Euthanasia rates and risk factors for euthanasia in dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in Australian primary care practices: 2078 cases (2008-2017).
Detailed assessments of euthanasia rates of dogs with diabetes mellitus in Australian primary care practice and evaluation of associated risk factors have not been performed. Study objectives were to describe the euthanasia timing in this population and identify patient characteristics at diagnosis that increased the probability of euthanasia.
Records of dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in primary care practice (n = 2078) during 2008 to 2017, inclusively, were sourced through VetCompass Australia. For cases that were euthanised, reasons were attributed to being related to diabetes mellitus or not. Time to euthanasia post-diagnosis was described using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was developed to identify risk factors for euthanasia following diabetes mellitus diagnosis.
The cumulative percentage of dogs euthanised for diabetes-related reasons at diagnosis, and within 6 and 12 months of diagnosis was 13%, 46% and 53%, respectively. During the first 12 months post-diagnosis, dogs that were entire [HR 1.9 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.3)], ≥10 years of age [HR 2.4 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.7)], female [HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3)] and of breeds at higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus [HR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.4)] had an increased daily hazard of euthanasia. Quality of life was the most frequently reported reason for euthanasia.
This study documents higher euthanasia rates among dogs with diabetes mellitus within the first year of diagnosis than previously reported. The findings help identify cases where additional owner support could be warranted.
Records of dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in primary care practice (n = 2078) during 2008 to 2017, inclusively, were sourced through VetCompass Australia. For cases that were euthanised, reasons were attributed to being related to diabetes mellitus or not. Time to euthanasia post-diagnosis was described using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was developed to identify risk factors for euthanasia following diabetes mellitus diagnosis.
The cumulative percentage of dogs euthanised for diabetes-related reasons at diagnosis, and within 6 and 12 months of diagnosis was 13%, 46% and 53%, respectively. During the first 12 months post-diagnosis, dogs that were entire [HR 1.9 (95% CI 1.6 to 2.3)], ≥10 years of age [HR 2.4 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.7)], female [HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3)] and of breeds at higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus [HR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.4)] had an increased daily hazard of euthanasia. Quality of life was the most frequently reported reason for euthanasia.
This study documents higher euthanasia rates among dogs with diabetes mellitus within the first year of diagnosis than previously reported. The findings help identify cases where additional owner support could be warranted.