Causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in military working dogs: 927 cases (1993-1996).
OBJECTIVE
To determine causes of death or reasons for euthanasia in a population of military working dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
927 military working dogs.


METHODS
Records of all military working dogs that died during the period from 1993 to 1996 were evaluated for cause of death or reason for euthanasia by review of necropsy and histopathology reports, death certificates, and daily clinical treatment sheets. A single primary cause of death or euthanasia was determined.


RESULTS
Although sexually intact male dogs were more numerous in the study population, castrated male dogs typically lived longer than spayed females or sexually intact males. Leading causes of death or euthanasia (76.3% of all dogs) were appendicular degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, spinal cord disease, nonspecific geriatric decline, and gastric dilatation-volvulus. Compared with German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Shepherd Dogs were at increased risk for death attributable to neoplasia, behavior, and respiratory tract disease. German Shepherd Dogs had nearly twice the risk for death associated with spinal cord diseases, compared with Belgian Shepherd Dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
For most military working dogs, death or euthanasia results from a few diseases commonly associated with advanced age. Some breed differences in risk for these diseases may exist, which clinicians should consider in the procurement and long-term management of these dogs.
Moore
G E
GE
Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas 78236, USA.
Burkman
K D
KD
Carter
M N
MN
Peterson
M R
MR
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002423:Cause of Death; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000401:mortality*; D004285:Dogs; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D014731:Veterinary Service, Military / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*