@article{russell_mondino_fefer_griffith_saker_gruen_olby_2024, title={Establishing a clinically applicable frailty phenotype screening tool for aging dogs}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2297-1769"]}, DOI={10.3389/fvets.2024.1335463}, abstractNote={Introduction Frailty is a well-defined clinical syndrome in humans caused by accumulation of impairments which result in loss of reserve capacity and increased vulnerability to disability, dependence, and death. Dogs are of particular interest in studies of frailty due to the similarities they share with people in their environment, lifestyles, and age-related diseases. Materials and methods The aim of this study was to develop a frailty phenotype screening tool, based on previously validated measures in dogs, which could be easily applied in the clinical setting, and which was predictive of all-cause, short term (6-month) mortality. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, a retrospective cohort of 51 dogs was used to identify and evaluate potential measures for the five domains of frailty. This information was then used to develop a simple frailty phenotype based on examination findings and owner directed questions. In phase 2 of the study, this phenotype was evaluated in a prospective cohort of 198 dogs aged 9 years or older from multiple different specialty and primary care services to determine how the phenotype performed across a diverse canine population. Results The developed frailty phenotype was predictive of all-cause, short-term mortality independent of age, sex, or weight (hazard ratio = 4.71; 95% CI, 2.66–8.8). Of the covariates evaluated only breed was significant, with purebred dogs having 1.85 times higher mortality than mixed breed dogs (95% CI, 1.04–3.31). The frailty phenotype performed similarly across all hospital services from which patients were enrolled. Conclusion Based on these findings, the defined frailty phenotype represents a valuable screening tool for early risk identification and intervention, and can aid in clinical decision making for owners and veterinarians. Additionally, it will promote further research into the understanding and treatment of frailty in dogs.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE}, author={Russell, Katharine J. and Mondino, Alejandra and Fefer, Gilad and Griffith, Emily and Saker, Korinn and Gruen, Margaret E. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2024}, month={Sep} }
 @article{luisana_saker_jaykus_getty_2022, title={Survey evaluation of dog owners' feeding practices and dog bowls' hygiene assessment in domestic settings}, volume={17}, ISSN={["1932-6203"]}, DOI={10.1371/journal.pone.0259478}, abstractNote={In-home pet food handling and food dish hygiene practices can have adverse health impacts for both humans and pets. Safe food and dish handling guidelines are not easily evidenced for pet owners. The study was designed to investigate dog owners’ feeding habits and evaluate the impact of the Food and Drug Association (FDA) hygiene protocols on dog food dish contamination. Procedures and surveys were approved by North Carolina State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and Institutional Review Board. Pet feeding and food dish hygiene data were collected from 417 dog owner surveys and 68 food dish swabs. Total aerobic plate counts (APC) were performed on 68 dishes and randomly assigned into Group A (FDA pet food handling and dish hygiene guidelines), Group B (FDA pet and human food handling and dish hygiene guidelines), or Group C (no guidelines). Hygiene protocols were instituted in-home for 1 week, followed by a second APC and follow-up survey. Survey from dog owners-households indicated: 4.7% were aware of FDA pet food handling and dish hygiene guidelines; 36% have individuals ≤ 13 years old and/or immunocompromised; 43% stored dog food 0–5 feet from human food; 34% washed their hands after feeding; and 33% prepared their dog food on human food preparation surfaces. The hygiene protocols followed by Groups A and B resulted in significant decreases in food dish APC (p<0.001; 1.4; (0.9, 2.0); p<0.05; 0.604 (0.02, 1.2), respectively), as compared to Group C (p≥0.05). Hot water (>160° F or 71.1°C) washing decreased APC (p<0.01; 1.5 (0.4, 2.6)) over cold/lukewarm water. In the follow-up survey, 8% of Group A and B respondents reported likely to adhere to protocols long-term. This study suggests a need for pet food handling and dish hygiene guideline education to minimize bacterial contamination of dishes, especially for high-risk populations.}, number={4}, journal={PLOS ONE}, author={Luisana, Emily and Saker, Korinn and Jaykus, Lee-Ann and Getty, Caitlyn}, year={2022} }
 @article{saker_2021, title={Nutritional Concerns for Cancer, Cachexia, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Canine and Feline Pets}, volume={51}, ISSN={["1878-1306"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.01.012}, abstractNote={Cachexia and frailty can be described as independent entities yet are interrelated as constituents of malnutrition and the aging process. The unifying aspect is lean muscle loss, ultimately driven by inflammation and the adverse ramifications to pets with chronic, debilitating, or terminal disease states, including cancer. Modification to intake of dietary protein, fat, omega-3 fatty acids, and selected vitamins has shown benefit in management protocols as preventative and palliative care, but further investigation is imperative.}, number={3}, journal={VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE}, author={Saker, Korinn E.}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={729–744} }
 @article{panek_gruen_murdoch_marek_stachel_mowat_saker_olby_2020, title={Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain as a Translational Biomarker of Aging and Neurodegeneration in Dogs}, volume={57}, ISSN={["1559-1182"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85085898712&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1007/s12035-020-01951-0}, abstractNote={Age is a primary risk factor for multiple comorbidities including neurodegenerative diseases. Pet dogs and humans represent two populations that have experienced a significant increase in average life expectancy over the last century. A higher prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases has been observed across both species, and human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have canine analogs, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), and degenerative myelopathy (DM) respectively. In humans, protein biomarkers have proved useful in the prediction and diagnosis of neurodegeneration. Molecular signatures of many proteins are highly conserved across species. In this study, we explored the potential of the neuronal cytoskeletal protein neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker of neuro-aging in dogs using an ultrasensitive single-molecule array assay to measure plasma concentrations. Healthy dogs of different ages and dogs affected with CCD and DM were evaluated. The mean plasma NfL concentrations in the different age groups of the healthy population were as follows: 4.55 ± 1.70 pg/mL in puppy/junior group (0.43–2 years), 13.51 ± 6.8 pg/mL in adult/mature group (2.1–9 years), and 47.1 ± 12.68 pg/mL in geriatric/senior group (9.3–14.5 years). Concentrations in dogs with DM (7.5–12.6 years) and CCD (11.0–15.6 years) were 84.17 ± 53.57 pg/mL and 100.73 ± 83.72 pg/mL, respectively. Plasma NfL increases in an age-dependent manner and is significantly elevated in dogs diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease. This work identified plasma NfL as a key clinical index of neuro-aging and neurodegeneration in pet dogs. Our findings mirror recent reports from human neurodegenerative diseases.}, number={7}, journal={MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY}, author={Panek, Wojciech K. and Gruen, Margaret E. and Murdoch, David M. and Marek, Robert D. and Stachel, Alexandra F. and Mowat, Freya M. and Saker, Korinn E. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={3143–3149} }
 @article{conway_saker_2018, title={Consumer Attitude Toward the Environmental Sustainability of Grain-Free Pet Foods}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2297-1769"]}, DOI={10.3389/fvets.2018.00170}, abstractNote={This study investigated consumer knowledge and attitude toward environmental sustainability, grain-free diets (GFDs), and the influence of on-site environmental sustainability education on pet owner diet choices. A two-part questionnaire was designed, bracketing an educational brochure on environmental sustainability and GFDs. The study consisted of an informational brochure and two questionnaire sections, Q1 and Q2. Preliminary information regarding current diets, diet choice(s), views of environmental sustainability, the definition of GFDs, and the likelihood of feeding GFDs were gathered via Q1. Participants then read a factual brochure regarding pet food trends and environmental sustainability. After reading the brochure, participants completed Q2. Pet ownership of the survey population indicated 12/78 cared exclusively for at least one cat, 48/78 cared exclusively for at least one dog, and 18 cared exclusively for at least one dog and one cat. The majority (70/78) of survey responders fed a dry commercial product, 25/78 fed a canned commercial product, and 1/78 fed a commercial raw product. Prior to reading the brochure, 44.9% of participants were able to partially identify a GFD, 47.4% partially defined environmental sustainability, and 19.2% reported feeding a GFD. After reading the brochure, 67.6% of participants were able to identify a more environmentally sustainable diet vs. 55.9% prior to reading the brochure. A paired T-test demonstrated that after reading the brochure, people were significantly less likely to feed a GFD (p < 0.001). When participants already feeding a GFD were isolated, they demonstrated a higher likelihood to feed a GFD both before and after reading the pamphlet than the remaining population; however, the likelihood decreased from 8.4 ± 2.7 to 7.8 ± 2.7. The informational brochure was effective; participants were less likely to feed a GFD after reading the brochure. Although participants considered environmental sustainability important, factors independent of environmental sustainability influenced the likelihood of diet change. Participants already feeding a GFD also ranked environmental sustainability highly but were less likely to consider changing their pet's diet. These preliminary findings identify a need for public education regarding pet food choices that can have environmental consequences.}, journal={FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE}, author={Conway, Danielle M. P. and Saker, Korinn E.}, year={2018}, month={Sep} }
 @article{adin_defrancesco_keene_tou_meurs_atkins_aona_kurtz_barron_saker_et al._2019, title={Echocardiographic phenotype of canine dilated cardiomyopathy differs based on diet type}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1875-0834"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jvc.2018.11.002}, abstractNote={{"Label"=>"INTRODUCTION", "NlmCategory"=>"BACKGROUND"} Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can result from numerous etiologies including genetic mutations, infections, toxins, and nutritional imbalances. This study sought to characterize differences in echocardiographic findings between dogs with DCM fed grain-free (GF) diets and grain-based (GB) diets. {"Label"=>"ANIMALS", "NlmCategory"=>"METHODS"} Forty-eight dogs with DCM and known diet history. {"Label"=>"METHODS", "NlmCategory"=>"METHODS"} This was a retrospective analysis of dogs with DCM from January 1, 2015 to May 1, 2018 with a known diet history. Dogs were grouped by diet (GF and GB), and the GF group was further divided into dogs eating the most common grain-free diet (GF-1) and other grain-free diets (GF-o). Demographics, diet history, echocardiographic parameters, taurine concentrations, and vertebral heart scale were compared between GB, all GF, GF-1, and GF-o groups at diagnosis and recheck. {"Label"=>"RESULTS", "NlmCategory"=>"RESULTS"} Dogs eating GF-1 weighed less than GB and GF-o dogs, but age and sex were not different between groups. Left ventricular size in diastole and systole was greater, and sphericity index was less for GF-1 compared with GB dogs. Diastolic left ventricular size was greater for all GF compared with that of GB dogs. Fractional shortening, left atrial size, and vertebral heart scale were not different between groups. Taurine deficiency was not identified in GF dogs, and presence of congestive heart failure was not different between groups. Seven dogs that were reevaluated after diet change (6 received taurine supplementation) had clinical and echocardiographic improvement. {"Label"=>"CONCLUSIONS", "NlmCategory"=>"CONCLUSIONS"} Dietary-associated DCM occurs with some GF diets and can improve with nutritional management, including diet change. The role of taurine supplementation, even without deficiency, is uncertain.}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY CARDIOLOGY}, author={Adin, Darcy and DeFrancesco, Teresa and Keene, Bruce and Tou, Sandra and Meurs, Kathryn and Atkins, Clarke and Aona, Brent and Kurtz, Kari and Barron, Lara and Saker, Korinn and et al.}, year={2019}, month={Feb}, pages={1–9} }
 @article{robbins_cline_bartges_felty_saker_bastian_witzel_2019, title={Quantified water intake in laboratory cats from still, free-falling and circulating water bowls, and its effects on selected urinary parameters}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1532-2750"]}, DOI={10.1177/1098612X18803753}, abstractNote={ObjectivesThe study objectives were to determine if the method of water presentation (still [S], circulating [C] or free-falling [FF] bowl systems) influences daily water consumption in cats in a controlled environment, and whether differences in water intake affect urine relative super saturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate and struvite, urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (Uosmol) and urine volume.MethodsSixteen healthy laboratory cats fed a dry diet were individually housed with urine collection systems. Each cat underwent a randomized 2 week crossover period with all bowl systems, allowing a 1 week acclimation period between each crossover. Water intake was measured daily by bowl weight, accounting for spillage and evaporation. USG and urine volume were measured daily, whereas other urinary parameters were measured at various time points throughout each 14 day crossover period.ResultsFourteen cats completed the study. Average daily water intake (ml/kg/day), urine volume, USG and urine RSS for struvite and calcium oxalate were not significantly different between water bowls. Uosmol was significantly higher in C compared with S and FF bowl systems ( P = 0.009 for both). Three individual cats demonstrated a significant water bowl preference (Cat 4: C >S, P = 0.039; Cat 10: FF >C, P = 0.005; Cat 11: S >C, P = 0.037).Conclusions and relevanceOverall, water bowl type had no appreciable effect on water intake. Uosmol was the only urinary parameter found to be significantly different, and was higher for the C bowl. The implication of this is unknown, considering water intake did not differ significantly between bowls. Alternative methods to increase water intake should be implemented beyond providing unique water bowls in patients where augmented water intake would be beneficial for disease management.}, number={8}, journal={JOURNAL OF FELINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY}, author={Robbins, Michael T. and Cline, Martha G. and Bartges, Joseph W. and Felty, Erin and Saker, Korinn E. and Bastian, Richard and Witzel, Angela L.}, year={2019}, month={Aug}, pages={682–690} }
 @article{gaylord_remillard_saker_2018, title={Risk of nutritional deficiencies for dogs on a weight loss plan}, volume={59}, ISSN={["1748-5827"]}, DOI={10.1111/jsap.12913}, abstractNote={Objectives
To determine how general practice veterinarians make weight loss recommendations for dogs and if nutrients become deficient when following these recommendations.
Materials and Methods
A questionnaire of general practice veterinarians was conducted to characterise weight loss recommendations made to clients. Using this data, progressive levels of caloric restriction were applied to top‐selling commercial non‐therapeutic adult maintenance diets and non‐therapeutic weight management diets. Nutrient intakes were compared to the National Research Council's Recommended Allowances for metabolic body weight using a theoretical current weight and ideal body weight for an obese dog. Nutrient intakes were also compared to recommendations from the Association of American Feed Control Officials using current body weight.
Results
Several nutrients were found at risk of deficiency, including choline, methionine, cysteine, selenium, eicosapentanoic acid, docosahexanoic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and cobalamin in both non‐therapeutic adult maintenance diets and non‐therapeutic weight management diets.
Clinical Significance
Caution is warranted when making weight loss recommendations using commercial diets until further research on the nutrient needs of obese dogs undergoing weight loss is undertaken. Restriction of commercial diets to achieve weight loss in dogs may result in nutrient deficiencies.
}, number={11}, journal={JOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE}, author={Gaylord, L. and Remillard, R. and Saker, K.}, year={2018}, month={Nov}, pages={695–703} }
 @article{adamovicz_applegate_harris_saker_2019, title={USE OF A GASTROSTOMY AND JEJUNOSTOMY TUBE FOR MANAGEMENT OF GASTRIC DISTENTION FOLLOWING PYLORIC OUTFLOW OBSTRUCTION IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)}, volume={28}, ISSN={1557-5063}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/J.JEPM.2018.02.040}, DOI={10.1053/J.JEPM.2018.02.040}, abstractNote={Abstract An 8-month-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented for evaluation of persistent, severe gastric distention following gastrotomy to retrieve several foreign bodies. A structural cause of gastric outflow obstruction was not identified ultrasonographically or surgically. A 14 Fr gastrostomy and an 8 Fr jejunostomy tube were used to facilitate medical management of severe gastric stasis and to allow enteral nutrition. The ferret tolerated the feeding tubes well and recovered completely following intensive medical therapy. This report describes successful management of idiopathic gastric distention using gastric and jejunal feeding tubes in a ferret. Feeding tubes and supplemental nutrition plans should be considered for management of ferrets with compatible disease processes.}, number={C}, journal={Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Adamovicz, Laura and Applegate, Jeffrey and Harris, Jessica and Saker, Korinn}, year={2019}, month={Jan}, pages={105–110} }
 @article{harris_parnell_griffith_saker_2017, title={Retrospective evaluation of the impact of early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in dogs with pancreatitis: 34 cases (2010-2013)}, volume={27}, ISSN={["1476-4431"]}, DOI={10.1111/vec.12612}, abstractNote={AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of early enteral nutritional therapy on time to return to voluntary intake, maximum food consumption, incidence of gastrointestinal intolerance (GI), and total hospitalization time for dogs with acute pancreatitis.Design and SettingRetrospective analysis of dogs with pancreatitis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2010 and 2013.AnimalsThirty‐four client‐owned dogs diagnosed with acute or acute‐on‐chronic pancreatitis.Procedures and InterventionsMedical records of dogs evaluated for inappetence, anorexia, and GI for which a diagnosis of pancreatitis was recorded were reviewed. The time to initiation of food offerings since hospitalization were recorded in addition to signalment, historical medical conditions, chief complaint, physical examination findings, diagnostic results, treatments provided, timing of food offering (within 48 h of hospitalization, early feeding group (EFG) versus delayed feeding group (DFG), diet therapy (low fat versus high fat), caloric intake (% resting energy requirement), incidence of GI (%), and length of hospitalization (LOH) (days). A Clinical Severity Index Score (CSIS) was determined for each patient.Measurements and Main ResultsDogs in the EFG demonstrated a decreased time to return of voluntary intake (2.1 days, EFG versus 2.7 days, DFG; P = 0.05) and time (days) to maximum intake (3, EFG versus 3.4 DFG) as compared to the DFG dogs. The DFG exhibited more GI versus EFG irrespective of CSIS grouping (60% versus 26%, P = 0.04). A CSIS ≥ 7 was associated with prolonged LOH (P = 0.004); however, time to initiation of feeding and diet selection did not impact LOH (P = 0.8).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceResults of the study suggested that feeding within 48 hours of hospitalization for canine pancreatitis has a positive impact on return to voluntary intake and decreases the frequency of GI in these patients, independent of CSIS. The traditional protocol of withholding food during hospitalization may not be necessary nor yield the most benefit for patient recovery; subsequently early enteral refeeding should be considered.}, number={4}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE}, author={Harris, Jessica P. and Parnell, Nolie K. and Griffith, Emily H. and Saker, Korinn E.}, year={2017}, pages={425–433} }
 @article{bullen_evola_griffith_seiler_saker_2017, title={Validation of ultrasonographic muscle thickness measurements as compared to the gold standard of computed tomography in dogs}, volume={5}, journal={PeerJ}, author={Bullen, L. E. and Evola, M. G. and Griffith, E. H. and Seiler, G. S. and Saker, K. E.}, year={2017} }
 @article{adamovicz_bullen_saker_grunkemeyer_2016, title={Use of an Esophagostomy Tube for Management of Traumatic Subtotal Glossectomy in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)}, volume={25}, ISSN={1557-5063}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1053/J.JEPM.2016.05.001}, DOI={10.1053/J.JEPM.2016.05.001}, abstractNote={Abstract A 6-month-old intact male African pygmy hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) was presented for evaluation of a traumatic subtotal glossectomy. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, mild dehydration, and a macerated tongue missing approximately 1cm of the rostral tip. Severe anemia was identified via packed cell volume. The traumatic subtotal glossectomy was debrided and closed through primary intention. An esophagostomy tube was placed for nutritional support and medication administration. This report describes placement, maintenance, and successful use of this esophagostomy tube to manage severe oral trauma in a novel exotic pet species.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Adamovicz, Laura and Bullen, Lindsey and Saker, Korinn and Grunkemeyer, Vanessa}, year={2016}, month={Jul}, pages={231–236} }
 @article{hutchins_bailey_jacob_harris_wood_saker_vaden_2013, title={The Effect of an Oral Probiotic Containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus Species on the Vaginal Microbiota of Spayed Female Dogs}, volume={27}, ISSN={["1939-1676"]}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.12174}, abstractNote={BackgroundRecurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often difficult to treat. Vaginal colonization with lactic acid‐producing bacteria (LAB) is associated with reduced frequency of recurrent UTIs in women. Oral probiotics might help increase the prevalence of vaginal LAB and decrease the frequency of recurrent UTIs in dogs.HypothesisAdministration of an oral probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus species will increase the prevalence of LAB in the vagina of dogs.AnimalsThirty‐five healthy, spayed female dogs without history of recurrent UTIs.MethodsProspective, controlled study. Enrolled dogs received an oral probiotic supplement for 14 or 28 days. A vaginal tract culture was obtained from each dog before and after oral probiotic administration. Twenty‐three dogs received the oral probiotic supplement daily for a period of 14 days and 12 dogs received the oral probiotic supplement daily for a period of 28 days.ResultsLactic acid‐producing bacteria were isolated from 7 of 35 dogs prior to probiotic administration. After the treatment course, 6 of 35 dogs had LAB isolated. Only one of these dogs had LAB (Enterococcus canintestini) isolated for the first time. Enterococcus canintestini was the most common LAB isolated from all dogs in this study, although it was not included in the probiotic supplement.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceLactic acid‐producing bacteria are not a common isolate from the vaginal vault of dogs. Administration of this oral probiotic supplement for a 2‐ or 4‐week period did not increase the prevalence of vaginal LAB in dogs.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE}, author={Hutchins, R. G. and Bailey, C. S. and Jacob, M. E. and Harris, T. L. and Wood, M. W. and Saker, K. E. and Vaden, S. L.}, year={2013}, month={Nov}, pages={1368–1371} }
 @article{ardente_chinnadurai_de voe_stringer_webb_ireland_saker_2011, title={Relationship between gastrointestinal transit time and anesthetic fasting protocols in the captive chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes}, volume={40}, ISSN={["1600-0684"]}, DOI={10.1111/j.1600-0684.2011.00468.x}, abstractNote={Background  Lengthy social separation and prolonged fasting time contribute to increased risks associated with anesthesia in captive primates. This study is an initial attempt to identify a safe pre‐anesthetic fasting procedure by identifying gastric emptying time (GET) and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) of captive chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes.}, number={3}, journal={JOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY}, author={Ardente, A. and Chinnadurai, S. and De Voe, R. and Stringer, E. and Webb, T. and Ireland, J. and Saker, K.}, year={2011}, month={Jun}, pages={181–187} }
 @article{taylor_geiger_saker_larson_2009, title={Diffuse osteopenia and myelopathy in a puppy fed a diet composed of an organic premix and raw ground beef}, volume={234}, ISSN={["0003-1488"]}, DOI={10.2460/javma.234.8.1041}, abstractNote={Abstract
Case Description—An 8-month-old Shetland Sheepdog was evaluated because of the sudden onset of signs of neck pain, collapse, and inability to rise. A cursory diet history indicated that the dog had been fed a raw meat–based diet.
Clinical Findings—Initial evaluation of the dog revealed small physical stature, thin body condition, and signs of cranial cervical myelopathy. Radiographically, diffuse osteopenia of all skeletal regions was identified; polyostotic deformities associated with fracture remodeling were observed in weight-bearing bones, along with an apparent floating dental arcade. Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were detected via serum biochemical analyses. The dog's diet was imbalanced in macronutrients and macrominerals.
Treatment and Outcome—The dog received supportive care and treatment of medical complications; neurologic abnormalities improved rapidly without intervention. Dietary changes were implemented during hospitalization, and a long-term feeding regimen was established. Following discharge from the hospital, exercise restriction was continued at home. Serial follow-up evaluations, including quantitative bone density measurements, revealed that dietary changes were effective. After 7 months, the dog was clinically normal.
Clinical Relevance—In the dog of this report, vitamin D–dependent rickets type I and suspected nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism developed following intake of a nutritionally incomplete and unbalanced diet. The raw meat–based, home-prepared diet fed to the dog was not feed-trial tested for any life stage by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, and its gross nutrient imbalance induced severe metabolic, orthopedic, and neurologic abnormalities. Inadvertent malnutrition can be avoided through proper diet assessment and by matching nutrient profiles with patients' nutritional needs.}, number={8}, journal={JAVMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION}, author={Taylor, Mark B. and Geiger, David A. and Saker, Korinn E. and Larson, Martha M.}, year={2009}, month={Apr}, pages={1041–1048} }
 @misc{taylor_geiger_larson_saker_2009, title={Manufacturer defends organic premix diet response}, volume={234}, number={12}, journal={Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association}, author={Taylor, M. B. and Geiger, D. A. and Larson, M. M. and Saker, K. E.}, year={2009}, pages={1527–1528} }
 @article{kannan_saker_terrill_kouakou_galipalli_gelaye_2007, title={Effect of seaweed extract supplementation in goats exposed to simulated preslaughter stress}, volume={73}, ISSN={0921-4488}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2007.02.006}, DOI={10.1016/j.smallrumres.2007.02.006}, abstractNote={A feed supplement containing brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract may increase anti-oxidant activity in other domestic animals, but its effect on goats has not been studied. Mature female Spanish (S) and Boer × Spanish (BS) crosses (BW = 39 kg, n = 20/breed) were housed in pens (5 does/pen) and fed alfalfa pellets, supplemented either with or without the seaweed extract (treatment) for a period of 3 weeks. The supplement was given at 40% of daily feed intake to allow for a 2% seaweed extract in the diet. Does were then transported 6 h to stimulate stress, and held overnight without feed to simulate preslaughter conditions. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, and 6 h of transportation, and after overnight holding (24 h) without feed to determine the blood cortisol, differential leukocyte counts, phagocytosis, anti-oxidant and peroxidation status. Plasma cortisol levels were not influenced by treatment and the mean concentrations increased due to transportation and decreased after holding (P < 0.01). Mean plasma cortisol concentrations were 46.3, 63.5, 56.5, and 38.1 (S.E.M. = 6.1) ng/ml at 0, 2, 6, and 24 h of blood sampling, respectively. Neutrophil (N), lymphocyte (L), and monocyte counts and the N/L ratio was not influenced by treatment, but the seaweed extract supplementation decreased the eosinophil count (P < 0.05). The mean N/L ratio was 1.2 ± 0.7 at 0 h and increased during transportation and peaked at 6 h (2.3 ± 1.6) before decreasing after holding (P < 0.01). Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was much lower in treated animals, compared to the controls (P < 0.01) during transport and holding. Sampling time influenced the LPO in the treated group (P < 0.01)—resulting in a time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01). There was also a treatment × breed interaction (P < 0.05), such that the reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) caused by treatment was recorded to be greater in the BS goats, compared to the S goats. Glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in the treated than the control animals (P < 0.05). The mean RBC GSH-Px activities were 58.2 and 63.4 (S.E.M. = 1.8) mU/mg protein; WBC GSH-Px activities were 98.7 and 115.9 (S.E.M. = 5.5) mU/mg protein in the control and treated groups, respectively. Phagocytosis was also higher at 2 h compared to the other sampling times (P < 0.01). The results show that transportation is stressful to goats, and that seaweed extract supplementation may help goats by increasing anti-oxidant status, particularly after the onset of stress.}, number={1-3}, journal={Small Ruminant Research}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Kannan, G. and Saker, K.E. and Terrill, T.H. and Kouakou, B. and Galipalli, S. and Gelaye, S.}, year={2007}, month={Nov}, pages={221–227} }