Demographic and lifestyle characteristics impact lifetime prevalence of owner-reported intervertebral disc disease: 43,517 companion dogs in the United States.

Objective: Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a debilitating spinal condition that has been well studied among Dachshunds. However, little is known about IVDD prevalence across other dog breeds and associated lifestyle risk factors. The purpose of this study was to identify lifetime prevalence, demographic, and lifestyle factors associated with IVDD among a large population of companion dogs in the US.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with the Dog Aging Project database. Companion dogs enrolled between December 26, 2019, and December 31, 2022, were included. The primary outcome was lifetime prevalence of owner-reported IVDD (OR-IVDD). Associations between OR-IVDD, demographic, and lifestyle factors were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression.

Results: 43,517 dogs (female, 49.6% [21,582 of 43,517]; purebred, 50.3% [21,910 of 43,517]) were included in the study. Lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD was 1.2% (520 of 43,517). On adjusted analysis, male (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.64), purebred (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.01), toy and small (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.27), and overweight (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.01) dogs had increased odds of OR-IVDD. Lifestyle factors associated with reduced odds of OR-IVDD include higher daily active time, being on a commercial diet, and regular use of a staircase. Dachshunds had the highest lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD (15.3% [83 of 541]). Among purebred dogs, French Bulldogs had the highest odds of OR-IVDD (OR, 21.1; 95% CI, 12.5 to 35.8) on adjusted analysis.

Conclusions: Owner-reported IVDD is impacted by demographic and lifestyle factors such as breed status, daily active time, and staircase use.

Clinical relevance: An increased focus on breed-specific research of French Bulldogs would be beneficial considering breed popularity and lifetime prevalence of OR-IVDD. Further longitudinal research is needed to assist with clinical decision-making and lifestyle recommendations.