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Multiple sclerosis unrelated to dog exposure.

L J Anderson, R F Kibler, R A Kaslow

|September 1, 1984

Summary

This study found no link between household dogs and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, cat ownership showed a negative association with MS, while canine distemper history had a positive association.

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Epidemiology
Environmental Health

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
The role of environmental factors, including pet exposure, in MS etiology remains an area of active research.
Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the association between pet ownership and MS risk.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential association between exposure to dogs and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS).
To examine associations with different types of dog exposure (e.g., size, indoor/outdoor) and timing relative to MS onset.
To explore potential associations with other pet exposures, such as cats.

Main Methods:

A case-control study design was employed.
Seventy MS cases were compared with 70 age- and sex-matched neighborhood controls and 57 MS cases with 57 age- and sex-matched clinic controls.
Data on household pet exposure, including dog type and history of canine distemper, were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

No significant association was found between MS and the presence of any dog, small dogs, medium/large dogs, or indoor dogs.
A significant negative association was observed between MS and the presence of cats in the household.
A significant positive association was identified between MS and a history of canine distemper in a household dog.

Conclusions:

The study provides evidence against an association between exposure to small or indoor dogs and MS.
The observed negative association with cats and positive association with canine distemper history warrant further investigation.
The etiological basis for the observed associations with cats and canine distemper remains unclear.

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