cell response and IS measures fulfilled the criteria for a hyperbolic relationship. Indices of IS calculated from the OST correlated highly with the insulin-dependent glucose disposal rate (M) and the insulin-dependent glucose disposal rate per unit of insulin (M/I) determined from the EHC (r = 0.81-0.87). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A hyperbolic relationship between ß-cell response and IS exists in horses, which suggest that horses with insulin dysregulation respond not only with postprandial hyperinsulinemia but are also insulin resistant. The OST is primarily a test for ß-cell response rather than a test for IS, but calculated indices of IS from the OST may be useful to estimate IS in horses, especially when the horse is insulin resistant.

Metabolic and Hormonal Response to a Feed-challenge Test in Lean and Overweight Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Obese dogs risk poor life quality, creating a need for increased knowledge of metabolism in overweight dogs. OBJECTIVES: Investigate postprandial metabolic and hormonal responses to a high-fat mixed-meal in dogs and responses of lean versus overweight dogs. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight healthy intact male Labrador Retrievers were included. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Twelve dogs were grouped as lean (body condition score (BCS 4-5), 10 as slightly overweight (BCS 6), and 6 as overweight (BCS 6.5-8) on a 9-point scale. After an overnight fast, urine and blood samples were collected. Dogs were then fed a high-fat mixed-meal, and blood was collected hourly for 4 hours and urine after 3 hours. RESULTS: Postprandial concentrations of insulin and glucagon were increased at 1 hour (both P < 0.0001), triglycerides at 2 hours (P < 0.0001), and glucose at 3 hours (P = 0.004); and all remained increased throughout the feed-challenge in all dogs. Postprandial urine cortisol/creatinine ratio was higher than fasting values (P = 0.001). Comparing between groups, there was an overall higher triglyceride response in overweight compared to lean (P = 0.001) and slightly overweight (P = 0.015) dogs. Overweight dogs also had higher fasting cortisol/creatinine ratio compared to lean dogs (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Postprandial responses of dogs to a high-fat mixed-meal were similar to those previously reported in people. The higher postprandial triglyceride response and fasting cortisol/creatinine ratio in the overweight dogs could be early signs of metabolic imbalance. Thus, although overweight dogs often appear healthy, metabolic alterations might be present.

[The value of C-reative protein analysis for the differential diagnosis of non-acute appendicitis]. / Der Wert der CRP - Untersuchung in der Differentialdiagnose der nicht-akuten Appendizitis.

Appendicitis is one of the most common causes for laparatomy in children. Diagnosis can be very problematic, especially if appendicitis is combined with gastro-enteritis. Furthermore, difficulties can be encountered in diagnosis of diseases such as mucoviscidosis, leukosis, immunosuppressive or chemotherapy are present. In addition to the common clinical examination we have to look for other methods to complete the indication for appendectomy. Therefore in 1985 we added the CRP-determination to our diagnostics for patients with suspected appendicitis. In a retrospective study 269 patients who had signs of acute appendicitis were examined. We found that the determination of the CRP-level, in conjunction with the standard parameters of appendicitis, represents a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium. However our data shows, that the CRP-level in itself cannot be regarded as a sole criteria for an unambiguous diagnosis of non-acute appendicitis, as it is the case with any other appendicitis parameter.