2005 - 74 (5)

Different authors emphasize the role of an appropriate early environment during the juvenile period in the prevention of behavioral problems in puppies. In the present study, the authors investigate whether the conditions in which Belgian breeders raise and sell puppies meet the recommendations posed in the scientific literature. A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was returned by 48 breeders. From the results it could be concluded that in all the breeding kennels both major and minor deviations from the conditions recommended in the literature were found. In a high percentage of the kennels that were examined, weaning occurs when the puppies are too young, the remaining puppies are kept solitary after the others have been sold, and not enough unfamiliar visual, olfactory and acoustic stimuli or toys are provided. A significant percentage of the puppies never leave the kennels and have no regular contact (or no contact at all) with unfamiliar humans or other non-canine animals. This leads to the conclusion that in a significant percentage of the breeding kennels the environment may not provide a solid basis for proper socialization. Consequently, efforts made by the new owners to achieve socialization are crucial. Depending on the number of breeding bitches in the kennel, the nature and degree of the deficiency will vary. In larger kennels the conditions seem to be less suitable than in smaller kennels (up to19 breeding bitches).However, a larger scale study is needed to confirm the tendencies that were found in this preliminary investigation. If these tendencies are confirmed, then amendments should be made in the Belgian legislation concerning the recognition of dog breeding kennels.

Nitrite intoxication is known to be a cause of methemoglobinemia in several species. This article describes three cases of acute mortality caused by massive ingestion of nitrite by pigs raised on commercial farms. Bacterial contamination of drinking water with subsequent nitrite formation was identified as the cause of the methemoglobin formation. The present study indicates that still standing drinking water within the water systems of modern pig farms constitutes a risk for nitrite intoxication.

Erythema multiforme was reported in a Welsh Pony. The pony suddenly displayed pruritic, more or less bilateral symmetrical, alopecic and erosive skin lesions over the entire body. There was edema of the ventral abdomen and preputium. Histopathological findings included hydropic degeneration and apoptotic keratinocytes at all levels of the epidermis. Possible initiating causes are discussed. The pony was treated with penicillin and prednisolone and full hair regrowth was seen within three months.