Results: 2018 General Health Survey
Heart/Cardiology
Conditions listed in the Heart category were reported in 9.1% (107) of 1,171 surveys completed across all breeds/varieties surveyed.
Considering the entire population surveyed:
Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.
Considering the entire population surveyed:
- Heart murmurs were the most commonly reported condition across all-breeds/varieties in this category, with rates ranging from approximately 4% in English Toy Terriers and Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) to approximately 7% for Toy and Standard Manchester Terriers.
- In dogs reporting an issue in the heart category, both median age at death and median age of still living dogs were advanced in Toy and Standard Manchesters. While this information does not offer direct insight into age of onset, impact on quality of life, etc. it does suggest that these conditions may appear later in life (i.e., congestive heart failure) or do not have significant impact on length of life (i.e., heart murmurs). Sample sizes for MTs and ETTs were too small to analyze in this way.
- When results of the 2018 health survey are compared to results of the 2002 survey, reported cases of heart murmurs in the combined Toy and Standard Manchester population increased from 2.72% to 6.7%. Additional research would be required to determine factors influencing this increase. While it is possible that the increase reflects a genuine increase in incidence of this condition, a variety of other factors like age, frequency of heart clearances and testing, and the inclusion of companion owners rather than just breeders may play a role.
Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.
Conditions
The following conditions are referenced below in the analysis for this section. The explanation for each disease/condition provided in the survey is included for reference:
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Toy Manchester Terriers
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Toy Manchester Terriers was a heart murmur, with 20 identified cases representing 6.6% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Toy Manchester Terriers included eight cases of Arrhythmia (2.6%), six cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (2%), three cases of fatal Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy(1%); and one case each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (0.3%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner indicated a young dog died of “symptoms similar to JDCM, though not conclusive. Pup suffered heat stroke”; one owner indicated when treating arrhythmia the dog does not respond to atropine; and, one owner explained that “Some arrhythmia was diagnosed prior to an emergency spay. After analysis by a cardiologist it was determined it was not significant. There were no ill effects during the surgery.”
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 13 of the 20 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and seven were deceased. Congestive heart failure was identified as the cause of death in three of the seven cases, while the others listed non-cardiac causes of death. Median age at death among the seven deceased dogs was 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 13 years, which is significant only as a data point for potential impact on length of life. In the comments section, one owner of a dog with a heart murmur indicated it was diagnosed at age 13 and one owner explained that, after seeing several specialists, the veterinarian concluded that “the dog only has a murmur when very stressed; he is now age 14 years old.” Of note, 80% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 20% were breeders/exhibitors.
Following on the above, it is of interest that the relative age of the 35 Toy Manchesters reporting issues in the heart category is relatively advance. The median age of affected TMTs living as of the date of the survey was 13 years and, excluding deaths from JDCM, the median age at death for those who were deceased was 13.5 years. While this information does not offer insight into age of onset, impact of quality of life, etc. it does suggest indirectly that Toy Manchesters tend to be affected by heart-related conditions at an advanced age or that the condition(s) do not have a significant impact on length of life. This is a supposition based on circumstantial evidence, however, and should not be viewed as a firm conclusion. Even so, it may explain the larger number of affected dogs in the North American population given the difference in median age between the older North American population sample versus the younger European sample.
In total, nine Toy Manchesters were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, with five dogs dying of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure, one of Mitral Valve Disease and three of Juvenile Dilated Cardioymopathy. While age of onset was not provided for most dogs, it should be noted that advanced age was clearly indicated in the first six cases listed. Median age at death in these six dogs was 14 years with all dogs aged 10 years and above.
Associated Deaths
Three Toy Manchesters were reported to have died of Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. As expected, all three deaths occurred at less than one year of age. One Toy Manchester died of a stroke.
Follow-up:
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Toy Manchester Terriers was a heart murmur, with 20 identified cases representing 6.6% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Toy Manchester Terriers included eight cases of Arrhythmia (2.6%), six cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (2%), three cases of fatal Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy(1%); and one case each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (0.3%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner indicated a young dog died of “symptoms similar to JDCM, though not conclusive. Pup suffered heat stroke”; one owner indicated when treating arrhythmia the dog does not respond to atropine; and, one owner explained that “Some arrhythmia was diagnosed prior to an emergency spay. After analysis by a cardiologist it was determined it was not significant. There were no ill effects during the surgery.”
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 13 of the 20 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and seven were deceased. Congestive heart failure was identified as the cause of death in three of the seven cases, while the others listed non-cardiac causes of death. Median age at death among the seven deceased dogs was 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 13 years, which is significant only as a data point for potential impact on length of life. In the comments section, one owner of a dog with a heart murmur indicated it was diagnosed at age 13 and one owner explained that, after seeing several specialists, the veterinarian concluded that “the dog only has a murmur when very stressed; he is now age 14 years old.” Of note, 80% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 20% were breeders/exhibitors.
Following on the above, it is of interest that the relative age of the 35 Toy Manchesters reporting issues in the heart category is relatively advance. The median age of affected TMTs living as of the date of the survey was 13 years and, excluding deaths from JDCM, the median age at death for those who were deceased was 13.5 years. While this information does not offer insight into age of onset, impact of quality of life, etc. it does suggest indirectly that Toy Manchesters tend to be affected by heart-related conditions at an advanced age or that the condition(s) do not have a significant impact on length of life. This is a supposition based on circumstantial evidence, however, and should not be viewed as a firm conclusion. Even so, it may explain the larger number of affected dogs in the North American population given the difference in median age between the older North American population sample versus the younger European sample.
In total, nine Toy Manchesters were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, with five dogs dying of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure, one of Mitral Valve Disease and three of Juvenile Dilated Cardioymopathy. While age of onset was not provided for most dogs, it should be noted that advanced age was clearly indicated in the first six cases listed. Median age at death in these six dogs was 14 years with all dogs aged 10 years and above.
Associated Deaths
Three Toy Manchesters were reported to have died of Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy. As expected, all three deaths occurred at less than one year of age. One Toy Manchester died of a stroke.
Follow-up:
- Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.
Standard Manchester Terriers
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Standard Manchester Terriers was a heart murmur, with 13 identified cases representing 7% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Standard Manchester Terriers included four cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (2.15%), three cases each of Arrhythmia and Valve Dysfunction (1.6%), and one case each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Infarction (0.5%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified an unconfirmed case of cardiomyopathy at age six (not reported on survey) and another associated valve dysfunction with pulmonary stenosis.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, seven of the 13 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and six were deceased. General heart issues were identified as the cause of death in three of the seven cases, while the others listed non-cardiac causes of death. Median age at death among the seven deceased dogs was 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 11 years, which is significant only as a data point for potential impact on length of life.
In the comments section, the following notes were made for dogs with heart murmurs:
Five owners voluntarily listed the grade of their dog’s murmur. One dog had a Grade 1 murmur, two dogs had Grade 3 murmurs and two dogs have grade 5 murmurs. 60% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 40% were breeders/exhibitors.
Following on the above, it is of interest that the relative age of the 23 Standard Manchesters reporting issues in the heart category is relatively advanced. The median age of affected SMTs living as of the date of the survey was 11 years and the median age at death for those who were deceased was 12.5 years. While this information does not offer insight into age of onset, impact on quality of life, etc. it does suggest indirectly that Standard Manchesters tend to be affected by heart-related conditions at an advanced age or that the condition(s) do not have a significant impact on length of life. This is a supposition based on circumstantial evidence, however, and should not be viewed as a firm conclusion. Even so, it may explain the larger number of affected dogs in the North American population given the difference in median age between the older North American population sample versus the younger European sample.
Associated Deaths
In total, seven Standard Manchesters were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, with two dogs reported to have died of Dilated Cardiomyopathy, one of Congestive Heart Failure, one generally attributed to a heart murmur, and three of unknown or unspecified heart issues. While age of onset for these fatal conditions was not provided for most dogs, it should be noted that the median age at death in these seven dogs was 12 years, with three dogs aged 6-9 at death and four aged 12-15 years.
Follow-up:
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Standard Manchester Terriers was a heart murmur, with 13 identified cases representing 7% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Standard Manchester Terriers included four cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (2.15%), three cases each of Arrhythmia and Valve Dysfunction (1.6%), and one case each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Infarction (0.5%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified an unconfirmed case of cardiomyopathy at age six (not reported on survey) and another associated valve dysfunction with pulmonary stenosis.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, seven of the 13 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and six were deceased. General heart issues were identified as the cause of death in three of the seven cases, while the others listed non-cardiac causes of death. Median age at death among the seven deceased dogs was 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 11 years, which is significant only as a data point for potential impact on length of life.
In the comments section, the following notes were made for dogs with heart murmurs:
- “Heart murmur was diagnosed as a puppy and went away after 6 months”;
- “Prolapsed mitral valve, Congestive Heart Failure and a grade 4-5 murmur” diagnosed at age 13.5 years (the dog lived to age 15);
- “Grade 3 heart murmur…because of torn chordae tendineae of his mitral valve” diagnosed at age eight (the dog lived to age 15);
- “Tricuspid valve leaks. Her heart is slightly enlarged. Murmur is grade 3. She had this Murmur since she came to me at age 7”;
- After seeing several specialists, the veterinarian concluded that “the dog only has a murmur when very stressed; he is now age 14 years old.”
- “He had valveoplasty done at 2 1/2 years of age.”
Five owners voluntarily listed the grade of their dog’s murmur. One dog had a Grade 1 murmur, two dogs had Grade 3 murmurs and two dogs have grade 5 murmurs. 60% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 40% were breeders/exhibitors.
Following on the above, it is of interest that the relative age of the 23 Standard Manchesters reporting issues in the heart category is relatively advanced. The median age of affected SMTs living as of the date of the survey was 11 years and the median age at death for those who were deceased was 12.5 years. While this information does not offer insight into age of onset, impact on quality of life, etc. it does suggest indirectly that Standard Manchesters tend to be affected by heart-related conditions at an advanced age or that the condition(s) do not have a significant impact on length of life. This is a supposition based on circumstantial evidence, however, and should not be viewed as a firm conclusion. Even so, it may explain the larger number of affected dogs in the North American population given the difference in median age between the older North American population sample versus the younger European sample.
Associated Deaths
In total, seven Standard Manchesters were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, with two dogs reported to have died of Dilated Cardiomyopathy, one of Congestive Heart Failure, one generally attributed to a heart murmur, and three of unknown or unspecified heart issues. While age of onset for these fatal conditions was not provided for most dogs, it should be noted that the median age at death in these seven dogs was 12 years, with three dogs aged 6-9 at death and four aged 12-15 years.
Follow-up:
- Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.
Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI)
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) was a heart murmur, with 20 identified cases representing 4.4% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Manchester Terriers included four cases of Arrhythmia (0.9%), three cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (0.7%), two cases each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Valve Dysfunction (0.4%), and one case each of Atrial Septal Defect, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Infarction (0.2%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified a case of aortic stenosis in a dog that was two years old when the survey was completed.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 14 of the 20 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and six were deceased. Heart issues were identified as the cause of death in none of the deceased dogs, who collectively had a median age at death of 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 5 years, which is significant only as a data point regarding early diagnosis. Regardless, age of onset and age at death samples were too small to provide an indication of age or quality of life implications.
In the comments section, two owners indicated the murmur was detectable as a puppy and disappeared with age, two owners indicated their dog had a ‘light’/Grade 1 murmur. 67% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 33% were breeders/exhibitors.
Associated Deaths
In total, two Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, both of unspecified heart issues. Additionally, five owners reported that their dog died of stroke.
Follow-up:
The most significant cardiac condition affecting Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) was a heart murmur, with 20 identified cases representing 4.4% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting Manchester Terriers included four cases of Arrhythmia (0.9%), three cases of Congestive/Chronic Heart Failure (0.7%), two cases each of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Valve Dysfunction (0.4%), and one case each of Atrial Septal Defect, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Infarction (0.2%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified a case of aortic stenosis in a dog that was two years old when the survey was completed.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 14 of the 20 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and six were deceased. Heart issues were identified as the cause of death in none of the deceased dogs, who collectively had a median age at death of 14 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 5 years, which is significant only as a data point regarding early diagnosis. Regardless, age of onset and age at death samples were too small to provide an indication of age or quality of life implications.
In the comments section, two owners indicated the murmur was detectable as a puppy and disappeared with age, two owners indicated their dog had a ‘light’/Grade 1 murmur. 67% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 33% were breeders/exhibitors.
Associated Deaths
In total, two Manchester Terriers (UK/FCI) were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, both of unspecified heart issues. Additionally, five owners reported that their dog died of stroke.
Follow-up:
- Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.
English Toy Terriers
The most significant cardiac condition affecting English Toy Terriers was a heart murmur, with 9 identified cases representing 3.9% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting English Toy Terriers included one case each of Arrhythmia, Atrial Septal Defect, Congestive Heart Failure, and Valve Dysfunction (0.4%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified a case of mitral valve prolapsed and another owner identified a case of “Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (from birth)” in a dog that died at age 16.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 5 of the 9 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and 4 were deceased. Heart issues were identified as the direct cause of death in one case (a puppy less than one year of age whose owner listed “Grade 5 heart murmur and digestive issues” as cause of death), with the remaining deaths attributed to old age or stroke. Median age at death among the four deceased dogs was 13 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 10 years, which is significant only as a data point regarding potential impact on longevity. Regardless, age of onset and age at death samples were too small to provide an indication of age or quality of life implications.
In the comments section, one owner voluntarily identified the murmur as a Grade 4 murmur and another as a Grade 5 murmur. No other information on grade or severity was provided. 53% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 47% were breeders/exhibitors.
Associated Deaths
In total, two English Toy Terriers were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, one of unspecified heart issues and the second attributed in part to a Grade 5 murmur. Additionally, one owner reported that their dog died of stroke.
Follow-up:
The most significant cardiac condition affecting English Toy Terriers was a heart murmur, with 9 identified cases representing 3.9% of the surveyed population.
Other cardiac conditions affecting English Toy Terriers included one case each of Arrhythmia, Atrial Septal Defect, Congestive Heart Failure, and Valve Dysfunction (0.4%).
In the ‘other’ category, one owner identified a case of mitral valve prolapsed and another owner identified a case of “Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (from birth)” in a dog that died at age 16.
Looking more closely at dogs affected by heart murmurs, 5 of the 9 dogs were living as of the date of the survey and 4 were deceased. Heart issues were identified as the direct cause of death in one case (a puppy less than one year of age whose owner listed “Grade 5 heart murmur and digestive issues” as cause of death), with the remaining deaths attributed to old age or stroke. Median age at death among the four deceased dogs was 13 years. Among living dogs, median age as of the date the survey was completed was 10 years, which is significant only as a data point regarding potential impact on longevity. Regardless, age of onset and age at death samples were too small to provide an indication of age or quality of life implications.
In the comments section, one owner voluntarily identified the murmur as a Grade 4 murmur and another as a Grade 5 murmur. No other information on grade or severity was provided. 53% of owners reporting heart murmurs were companion owners and 47% were breeders/exhibitors.
Associated Deaths
In total, two English Toy Terriers were reported to have died from conditions listed in the Heart section, one of unspecified heart issues and the second attributed in part to a Grade 5 murmur. Additionally, one owner reported that their dog died of stroke.
Follow-up:
- Given the relatively consistent reports of heart murmurs across all breeds/varieties surveyed, breeders may wish to explore this condition in more detail.