A recent analysis of data collected from more than 2.5 million animal health records, known as the State of Pet Health 2011 Report, was released last week by Banfield Animal Hospitals.
The project's goal was to help the veterinary profession gain a better understanding of the state of pet health in the United States, especially in conjunction with recent reports signaling a decline in vet visits.
The massive study focused on medical records of more than 2.1 million dogs and approximately 450,000 cats between the years of 2006 and 2010. Examination of the results shows increases in diabetes, flea infestations, heartworm and other parasite prevalences, and periodontal disease - all preventable diseases.
Between 2006 and 2010, the following trends were highlighted:
- a 32% increase in diabetes between 2006 and 2010
- flea infestations increased 16%
- 30% increase in hookworm prevalence in dogs and 3.5% increase in cats
- 78% of dogs and 68% of cats presented that were over the age of 3 presented some signs of periodontal disease
- since '06, otitis externa (outer ear canal infections) have increased as much as 34% in cats, and 9.4% in dogs.
Dental disease, including but not limited to gingivitis, topped the list as the most common medical condition found in dogs and cats, with an overall 12.3% increase in prevalence among canines.
The second most common disease was found to be otitis externa, or the inflammation of the outer ear canal. Some purebred breeds more commonly predisposed to the disease include: Bassett Hound, Beagle, Golden and Labrador Retriever, Pug, Shar Pei, American and English Bulldog, Poodle (all types), and English Springer Spaniel.
Most surprisingly among the trends, is the rise of flea infestations (as much as 16%), especially considering flea medications and preventatives are more easily accessibly than ever at this time.
The results of the study confirm that heartworm disease is most prevalent in the Southeastern states, as might be expected; interestingly however, the data also shows that heartworm was diagnosed in every month of the year, with peak months of diagnoses being February and June.
Increases were also noted in hookworm detection, up approximately 30% in dogs, and 3.5% in cats. On the other hand, examination of the medical records indicated a decrease of roundworm prevalence in dogs by 4.6%; unfortunately, there has been an increase of the parasitic prevalence in felines by about 12.6%. Alabama had the highest prevalence for roundworm (as well as ranking the highest for whipworm and tapeworm in dogs), other states high in the rankings were Mississippi, Texas, and South Carolina.
It is interesting to note that, despite a 15.5% decrease in prevalence over the past 5 years, tapeworms remain the most common parasite for cats.
Obesity, which generally leads to diabetes, ranks consistently in the top 5 diagnoses for young adult, mature, and geriatric dogs. Between '06 and '10, obesity leaped to the top 3 diagnoses for felines in the same age ranges.
Also discovered in the data is an increased popularity towards small breed dogs, particularly a propensity towards Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Maltese. It is worth noting, data found in the research indicates these smaller breeds are more prone to diseases like diabetes mellitus, dental disease and knee injuries. Larger breeds, it was found, are more susceptible to diseases like arthritis, bloating, and hip dysplasia.
According to Banfield, the increasing trends in these easily preventable diseases is troubling, and may well be attributed to a decline in veterinary visits.
Although these trends are currently on the rise, they are all easily preventable. When pets are consistently given adequate attention, and proper health care and a healthily managed diet, these diseases can be avoided altogether.
