Page 11 - Clinical Connections- Autumn 2021

Research News

PANDEMIC PUPPIES DOG BREEDS MOST AFFECTED BY OTITIS
RVC researchers have conducted the largest ever study into the EXTERNA
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on puppy purchasing in the VetCompass has released new research to help owners spot dogs
UK. It revealed that ‘pandemic puppy’ owners during 2020 were suffering from ear problems earlier and to seek veterinary attention
generally less likely to have sought credible breeders, less likely sooner. The study revealed the true extent of the condition in the
to have viewed their puppy in-person prior to collection and more UK, as well as which breeds and ear-types are most prone.
likely to have paid over £2,000 than owners of puppies purchased Otitis externa (ear infection) can be smelly, irritating and often
pre-pandemic in 2019. very painful for a dog. If left untreated, the infection can spread
The survey reveals that high demand during the pandemic deeper down the ear canal causing even more serious harm.
increased the risks to puppy health and welfare. While many Given that many dogs will not communicate the extent of their
pandemic-era puppy owners were likely making well-intentioned chronic pain to their owners, owners are often unaware of how
purchases, these buying behaviours unfortunately heightened much their dog is suffering from these ear infections. The study
the threats to puppies from being sourced from poor welfare therefore aims to improve awareness amongst owners. This
environments. includes alerting owners to both the frequency of ear infection, as
The Pandemic Puppies study, which gathered views from well as which breeds and ear-types are most susceptible, to help
5,517 owners, sought to understand the pre- and on-purchase owners identify infections earlier and seek veterinary care.
motivations and behaviours of owners. In line with the first The five worst affected breeds are basset hound, Chinese
lockdown period, it focused on puppies purchased between Shar-Pei, Labradoodle, beagle and golden retriever. Despite the
23 March and 31 December 2020. It then compared these to often-repeated claims of healthiness in designer crosses, such as
responses from owners of puppies purchased during the same cockapoos and Labradoodles, this study identifies a much higher
timeframe in 2019. risk of ear infections in these designer dog types compared to
other crossbred dogs.
Compared with 2019 owners, ‘pandemic puppy’ owners were:
• Less likely to seek out a breeder that performed health Research paper: Dan O’Neill et al. (2021) ‘Frequency and predisposing factors
testing on their breeding dog(s) or was a member of the for canine ear infection in the UK – a primary veterinary care epidemiological
Kennel Club ‘Assured Breeders Scheme’ view’, Canine Medicine and Genetics.
• More likely to be motivated to purchase a dog to improve
their own/their family’s mental wellbeing
• More likely to pay a deposit without seeing the puppy, and Ear Infections in dogs
Ear infection (formally known as “otitis externa”) is a common problem
pay over £2,000 – an increase from average prices of £955 in dogs. It occurs when the lining of the dog’s ear becomes inflamed and
in 2019 to £1,550 in 2020 thickened in either one or both ears. It is smelly, irritating and often
very painful for the dog. Owners are often unaware that their dog is
• More likely to be first-time dog owners even suffering from an ear infection.
• Less likely to view their puppy in-person prior to purchase This study aimed to explore the frequency of
and more likely to see their puppy without their littermates ear infection in UK dogs and to identify which
breeds and ear-types were most affected.
• More likely to have collected their puppy from outside a
Number of
breeder’s property or have it delivered dogs in study Proportion of dogs with
ear infection each year
• More likely to buy a younger puppy, in comparison to the
recommended guidance of over eight weeks
22,333 1 in 14
(7.3%)
Pandemic puppy owners also answered a set of questions
exploring COVID-19 specific impacts. More than 10 per cent had
not considered purchasing a puppy before the pandemic. More
than 86 per cent felt their decision to purchase a puppy had been Does the risk of ear infection vary by breed?
influenced by the pandemic, most commonly by having more 5.9 x
time to care for a dog. With 40 per cent of the pandemic-era 6 MOST PREDISPOSED BREEDS
16 breeds overall were
new owners also having no previous dog ownership experience, 5 predisposed to ear infection
compared with 33 per cent of the 2019 owners, greater levels of 4 3.4 x
support and education may be needed to maintain the welfare of 3 3.0 x 2.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 x 2.2 x
the puppies. TIMES INCREASED RISK 2 2.1 x Jack Russell Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Border Collie Chihuahua

Research paper: Rowena Packer et al (2020) ‘Pandemic Puppies: Risk compared to crossbreeds 1 2 Basset Hound Chinese Shar Pei Labradoodle Beagle Golden Retriever Cockapoo American Bulldog French Bulldog 1.9 x
Characterising Motivations and Behaviours of UK Owners Who Purchased 2.0 x
Puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic’, Animals. TIMES DECREASED RISK 3
4 2.9 x
PROTECTED BREEDS
5 Poodle breeds had 5.0 x
1.9 times risk overall Spaniel breeds 4 breeds were protected
compared to non-Poodle had 1.2 times to ear infection
breeds. risk overall
compared to non-
spaniel breeds.
Other factors predisposing to ear infection Autumn 2021 11

2.5
2.4 x
2.2 2.0 x 2.1 x
Relative risk of ear infection 1.9 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.6 x 1.7 x 1.6 x 1.5 x 1.5 x

1.6

1.3 1.4 x 1.4 x 1.4 x 1.4 x
1.2 x
1.0 x
1.0 Erect* Semi-erect Pendulous < 10kg* 10 to < 15kg 15 to < 20kg 20 to < 25kg 25 to < 30kg ≥ 40kg < 1 yrs* 1 to < 2 yrs 2 to < 4 yrs 4 to < 6 yrs 6 to < 8 yrs 10 to < 12 yrs ≥ 12 yrs
30 to < 40kg
8 to < 10 yrs
V-shaped drop
e.g. Hungarian Vizsla
e.g. German Shepherd Dog e.g. Rough Collie e.g. Basset Hound Adult Bodyweight Age *Reference
category
Ear Carriage
CONCLUSIONS:
Owners can take
preventative action by
e.g. careful ear cleaning
Ear infections in dogs with a dry paper cloth, Owners of high-risk
are very common. breeds and ear types
Owners should check careful use of ear cleaners should be particularly
with antimicrobial
their dog’s ears aware of indicators
regularly and seek properties and avoidance of of an ear infection
veterinary advice if overzealous ear-cleaning or e.g. head shaking and
ear-plucking.
concerned. smelly discharge.
CLICK TO READ
O’Neill et al. (2021) “Frequency and predisposing factors for canine otitis externa in the UK – a primary veterinary care epidemiological view” Canine Medicine and Genetics
RVC VetCompass https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass carries out welfare research based on anonymised clinical information shared from over 30%
of UK veterinary practices. We are very grateful to the owners and veterinary professionals who contribute to VetCompass research.