Intan Nur Fatiha Shafie

Background: Propriospinal myoclonus (PSM) is characterized by repetitive, brief jerks of the trunk, hips, and knees in humans and has not been reported in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives: To describe phenotype, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcomes in presumptive PSM in dogs. Animals: Twenty-seven dogs with presumptive PSM. Methods: Multicenter, retrospective study of dogs with myoclonus affecting the limbs and trunk without head involvement, identified through online calls for suspected cases. Results: Median age at onset was 9 months (range, 2-44 months). Propriospinal myoclonus involved pelvic limbs in all dogs, thoracic limbs in 14/27 (52%), and trunk in 9/27 (33%). Pelvic limb myoclonus was extensor in all dogs, whereas thoracic limb involvement was extensor in 12/27 (44%) and flexor in 3/27 (11%) dogs. Episodes were observed in a non-weight-bearing posture in all dogs, mainly lateral (25/27; 93%) and sternal (12/27; 44%) recumbency. Neurological examination was normal in all dogs. Abnormalities were not detected on magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord (4/6) or brain (6/6) in 5/6 dogs; in the remaining dog, findings were unrelated to the presumptive PSM. Follow-up information was available for 26/27 (96%) dogs. Sixteen dogs (59%) received no treatment, of which 9/16 (56%) showed spontaneous reduction in PSM frequency. Treatment with various antiseizure medications was started in 11/27 (41%) dogs, of which 5/11 (45%) improved. Conclusions and clinical importance: Presumptive PSM affected young dogs and is likely idiopathic. The condition is characterized by extensor myoclonus predominantly affecting pelvic limbs during recumbency, with preserved mentation. Spontaneous improvement seems common. Abstract Translated to Dutch/Flemish: Achtergrond: Propriospinale myoclonus (PSM) wordt bij mens gekenmerkt door repetitieve, schokbewegingen van de romp, heupen en knieën. Tot op heden is deze aandoening niet beschreven bij honden. Doelstelling; Het beschrijven van het fenotype, diagnostische bevindingen, behandeling en klinische uitkomst. Dieren: Zevenentwintig honden met vermoedelijke PSM. Methoden—Multicentrische retrospectieve studie bij honden met myoclonus waarbij de ledematen waren betrokken, geïdentificeerd via online meldingen van vermoedelijke gevallen. Resultaten: De mediane leeftijd bij aanvang van de symptomen bedroeg 9 maanden (spreiding: 2-44 maanden). Bij alle honden was PSM aanwezig in de achterpoten, bij 14/27 (52%) in de voorpoten en bij 9/27 (33%) in de romp. De myoclonus van de achterpoten was bij alle honden in extensie. Ter hoogte van de voorpoten was de myoclonus in extensie (12/27 (44%) en in flexie (3/27 (11%). De episoden traden voornamelijk op in zijligging (25/27; 93%) en sternale (12/27; 44%). Neurologisch onderzoek was bij alle honden normaal. Magnetische resonantiebeeldvorming van ruggenmerg (4/6) en hersenen (6/6) was bij 5/6 honden normaal. Follow-upinformatie was beschikbaar voor 26/27 (96%) honden. Zestien honden (59%) kregen geen behandeling, waarvan 9/16 (56%) een spontane afname van de frequentie van de PSM vertoonden. Bij 11/27 (41%) honden werd een behandeling met aanvalswerende medicijnen gestart, waarbij 5/11 (45%) een verbetering vertoonden. Conclusies en klinische relevantie: Vermoedelijke PSM lijkt voornamelijk voor te komen bij jonge honden en is waarschijnlijk idiopathisch. Het klinisch beeld wordt gekenmerkt door een myoclonus in extensie van voornamelijk de achterpoten tijdens het liggen. Een spontane verbetering lijkt vaak voor te komen.

One Health problem-based learning (PBL) is known as an effective method in teaching zoonotic diseases. However, the classic classroom setting limits real-life exposure for students. Simulation-based learning may improve the learning experience without exposing the students to unnecessary risks. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of field simulation PBL compared to a classic classroom setting using a module developed based on the One Health concept by examining the students’ reactions to the learning and by assessing the students’ performance. A quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. Veterinary and medical undergraduate students participated in both types of PBL settings, and their knowledge and satisfaction were evaluated through a pre- and post-test as well as a feedback survey. The mean satisfaction score of students undergoing field simulation was significantly higher than the mean satisfaction score of students undergoing classic PBL ( p > .05). The respondents from both programs found the field simulation, in comparison to classic PBL, was more effective, and they were more satisfied with the overall learning experience, workloads, and facilitation. The attainment of the cognitive domain was comparable between both PBL groups, which was possibly due to the type of assessment used. In conclusion, field simulation enhanced the students’ positive learning experiences as they exhibited better attitudes toward learning. Future studies on the impact of the simulation on long-term knowledge retention and psychomotor skills are thus warranted.

To date, there is data paucity on canine vertebral fracture and luxation (VFL) in the local setting. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the geographical location and stray dog population would influence VFL cases in the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH, UPM). This study aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of VFL in dogs presented to UVH, UPM. Medical records, including radiographic images of 74 dogs between 2015 to 2017, were reviewed. VFL dominated the spinal cord disease in dogs at 49% (n = 36/74), exceeding intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). Half of VFL cases were contributed by intact male, small breed dogs aged more than one-year-old, with 52% (n = 11/19) of cases caused by vehicular accidents. Almost two-thirds (n = 21/36) of dogs with VFL were outdoor or stray dogs, and the Th3-L3 region was the most susceptible (52%, n = 19/36) for VFL. More than 70% (n = 25/36) of the patients had unstable fractures, highly associated with severity. In conclusion, the occurrence of VFL in UVH, UPM is three times higher than reported in western countries and most likely contributed by a large number of outdoor and stray dogs.

Background: The Jahai, a subethnic of the indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia, have commonly used dogs for hunting but have started to move away from traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, leaving dogs which were commonly used for hunting to wander around the villages and to multiply in numbers. Objective: The objective of this study was to instil good knowledge, attitude and practices of the Jahai community concerning dog associated zoonotic infections using One Health concept. Methods: This non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was conducted among Jahai villagers aged 12 years and above living in a village located in the Belum forest in Malaysia. Interventions included health education and promotion using discussions, posters, slide presentations, comics and video clips with relevant content. In addition the children of the village were taught correct hand washing techniques and dog associated zoonotic infections. Results: In general most aspects of knowledge, attitude and practice improved post intervention. The knowledge on risk of infections transmitted from pet dogs (X ² =4.293, p= 0.038) and the practice of washing hands before eating (X ² =14.984, p <0.001) improved significantly. The increase in the mean scores of the participants knowledge (t=−9.875, p=<0.001) and attitude (t= −4.100, p=<0.001) post intervention was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study showed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team using One Health concept to successfully improve knowledge, attitude and practices related to dog associated infections. A sustained and committed health education and promotion interventions involving the community and school children in promoting heath should be custom made for indigenous communities, and sanitation and hygienic practices reinforced at every opportunity. Author’s Summary: The indigenous people of peninsular Malaysia are a marginalized group; they are socio economically deprived and have low levels of education. One such group is the Jahai, who commonly used dogs for hunting, but have recently started to move away from traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, resulting in the dogs to multiply in numbers and roam as strays in the village. The community is now at risk of dog associated zoonotic infections. Studies have shown that health education and promotion can improve knowledge, attitude and practices of dog associated infections. However most of the studies were done among dog owners and in communities with fairly good education levels. A holistic approach using One Health concept was used to instil good knowledge, attitude and practices of the Jahai community concerning dog associated zoonotic infections. This non-experimental pre and post-test intervention study was conducted among Jahai villagers aged 12 years and above living in a village located in the Belum forest in Malaysia. The findings of this study showed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team using One Health concept to successfully improve knowledge, attitude and practices related to dog associated zoonotic infections.