Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cervical abscesses in young large-breed dogs show seasonal
By Welch, Bryan T et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2024·1Small Animal Internal Medicine Department, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Idiopathic cervical abscesses in dogs follow seasonal trends and geographic risk factors, predominantly affecting young, large breeds: a case-control study of 67 dogs in New England.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 67 young, large-breed dogs in New England developed painful swelling in their necks due to idiopathic cervical abscesses, which means the cause was unknown. Most cases were seen in September, and the risk was higher in certain areas. The study found that heavier dogs were more likely to develop these abscesses, and younger dogs were at greater risk than older ones. If your dog shows signs of swelling in the neck, especially if they are a young, large breed, it's important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Describe and identify risk factors and spatiotemporal trends associated with the development of idiopathic cervical abscesses (CAs) in dogs in the Cape Cod region. The authors hypothesized that CAs without an external communicating tract would have a seasonal trend and would not be associated with identifiable foreign material. ANIMALS: 67 dogs. METHODS: Retrospective observational case-control study enrolling dogs between 2016 and 2020. Compiled patient information included age, breed, sex, weight, date of presentation, and ZIP code. Statistical evaluation was performed by use of multivariate logistic regression modeling and spatiotemporal analyses with government-compiled land cover data. Control dogs were randomly selected in a 3:1 ratio to cases. RESULTS: 67 cases were investigated. The final multivariable logistic regression model found a significant seasonal effect, with most cases in September (OR, 4.80; 95% CI, 1.91 to 12.02). Spatial analyses revealed increased risk in a cluster of 13 ZIP codes, with OR of 4.40 (95% CI, 1.95 to 9.95). Weight was a risk factor; each additional kilogram was associated with an 18.8% increase in odds (OR, 1.188; 95% CI, 1.053 to 1.341) until a maximum risk at 15 kg. Younger dogs were at greater odds; for each additional year of age, the odds of having CAs were reduced by 8.9% (OR, 0.911; 95% CI, 0.837 to 0.991). No foreign material inciting cause was identified in any of the 67 cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Idiopathic CAs should be a differential for young, large-breed dogs with cervical swelling in the Northeastern US. This study documented seasonality, geographical trends, and signalment predispositions for idiopathic CAs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39153503/