Canine Populations in Vicinity are Propagating Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour in Pakistan - A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to record the distribution and the spatial and temporal trends of canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) in pet dogs; and identify the potential factors that are playing important role in disease spread. A questionnaire-based study was conducted to identify the conditions and circumstances of CTVT affected dogs that presented to veterinary practices over a 12-month period. The practices were conveniencesampled on the basis of voluntary participation. Forty practices were approached, and veterinarians from 24 practices agreed to participate. Data were provided on 96 original presentations, excluding revisits, of which 47.92% were intact males and 52.08% were intact females with the mean age of 3.98 years. Moreover, further 96 controls were selected from the same clinical practices with same parameters. Among the dogs meant for different purposes, guarding purpose dogs were found more affected (n=59). While among the dog breeds, Labrador were over-represented (n=26) followed by mongrel dogs (bully, n=23). In winter season, higher number of cases (n=34; from November to February) was recorded as compared to other seasons. To explore further important features, non-linear categorical PCA was employed. Prominently canine populations in the vicinity were found to be more varied. This is the first epidemiological study done in Pakistan that has identified some novel trends and circumstances regarding the CTVT.