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How all dogs get to heaven

New study reveals breed-specific causes of death

A new study may provide better understanding of the health and wellness needs of different breeds of dog. Researchers at the University of Georgia took an exhaustive look at the causes death in some 75,000 dogs between 1984 and 2004, which involved 82 different breeds. They classified the deaths by organ system, disease process, breed, age and body mass. Some of the findings were surprising. For example, researchers found that Fox Terriers have high rates of cardiovascular disease, which is also true of many Toy breeds, like Chihuahuas and Maltese. “If we can anticipate better how things can go wrong for dogs, we can manage their wellness to keep them as healthy as possible,” said study co-author Dr. Kate Creevy, an assistant professor in the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.

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