Radiation exposure of the staff during standardised radiography of dogs and cats

The knowledge of the radiation exposure of the staff involved in X-ray examinations is one precondition for an optimisation of radiation protection. Hence the radiation exposure of the staff during X-ray examinations of dogs and cats was investigated in the Clinic for Small Animals. The study includes at least ten measurements for each of thirteen X-ray examinations of a dog and four of a cat. The equivalent doses of eye lens, thyroid, chest, hands, gonads, and lower leg were measured using TLD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P). The maximum values of 44.3 and 48.3 microSv were measured on the eye lens and the thyroid, respectively. The median and mean values of the equivalent doses on the seven measuring positions with the exception of eye lens (6.0 microSv) are lower than 5 microSv per radiograph. More than 95% of the equivalent doses on chest, hands, gonads, and lower leg are smaller than 2 microSv. Particularly eye lenses and thyroid are exposed to measurable doses. Altogether the radiation exposure of the staff is relatively low. Hence a manual fixation of animals is justifiable if the fundamental rules of radiation protection are observed.     

Dose measurement in small animal radiology: how intense is the influence of distance and position of the investigator in relation to the patient?

Radiation exposure of body parts of persons, needed to restrain small animal during the examination, varies depending on the distance and position in relation to the patient, the region investigated, and the exposure settings applied. The aim of the study was to quantify the effects of these factors on the ambient dose. The dosimeter was positioned with varying distance from the direct beam (from 30 to 150 cm) and on different level above the floor (55 cm, 85 cm, and 150 cm. The study consisted of two parts. In the first part a plastic water tank (thickness: 18 cm) was used as source of scatter radiation. Different exposure settings (77 kVp; 20 - 10 - 5 - 2.5 - 1.25 mAs) were applied. In the second part dose was measured during the examination of the abdomen of a large dog (thickness: 18 cm; 77 kVp, 20 mAs) and of the skull of a cat (thickness: 6 cm; 55 kVp, 20 mAs). At the level of the patient (85 cm above the floor) the dose decline relative to the distance followed a quadratic function. In the series "abdomen-dog" the mean dose values ranged from 51.6 microSv (30 cm distance) to 1.02 microSv (150 cm distance). The corresponding doses for the series "skull-cat" were 0.98 microSv and 0.02 microSv, respectively. Comparably lower doses were measured on the lines along the table, when non-irradiated parts of the body were located between the exposed patient volume and the dosimeter. At 150 cm above the floor higher doses were observed relative to the doses at the level of the table. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1.) Depending on the target volume the ambient dose varies in a wide range. (2.) An increase of the distance of only few centimetres is reducing exposure considerably. Therefore persons should make use of it whenever this is possible. (3.) Persons should stand on the short sides of the table while fixing the patient. (4.) Head and neck are relatively highly exposed. Methods to protect the thyroid gland and the eye lens are indicated. (5.) Since different exposure levels can be applied in digital radiography, the range of dose levels is rather wide. Therefore strict dose discipline (e.g. by use of exposure tables and dose indicators) is necessary to avoid continuing overexposure.     

THE ROLE OF PROTECTIVE LEAD CLOTHING IN REDUCING RADIATION EXPOSURE RATES TO PERSONNEL DURING EQUINE BONE SCINTIGRAPHY

Bone scintigraphy is often used in horses because of its sensitivity and noninvasive nature. A 99mTc labeled radiopharmaceutical is injected at a dose of between 5.7 and 7.3GBq. Images are acquired immediately postinjection and 2-4h post. People are often in the room with the horse during the acquisition process. Objectives of this study were to (a) document the radiation exposure rates at different distances from various sites of the horse at varying times post injection and (b) study the usefulness of wearing lead aprons to reduce exposure rates to personnel. Radiation exposure rates were measured in at three distances (at skin surface and at 30 and 100 cm from the skin) from three sites (shoulder, thorax, and pelvis) in 19 horses. Exposure rates were measured with and without shielding by a 0.5-mm lead equivalent apron during both the pool and delayed phases. A 0.5mm equivalent lead apron significantly decreases radiation exposure (P<0.05) at these three distances from the three sites during both image acquisition phases. Mean dose reduction factors from the lead apron range from 3.6 to 5.7.     

Benefits of dog ownership: Comparative study of equivalent samples

Owing to the inconclusive findings of research regarding the health benefits of pet ownership, we compared perceived health, stress, life satisfaction, happiness, and psychosomatic symptoms in dog owners and non–dog owners. As an attempt to overcome some earlier methodological issues, the sample consisted of 602 individuals from Mexico aged ≥18 years (377 dog owners and 225 non–dog owners). These 2 groups were equivalent in age, gender, educational level, marital status, employment, parental status, and the presence of chronic illness. The results indicated that, compared to non–dog owners, the dog owners' scores were significantly lower for psychosomatic symptoms and stress and were higher for general health, vitality, emotional role, absence of bodily pain, social functioning, and mental health. No significant difference between groups was found for life satisfaction, happiness, physical functioning, or physical role. Group differences might occur because individuals who perceive themselves to be healthier also choose to have a pet; nevertheless, 273 (72.6%) had owned a pet during the previous 5 years, and 86 (22.8% of the overall sample) reported that they had always owned dogs. In conclusion, the dog owners perceived themselves as healthier—but not happier—than non–dog owners.     

Risk factors for pet evacuation failure after a slow-onset disaster.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for pet evacuation failure during a flood. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: 203 pet-owning households in a flooded region. PROCEDURES: Persons under evacuation notice because of a flood were interviewed by use of a random telephone survey. RESULTS: 102 households evacuated with their pets, whereas 101 households evacuated without their pets. Low pet attachment and commitment scores were significantly associated with a greater chance of pet evacuation failure. Risk of pet evacuation failure and lower attachment and commitment scores were also associated with pet management practices prior to the disaster, such as dogs being kept outdoors most of the time or owners not having carriers for their cats. More than 90% of owners made housing arrangements for their pets without assistance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Predictors of pet evacuation failure are usually present before a disaster strikes and are potentially modifiable. Mitigation of pet evacuation failure should focus on activities that reinforce responsible pet ownership and strengthen the human-animal bond, including socializing dogs, attending dog behavior training classes, transporting cats in nondisaster times, and seeking regular preventive veterinary care. Most pet owners are self-reliant in disasters, and this behavior should be encouraged.     

Follow-up study of owner attitudes toward home care of paraplegic dogs.

A questionnaire was mailed to 30 owners of paraplegic dogs who had been caring for their dogs at home for 3 to 72 months. It was designed to collect information on demographic variables, duration of ownership and paralysis, age of the pet, pet/owner relationship, owner expectations and perceptions of the pet's quality of life, problems the pet experienced, effect that maintaining a paralyzed pet had on the owners' quality of life, and whether use of a cart was beneficial. Significant correlation was found between prior expectations that the pet would lead a high-quality life and perception that the pet, in fact, had a high quality of life during paralysis (r2 = 0.61, P = 0.01). Owners who had anticipated that extra work would be necessary to care for their paraplegic dog had a more positive attitude toward home care (r2 = 0.55, P = 0.03). Overall, owners involved in the study were satisfied with all aspects of maintaining paraplegic dogs at home. Our findings support the feasibility of dedicated owners successfully maintaining small (average body weight, 9 kg) paraplegic dogs at home for extended periods.     

Housing situation of small animals in Swiss pet shops

This study investigates the situation regarding housing of small animals in Swiss pet shops. Data of 92 pet shops were collected with a questionnaire. On average 813 fish, 52.5 invertebrates, 32.2 small mammals, 26.9 birds, 8.9 reptiles and 2.7 amphibians were offered for sale per pet shop. Small mammals, birds and reptiles were mainly obtained from Swiss breeders, while fish and amphibians were almost exclusively purchased from foreign providers. The housing systems which were sold differed from those in which the animals were kept in the shop. This may be misleading to the future pet owners and may lead to faulty husbandry. Animals on reserve were often kept in different housing systems than those in the pet shop. Sick animals were usually treated or killed by the pet shop owners. The killing methods varied between the various species.     

RADIATION EXPOSURE DURING EQUINE RADIOGRAPHY

All personnel present in the X-ray examination room during equine radiography were monitored using low energy direct reading ionization chambers (pockets dosimeters) worn outside the lead apron at neck level. The individuals' task and dosimeter readings were recorded after each examination. Average doses ranged from 0 to 6 mrad per study. The greatest exposures were associated with radiography of the shoulder and averaged less than 4 mrad. The individual extending the horse's limb was at greatest risk although the individual holding the horse's halter and the one making the X-ray exposure received similar exposures.
A survey of the overhead tube assembly used for some of the X-ray examinations also was performed. Meter readings obtained indicated an asymetric dose distribution around the tube assembly, with the highest dose occurring on the side to which the exposure cord was attached.
Although the exposures observed were within acceptable limits for occupational workers, we have altered our protocol and no longer radiograph the equine shoulder unless the horse is anesthetized. Continued use of the pocket dosimeters and maintenance of a case record of radiation exposure appears to make the technologists more aware of radiation hazards.     

Improvement to the subjective well-being of pet ownership may have positive psychological influence during COVID-19 epidemic

The COVID-19 epidemic and government intervention measures may have adverse effects on people's mental health. To explore the influence of pets on the intervention of people's psychological problems during the COVID-19 epidemic, an online survey was carried out between April 9 and April 29, 2020. A total of 756 participants replied to this questionnaire. Mental health variables were assessed, and the comparison of behavior changes among pet owners and pets on positive mental well-being during COVID-19 epidemic. Comparative analysis was performed; compared with individuals without pets (n = 575), pet owners (n = 181) had a higher prevalence of insomnia (p = 0.006). Living in Wuhan city was a risk factor for people with psychological stress (p < 0.05). Dog owners exhibited lower than average scores of insomnia and uncertainty of infection than cat owners (p = 0.004). People with more than one pet exhibited lower than average scores of depression than having one pet (p = 0.040). For analysis of psychological effects of pets on people, the role of pets in subjective feeling and positive psychological changes of pet owner was significantly different. Pet owners relieve that psychological pressure through behavioral changes towards their pets in early stage. Pets provided positive subjective well-being and psychological effects for their owners.     

后疫情时代宠物中医的服务需求研究——以广州地区为例

探究居住于广州地区的宠物饲养者在新冠疫情前后对宠物中医的态度和服务需求变化,并就该情况进行分析,为后疫情时代宠物中医的传承和发展提供思路和建议。线上线下相结合,采用问卷调查法和深度访谈法,对广州市各个区的100位宠物饲养者进行线下走访调研,同时发布334份线上问卷对居住于广州的宠物饲养者进行调研;另外,从前期问卷调查阶段同意接受进一步访谈的对象中,筛选出10位宠物主人用半结构化访谈法进行深度访谈。并综合运用Excel和SPSS对定性和定类数据进行描述性统计、Pearson卡方检验、可视化图表等研究分析,得出结论。疫情发生前,大部分宠物主人对宠物中医持有保留态度,而疫情后愿意选择宠物中医服务的比例大幅上升;同时,疫情前宠物主人多选择针灸作为宠物中医的主要服务形式,疫情后宠物饲养者对中兽药的信任度则显著提升。疫情对宠物主人选择宠物中医服务的态度和宠物中医的服务方式有很大的影响和转变,后疫情时代大部分人对宠物中医有更多的信任与期待。由此可见,通过完善宠物中医诊断标准,加强宠物中医治疗用药研发;建立综合性的宠物辅助诊疗及科普平台,提高宠物中医的宣传力度;充分结合多种治疗方法,发挥宠物中医不同服务形式的各种作用;传承传统宠物中医精华,守正创新,可促进宠物中医的进一步发展与壮大。     

Sources and frequency of use of pet health information and level of confidence in information accuracy, as reported by owners visiting small animal veterinary practices

OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of sources and frequency of use of pet health information accessed by owners and assess the level of confidence in information accuracy as reported by pet owners who visit their veterinarians. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 412 participants from 17 small animal veterinary clinics. PROCEDURES: Questionnaires pertaining to pet owners' habits related to pet health information (sources and frequency of their use and confidence in accuracy of information accessed) were distributed by front desk staff at 17 participating veterinary clinics. A cover letter was included with each survey that offered instructions for completion and assured respondents of their anonymity. All completed surveys were placed in an envelope and returned to the researchers for analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated that pet owners who visited their veterinarians acquired pet information from veterinarians via the telephone or in person and from family or friends more frequently than they acquired such information from the World Wide Web. Pet owners also reported more confidence in information received from veterinarians (in person and via telephone conversations), compared with information from any other accessible source. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of Web sites by owners as sources of pet health information will undoubtedly continue to grow. Veterinarians can play a more proactive role in helping pet owners to access reliable Web sites that provide useful pet health information, thereby providing a benefit to all parties.     

Evaluation of client perceptions concerning outcome of cataract surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare client perception of outcome of phacoemulsification in dogs with information obtained from medical records. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 108 dogs (203 eyes) undergoing phacoemulsification from May 1999 through April 2004. PROCEDURE: Data obtained from medical records included signalment, presence of diabetes mellitus, cataract stage, whether surgery was unilateral or bilateral, intraocular lens (IOL) placement, and postoperative complications. Owners completed a survey concerning outcome of phacoemulsification in their dog. Survey responses from owners classified as satisfied or dissatisfied with the outcome of phacoemulsification on the basis of their willingness, in retrospect, to have the surgery performed again were compared. RESULTS: Data from medical records and survey responses were available for 108 dogs (203 eyes). Median follow-up was 3 months via medical record review and 12 months via owner survey responses. Most (81%) owners were satisfied with outcome. The most common reason for dissatisfaction was loss of vision after surgery; however, most dissatisfied owners did not return their dog for examinations. Owner perception of success was not associated with patient age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, cataract stage, or IOL placement in at least 1 eye but was associated with perceived improvement of their pet's vision and activity level. Dissatisfied owners were significantly more likely to report that explanation of risks and complications before surgery was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owner perception of outcome after phacoemulsification in dogs was highly favorable. However, surgical risks and the importance of postoperative examinations, particularly in dogs undergoing visual deterioration, must be conveyed to clients.     

A focus group study of veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of the monetary aspects of veterinary care

OBJECTIVE: To compare veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of client expectations with respect to the monetary aspects of veterinary care and identify challenges encountered by veterinarians in dealing with pet owners' expectations. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on focus group interviews. PARTICIPANTS: 6 pet owner focus groups (32 owners) and 4 veterinarian focus groups (24 companion animal veterinarians). PROCEDURES: Independent focus group sessions were conducted with standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probes. Content analysis was performed on the focus group discussions. RESULTS: Pet owners expected the care of their animal to take precedence over monetary aspects. They also expected veterinarians to initiate discussions of costs upfront but indicated that such discussions were uncommon. Veterinarians and pet owners differed in the way they related to discussions of veterinary costs. Veterinarians focused on tangibles, such as time and services. Pet owners focused on outcome as it related to their pet's health and well-being. Veterinarians reported that they sometimes felt undervalued for their efforts. A suspicion regarding the motivation behind veterinarians' recommendations surfaced among some participating pet owners. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that the monetary aspects of veterinary care pose barriers and challenges for veterinarians and pet owners. By exploring clients' expectations, improving communication, educating clients, and making discussions of cost more common, veterinarians may be able to alleviate some of the monetary challenges involved in veterinarian-client-patient interactions.     

Potbellied pig husbandry and nutrition.

Vietnamese potbellied pigs, when appropriately cared for, make excellent pets for some people. However, their proper housing, care, and training is more challenging to the average person than that required for most traditional pets, such as dogs and cats. Failure to feed and house the pet pig appropriately results in the most common health and behavior problems. The obese, intractable pet pig gives little pleasure to a pet owner and appears to lead a very poor-quality life, frequently leading to the pet pig being given away or worse. Preventing health and behavior problems is easy if pet owners are armed with correct information early, either before or immediately after their acquisition of a pet pig. A veterinarian prepared to share this information can save the lives of many pigs as well as keep clients happy and coming back.     

A survey of pet ownership, awareness and public knowledge of pet zoonoses with particular reference to roundworms and hookworms in Harare, Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out in Harare to assess pet ownership and public awareness with regard to pet zoonoses. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information on pet ownership, health and welfare of pets, pet owners’ knowledge and awareness of pet zoonoses with particular emphasis on hookworms and roundworms. The results demonstrated that the proportion of pet owners who knew helminths as zoonoses in dogs (21.3%) and cats (1.1%) was low compared to rabies (95.7%) with ancylostomosis (4.3%) and toxocariosis (2.1%) being the specific parasitic zoonoses known to occur in dogs and toxoplasmosis (2.1%) in cats. More than 50% of the pet owners indicated that veterinarians never discussed the potential hazards of zoonoses or discussed it only when asked and 33% indicated that veterinarians initiated discussion of the subject whenever zoonoses were diagnosed in pets. Over 90% of the pet owners indicated that veterinarians should discuss zoonoses with them. Further investigations are necessary to determine the current prevalence of intestinal nematode infections in dogs and cats in the various regions of the country.     

Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian’s perspective and pet owner awareness

During a recent national study of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Australia, questionnaires were submitted to veterinarians and pet owners to evaluate from a veterinary and public health standpoint the veterinarians’ perception, awareness and knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites in their locality. The study included sourcing information with regard to commonly recommended deworming protocols. The awareness of pet owners regarding parasitic zoonoses and the degree of education provided to them by veterinarians was also determined.Very few veterinarians routinely discussed the zoonotic potential of pet parasites with clients but most recommended regular prophylactic administration of anthelmintics throughout a pet’s life. Some pet owners were unaware of the existence of zoonoses. It is possible that an overreliance on anthelmintics may have led to a certain complacency about the need to educate pet owners about the risks of zoonoses. Veterinarians are important educators in the community and it is important to evaluate their performance if improvements are to be made.     

邵伯鸡屠宰性能测定及肌肉品质分析

利用90日龄的邵伯鸡商品代肉鸡进行屠宰性能测定和肌肉品质分析.结果显示,90日龄公母平均活重分别为1552.5克和1230.9克;屠宰率分别为89.71%和88.70%;半净膛率分别为83.31%和79.95%;全净膛率分别为71.36%和68.99%.邵伯鸡的胸肌和腿肌的pH值在宰后45分钟时,接近7,呈弱酸性.腿肌的肉色都较胸肌深(P＜0.05).胸肌嫩度显著地优于腿肌(P＜0.01),而在性别间胸腿肌的嫩度差异不显著(P＞0.05).在肌肉品质的化学性状方面,胸腿肌水分含量差异不显著(P＞0.05).胸腿肌的粗脂肪平均含量分别为1.95%和2.49%,胸肌显著低于腿肌(P＜0.01)并且在不同性别间表现为母鸡显著地高于公鸡(P＜0.01).胸腿肌的粗蛋白含量分别为25.6%和24.2%,差异都不显著(P＞0.05).腿肌干物质含量低于胸肌,灰份含量胸肌高于腿肌,但差异均不显著(P＞0.05).     

ESTIMATED OPERATOR EXPOSURE FOR HAND HOLDING PORTABLE X‐RAY UNITS DURING IMAGING OF THE EQUINE DISTAL EXTREMITY

Hand holding of portable X‐ray units is common in large animal ambulatory veterinary practice. Portable X‐ray equipment manuals, veterinary teaching institutions, and state regulations discourage, or prohibit, hand holding of portable X‐ray units. Our goal was to quantify surface radiation leakage of a typical portable X‐ray unit and to measure operator exposure at simulated hand and collar positions during imaging of the equine distal extremity. Each exposure for the study was performed at 80 kVp and 7.5 mAs and repeated 10 times. Measurement of tube radiation leakage was performed along each surface of the portable X‐ray unit. To determine the operator exposure more accurately, an equine cadaver limb was used to generate scatter radiation for the following views: lateral carpus, lateral foot, palmaroproximal–palmarodistal, and dorsal 60° proximal–palmarodistal obliques of the navicular region. A Pancake Ion Chamber was placed at the handle and at simulated collar position to record estimated occupational exposure. To estimate the effect of lead shielding, exposure measurements were performed within the primary beam and behind a 0.5 mm lead equivalent apron and within an >0.5 mm lead equivalent glove. The average hand and collar dose was 0.471 and 0.327 mR/exposure, respectively. The lead apron and glove attenuated the primary beam 96.9 and 99.2%, respectively. This reduced average hand and collar exposures to 0.0038 and 0.0101 mR/exposure, respectively. Theoretical occupational limits are reached for the collar (whole body) before the hand (extremity).     

Owner perception of the care of long-term phenobarbital-treated epileptic dogs

A study was undertaken to evaluate owners' perception of the effect that epilepsy and long-term phenobarbital therapy had on the quality of pet and owner lifestyle. Selected owners who participated in a prospective, longitudinal clinical epilepsy study were sent a questionnaire at the end of the two-year study. Inclusion criteria were dogs with a history of seizures without previous medical attention or therapy by any veterinarian before enrolment, subsequent determination of seizure aetiology using a standardised diagnostic protocol and treatment with phenobarbital for a minimum period of six months. A relatively equal distribution of the respondents' dogs had a determined (secondary, 47 per cent) or undetermined (primary, 53 per cent) seizure aetiology, and the vast majority of owners agreed that they would choose to treat their epileptic pet again rather than opt for other alternatives. Most owners disagreed that their pet was leading a poor quality of life after the start of phenobarbital therapy. A significant negative correlation existed between an owner's perception of the pet's quality of life and the amount of work required to care for the pet during the two-year study period. This study demonstrates that many owners are willing to care for epileptic dogs on long-term phenobarbital treatment, regardless of the underlying cause.     

Retention of provided identification for dogs and cats seen in veterinary clinics and adopted from shelters in Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Personalized identification (ID) tags that contain contact information for the dog or cat owner can help assure lost animals are quickly reunited with their owners. The authors have previously reported that while the majority of pet owners stated that ID tags were very important, only a third responded that their pet wears an ID tag. The objective of this study was to evaluate if providing and putting on the pet a free collar and ID tag during an owner's visit to a veterinary hospital or spay/neuter facility increased the likelihood that the pet owners would actually keep the identification on their pet at least 6-8 weeks after they were placed on the pet. A second population of dogs and cats that were adopted from animal control and humane society shelters were also studied to assess retention of a collar and personalized ID tag. Telephone follow-up occurred a mean of 8 weeks after the tag was applied. Retaining and using the tag significantly increased for the veterinary group with 13.8% reporting their pets were currently wearing an ID tag pre-intervention, and 84.3% reporting their pets were currently wearing and ID tag post-intervention. Of the dogs and cats that were adopted, at follow-up 94% of owners reported their pets were currently wearing an ID tag. Approximately 5% of those who participated in the post-intervention survey lost a pet and recovered that pet because of the ID tag. This suggests that ID tagging is an effective method to potentially decrease stray intake into shelters and return pets home. The data also support placing tags and collars directly on pets as a method to retain those ID tags and collars on the animals, thus increasing the likelihood they will be returned home if lost or during a disaster.