Results: 2018 General Health Survey
Digestion/Gastroenterology
Conditions listed in the Eye category were reported in 22.7% (235) of 1,171 surveys completed across all breeds/varieties surveyed, making it the third most reported among physical health categories.
Considering the entire population surveyed:
Each breed or variety examined had at least one digestive condition in which levels were markedly higher as compared to the others. While there is always a danger in making comparisons only among this small group, doing so can provide insight into differences among our breed/variety sub-populations as well as possible differences in veterinary/owner diagnoses. It is possible that biases in veterinary testing and diagnosis, breeder/owner self-diagnoses, etc. may have played a role in selection of one diagnosis over another in families of conditions with similar symptoms.
Notable disparities include the following:
*When reviewing results for this category, please keep in mind that an error in survey structure resulted in Pancreatitis being erroneously listed in both the digestive and Liver/Pancreas categories. To reflect actual reports, total figures for both are reported in summaries for both categories, however are only included in category totals for the Liver/Pancreas category.
Considering the entire population surveyed:
- Conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category were reported by a low of 16% of English Toy Terrier owner to a high of 28% of Standard Manchester Terrier owners.
- Rates of digestive issues reported by companion owners vs breeders/exhibitors ranged from just 4-7%, indicating both groups have similar experiences.
- Impacted Anal Glands affected 9.9% (116) of dogs across all breeds/varieties, making it the second most common health issue reported in the entire survey. This condition:
- Disproportionately affected Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) where owners reported the disease at a rate of 16.8%. Both Standard Manchester Terriers and English Toy Terriers also reported relatively high rates at 9.7% and 6.6%, respectively, with Toy Manchester owners reporting the condition in just 2.3% of their dogs.
- Was reported more often in females than males. Overall, impacted anal glands were reported in 7% of all dogs and 12% of all females. In Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI), the condition was reported in 21% of females compared to 11% of males.
- Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, described as episodes of vomiting bile, was the second most common issue reported with 4.9% (57) of owners reporting the condition across all breeds/varieties. This condition disproportionately affected Standard Manchesters (12.9%) with owners reporting it at almost 2.5x the rate of Toy Manchesters (5.3%) and almost 5x the rate of Manchester Terriers (2.7%) and ETTs (2.6%).
- Intestinal Lymphangiectasia was reported only in the Toy Manchester population (2.6%), while the related condition of Protein-Losing Enteropathy was reported primarily in TMTs and SMTs (1.3% and 1.1% compared to 0% of MTs and 0.4% of ETTs).
Each breed or variety examined had at least one digestive condition in which levels were markedly higher as compared to the others. While there is always a danger in making comparisons only among this small group, doing so can provide insight into differences among our breed/variety sub-populations as well as possible differences in veterinary/owner diagnoses. It is possible that biases in veterinary testing and diagnosis, breeder/owner self-diagnoses, etc. may have played a role in selection of one diagnosis over another in families of conditions with similar symptoms.
Notable disparities include the following:
- Toy Manchester Terriers:
- Intestinal Lymphangiectasia only observed in TMTs
- Protein-losing enteropathy almost completely exclusive to TMTs and SMTs
- 3x more likely to report Chronic Diarrhea
- Standard Manchester Terriers:
- 2.5-5x more likely to report Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
- 2x more likely to report Irritable Bowel Disease
- Highest rate of Pancreatitis
- Protein-losing enteropathy was almost completely exclusive to TMTs and SMTs
- Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI):
- Rate of Impacted anal glands almost 7% higher than breed average and some 10-15% higher than ETTs and TMTs
- Rate of Impacted anal glands almost 7% higher than breed average and some 10-15% higher than ETTs and TMTs
- English Toy Terriers
- 2x more likely to report Colitis
- 2x more likely to report Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
*When reviewing results for this category, please keep in mind that an error in survey structure resulted in Pancreatitis being erroneously listed in both the digestive and Liver/Pancreas categories. To reflect actual reports, total figures for both are reported in summaries for both categories, however are only included in category totals for the Liver/Pancreas category.
Conditions
The following conditions are referenced in the analysis for this section. The explanation for each disease/condition provided in the survey is included here for reference:
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Toy Manchester Terriers
The most common conditions affecting Toy Manchester Terriers in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category were Chronic Diarrhea, which was reported in 5.3% (16) of Toy Manchesters, and Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, which was reported in 4.9% (15) of Toy Manchesters.
Additional conditions reported included 12 cases of Coprophagia (3.9%); eight cases each of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, Irritable Bowel Disease and Pancreatitis* (2.6%); seven dogs with Impacted Anal Glands (2.3%); four cases each of Colitis and Protein-losing Enteropathy (1.4%); two cases each of Chronic Constipation, Esophogeal Stricture, and Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (0.7%); and, one case each of Megaesophagus and Pica (0.3%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners also identified one case each of lymphoplasia; asceitis; episodic constipation; and, ‘reflux issues with a sensitive stomach’ (0.3%). One owner also used this space to report a case of suspected but unconfirmed Protein-losing Enteropathy.
It should be noted that:
Influencing Factors
A number of factors likely affected owner reporting for this category:
1) Several of the digestive issues listed in this category have common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Some of the conditions listed are also closely related and may even be considered forms of one another (i.e., Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be a pre-cursor to Protein-losing Enteropathy, Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is considered a form of PLE, etc.). Others may present subtle clinical differences increasing the likelihood that the same issue may be diagnosed differently by individual veterinarians (i.e., colitis versus irritable bowel). As a result, reporting of multiple conditions was more common in this category than most others.
2) The likelihood of owners self-diagnosing general digestive issues based solely on the condition descriptions provided in the survey is high, particularly in the case of general issues like vomiting, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, etc.
Associated Deaths
Five Toy Manchesters were reported to have died from digestive issues, representing 7% of all reported Toy Manchester deaths. Three of the dogs died from Intestinal Lymphangiectasia and two from Protein-Losing Enteropathy (as noted above, IL is considered a form of PLE). Age at death ranged from three to nine years with an average age at death of 7.2 years.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies. In total, 12 owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners reported allergies and either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link 6 cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 1.9% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
It should also be noted that some interplay between gastrointestinal and concurrent kidney and/or liver issues may have been present and might warrant additional investigation or observation. Four owners of Toy Manchesters reported dogs with concurrent kidney and digestive issues; three reported concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, one reported concurrent digestive and kidney issues with elevated liver enzymes. When considering these results, please keep in mind that elevated liver enzymes was not a standard choice on the survey and collection of information on this phenomena relied wholly on owners voluntarily including it in the ‘other’ box. As a result, it is possible that more dogs may have had elevated liver enzymes concurrent with conditions listed in the survey.
The possibility of a link between these conditions is further strengthened when results in other varieties are considered as a total of 12 dogs with concurrent digestive and kidney issues; three with concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, three with concurrent digestive and kidney issues as well as elevated liver enzymes were identified across all breeds/varieties examined in the survey.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
The most common conditions affecting Toy Manchester Terriers in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category were Chronic Diarrhea, which was reported in 5.3% (16) of Toy Manchesters, and Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, which was reported in 4.9% (15) of Toy Manchesters.
Additional conditions reported included 12 cases of Coprophagia (3.9%); eight cases each of Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, Irritable Bowel Disease and Pancreatitis* (2.6%); seven dogs with Impacted Anal Glands (2.3%); four cases each of Colitis and Protein-losing Enteropathy (1.4%); two cases each of Chronic Constipation, Esophogeal Stricture, and Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (0.7%); and, one case each of Megaesophagus and Pica (0.3%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners also identified one case each of lymphoplasia; asceitis; episodic constipation; and, ‘reflux issues with a sensitive stomach’ (0.3%). One owner also used this space to report a case of suspected but unconfirmed Protein-losing Enteropathy.
It should be noted that:
- Intestinal Lymphangiectasia was reported only in the Toy Manchester population
- Reports of Protein-Losing Enteropathy were almost wholly limited to Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers.
- Toy Manchester owners were up to 5x more likely to report chronic diarrhea (5.3% compared to 1.1% in SMTs, 0.4% in MTs and 1.8% in ETTs)
Influencing Factors
A number of factors likely affected owner reporting for this category:
1) Several of the digestive issues listed in this category have common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Some of the conditions listed are also closely related and may even be considered forms of one another (i.e., Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be a pre-cursor to Protein-losing Enteropathy, Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is considered a form of PLE, etc.). Others may present subtle clinical differences increasing the likelihood that the same issue may be diagnosed differently by individual veterinarians (i.e., colitis versus irritable bowel). As a result, reporting of multiple conditions was more common in this category than most others.
2) The likelihood of owners self-diagnosing general digestive issues based solely on the condition descriptions provided in the survey is high, particularly in the case of general issues like vomiting, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, etc.
Associated Deaths
Five Toy Manchesters were reported to have died from digestive issues, representing 7% of all reported Toy Manchester deaths. Three of the dogs died from Intestinal Lymphangiectasia and two from Protein-Losing Enteropathy (as noted above, IL is considered a form of PLE). Age at death ranged from three to nine years with an average age at death of 7.2 years.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies. In total, 12 owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners reported allergies and either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link 6 cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 1.9% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
It should also be noted that some interplay between gastrointestinal and concurrent kidney and/or liver issues may have been present and might warrant additional investigation or observation. Four owners of Toy Manchesters reported dogs with concurrent kidney and digestive issues; three reported concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, one reported concurrent digestive and kidney issues with elevated liver enzymes. When considering these results, please keep in mind that elevated liver enzymes was not a standard choice on the survey and collection of information on this phenomena relied wholly on owners voluntarily including it in the ‘other’ box. As a result, it is possible that more dogs may have had elevated liver enzymes concurrent with conditions listed in the survey.
The possibility of a link between these conditions is further strengthened when results in other varieties are considered as a total of 12 dogs with concurrent digestive and kidney issues; three with concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, three with concurrent digestive and kidney issues as well as elevated liver enzymes were identified across all breeds/varieties examined in the survey.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
- investigate gastrointestinal issues in Toy Manchester Terriers (including possible concurrent conditions)
- provide more information on allergies in the breed as a whole
Observations
While reported rates of many conditions in this category increased--sometimes dramatically--in this survey as compared to results from the 2002 General Health Survey, rates of one condition fell substantially. In 2002, the most common condition reported in the digestion category was coprophagia (stool eating), which was reported in 13.5% of Manchesters. In 2018, the behaviour was reported in just 4.5% of the same combined TMT and SMT population. Something we can all be happy about!
Standard Manchester Terriers
The most common conditions affecting Standard Manchester Terriers in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category were Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, which was reported in 12.9% (24) of Standard Manchesters, and Impacted Anal Glands, which were reported in 9.7% (18) of Standard Manchesters.
Additional conditions reported included 10 cases of Coprophagia (5.4%); nine cases of Pancreatitis* (4.8%); eight cases of Irritable Bowel Disease (4.3%); four cases of Colitis (2.3%); two cases each of Chronic Diarrhea and Protein-Losing Enteropathy (1.1%); and, one case each of Esophageal Stricture and Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritist (0.5%).
In the ‘other’ section, three owners identified dogs with chronic or occasional issues with sensitive stomachs in the morning (two owners indicated their dogs would refuse food and two also reported associated vomiting). Two owners reported their dog eats too fast and vomits; and one clarified that the bilious vomiting reported was more like regurgitation of food.
Looking more closely at the group of dogs reporting impacted anal glands, the condition was reported in 12 females (13% of SMT females) compared to 6 males (6.5% of SMT males). This trend was consistent when compared to the entire breed/variety population reporting the same condition, where impacted anal glands were reported in 7% of dogs and 12% of females.
It should be noted that:
Influencing Factors
A number of factors likely affected owner reporting for this category:
1) Several of the digestive issues listed in this category have common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Some of the conditions listed are also closely related and may even be considered forms of one another (i.e., Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be a pre-cursor to Protein Losing Enteropathy while Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is considered a form of PLE), and still others may present subtle clinical differences increasing the likelihood that the same issue may be diagnosed differently by individual veterinarians (i.e., colitis versus irritable bowel). As a result, reporting of multiple conditions was more common in this category than most others.
2) The likelihood of owners self-diagnosing general digestive issues based solely on the condition descriptions provided in the survey is high, particularly in the case of general issues like vomiting, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, etc.
Associated Deaths
One Standard Manchester was reported to have died from digestive issues, with Pancreatitis and Diabetes cited as cause of death at age 11.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies. In total, eight owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link four cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.2% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
It should also be noted that some interplay between gastrointestinal and concurrent kidney and/or liver issues may have been present and might warrant additional investigation or observation. Six owners of Standard Manchesters reported dogs with concurrent kidney and digestive issues, and two more reported concurrent digestive and kidney issues with elevated liver enzymes. When considering these results, please keep in mind that elevated liver enzymes was not a standard choice on the survey and collection of information on this phenomena relied wholly on owners voluntarily including it in the ‘other’ box. As a result, it is possible that more dogs may have had elevated liver enzymes concurrent with conditions listed in the survey.
The possibility of a link between these conditions is further strengthened when results in other varieties are concerned as a total of 12 dogs with concurrent digestive and kidney issues; three with concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, three with concurrent digestive and kidney issues as well as elevated liver enzymes were identified across all breeds/varieties examined in the survey.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
The most common conditions affecting Standard Manchester Terriers in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category were Bilious Vomiting Syndrome, which was reported in 12.9% (24) of Standard Manchesters, and Impacted Anal Glands, which were reported in 9.7% (18) of Standard Manchesters.
Additional conditions reported included 10 cases of Coprophagia (5.4%); nine cases of Pancreatitis* (4.8%); eight cases of Irritable Bowel Disease (4.3%); four cases of Colitis (2.3%); two cases each of Chronic Diarrhea and Protein-Losing Enteropathy (1.1%); and, one case each of Esophageal Stricture and Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritist (0.5%).
In the ‘other’ section, three owners identified dogs with chronic or occasional issues with sensitive stomachs in the morning (two owners indicated their dogs would refuse food and two also reported associated vomiting). Two owners reported their dog eats too fast and vomits; and one clarified that the bilious vomiting reported was more like regurgitation of food.
Looking more closely at the group of dogs reporting impacted anal glands, the condition was reported in 12 females (13% of SMT females) compared to 6 males (6.5% of SMT males). This trend was consistent when compared to the entire breed/variety population reporting the same condition, where impacted anal glands were reported in 7% of dogs and 12% of females.
It should be noted that:
- Reports of Protein-Losing Enteropathy were almost wholly limited to Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers
- Standard Manchester owners were 2.5-5x more likely to report Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (12.9% compared to 5.3% of TMTs, 2.7% of MTs and 2.6% of ETTs)
- SMT owners were 2x more likely to report Irritable Bowel Disease (4.3% compared to 2.6% in TMTs, 0.2% in MTs and 1.8% in ETTs).
- Standard Manchesters also reported the highest proportional rate of Pancreatitis (4.8% compared to 2.6% in TMTs, 3.1% in MTs and 0.9% in ETTs).
Influencing Factors
A number of factors likely affected owner reporting for this category:
1) Several of the digestive issues listed in this category have common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Some of the conditions listed are also closely related and may even be considered forms of one another (i.e., Irritable/Inflammatory Bowel Disease may be a pre-cursor to Protein Losing Enteropathy while Intestinal Lymphangiectasia is considered a form of PLE), and still others may present subtle clinical differences increasing the likelihood that the same issue may be diagnosed differently by individual veterinarians (i.e., colitis versus irritable bowel). As a result, reporting of multiple conditions was more common in this category than most others.
2) The likelihood of owners self-diagnosing general digestive issues based solely on the condition descriptions provided in the survey is high, particularly in the case of general issues like vomiting, diarrhea, irritable bowel disease, etc.
Associated Deaths
One Standard Manchester was reported to have died from digestive issues, with Pancreatitis and Diabetes cited as cause of death at age 11.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies. In total, eight owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link four cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.2% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
It should also be noted that some interplay between gastrointestinal and concurrent kidney and/or liver issues may have been present and might warrant additional investigation or observation. Six owners of Standard Manchesters reported dogs with concurrent kidney and digestive issues, and two more reported concurrent digestive and kidney issues with elevated liver enzymes. When considering these results, please keep in mind that elevated liver enzymes was not a standard choice on the survey and collection of information on this phenomena relied wholly on owners voluntarily including it in the ‘other’ box. As a result, it is possible that more dogs may have had elevated liver enzymes concurrent with conditions listed in the survey.
The possibility of a link between these conditions is further strengthened when results in other varieties are concerned as a total of 12 dogs with concurrent digestive and kidney issues; three with concurrent digestive issues and elevated liver enzymes; and, three with concurrent digestive and kidney issues as well as elevated liver enzymes were identified across all breeds/varieties examined in the survey.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
- investigate gastrointestinal issues in Standard Manchester Terriers (including possible concurrent conditions)
- investigate impacted anal glands in Manchester Terriers
Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI)
The most common condition affecting Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) in this category is Impacted anal glands, which affected 76 Manchester Terriers (16.81%)—making it the most commonly reported issue for this breed in the entire survey.
Other conditions reported included 14 cases of Pancreatitis (3.1%); 13 cases of Coprophagia (2.9%); 12 cases of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (2.7%); three cases of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (0.7%); two cases each of Colitis, Chronic Constipation, and Chronic Diarrhea (0.4%); and, one case each of bloat/torsion, Hiatal Hernia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Megaesophagus, Pica, Perotonitis, and Ulcerative Colitis (0.2%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners identified three cases of chronic vomiting and diarrhea (with one owner indicating successful treatment was antibiotics and a prescription diet and another indicating exploratory surgery revealed ‘inflammation of the intestines’). Other comments included reports of one case each of ‘esophogeal dysmotility’; a fatal infection of the small intestine; vomiting when stressed or after missing a meal; a dog who lost weight and white blood cells at age eight; a sensitive stomach; and, a dog who was ‘unhealthily underweight’ and ‘could not gain weight no matter what she ate’.
Looking more closely at the group of dogs reporting impacted anal glands, the condition was reported in 54 females (21% of MT-UK/FCI females) compared to 22 males (11% of MT-UK/FCI males). Though not as pronounced, this trend was consistent when compared to the entire breed/variety population reporting the same condition, where impacted anal glands were reported in 7% of dogs and 12% of females.
Associated Deaths
Seven Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) were reported to have died from digestive issues, with three attributed to pancreatitis; two to pancreatitis and kidney failure; one to an infection of the small intestine, and one to bloat/torsion. Three of the deaths occurred in six-year-old dogs, with the remainder aged 12-14 at death.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies.
In total, eight owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link eleven cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.4% of the MT (UK/FCI) sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
The most common condition affecting Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) in this category is Impacted anal glands, which affected 76 Manchester Terriers (16.81%)—making it the most commonly reported issue for this breed in the entire survey.
Other conditions reported included 14 cases of Pancreatitis (3.1%); 13 cases of Coprophagia (2.9%); 12 cases of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (2.7%); three cases of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (0.7%); two cases each of Colitis, Chronic Constipation, and Chronic Diarrhea (0.4%); and, one case each of bloat/torsion, Hiatal Hernia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Megaesophagus, Pica, Perotonitis, and Ulcerative Colitis (0.2%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners identified three cases of chronic vomiting and diarrhea (with one owner indicating successful treatment was antibiotics and a prescription diet and another indicating exploratory surgery revealed ‘inflammation of the intestines’). Other comments included reports of one case each of ‘esophogeal dysmotility’; a fatal infection of the small intestine; vomiting when stressed or after missing a meal; a dog who lost weight and white blood cells at age eight; a sensitive stomach; and, a dog who was ‘unhealthily underweight’ and ‘could not gain weight no matter what she ate’.
Looking more closely at the group of dogs reporting impacted anal glands, the condition was reported in 54 females (21% of MT-UK/FCI females) compared to 22 males (11% of MT-UK/FCI males). Though not as pronounced, this trend was consistent when compared to the entire breed/variety population reporting the same condition, where impacted anal glands were reported in 7% of dogs and 12% of females.
Associated Deaths
Seven Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) were reported to have died from digestive issues, with three attributed to pancreatitis; two to pancreatitis and kidney failure; one to an infection of the small intestine, and one to bloat/torsion. Three of the deaths occurred in six-year-old dogs, with the remainder aged 12-14 at death.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies.
In total, eight owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link eleven cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.4% of the MT (UK/FCI) sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
Follow-up
Additional surveying is recommended to:
- investigate impacted anal glands in Manchester Terriers
English Toy Terrier Deaths
The most common condition affecting English Toy Terriers in this category is Impacted anal glands, which affected 15 ETTs (6.6%).
Other conditions reported included six cases each of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome and Colitis (2.6%); five cases of Coprophagia (2.2%); four cases each of Chronic Diarrhea, Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and Irritable Bowel Disease (1.8%); two cases of Pancreatitis; and, one case each of bloat/torsion, Pica, Peritonitis, and Protein-losing Enteropathy (0.4%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners identified one case each of susceptibility to infections of the digestive track; need for a low-fat diet and bottled water; diaphragmatic hernia due to injury; occasional diarrhea; episodes of vomiting bile without diagnosis; episodes of vomiting blood; and, inability to ‘build up body condition.’
It should be noted that English Toy Terrier owners were:
Associated Deaths
Two English Toy Terrier were reported to have died from digestive issues, with chronic diarrhea cited as cause of death in one dog at age 8 and pancreatitis listed as cause of death in a 14 year old dog.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies.
In total, eight ETT owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link five cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.2% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.
The most common condition affecting English Toy Terriers in this category is Impacted anal glands, which affected 15 ETTs (6.6%).
Other conditions reported included six cases each of Bilious Vomiting Syndrome and Colitis (2.6%); five cases of Coprophagia (2.2%); four cases each of Chronic Diarrhea, Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and Irritable Bowel Disease (1.8%); two cases of Pancreatitis; and, one case each of bloat/torsion, Pica, Peritonitis, and Protein-losing Enteropathy (0.4%).
In the ‘other’ section, owners identified one case each of susceptibility to infections of the digestive track; need for a low-fat diet and bottled water; diaphragmatic hernia due to injury; occasional diarrhea; episodes of vomiting bile without diagnosis; episodes of vomiting blood; and, inability to ‘build up body condition.’
It should be noted that English Toy Terrier owners were:
- 2x more likely to report Colitis (2.6% compared to 1.3% in TMTs, 2.1% in SMTs and 0.4% in MTs); and,
- 2x more likely to report Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (1.8% compared to 0.7% in TMTs, 0.5% in SMTs and 0.7% in MTs).
Associated Deaths
Two English Toy Terrier were reported to have died from digestive issues, with chronic diarrhea cited as cause of death in one dog at age 8 and pancreatitis listed as cause of death in a 14 year old dog.
Relation to Other Conditions
Digestive issues are difficult to consider in isolation. In addition to conditions listed in the Digestive System/Gastroenterology category, food allergies should also be considered. Unfortunately, the survey did not explore this topic in sufficient detail. Among other shortcomings, the questions did not distinguish between sensitivities causing gastric versus skin responses or sensitivities versus true allergies.
In total, eight ETT owners reported “food allergies” (as described in the survey). Taking into account only cases where owners either specifically indicated a gastric component or indicated gastric disturbances elsewhere in the survey, we can link five cases to gastric disturbances with confidence. This number, which represents 2.2% of the sample size, should not be taken as completely representative however, as this information was not available for all dogs identified with allergies.