Premature mortality analysis of 52,000 deceased cats and dogs exposes socioeconomic disparities

Abstract

Monitoring mortality rates offers crucial insights into public health by uncovering the hidden impacts of diseases, identifying emerging trends, optimising resource allocation, and informing effective policy decisions. Here, we present a novel approach to analysing premature mortality in companion animals, utilising data from 28,159 deceased dogs and 24,006 deceased cats across the United Kingdom. By employing PetBERT-ICD, an automated large language model (LLM) based International Classification of Disease 11 syndromic classifier, we reveal critical insights into the causes and patterns of premature deaths. Our findings highlight the significant impact of behavioural conditions on premature euthanasia in dogs, particularly in ages one to six. We also identify a 19% increased risk of premature mortality in brachycephalic dog breeds, raising important animal welfare concerns. Our research establishes a strong correlation between socioeconomic status and premature mortality in cats and dogs. Areas with the lowest Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores show nearly a 50% reduction in the risk of premature mortality across cats and dogs, underscoring the powerful impact that socioeconomic factors can have on pet health and longevity. This research underscores the necessity of examining the socioeconomic disparities affecting animal health outcomes. By addressing these inequities, we can better safeguard the well-being of our companion animals.