A mapping review of worldwide current and previous cohort research programmes in cats and dogs

Landolt, Jessica Irene; O'Neill, Dan G.; Unterer, Stefan; Hartnack, Sonja; Kowalska, Malwina Ewa

Abstract

Cohort research programmes follow individuals over time to enable study of effects
from various factors on health or other outcomes. To date, the global distribution of
formal cohort programmes in cats and dogs has not been mapped, and a comprehensive
synthesis of their methodological characteristics is lacking. That limits methods
improvement and wider adoption of cohort programmes in veterinary medicine. A
mapping review methodology aligned with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis was
used to summarise existing cohort research programmes on cats and dogs worldwide.
Electronic databases were searched (Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science)
to identify eligible cohort papers, followed by a two-step selection process (title and
abstract screening, full text screening) for paper inclusion. Information extracted at
the individual cohort programme level covered: 1. location and veterinary specialty; 2.
study design; 3. study variables; 4. collected data; 5. recruitment and retention strategies.
Database searches yielded 6,777 unique papers, of which 73 met the inclusion
criteria. Twenty-two programmes were identified, predominantly in the UK (8/22, 36%)
or US (6/22, 27%) with 55% (12/22) involving dogs. Most of the programmes (18/22,
82%) aimed at disease prevention. Out of 19 programmes for which full-text papers
were available, and therefore more information could be extracted, animal demographics
were the most commonly considered study variable (15/19, 79%). The biggest
reporting gaps were identified in the study planning phase, design, and programme
management. Consequently, limited information was retrievable from the programmes
papers to create learning opportunities for other researchers planning future cohort
programmes. Improved or new reporting practices are needed to enhance knowledge
sharing and promote cohort programmes in veterinary medicine. The study protocol
was preregistered on the 27th of December 2023 (https://osf.io/wkg53/).

Citation

Landolt, J. I., O'Neill, D. G., Unterer, S., Hartnack, S., & Kowalska, M. E. (2025). A mapping review of worldwide current and previous cohort research programmes in cats and dogs. PLoS ONE, 20(6), e0321007. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321007

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Jun 2, 2025
• Publication Date: Jun 2, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2025
• Journal: PLOS ONE
• Electronic ISSN: 1932-6203
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 6
• Pages: e0321007
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321007
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321007