TeamMate: A Longitudinal Study of New Zealand Working Farm Dogs. II. Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Abnormalities

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injury and disease are common in dogs, and a major cause of retirement in working dogs. Many livestock farmers rely on dogs for the effective running of their farms. However, the incidence of musculoskeletal disease has not been explored in working farm dogs. Here we explore the occurrence of musculoskeletal abnormalities in 323 working farm dogs that were enrolled in TeamMate, a longitudinal study of working farm dogs in New Zealand. All dogs were free of musculoskeletal abnormalities on enrolment to the study and were present for at least one follow-up examination. During the follow-up period, 184 dogs (57%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 52%−62%) developed at least one musculoskeletal abnormality during 4,508 dog-months at risk, corresponding to 4.1 dogs (95% CI = 3.5-4.7) with recorded abnormalities per 100 dog-months at risk. The most common abnormalities were reduced range of motion and swelling of the carpus or stifle, while the hip was the most common site of pain. No major differences in incidence rate (IR) between sexes or types of dogs were observed, though Huntaways had a slightly lower rate of carpal abnormalities than Heading dogs (IR ratio = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3-1.0). Eighty-one of 119 dogs (68%, 95% CI = 60%−76%) that had a first musculoskeletal abormality developed a second abnormality. The most common type of abnormality that was seen in the same dog more than once was reduced range of motion in the carpus (14 of 119 dogs, 12%, 95% CI = 6%−18%). Although we do not provide data on diagnoses, the high incidence rate of recorded musculoskeletal abnormalities and dogs' high activity mean it is likely that working farm dogs are at a high risk of conditions that could impair their welfare and reduce the lengths of their working careers. Preventing and managing musculoskeletal injury and illness should be a priority for owners and veterinarians caring for working farm dogs.

Part II of Finnish Agility Dog Survey: Agility-Related Injuries and Risk Factors for Injury in Competition-Level Agility Dogs

“…However, that study included also nonagility-related injuries and orthopedic conditions, likely leading to the higher proportions than in other studies [8]. The incidence of sport-or work-related injuries appears lower in agility dogs than in greyhounds, working farm dogs, or gundogs [13][14][15]. In flyball dogs, injury risk appears to be similar to agility dogs [11,16].…”

Noncombat injury and illness prevalence and working score percentage quantify the impact on duty availability in US Army Special Operations military working dogs

“…The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in our study (15.9%) closely matched results from Schuh-Renner et al (14.0%) 11 and Takara and Harrell (14.3%). 10 These numbers were much lower than the incidence of musculoskeletal injury in New Zealand herding dogs 17,18 and UK service dogs, 14 likely because our population of dogs was quite young overall and the study period was relatively short. Additionally, our study showed there were multiple dogs that sustained more than 1 injury or illness during the period observed; however, we did not conduct further analysis on these multiple injuries.…”

“…A comprehensive prospective study 17 of 641 herding dogs in New Zealand showed that 43% had at least 1 musculoskeletal injury. In a subsequent study 18 of 323 dogs, 57% (n = 184) developed at least 1 musculoskeletal abnormality, and of these dogs available for follow-up, 68% developed a second musculoskeletal abnormality. Our study intended to determine the calculates the mean WSP for that injury type for the 24-month period (ie, a dog that had an acute musculoskeletal injury would be expected to have a 24-month WSP of 98.4% [vs 81.4% if the injury were chronic]).…”

Where did my dog go? A pilot study exploring the movement ecology of farm dogs

“…Working farm dogs (such as sheep dogs) conduct important work including herding and guarding livestock ( 27 ), as well as providing companionship to shepherds working in isolated conditions ( 28 ). Where farm dogs work frequently, they may be susceptible to health issues; a longitudinal study conducted in New Zealand revealed that 60% of working farm dogs developed at least one musculoskeletal abnormality (any physical sign regardless of severity) over 4 years ( 29 ). Health complications can greatly affect a working dog’s quality of life, through pain and limited mobility, and may also place an economic burden on farmers.…”