2002 ATCA Health Survey Results

Surveys were mailed to 201 ATCA members and 62 club newsletter subscribers. Sixty-four (31.8%) club members and nineteen (30.6%) subscribers responded. This is down 9.2% from a 43% return rate reported in the 1997 survey. Unlike the 1997 survey, participation was open to the general public in 2002. More than half, ninety-three surveys, were returned from owners who had no identifiable club affiliation. In addition to the United States, surveys were received from Australia, Canada and Scotland. In total, 176 surveys were returned, reporting on 619 dogs, compared to eighty-six surveys returned in 1997
.


View Top 10 Diseases Reported in Australian Terriers



View Top 10 Disease Groups Reported in Australian Terriers



Background Information on Survey Population

The survey respondents indicated their Aussies' coat color in ninety-eight percent (n=608) of the dogs reported. Seventy-five percent (n=459) were blue/tans; twenty-four percent (n=143) were red, and one percent (n=6) were sandy.

Of the 619 dogs reported, females accounted for fifty-six percent (n=322) of the survey population, while males accounted for forty-two percent (n=286), with 2% (n=11) not identifying the sex of the dog. Sixty-one percent (n=378) indicated that their dog had been altered, with no significant difference reported between the sexes.

Respondents provided ages of alteration on 329 dogs. Thirty-seven percent (n=122) were altered by one year of age, with the majority (n=92) under six months of age. Twelve percent (n=41) had their dog altered between the ages of one and two years. Even though the remaining ages of three to over ten years reflect a progressive decline in the number of dogs altered, the information reported would suggest that a number of breeders continue to neuter their animals at post-breeding ages.

Eighty-seven percent (n=522) of the dogs originated from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom (5.2%) and Canada (3.8%). Fourteen dogs originated from Australia. The remaining countries of origin were New Zealand, Finland, and Denmark. One dog was from Peru.

Of the ninety-eight percent (n=606) who answered where they obtained their Aussie, fifty-four percent (n=329) indicated a breeder, followed by thirty-eight percent (n=231) having bred their dogs themselves. Twenty-seven (4.5%) aussies were rescues and only six (1%) were purchased from a pet store. Eight Aussies were adopted from private owners and five were obtained from other sources.

Based on weights for 513 dogs, the average weight reported was 16.8 lbs. The average weight for males (n=234) , was 18.1 lbs and females (n=277) 15.6 lbs. (Gender was not indicated for two dogs in the survey reponse on weight)

Note: Even though 176 surveys were returned, not every question was answered by every respondent. Percentages were calculated based on the total number of respondents who answered a particular question.



PAR
T I: TOP DISEASE CONCERNS

When asked to list their number one health concern for the Australian Terrier, 69% of the respondents answered this question. Fifty-six percent listed diabetes as their number one concern. Nine percent indicated that allergies were their number one concern, followed by cancer, epilepsy/seizures and luxating patellas, each being ranked by 4% of the respondents as their number one health concern.

Fifty-seven percent of the respondents listed their number two health concern for the Australian Terrier. Unlike the first disease concern statistics, there is not a large difference between the rankings. Again, at the top of the list is diabetes (13%), followed by allergies (12%), luxating patellas (11%) and epilepsy/seizures (10%).

Only forty percent listed a third disease concern. Eye and/or vision problems were the top concern at 15%, followed by luxating patellas at 11%.

 

Parent Club Contribution

Fifty-nine percent of the survey respondents offered 147 suggestions for the Parent Club to promote and maintain healthy Aussies. It is interesting to note how closely the top four suggestions correlate with the mission and goals of ATCA Health Committee.

The top recommendation (27%) was for ATCA to continue health surveys, research, and reporting.

The second highest response, at 24%, reflected concern about Breeder Honesty. These respondents felt that ATCA breeders should acknowledge and disclose health problems to other breeders and the pet-buying public.

Ranking third at 18%, the respondents addressed the need for responsible and ethical practices of ATCA breeders and felt breeders should work together to eliminate health problems.

Twelve percent responded that ATCA needed to promote breeder education and ten percent felt that ATCA should monitor and discipline unethical and irresponsible breeders. Eight percent of the respondents felt that affected animals should never be bred and seven percent felt that there should be little or no inbreeding, focusing instead on incorporating new blood lines.

Some of the other suggestions, ranging in one percent to five percent of the respondents included:

Eliminate Puppy Mills, Use of DNA, Breeder Lifetime Follow-up with Buyers, Support Donor Advised Fund, Limit Number of Litters, Mandatory Health Testing and Disclosure of Health History, Require Spay/Neuter Contracts, Early Health Testing, Educate Pet Owners, Register Breeders, Pet Health Insurance.

One respondent was satisfied with current efforts.


Health Registry

Ninety-five percent (n=167) of all survey respondents answered the question about a health registry. When asked if they would participate in a registry and report on diseases found in their Aussies, seventy-six percent (n=127) responded that they would. Seventy-three percent (n=122) also stated that they would participate in an open or public registry. Only five respondents who replied they would participate in a health registry indicated they would not participate if it were public. In the 1997 survey, 77% of the respondents were in favor of a health registry.

Health and Open Registry Question Results

Percentage Responding

Number

%

Total Surveys Returned

176

Total Responses to Health and Open Registry Questions

167

95%

Would You Be Willing to Participate in a Health Registry?

 

Yes

127

76%

No

40

24%

Would You Be Willing to Participate in an Open or Public Registry?

 

Yes

122

73%

No

45

27%

Reasons Given for Not Participating

None Given

30

Only One Aussie

3

Prefer Anonymity

2

Have No Aussie at This Time

2

Not Rejoining Club

1

Rescues, No Pedigree

1

Don't Sell Puppies

1

Question Honesty

1

Fear Retaliation

1

Don't Breed

1

More Information Needed

1

Not Qualified

1

TOTAL

45



Australian Terrier Deaths


Our respondents reported on cause of death for 145 Australian Terriers compared to 65 in our 1997 Health Survey. This is slightly more than a twofold increase in the data reported in 1997 where the median age at death was reported to be 11 years. In 2002, the median age at death has remained stable at age 11 years for the breed. Determined by sex, median age at death for females (n=74) was 11.5 yrs compared to 10.6 yrs for males (n=71).

156 respondents reported a cause of death for their Australian Terriers.

Cause of Death Reported

Percentage Responding

Number

%

Natural/Old Age

27

17.3%

Undetermined (20 reported euthanized)

25

16.0%

Cancer

24

15.4%

Diabetes

20

12.8%

Other Causes *

9

5.8%

Accidental

8

5.1%

Kidney Failure

6

3.8%

Cardiovascular

6

3.8%

Liver Disease/Failure

6

3.8%

Cushings

5

3.2%

Trauma

5

3.2%

GI Disease

4

2.6%

Stroke

3

1.9%

AIHA

2

1.3%

Auto Immune (unspecified)

2

1.3%

Brain Aneurism

2

1.3%

Viral

2

1.3%

     

TOTAL DOGS REPORTED

156

     

OTHER CAUSES OF DEATH*

Pancreatitis

1

Puritis

1

Pulmonary Embolism

1

Respiratory Disease

1

Ruptured tumor

1

Glomerularmyencephalopathy (GME)

1

Histoplasmosis

1

Intervertebral Disc Disease

1

Epilepsy

1

     

TOTAL

9

 

In 1997, only three deaths were attributed to endocrine diseases compared to the current statistic of twenty-five for Diabetes and Cushings Disease combined. Cancer (n=24) still remains the top identifiable cause of death attributed to a specific disease, followed closely by Diabetes at 20 deaths. Deaths attributed to kidney failure remained the same. Undetermined causes increased from 3 cases reported in 1997 to 25 cases, and old age or natural causes increased from 16 cases in 1997 to 27 in the current survey.

Individual Dog Health Reports

There were 176 Surveys returned through December 31, 2002, reporting on 619 dogs. There were 1,007 incidents of health and/or behavior problems reported among this group, indicating that a number of dogs were affected with multiple conditions at the close of the survey.

The University of Missouri classified these conditions according to 18 Disease Groups and assigned specific diagnosis codes within each group. The data was sorted and compiled according to:

    • Number of Affecteds within each disease group
    • Percentage of Affecteds within each disease group
    • Top Ten Diagnosis by Number and percentage of affecteds

There were eight disease groups that indicated a 10% or higher affected rate among the dogs reported. They are ranked by highest number affected:


Disease Group

No. of Dogs Affected

% of Dogs Affected

Endocrine

117

18.9%

Musculoskeletal

117

18.9%

Dermatology

97

15.7%

Behavior

93

15.0%

Opthalmology

81

13.1%

Gastrointestinal

70

11.3%

Ear Problems

67

10.8%

Reproductive

62

10.0%


The remaining ten disease groups had affected rates of less than 10%:

Disease Group

No. of Dogs Affected

% of Dogs Affected

Oncology (Cancer)

48

7.8%

Infectious

43

6.9%

Urinary

42

6.8%

Trauma

42

6.8%

Drug Reaction

36

5.8%

Neurologic

31

5.0%

Cardiopulmonary

23

3.7%

Immunology/Hemology

20

3.2%

Neonatal

10

1.6%

Toxicology

8

1.3%

The percentage of dogs (n=25) reported without any known health or behavior issues was 4%.

 


Chart I

 

 

Chart II

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Results By Disease Group


Each response for a particular health condition was assigned a diagnosis code by the University of Missouri. A numerically coded legend was provided to ATCAHC that enabled us to assign each diagnosis to a corresponding Disease Group. The following tables reflect the number and percentages of affected dogs by diagnosis within each disease group. Also shown is the percentage of a particular diagnosis within its group. They are listed from highest to lowest affected rates. The highest percentages of affected dogs were found in the Endocrine and Musculoskeletal Disorder groups.

Because of the difference in the survey population and data compilation methods between the 1997 and 2002 surveys, it may be unrealistic to draw any conclusions between the two sets of data. But, for informational purposes, when the percentage of affecteds for a particular diagnosis has a correlating diagnosis in the current survey, the numbers from the 1997 survey will be noted. In some cases, you will see an increase in the number of affected dogs over the 1997 results but a drop in the percentage of affecteds. The focus in this analysis is on the percentage of affecteds within the total dog population.

Note: Due to software calculation and rounding methods, some of the percentage totals may not appear to be accurate when "cross-footed."



Disease Summary By Group and Diagnosis Code
Sorted in Descending Order According to Highest Affected Rate

ENDOCRINE DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Diabetes Mellitus

61

52.1%

9.8%

Hypothyroidism

22

18.8%

3.6%

Pancreatitis

17

14.5%

2.7%

Cushings

12

10.2%

1.9%

Addisons

3

2.6%

0.5%

Other *

1

0.9%

0.2%

Hyperthyroidism

1

0.9%

0.2%

Total

117

100.0%

18.9%

In 1997, only 3.4% (n=8) were reported as diabetic, compared to 9.9% in the current survey, which reflects nearly a threefold increase. This may not be indicative of the actual situation in either case because of the nature of survey methods and data calculations, but may serve as an indicator that continued monitoring is needed. The percentage of affecteds reported in 1997 for Cushings (1.7%), and Hypothyroidism (3%) do not show a significant increase in affecteds.

*One case of Lymphangiectasia.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Luxating Patella

56

47.9%

9.0%

Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament

27

23.1%

4.4%

Arthritis

11

9.4%

1.8%

Legg-Perthes Disease

10

8.5%

1.6%

Other *

5

4.3%

0.8%

Undershot Jaw or Underbite

4

3.4%

0.6%

Hip Dysplasia

3

2.6%

0.5%

Overshot Jaw or Overbite

1

0.8%

0.2%

Total

117

100.0%

18.9%

Even though the results indicate that Luxating Patella continues to be the number one problem in this disease group, the percentage of affecteds is lower than what was reported (15.4 %, n=36) in 1997. Perhaps the fact that 42% of the 1997 respondents reported that they were checking for Luxating Patellas, with 23% reporting those results to OFA could be partly responsible for the decline. The percentage of affecteds in Legge-Perthes Disease (3.4%, n=8) is also down from 1997 and the rate of Ruptured Cruciate has remained steady, compared to 1997 (4.3%, n=10).

* Includes four reports of disc problems and one unspecified leg problem.



DERMATOLOGIC DISORDERS

Number Affected
% of Disease Group
% of Dogs Affected

Other *

29

29.9%

4.7%

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

29

29.9%

4.7%

Food Allergy Dermatitis

11

11.3%

1.8%

Severe Allergic Dermatitis

10

10.3%

1.6%

Inhalant Allergy Dermatitis

5

5.2%

0.8%

Chewing or Biting Skin/Coat

4

4.1%

0.6%

Hot Spots (significant or recurrent)

3

3.1%

0.5%

Puritis (significant itching)

3

3.1%

0.5%

Generalized Demodectic Mange

2

2.1%

0.3%

Sarcoptic Mange

1

1.0%

0.2%

Total

97

100.0%

15.7%

These numbers can be somewhat misleading because of the specificity accorded the diagnoses codes for this disease group. Seven cases of dermatitis were assigned to the "Other" category because they were not specifically identified by type. Using a broader perspective, when combining all dermatitis related problems (regardless of whether they are formally classified as a food allergy dermatitis, inhalant allergy dermatitis vs. Puritis, for example), it is found to be the number one disease problem in the breed. This determination is without consideration for any of the mange cases or remaining 22 dermatological cases placed in the "other" category. Of the remaining 22 cases of dermatological problems assigned to the "other" category, sixteen (2.6% affected rate) were related to benign skin growths and tumors and three described as staph infections.

Excluding cases of mange and skin tumors from the 1997 survey total for dermatologic conditions (total = 88), there were 73 cases of dermatitis-related disorders reported, for an affected rate of 31.2%, significantly higher than 2002 results.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Number Affected

% of Group

% of Dogs Affected

Noise/Thunderstorm Phobia

18

19.3%

2.9%

Excessive Aggression (unspecified)

17

18.2%

2.8%

Cannot Housebreak

10

10.8%

1.6%

Excessive Barking

10

10.8%

1.6%

Excessive Marking

10

10.8%

1.6%

Severe Separation Anxiety

10

10.8%

1.6%

Excessive Shyness

7

7.5%

1.1%

Other *

5

5.4%

0.8%

Excessive Fearfulness

5

5.4%

0.8%

Severe Stereotypic Behavior

1

1.0%

0.2%

Total

93

100.0%

15.0%

* Includes descriptions of "nervous and high strung", "neurotic", "stress to change", "coprophagic," for example.


OPTHALMOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Number Affected
% of Disease Group
% of Dogs Affected

Cataracts (Adult Onset)

32

39.5%

5.1%

Other *

19

23.5%

3.1%

SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome)

8

9.9%

1.3%

KCS or dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

7

8.6%

1.1%

Frequent Eye Infections

6

7.4%

1.0%

Entropian

5

6.2%

0.8%

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

3

3.7%

0.5%

Eyelid Problems

1

1.2%

0.2%

Total

81

100.0%

13.1%

Cataracts remain the most significant eye problem in the breed, but the affected rate is down slightly from the 7.7% (n=18) reported in 1997 (as old-age cataracts). Like OFA for patellas, perhaps the practice of screening through CERF has accounted in part for the decline (if that is the case in reality). In the 1997 survey, 39% of the respondents reported having CERF examinations for their animals. Also, in 1997 there were no specific reports of SARDS, KCS or Entropian unless they were buried in the "Other Eye Problem" category, which numbered 4 cases. There was one case of PRA reported in 1997.

* "Other" eye and vision problems included seven cases of blindness, three of which were attributed to complications of diabetes. Six respondents reported problems with runny or watery eyes.

Note: Regarding the Cataracts diagnosis code, with a few exceptions, there is no indication either way how many responses reported age of onset, so the assumption could be made (because there is a separate diagnosis code for juvenile cataracts), where age was not provided, the response was categorized as adult onset. If that was the case, it may be safe to speculate based on past experience, that the majority of cases are, in fact, late onset usually associated with old age and that the assigned diagnosis code was correct. Asking the age of onset may be something to include in future health surveys to identify frequency, if any, of juvenile cataracts.


GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Other *

17

24.2%

2.7%

Gingivitis

14

20.0%

2.3%

Chronic Liver Disease/Failure

6

8.6%

0.9%

Missing Teeth

6

8.6%

0.9%

Tooth Abcess

6

8.6%

0.9%

Chronic Colitis

3

4.3%

0.5%

Copper Toxicosis

2

2.9%

0.3%

Gastric/intestinal motility disorders

2

2.9%

0.3%

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

2

2.9%

0.3%

Intestinal Obstruction

2

2.9%

0.3%

Sinusitis

2

2.9%

0.3%

Chronic cough

1

1.4%

0.2%

Chronic Gastritis

1

1.4%

0.2%

Chronic Tonsilitis

1

1.4%

0.2%

Congenital Portosystemic Shunt

1

1.4%

0.2%

Hernias

1

1.4%

0.2%

Megaesophogus

1

1.4%

0.2%

Portosystemic Shunt (Extrahepatic)

1

1.4%

0.2%

Rhinitis

1

1.4%

0.2%

Total

70

100.0%

11.3%

Only 15 cases (6.4%) of gastrointestinal problems were reported in 1997, with nearly half (n=6) classified as chronic diarrhea.

* The majority of cases in "Other" category include diarrhea and bloody stools, vomiting and general upset with two cases of enlarged gall bladder reported.


EAR DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Ear Infections

33

49.2%

5.4%

Deafness

15

20.9%

2.3%

Other *

11

17.9%

1.9%

Aural Hematoma

4

6.0%

0.6%

Excessive Ear Wax

4

6.0%

0.6%

Total

67

100.0%

10.8%

Comparing the results for this disease group to the responses in the 1997 survey, only 6 cases (all categorized as congenital deafness) appeared in the results for a 2.6% affected rate.

* Problems with yeasty ears were reported in six instances. Two reported problems with inflammation.

Five cases of chronic otitis were classified under infectious diseases. Had they been assigned to this Disease Group, the affected rate would rise to 12.0%.


REPRODUCTIVE ANOMALIES

Number Affected

% of Group

% of Dogs Affected

False Pregnancy

11

17.7%

1.8%

Cryptorchidism

10

16.1%

1.6%

Other

6

9.7%

1.0%

Pyometra

6

9.7%

1.0%

Irregular Heat Cycles

6

9.7%

1.0%

Hypogonadism

4

6.5%

0.6%

Infertility

4

6.5%

0.6%

Missed Breedings

4

6.5%

0.6%

Caesarean Section

2

3.2%

0.3%

Erratic Seasons

2

3.2%

0.3%

Fetus Absorption

2

3.2%

0.3%

Silent Seasons

2

3.2%

0.3%

Abortion

1

1.6%

0.2%

Mastitis

1

1.6%

0.2%

Uterine Inertia

1

1.6%

0.2%

Total

62

100.0%

10.0%

It is possible that several of these numbers may reflect under-reporting in this disease group. For example, in 1997 6.7% (n=9) of females had Caesarean Sections compared to only two reported in this survey. Total problems in this Disease Group numbered 32, or (13.7%) in the 1997 survey


ONCOLOGICAL DISEASES (CANCER)

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Other *

28

58.3%

4.5%

Mast Cell Tumors - skin

8

16.7%

1.3%

Hemangiosarcoma (Spleen)

4

8.3%

0.6%

Fibrosarcoma -Oval Cavity

3

6.2%

0.5%

Adenocarcinoma - Mammary

2

4.2%

0.3%

Lymphosarcoma (Lymph Sys)

1

2.1%

0.2%

Malignant Melanomas-skin

1

2.1%

0.2%

Transitional Cell Carcinoma - Bladder

1

2.1%

0.2%

Total

48

100.0%

7.8%

This Disease Group has similar characteristics to the Dermatology Disease Group because of the number of specific diagnoses that fall within the group. Both groups carry the most affecteds within the "Other" category. Like the Dermatology Disease Group, when reviewing each diagnosis separately, one may draw a conclusion that does not truly reflect the overall picture.

* The "Other" category included six cases of liver cancer and four cases of lung cancer. Other types of cancer mentioned were Adenocarcinoma-region not specified, Amelanocytic melanoma inside mouth, basal cell and several types of tumors.

The 1997 survey reported that 7% of Australian Terriers had cancer.


INCIDENCE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Giardia

15

34.9%

2.3%

Other *

6

14.0%

0.9%

Coccidia

6

14.0%

0.9%

Chronic Otitis

5

11.6%

0.8%

Heartworm Disease

3

7.0%

0.5%

Histoplasmosis

2

4.7%

0.3%

Chronic Bacterial Cystitis

1

2.3%

0.2%

Chronic Staph Pyoderma

1

2.3%

0.2%

Ehrlichiosis

1

2.3%

0.2%

Lung Parasites

1

2.3%

0.2%

Lyme Disease

1

2.3%

0.2%

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

1

2.3%

0.2%

Total

43

100.0%

6.9%

* "Other" includes three reports of kennel cough and one report of hookworms. Six cases of Giardia and one case of hookworm infestation were reported in 1997 for a total of seven cases in this disease group. There are five cases of chronic otitis (inflammation or infection of the ear) placed in this disease group and one each of Chronic Bacterial Cystitis (bacterial bladder infections) and Chronic Staph Pyoderma (bacterial skin infection). Because these diagnoses are chronic in nature and may be associated with allergies or immune system deficiencies rather than communicable in nature, they could have been placed in other disease groups.


UROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Bladder Stones

14

33.4%

2.3%

Urinary Tract Infections

10

23.8%

1.6%

Urinary Incontinence

8

19.1%

1.3%

Other *

4

9.5%

0.6%

Acute or Chronic Renal Failure

3

7.1%

0.5%

Kidney Stones

3

7.1%

0.5%

Total

42

100.0%

6.8%

* "Other" includes glomerularmyoencephalopathy (GME), kidney tumors, protein in urine, and slightly elevated creatinine. In 1997, 22 cases (9.4%) of urinary tract infections and 2 cases of kidney disease were reported. No other problems such as bladder or kidney stones, or urinary incontinence were specifically identified in that report.


TRAUMA

Number Affected

% of Group

% of Dogs Affected

Attacked by another animal

22

52.4%

3.6%

Other *

10

23.8%

1.6%

Hit by Car

8

19.0%

1.3%

Falling from Significant Height

2

4.8%

0.3%

Total

42

100.0%

6.8%

* "Other" included two Aussies who lost an eye, several dogs with bowel obstruction from ingesting foreign objects, falling into a pool, and several with fractures from accidents. Of the 22 cases in which an Australian Terrier was attacked by another animal, only eight respondents provided details. Two were bitten by rattlesnakes and one came in contact with a poisonous toad. Three were kicked and another two reported injury from dogfights.



DRUG REACTIONS
Number Affected
% of Group
% of Dogs Affected

Vaccine Reaction

22

61.1%

3.6%

Other *

6

16.7%

1.0%

General Anesthesia

3

8.3%

0.5%

Interceptor™

3

8.3%

0.5%

Acepromazine

1

2.8%

0.2%

Sulfas

1

2.8%

0.2%

Total

36

100.0%

5.8%

* Majority includes adverse reaction to various antibiotics. In the 1997 survey, 1% of the respondents reported an adverse reaction to anesthesia and 6% to vaccines.


NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Epilepsy - Primary or Idiopathic

13

41.9%

2.1%

Seizure Disorder - Not Epilepsy

11

35.5%

1.8%

Other *

4

12.9%

0.6%

Myasthenia Gravis

2

6.5%

0.3%

Scottie Cramp

1

3.2%

0.2%

Total

31

100.0%

5.0%

* Includes stroke, brain aneurism, and "spinning". Three percent of Australian Terriers were reported with seizures in the 1997 survey.


CARDIOPULMONARY DISORDERS

Number Affected

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Other *

10

43.5%

1.6%

Collapsing Trachea

5

21.8%

0.8%

Other Acquired cardiac abnormalities

4

17.4%

0.6%

Mitral/Tricuspid Valve Degeneration

2

8.7%

0.3%

Chronic Bronchitis

1

4.3%

0.2%

Nasal Disorders

1

4.3%

0.2%

Total

23

100.0%

3.7%

* Includes six reports of dogs with heart murmurs, one unspecified respiratory disease, pneumonia, enlarged heart, and asthma. In 1997, Respiratory Conditions were reported to be extremely uncommon in Australian Terriers. Only two cases of infectious respiratory disease were reported with no mention of any specific cardiac disease.


IMMUNOLOGICAL & HEMOLYTIC DISORDERS

No. of Affecteds

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Immune Suppression

6

30.0%

1.0%

Hepatitis

4

20.0%

0.6%

Pemphigus Complex Disease

3

15.0%

0.5%

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

2

10.0%

0.3%

Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD)

2

10.0%

0.3%

Other *

2

10.0%

0.3%

Rheumatoid Arthritis

1

5.0%

0.2%

Total

20

100.0%

3.2%

Immune Suppression diagnoses includes three cases of Systemic Lupus and two cases of vasculitis.

* Includes one case of Autoimmune Orchitis (inflammation of testes resulting in infertility). The 1997 Survey noted that hematologic conditions were very uncommon in Australian Terriers. Only one case of VWD and one case of chronic anemia were reported.


NEONATAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

No. of Affecteds

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Other

6

60.0%

1.0%

Hydrocephalus

2

20.0%

0.3%

Cleft palate/harelip

1

10.0%

0.2%

Fading Puppy Syndrome

1

10.0%

0.2%

Total

10

100.0%

1.6%

       

TOXICOLOGICAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY

No. of Affecteds

% of Disease Group

% of Dogs Affected

Warfarin (rat poison) toxicity

6

75.0%

1.0%

Organophosphate toxicity

2

25.0%

0.3%

Total

8

100.0%

1.3%


SUMMARY OF TOP 10 DISEASES REPORTED AMONG AUSTRALIAN TERRIERS

To arrive at the top ten diseases, the numbers within each group were analyzed and adjusted to best reflect the overall state of health in the breed. For example, cancer includes all diagnoses within that group. Within Dermatology , all types of dermatitis were added together, including seven cases that had been assigned to the other category within that disease group. Charted are the top ten diseases with the highest percentage of affecteds in the breed.

Chart III

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PART II: DOG CARE


In this section of the survey, owners were asked to respond to questions about the general care and upbringing of their dogs. It is hoped that this will provide background information for any future research studies. At this time, no correlations have been drawn between care and conditions and dog diseases nor have any conclusions been drawn regarding Aussie dog care. The information collected here may be used to direct the health committee in future health education.



Diet & Nutrition


Adult Dry Foods Given

Brand
Number Reported

Iams®

27

Science Diet™

17

Hills® Prescription Diets

15

Purina®

15

Dry (no brand)

12

Eukanuba®

12

Innova®

9

Nutro®

9

Canidae®, Pedigree™, ProPlan™

8

No Brand Specified

7

Solid Gold®, Wysong®

4

BilJac®, Natural Balance®

3

California Natural®, K&B®, Sensible®

2

Other (11 Responses)

1

 


Adult Canned Foods Given
Brand
Number Reported

Hills® Prescription Diets

14

Wet (no brand specified)

11

Pedigree®

10

Iams®, Wysong®

3

Canidae®, Mighty Dog™, Neura™, Solid Gold®

2

Other (4 Responses)

1




Adult - Other Foods Given

Brand
Number Reported

Raw Diet

12

Treats

8

Home Cooked

7

Frozen

2

Human Baby Food

1

Other

1




Puppy Dry Foods Given
Brand
Number Reported
Eukanuba®

17

Dry (no brand specified)

11

Iams®, Pedigree®, Hill's Science Diet™

7

Innova®

5

Purina®, Wysong®

4

Canidae®, Purina ProPlan™

3

Other (4 Responses)

1

 


Puppy Canned Foods Given
Brand
Number Reported

Pedigree®

6

Wet (no brand specified)

3

Iams®

2

Other (7 Responses)

1



Puppy - Other Foods Given
Type
Number Reported

Raw

9

Homecooked

5

Frozen

2

Human Baby Food

1

 


Food Quantity Given
 
Number Reported

3/4 Cup

47

1 Cup

47

< 1/2 Cup

26

1 1/2 Cups

19

1/2 Cup

12

1 1/4 Cups

8

2 Cups

5

Varies

5

Free Feed

4

2 1/2 Cups

2

3 Cups

1

 


Feeding Frequency

 
Number Reported

Twice per day

107

Once per day

40

Free Feed

11

Three Times per day

5

Other

1




Supplement Types
 
Number Reported

Selenium

20

Multivitamin

18

Egg

17

Kelp

14

Vitamin E, Vitamin C

9

Milk Thistle

7

Derm Caps™

6

Glucosamine, EFA

5

Yogurt/ Cottage Cheese, Vitamin B, Multisupplement

4

Fastrack™

3

MSM™
2
Other (9 Responses)
1

Note: 74 responded that supplements were added, 96 responded that supplements were not used. Of the 74 responses, the above depicts the range of supplements used.

 


Supplement Types for Bitches in Whelp

 
Number Reported

Cottage Cheese

8

Multivitamin

8

Calcium

5

Raw liver

4

Extra protein

4

Multisupplement

4

Raspberry Leaves

3

Note: 29 responded that supplements were used for bitches in whelp, 141 responded that supplements were not used. Of the 29 responses, the above depicts the range of supplements used.



Prescription Diets Given

 
Number Reported

Hill's W/D™

9

Hill's I/D™

5

Hill's™ (Unspecified)

4

Hill's C/D™, Purina DCO™, Unknown (Each)

2

Other (13 Responses)

1

Note: 43 responded that prescription diets were used, 127 responded that prescription diets were not used. Of the 43 responses, the above depicts the range of diets used. In the "Other" category, entries ranged from venison or duck with potato to other Hill's Diets (S/D, U/D).


Chlorinated Drinking Water Given

True

100

False

70

Total

170

Note: 21 responses were received from those who offered filtered or bottled water. Six respondents used well water and 3 respondents added vinegar to their water.

 


Food Hypersensitivities and/or Food Intolerances Reported

True

27

False

143

Total

170

Note: Of the above 27 reporting "true", corn, wheat, dairy, beef and commercial snacks each received 2 responses.
Other answers included fruit, grasses, chicken, liver and preservatives.



Exercise and Housing



Dog's Primary Housing

Free In House

140

Fenced Yard

61

Crate

38

Kennel - Indoor/Outdoor

7

Kennel - Indoor Only

4

Total

250

Note: The total is a result of respondents probably using one or more of the options above to house their dog(s).



Dog's Normal Exercise Routine

Loose In Yard

58

Short Walk

43

Hard Walk

28

Kennel Run

7

Potty Break Only

5

Treadmill

2

Total

143

 


Car Sickness Reported

True

16

False

147

Total

163


Vaccinations and Worming


Type of Vaccine Given

No

Yes

Number of Responses

% Vaccinating

Rabies

11

162

173

94%

Distemper

16

156

172

91%

Parvovirus

23

141

164

86%

Leptospirosis

94

79

173

46%

Kennel Cough

98

75

173

43%

Coronavirus

115

58

173

34%

Lymes Disease

130

43

173

25%

Nosodes

166

7

173

4%

 


Vaccination Frequency

Vaccine

Yearly

Every Two Years

Every Three Years

As Recommended by Vet

Sporadic

As Puppy Only

Rarely/ Never

Other

No. of Responses

Rabies

38

21

68

10

1

2

140

Distemper

79

15

14

9

9

2

1

129

Parvovirus

76

15

12

9

5

5

1

123

Leptospirosis

38

7

7

5

4

3

3

67

Kennel Cough

38

3

1

7

7

2

2

2

62

Coronavirus

23

5

2

4

4

5

1

44

Lymes Disease

21

4

2

6

3

36

Nosodes

1

1

1

1

1

5

With the exception of rabies (indicated as being given every three years), the majority of respondents vaccinate their dogs on an annual basis for all other diseases.



Routine Worming

Yearly

7

As Needed

6

Every 6 Months

5

As Puppy Only

3

Unspecified

15

Total

36

Of the 167 respondents who answered whether they routinely worm their dogs, 131 responded that they did not while 36 responded that they did.



Heartworm Preventative Use & Frequency

Monthly / Year-round

96

Monthly / Spring to Fall

41

Never

4

Sporadically

3

Daily / Year-round

2

As Puppy Only

1

Total

147

Note: 7 respondents reported using nosodes while 166 did not.


Exposure to Chemicals and Pesticides

 


Exposure to Lawn Chemicals

True

48

False

126

Total

174

 


Flea/Tick Product Types Used

Drops

81

Collar

14

Shampoo

13

Pills

12

Sprays

9

Dips

1

Homeopathic

1

Total

131

 


Flea/Tick Product Brands Used

Frontline™

54

Advantage™

7

Sentinel™

6

Adams

4

Biospot™; Revolution™

3

Hartz

2

Other (8 Responses)

1

Total

84

 


Carpet Deodorizer Brands Used

Febreeze™

7

Arm & Hammer™

3

Carpet Fresh™

3

Baking Soda

3

Natureís Miracle™

2

Simple Solution™

2

Vinegar

2

Other (7 Responses)

1

Total

29

Note: 25 respondents reported using carpet deodorizers while 149 did not.




Breeding and Litter Information


33 breeders reported on 213 litters. The average number of litters per breeder was 6.4 litters. The average litter size was 4.5 pups. The largest litter size reported was 9 pups.



Litters per Breeder

# of Litters

# of Breeders

5

6

3

5

1

4

4 Litters; 10 Litters

3

8 Litters; 9 Litters; 16 Litters

2

2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15 Litters

1

Average # of Litters Per Breeder

6.4

 


Average Litter Size

# of Pups

# of Litters

# Stillborn

# of Litters

5

53

0

196

4

45

1

17

6

33

2

2

3

28

3

1

7

16

2

14

1

10

8

8

0

3

9

2

Average Litter Size

4.5

Avg. Per Litter

.09

 


Gender of Puppies

Females

Males

# Per Litter

# of Litters

# Per Litter

# of Litters

0

22

0

23

1

51

1

35

2

56

2

60

3

42

3

47

4

30

4

33

5

9

5

10

6

2

6

4

Avg. Females Per Litter

2.8

Avg. Males Per Litter

2.4

Total

212

Total

212

 


Breeding Methods Used

Natural

199

Artificial Insemination (AI) - Fresh

6

AI - Chilled

6

AI - Frozen

1

Combination of Methods

2

Total

214

 


Dam Issues During Whelp

Uterine Inertia

9

C-Section

7

Pyometra

3

Eclampsia

3

Silent Seasons

2

Bleeding During Pregnancy

2

Other *

14

Note: * Other issues included abortion, mastitis, and retained placenta among other issues with one response each.



Pup Issues During Whelp

Fading Puppy Syndrome

19

Stillborn

15

Cleft Palate/Lip

6

Other-Unknown

3

Eclampsia

3

Legg-Perthes

3

Deformed

2

Bottle-Fed

2

Dam Smothered

2

Other *

11

Note: * Other issues included included hydrocephalus, undescended testicles, and umbilical hernia among other issues with one response each.

 


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