Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in military working dogs: 927 cases (1993-1996).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Moore, G E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at why military working dogs died or were euthanized between 1993 and 1996, involving 927 dogs in total. The researchers found that older dogs often faced serious health issues like joint disease, cancer, spinal cord problems, general decline due to aging, and a serious stomach condition. Interestingly, while more male dogs were included in the study, neutered males tended to live longer than both spayed females and intact males. The study also noted that Belgian Shepherd Dogs had a higher risk of dying from cancer and breathing issues compared to German Shepherd Dogs, who were more likely to die from spinal cord diseases. Overall, the findings suggest that many military working dogs face similar health challenges as they age, and certain breeds may be more susceptible to specific conditions.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in a population of military working dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 927 military working dogs. PROCEDURE: Records of all military working dogs that died during the period from 1993 to 1996 were evaluated for cause of death or reason for euthanasia by review of necropsy and histopathology reports, death certificates, and daily clinical treatment sheets. A single primary cause of death or euthanasia was determined. RESULTS: Although sexually intact male dogs were more numerous in the study population, castrated male dogs typically lived longer than spayed females or sexually intact males. Leading causes of death or euthanasia (76.3% of all dogs) were appendicular degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, spinal cord disease, nonspecific geriatric decline, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Compared with German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were at increased risk for death attributable to neoplasia, behavior, and respiratory tract disease. German Shepherd Dogs had nearly twice the risk for death associated with spinal cord diseases, compared with Belgian Shepherd Dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For most military working dogs, death or euthanasia results from a few diseases commonly associated with advanced age. Some breed differences in risk for these diseases may exist, which clinicians should consider in the procurement and long-term management of these dogs.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11469577/