Puppy morbidity and mortality among breeding kennels in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of puppy morbidity and mortality in breeding kennels in Nairobi. Materials and methods A total of 35 kennels with 556 puppies were selected at random and a questionnaire administered. The study was carried out between 1st October 2013 and 31st March 2014. Faecal samples were taken to determine the levels of infestation to determine whether there was association with puppy morbidity and mortality. Results Among all kennels studied, puppy morbidity was noted to be at an average rate of 34.7% (193/556) while puppy mortality was 21.2% (118/556). The majority of the kennels, 57% (20/35), had puppy deaths with 3% (1/35) of the kennels experiencing puppy mortality in every other litter. There were puppy deaths in 34% (12/35) of the kennels but the puppy mortality was rare while 6% (2/35) reported no puppy mortality. Puppy morbidity was reported in 37.1% (13/35) of the kennels in every litter, 25.7% (9/35) had puppy morbidity in every other litter, 31.4% (11/35) rarely had puppy morbidity, whilst only 5.7% (2/35) reported no morbidity. Conclusion It is noted that puppy morbidity and mortality is prevalent in Nairobi (Kenya) at 34.7% and 21.2% respectively. There was no association between the age of the puppy and puppy mortality (p < 0.140) but there was positive association between the age of the puppy and puppy morbidity (p < 0.003). Keywords: Age; Litter; Worms; Population; Veterinary