2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

The frequency of HAC steadily increased with increasing age at the time of death. HAC was more frequent in females, with no significant effect of sterilization status. HAC or related comorbidities were the cause of death of a minority (25.9%) of affected dogs. PDH (73.4%) was more common than FAT (25.8%) but FAT was over-represented as a cause of death (80.9% of HAC deaths). HAC frequency was over-represented in both expected (Miniature Poodle, Dachshund) and unexpected (Irish Setter, Bassett Hound) breeds. HAC dogs were at increased risk for concurrent diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, urolithiasis, hypertension, gall bladder mucocele, and thromboembolic disease compared with dogs without HAC. There was no significant difference in frequency of skin infections, or ligament or tendon ruptures between dogs with or without HAC.