@article{templeton_fefer_case_roach_azcarate-peril_gruen_callahan_olby_2023, title={Longitudinal Analysis of Canine Oral Microbiome Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Aging Companion Dogs}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, DOI={10.3390/ani13243846}, abstractNote={Simple Summary The prevalence of dental disease and cognitive decline in elderly dogs is extremely high, and, given the known relationship between dental disease and Alzheimer’s Disease in people, this study sought to describe the changes in oral microbiota in aged pet dogs over time. By sequencing oral swabs, we were able to identify bacterial and fungal populations in the dogs’ mouths. The most common bacterial species present, Phorphorymonas spp. is known to produce factors that cause neurodegeneration. Moreover, Leptotrichia, another bacterial species present, correlated to cognition scores in these dogs. We conclude that this small exploratory study shows the importance of defining the oral microbiota in aged dogs with a view to understanding potential therapeutic targets. Larger prospective studies should be undertaken as a priority. Abstract Aged companion dogs have a high prevalence of periodontal disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and the two disorders are correlated. Similarly, periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s Disease are correlated in people. However, little is known about the oral microbiota of aging dogs. The goal of this project was to characterize the longitudinal changes in oral microbiota in aged dogs. Oral swabs were taken from ten senior client-owned dogs on 2–3 occasions spanning 24 months and they underwent whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing. Cognitive status was established at each sampling time. A statistically significant increase in alpha diversity for bacterial and fungal species was observed between the first and last study visits. Bacteroidetes and proteobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla. Porphyromonas gulae was the most abundant bacterial species (11.6% of total reads). The species Lactobacillus gasseri had a statistically significant increase in relative abundance with age whereas Leptotrichia sp. oral taxon 212 had a statistically significant positive longitudinal association with cognition score. There is an increased fungal and bacterial alpha diversity in aging dogs over time and nearly universal oral dysbiosis. The role of the oral microbiota, particularly Leptotrichia and P. gulae and P. gingivalis, in aging and CCDS warrants further investigation.}, number={24}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Templeton, Ginger B. and Fefer, Gilad and Case, Beth C. and Roach, Jeff and Azcarate-Peril, M. Andrea and Gruen, Margaret E. and Callahan, Benjamin J. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2023}, month={Dec} }
 @article{hoel_templeton_fefer_case_shah_gruen_olby_2021, title={Sustained Gaze Is a Reliable In-home Test of Attention for Aging Pet Dogs}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2297-1769"]}, DOI={10.3389/fvets.2021.819135}, abstractNote={Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a syndrome of progressive cognitive decline comparable to Alzheimer's Disease. The sustained gaze test captures attention loss associated with CCDS in laboratory settings, and adapting the sustained gaze test for use by owners at home could greatly increase the data generated on CCDS. We hypothesized that it would be feasible for owners to perform the sustained gaze test at home, and that results would be reliable over repeated trials. Training materials were developed and dog owners underwent training and performed the test in triplicate at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. Gaze videos and a CAnine DEmentia Scale (CADES) questionnaire were submitted each week. Videos were examined for inclusion and duration of gaze was recorded. One observer repeated video assessments twice, 1 week apart; five different observers assessed videos once. Outcome measures included the relationship between CADES and gaze duration, test-retest reliability of owner-performed sustained gaze testing, and intra- and inter-rater reliability. Twenty dogs aged 7–15.5 years completed testing. The majority of videos were acceptable (162/183). Within dog test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.96). Intra- and interobserver reliability for determining video validity for inclusion were substantial (k = 0.76 and 0.78, respectively); for duration of gaze these were excellent (ICC = 0.99 and 0.96, respectively). Gaze duration was significantly associated with CADES (p = 0.0026). We conclude that owners can perform the sustained gaze test at home and that data generated are reliable and correlate to CADES, a validated measure of dementia.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE}, author={Hoel, Jane A. and Templeton, Ginger B. and Fefer, Gilad and Case, Beth C. and Shah, Anshu and Gruen, Margaret E. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }