“Unraveling the Connection: How Demographics and Lifestyles Shape Intervertebral Disc Disease in Over 43,000 U.S. Dogs”

Objective:

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a debilitating spinal disorder that has been extensively examined within the Dachshund breed. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding regarding the prevalence of IVDD across different dog breeds and accompanying lifestyle risk factors. This study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence, demographics, and lifestyle aspects linked to IVDD among a significant population of pet dogs in the US.

Methods:

An observational cross-sectional study was performed utilizing the Dog Aging Project database. Companion dogs that were enrolled from December 26, 2019, to December 31, 2022, were included in this research. The main outcome measured was the lifetime prevalence of owner-reported IVDD (OR-IVDD). Associations between OR-IVDD, demographic, and lifestyle elements were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 43,517 dogs (female, 49.6% [21,582 of 43,517]; purebred, 50.3% [21,910 of 43,517]) participated in the study. The lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD was found to be 1.2% (520 of 43,517). In adjusted analysis, male dogs (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.64), purebred dogs (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.01), toy and small breeds (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.27), as well as overweight dogs (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.01) displayed higher odds of OR-IVDD. Lifestyle elements leading to lower odds of OR-IVDD encompassed increased daily active duration, adherence to a commercial diet, and consistent use of stairs. Dachshunds exhibited the highest lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD (15.3% [83 of 541]). Among purebred dogs, French Bulldogs showed the greatest odds of OR-IVDD (OR, 21.1; 95% CI, 12.5 to 35.8) in adjusted analysis.

Conclusions:

Owner-reported IVDD is influenced by demographic and lifestyle factors such as breed type, daily activity levels, and frequency of staircase use.

Clinical relevance:

An enhanced emphasis on breed-specific investigation of French Bulldogs would be advantageous given their popularity and the lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD. Additional longitudinal studies are required to support clinical decision-making and lifestyle guidance.