Bullmastiff dog lifespan and causes of death in Australia

Abstract

Simple Summary The disease investigation of companion animals is important for the clinical management of disease as well as the control of disease risk factors. The Bullmastiff is a giant brachycephalic dog breed which has been reported to have an increased risk of lymphoma, musculoskeletal and ocular disorders, as well as a shortened lifespan, although an in-depth disease investigation of the Bullmastiff has not been conducted. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive retrospective study of the breed, investigating the demography, longevity and mortality of Bullmastiffs attending veterinary practices in Australia over a ten-year period from 2008 to 2017. This was achieved through the systematic review of patient records from veterinary practices participating in the VetCompass research collaboration. This study described the demography, body weight, longevity and mortality of the Bullmastiff, revealing the study population to have a median age of 2.8 years and a mean body weight of 46.6 kg for males and 40.5 kg for females. The dogs had a median longevity of 8.5 years, and the major causes of mortality were mass lesions, old age and musculoskeletal, neurological and behavioural disorders. Desexing was found to significantly reduce the risk of mortality due to urogenital causes. The results of this study may assist in the veterinary care, health management, breeding guidelines and welfare of Bullmastiffs.