Identification of Risk Factors for Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) in Owned Dogs in Pakistan

A matched case-control study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) in owned dogs of Lahore District, Pakistan. Ninety six laboratory-confirmed CTVT positive dogs were matched on the date of clinic visited with 96 control dogs. The univariate analysis was employed to assess the relationship between different population characteristics and the presence or absence of CTVT. Significant factors associated with CTVT that were obtained using univariate analysis were further included in multivariable logistic regression analysis.. Important identified risk factors were breeding strategies (OR=6.36), dog keeping purpose (OR=4.11), stray dog population (OR =3.35), dogs in neighborhood (OR=2.87), history of skin/genital diseases (OR=2.86) and high density population area (OR=2.54). Protective factors included chain/restrain the dog, use of separate cage, use of proper fencing around the kennel and knowing the difference between normal red discharge and clotted blood. With rigorous protective measures and controlling these risk factors, would decrease the spread of CTVT among the canine population in Pakistan. This is the first study performed regarding the quantification of risk factors for CTVT in Pakistan.