Companion Animal Breeds and Working Classes

What is included in the Signalment of a companion animal?

Age, breed, sex, reproductive status, +/- color or job.

Dogs are selected more commonly for breed or job than cats - what are the number of dog breeds?

178 AKC recognized breeds with over 300 breeds recognized worldwide. There are over 500 breeds that are not officially recognized.

How can dogs be grouped into various classes?

Based on what they are bred for or based on their conformation and size.

Why are classes of dog breeds important to understand from a prevention and wellness standpoint?

There are often defining characteristics that can impact their wellness and preventative health care.

What are the 7 AKC groups of dogs?

Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working group.

Examples of brachycephalic breeds

Boston terrier, French bulldog, English bulldog, and pug.

Examples of chondrodystrophic breeds

Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Basset Hound, Corgi.

Examples of Giant and large breeds

Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane.

How are cats often selected?

For appearance, loyalty, and temperament.

Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes _ pedigreed cat breeds while the International Cat Association recognizes _ breeds of cats.

42, 71

What are a couple conformation groupings for cats?

Brachycephalic and chondrodystrophic.

What are three common colorings for cats?

Tabby (striped), calico, pointed (darker at the ears, legs, and tail tips).

What are the AAHA listed life stages of a dog?

Puppy, junior, adult, mature, senior, geriatric.

Description of puppy

Neonatal until reproductive maturity.

Description of junior dog

Reproductively mature, still growing.

Description of adult dog

Finished growing, structurally and socially mature.

Description of a mature dog

From middle to approximately the last 25% of expected life span.

Description of Senior dog

From maturity to life expectancy (approximately the last 25% of expected life span).

Description of Geriatric dog

At life expectancy and beyond.

What are the AAHA listed Feline life stages?

Kitten, junior, prime, mature, senior, geriatric.

Description of kitten

Birth until 6 months.

Description of junior cat

7 months to 2 years.

Description of prime cat

3-6 years.

Description of mature cat

7-10 years.

Description of senior cat

11-14 years.

Description of Geriatric cat

15+ years.

What are some specific recommendations for nutrition for a puppy?

Makes specific recommendations for diet, treats, frequency and amounts; consider food toys to keep stimulated; dietary caloric recommendations post spay or neuter should be reduced by at least 1%.

What are some specific recommendations for exercise for a puppy/kitten?

Avoid extremes due to damage to physeal plates, fetching, vary environments.

What are some specific recommendations for dental care for a puppy/kitten?

Check occlusion, fractured deciduous teeth are common, as are retained teeth. Show proper brushing and make recommendations for oral care.

Puppy socialization is most important between __-___ weeks

2, 12

Puppy fear generally surfaces around - weeks (anxiety), so it's important to recognize this and use positive reinforcement

8-10

What are some specific recommendations for sterilization/surgery for a puppy/kitten?

Consider as very important part of preventative medicine. Also consider preventative surgeries like entropion, gastropexy, stenotic nares which are often breed driven.

What are some specific recommendations for disease screening for a puppy?

Fecal testing, heartworm testing when 7 months old, +/- CBC, chemistry, UA or others as appropriate or presurgical.

What are some specific recommendations for disease screening for a kitten?

Fecal testing, heartworm testing when 7 months old, FeLV/FIV testing as kittens and repeated 2-3 months later, +/- CBC, chemistry, UA or others as appropriate or presurgical.

What are some specific recommendations for nutrition for a kitten?

Make sure to offer a variety of substrates, both canned and dry. Stress water and encourage water fountain usage; can offer dry food in food balls and other interactive feeding toys.

Recommendations for puppy behavior?

Exposure to handling, nail trimming, and a variety of sounds/experiences. Play! Human interaction and interactive toys are important and serve to enrich the environment and provide mental stimulation.

Recommendations for kitten behavior?

Exposure to similar things as puppies, children, other cats, brushing and teeth cleaning.

Intercat social play peaks are ~___ weeks, toys help prevent biting.

12

Recommendations for kitten behavior related to litter box?

Clean frequently and place in a quiet, not busy location. Most cats do not develop litter box rejection until they are a little older - 7 months to 2 years of age.

General recommendations for Junior/Adult dogs and cats?

Annual or semi-annual exams should continue to build on relationship with client and pet. Immunization and parasite control - follow guidelines and preventative strategies as discussed throughout this course.

Recommendations for Junior/Adult dogs and cats concerning nutrition?

Weight monitoring is very important during this time; appropriate exercises - avoid extremes.

What should be considered for immunization/parasite control for dogs and cats?

Correct frequency and dosage of heartworm medication; lifestyle changes - outdoor only now?

Cats at what stage begin to have a decline in play activity which leads to weight gain?

Junior to adult.

Recommendations for junior/adult dogs and cats concerning dental care?

Important to reinforce dental care in the early years; oral exams should occur at most every visit - check for broken teeth, gingivitis, abscesses.

At what life stage do most pets begin to need to be anesthetized for dental care?

Junior/Adult.

At what life stage do normal phobias in dogs develop (i.e. fear of storms, fireworks, etc.)?

Junior/Adult.

Intercat aggression may develop at - years of age, as can litter box rejection and urine marking.

1-2

At what life stage should fecal floats, heart worm testing, FeLV/FIV, blood work and UA be part of annual evaluations?

Junior/Adult.

What other diagnostics may be added at the junior/adult life stage that are appropriate to the patient?

Cancer screenings for breeds prone to cancer, aspirates of all masses, and radiographs looking for OA.