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Updated Information on Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus and Gastropexy in Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:317-337. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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O Cummings C, Pirie G, Sasaki E, Wakamatsu N. Gastric dilatation‐volvulus in two North American river otters (
Lontra canadensis
). VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles O Cummings
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute Tufts University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | | | - Emi Sasaki
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and the Louisiana Animal Diagnostic Disease Laboratory (LADDL) Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
| | - Nobuku Wakamatsu
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and the Louisiana Animal Diagnostic Disease Laboratory (LADDL) Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Baton Rouge Louisiana USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine West Lafayette Indiana USA
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Anderson S, Stevenson MA, Boller M. Pet health insurance reduces the likelihood of pre-surgical euthanasia of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus in the emergency room of an Australian referral hospital. N Z Vet J 2021; 69:267-273. [PMID: 33896404 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1920512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). METHODS Insurance status at the time of GDV diagnosis was sought for a cohort of 147 non-referred, confirmed cases of GDV that presented to the emergency department of a university-based veterinary hospital in Australia between 2008 and 2017. Insurance status was obtained from the medical record (n=18) or after contacting the owners by phone using a standardised questionnaire (n=129). Animal, clinical and outcome data was retrospectively compiled in a research database. The primary outcome measure was whether or not the dog was euthanised before surgery. The Mantel-Haenszel procedure was used to quantify the association between the presence of pet health insurance and the risk of euthanasia at the time of diagnosis for dogs with GDV, adjusting for the confounding effect of age at the time of presentation using Bayesian methods. RESULTS Of the 69 dogs for which insurance information could be obtained, 10 (14%) cases were insured at the time of the GDV event and 59 (86%) cases were not. The majority of non-insured dogs (37/59; 63 (95% CI=50-74)%) were euthanised before surgery, while none (0 (95% CI=0-28)%) of the insured dogs were euthanised at that time (p<0.001). Of the 32 insured and non-insured dogs that underwent surgery, four dogs (13 (95% CI=5-28)%) did not survive to hospital discharge. Three dogs (9%) were euthanised during or after surgery and one dog (3%) experienced cardiopulmonary arrest during treatment. The majority of dogs for which insurance status was known did not survive to hospital discharge (41/69; 59%), and 90 (95% CI=7-96)% of deaths were caused by euthanasia prior to surgery. Uninsured dogs were 5.0 (95% credible interval=1.8-26) times more likely to undergo presurgical euthanasia compared with insured dogs. CONCLUSIONS Euthanasia prior to treatment was most common cause of death in non-referred dogs with GDV; such euthanasia was entirely absent in the cohort of dogs that were insured. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Financial considerations significantly contribute to mortality of dogs with GDV presented to an emergency room. Financial instruments to reduce the out-of-pocket expense for pet owners confronted with unexpected veterinary expenses have potential to reduce pet mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Anderson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - M Boller
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
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Boller M, Nemanic TS, Anthonisz JD, Awad M, Selinger J, Boller EM, Stevenson MA. The Effect of Pet Insurance on Presurgical Euthanasia of Dogs With Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: A Novel Approach to Quantifying Economic Euthanasia in Veterinary Emergency Medicine. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:590615. [PMID: 33364255 PMCID: PMC7752994 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.590615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Euthanasia of companion animals in veterinary emergency medicine is a common cause of death. Euthanasia is economic when it is the consequence of the pet owner's inability to afford essential treatment while a viable medical alternative to euthanasia exists. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is an acute life-threatening emergency condition of dogs; if left untreated, rapid death is highly likely. Surgical treatment leads to survival of around 80-90% of dogs; however, such treatment is costly. Therefore, pre-surgical euthanasia may be largely economically motivated. Having pet insurance, a financial instrument to reduce the burden of unforeseen veterinary medical costs on pet owners, would be expected to abolish the risk for pre-surgical economic euthanasia. We therefore aimed to determine whether pet insurance attenuates the risk of pre-surgical economic euthanasia in dogs with GDV. Non-referred dogs (n = 260) with GDV and known insurance status seen at 24 emergency clinics over a 2-year period were included. Relevant data (e.g., insurance status, age, comorbidities, outcome) were retrospectively extracted from a pet insurer's claim records (insured animals) or from electronic medical records of participating hospitals (non-insured animals). Forty-one percent of dogs (106 of 260 dogs) did not survive to hospital discharge; 82 (77%) of non-survivors died before surgery, all through euthanasia. The pre-surgical euthanasia rate was 10% in insured and 37% in non-insured dogs (p < 0.001). When adjusted for the effect of age, deposit size, comorbidities, and blood lactate concentration, the absence of insurance increased the odds of pre-surgical euthanasia by a factor of 7.4 (95% CI 2.0 to 37; p = 0.002). Of dogs undergoing surgery, 86% survived to hospital discharge. Overall, 80% of insured animals and 53% of non-insured animals survived to hospital discharge (p < 0.001). Thus, insurance was associated with a marked decrease in risk of pre-surgical euthanasia indicating that the cause of pre-surgical euthanasia of dogs with GDV is predominantly economic in nature. The rate of pre-surgical euthanasia in dogs with GDV may emerge as a suitable marker to quantify economic decision making of pet owners and to measure the impact of financial interventions aimed at mitigating economic duress associated with cost of veterinary emergency care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Boller
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Translational Research and Clinical Trials (TRACT), The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Tereza S Nemanic
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Jarryd D Anthonisz
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Elise M Boller
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
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5
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Piras IS, Perdigones N, Zismann V, Briones N, Facista S, Rivera JL, Rozanski E, London CA, Hendricks WPD. Identification of Genetic Susceptibility Factors Associated with Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111313. [PMID: 33167491 PMCID: PMC7694454 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a common life-threatening condition occurring primarily in large and giant breeds with a 3.9% to 36.7% lifetime risk. The genetic correlates of GDV have not previously been systematically explored. We undertook an inter-breed genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of 253 dogs from ten breeds including 106 healthy dogs and 147 dogs with at least one GDV episode. SNP array genotyping followed by imputation was conducted on 241 samples to identify GDV-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs). A subset of 33 dogs (15 healthy dogs and 18 GDV patients from the three most represented breeds) was characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). After genome-wide Bonferroni correction, we identified a significant putatively protective intergenic SNP (rs851737064) across all breeds. The signal was most significant in Collies, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Great Danes. Subsequent focused analysis across these three breeds identified 12 significant additional putatively protective or deleterious SNPs. Notable significant SNPs included those occurring in genes involved in gastric tone and motility including VHL, NALCN, and PRKCZ. These data provide important new clues to canine GDV risk factors and facilitate generation of hypotheses regarding the genetic and molecular underpinnings this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio S. Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
| | - Nieves Perdigones
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Victoria Zismann
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Natalia Briones
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Salvatore Facista
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
| | - José Luis Rivera
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Elizabeth Rozanski
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA; (E.R.); (C.A.L.)
| | - Cheryl A. London
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, USA; (E.R.); (C.A.L.)
| | - William P. D. Hendricks
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA; (N.P.); (V.Z.); (N.B.); (S.F.); (J.L.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M, Promislow DEL, Creevy KE. Lifespan of companion dogs seen in three independent primary care veterinary clinics in the United States. Canine Med Genet 2020; 7:7. [PMID: 32835231 PMCID: PMC7386164 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-020-00086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The privately owned companion dog is an emerging model in comparative medicine, notably because it shares the human environment including its risk factors, is affected by many analogous age-related diseases, receives comparable medical care, and has excellent veterinary medical data available. Past studies of dog lifespan have used academic, corporate or insurance data. While independent primary care data exist for the UK, none have as of yet been published for the US. This study analyzed data from three independent primary care US veterinary hospitals and identified factors that influence lifespan and mortality in a cohort of n = 20,970 privately owned dogs using Kaplan-Meier survival estimators and Cox Proportional Hazards modelling, including body size as a covariate. Results As previously reported, body size was negatively correlated with lifespan. Gonadectomy was associated with a longer lifespan, with the effect being stronger in females than in males. This lifespan advantage was conserved in gonadectomized female dogs that lived to at least ages 5 and 8 years. We did not find significant differences in lifespan between purebred and mixed breed dogs; however, breeds with larger effective population sizes and/or lower inbreeding coefficients had median survival times 3–6 months longer than breeds with smaller effective population sizes or higher inbreeding coefficients, indicating that these measures of genetic diversity may be affecting breed lifespans. We also found that dog breeds belonging to the “Mountain” ancestral group had median survival times that were 3.5–4.6 years shorter than other purebred dog groups, which remained significant even when correcting for body size. Conclusions Our findings show that it is possible to obtain and analyze data from independent veterinary clinics in the US, an approach that could be useful for studies of comparative epidemiology under the One Health and One Welfare paradigms. We also show that the lifespan effects of gonadectomy are not identical between the sexes and should be investigated separately by sex in future analyses. More research is needed to further clarify the influence of age at gonadectomy, as well as the factors leading to the observed differences in lifespan in the “Mountain” ancestral group and in dog breeds of varying inbreeding coefficients and effective population sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan R Urfer
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Daniel E L Promislow
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA.,Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Kate E Creevy
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
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7
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Song KK, Goldsmid SE, Lee J, Simpson DJ. Retrospective analysis of 736 cases of canine gastric dilatation volvulus. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:232-238. [PMID: 32253749 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify factors influencing the survival of confirmed gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) cases presented to a specialist referral and emergency hospital. METHODS Clinical records of confirmed GDV cases admitted to two specialist referral and emergency centres in Sydney (Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Homebush and ARH Baulkham Hills) between July 1999 and July 2019 were searched. RESULTS A total of 736 GDV cases were reviewed, of which 460 dogs were surgically treated and 276 dogs were humanely killed. The survival rates of patients operated on by general surgeons and specialists were 81.7% and 88.7%, respectively. Both incisional gastropexy and belt-loop gastropexy were clinically effective in treating GDV, with no significant difference in survival rates. Intraoperative mortality rates for general surgeons and specialists were 7.0% and 2.9%, respectively. The odds of mortality in dogs operated on by general surgeons were 2.03 times those operated on by specialist surgeons. The odds of mortality in dogs presented between 3:00 and 9:00 am were 3.57 times those of dogs presented between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm. The odds of mortality in dogs where the duration from presentation to completion of surgery was more than 3 h were 2.53 times those of dogs where time lapsed was equal or less than 3 h. CONCLUSION The results suggested that admission time was statistically significantly related to the survival rate. Dogs operated on by specialist surgeons had a significantly higher survival rate compared to those operated on by general surgeons. Clinicians should aim to stabilise and complete surgical correction of GDV as soon as possible to decrease the mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Song
- Department of Surgery, Animal Referral Hospital, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West, New South Wales, 2140, Australia
| | - S E Goldsmid
- Department of Surgery, Animal Referral Hospital, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West, New South Wales, 2140, Australia
| | - J Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - D J Simpson
- Department of Surgery, Animal Referral Hospital, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West, New South Wales, 2140, Australia
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Sharp CR, Rozanski EA, Finn E, Borrego EJ. The pattern of mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2020; 30:232-238. [PMID: 32077192 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary study objective was to characterize the pattern of in-hospital mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), with a focus on preoperative nonsurvival. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of medical records from a 10-year period was undertaken at a university teaching hospital. Data collected included signalment, physical examination parameters at hospital presentation, blood lactate concentration, and outcome. RESULTS A total of 498 dogs were included. Overall, 319 (64.1%) survived to discharge and 179 (35.9%) were nonsurvivors. Of the nonsurvivors, 149 (31.3% of all dogs) were euthanized and 30 (6%) died. Of those dogs euthanized, the majority (n = 116) were euthanized at the time of hospital presentation prior to surgery (ie, without intent to treat). When dogs that were euthanized prior to surgery were excluded, 83.5% of dogs survived to discharge. Median group age was higher in those euthanized than in the group of dogs that survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative euthanasia and hence nonsurvival without intent to treat accounted for the majority of GDV mortality in this study. Given the high rate of nonsurvival without intent to treat it is likely that efforts focused at disease prevention will ultimately affect a much greater improvement in overall disease mortality than those focused on improving treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire R Sharp
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
| | - Elizabeth A Rozanski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
| | - Emily Finn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
| | - E J Borrego
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
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Grassato L, Spinella G, Musella V, Giunti M, Vilar JM, Valentini S. Pre- and post-surgical evaluation of plasma lactate concentration in 45 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: A preliminary study. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03307. [PMID: 32051874 PMCID: PMC7002851 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This preliminary study was designed to contribute to the evaluation of reliability of plasma lactate concentration (PLC) and its clearance as predictive and prognostic factors of gastric necrosis and clinical outcome of dogs affected by gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Main aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the prognostic reliability of PLC at presentation (T0) in dogs with GDV, 2) to compare the obtained data and considerations with the veterinary literature, and 3) to introduce the possible validity of PLC values at 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours after surgery as a predictive factor. Dogs with GDV were retrospectively evaluated. PLC at T0, T24 and T48 were recorded and correlated to the presence or absence of macroscopic necrosis of the stomach and to outcome. Forty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were not detected in the mean values between the initial PLC in dogs with and without necrosis of the gastric wall, as well as between surviving and non-surviving dogs; these values were not associated with higher risk of gastric necrosis or death. At T24 and T48 no significant differences were recorded between necrosis and non-necrosis, and surviving and non-surviving categories. A median plasma lactate concentration clearance from arrival to T24 ≥ 50% was identified in both groups (with and without necrosis), and this parameter failed in identifying dogs that survived to discharge. In conclusion, the results presented here failed to detect PLC at T0 and its clearance at T24 as prognostic factors in this population of dogs with GDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Grassato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spinella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy
- Corresponding author.
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, viale Europa, 88100 Germaneto, CZ, Italy
| | - Massimo Giunti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - José Manuel Vilar
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña S/N, Arucas, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Simona Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, BO, Italy
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Lewis TW, Wiles BM, Llewellyn-Zaidi AM, Evans KM, O'Neill DG. Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014. Canine Genet Epidemiol 2018; 5:10. [PMID: 30349728 PMCID: PMC6191922 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The domestic dog is one of the most diverse mammalian species, exhibiting wide variations in morphology, behaviour and morbidity across breeds. Therefore, it is not unexpected that breeds should also exhibit variation in mortality and longevity. While shorter longevity per se may not necessarily be a welfare issue, a generally foreshortened lifespan in a breed that is accompanied by a high prevalence of a particular cause of death may reveal potentially serious welfare concerns and highlight scope to improve breed welfare. Survey data gathered directly from owners offer useful insights into canine longevity and mortality that can support the overall evidence base for welfare reforms within breeds. Results Mortality data on 5663 deceased dogs registered with the UK Kennel Club were collected from an owner-based survey. The most commonly reported causes of death were old age (13.8%), unspecified cancer (8.7%) and heart failure (4.9%); with 5.1% of deaths reported as unknown cause. Overall median age at death was 10.33 years (interquartile range: 7.17–12.83 years). Breeds varied widely in median longevity overall from the West Highland Terrier (12.71 years) to the Dobermann Pinscher (7.67 years). There was also wide variation in the prevalence of some common causes of death among breeds, and in median longevity across the causes of death. Conclusion Substantial variation in the median lifespan and the prominent causes of death exists across breeds. This study has identified some breeds with both a low median lifespan and also a high proportional mortality for one or more specific causes of death that should be considered as both potential welfare concerns as well as opportunities for improvement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- T W Lewis
- The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB UK.,2School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - B M Wiles
- The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB UK
| | - A M Llewellyn-Zaidi
- International Partnership for Dogs, 504547 Grey Rd 1, Georgia Bluffs, ON Canada
| | - K M Evans
- The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB UK.,2School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD UK
| | - D G O'Neill
- 4Pathobiology and Population Health, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA UK
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11
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McGreevy P, Thomson P, Dhand NK, Raubenheimer D, Masters S, Mansfield CS, Baldwin T, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Rand J, Hill P, Peaston A, Gilkerson J, Combs M, Raidal S, Irwin P, Irons P, Squires R, Brodbelt D, Hammond J. VetCompass Australia: A National Big Data Collection System for Veterinary Science. Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:E74. [PMID: 28954419 PMCID: PMC5664033 DOI: 10.3390/ani7100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
VetCompass Australia is veterinary medical records-based research coordinated with the global VetCompass endeavor to maximize its quality and effectiveness for Australian companion animals (cats, dogs, and horses). Bringing together all seven Australian veterinary schools, it is the first nationwide surveillance system collating clinical records on companion-animal diseases and treatments. VetCompass data service collects and aggregates real-time, clinical records for researchers to interrogate, delivering sustainable and cost-effective access to data from hundreds of veterinary practitioners nationwide. Analysis of these clinical records will reveal geographical and temporal trends in the prevalence of inherited and acquired diseases, identify frequently prescribed treatments, revolutionize clinical auditing, help the veterinary profession to rank research priorities, and assure evidence-based companion-animal curricula in veterinary schools. VetCompass Australia will progress in three phases: (1) roll-out of the VetCompass platform to harvest Australian veterinary clinical record data; (2) development and enrichment of the coding (data-presentation) platform; and (3) creation of a world-first, real-time surveillance interface with natural language processing (NLP) technology. The first of these three phases is described in the current article. Advances in the collection and sharing of records from numerous practices will enable veterinary professionals to deliver a vastly improved level of care for companion animals that will improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul McGreevy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Peter Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Navneet K Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - David Raubenheimer
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Sophie Masters
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Caroline S Mansfield
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.
| | - Timothy Baldwin
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhaes
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.
| | - Jacquie Rand
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
| | - Peter Hill
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
| | - Anne Peaston
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
| | - James Gilkerson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Martin Combs
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.
| | - Shane Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia.
| | - Peter Irwin
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| | - Peter Irons
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.
| | - Richard Squires
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - David Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Jeremy Hammond
- Information and Communications Technology, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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