From "Husky" to "Bulldog"- behavioural correlates between castration and breed groups in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study's main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of intact and castrated dogs, a differentiation between two clades - the "Huskies"(chow chow, shar pei, akita/shiba inu, alaskan malamute, siberian/alaskan husky) and the "Bulldogs" (german boxer, english/french bulldog, old english mastiff, boston terrier, english bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier), based on Parker et al. [1], was made.Using an online questionnaire,, 31 neutered and 37 intact male dogs from the clade "Huskies" and 30 neutered and 38 intact male dogs from the clade "Bulldogs", participated in the study (N = 136).The survey included detailed questions on the dogs' personality and any associated issues as well as a behavioural anamnesis. Further questions relating to four of the "big five" personality dimensions based on the "Budapest questionnaire" by Turcsán et al. from 2011 [2] were also added.The results show, that neutered males from both breed clades more frequently displayed aggression toward humans than intact males (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.002). When it came to aggression towards other dogs, it was the "Huskies" that differed significantly from the "Bulldogs"(multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) with being more aggressive. There were also significant differences in stress-related behaviour depending on castration status and breed (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.33) and only the castration status had an impact on the significance (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001). The analysis also revealed significance for stress-indicating behaviour with dependence on neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001) and showed that stress as well as uncertainty are significantly more common in neutered dogs depending on breed and neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.42), in that only neutered "Bulldogs" were stressed, but more "Huskies" overall.According to the Budapest questionnaire data, the "Bulldog" clade had considerably greater extraversion scores overall (ordinal regression, p < 0.001) than the "Huskies".Our findings highlight the risks and potential negative effects of neutering. Gonadectomy in no way substitutes for the dog receiving the necessary socialization, training, or bonding. Although in some circumstances it might have a favourable impact on the dog's behaviour, it should not be seen as a panacea for unwanted behaviour. Given that not all behaviours are influenced by sex hormones, every castration decision must be weighed up individually.

Effect of quantitative feed restriction and sex class on sheep skin quality.

The aim was to evaluate the quality of the sheep skin of different sex classes submitted to different levels of feed restriction. Sheep without defined racial pattern of different sex classes (15 non-castrated males, 15 castrated males and 15 females), with initial body weight of 18.1 ± 0.4 kg and mean age of 90 days were distributed in a factorial 3 × 3, with three sex classes and 3 levels of feed restriction (ad libitum intake and restricted intake at 70 and 80%), with 5 repetitions. After slaughter, the skins were collected for physical-mechanical tests. The effect of the sex classes x levels of dietary restriction interaction was observed for transverse thickness and longitudinal rupture elongation (p < 0.05). Animals fed ad libitum had greater longitudinal transverse thickness (p < 0.05). Animals fed ad libitum and 70% feed restriction showed greater transverse elongation at break (p < 0.05). As for the difference between sex classes in the transverse thickness variable for tearing strength, the interaction sex classes x levels of feed restriction for transverse thickness, longitudinal thickness, transverse tearing strength and longitudinal tearing strength occurred (p < 0.05). Feed restriction reduces the physical quality of the skin of sheep of different sex classes, and the use of castrated male sheep in positive energy balance is recommended to obtain leather with greater thickness, longitudinal rupture elongation and transverse tear strength.

Evaluation of the Surgical Pleth Index (SPI) for the monitoring of the nociception-antinociception balance in dogs undergoing castration: A prospective clinical trial.

The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Surgical Pleth Index (SPI), a validated nociception monitor in human anaesthesia, in dogs. The technology uses a plethysmographic signal from a specific pulse oximetry probe to analyse pulse wave amplitudes and heartbeat intervals. Twenty-six healthy dogs anaesthetised for castration were included. SPI, invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored. The occurrence or resolution of a haemodynamic reaction (HDR), defined as a > 20% increase in HR and/or MAP, was assessed at predefined times: cutaneous incision, testicles' exteriorization, cutaneous suture, and fentanyl administration. Following nociceptive events, the dogs presenting a HDR showed a significant 8% and 10% increase in SPI at 3 and 5 min respectively, whereas after fentanyl administration, a 13% and 16% significant decrease in SPI were noted. Receiver operating characteristic curves analysis indicated a moderate performance for the dynamic variations of SPI over 1 min to predict a HDR (AUC: 0.68, threshold value: +15%) or its resolution after fentanyl administration (AUC of 0.72, threshold value: -15%) within 3 min. The SPI varied according to perioperative nociceptive events and analgesic treatment; however, its performance to anticipate a HDR was limited with high specificity but low sensivity. Refinement of the algorithm to specifically accommodate for the canine species may be warranted. Further studies are required to evaluate the influence of other factors on the performance of this index.

Bilateral testicular myxosarcoma in a cryptorchid dog.

Myxosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of soft tissues originating from fibroblasts. This report describes a case of bilateral myxosarcoma in a three-year-old cryptorchid dog. The animal was referred to the veterinary clinic because of the absence of testicles in the scrotum. Ultrasonography revealed two masses in the abdominal cavity with testicular echotexture. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the presence of cryptorchid testicles, and orchiectomy was recommended to treat the animal. Testicles were gray and reddish in color and enlarged with firm consistency. For histopathological analysis, testis fragments were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the following primary antibodies:1A4, HHF35, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD31, S-100, vimentin, and Ki-67. Histopathological evaluation revealed the proliferation of fusiform and round cells associated with extensive areas of myxoid matrix. Neoplasms featured multinucleated giant cells, pleomorphism, karyomegaly, nuclear hyperchromasia, anisokaryosis, mitoses, and necrosis, with coarse chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analysis of vimentin- and the Alcian blue-positive cells confirmed the diagnosis of myxosarcoma. A high mitotic count and Ki-67 proliferative index suggests this myxosarcoma had a high degree of malignancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of bilateral testicular myxosarcoma in a cryptorchid animal.

Effect of preoperative ondansetron on postoperative nausea in healthy dogs undergoing laparoscopic gastropexy and castration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if preoperative ondansetron reduces postoperative nausea associated with laparoscopic gastropexy and castration in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty client-owned, healthy male dogs. METHODS: Dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (2-5 mcg kg-1) and methadone (0.2-0.5 mg kg-1) intramuscularly. General anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with an inhalant anesthetic agent. Dogs were randomized into group S (saline 0.1 mL kg-1, intravenously) or group O (ondansetron 0.2 mg kg-1, intravenously). Plasma and serum were collected before premedication and 3 hours postextubation to measure arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cortisol concentrations. Nausea scoring occurred before and 10 minutes after premedication, immediately after extubation, and at 1, 2 and 3 hours postextubation. Data were analyzed by mixed and split-plot anova with Bonferroni adjustment for the number of group comparisons. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Nausea scores increased over time at 1 (p = 0.01) and 2 (p < 0.001) hours postextubation in both groups compared with before premedication. Median nausea score (0-100 mm) for groups S and O before premedication were 2.5 and 0.5 mm, respectively. At 1 and 2 hours postextubation, group S scored 7.5 and 4.0 mm and group O scored 6.0 and 5.0 mm, respectively. No significant differences in nausea scores within or between groups were observed before premedication and 3 hours postextubation. Cortisol concentrations increased significantly 3 hours postextubation in both groups (p < 0.001) compared with before premedication, with no differences between groups. AVP concentrations showed no significant differences within or between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative intravenous administration of ondansetron (0.2 mg kg-1) did not impact postoperative nausea after laparoscopic gastropexy and castration. Investigation of higher doses of ondansetron on the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in dogs after surgery is warranted.

Marinade injection of pork as a possible technological strategy to reduce boar taint: Response and attitude of the consumer.

Sensory evaluation by consumers allows validation of a solution for the food industry to overcome boar taint and market entire male pork with high levels of boar taint considered "unfit for human consumption". One possible technological strategy for improvement is the injection marination of entire male pork to help minimise the impact of boar taint and improve its marketability. The responses of 120 regular pork consumers, to entire males with high levels of boar taint and castrated pork, both injection-marinated, were evaluated. The results showed a similar response between entire and castrated male pork regardless of sex, and the detection of unpleasant odours and flavours (as farm/animal), thus offering a new alternative to the pork sector to mask the boar taint and revalue this pork. However, it was observed that consumer information on castration and animal welfare of entire male pork is scarce, and it is important to increase their knowledge so that they can place a value on this technological strategy with entire male pork and thus increase their purchase intention.

Comparison of firocoxib and meloxicam for pain mitigation in goats undergoing surgical castration.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether firocoxib (FIRO) or meloxicam (MEL) was effective at providing analgesia after surgical castration in goats. ANIMALS: 18 intact male crossbred goats (6 to 8 months old) were enrolled with a mean weight of 32.6 (± 2.9) kg. METHODS: Surgical castration was done under injectable anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian. Twelve bucks were surgically castrated and given either FIRO (n = 6) or MEL (n = 6). Six bucks served as controls (CNTLs) and were not castrated. Outcome measurements included visual analogue scale, infrared thermography, plasma cortisol, plasma substance P, and kinetic gait analysis. All outcome measurements were obtained at -24, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours. RESULTS: All 3 treatments were significantly different from each other at the 24- and 48-hour time points, with MEL animals having lower visual analogue scale scores when compared to FIRO animals; CNTL animals exhibited the lowest plasma cortisol levels (3.19 ng/mL; 95% CI, -1.21 to 7.59 ng/mL) followed by FIRO (7.45 ng/mL; 95% CI, 3.10 to 11.80 ng/mL) and MEL (10.24 ng/mL; 95% CI, 5.87 to 14.60 ng/mL). FIRO had an average mean decrease in gait velocity change (-54.17 cm/s; 95% CI, -92.99 to -15.35 cm/s), while MEL had an increase in gait velocity when compared to baseline values (14.54 cm/s; 95% CI, -24.27 to 53.36 cm/s). Control animals had an average mean of -3.06 cm/s (95% CI, -41.88 to 35.75 cm/s). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results from this study showed that there were some analgesic effects from administering MEL when compared to bucks that received a placebo treatment (CNTL).

Single-port laparoscopic-assisted abdominal cryptorchidectomy in 14 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy technique in dogs using a single-port endoscope and evaluate clinical outcome in abdominal cryptorchid dogs that underwent the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: A total of 14 client-owned dogs (19 abdominal cryptorchid testes). METHODS: Dogs scheduled for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy between January 2019 and April 2022 were enrolled in the study. The dogs underwent single-port laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy (SP-LAC) performed by a single surgeon using a 10-mm single-port endoscope placed in the midline immediately cranial to the prepuce. The abdominal testis was endoscopically located and grasped, the cannula was retracted, the capnoperitoneum was reversed to allow exteriorization of the testis, and the spermatic cord was ligated extracorporeally. RESULTS: Median age was 13 months (range, 7-29 months) and median bodyweight was 23.0 kg (range, 2.2-55.0 kg). Nine of 14 dogs had unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism (7 right-sided and 2 left-sided) and 5/14 dogs had bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism. Median surgical time for unilateral abdominal cryptorchidectomy was 17 min (range, 14-21 min) and for bilateral abdominal cryptorchidectomy 27 min (range, 23-55 min). Ten dogs had additional surgical procedures performed concurrently with SP-LAC. One major intraoperative complication (testicular artery hemorrhage) occurred that required emergency conversion and two minor entry-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The SP-LAC procedure enabled removal of abdominal testes and was associated with a low morbidity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The SP-LAC procedure can be performed by a single surgeon and represents a less invasive alternative to multi-port laparoscopic-assisted or single-port multi-access laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy techniques.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self-locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use and feasibility of a self-locking resorbable loop device for cryptorchidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. POPULATION: Twenty horses. METHODS: Horses suspected to have an abdominal testicle/s after admission work-up were enrolled. Horses were anesthetized in dorsal recumbency and a standard laparoscopic technique was performed. The looped device was inserted into the abdomen, glided around the testis/cord and tightened. Then, the spermatic cord was transected prior testis removal. Surgical procedure details and remarks, perioperative complications and total surgical time were recorded. Short- (>3 weeks) and long-term (>6 months) follow-ups were obtained by telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: Median total surgical time was 67 min (range: 43-189 min) and significantly shortened after the first four horses. The loop device was easily glided around 13/20 abdominal testes and required more time and technical skills around larger testes (≥3 years). Excellent intraoperative hemostasis was achieved in 17 horses. Three horses demonstrated mild intraoperative bleeding that required retightening, device replacement or adding a second device, respectively. Three horses developed mild postoperative hemoabdomen identified ultrasonographically and were successfully managed medically. Follow-up revealed no significant complications related to the procedure. One horse was euthanized for colic 4 months after surgery and one died of hemolytic shock 17 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This device represents another method to perform equine cryptorchidectomy that requires minimal training and laparoscopic expertise but demands knowledge of the device and application to prevent complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using this device is an alternative technique for horses <3 years.

Behavioural issues: castration may not be the solution.

Removing the source of reproductive hormones may not be a panacea for unwelcome or unwanted behaviours - in fact, it may compound them.

Charities consider their castration policies.

While population control remains a key priority for the UK's leading dog welfare charities, it must increasingly be balanced with concerns about the possible health impact of castration.

To castrate or not to castrate? That is the question .

There is growing evidence that surgical castration of dogs may not bring all the benefits previously assumed. Times have changed too, and vets and clients are increasingly questioning whether routine castration should continue to be considered best practice.

Effects of assessment method (real-time versus video-recorded) on a validated pain-altered behavior scale used in castrated piglets.

We aimed to compare two assessment methodologies (real-time vs. video-recorded) using the Unesp-Botucatu Pig Composite Acute Pain Scale (UPAPS) in piglets before and after castration. Twenty-nine male piglets were castrated. Four observers scored the UPAPS over three perioperative timepoints of castration following two assessment methodologies. In real-time assessments, the observers were in-person observing the piglets in front of the pen. After two weeks, the observers did video-recorded assessments randomizing piglets and timepoints. Modeling was conducted to compare the UPAPS and each pain-altered behavior between methodologies. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were conducted to investigate agreement between methodologies. UPAPS was statistically equivalent between methodologies (P = 0.4371). The ICC for each method was very good (0.85 to 0.91). The agreement of the UPAPS assessed between methodologies had minimal bias (- 0.04), no proportion bias, and 53% of the assessments presented a perfect agreement. However, CCC of the UPAPS was moderate (0.65), and only one pain-altered behavior ("presents difficulty in overcoming obstacles or other animals") occurred more in real-time assessments (P = 0.0444). In conclusion, piglet pain assessment by UPAPS can be conducted in real-time based on a suitable agreement between the real-time and video-recorded assessment methods.

Evaluation of chemical castration using intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate into the testis of the male donkey versus surgical castration: antimullerian hormone as an endpoint marker.

BACKGROUND: Chemical castration of male animals is an alternative to surgical castration for inducing azoospermia, consequent sterility. Intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate has been used for chemical castration in several animal species. However, its application to equine species, such as donkeys, has yet to be reported. This study aimed to evaluate the use of zinc gluconate for the chemical castration of male donkeys and to compare its effectiveness relative to routine surgical castration. For this purpose, investigations of serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels, testicular ultrasonographic echogenicity, and histopathological findings were performed. METHODS: Fourteen clinically healthy adult male donkeys were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The donkeys in group I (n = 7) underwent surgical castration. The donkeys in group II (n = 7) received intra-testicular zinc gluconate injections. The donkeys were kept under close clinical observation for 60 days. Abnormalities in donkey behavior and gross alterations in the external genitalia were recorded daily. Serum testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured 15 days before the start of the treatment and 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after treatment. The testicles of group II donkeys were evaluated ultrasonographically. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histologically examined. RESULTS: Serum testosterone levels significantly declined compared to pre-castration levels in surgically castrated donkeys (group I), but donkeys exposed to chemical castration (group II) showed a non-significant reduction in testosterone levels. Donkeys in the surgical group had considerably lower serum AMH levels. In contrast, there was a non-significant (p > 0.05) increase in AMH levels in the chemical group compared with the pre-sterilization level. In addition, ultrasonographic examination revealed that the testicular echo-density had changed, as observed by a few scattered hyperechoic regions throughout the entire testis parenchyma. The histopathological investigation confirmed the presence of necrosis of the spermatogenic epithelium, increased thickness of the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules, marked interstitial fibrosis, and shrinkage of the seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, syncytial giant cells were present in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and were associated with Sertoli cell vacuolation. Donkeys subjected to chemical castration (group II) had orchitis, as confirmed histopathologically. CONCLUSION: Intra-testicular injection of zinc gluconate resulted in histopathological and ultrasonographic testicular changes in adult male donkeys, which may affect their reproductive potential. However, it did not significantly alter serum testosterone or AMH levels, indicating that it cannot be used as a substitute for surgical castration in male donkeys.

Comparison of spermatic cord ligation and the vas plexus ligation in canine orchiectomy: A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Orchiectomy with a vas deferens to pampiniform plexus ligation (VPL) is a novel method, and it is unclear how its short-term outcomes compare with the results of a conventional method, spermatic cord ligation (SCL). OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term outcomes of SCL and VPL on inflammation, surgery time, bleeding, pain and surgeon satisfaction during canine open orchiectomy. METHODS: Thirty male crossbred dogs undergoing open orchiectomy were enrolled the study. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of the SCL or VPL groups, with 15 patients in each. In the SCL group, the spermatic cord was ligated using absorbable sutures. The vas deferens, and pampiniform plexus self-tying were performed in the VPL group. Surgery time, bleeding and surgeon satisfaction scores were recorded. Inflammation at the surgical site was assessed using infrared thermal camera over three days, and pain associated with inflammation was scored on the third day. RESULTS: On Day 3, the average temperature in the SCL group was significantly higher than that of the VPL group, with a mean difference of 4.63°C (95% CI: 2.34-6.93, p < 0.001). Moreover, the surgery time in the VPL group was significantly longer compared to the SCL group, with a mean difference of 1.7 min (95% CI: 0.28-3.11, p = 0.021). The bleeding score was also significantly higher in the VPL group (p = 0.012). On the other hand, surgeon satisfaction and pain scores were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Both SCL and VPL methods are safe and effective for orchiectomy in dogs. VPL is comparable in efficacy and safety and has the additional benefit of less inflammation.