Animal Science

What was believed to be the first domesticated animal and when did this happen?

Dogs, occurred 14,000 years ago

What is the trash dump theory?

Theory that certain animals’ flight zones can be shortened over time and become domesticated. For instance, dogs before domestication had large flight zones, but as humans began to interact more with dogs, their flight zones became smaller

Domesticated dogs came from what species?

Gray Wolves

How many groups of dog breeds are there?

7

Define the Terrier Group

Feisty, short-legged breeds. First bred to go underground in pursuit of rodents and other vermin. Long-legged Terrier breeds dig out varmints rather than burrowing in after them

Example of dog in Terrier Group

Scottish Terrier

Define the Toy Group

Small breeds that fit comfortably in the lap of humans. These breeds are used as companions and their small size makes them a good fit for smaller yards or apartments

Example of dog in Toy Group

Pug

Define the Working Group

Blue Collar workers were developed to assist humans in some capacity (pulling sleds, carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, protecting families). Many of these breeds are still used as working dogs today.

Example of dog in Working Group

Rottweiler

Define the Sporting Group

Bred to assist hunters in the capture and retrieval of feathered game. Retrievers, built for swimming, specialize on waterfowl, while the hunting grounds of setters, spaniels, and pointed breeds are grasslands where birds nest. Many breeds possess thick, water-repellant coats resistant to harsh hunting conditions

Example of dog in Sporting Group

German Shorthaired Pointer

Define the Hound Group

Bred to pursue warm-blooded quarry. The sleek, long-legged sighthounds use explosive speed and wide vision to chase swift prey, like jackrabbits and antelope. Tough, durable scenthounds rely on their powerful noses to trail anything from raccoons to escaped convicts.

Example of dog in Hound Group

Bloodhound

Define the Non-Sporting Group

Not much to share about this group. Two things in common: wet noses and four legs. Largely sought after as companion animals, as they were developed to interact with people in some capacity.

Example of dog in Non-Sporting Group

Dalmatian

Define the Herding Group

Comprises of breeds developed for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Work closely with their human shepherds, highly trainable. Today some herding breeds, such as the German Shepherd Dog, are commonly trained for police work.

Example of dog in Herding Group

Border Collie

Domesticated cats are believed to be decedents of these three animals

European Wild Cat, African Wild Cat, Jungle Cat

This cat has been found mummified and played in tombs in Ancient Egypt

Jungle Cat

What benefits do small animals provide to society?

- Economic benefit from thousands of jobs
- Serve as companions and pets to almost 60% of all American families
- Children learn responsibility and social skills
- Elderly people benefit from quality of life
- Testing and developing new products such as drugs and vaccines
- Used in pet therapy
- Useful watch dogs, police dogs, and seeing eye dogs
- Rabbits are excellent source of meat
- Rabbits used to provide products such as fur/wool

How do animals provide entertainment?

In zoos, circus, acts, etc. and increases an appreciation for animals

Groomers

Bathe pets and keep them pretty

Kennel Attendants

Feed and care for animals and keep kennels clean

Pet Care Workers

Many types provide many services to small animal works. Kennels, animal hospitals and shelters, pet stores, etc.

Small Animal Breeders

Raise and market fur-bearing animals, animals for sale. Usually specialize in one breed

Pet Shop Owners

Care for small animals they offer for sale

Pet Shop Managers

Run the daily pet store operations

Veterinarians

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, treat and control animal injuries and diseases. They also vaccinate animals against disease and inspect animals and meat products used for food. They also perform surgery, set broken bones, establish diet, and exercise routines and prescribe medicines.

Dealers

People who sell lab animals for research and teaching

Vet Technicians

Assist vet and other members of the vet staff

Ventral

Underside of the body

Cranial

Head

Anterior

Front of the body

Dorsal

Back

Caudal

Tail

Dorsal Plane

Plane that divides the body into dorsal (back and ventral, belly) parts

Jobs for dogs

1. Seeing Eye Dogs
2. Seizure Response Dogs
3. K-9 Police Dogs
4. Therapy Dog
5. Diabetes Alert Dog

What are acceptable places to purchase a pet?

Pet Shop, direct from breeder, animal shelters, friends/neighbors

What is euthanasia?

“putting animal to sleep”, injection of tranquilizer that stops nerve transmissions and causes muscle relaxation

What should be considered when thinking about purchasing a pet?

Living space, lifestyle, costs, the future, family, your personality, is it a fad?, the animal’s use

Number of cats owned as pets in the US?

74 million

What are some recurring costs of owning a dog?

Pet food, grooming, toys, vet visits

What is not a recurring cost of owning a dog?

Bed, crate, water/food bowl

Stop

Area between nose and eyes

Muzzle

nose area

Flews

Hanging skin under mouth

Forearm

Front side of leg

Wrist

Where leg and paw conjoin

Elbow

Back bone at top of leg

Knee

By upper part of back legs

Hock

Bone on the lower part of back legs

Tail

Also known as caudal

Thigh

Thicker part of upper leg by torso

Withers

Bump on upper part of back

What is Olfactory Ability

Using smell to detect and gather information

What is Pica?

Eating objects not part of the regular diet (wood, sand, stones, etc.), obsessive not just occasional

How do dogs communicate?

Through body posture

Describe a playful appearing dog

Tail high and wagging

Describe an aggressive appearing dog

Ears back, head erect, neck hair on end, teeth bared

What are basic commands for a dog to learn?

Heel, sit, down, stay, come

Applying a nylon dog muzzle

- Place dog in sitting or sternal position on exam table or floor
- Come from behind dog’s head with muzzle in one hand
- Bring muzzle up to the dog’s face and slip it on while grasping the strap with the other hand
- Check for proper fit (one finger inserted under the strap)

Removing a cat from a cage and placing it in a cat bag

- Open cage door and call cat by name
- Scruff the cat with one hand and lift it up
- Cradle the cat’s abdomen with their other hand and remove cat from cage
- With cat still scruffed, place the cat under one arm close to your body and close the cage door with your free hand
- Carry the cat to the exam table while holding cat close to your body
- Scruff the cat and lift it into the bag in one swift motion while supporting the hind end
- Wrap the Velcro strap around the cat’s neck and immediately zip the bag
- Use proper zipper to expose the front limb
- Remove the Velcro strap first, then unzip the bag and remove the cat by scruffing and support the hind end

Administering a subcutaneous injection

- Lift skin using thumb and forefinger forming a triangle or tent with the skin
- Insert the needle into the skin at the base of the tent or triangle parallel with the body
- Aspirate, look for any signs of blood entering the syringe; if no blood enter syringe, administer the injection
- Withdraw needle and place in sharps container
- Rub injection site and praise patient

What are the six required nutritional groups?

- Proteins
- Fats
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water

What is the most important nutrient?

Water

Ingredients on a pet food label are listed in order of...

Weight

Define AAFCO

Association of American Feed Control Officials, means food meets standards to be “complete and balance”

What supplies energy in dog food?

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

What factors affect feeding guidelines?

Based on growth level and weight, activity level, metabolism, environment, breed, and age. More protein and calories for pups and pregnant or nursing females. Feeding varies for different breeds. Hot weather = less food, cold weather = more food. Hardworking = more energy needed.

What is the gestation length of a dog?

56-69 days

The mother’s first milk is called this

Colostrum

Define infectious disease

Can be transmitted to people or animals (contagious)

Define noninfectious disease

Cannot spread from one person or animal to another (not contagious)

Canine distemper, parvovirus and rabies are all examples of...

Infectious diseases

What are poor signs of health?

- Loss of appetite
- Listless or depressed
- Droopy ears
- Humped back and head down
- Separated from other animals
- Coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing

What are good signs of health?

- Contentment
- Alertness
- Good appetite
- Sleek coat and pliable skin
- Bright eyes and pink eye membranes
- Normal feces and urine
- Normal temperature, pulse, rate, and respiration rate

Neuter

Process of removing dog or cat's reproductive organ (testicles)

Queen

Mother cat

Tomcat

Male domestic cat

Spay

Process of removing female dog or cat's ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus

Queening

Giving birth for cats

Clowder

A group of cats

Gestation

Period of time animal is pregnant

Parturtion

Giving birth

Bitch

Female dog

Stud

Male dog

Puppy

young dog

Whelping

Giving birth for dogs

Estrus

In heat, period of mating for females

Health

The state where all body parts are functioning normally

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease by examination and study of symptoms

Symptom

Observable differences an animal exhibits from its normal function

Topical treatment

Applied to skin

Oral treatment

Through the mouth (in or on feed, syringe or liquid medication, force swallowing of pill)

Intramuscular injection

Shot administered in selected muscles

Subcutaneous injection

Shot administered in the fatty tissue just under the skin

Zoonotic disease

Can be spread between species of animals and humans

Sphynx

Came into existence in Canada when hairless cat was born, discovered to be a natural genetic mutation. Not always totally hairless, have varied degrees of “hairlessness”. All colors and patterns are possible and may be presented at any stage of maturity. Periodic bathing required. Hairlessness is most distinctive feature, medium sized.

American Shorthair

Originated from cats following settlers from Europe to North America. Known for its longevity (robust health), good looks, and sweet personality. Bred selectively to preserve the working cat’s structure. Strongly built, well balanced, symmetrical cat.