Insurance data for research in companion animals: benefits and limitations

The primary aim of this article is to review the use of animal health insurance data in the scientific literature, especially in regard to morbidity or mortality in companion animals and horses. Methods and results were compared among studies on similar health conditions from different nations and years. A further objective was to critically evaluate benefits and limitations of such databases, to suggest ways to maximize their utility and to discuss the future use of animal insurance data for research purposes. Examples of studies on morbidity, mortality and survival estimates in dogs and horses, as well as neoplasia in dogs, are discussed

Demographic Data of a Population of Insured Swedish Dogs Measured in a Questionnaire Study

<p/> <p>Dogs, in the age range 1–3 years old, were randomly selected from the largest animal insurance database in Sweden for inclusion in the study. The study was performed in 1997, and a total of 680 dog owners were selected for the study. A total of 461 dog owners completed the survey, at an overall response rate of 68%. Data was compared to a recent gallup performed on a sample of all dogs in Sweden. The demographic statistics of the insured dog population were in many aspects similar to the total dog population of Sweden. Typical for both insured dogs and the total population of dogs were a low proportion of neutered dogs, that many dogs were bought at an early age, that many dogs were in contact with a "breeder" when sold, and a similar profile of health status. However, "dog breeders" seemed to have their dogs insured to a higher extent than the general dog owner. It was concluded that as the populations were alike in many respects, it is reasonable to use the insurance database for epidemiological studies on diet and exercise in Swedish dogs.</p

Proportion (% of total) of the cost at aquisition (Swedish Crowns, SEK)

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Demographic Data of a Population of Insured Swedish Dogs Measured in a Questionnaire Study"</p><p>http://www.actavetscand.com/content/42/1/71</p><p>Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2001;42(1):71-80.</p><p>Published online 31 Mar 2001</p><p>PMCID:PMC2202336.</p><p></p