Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Lund, E M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the health and characteristics of over 31,000 dogs and 15,000 cats that were examined at private veterinary practices in the United States in 1995. It found that dental issues like tartar buildup and gum disease were the most common problems. Only about 7% of dogs and 10% of cats were considered healthy at the time of their visits. Both dogs and cats often had similar issues, such as flea infestations and vomiting, but dogs were more likely to be seen for joint problems and skin allergies, while cats were often examined for kidney issues and not eating enough. The findings can help veterinarians understand common health issues in pets and improve communication with pet owners about what to expect.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine age, breed, sex, body condition score, and diet of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States during 1995, and estimate prevalences of the most common disorders for these animals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 31,484 dogs and 15,226 cats examined by veterinary practitioners at 52 private veterinary practices. PROCEDURE: Information on age, breed, sex, body condition score, diet, and assigned diagnostic codes were collected electronically from participating practices and transferred to a relational database. Prevalence estimates and frequencies for population description were generated using statistical software. RESULTS: Dental calculus and gingivitis were the most commonly reported disorders. About 7% of dogs and 10% of cats examined by practitioners during the study were considered healthy. Many conditions were common to both species (e.g., flea infestation, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, vomiting). Dogs were likely to be examined because of lameness, disk disease, lipoma, and allergic dermatitis. Cats were likely to be examined because of renal disease, cystitis, feline urologic syndrome, and inappetence. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Results can be used by veterinary practitioners to better understand and anticipate health problems of importance in cats and dogs they examine and to better communicate with clients regarding the most prevalent disorders in cats and dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10319174/