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Breed Variations in the Incidence of Pyometra and Mammary Tumours in Swedish Dogs

December 2012
Reproduction in Domestic Animals 47(6):347-350

DOI:10.1111/rda.12103

Authors:

Supranee Jitpean

Khon Kaen University

Ragnvi Hagman

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Bodil Ström Holst

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Odd V. Höglund

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

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Dogs enrolled in a Swedish insurance company (during 1995– 2006) were studied for development of pyometra and mammary tumours (MTs), with special attention to breed and age. There were over 260 000 female dogs with over 1 000 000 dog-years at risk (DYAR) in the database, using data on bitches up to 10 years of age and 110 breeds with over 1000 DYAR. In total, 20 423 bitches were diagnosed with pyometra and 11 758 with MTs and 30 131 with either or both of the two diseases. The incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was 199 (95% CI 196–202), for MTs 112 (95% CI 110–114) and for either or both of the two diseases 297 (95% CI 294–301) dogs per 10 000 DYAR. The mean age of diagnosis pyometra was 7.0 years (SD ± 2.2), MTs 8.0 years (SD ± 1.6). In all breeds, the overall proportion of the bitches that developed disease by 10 years of age was for pyometra 19%, MTs 13%, and either or both of two diseases 30%. The top 10 breeds diagnosed with either or both of the two diseases were the Leonberger (73%), Irish Wolfhound (69%), Bernese Mountain Dog (69%), Great Dane (68%), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (66%), Rottweiler (65%), Bullterrier (62%), Doberman (62%), Bouvier des Flandres (60%), Airdaleterrier (60%). These data provide information of the combined disease incidence in a large number of different breeds. Breed variations in incidence rate suggests genetic components in disease development. Our study may be valuable in the search for genetic risk-factors or protective factors.

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Breed Variations in the Incidence of Pyometra and Mammary Tumours in Swedish

Dogs

S Jitpean, R Hagman, B Stro

¨m Holst, OV Ho

¨glund, A Pettersson and A Egenvall

Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

Contents

Dogs enrolled in a Swedish insurance company (during 1995–

2006) were studied for development of pyometra and mam-

mary tumours (MTs), with special attention to breed and age.

There were over 260 000 female dogs with over 1 000 000

dog-years at risk (DYAR) in the database, using data on

bitches up to 10 years of age and 110 breeds with over 1000

DYAR. In total, 20 423 bitches were diagnosed with pyometra

and 11 758 with MTs and 30 131 with either or both of the

two diseases. The incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was 199

(95% CI 196–202), for MTs 112 (95% CI 110–114) and for

either or both of the two diseases 297 (95% CI 294–301) dogs

per 10 000 DYAR. The mean age of diagnosis pyometra was

7.0 years (SD ±2.2), MTs 8.0 years (SD ±1.6). In all breeds,

the overall proportion of the bitches that developed disease by

10 years of age was for pyometra 19%, MTs 13%, and either

or both of two diseases 30%. The top 10 breeds diagnosed

with either or both of the two diseases were the Leonberger

(73%), Irish Wolfhound (69%), Bernese Mountain Dog

(69%), Great Dane (68%), Staﬀordshire Bull Terrier (66%),

Rottweiler (65%), Bullterrier (62%), Doberman (62%), Bou-

vier des Flandres (60%), Airdaleterrier (60%). These data

provide information of the combined disease incidence in a

large number of diﬀerent breeds. Breed variations in incidence

rate suggests genetic components in disease development. Our

study may be valuable in the search for genetic risk-factors or

protective factors.

Introduction

Pyometra and mammary tumours (MTs) constitute the

main reimbursement claims for veterinary costs in

female dogs in Sweden (Egenvall et al. 1999, 2000).

There are breed- and age-related diﬀerences in incidence

of both diseases, but the combined risk has not yet been

studied by breed (Egenvall et al. 2001, 2005). The Agria

Insurance database (Stockholm, Sweden) has been used

to investigate breed- and age-related risks for developing

disease (Egenvall et al. 2000). The objective of the study

was to evaluate the incidence of pyometra and MTs in

this insured dog-population, up to 10 years of age, in

relation to breed and age.

Materials and Methods

The insurance process, beneﬁts and limitations of using

insurance data in veterinary research has earlier been

described in detail (Egenvall et al. 2000, 2009). The

Agria Insurance database contains data from over

260 000 female dogs ( 10 years). In the present study,

female dogs enrolled for both veterinary care and life

insurance during 1995–2006 were included. Each year a

dog was insured contributed to one dog-year at risk

(DYAR). All insured bitches were considered at

potential risk for developing pyometra. Variables used

were: gender, breed, date of birth, dates when dogs

entered or left the insurance program, information on

the type of insurance for which dogs were enrolled, and

whether claims were reimbursed. Breeds were classiﬁed

according to the Swedish Kennel Club breed classiﬁca-

tion system. If dogs had reimbursed claims for pyom-

etra, they were considered as pyometra-cases and

likewise for MTs. The crude- and breed-speciﬁc

proportions (percentages) of dogs that had insurance

claims for pyometra or MTs up to certain ages (6, 8, and

10 years) were calculated using the base-line survival

statement from Cox regression (without independent

variables). Incidence rates, crude and breed-speciﬁc

mean ages were calculated for development of pyometra

and MTs and either or both of the two diseases.

Results

The database contained data from over 260 000 female

dogs, resulting in just over 1 000 000 DYAR calculated

for dogs up to 10 years of age. There were 110 breeds with

over 1000 DYAR in the database, constituting the basis

for the analyses. In total, data from 20 423 bitches

diagnosed with pyometra, 11 758 with MTs, and 30 131

with either or both of the two diseases were obtained from

the database. The incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was

199 (95% CI 196–202) dogs per 10 000 DYAR, for MTs

112 (95% CI 110–114) dogs per 10 000 DYAR and for

either or both of the two diseases 297 (95% CI 294–301)

dogs per 10 000 DYAR. The mean age of diagnosis

pyometra was 7.0 years (SD ±2.2), for MTs 8.0 years

(SD ±1.6) and for either or both of the diseases 7.4 years

(SD ±2.1). The proportion of bitches diagnosed with

either or both of the two diseases ranged from 9 to 73% in

diﬀerent breeds. The proportion of the bitches that

developed these diseases at 10 years of age was for

pyometra 19%, MTs 13%, and either or both pyometra

or MTs 30%. There were 20 breeds with a proportion of

at least 50% aﬀected by either or both of the two diseases

at 10 years of age (Table 1). In the supplementary tables

(S1–S3), all breeds are ranked according to the propor-

tion that developed either of or both the diseases

(pyometra and MT) by the age of 10 years.

Discussion

It is common practise to insure dogs in Sweden and

approximately 40% of all dogs are covered by Agria

Insurance. Approximately 90% (all ages) of the Swedish

dog population is intact, hence most dogs are suscep-

tible to reproductive organ disease (Egenvall et al.

Reprod Dom Anim 47 (Suppl. 6), 347–350 (2012); doi: 10.1111/rda.12103

ISSN 0936–6768

Table 1. Breed, proportion (derived from Cox proportional hazards

regression without independent variables) of bitches that developed

disease, rank, and numbers of cases in diﬀerent breeds that by the age

of 10 years had developed pyometra (P), mammary tumours (MTs),

and either or both of pyometra or MTs

Breed

Pyometra

rank

(n)

MTs

rank

(n)

P/MTs

rank

(n)

Total

female

dogs

Afghan 16

(21) 26

(34) 34

(49) 475

Airedale Terrier 49

(141) 28

(75) 60

(184) 599

Alaskan Malamute 40

(34) 20

(15) 49

(43) 383

American Cocker

Spaniel

(127) 35

(111) 56

(211) 1331

Basenji 11

(7) 5

101

(3) 16

104

(10) 265

Basset Artesien

Normand

(28) 6

(6) 31

(32) 450

Basset hound 44

(75) 25

(38) 56

(99) 517

Beagle 20

(125) 15

(94) 30

(200) 2035

Bearded Collie 17

(147) 6

100

(53) 22

(198) 2128

Bedlington Terrier 17

(13) 33

(26) 42

(34) 220

Belgian Shepherd Dog 33

(185) 10

(51) 39

(225) 1484

Bernese Mountain

Dog

(363) 14

(44) 69

(393) 2332

Bichon Frise

´16

(131) 20

(159) 32

(275) 2328

Border Collie 13

(213) 8

(125) 19

(324) 5300

Border Terrier 22

(172) 13

(92) 32

(252) 2458

Borzoi 24

(21) 16

(14) 35

(33) 441

Bouvier des Flandres 50

(103) 23

(40) 60

(130) 459

Boxer 28

(183) 35

(236) 51

(387) 2198

Briard 17

(48) 11

(30) 26

(73) 911

Bull Terrier 52

(36) 23

(14) 62

(47) 323

Cairn Terrier 22

(280) 16

(190) 34

(431) 2863

Cavalier King Charles

Spaniel

(891) 15

(218) 54

(1025) 5527

Chihuahua (long-

haired)

(37) 6

(9) 27

(44) 867

Chihuahua (smooth-

haired)

(22) 11

(9) 33

(30) 819

Collie 44

(664) 2

109

(20) 45

(679) 3755

Coton de Tulear 5

108

(1) 20

(5) 24

(6) 286

Dachshund (long-

haired)

(64) 16

(65) 28

(121) 857

Dalmatian 16

(96) 11

(62) 25

(150) 1699

Danish/Swedish

Farmdog

(25) 14

(22) 25

(43) 909

Dobermann 43

(152) 42

(135) 62

(259) 1744

Drever 30

(596) 11

(187) 37

(718) 6235

East Siberian Laika 8

105

(4) 2

107

(1) 10

109

(5) 398

Elkhound 25

(284) 13

(132) 35

(405) 3924

English Springer

Spaniel

(637) 36

(729) 55

(1221) 5521

English Cocker

Spaniel

(469) 26

(367) 48

(750) 4637

English Pointer 18

(28) 15

(22) 30

(48) 588

English Setter 21

(83) 21

(88) 36

(157) 1111

Finnish Lapphund 12

(10) 3

105

(2) 15

105

(12) 552

Finnish Spitz 3

110

(14) 6

(27) 9

110

(40) 1649

Finnish Hound 20

(104) 7

(35) 25

(134) 2227

Flat Coated Retriever 28

(297) 16

(157) 38

(426) 3669

German Jagde Terrier 18

(20) 12

(13) 27

(31) 689

German Longhaired

Pointer

(34) 14

(37) 26

(69) 546

German Spaniel 23

(92) 26

(103) 43

(183) 1906

German Shepherd

Dog

(1658) 26

(1348) 47

(2779) 20520

Greyhound 11

100

(17) 7

(10) 16

103

(26) 1195

Golden Retriever 36

(1971) 10

(518) 42

(2353) 13626

Gordon Setter 8

106

(12) 14

(20) 20

(31) 484

Great Dane 62

(104) 27

(31) 68

(127) 1154

Groenendaeler 27

(75) 7

(16) 32

(89) 728

Table 1. (continued)

Breed

Pyometra

rank

(n)

MTs

rank

(n)

P/MTs

rank

(n)

Total

female

dogs

Hamilton/Swedish

Hound

(206) 8

(89) 23

(285) 3907

Havanese 16

(19) 9

(9) 23

(27) 637

Hovawart 21

(41) 28

(55) 42

(90) 745

Irish Setter 22

(124) 20

(110) 37

(218) 1563

Irish Wolfhound 58

(38) 41

(19) 69

(54) 496

Icelandic Sheepdog 15

(17) 7

(8) 19

100

(23) 373

Irish Soft Coated

Wheaten Terrier

(82) 28

(185) 36

(252) 2201

Jack Russel Terrier 12

(108) 17

(144) 27

(245) 4191

Japanese Spitz 30

(97) 9

(26) 36

(114) 828

Karelian Bear Dog 13

(14) 10

(8) 22

(21) 384

Keeshond 52

(102) 10

(16) 57

(115) 462

Kelpie 25

(68) 10

(27) 33

(92) 796

Chinese Crested Dog

Powder Puﬀ

(17) 15

(7) 42

(23) 310

Labrador Retriever 28

(1116) 11

(462) 35

(1512) 12525

Lancashire Heeler 10

102

(7) 2

108

(1) 12

107

(8) 263

Large Poodle 33

(257) 15

(108) 42

(346) 2319

Leonberger 61

(159) 46

(99) 73

(233) 1287

Lhasa Apso 26

(40) 12

(17) 35

(56) 512

Maltese 8

107

(10) 17

(23) 22

(30) 388

Miniature Pinscher 17

(11) 13

(9) 28

(20) 343

Mixed breed 24

(1288) 16

(849) 35

(1982) 22846

Munsterlander 25

(121) 15

(69) 35

(176) 1153

Newfoundland 50

(243) 8

(27) 54

(263) 1486

Norrbotten Spitz 4

109

(9) 11

(23) 14

106

(31) 639

Norfolk Terrier 22

(31) 16

(22) 35

(51) 468

Norwegian Buhund 19

(36) 4

104

(7) 22

(42) 442

Norwich Terrier 11

101

(13) 1

110

(1) 11

108

(14) 290

Nova Scotia Duck

Tolling Retriever

(118) 19

(83) 39

(185) 1533

Old English

Sheepdog

(76) 29

(48) 54

(107) 475

Papillon 15

(121) 21

(164) 33

(268) 2626

Papillon Drop Ear 14

(8) 25

(16) 30

(20) 363

Pomeranian 19

(31) 4

103

(7) 21

(36) 694

Petit Basset Griﬀon

Vendeen

(75) 17

(59) 33

(125) 1526

Pug 48

(77) 3

106

(3) 49

(80) 614

Pyrenean Mountain

Dog

(58) 22

(24) 53

(76) 524

Rhodesian

Ridgeback

(45) 26

(57) 39

(95) 1109

Rottweiler 58

(712) 22

(206) 65

(850) 5048

Saluki 10

104

(10) 26

(31) 34

(41) 376

Samoyed 31

(152) 14

(64) 39

(200) 1544

Schiller Hound 18

(52) 10

(29) 26

(79) 921

Schipperke 25

(34) 8

(10) 29

(41) 447

Swiss Hound/Lucerne 33

(38) 8

(8) 38

(45) 333

Shetland Sheepdog 23

(251) 7

(71) 28

(313) 3372

Shiba 17

(11) 6

(4) 22

(15) 234

Shih Tzu 16

(91) 13

(70) 26

(152) 1655

Siberian Husky 14

(33) 5

102

(12) 18

101

(44) 951

Scottish Terrier 41

(61) 13

(17) 47

(73) 409

Sma

˚land Hound 13

(22) 13

(23) 24

(43) 539

Staﬀordshire Bull

Terrier

(50) 25

(19) 66

(64) 550

Swedish Elkhound 40

(313) 26

(188) 54

(473) 4944

Swedish Lapphund 37

(85) 11

(22) 42

(98) 628

Swedish Vallhund 15

(49) 9

(30) 22

(74) 896

Tibetan Spaniel 11

(51) 8

(34) 18

102

(81) 1338

Tibetan Terrier 10

103

(21) 19

(42) 27

(62) 575

Toy Poodle 26

(21) 11

(8) 34

(29) 304

Welsh Terrier 20

(20) 37

(33) 48

(47) 245

Welsh Springer

Spaniel

(63) 18

(41) 39

(96) 895

348 S Jitpean, R Hagman, B Stro

¨m Holst, OV Ho

¨glund, A Pettersson and A Egenvall

1999). The Agria database thus oﬀers unique possibil-

ities for studies concerning such diseases. The incidences

of pyometra and MTs have been shown to vary between

diﬀerent breeds, suggesting a genetic background

(Egenvall et al. 2001; Rivera et al. 2009). The overall

proportion of dogs that had developed pyometra in this

study was slightly lower (19%) than previously reported

(23–24%) which possibly reﬂects that more low-risk

breeds were included in the present study (Egenvall

et al. 2001). Although based on diﬀerent study periods,

the overall proportion of dogs developing MTs in the

present study was 13%, which is the same as in a

previous report (Egenvall et al. 2005). In some breeds

(i.e. the Leonberger and the Great Dane), the risk for

both diseases was high, indicating that predisposing

factors may be similar. In contrast, other breeds had a

relatively high risk for MTs (i.e. the English Springer

Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel, ranked 5 and

6, respectively), but were only ranked as number 30 and

23 for pyometra. The Bernese mountain dog (highest

rank for pyometra) was ranked as 57 for MTs. These

ﬁndings suggest that there is breed variation in risk-

factors or protective factors. Though complex diseases

with probable multifactorial aetiology, the data

reported here may be useful for the selection of breeds

in future studies for identiﬁcation of factors that may be

protective or increase the risk for the development of

pyometra and/or MTs.

Elective spaying is commonly performed in many

countries, and will prevent development of pyometra,

and depending on at which age the surgery is performed,

also have a protective eﬀect for MTs (Schneider et al.

1969). However, recently the protective eﬀects by

spaying on MT development have been questioned

(Beauvais et al. 2012). In the present study, high

incidences (up to 73%) of pyometra and MTs were

demonstrated in some giant and large breeds of which

are commonly aﬀected by post spaying urinary incon-

tinence (Thrusﬁeld et al. 1998). Since the pros and cons

of elective spaying will vary by breed, knowledge of

breed-variations will be clinically useful in the decision

process for each dog.

Due to insurance age limitations, only data from dogs

up to 10 years of age are included in the database, which

is a study limitation. The true mean ages of diagnosis

and incidences are likely to be higher and larger,

respectively, and especially in breeds with long life

expectancy.

Conclusion

In the present study the incidence of pyometra and MTs

in Swedish female dogs up to 10 years of age is reported.

For the ﬁrst time data on contracting either or both of

the two diseases was studied in a comparatively large

population of 110 breeds. Substantial between-breed

variation in the incidence of pyometra and MTs was

demonstrated. These diﬀerences indicate that genetic

factors may predispose and/or protect for disease

development. These results may be valuable for future

genetic studies or breeding programs aimed to decrease

the prevalence in high-risk breeds.

Acknowledgements

Agria Pet Insurance kindly allowed us to use their database. Financial

support was provided by Thure F. and Karin Forsbergs Research

Foundation, M. Forsgrens Research Foundation and Agria Insurance

and The Swedish Kennel Club Research Foundation.

Conﬂicts of interest

None of the authors have any conﬂicts of interest to declare.

Author contributions

All authors were involved in the study design, performance and

manuscript preparation. AE performed statistical analyses and SJ

drafted the manuscript.

Supporting Information

Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version

of this article:

Table S1. Rank, breed, proportion (%) of bitches in diﬀerent breeds

that had developed pyometra by the age of ten years. The 110 breeds

are listed in ranking order.

Table S2. Rank, breed, proportion (%) of bitches in diﬀerent breeds

that had developed mammary tumours by the age of ten years. The 110

breeds are listed in ranking order.

Table S3. Rank, breed, proportion (%) of bitches in diﬀerent breeds

that had developed either pyometra or mammary tumours or both of

the two diseases by the age of ten years. The 110 breeds are listed in

ranking order.

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population- Age, gender, breed, location

and enrolment in animal insurance. Acta

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Egenvall A, Hagman R, Bonnett BN, Hed-

hammar A, Olson P, Lagerstedt AS, 2001:

Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in

Sweden. J Vet Intern Med 15, 530–538.

Table 1. (continued)

Breed

Pyometra

rank

(n)

MTs

rank

(n)

P/MTs

rank

(n)

Total

female

dogs

West Highland White

Terrier

(205) 8

(64) 30

(255) 2067

Whippet 23

(82) 10

(35) 30

(112) 1173

Yorkshire Terrier 21

(157) 25

(176) 39

(301) 1959

The 110 breeds are listed in alphabetical order. The breeds are ranked according

to the proportion of disease(s) within each breed (rank 1 =highest proportion).

Total female dogs column describes the number of dogs in each breed that

contributed to the number of dog-years at risk included in the analysis.

Pyometra and Mammary Tumours in Swedish Dogs 349

Egenvall A, Bonnett BN, Ohagen P, Olson

P, Hedhammar A, von Euler H, 2005:

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son L, Bonnett BN, 2009: Insurance data

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strom J, Lindblad-Toh K, von Euler H,

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Schneider R, Dorn CR, Taylor DO, 1969:

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Submitted: 29 May 2012; Accepted: 24 Jul

2012

Author’s address (for correspondence): S

Jitpean, Department of Clinical Sciences,

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,

Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.

E-mail: supranee.jitpean@slu.se

350 S Jitpean, R Hagman, B Stro

¨m Holst, OV Ho

¨glund, A Pettersson and A Egenvall

Jitpean et al, supplementary files, Table S1-S3. Breed Variations in the Incidence of Pyometra and Mammary Tumours in Swedish Dogs Reprod in Dom Anim Suppl, 2012

Data

January 2014

Supranee Jitpean · Ragnvi Hagman · Bodil Ström Holst · Odd V. Höglund · Agneta Egenvall

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supplementary files with tables

Data

January 2014

Agneta Egenvall · Bodil Ström Holst · Supranee Jitpean · Ann Pettersson · Ragnvi Hagman

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Sep 2024
BMC Vet Res

Background Sepsis, defined as a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection inducing organ dysfunction, is a common cause of mortality in both humans and animals. Early detection and treatment is essential for survival, but accurate diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers for sepsis. This study explored the potential of the keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)-like protein in dogs as a biomarker of sepsis in dogs with bacterial uterine infection (pyometra). The aim was to compare KC-like concentrations in dogs with pyometra with or without sepsis and to assess associations between KC-like and clinical variables, including days of hospitalization as an outcome. Results A mouse KC ELISA was validated and used to determine the concentrations of KC-like in serum from 34 dogs with pyometra and 18 healthy controls. Dogs with pyometra were classified as having sepsis based on two different criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), resulting in 74% and 30% sepsis-positive, respectively. The concentration of KC-like protein was higher in pyometra dogs with sepsis than in pyometra dogs without sepsis (p < 0.05) and in healthy controls (p < 0.0001) when using either of the two SIRS criteria. Moreover, KC-like was slightly increased in dogs with pyometra without sepsis compared with healthy controls when using the more stringent SIRS criteria (p < 0.05). Analyses of all dogs showed that KC-like concentrations correlated positively with hospitalization days, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, white blood cells, and percentage of band neutrophils; however, KC-like correlated negatively with hemoglobin and did not correlate with circulating creatinine. Conclusions Our results suggest that circulating KC-like protein increases in dogs with sepsis in pyometra and that KC-like is associated with more severe clinical illness. These findings support a potential role of KC-like as a biomarker of sepsis; however, the true identity of KC-like in dogs has yet to be uncovered.

Evaluation of uterine antioxidants in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2024
POL J VET SCI

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is a common disease in sexually mature bitches. Disease progression leads to oxidative stress, resulting in the depletion of uterine antioxidants and lipid peroxidation of associated cells, which further aggravates the condition. The concentration of antioxidant enzymes, the level of lipid peroxidation within the uterine tissue, and its reflection in the serum and urine need to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the concentration of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the lipid peroxidation marker malonaldehyde (MDA) in three types of samples, i.e., serum, urine, and uterine tissue. For this purpose, 58 pyometra-affected and 44 healthy bitches were included in the present study. All animals underwent ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Our data indicated highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the antioxidant concentrations of uterine, serum and urine samples. Furthermore, there was a highly significant (p<0.01) difference in the serum levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) indicated poor capacity to overcome oxidative stress in the CEH-Pyometra condition. We showed that CEH-P induces oxidative stress, which further depletes the antioxidant enzyme reserves in the uterus. Thus, the weak antioxidant defence predisposes to uterine damage and disease progression. The simultaneous depletion of antioxidants and an increase in lipid peroxidation in the serum and urine may also act as early indicators of uterine pathology.

Defining sepsis in small animals

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2024
J VET EMERG CRIT CAR

Objective To discuss the definitions of sepsis in human and veterinary medicine. Design International, multicenter position statement on the need for consensus definitions of sepsis in veterinary medicine. Setting Veterinary private practice and university teaching hospitals. Animals Dogs and cats. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Sepsis is a life‐threatening condition associated with the body's response to an infection. In human medicine, sepsis has been defined by consensus on 3 occasions, most recently in 2016. In veterinary medicine, there is little uniformity in how sepsis is defined and no consensus on how to identify it clinically. Most publications rely on modified criteria derived from the 1991 and 2001 human consensus definitions. There is a divergence between the human and veterinary descriptions of sepsis and no consensus on how to diagnose the syndrome. This impedes research, hampers the translation of pathophysiology insights to the clinic, and limits our abilities to optimize patient care. It may be time to formally define sepsis in veterinary medicine to help the field move forward. In this narrative review, we present a synopsis of prior attempts to define sepsis in human and veterinary medicine, discuss developments in our understanding, and highlight some criticisms and shortcomings of existing schemes. Conclusions This review is intended to serve as the foundation of current efforts to establish a consensus definition for sepsis in small animals and ultimately generate evidence‐based criteria for its recognition in veterinary clinical practice.

WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats

Article

May 2024
J SMALL ANIM PRACT

Promoting access to care in pyometra treatment: pathways to collaboration between high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinics and private practices

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2024
JAVMA-J AM VET MED A

OBJECTIVE To compare results from 2 previously published surveys aimed at determining how pyometra is treated in high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinics (HQHVSNCs) and private practices (PPs), with a specific focus on identifying opportunities for partnership between the clinic types to improve access to care in pyometra treatment. SAMPLE Responses from 123 PPs and 87 HQHVSNCs. METHODS A previously published survey of PPs conducted from June to July 2021 and a similar previously published survey of HQHVSNCs conducted from June to July 2020 were compared regarding demographics, pyometra treatment availability, estimated outcome, alternative outcome, disruption, cost, and protocol between HQHVSNCs and PPs. A comparison was also run of the surveys’ responses regarding referral of a pyometra to an HQHVSNC by a PP. RESULTS Although PPs estimated that economic euthanasia is the most likely alternative outcome for 13% of patients unable to access care at their practice, 80% would be reluctant to refer to an HQHVSNC. The 3 primary reasons indicated by PPs with a reluctance to refer were a perceived lack of prompt appointment availability (20%), lack of aftercare (18%), and lack of adequate equipment (14%). In contrast, most HQHVSNCs estimated that they generally accept referrals the same day (50%) or the next day (30%) and 95% of HQHVSNCs reported having the resources needed to treat most pyometras. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There are several opportunities for partnership between PPs and HQHVSNCs in the treatment of pyometra. The most frequent concerns expressed by PPs regarding referral to HQHVSNCs were not shared by HQHVSNCs or could be ameliorated by referral to an HQHVSNC for surgery and transfer back to the PP for aftercare.

System Biology Research to Advance the Understanding of Canine Cancer

Chapter

Mar 2024

Dogs are easy to train and have far superior olfactory abilities than humans, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks. Therapy dogs are used in psychiatric hospitals to improve the socialization and interaction of disabled patients, thereby improving their quality of life. Unfortunately, dogs have been becoming more and more susceptible to diseases, the most serious of which is cancer, in recent years. Every year, over one million new cases are reported in the United States, with an estimated mortality rate of around 30%. It is our responsibility to save the life of an animal in this situation. Canine cancers, predictably, bear an uncanny resemblance to human cancers. While dog domestication is comparable to human domestication, it opens the door to studying human cancers through the lens of dog cancer. Early detection of cancer may be advantageous for therapeutic reasons, which necessitates the development of markers that can be used as diagnostic tools due to their differential expression between disease and normal state. Pets with unexpected cancers serve as a good model for human oncology translational research. There are numerous system biology techniques that can be used to detect cancer and the biomarkers that are associated with it in its early stages. Microarray, whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing are novel, well-organized techniques that can be applied to a wide range of applications. They will allow for high-throughput analysis of variations in DNA, mRNA, protein expression, and activity in a patient’s tumor. Therefore, in this chapter, we reviewed recent system biology applications that have been evolved to better understand life-threatening diseases such as tumors. We also described several different types of canine cancer. Biomarker identification using system biology approaches, and therapeutic intervention for canine cancer biomarkers, are presented. Additionally, we also highlight the various ways in which dogs can serve as models for cancer research.

Diseases of reproductive system of female dogs and cats

Chapter

Jan 2024

Sonographic features of the uncomplicated postoperative abdomen in dogs treated for pyometra by ovariohysterectomy

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2023
VET RADIOL ULTRASOUN

Pyometra is a prevalent disease in intact bitches and the standard treatment is ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Published descriptions of normal sonographic findings after OHE are currently lacking. The aims of this prospective observational study were to describe and compare postoperative abdominal sonographic features for three timepoints following OHE in a group of dogs with pyometra and an uneventful recovery. A total of 22 dogs had sequential focused abdominal ultrasound examinations on days 1, 4–6, and 10–15 postsurgery. Recorded sonographic features for each examination time point and characteristics of the cervical stump and the mesovarium, size, and echogenicity of medial iliac lymph nodes (MILNs), presence of free peritoneal fluid, and pneumoperitoneum. The cervical stump appeared as a heterogenous area with a hypoechoic center surrounded by hyperechogenic tissue in all dogs. The cervical stump transverse‐sectional area was larger on day 4–6 compared with day 1 and day 10–15 ( P = .0009). Mesovarium ligature reactions were identified as heterogeneous and hyperechoic areas with central and/or edge shadowing in all dogs. The size and echogenicity of MILNs and the mesovarium reactions did not significantly differ among time points. Free peritoneal fluid was detected in 45%, 41%, and 9% and pneumoperitoneum in 95%, 82%, and 14% of dogs at sequential time points. Findings from this sample of dogs with an uneventful recovery following OHE due to pyometra can be used to assist veterinarians in interpreting postoperative abdominal ultrasonographic characteristics in future dogs treated surgically for pyometra.

Mammary tumor development in dogs is associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2009
CANCER RES

Breast cancer is a major contributor to overall morbidity and mortality in women. Several genes predisposing to breast cancer have been identified, but the majority of risk factors remain unknown. Even less is known about the inherited risk factors underlying canine mammary tumors (CMT). Clear breed predispositions exist, with 36% of English springer spaniels (ESS) in Sweden being affected. Here, we evaluate 10 human breast cancer genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ERBB2, FGFR2, LSP1, MAP3K1, RCAS1, TOX3, and TP53) for association with CMTs. Sixty-three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; four to nine SNPs per gene) were genotyped by iPLEX in female ESS dogs, 212 CMT cases and 143 controls. Two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were significantly associated with CMT (Bonferroni corrected P = 0.005 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Borderline association was seen for FGFR2. Benign and malignant cases were also analyzed separately. Those findings supported the association to BRCA1 and BRCA2 but with a stronger association to BRCA1 in malignant cases. Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 showed odds ratios of approximately 4. In conclusion, this study indicates that BRCA1 and BRCA2 contribute to the risk of CMT in ESS, suggesting that dogs may serve as a good model for human breast cancer.

Insurance data for research in companion animals: Benefits and limitations

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2009
ACTA VET SCAND

The primary aim of this article is to review the use of animal health insurance data in the scientific literature, especially in regard to morbidity or mortality in companion animals and horses. Methods and results were compared among studies on similar health conditions from different nations and years. A further objective was to critically evaluate benefits and limitations of such databases, to suggest ways to maximize their utility and to discuss the future use of animal insurance data for research purposes. Examples of studies on morbidity, mortality and survival estimates in dogs and horses, as well as neoplasia in dogs, are discussed. We conclude that insurance data can and should be used for research purposes in companion animals and horses. Insurance data have been successfully used, e.g. to quantify certain features that may have been hitherto assumed, but unmeasured. Validation of insurance databases is necessary if they are to be used in research. This must include the description of the insured population and an evaluation of the extent to which it represents the source population. Data content and accuracy must be determined over time, including the accuracy/consistency of diagnostic information. Readers must be cautioned as to limitations of the databases and, as always, critically appraise findings and synthesize information with other research. Similar findings from different study designs provide stronger evidence than a sole report. Insurance data can highlight common, expensive and severe conditions that may not be evident from teaching hospital case loads but may be significant burdens on the health of a population.

Is there a special mechanism behind the changes in somatic cell and polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts, and composition of milk after a single prolonged milking interval in cows?

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2009
ACTA VET SCAND

A single prolonged milking interval (PMI) e.g. after a technical stop in an automated milking system is of concern for the producer since it is associated with a short-lasting increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC), which is a major quality criterion used at the dairy plants. The content of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and how the milk quality is influenced has not been much investigated. The SCC peak occurs without any obvious antigen challenge, possibly indicating a different leukocyte attraction mechanism after a PMI than we see during mastitis. Composite cow milk samples were taken at the milkings twice daily during 7 days before and 5 days after a PMI of 24 h. Milk was analyzed for SCC, PMN, fat, protein and lactose, and at some occasions also casein and free fatty acids (FFA). During the PMI the proportion of milk PMN increased sharply in spite of marginally increased SCC. The peak SCC was not observed until the second milking after the PMI, in the afternoon day 1. However, the peak SCC value in morning milk did not occur until one day later, concomitantly with a decrease in the proportion of PMN. After declining, SCC still remained elevated while PMN proportion was decreased throughout the study as was also the milk yield, after the first accumulation of milk during the PMI. Milk composition was changed the day after the PMI, (increased fat and protein content; decreased lactose, whey protein and FFA content) but the changes in the following days were not consistent except for lactose that remained decreased the rest of the study. The PMI resulted in increased SCC and proportion of PMN. Additionally, it gave rise to minor alterations in the milk composition in the following milkings but no adverse effect on milk quality was observed. The recruitment of PMN, which was further enhanced the first day after the PMI, appeared to be independent of milk volume or accumulation of milk per se. Hence, we suggest that there is a special immunophysiological/chemoattractant background to the increased migration of leukocytes into the milk compartment observed during and after the PMI.

Survey of the Swedish dog population: Age, Gender, Breed, Location and Enrolment in Animal Insurance

Article

Full-text available

Feb 1999

A sample of the Swedish population was surveyed by interviewing households by telephone. The number interviewed was 11,762, of which 15.5% owned dogs, and of these, 77.9% had one dog. The estimated total population of dogs in Sweden was just over 800,000. Dog-owning was more common in more rural areas compared to larger cities. The numbers of male and female dogs were similar and few dogs were neutered. Mean age was 5.7 years with median 5 years. Mongrels comprised 13.3% and the most common breed was the dachshund (7.4%). Of dogs with information on insurance status, 68.4% of the dogs were insured for veterinary care and 58.3% were life insured.

Gender, age and breed pattern of diagnoses for veterinary care in insured dogs in Sweden during 1996

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2000

More than 200,000 dogs insured for veterinary care by one Swedish company at the beginning of 1996 were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data from receipts for visits to veterinarians that were part of reimbursed veterinary care events, whose cost exceeded the deductible cost, were used to calculate the risk of cause-specific morbidity, both in total and stratified by gender, age and breed. Diagnoses were described by organic system, for example, cardiovascular, and by disease process, for example, neoplastic The most commonly affected system was the integument followed by the gastrointestinal and genital systems. The genital system was the most commonly affected system in females, within which 50 per cent of the affected bitches had pyometra. Inflammatory processes were most common, followed by symptomatic conditions, traumatic injuries and neoplastic conditions.

Breed Risk of Pyometra in Insured Dogs in Sweden

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2001

An animal insurance database containing data on over 200,000 dogs was used to study the occurrence of pyometra with respect to breed and age during 1995 and 1996 in Swedish bitches <10 years of age. A total of 1,803 females in 1995 and 1,754 females in 1996 had claims submitted because of pyometra. Thirty breeds with at least 800 bitches insured each year were studied using univariate and multivariate methods. The crude 12-month risk of pyometra for females <10 years of age was 2.0% (95% confidence interval = 1.9-2.1%) in 1995 and 1.9% (1.8-2.0%) in 1996. The occurrence of pyometra differed with age, breed, and geographic location. The risk of developing pyometra was increased (identified using multivariate models) in rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels compared with baseline (all other breeds, including mixed breed dogs). Breeds with a low risk of developing the disease were Drevers, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshunds (normal size), and Swedish Hounds. Survival rates indicate that on average 23-24% of the bitches in the databases will have experienced pyometra by 10 years of age. In the studied breeds, this proportion ranged between 10 and 54%. Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact bitches, and differences related to breed and age should be taken into account in studies of this disease.

Incidence of and survival after mammary tumors in a population of over 80,000 insured female dogs in Sweden from 1995 to 2002

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2005
PREV VET MED

The main objective of this study was to describe the incidence of mammary tumors (MTs) and the survival after MTs, in female dogs between 3 and 10 years of age (insured for veterinary care and with life insurance in a Swedish animal-insurance company) from 1995 to 2002. Measures of incidence are presented crudely, by breed and across age categories and birth cohorts (1991-1998). The survivals until MT diagnosis and after a MT diagnosis were computed. The overall incidence for any MT claim was 111 dogs per 10,000 dog-years at risk (DYAR). The overall MT rate in the 1992 and 1993 birth cohorts was 154 dogs per 10,000 DYAR. The incidence for any MT claim increased with age and varied by breed, from 319 dogs per 10,000 DYAR in the English springer spaniel to 5 dogs per 10,000 DYAR in the rough-haired collie. At the ages 6, 8 and 10 years, 1%, 6% and 13% respectively, of all females had at least one MT claim. The MT mortality was 6 deaths per 10,000 DYAR and increased with age. The overall-case fatality was 6%.

The effect of neutering on the risk of mammary tumours in dogs - a systematic review

Article

Jun 2012
J SMALL ANIM PRACT

A commonly-stated advantage of neutering bitches is a significant reduction in the risk of mammary tumours, however the evidence for this has not previously been assessed by systematic review. The objectives of this study were to estimate the magnitude and strength of evidence for any effect of neutering, or age of neutering, on the risk of mammary tumours in bitches. A systematic review was conducted based on Cochrane guidelines. Peer-reviewed analytic journal articles in English were eligible and were assessed for risk of bias by two reviewers independently. Of 11,149 search results, 13 reports in English-language peer-reviewed journals addressed the association between neutering/age at neutering and mammary tumours. Nine were judged to have a high risk of bias. The remaining four were classified as having a moderate risk of bias. One study found an association between neutering and a reduced risk of mammary tumours. Two studies found no evidence of an association. One reported "some protective effect" of neutering on the risk of mammary tumours, but no numbers were presented. Due to the limited evidence available and the risk of bias in the published results, the evidence that neutering reduces the risk of mammary neoplasia, and the evidence that age at neutering has an effect, are judged to be weak and are not a sound basis for firm recommendations.

Factors Influencing Canine Mammary Cancer Development and Postsurgical Survival

Article

Jan 1970

Acquired urinary incontinence in bitches: Its incidence and relationship to neutering practices

Article

Jan 1999

A five-year cohort study was conducted on bitches chosen by a sample of 233 randomly selected practising veterinary surgeons in the UK, to estimate the incidence of acquired urinary incontinence (AUI) in neutered and entire animals, and to investigate possible risk factors associated with neutering practices. Information was collected using questionnaires, and data on 809 bitches, of which 22 developed AUI, were obtained. The estimated incidence rates in neutered and entire animals were 0.0174 and 0.0022 per animal-year, respectively (95 per cent confidence intervals: 0.0110, 0.0275 and 0.0009, 0.0058, respectively). The relative risk, neutered vs entire, was 7.8 (95 per cent confidence interval: 2.6, 31.5). The attributable proportion(exposed) and population attributable proportion were 87.1 per cent and 63.1 per cent (95 per cent confidence intervals: 61.9 per cent, 95.6 per cent, and 28.3 percent, 88.5 per cent, respectively). An increased risk, significant at the conventional 5 per cent level, was not demonstrated in animals neutered before, vs after, first heat (relative risk: 3.9, 95 per cent confidence interval: 0.8, 10.4), although the result was significant at the 10 per cent level. Removal of the cervix was not shown to be a risk factor in neutered dogs.