Health management and pruritic behaviour in New Zealand working dogs : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Veterinary Studies without specialisation at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Pruritus is the most common sign of skin diseases, which is a common problem in working dogs. This sign can be observed by the handler, but it is often not reported to veterinarians. As a result, the skin problem progresses to a severe condition and requires high-cost care. This makes it difficult to find a new owner after the retirement of working dogs. This thesis aims to provide information on health management and pruritic behaviour in New Zealand working dogs. The data used in this thesis was derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted between October 2018 and June 2021. The data was collected from the handler-reported questionnaire and the physical examination by two veterinarians. The questionnaire asked about the health management and the pruritic behaviour in working dogs. The severity of pruritus and the skin lesions were recorded during physical examination. The survey data included 340 responses from 252 working dogs’ handlers. The first research chapter described the population features, health management and frequency of pruritic behaviour of 252 working dogs. Police dogs were the major population of working dogs (83%), and German Shepherd were the most common breed of working dogs (80.2%). The median age and body weight were 2.9 years and 32 kg, respectively. Most working dogs spent most of time outdoors (66%). Seventy-two percent of working dogs received flea and worm prevention, but only 26% received vaccination in the last six months. Most of the working dogs were fed with dry food (84%) and received treats at least a few times a year (73%). Ninety-five percent and sixty-nine percent of working dogs were bathed and received ear cleaning at least a few times a year, respectively. The most common pruritic behaviour was head shaking (72.2%), followed by facial rubbing (62.3%), paw licking (46.4%), eye rubbing (39.5%), and leg licking behaviour (39.3%), which working dogs exhibited at least a few times a year. Seventy-five percent of working dogs exhibited sneezing, and 45% showed signs of conjunctivitis at least a few times a year. The second research chapter assessed the level of pruritus using the PVAS and evaluated the skin lesions using CADESI-04 in working dogs. Moreover, this chapter investigated the association of each pruritic behaviour, the level of pruritus, and the presence of skin lesions. Twenty-seven dogs whose handlers completed the questionnaire on the same day as the physical examination were included in this chapter. Seven dogs exhibited an abnormal level of pruritus, and six dogs presented with skin lesions. Dogs older than four years were 7.9 times more likely to exhibit an abnormal level of pruritus compared to younger dogs (p = 0.0297). The level of pruritus was not associated with the presence of skin lesions. In addition, there was no significant association between pruritic behaviour and the level of pruritus or the presence of skin lesions. This thesis provides baseline information on health management, pruritic behaviour, intensity of pruritus, and the prevalence of skin lesions in working dogs. Further research should investigate the underlying skin problems and the risk factors of pruritic behaviour in working dogs.