Your loyal, hard-working farm dogs never complain. But the impact of their demanding, active lifestyle means that they can develop health issues.
A study of rural veterinary practice over a 12-period was undertaken to establish the main health issues in working farm dogs in NZ. Huntaways were over-represented in cases that included constipation, GDV (or “torsion”) and hip dysplasia. Heading Dogs over-represented in cases of multiple ligamentous injury of the stifle, disruption of the gastrocnemius or Achilles tendon, tarsal injuries and hip luxation.[1]
The same study found that euthanasia occurred following 10% of veterinary visits. The most important non-traumatic causes were due to GDV, degenerative joint disease, mammary neoplasia and diseases involving the female reproductive tract, cardiac disease and poisoning. The authors concluded that several of these important health issues may be amenable to intervention through nutrition.[2]
Here we explore the serious health condition of Musculoskeletal Injury & Disease that can impact working farm dogs.
Musculoskeletal conditions affect the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons and other connective tissues. Musculoskeletal injury and disease have been found to be a common and major cause of retirement in working dogs.
A study of 323 working farm dogs began with all dogs free of abnormalities, but during 14 months of monitoring, 184 dogs (57%) developed at least one musculoskeletal abnormality.[3] In other words, almost six in 10 dogs.
Most common abnormalities included reduced range of motion and swelling of the carpus or stifle, while the hip was the most common site of pain. In total, 68% of the dogs that had one musculoskeletal abnormality developed a second abnormality.
The high incidence rate of recorded musculoskeletal abnormalities and high activity mean that working dogs are at a high risk of conditions that could impair their welfare and reduce their career of lifespan.
It was concluded that preventing and managing musculoskeletal injury and illness should be a priority for owners and vets caring for working farm dogs. Given the reliance of NZ farmers on their dogs for the efficient running of their farms and the economic value these dogs bring to their owners, high incidences of musculoskeletal injury and disease represent a major economic cost to owners.[4]
See why STAMINA dog food can help limit injuries in working dogs.
[1] Cave et al, 2009.
[2] Cave et al, 2009.
[3] Isaksen et al, 2020b.
[4] Isaksen et al, 2020b.