Abstract:

In the present study, information is given about the diagnosis, treatment and prevalence of maternal cannibalism. In Sivas province, blood serum parameters, behavioral parameters and oxytocin hormone levels were compared of 15 clinically healthy female dogs with maternal cannibalism and 15 female dogs without maternal cannibalism. As a result of the data obtained, the cause was found of maternal canibalism. Treatment protocol has been developed. Afterbirth carbetosin administration was applied to 19 clinically healthy female dogs that was exhibiting maternal canibalism in Sivas province. Following the carbetosine administration, the mother's behavioral patterns towards the offspring, and the mother's electrocardiography data were examined. Every stage of the study, the dogs were not removed from their current habitat, and they were allowed to continue their usual routines. After the treatment protocol was developed, those who communicated with us via social media, e-mail and telephone with the complaint of maternal cannibalism by dog breeders and animal owners were recorded and the prevalence of the disease was determined. In the study, especially the serum oxytocin value was below the normal reference ranges in dogs with maternal canibalism. Dogs with maternal cannibalism in behavioral analyzes was display a more stressful and insecure body language. In the treatment, determined that the maternal canibalism behavior was not observed in Kangal shepherd dogs where carbetosin was applied, and that the dose of carbetosin application had no negative effect on heart parameters in mother dogs. When the communication records were examined, the prevalence was determined as 73 patients from different breeds in 11 months. Part of this work has been published previously.

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