Growth standard charts for monitoring bodyweight in dogs of different sizes

Abstract

Limited information is available on what constitutes optimal growth in dogs. The primary aim of this study was to develop evidence-based growth standards for dogs, using retrospective analysis of bodyweight and age data from >6 million young dogs attending a large corporate network of primary care veterinary hospitals across the USA. Electronic medical records were used to generate bodyweight data from immature client-owned dogs, that were healthy and had remained in ideal body condition throughout the first 3 years of life. Growth centile curves were constructed using Generalised Additive Models for Location, Shape and Scale. Curves were displayed graphically as centile charts covering the age range 12 weeks to 2 years. Over 100 growth charts were modelled, specific to different combinations of breed, sex and neuter status. Neutering before 37 weeks was associated with a slight upward shift in growth trajectory, whilst neutering after 37 weeks was associated with a slight downward shift in growth trajectory. However, these shifts were small in comparison to inter-individual variability amongst dogs, suggesting that separate curves for neutered dogs were not needed. Five bodyweight categories were created to cover breeds up to 40kg, using both visual assessment and hierarchical cluster analysis of breed-specific growth curves. For 20/24 of the individual breed centile curves, agreement with curves for the corresponding bodyweight categories was good. For the remaining 4 breed curves, occasional deviation across centile lines was observed, but overall agreement was acceptable. This suggested that growth could be described using size categories rather than requiring curves for specific breeds. In the current study, a series of evidence-based growth standards have been developed to facilitate charting of bodyweight in healthy dogs. Additional studies are required to validate these standards and create a clinical tool for growth monitoring in pet dogs.

Metabolisable energy intake and growth of privately owned growing dogs in comparison with official recommendations on the growth curve and energy supply

“…On an average, it amounted to 95% of the expected mature weight. When compared to the WALTHAM growth charts (Salt et al, ), there was no puppy or young dog showing abnormal growth.…”

Association between life span and body condition in neutered client‐owned dogs

“…All medical notes from these records were anonymized by removing client‐identifying details and then stored in an object‐related database management system (Oracle 11g release 2, Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, California), hereafter referred to as the “records database.” Available records included those from April 1994 to September 2015. Data were extracted for purebred individuals from 12 of the most popular breeds representing the 5 size classes defined by similarities in patterns of growth . The breeds studied were American Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Boxer, Chihuahua, Dachshund, German Shepherd dog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pit Bull Terrier type, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.…”

Bodyweight at Birth and Growth Rate during the Neonatal Period in Three Canine Breeds

“…Moreover, for the individual puppy, early contact with humans may have beneficial future effects. The weight curves and growth rate of dogs have been investigated in several studies [2][3][4]. Weight has an impact not only on health [5] but also on certain behavioral aspects, with larger female puppies being more active and explorative than their smaller counterparts [6].…”