# Owner-Reported Health Events in Australian Farm Working Dogs

## TL;DR

This study investigates the health of Australian working farm dogs, finding common injuries and illnesses like arthritis and musculoskeletal issues.

## Contribution

The study provides the first baseline dataset on health events in Australian working farm dogs.

## Key findings

- 24% of dogs had a health event in the past 12 months, with musculoskeletal injuries and arthritis being common.
- Only 45% of injured dogs and 26% of ill dogs received veterinary treatment.
- Most dogs were Kelpies, and many were not spayed or neutered.

## Abstract

Working farm dogs are very important to livestock farming in Australia, but no studies have investigated their overall health. This study aimed to determine which diseases and injuries are most common in Australian working farm dogs. A total of 125 farm dog owners were recruited at a public working dog event and interviewed about the health of their dogs in the preceding 12 months. Information was provided about 526 dogs. Most dogs were Kelpies and were not spayed or neutered. Approximately 9% of the dogs had been sold, 6% had died, and 1% had been retired from work. About one-quarter of the 444 dogs under the respondents’ care had an illness or injury in the previous 12 months. Most injuries were fractures, tendon or joint injuries, or skin wounds, and most dogs with an illness had arthritis. A little less than half of the injured dogs and a quarter of the ill ones were treated by a veterinarian. The results suggest that they are similar to other working farm dogs. However, Australia is unique, and further research is needed to ensure the best care for farm dogs here.

Working farm dogs are an integral part of livestock farming in Australia but, currently, no studies have investigated their overall health. This study aimed to identify the prevalent diseases and injuries among these dogs, offering a baseline dataset. A total of 125 farm dog owners were recruited at a public working dog event and interviewed about the health of their dogs in the preceding 12 months. Information was provided about 526 dogs. Most dogs were Kelpies, and not neutered. Nine percent of the dogs had been sold, 6% had died, and 1% had been retired. Of the 444 remaining dogs, 24% had a health event in the past 12 months, while 13% had a health event that affected their work. The injuries (11%) mostly involved the musculoskeletal system or skin, while the non-traumatic illnesses (13%) commonly included arthritis. Forty-five percent of the injured dogs and 26% of the ill ones received veterinary treatment. The results indicate similarities to previous studies into working farm dogs. Given their unique challenges, further research is needed to ensure optimal care for farm dogs in Australia.