Epidemiology of health problems in dogs

Abstract

In this study, we describe the epidemiology of the health problems in dogs brought to the National Animal Referral Hospital in Thimphu city from January 2009 to December 2013. During the period, a total of 5077 dogs with different health problems were referred to the hospital. Maximum number of cases were skin problems (30.7%), followed by GI tract disorders (18.6%), wound and abscess (8.9%), Parvo-Viral Enteritis (7.3%), animal welfare problems (dog bite wound – 6.0%, and injury due to running vehicles – 3.5%) and canine distemper (5.4%). A total of 273 canine distemper cases were presented to NAH, which constituted 5.4% of the total cases brought to the hospital. The prevalence of CD was highest in 2009 followed by 2011 and 2013. The CD cases were reported throughout the year with maximum cases reported in the month of July and September. Similarly, a total of 373 cases of PVE were presented to NAH, which represented 7.3% of the total cases. The prevalence of PVE was highest in 2009 followed by 2012. The PVE cases were presented throughout the year with the higher prevalence in the spring and early summer (March to June). Dog bite wound and injury due to running vehicles constituted 6.0% (305/5077) and 3.5% (180/5077) of the total cases presented to NAH, respectively. The prevalence of animal welfare problems in male dogs (12.0%) was higher than in the female dogs (8.6%). Similarly, the prevalence of animal welfare problems was higher in stray dogs than in the owned dogs. An increasing trend in the prevalence of animal welfare problems was noticed from 2009 to 2013 with the higher incidence of animal welfare problems in the month of April and May; and from September to December. The findings of this study provide useful information for preparing the drug indent (based on the disease information), which would help to reduce the wastage of drugs. The dog owners should be sensitized on the importance of vaccinating their dogs on common infectious diseases such as CD and CPV on a regular basis.