Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the United States.

摘要

The prevalence of the most common disorders of cats and dogs examined by US veterinarians during 1995 was determined by use of a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected for 31 484 dogs and 15 226 cats examined at 52 private veterinary practices. Information on age, breed, sex, body condition score and diet are presented. Dental calculus (20.5% of dogs and 24.2% of cats) and gingivitis (19.5% of dogs and 13.1% of cats) were the most commonly reported disorders. About 7% of dogs and 10% ofcats examined by practitioners during the study were considered healthy. Many conditions were common to both species (e.g., flea infestation, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, vomiting). Dogs were likely to be examined because of lameness, disc disease, lipoma,and allergic dermatitis. Cats were likely to be examined because of renal disease, cystitis, feline urological syndrome and inappetence. It is suggested that the results can be used by veterinary practitioners to better understand and anticipate healthproblems of importance in cats and dogs they examine and to better communicate with clients regarding the most prevalent disorders in cats and dogs.