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Background Working farm dogs are invaluable on New Zealand sheep and beef farms. To date no study describing farm dog population and health has included information about incidence of illness and injury, or risk factors affecting health and career duration. This paper describes the methodology and initial results from TeamMate, a longitudinal study that was designed to address this gap. We describe the study population, husbandry practices, and prevalence of clinical abnormalities on enrolment. Methods Data about the farms, owners, husbandry practices and dogs were collected on farm at approximately 6-month intervals. All dogs over 18 months old and in full work were enrolled. Dogs were given physical examinations by veterinarians. On examination all abnormalities were noted, regardless of clinical significance. Results Six hundred forty-one working farm dogs and 126 owners were enrolled from the South Island of New Zealand. Forty-nine percent of dogs were Heading dogs (314 of 641) and 48% Huntaways (308 of 641). Median age of dogs was 4 years (range 1.5–14) and median body condition score (BCS) was four on a 9-point scale (interquartile range (IQR) 3–5). Fifty-four percent of dogs were male (345 of 641), and 6% (41 of 641) were neutered. Eighty-one percent of owners (102 of 126) fed dogs commercial biscuits and meat sourced on farm. Forty-four percent of dogs (279 of 641) had bedding in their kennel, 14% (55 of 393) had insulated kennels, 69% (442 of 641) had been vaccinated and 33% (213 of 641) were insured. Clinical abnormalities were found in 74% of dogs (475 of 641). Common abnormalities involved the musculoskeletal system (43%, 273 of 641), skin (including scars and callouses; 42%, 272 of 641), and oral cavity (including worn and broken teeth; 35%, 227 of 641). Conclusions Our results expand on those from previous surveys and indicate that musculoskeletal illness and injury, and skin trauma are the most commonly seen clinical abnormalities in working farm dogs. These results will provide a baseline for investigation of incidence and risk factors for illness, injury, retirement and death in New Zealand working farm dogs.

Dust is one of the most burdensome hazards found in the environment. It is composed of crushed solids that pose a threat to the health and life of people, machines and machine components. At high concentration levels, it can reduce visibility. All of these negative phenomena occur during the process of underground mining, where dust hazards are common. The negative impact of dust on the efficacy of the mining process prompts research in this area. The following study presents a method developed for model studies of dust dispersion in driven dog headings. This issue is immensely important due to the fact that these dog headings belong to a group of unidirectional excavations (including tunnelling). This paper presents the results of model studies on dust dispersion in driven dog headings. The main focus is on the analysis of the distribution of dust concentration along a dog heading during the mining process. In order to achieve this goal, a model test method based on the finite volume method, which is included in the group of CFD methods, was developed. Analyses were carried out for two different values of dust emission from the face of the excavation for the transient state. The results made it possible to determine areas with the highest potential for dust concentration. The size and location of these areas are mainly dependent on the amount of dust emissions during the mining process. The results can support the process of managing dust prevention and protection of workers during the mining excavation process.

Dustiness of the mine atmosphere during carrying out exploitation is one of the most hazardous factors threaten to health and life of employees. Also it is large hazard for all type of mechanical and electrical devices operating in mining headings. Coal dust is also very dangerous due to its possibility of explosion. Currently applied technologies of rock mass mining process, entire transport process of output and applied ventilation system cause that rock and coal dust is presented practically in each of the mining heading. Practically, is impossible to eliminate dust from mining headings. However, one can determine its parameters and potential ways its displacement. In the paper there is presented modeling research methodology of dustiness state in a driven dog heading. Developed model is the basis for this methodology, including the diphase flow of mixture of air and dust in the mining heading. Analysis was performed for real driven dog heading. Based on performed analyses, distributions of particular fraction and movement trajectories of selected dust grains were determined. Developed methodology gives a lot of opportunities for analysis of dustiness state in mining headings and in other compartments. It enables to determine parameters of particular grains and their impact on ventilation parameters of the air stream in the tested headings. Obtained results can also be used to reduce dust hazard.

One of the main problems related to the excavation of dog headings in coal beds is the emission of methane during this process. To prevent the occurrence of dangerous concentration levels of this gas, it is necessary to use an appropriate ventilation system. The operation effectiveness of such a system depends on a number of mining, geological, technical and organizational factors. One of them includes the size and permeability of the fractures zone formed around the excavated dog heading. The primary objective of the paper is to determine the influence of this zone on the ventilation parameters, including the concentration and distribution of methane in the excavated dog heading. In order to achieve the assumed objective, multivariate model-based tests were carried out, which reproduce a real-world dog heading. Literature data and test results in actual conditions were used to determine the size and permeability of the fractures zone around the excavated heading. These data served as the basis to develop a model of the region under analysis and adopt boundary conditions. The analyses were carried out for four permeability values of the fractures zone and for two volumetric flow rates of the air stream supplied to the heading. The results were used to determine the influence of the fractures zone on the distribution and concentration of methane in the heading under analysis. The model-based tests were performed using ANSYS Fluent software. The idea to take into account the fractures zone around the heading represents a new approach to the analysis of ventilation parameters in underground mine headings. The results clearly indicate that this zone affects the ventilation parameters in the heading, including the distribution and concentration of methane. The knowledge obtained from the tests should be used to optimize the ventilation process of dog headings. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Dog headings are defined as underground headings with a small cross-section in relation to their length. In the Polish (underground) coal mines, the cross-section of headings does not usually exceed 5.5 m in width and 3.8 m in height, while their length may reach even up to several kilometres. The general purpose of headings is to make possible the development of a deposit or its part containing coal seams that are to be exploited. The preparatory headings, on the other hand, are aimed at preparing the longwall for exploitation. The construction of these headings is a significant element in the investment process both in the case of newly established coal mines, as well as the existing plants in which parts of deposits at increasing depths are being developed. It may be generally assumed that in a given coal mine, each year at least several development headings and several to ten-odd preparatory headings are constructed. As the experience and scientific literature shows, such investments in the mining industry are burdened with high risk and uncertainty level resulting from the geological and mining conditions of the deposit as well as from economic conditions (political and economic decisions as well as the instability of the raw materials market). As geological and mining factors of the most significant importance with regard to performance of mining works, including driving headings tectonic disturbances (faults) should be considered. Accurate recognition of them in economic terms shall allow to estimate precisely expenditure of the planned investment project. While incorrect identification of the disturbances throughout a coal mine may even lead to its closure, what had earlier happened in the Polish mining. The paper, due to heading fault indicator, provides the characteristics of fault disturbances intensity when preparatory headings (galleries) are being driven. The research was conducted in the headings developed between the years: 2009 - 2014 in one of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The analysis took into account also differences in fault disturbances intensity determined in the design and as-built phase.

In the present study, a systematic literature review was conducted with the aim of providing an up-to-date overview of the success factors of single-tooth implants with immediate loading in relation to survival rates. Within this framework, correlations between implant survival and primary stability, implant region, postoperative instructions, implant design, and implantation timing were analysed separately according to occlusal loading protocol (with versus without antagonistic occlusal contacts on the implant crowns). The literature search yielded 20 publications that could be included, but only 19 of these were based on separate patient cohorts.Insertion torque was the most used means to assess primary stability, with a torque of ≥ 35 Ncm serving as the criterion for immediate loading in almost all studies. ISQ measurement played a minor role and was seldomly applied for monitoring of implant stability over time. Most implants were placed in the anterior maxilla, whereas immediate loading of mandibular implants was investigated in only few studies. The implants used were mainly screw-shaped implants with lengths ranging from a minimum of 6 mm to a maximum of 17 mm. The implant diameter varied between a minimum of 3 mm and a maximum of 9 mm. In terms of implant timing, all phases from immediate to late implant placement were represented. Survival rates at immediate loading were 100 % in three of eight studies when implant crowns were placed with antagonistic occlusal contacts and 100 % in six of eleven studies when implant crowns were placed without antagonistic occlusal contacts.Here, survival rates seem to be more in favour of realizing immediate loading via provisional implant crowns without antagonistic occlusal contacts and combining this with postoperative behavioural measures that spare the implant and provisional crown from any loadbearing activities. The study finding merit further investigation in additional high-quality studies as the included papers have a high level of heterogeneity.

Background Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonosis with significant public and veterinary health implications. Domestic dogs serve both as sentinels and reservoirs, particularly in ecologically dynamic settings influenced by urbanization and climate change. However, the global understanding of canine leptospirosis remains fragmented due to inconsistent diagnostic practices and variable regional data. Objectives To synthesize global evidence on the seroprevalence, dominant serovars, and risk factors associated with Leptospira infection in domestic dogs, and to evaluate the implications for public health within a One Health framework. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and WeLib) for studies published between 2000 and 2024. Observational studies using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) on domestic dogs were included. Data were extracted on seroprevalence, serovar distribution, and environmental, behavioral, and socio-economic risk factors. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity in methodologies. Results The systematic search identified 1,842 records, with 26 studies included, involving 13,827 dogs across 12 countries. Seroprevalence ranged from 9.1% to 75.0%, with higher rates in South America and Asia due to tropical climates . Dominant serovars included Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola and Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, while Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Sejroe emerged in specific regions . Environmental (e.g., water proximity, OR = 1.5–5.1), behavioral (e.g., rodent hunting, OR = 2.4–4.5), and socioeconomic (e.g., poverty, OR = 2.5–4.0) risk factors were identified. Dogs served as sentinels and reservoirs, guiding One Health interventions. Conclusions Canine leptospirosis is shaped by environmental, behavioral, and socio-economic drivers, with marked regional disparities. Dogs play a dual role as sentinels and reservoirs, necessitating integrated One Health interventions including targeted vaccination, environmental control, and community education. Standardization of diagnostics and expanded surveillance in underrepresented regions are critical for effective global leptospirosis control.

We review the underlying principles and tools used in genomic studies of domestic dogs aimed at understanding the genetic changes that have occurred during domestication. We show that there are two principle modes of evolution within dogs. One primary mode that accounts for much of the remarkable diversity of dog breeds is the fixation of discrete mutations of large effect in individual lineages that are then crossed to various breed groupings. This transfer of mutations across the dog evolutionary tree leads to the appearance of high phenotypic diversity that in actuality reflects a small number of major genes. A second mechanism causing diversification involves the selective breeding of dogs within distinct phenotypic or functional groups, which enhances specific group attributes such as heading or tracking. Such progressive selection leads to a distinct genetic structure in evolutionary trees such that functional and phenotypic groups cluster genetically. We trace the origin of the nuclear genome in dogs based on haplotype-sharing analyses between dogs and gray wolves and show that contrary to previous mtDNA analyses, the nuclear genome of dogs derives primarily from Middle Eastern or European wolves, a result more consistent with the archeological record. Sequencing analysis of the IGF1 gene, which has been the target of size selection in small breeds, further supports this conclusion. Finally, we discuss how a black coat color mutation that evolved in dogs has transformed North American gray wolf populations, providing a first example of a mutation that appeared under domestication and selectively swept through a wild relative.

Canines are proven reservoir hosts of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of human zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, and therefore domestic dogs play a central role in transmitting the disease to humans. Studies on the effect of insecticide-impregnated dog collars for controlling canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) have been increasing; however, meta-analysis has not been conducted. This study assessed the effectiveness of insecticide-impregnated dog collars for preventing CanL. We searched (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Ovid Medline(R), and Cochrane library), from inception until 2 May 2020. Two authors independently performed articles screening and data extraction. We applied the RoB 2.0 tool to evaluate the risk of bias in randomized trials, while the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-randomized trials. I-squared statistics(I2) and funnel plot and Egger’s test, respectively, were used to assesses heterogeneity between studies and publication bias. Relative Risk (RR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model in Stata 14 software. Out of 242 citations identified, 14 studies comprising 3786 collared dogs and 3428 uncollared dogs were eligible for meta-analysis. The use of deltamethrin-impregnated dog collars(DMC) showed an overall effectiveness of 54% (95%CI: 35–65%, I2 = 63.2%, P = 0.002) in decreasing incidence of CanL, while 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin collars provided an overall effectiveness of 90% (95%CI: 80–96%, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.376). DMC efficacy stratified by follow-up duration was estimated to be 58% (RR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.20–0.87), 54% (RR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.31–0.68), 53% (RR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.29–0.82) for follow-up periods of 5 to 6 months, 1 year and 2 years, respectively. The current evidence indicates that using insecticide-impregnated dog collars can reduce the risk of CanL caused by L. infantum. Therefore, insecticide-impregnated dog collars could be a viable alternative for inclusion as a public health measure for controlling CanL.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterised by progressive kidney damage and encompasses a broad range of renal pathologies and aetiologies. In humans, CKD is an increasing global health problem, in particular in the western world, while in cats and dogs, CKD is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Here, we aimed to develop an enhanced understanding of the knowledge base related to the pathophysiology of renal disease and CKD in cats and dogs. To achieve this, we leveraged a text-mining approach for reviewing trends in the literature and compared the findings to evidence collected from publications related to CKD in humans. Applying a quantitative text-mining technique, we examined data on clinical signs, diseases, clinical and lab methods, cell types, cytokine, and tissue associations (co-occurrences) captured in PubMed biomedical literature. Further, we examined different types of pain within human CKD-related publications, as publications on this topic are sparser in companion animals, but with the growing importance of animal welfare and quality of life, it is an area of interest. Our findings could serve as substance for future research studies. The systematic automated review of relevant literature, along with comparative analysis, has the potential to summarise scientific evidence and trends in a quick, easy, and cost-effective way. Using this approach, we identified targeted and novel areas of investigation for renal disease in cats and dogs.