A bit more information on the methods for this project:

Study design: This is a retrospective study that will be using the medical records of dogs that are eligible for inclusion in this study. Eligible dogs will be those that are part of the Wylie Wellness Plans: dogs on the Total care plan (being fed raw food) will be matched by breed, age, sex and neuter status with dogs on the Wylie health circle plan (being fed dry commercial dog food).

Consent to participate: In order to carry out this research, we will be contacting Wylie Vets clients to ask for informed consent to participate in this study. Owners of dogs that are eligible to be enrolled in this retrospective study will be asked for permission to use their dog’s medical records data in this study. No owner information (personal data) will be used in the study and all dog health and feeding information will be reported as summary results, meaning that no dog will be identifiable from the results.

Data abstraction: For each visit that the dog presents to the vet practice over a one-year time period, we will be recording the date of the visit, reason for visit, clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, diagnosis and treatment. We will also be recording the type(s) and brand(s) of foods being fed. The costs of all visits will be recorded as what would have been charged if the dog was not on one of the wellness plans.