Cervical disc disease in whippets: Results of an online survey involving Italian owners and breeders

Whippet is considered quite a healthy breed. Nonetheless, the perception of some veterinary neurologists is that the occurrence of neurological diseases, especially cervical disc disease (CDD), is frequent in this breed. This study aimed to get information about the prevalence of the most common disorders and conditions affecting the Italian Whippet population, particularly investigating the prevalence of CDD and the perception of the problem by owners and breeders. Owners and breeders included in the Italian Sighthound Club register were invited to answer anonymously an online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for breeder/owner and dog characteristics, and statistical association with the development of CDD were explored. Over 280 Whippets, the overall prevalence of CDD was 7.2% and 29% in Whippets older than 9 years. Whippets older than 9 years were overrepresented in the CDD group (P < 0.0001; O.R. 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02-0.22) compared with the CDD group. These findings confirm the hypothesis that CDD may be a challenging and more prevalent than expected disorder in this breed and health screening programs could be recommended to breeders and owners to assess cervical spine conformation, especially before sporting activity or breeding.