Epidemiology of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Diagnosis in Dogs Attending Primary‐Care Veterinary Practices in England

Abstract

Objective To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for a diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in dogs and to describe the management of such cases attending primary‐care veterinary practices. Study design Historical cohort with a nested case–control study. Sample population Nine hundred and fifty‐three dogs diagnosed with CCL disease from 171,522 dogs attending 97 primary‐care practices in England. Methods Medical records of dogs attending practices participating in the VetCompass project that met selection criteria were assessed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to evaluate association of possible risk factors with diagnosis of CCL disease. Results The prevalence of CCL disease diagnosis was estimated at 0.56% (95% confidence interval 0.52–0.59). Compared with crossbred dogs, Rottweilers, West Highland White Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed increased odds of CCL disease diagnosis while Cocker Spaniels showed reduced odds. Increasing bodyweight within breeds was associated with increased odds of diagnosis. Dogs aged over 3 years had increased odds of diagnosis compared with dogs aged less than 3 years. Neutered females had 2.1 times the odds of diagnosis compared with entire females. Insured dogs had 4 times the odds of diagnosis compared with uninsured dogs. Two‐thirds of cases were managed surgically, with insured and heavier dogs more frequently undergoing surgery. Overall, 21% of cases were referred, with referral more frequent in heavier and insured dogs. Referred dogs more frequently had surgery and an osteotomy procedure. Conclusion Breed predispositions and demographic factors associated with diagnosis and case management of CCL disease in dogs identified in this study can be used to help direct future research and management strategies.

Breed, gender, age and reproductive status in relation to the predisposition for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in 117 dogs treated by a single surgeon (2010 - 2015) - a short communication

“…rottweilers and Golden retrievers have been cited as breeds in which CCL disease is common (haraSeN, 2003). Compared to the studies by haraSeN et al (2003), aDaMS et al (2011 and taYLOr-BrOWN et al (2015), we noticed a lower incidence of CCL rupture in rottweilers (5.1%) and in West highland terriers and Yorkies (0.85%). On the other hand, Labradors and mixed breeds had a greater incidence of CCL rupture (21%).…”

“…there was a statistically significant difference in 5 to 8 year old dogs, with a total of 41% (48/117), P<0.01 (table 1). In the study by taYLOr-BrOWN et al (2015) dogs aged over 3 years had increased odds of diagnosis of CCL rupture compared to dogs aged less than 3 years. rottweilers and Golden retrievers have been cited as breeds in which CCL disease is common (haraSeN, 2003).…”

Multiple morbidities in companion dogs: a novel model for investigating age-related disease

“…For example, several previous papers employing the VetCompass database have highlighted dramatic financial and social effects from pet insurance on disease diagnosis and survival rates. Compared with non-insured dogs, insured dogs are four times more likely to be diagnosed with hyper-adrenocorticism (26), cranial cruciate disease (27), and mast cell tumor (28). Non-insured diabetic dogs have 1.7 times the hazard of death compared with insured dogs (29).…”

Epidemiology of hyperadrenocorticism among 210,824 dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014

“…Despite several molecular studies that investigated its aetiopathogenesis, the exact cause of hyperadrenocorticism in most dogs remains unknown (Hanson et al, 2010, Kool et al, 2013, Teshima et al, 2009, van Rijn et al, 2010, van Wijk et al, 2014. Access to clinical health data on the large population of dogs in VetCompass offers the intriguing prospect of aetiological and epidemiological research across a range of disorders such as hyperadrenocorticism and of linking these with primary-care diagnosis and health management (Mattin et al, 2014, Kearsley-Fleet et al, 2012, Taylor-Brown et al, 2015, Mattin et al, 2015, O'Neill et al, 2013.…”