Monitoramento do bem-estar de cães participantes do projeto de ReabilitaCão em Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract

The concept of Animal Welfare refers to the adaptation issues of individuals and can be accessed by measuring of the animals' needs are being satisfied. This study consisted of a systematic literature review manuscript about the particularities of studies on dog welfare and also a manuscript on the welfare assessment of ReabilitaCão therapist dogs. The first manuscript was a survey of literature data, using PRISMA criteria. After defining descriptor terms, 44 scientific articles published in Pubmed from January 1990 to January 2021 were selected; written in English or Portuguese, with free electronic access. The descriptor term most cited in the articles was roaming owned dogs. We used the PICO strategy to answer the main aspects of dog welfare studies. It was found that most research on dog welfare uses positive measures such as interaction and behavioral responses to assess the behavior of domiciled dogs. The second manuscript aimed to measure the animal welfare of 14 therapist dogs victims of relinquishment, rescued in the city of Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and among these 5 received 1 evaluation and 9 received 2 evaluations with 3 months of diference between than, totaling 23 evaluations. After Veterinary treatment, castration and vaccination, the dogs are sent to an adapted kennel to receive them at the Vale do Itajaí Penitentiary Complex. Inside the Penitentiary, where participate in the ReabilitaCão, which is a dog therapy project aimed at helping the resocialization of the inmates, who in turn are expected to reduce their sentences. This monitoring aims to analyze the well-being of dogs of ReabilitaCão. For the physiological evaluation of the dogs, weighing, inspection of the mucous membranes, rectal temperature, respiratory and heart rate of the animals were performed. In addition, a collection of 6mL of blood was performed by the puncture of the jugular or cephalic vein of the dogs, intended for the hemogram and measurement of cortisol, lactate, and fasting glucose. Furthermore, behavioral analyzes and ultrasound of the adrenal gland of the dogs were conducted. Statistical analyzes were performed using the PSPP Program (version 1.2.0-g0fb4db). Numerical variables were analyzed via the paired T-Test for comparison purposes over time and associated using Pearson's Correlation test. The results found for left adrenals (LA) were a mean length of 15.9±1.72 mm; and, for right adrenals (RA) (n=11), a mean length of 15.14± 1.36 mm. Besides, we found a mean of serum cortisol of 2.181±1.35 mcg/dL (n=22); glycemia was 73.434±13.86 mg/dL (n=23); and a mean lactate of 3.331±1.21 mmol/L (n=19). Eosinophilia was the most frequent alteration in blood count, found in 47.83% (11) of dogs (n=23). Regarding behavioral assessment, 56.52% (n=13) of dogs showed behaviors classified as aggressive and fearful (n=23). We concluded that the therapy dogs sheltered in the ReabilitaCão Project show good well-being conditions, determined by an ultrasound exam of adrenal glands associated with serum cortisol and lactate measurements. However, behavioral evaluation and fasting glycemia results indicate the chronic stress response of these animals.