Cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands, is an endogenous glucocorticoid hormone that delivers its hormonal message to cells by acting on glucocorticoid receptors. It is one of the main stress hormones responsible for stress responses in animals and humans, and its overproduction is characteristic of certain diseases. While acute stress disorder can be evaluated by means of measuring the cortisol concentration in blood and urine, chronic stress disorder can be detected by monitoring the cortisol concentration in fur or hair. Hair collection is simple, inexpensive and non-invasive, and can be performed easily and rapidly; thus, it appears to be a suitable method for determining the level of stress in dogs from shelters, abused dogs or dogs involved in different types of animal interactions. Since it is a relatively new method, monitoring cortisol in hair or fur requires further research in order to definitively prove its efficacy, and possibly to determine reference range values for different breeds of dogs.

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The aim of the study was to detect DGAT1 K232A polymorphism in 57 dairy cows of the Slovak Spotted breed and its crossbreds, and to assess possible effect of the given polymorphism on selected metabolic indices in blood serum after calving. Using the PCR-RFLP method with improved primers enabling better differentiation of genotypes we identified 45 homozygotes for alanine variant in this locus (AA genotype), 2 homozygotes for lysine variant (KK genotype), and 10 heterozygotes (AK genotype). Genotype frequencies were 0.790 for AA genotype, 0.175 for AK genotype, and only 0.035 for KK genotype. Allele frequencies were counted as 0.877 for A allele and 0.123 for K allele. In both groups of animals (AA and AK genotype) increased mean values above the upper reference limit of lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin, and decreased levels below the lower reference limit of triglycerides were detected. In the group of animals with AA genotype we also noticed decreased levels of non-esterified fatty acids. On the other hand, increased serum concentrations of total immunoglobulins were found in animals with AK and KK genotype. This is the first study concerning DGAT1 polymorphism in the Slovak Spotted breed and its association with selected biochemical indicators.

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Long-term tethering of dogs, or their keeping under unsuitable conditions can result in issues related to changes in their behavior as they may not satisfy their basic needs of life. These needs are discussed in this paper, along with cases when dogs unnecessarily have to endure cruelty and pain. The unavoidable tethering of a dog must not cause trauma and must be arranged in a way that it guarantees physical comfort. Failure to meet the basic needs of an animal may result in manifestation of fear and subsequent aggressiveness. Owners of animals are responsible for their life and health, and their obligations include eliminating the possibility of them hurting themselves or other beings. The relevant adopted legislative provisions should provide protection to animals and be enforceable, which currently appears rather difficult. Controlling and observation of the legislative provisions related to the tethering of dogs raises some difficulties for animal protection inspectors. It is necessary to focus on the specificities of keeping conditions of various dog breeds and on their individual features. Based on research and the relevant Slovak legislative provisions, this paper discusses various views on the practice of tethering dogs from the point of view of public safety and the ethical consequences of permanent dog tethering. Data on dog tethering in Slovakia were evaluated based on a survey and Slovak legal rules governing this issue were analyzed along with various views of public safety and the ethical consequences of permanent dog tethering.