Death in Pet Dogs: Study Examines Causes of Death in Dogs (Part I)
Dr. Kate E. Creevy of Georgia’s veterinary college recently studied death in dogs. Her findings are based on an examination of the records of more than 75,000 dogs from 82 breeds. Here’s what she found:
#AGE. Young dogs died most commonly of trauma, congenital disease, and infectious causes. Older dogs died overwhelmingly of cancer, peaking in a group that included 10-year-old dogs and then declining with the oldest age group.
#ORGAN SYSTEMS. The gastrointestinal, nervous, and musculoskeltal systems tended to be involved most often. Skin, eyes, liver and glandular systems were less commonly affected.
#SIZE. Large dogs died more commonly of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal causes; small dogs died most commonly of endocrine causes. Cancer was a cause of death more commonly in large breeds.
#BREEDS. In breed analysis Golden Retrievers and Boxers had the highest percentage of death from cancer; Dachshunds from neurologic disease; Bulldogs of respiratory disease; Chihuahuas, Maltese and Fox Terriers of cardiovascular diseases; and Afghan Hounds and Vizlas of respiratory disease.
#CANCER. In the study population, a few breeds were less likely to die of cancer in the study population: Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, the Australian Heeler, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
#IMPORTANCE OF STUDY. The study results can be used to create BREED-SPECIFIC HEALTH MAINTENANCE PLANS and point to the importance of the patient breed population treated in a veterinary clinic. “If we can anticipate better how things can go wrong for dogs, we can manage their wellness to keep them as healthy as possible,” Dr. Creevy said in a press release.
For further information: JAVMA Vol. 238, 6/15 2011.
Next up: Part 2, Report of Common Preventable Health Conditions
Jul 01, 2011 | | Uncategorized