Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Health and lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs in UK vet care
By Dan G. O’Neill et al.·Published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology·2017·Pathobiology and Population Science, The Royal Veterinary College, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
German Shepherds in the UK are facing health challenges, with the breed's numbers declining from 3.5% of new puppies in 2005 to just 2.2% in 2013. Common health issues include ear infections, arthritis, diarrhea, and obesity, with musculoskeletal disorders being a leading cause of death. Male German Shepherds were found to show more aggression than females. Understanding these trends can help veterinarians provide better care and advice for this breed, aiming to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
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Abstract
Abstract Background The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) has been widely used for a variety of working roles. However, concerns for the health and welfare of the GSD have been widely aired and there is evidence that breed numbers are now in decline in the UK. Accurate demographic and disorder data could assist with breeding and clinical prioritisation. The VetCompassTM Programme collects clinical data on dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. This study included all VetCompassTM dogs under veterinary care during 2013. Demographic, mortality and clinical diagnosis data on GSDs were extracted and reported. Results GSDs dropped from 3.5% of the annual birth cohort in 2005 to 2.2% in 2013. The median longevity of GSDs was 10.3 years (IQR 8.0–12.1, range 0.2–17.0). The most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorder (16.3%) and inability to stand (14.9%). The most prevalent disorders recorded were otitis externa (n = 131, 7.89, 95% CI: 6.64–9.29), osteoarthritis (92, 5.54%, 95% CI: 4.49–6.75), diarrhoea (87, 5.24%, 95% CI: 4.22–6.42), overweight/obesity (86, 5.18%, 95% CI: 4.16–6.36) and aggression (79, 4.76%, 95% CI: 3.79–5.90). Conclusions This study identified that GSDs have been reducing in numbers in the UK in recent years. The most frequent disorders in GSDs were otitis externa, osteoarthritis, diarrhoea, overweight/obesity and aggression, whilst the most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorders and inability to stand. Aggression was more prevalent in males than in females. These results may assist veterinarians to offer evidence-based advice at a breed level and help to identify priorities for GSD health that can improve the breed’s health and welfare.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0046-4