Overview
In May 2026 the Health Committee recognized that the results of the gastrointestinal (GI) survey administered in 2024 had not yet been formally reviewed or shared with the membership. The Committee subsequently reviewed 133 survey responses submitted by both members and non-members regarding GI concerns observed within the breed. The responses reflect owner-reported experiences and may represent one or multiple dogs per submission. As such, the current dataset does not allow for determination of prevalence or incidence rates within the overall breed population.

Key Findings
• GI concerns are being reported within the breed population represented by the survey.
• Reported severity ranges from mild/manageable conditions to clinically significant cases requiring advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy or biopsy.
• Some dogs required specialist referrals and advanced veterinary care, suggesting a subset of cases may be
complex and difficult to manage through routine care alone.
• Management strategies varied and included:
o Veterinary-directed treatment
o Dietary modification
o Other owner-led approaches
• This variability may reflect differences in diagnosis, severity, and treatment practices.

Data Limitations
The survey was not designed to determine prevalence. Key limitations include:
• Multiple dogs may have been included in a single submission.
• Unique dog counts could not be verified.
• Potential duplicate representation.
• Variability in interpretation of survey questions.

As a result, findings should be interpreted as directional trends rather than prevalence data.

Recommendations
• Continue monitoring GI concerns within the breed
• Increase member education regarding GI health
• Improve future surveys by:
o Collecting dog-level data
o Using a more structured format to improve accuracy and analysis

Conclusion
The survey provides directional insight into GI concerns within the breed. While prevalence cannot be
determined from the current dataset, the findings support continued data collection, member education, and
collaboration with veterinary professionals.