Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RVC study reveals insights into euthansia of dogs
The study found that Rottweilers are more likely to die by euthanasia compared to Labrador retrievers.

Paper aims to support vets and owners in discussions about end of life care.

A new study led by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed the types of diseases and conditions most likely to lead to death by euthanasia in dogs.

The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shows that spinal cord disorder, incompetence, poor quality of life and undesirable behaviour are among the conditions most likely to lead to euthanasia.

Larger body weights, increasing age and certain breeds of dog were also found to be significant risk factors. 

Researchers hope that the study can support veterinary professionals and owners to better prepare for - and come to terms with -  difficult discussions about euthanasia.

Study author Camilla Pegram, an epidemiologist at the RVC, said: “End-of-life discussions between veterinarians and owners can be particularly difficult for both parties. This study provides benchmark data for the relative proportion of deaths that involve euthanasia and for the relative impact from demographics and disorders on euthanasia decision-making. 

“Owners and veterinary professionals may find it easier to discuss end-of-life options, to reach a final decision and be comfortable with these decisions based on a feeling of broader support from the reported actions of others in similar situations.”

Led by the RVC’s VetCompass programme, the study is one of the largest ever to use anonymised veterinary health records to understand how dogs die in the UK.

Researchers analysed information from more than 29,000 dogs that died over a year to assess the varying causes of death simultaneously and evaluate their impacts on decision-making. 

Researchers found that, in most cases, it falls to the owner and their vet to make the difficult decision to put their dog to sleep. A total of 2,676 (91.5 per cent) deaths in the study involved euthanasia, while 2,487 (8.5 per cent) were unassisted deaths. 

They also found that Rottweilers are more likely to die by euthanasia compared to Labrador retrievers as the standard baseline breed. Conversely, smaller breeds like bulldogs, pugs and West Highland white terriers were more likely to have unassisted deaths more likely caused by traumatic injury, foreign bodies and heart disease.

Other key findings from the study were:

  • the average age at death of euthanased dogs (12.1 years) was older than the average age of dogs that died unassisted (9.9 years)
  • increasing age at death (years) was associated with increased risk of euthanasia relative to unassisted death, with dogs aged ≥ 15 years showing 5.9 times the risk of euthanasia compared with dogs aged < 6 years
  • bodyweight (kg) was associated with euthanasia, with dogs weighing 20 to < 30kg at 1.24 times the risk of euthanasia compared with dogs < 10 kg. 
     
Study co-author Dr Dan O’Neill, a senior lecturer in companion animal epidemiology, at the RVC, said: “The decision for many animal owners to put a beloved dog to sleep is often the hardest decision of their life. The moment of euthanasia often lives with owners forever. 

“Hopefully, the information from this study can at least help some owners come to terms with the responsibility of helping their dog go with dignity. Understanding that over 90 per cent of other owners also opted for euthanasia may help anyone struggling to make this final and hardest decision.” 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.