Clinical epidemiology of congenital heart diseases in dogs: prevalence, popularity and volatility throughout twenty years of clinical practice

• DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.25.964262
• Publication Date: 2020-02-26T11:45:12Z
• Authors: PG Brambilla; M Polli; D Pradelli; M Papa; R Rizzi; M Bagardi; C Bussadori
• Keywords: Ductus arteriosus; Pulmonic stenosis

Abstract The epidemiology of Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) has changed over the past twenty years. We evaluated prevalence CHDs in population dogs recruited a single referral center (RC); compared epidemiological features screened breeds (Boxers) versus nonscreened (French and English Bulldogs German Shepherds), investigated association with CHDs, determined popularity volatility 20-year period; analysed trends most popular overall new-born registered Italian Kennel Club from 1st January 1997 to 31st December 2017. This was retrospective observational study, cardiological database RC analysed, 1,779 clinical records fulfilled inclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics frequencies regarding representative were generated. A logistic regression model used analyse common found Bulldog, Boxer, Shepherd), groups (brachycephalic represented large breeds). relationships between breed presence studied. Pulmonic Stenosis (34,1%), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (26,4%), Subaortic (14,6%), Ventricular Septal Defect (4,8%), Aortic (4,7%), Tricuspid Dysplasia (3,4%), Atrial (1,9%), Double Chamber Right ventricle (1,8%), Mitral (1,6%), reverse (0,7%). pure Boxer (19,4%), Shepherd (9,4%), French Bulldog (6,2%), (4,9%), Maltese (3,7%), Newfoundland (3,1%), Rottweiler Golden Retriever (3,0%), Chihuahua (2,8%), Poodle (2,5%), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (2,2%), American Staffordshire Terrier (2,1%), Labrador (2,3%), Dobermann Miniature Pinscher (2,0%), Cocker Yorkshire (1,7%), Dogue de Bordeaux Dachshund Bull (1,5%). Chihuahuas, Terriers, Border Collies, Bulldogs, appreciated small medium breeds, all which showed high value volatility. In conclusion, this study evidence for screening program implemented Boxers, decreased Stenosis. However, fashions influence dog owners’ choices more than worries health problems frequently breed. Effective breeding programs are needed order control diffusion without impoverishing genetic pool; addition, owners should be educated, breeders supported by network veterinary cardiology centers.