Hot dogs – advancing the epidemiology and clinical definition of heat-related illness in UK dogs

Hall, E.J., 2024. Hot dogs – advancing the epidemiology and clinical definition of heat-related illness in UK dogs. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Heat-related illness (HRI) is a progressive, potentially fatal disorder that occurs when body temperature overwhelms thermoregulation leading to biochemical derangements, organ damage and ultimately irreversible damage to the neurological system. Traditionally termed heatstroke, the British public have typically associated severe HRI with dogs dying in hot cars. However, dogs can develop HRI following exposure to heat in any environment not just in hot cars - and following exercise. As global warming increases the severity and frequency of extreme heat events, understanding the triggers of canine HRI and which dogs are most at risk is vital to protect canine welfare. This thesis aimed to explore the epidemiology of HRI in dogs in the UK and review the clinical presentation and diagnosis of canine HRI to identify future strategies to protect the health and welfare of dogs amidst rising global temperatures. This thesis included investigating tympanic membrane temperature as a method for monitoring body temperature in exercising dogs. Male dogs, increasing ambient temperature, and high speed were factors associated with exercise induced hyperthermia. VetCompass, a database of primary-care veterinary practice patient records, was used to identify dogs presented for treatment of HRI. Analysis of these HRI events identified canine risk factors for HRI including breed, skull shape, age, bodyweight and being overweight, and identified that exercise was the predominant trigger of HRI in UK dogs. Relative risk analysis of clinical signs reported for dogs with HRI was used to develop the novel VetCompass Clinical Grading Tool to support the diagnosis and management of HRI in dogs. These results triggered a national educational campaign “Dogs Die on Hot Walks” aiming to improve public awareness of the leading cause of canine HRI and suggest improving veterinary and public recognition of mild HRI is a key strategy to reduce canine mortality from HRI.

Item Type: Thesis
Description: Abridged. PhD by published works
Creators: Hall, E.J.
Contributors:
NameRoleNTU IDORCID
Carter, A.Thesis supervisorAEQ3PULLEAorcid.org/0000-0002-6216-2377
O'Neill, D.Thesis supervisorARE3ONEIDUNSPECIFIED
Gentle, L.Thesis supervisorLST3CUSSELKorcid.org/0000-0003-4864-5775
Date: June 2024
Rights: The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions: Schools > School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences
Record created by: Laura Ward
Date Added: 23 Aug 2024 09:00
Last Modified: 23 Aug 2024 09:00
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/52075

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