A SURVEY OF VETERINARY RADIATION FACILITIES IN THE UNITED STATES DURING 2001

A survey of veterinary radiation therapy facilities in the United States was done in 2001 to determine the type of equipment available, radiation protocols used, case load, tumor types irradiated, as well as other details of the practice of radiation oncology. A total of 42 sites were identified and included 17 (40%) academic institutions, and 25 (60%) private practice external beam radiation facilities. The overall response rate was 79% (33/42 responded). Based on this survey there is substantial variation between facilities in all aspects ranging from equipment and personnel to radiation protocols and caseloads. American College of Veterinary Radiology boarded radiation oncologists direct 76% of the radiation facilities at academic institutions and 60% of the private practice facilities. Three facilities had orthovoltage radiation units only, and 30 facilities had mega-voltage equipment: cobalt 60 or linear accelerator. A total of 18 facilities had linear accelerators with three of these off site at a human radiation facility. Patient load information was available from 31 sites (74% of the radiation facilities in the United States), and based on the responses 2790 dogs and 1081 cats were irradiated in 2001. Canine mast cell tumors were the most frequently irradiated tumor. This represents the first survey of veterinary radiation facilities in the United States and provides information on the specialty of veterinary radiation oncology.     

Canine acute radiation dermatitis, a survey of current management practices in North America

Acute radiation‐induced dermatitis (ARID) is a common sequela of radiation therapy in dogs. There is no consensus regarding ARID management in human medicine and the standard of care in veterinary medicine has not been reported. The objective was to report the practice standards for ARID management in dogs in North America. The design used was a questionnaire survey. Fifty‐eight private and university teaching veterinary hospitals were contacted, 54 participated. The topical and oral medications used to treat ARID, prevent or treat bacterial infection, control pain and the indications for and timing of treatment initiation were the outcome measures. A minority of facilities (4/54, 7.5%) use exactly the same protocol regarding all parameters. There was agreement (>75% of facilities) with respect to the general use of oral antibiotics (77.8%), the need for pain control (92.6%) and the use of tramadol for pain control (76%), although the details of their use varied widely. There is a divergence of opinions regarding all details of ARID management in dogs except the general use of oral antibiotics and pain control medications.     

Attitudes and perceptions of veterinary paraprofessionals in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats

AIM: To survey the attitudes and perceptions of veterinary paraprofessionals in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats.

METHODS: In December 2011, veterinary paraprofessionals (VP) from throughout New Zealand were invited to participate in an online survey. Eleven questions, which were divided into five sections, were used to determine demographic information, the respondents’ assessment of pain after commonly performed surgeries in dogs and cats, their opinions on provision of analgesia, who had responsibility for pain monitoring and the use of any formal pain scoring system in the practice.

RESULTS: Data from 165 respondents were able to be used, and 162 (98%) respondents to the survey were female. According to the respondents’ estimates, fracture repair in dogs and repair of diaphragmatic hernias in cats had the highest pain score following surgery. Neutering procedures involving dogs were scored higher than for cats (p<0.01). All respondents agreed that animals benefit from perioperative analgesia. The veterinary nurse was reported to be predominantly responsible for monitoring pain in animals postoperatively by 116/165 (70.3%) respondents. Of 165 respondents, 154 (93%) considered that their knowledge of pain and assessment of pain could be enhanced.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey reflects the attitudes and perceptions of a sample of VP in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats. The results indicate that all respondents believe that surgery results in sufficient pain to warrant analgesic therapy. Routine neutering surgeries were considered to be more painful in dogs than in cats. The current survey also provides information to educators on potential areas of focus, given that 93% of respondents felt that their knowledge of pain and assessment of pain could be enhanced.     

Species of flea (siphonaptera) infesting pets and hedgehogs in Germany

The species of flea infesting pets and hedgehogs in Germany were investigated through a survey of small animal practitioners throughout the country who were asked to collect specimens at their veterinary practices. A total of 625 veterinarians/veterinary practices responded and provided 2445 intact anti identifiable flea specimens. These fleas originated from 294 dogs (795 fleas), 334 cats (1152 fleas), 76 hedgehogs (481 fleas), five domestic rabbits (10 fleas), one golden hamster (four fleas) and one ferret (three fleas). Dogs were found to be infested with Archaeopsylla erinacei, Chaetopsylla globiceps, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Hystrichopsylla talpae, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Paraceras melis and Pulex irritans. From cats, Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ceratophyllus gallinae, Ceratophyllus garei, Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenophthalmus assimilis, Hystrichopsylla talpae, Monopsyllus sciurorum, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Spilopsyllus cuniculi and Typhloceras poppei were collected. In both dogs and cats the most prevalent species were Ctenocephalides felis (78.9% and 91.6%, respectively) and Archaeopsylla erinacei (21.1% and 12.6%, respectively) followed by Ctenocephalides canis in dogs (5.8%) and Hystrichopsylla talpae in cats (1.2%). The fleas isolated from rabbits were Ctenocephalides felis, Hystrichopsylla talpae and Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Nosopsyllus fasciatus and Ctenocephalides felis were recovered from the golden hamster and the ferret, respectively. The hedgehogs were found to be infested with Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ceratophyllus gallinae and Ctenocephalides felis.     

Reactions to tick antitoxin serum and the role of atropine in treatment of dogs and cats with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus: a pilot survey

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and nature of adverse reactions of dogs and cats to tick antitoxin serum and to re-evaluate the role of atropine in the treatment of tick paralysis. DESIGN: A retrospective questionnaire of veterinarians. PROCEDURE: Questionnaires were posted to 320 veterinarians in tick-endemic regions of Australia. Questions referred to dogs and cats treated for tick paralysis over a period of three years: the number treated, treatment protocols and adverse systemic reactions to tick antitoxin serum. Ninety completed questionnaires were returned and responses analysed. RESULTS: Veterinarians reported that approximately 3% of dogs exhibited adverse reactions immediately following treatment with tick antitoxin serum. Eighteen percent of these reactions were described as anaphylaxis, with the remaining 82% attributed to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Six percent of cats treated with tick antitoxin serum reacted adversely and the majority of reactions (63%) were ascribed to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Atropine was used routinely by 10% of responding veterinarians in the treatment of dogs and cats with tick paralysis. A similar number of veterinarians used atropine only in selected cases. Most veterinarians (76%) reported that they never used atropine in the treatment of tick paralysis in either dogs or cats. Within the survey population, premedication with atropine reduced the number of Bezold-Jarisch reactions following tick antitoxin administration approximately five-fold in dogs and four-fold in cats. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this pilot survey indicate that more cats than dogs have adverse systemic reactions to tick antitoxin serum and that the majority of these reactions in both dogs and cats could be related to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. The number of reactions to tick antitoxin serum in dogs and cats could be significantly reduced by the routine use of atropine prior to administration of tick antitoxin serum.     

Retrospective study and review of ocular radiation side effects following external-beam Cobalt-60 radiation therapy in 37 dogs and 12 cats

This retrospective study evaluated the ocular side effects of cancer-bearing dogs and cats treated with external–beam Cobalt-60 (Co-60) radiation in which one or both orbit(s) were included in the radiation field. A total of 37 dogs and 12 cats presented to the Ontario Veterinary College during the 10-year study period (1999–2009) were evaluated. The radiation protocols ranged from a maximum of 60 Gray (Gy) in 24 fractions for curative intent to a minimum of 8 Gy in 1 fraction for palliative treatment. The main ocular side effect reported in both dogs and cats was conjunctivitis (79% and 55%, respectively). Other common ocular side effects included eyelid lesions in dogs (44%), ulcerative keratitis in cats (36%), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca in both dogs and cats (44% and 27%, respectively). The high incidence of ocular side effects in both patient populations indicates a need for regular ophthalmic examinations as a component of routine follow-up for radiation therapy involving the orbit. Radiation damage to ocular tissues is also reviewed.     

Epidemiological features of snail and slug bait poisoning in dogs and cats

Snail and slug baits were the most common cause of poisoning in dogs and cats in a survey of 34 veterinary practices. During a 7-month period, 280 dogs and 12 cats were poisoned by metaldehyde (57%) or methiocarb (43%) containing baits with case fatality rates of 8.1% and 9.1% in dogs and 16.7% and 50% in cats, respectively. The ages of poisoned dogs ranged from 2 months to 17 years and cats from 3 months to 5 years. There was no decrease in frequency of poisoning or case fatality rate demonstrated with increasing body size in dogs. Poisoning was most frequent in the month of October. Baits were eaten off the ground or obtained from storage areas, often despite a variety of preventive measures. It is suggested that these products should be reformulated to make them less attractive to domestic pets.     

Snake bites recorded by veterinary practices in Australia

Objective To determine the extent of the snake bite problem in domestic animals, its regional significance and the effects of antivenom treatment.
Design A questionnaire was designed seeking information on the number and type of domestic animals referred, whether treated or untreated, type of snakes and management of the bite.
Procedure The survey form was sent to 10% of veterinary surgeons, selected at random throughout Australia.
Results The response of 106 veterinary surgeons revealed that snake bite in domestic animals is frequent, with an estimated 6200 cases reported annually. Bites were more prominent in rural (78%) than urban areas (22%) with brown, tiger and black snakes accounting for 76%, 13% and 6% of cases, respectively. Cats and dogs were the most frequently reported victims. Ninety-one percent of cats and 75% of dogs survived following the administration of antivenom whereas 66% of cats and 31% of dogs survived without antivenom. Overall, in 33% of cases antivenom was not used, and venom detection kits were used in only 1% of cases. A number of drugs were used in various combinations with or without antivenom and intravenous fluids in the treatment of animals with snake bite, but their role in reducing the severity of envenomations was not assessed.
Clinical implications Antivenom significantly improves the chances of survival of domestic animals bitten by snakes.     

Prevalence of onychectomy in cats presented for veterinary care near Raleigh,NC and educational attitudes toward the procedure

ObjectiveThe current prevalence of onychectomy (declawing) in cats is unknown, and education regarding the procedure appears to vary greatly among veterinary schools. The purpose of this project was to determine the prevalence of onychectomized cats near Raleigh, NC and to document the frequency and style (laboratory or lecture) with which the procedure is taught in USA veterinary schools.AnimalsOne thousand seven hundred ninety four cats ranging in age from 8 days to 21 years, of which 938 (52.3%) were female and 1719 (95.8%) were sterilized.MethodsData were collected over a 10-week period regarding cats seen for appointments in five veterinary facilities (two cat-only, two general, and one tertiary). Data collection included signalment and onychectomy status. During this time, 28 veterinary schools were polled regarding education of veterinary students in onychectomy.ResultsThree hundred and seventy four (20.8%) cats had undergone onychectomy. A significantly higher percentage of declawed cats were seen in the general practices compared with the other practice types (p < 0.030). Younger cats had a higher rate of onychectomy (p < 0.001). Twenty-six veterinary schools responded to the survey (93%). Fourteen (54%) of the responding schools did not include in their core curriculum a lecture or surgical laboratory providing instruction in the onychectomy procedure.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlmost 21% of cats seen in veterinary hospitals near Raleigh, NC were declawed. Less than 50% of veterinary schools in the USA include a mandatory lecture or laboratory to teach the procedure. There appears to be a discrepancy between the popularity of the onychectomy procedure and the emphasis placed on relevant instruction in veterinary schools in the USA.     

A retrospective analysis of radiation oncology related scientific articles in the journal Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound: Trends over 40 years (1976‐2015)

The journal Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound is a veterinary specialty journal devoted to the fields of veterinary diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology. The purpose of this retrospective, observational study is to evaluate progressive trends in radiation oncology articles published in Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound during the 40‐year period (1976‐2015) and describe a shift of trends through several viewpoints. This 40‐year period was divided into four subperiods: Period 1 (1976‐1985), Period 2 (1986‐1995), Period 3 (1996‐2005), and Period 4 (2006‐2015). These articles were divided into six categories based on the nature of the study: 1) studies related to teletherapy with endpoints being patient outcome, 2) radiation therapy dosimetry/planning, 3) patient setup, 4) reviews, 5) case reports, and 6) others. The number of radiation oncology articles in Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound has increased over the 40‐year period. The number of authors per article has increased between Periods 1 and 3. The number of articles related to linear accelerator has increased between Periods 3 and 4. The median number of treated patients per clinical article related to teletherapy ranged from 15 to 21, which has not changed significantly over the 40‐year period. The most commonly used radiation therapy protocols during Periods 2 and 3 were fine‐fractionated protocols (defined as 10 or more fractions), whereas coarse‐fractionated protocols were more common during Periods 1 and 4. Findings from this study highlight the notable changes of trends in veterinary radiation oncology articles published in Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, which clearly reflect changes in the field of veterinary radiation oncology during the past 40 years.     

Cone beam computed tomography in veterinary dentistry

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in imaging dogs and cats for diagnostic dental veterinary applications. CBCT scans of heads of six dogs and two cats were made. Dental panoramic and multi-planar reformatted (MPR) para-sagittal reconstructions were created using specialized software. Image quality and visibility of anatomical landmarks were subjectively assessed by two observers. Good image quality was obtained for the MPR para-sagittal reconstructions through multiple teeth. The image quality of the panoramic reconstructions of dogs was moderate while the panoramic reconstructions of cats were poor since the images were associated with an increased noise level. Segmental panoramic reconstructions of the mouth seem to be useful for studying the dental anatomy especially in dogs. The results of this study using human dental CBCT technology demonstrate the potential of this scanning technology in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the moderate image quality obtained with the CBCT technique reported here seems to be inferior to the diagnostic image quality obtained from 2-dimensional dental radiographs. Further research is required to optimize scanning and reconstruction protocols for veterinary applications.     

Number, distribution and concentration of Australian veterinarians in 2006, compared with 1981, 1991 and 2001

OBJECTIVE: To determine the number, concentration and distribution of veterinarians working in Australia in 2006, and compare with data from 1981, 1991 and 2001. Procedure Data on each veterinarian who was registered, resident and apparently working in each Australian state and territory were obtained from relevant veterinary board lists, entered into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed with SAS System for Windows 8. Other data were obtained from the Official Australian Postcode Map, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS: A total of 7510 veterinarians, of whom 46% were female, were working in Australia in 2006. The rate of increase (230/year) between 2001 and 2006 was greater than for the previous 20 years. The number per million people (360) was 73% higher than in 1981, and more than 30% higher than in the USA and UK. With the establishment of three new veterinary schools the number of graduates, and the total number of veterinarians, will increase further. By 2011 the number of veterinarians is likely to be three-fold greater, and the number per million people two-fold greater than in 1981. The number of veterinarians per million dogs and cats will increase at a greater rate if dog and cat numbers continue to fall. As more than 75% of Australian veterinary work involves dogs and cats this has serious implications for the profession. CONCLUSIONS: Progressively increasing numbers of veterinarians will compete for a constant or diminishing resource--the dogs and cats of Australia. It seems likely that overt signs of oversupply will appear before sufficient numbers of veterinarians enter alternative forms of employment.     

Forms of employment and species caseload of veterinary practitioners in New Zealand

A survey by means of a postal questionnaire was undertaken to investigate the patterns of work and the need for information of veterinary practitioners in New Zealand. Of the 670 eligible veterinarians, 399 practitioners (60 per cent) participated in the survey. Of these, 38 per cent were in large animal practice (less than 20 per cent of work devoted to cats and dogs) and 31 per cent were in small animal practice (more than 80 per cent of work with cats and dogs). The remaining 31 per cent were in mixed practice, with a workload intermediate between the other two groups. Across the entire sample of practitioners, cats and dogs took up the largest number of veterinary hours per person (1092 hours per year). Dairy cattle were second (438 hours), and horses third (302 hours). Deer and goats ranked next, and each used more veterinary hours per person than did either sheep or beef cattle. Other species comprised very minor parts of the overall workload. Women spent a much higher proportion of their working hours with small animals and a much lower proportion with horses than did men. For other species workload patterns were similar between men and women. In relation to employment of the practitioner group, women were under represented, compared with men, among those with responsibilities for the management of practices, even when account was taken of the fact that the women in the sample were younger. Fewer than one per cent of men in the sample were not employed full-time, whereas 15 per cent of the women were in part-time employment. The survey indicates that there has been a substantial change in the demographic structure of the veterinary profession and the forms of veterinary work carried out. It also shows that the differences in work and career patterns between men and women need more intensive study to improve the accuracy of predictions of future requirements for veterinary manpower.     

Postoperative use of analgesics in dogs and cats by Canadian veterinarians.

Four hundred and seventeen Canadian veterinarians were surveyed to determine their postoperative use of analgesics in dogs and cats following 6 surgical procedures, and to determine their opinions toward pain perception and perceived complications associated with the postoperative use of potent opioid analgesics. Three hundred and seventeen (76%) returned the questionnaire. The percentage of animals receiving analgesics postoperatively ranged from 84% of dogs and 70% of cats following orthopedic surgery to 10% of dogs and 9% of cats following castration. In general, with the exception of orthopedic surgery, roughly equal percentages of dogs and cats received postoperative analgesics. Opioids were used almost exclusively to provide postoperative analgesia, with butorphanol the most commonly administered drug to both dogs and cats. Analgesics were usually administered either once or twice postoperatively. With regard to the administration of potent opioid agonists, the 3 major concerns included respiratory depression, bradycardia, and sedation in dogs, and excitement, respiratory depression, and bradycardia in cats. Seventy-seven percent of veterinarians considered their knowledge of issues related to the recognition and control of postoperative pain to be inadequate. Experience in practice is currently the major source of knowledge, with undergraduate veterinary school and research articles in journals ranked as the least important sources. Lectures or seminars delivered at the regional level were the preferred format for continuing education.     

北京地区犬猫弓形虫病流行病学调查

为初步调查北京地区犬猫弓形虫感染的流病学特征,用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)方法检测2010年5月至2011年4月采集的家养犬猫、流浪猫血清样本.其中,家养犬血清样本1876份,家养猫血清样本561份,检测发现,家养犬动物弓形虫IgG抗体阳性率24.9％;家养猫弓形虫IgG阳性率21.2％;同时检测流浪猫样本201份,阳性率30.3％.家养犬弓形虫血清抗体阳性率不同季节间差异显著(P＜0.05),夏季最高,为30.0％,家养猫弓形虫血清抗体阳性率不同季节间无显著差异(P＞0.05).不同性别犬猫弓形虫血清抗体阳性率无显著差异(P＞0.05).随着年龄增长,犬猫弓形虫抗体阳性率均有明显增长.对25例弓形虫抗体阳性家养犬病例和37例弓形虫抗体阳性家养猫病例进行了回访调查,结果发现,该62例动物主人的弓形虫检测结果均为阴性.     

One‐year conditional survival of dogs and cats with invasive mammary carcinomas: A concept inspired from human breast cancer

Numerous studies have described the prognostic factors of canine and feline mammary carcinomas (MCs), that is, variables that predict patient survival after diagnosis. But how does survival estimation evolve in patients that escaped early death from their cancer? In human oncology, conditional survival (CS), the probability of surviving X further years when cancer patients have already survived Y years, is used to analyse cancer outcomes in a long‐term perspective. In this cohort of 344 dogs and 342 cats with surgically removed stage I to III invasive MCs, with a minimal follow‐up of 2 years, we calculated the 1‐year CS, that is, the probability for patients that have survived 1 year, to survive or to die from cancer during the subsequent year. The 1‐year conditional specific survival probabilities were 59% and 48% at diagnosis of invasive MC respectively in dogs and cats, and 80% and 52% in 1‐year surviving dogs and cats respectively, suggesting that 1‐year surviving dogs were relatively protected from cancer‐related death, whereas feline MCs remained life‐threatening cancers for longer periods of time. Among the most significant parameters associated with CS in surviving dogs and cats were the nodal stage and lymphovascular invasion, as well as patient age, cancer stage and margin status in surviving dogs. By comparison, tumour size and the histological grade did not significantly alter CS probabilities in surviving dogs and cats. Conditional survival may be considered a very interesting tool for veterinary practitioners to estimate the likely outcome of cancer survivors.     

Characteristics of pain and response to analgesic treatment in dogs and cats examined at a veterinary teaching hospital emergency service

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service at a veterinary teaching hospital and evaluate the response of dogs and cats with signs of pain to analgesic treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 317 dogs and 112 cats. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was used to categorize the characteristics of pain. The location, cause, and signs of pain were determined by obtaining a thorough history and conducting a physical examination. Pain was categorized by type (superficial somatic, deep somatic, or visceral), mechanism (inflammatory, neuropathic, or both), severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and duration. Evidence for primary or secondary hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to manipulation was determined. The response to single or multiple analgesic drug administration was assessed. RESULTS: 179 (56%) dogs and 60 (54%) cats had signs of pain. In most of these dogs and cats, pain was classified as acute (< 24 hours' duration) and of moderate severity and was associated with primary hypersensitivity. Most dogs had deep somatic pain; most cats had visceral pain. Inflammation was the most common mechanism. One hundred nineteen (66%) dogs and 41 (68%) cats were treated with analgesic drugs. Analgesic treatment was considered effective in 73 (61%) dogs and 31 (76%) cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that moderate to severe acute somatic pain caused by inflammation is common in dogs and cats examined by an emergency service and that a combination of multiple analgesic drugs is more effective than any single analgesic drug in the treatment of pain in these dogs and cats.