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Ovariectomy Impairs Socio-Cognitive Functions in Dogs
Anna Scandurra1, Alessandra Alterisio2, Anna Di Cosmo3
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy. annascan@hotmail.it.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|February 17, 2019
Summary
Ovariectomy in female dogs impairs their ability to follow human pointing gestures, affecting socio-cognitive skills. This study found gonadectomized females responded less effectively than intact females.
Area of Science:
- Canine cognition
- Animal behavior
- Reproductive endocrinology
Background:
- Ovariectomy affects spatial cognition and attention in female dogs.
- Gonadectomized females show altered navigation strategies compared to intact females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ovariectomy on female dogs' ability to follow human pointing gestures.
- To assess socio-cognitive differences between intact and gonadectomized female dogs using the object choice task.
Main Methods:
- Forty pet dogs (18 intact females, 22 gonadectomized females) participated.
- Dogs were tested using the object choice task with a human proximal pointing gesture.
- Data collected included correct/wrong/no-choices and latency of correct choices.
Main Results:
- Intact females followed pointing gestures more accurately and with shorter latency than gonadectomized females.
- Gonadectomized females exhibited a significantly higher frequency of no-choices.
- These findings indicate impaired socio-cognitive skills in gonadectomized dogs.
Conclusions:
- Ovariectomy detrimentally affects canine socio-cognitive abilities, specifically responsiveness to human pointing cues.
- The study highlights the influence of reproductive status on complex cognitive functions in dogs.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects.
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