Discussing overweight in dogs during a regular consultation in general practice in the Netherlands

In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that, similar to general practitioners, veterinarians find it difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. This study aimed to provide insight in the barriers and motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs and to compare the results with findings from human medicine. Sub-hypotheses were postulated based on existing literature to investigate if lack of time, fear of offending clients, or lack of skills were potential barriers, and if feeling responsible and feeling compassion were potential motivators for veterinarians to discuss overweight in dogs. To this end, an online survey (n = 59) was conducted. Furthermore, 15 small animal clinicians working in general practice were interviewed by semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Results from the online survey indicated that veterinarians find it sometimes difficult to discuss overweight in dogs. Veterinarians who responded to the online survey did not experience strong barriers but did make use of motivators (e.g. feeling responsible and feeling compassion) when discussing overweight in dogs. Interestingly, results from the semi-structured face-to-face interviews showed that the responding veterinarians did experience strong barriers, as well as motivators, when discussing overweight in dogs with their clients. The most prominent barrier was customer dissatisfaction, whereas lack of time and lack of skills were also experienced. The most prominent motivator was feeling responsible for animal health and preventive veterinary medicine. These findings were strikingly similar to previous research on discussing childhood overweight by general practitioners. To improve treatment and prevention of overweight in dogs, veterinarians need more communication skills and should be more aware of the motivators that drive their self-motivation. Improving awareness on overweight and its comorbidities should be a One Health issue.     

Blood lead concentrations of children and dogs from 83 Illinois families.

In comparison of blood lead concentrations (BLC) of 119 children and 94 dogs from 83 low-income suburban Illinois families, the mean BLC in the children was 8.9 mug/100 ml greater than that in the dogs. Demonstration of a BLC of diagnostic significance in a family dog increased the probability sixfold of finding a child in the same family with a BLC similarly increased. A history of pica in a family dog also increased the likelihood of finding pica in the family's children. It was concluded that family dogs may be useful sentinels of lead poisoning in children, and that veterinarians seeing dogs in clinical situations may have public health responsibilities with regard to lead poisoning.     

Anaesthesia and analgesia for dogs and cats in South Africa undergoing sterilisation and with osteoarthritis--an update from 2000

A survey was conducted in 2000 into the use of analgesic drugs by veterinarians in South Africa. This survey was repeated in 2005 to establish whether the use of analgesic drugs has increased and which analgesic drugs are being used for acute pain and osteoarthritis. The number of sterilisations performed and the number of new cases of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats was estimated. It is estimated that approximately 260000 cats are operated on each year in South Africa and that 150000 cats are sterilised. Five hundred thousand dogs undergo surgery, of which 242000 are sterilised. It appears that the number of surgical procedures performed in South Africa has decreased. The estimated death rate following anaesthesia has remained unchanged at 1:1004. Overall, the use of analgesics by South African veterinarians has increased significantly. Fifty-six per cent of cats and 74% of dogs were given peri-operative analgesics but this increased to 94% and 84% after including pre-anaesthetic medications with analgesic properties. The use of opioids (morphine and buprenorphine) and propofol has increased significantly. Approximately 253000 dogs and 33000 cats with osteoarthritis are seen by veterinarians in South Africa annually. The recognition by veterinarians of osteoarthritis in cats appears to be poor and is in need of attention. Carprofen and glucosamine/chondroitin are the most commonly used agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Details of the drugs used by veterinarians are given. Knowledge of analgesic drugs has increased significantly over the last 5 years. Continuing education is thought to have played an important role in the changes reported in this study.     

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.     

Current attitudes to,and use of,peri-operative analgesia in dogs and cats by veterinarians in New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the attitudes of veterinary practitioners in New Zealand to pain and analgesia, and their use of analgesic drugs, in dogs and cats.

METHODS: A questionnaire posted to 1,200 practising veterinarians was used to gather information about the use of analgesia in dogs and cats, assessment of pain, attitudes to pain relief, analgesic drugs and procedures used, factors affecting choice of analgesic agent, and veterinary demographics, continuing education and staffing.

RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty questionnaires with useable data were returned, a response rate of 28%. Male and female veterinarians were evenly represented. The analgesic agents most commonly used were morphine (opioids) and carprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; NSAID). Use of peri-operative pain relief ranged from 50% for castration of cats to 91% for fracture repair in dogs. For most procedures, female veterinarians scored pain at a significantly higher level than their male colleagues. Fifty-eight percent of respondents considered their knowledge in the area of assessment and treatment of pain was adequate.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey was considered representative of veterinarians working in companion animal practice in New Zealand. Results indicated a relatively high use of peri-operative analgesia, including both pre-emptive and multi-modal analge- sia, in cats and dogs, although there was still some disparity between the perception of how painful a procedure was and the consequent use of pain relief.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The establishment of current attitudes and practices indicates to practising veterinarians how their own use of analgesics compares with that of their colleagues. It also provides information to educators on potential areas of focus, given that 42% of respondents felt their knowledge in the area of assessment and treatment of pain was inadequate.     

Current attitudes to, and use of, peri-operative analgesia in dogs and cats by veterinarians in New Zealand

AIM: To investigate the attitudes of veterinary practitioners in New Zealand to pain and analgesia, and their use of analgesic drugs, in dogs and cats. METHODS: A questionnaire posted to 1,200 practising veterinarians was used to gather information about the use of analgesia in dogs and cats, assessment of pain, attitudes to pain relief, analgesic drugs and procedures used, factors affecting choice of analgesic agent, and veterinary demographics, continuing education and staffing. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty questionnaires with useable data were returned, a response rate of 28%. Male and female veterinarians were evenly represented. The analgesic agents most commonly used were morphine (opioids) and carprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug; NSAID). Use of peri-operative pain relief ranged from 50% for castration of cats to 91% for fracture repair in dogs. For most procedures, female veterinarians scored pain at a significantly higher level than their male colleagues. Fifty-eight percent of respondents considered their knowledge in the area of assessment and treatment of pain was adequate. CONCLUSIONS: This survey was considered representative of veterinarians working in companion animal practice in New Zealand. Results indicated a relatively high use of peri-operative analgesia, including both pre-emptive and multi-modal analgesia, in cats and dogs, although there was still some disparity between the perception of how painful a procedure was and the consequent use of pain relief. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The establishment of current attitudes and practices indicates to practising veterinarians how their own use of analgesics compares with that of their colleagues. It also provides information to educators on potential areas of focus, given that 42% of respondents felt their knowledge in the area of assessment and treatment of pain was inadequate.     

Nasogastric Intubation as Health and Safety Risk in Equine Practice—A Questionnaire

Placing a nasogastric tube can be a life-saving act for a horse but is considered an occupational hazard for veterinarians. An online questionnaire was performed to assess and specify potential risks. 123 equine veterinarians completed the survey, and the majority admitted using the mouth to handle the end of the nasogastric tube (sucking or blowing air) and having accidentally swallowed or aspirated stomach content or medications. This can potentially lead to aspiration pneumonia or pneumonitis. Mineral oil seems to be especially dangerous as aspiration may be asymptomatic at the beginning and lipoid pneumonitis may develop. Furthermore, 60% of responders would also handle the tube with their mouth if the horse was presented with fever and diarrhea or reflux formation, which might be affected by Salmonella sp. or Clostridium difficile producing toxins. The fact that nasogastric tubes are rarely being disinfected increases the risk of infection. 50% of veterinarians would use their mouth to suck or blow air into the tube during nasogastric intubation, even if the patient was presented with suspected poisoning. Rodenticide zinc phosphide is particularly dangerous as its breakdown product is a highly toxic gas. Inhalation leads to serious symptoms in humans, including pulmonary edema and neurological signs. Alternatives to mouth use (lavage, big syringe, or suction pump) when passing a tube should be considered, especially if a patient is presented with duodenitis—proximal jejunitis, diarrhea, or suspected poisoning. Awareness needs to be raised among veterinarians that nasogastric intubation is an extremely hazardous occupational practice.     

Evaluation of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in the treatment of aldicarb poisoning in rats

Cyclodextrins are ring-shaped oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior. The interior cavity is capable of complexing fat-soluble molecules small enough to fit inside. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin as treatment of aldicarb poisoning in rats. Survival times in the majority of rats dosed with aldicarb and receiving intravenous cyclodextrin were longer compared with the control rats only dosed with aldicarb per os.     

Pain alleviation in animals: attitudes and practices of Finnish veterinarians

A questionnaire was sent to 911 Finnish veterinarians to assess their attitudes and practices to pain relief in animals. Responses to statements about recognition and treatment of pain were either to agree or to disagree. The pain caused by specified surgical and clinical conditions was rated. Inquiries were also posed about the number of analgesics available and their use in specific surgical procedures and clinical situations. The questionnaires were returned by 441 respondents. Women and younger veterinarians generally rated pain higher and treated it more frequently than men and older colleagues. Younger veterinarians and those in larger practices also had more analgesics available than older veterinarians and those in smaller practices. Respondents agreed with the statement that relieving pain is beneficial for animals. However, large differences were present in the frequency of use of pain alleviation between different animal species undergoing similar operations and between clinical conditions scored equally in the numerical rating of pain. The severity and clinical relevance of feline pain is probably often underestimated, as cats were less likely to receive analgesics than dogs after similar operations.     

Acute aldicarb toxicity in dogs: 15 cases (2001–2009)

Objective – To describe the common clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, treatment, and prognosis associated with acute aldicarb toxicosis in dogs. Design – Retrospective observational study from 2001 to 2009. Setting – Urban referral hospital. Animals – Fifteen client‐owned dogs. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – The most common clinical signs associated with acute aldicarb toxicosis were vomiting, ptyalism, diarrhea, and tremors. Of the 15 dogs, 11 were admitted to the hospital for treatment, 2 were euthanized at presentation and 2 were discharged against medical advice following minimal treatment and lost to follow‐up. Laboratory abnormalities included lactic acidosis and hyperglycemia in 12 and 9 patients, respectively. Treatment of hospitalized dogs included induction of emesis with apomorphine (4 dogs), activated charcoal (5), IV fluids (11), atropine (7), methocarbamol (3), diazepam (1), pralidoxime (1) and diphenhydramine (1). Ten of 11 hospitalized dogs survived to discharge; 1 was euthanized following a respiratory arrest after 36 hours of hospitalization. One patient received mechanical ventilation and treatment for pneumonia before discharge from the hospital. The median duration of hospitalization was 22 hours (range 12–168 h). Conclusions – Acute aldicarb toxicosis carries a good prognosis for survival and hospital discharge with treatment. Supportive care should be considered for at least 18–24 hours to monitor for response to therapy and development of respiratory failure.     

General toxicologic hazards and risks for search-and-rescue dogs responding to urban disasters

In large-scale disasters, it is not always possible to identify every potential toxic agent to which SAR dogs may be exposed. However, an understanding of the basic means by which dogs may be exposed to toxic agents can aid veterinarians in determining basic risks for particular SAR sites and allow veterinarians to institute general preventive measures (eg, frequent eye washes) to minimize exposure. Discussions with public health and other authorities on-site may aid in identifying site-specific risks for SAR dogs. Finally, ensuring that SAR dog handlers are aware of basic risks, precautions, and decontamination measures is essential, as handlers are the first line of defense in preventing illness or injury to SAR dogs as they work a disaster area.     

Aldicarb poisoning of dogs and cats in Gauteng during 2003

A survey of aldicarb poisoning in companion animals was conducted by posting questionnaires to all private practitioners in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The survey was designed to determine the percentage of aldicarb cases seen, treatment regimen, clinical signs observed, proposals for preventative actions and more effective treatments. Other questions included duration of treatment, survival rate, cost to clients, post mortem findings and reasons for poisonings.     

Factors influencing the 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 categories of surgeries, and their opinion toward pain perception and perceived complications associated with the postoperative use of potent opioid analgesics. Three hundred and seventeen (76%) returned the questionnaire. An analgesic user was defined as a veterinarian who administers analgesics to at least 50% of dogs or 50% of cats following abdominal surgery, excluding ovariohysterectomy. The veterinarians responding exhibited a bimodal distribution of analgesic use, with 49.5% being defined as analgesic users. These veterinarians tended to use analgesics in 100% of animals following abdominal surgery. Veterinarians defined as analgesic nonusers rarely used postoperative analgesics following any abdominal surgery. Pain perception was defined as the average of pain rankings (on a scale of 1 to 10) following abdominal surgery, or the value for dogs or cats if the veterinarian worked with only 1 of the 2 species. Maximum concern about the risks associated with the postoperative use of potent opioid agonists was defined as the highest ranking assigned to any of the 7 risks evaluated in either dogs or cats. Logistic regression analysis identified the pain perception score and the maximum concern regarding the use of potent opioid agonists in the postoperative period as the 2 factors that distinguished analgesic users from analgesic nonusers. This model correctly classified 68% of veterinarians as analgesic users or nonusers. Linear regression analysis identified gender and the presence of an animal health technologist in the practice as the 2 factors that influenced pain perception by veterinarians. Linear regression analysis identified working with an animal health technologist, graduation within the past 10 years, and attendance at continuing education as factors that influenced maximum concern about the postoperative use of opioid agonists.     

Effects of reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety

Canine separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem presented to veterinarians. Associated behaviors are distressing to both dog and owner, have the potential to disrupt the human-companion animal bond, and may lead to euthanasia. The results of this study demonstrate the clinical efficacy and safety of Reconcile (fluoxetine, 1 to 2 mg/kg/day [0.45 to 0.91 mg/lb/day]), in conjunction with behavior management, for the treatment of canine separation anxiety. The beef flavored chewable formulation was palatable to treated dogs and easy to administer. This study provides to veterinarians and owners valuable information about an effective separation anxiety treatment plan that combines use of Reconcile with behavior modification.     

猪群中毒性疾病的分析与防控

在养猪过程中,猪中毒的现象非常普遍,但极易被猪场及临床兽医忽略,很多猪场只要发现猪有异常,就以为是感染了传染病,却不知其实是中毒.冬季即将来临,氨气中毒、一氧化碳中毒、饮水中毒及霉菌中毒等严重威胁着猪群的健康,蓄积性中毒更是潜伏在猪场的沉默杀手,中毒对养猪行业最大的危害是降低猪的免疫力.福利养猪是降低猪场中毒发生率的有...     

An Epidemiological Survey of Therapy and Diagnostic Procedures Used by Norwegian Small Animal Practitioners in Cases of Nasal Mite (Pneumonyssoides caninum) Infection in Dogs

Forty per cent of the members of the Norwegian Small Animal Veterinary Association (NSAVA) returned a questionnaire regarding the treatment and diagnosis of canine nasal mite infection in their practices in 1996. A total of 2392 dogs were treated for this infection by 156 NSAVA members in clinical practice in that year, averaging 15.3 treated dogs per veterinarian. An estimated minimum of 6000 Norwegian dogs were treated for nasal mite infection in 1996, at an estimated cost of treatment exceeding 3.3 million NOK. Fifty-nine per cent of the practitioners included at least a case history and clinical examination as diagnostic criteria prior to initiating treatment for nasal mite infection. Fewer than 10% routinely performed more thorough diagnostic procedures, and only 1.8% of the diagnoses were verified prior to treatment. A total of 27 different treatment regimens, involving either subcutaneously injected ivermectin or orally administered milbemycin oxime, were routinely used by NSAVA veterinarians to treat these dogs. Seventy-two (53%) of the veterinarians used ivermectin exclusively, 14 (10%) used milbemycin oxime exclusively, while 50 (37%) used both ivermectin and milbemycin oxime. No other drugs were used. Evaluation of treatment was made by assessing resolution of the clinical signs following treatment, and 97% of the veterinarians were satisfied with the effect of the treatment regimen they used. Adverse side-effects following treatment for nasal mite infection in 1996 were seen on 9 occasions; 4 following ivermectin administration and 2 following milbemycin oxime treatment, while in 3 cases no information on the drug used was provided. The risk of adverse reactions to treatment of nasal mite infection in dogs was 0.4%.     

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.     

Antacids in the initial management of metallic zinc ingestion in dogs

Zinc poisoning in dogs, following ingestion of post-1982 U.S. one cent coins is an increasingly common toxicological syndrome causing gastrointestinal abnormalities, hemolytic anemia, pancreatitis and renal failure. Thermodynamic laws predict that the rate of the chemical reaction between HCl and metallic zinc, which releases absorbable zinc anions, is dependent on pH. The significance of the relation between pH and dissolution is, however, apparently contradicted by the fact that recent veterinary toxicology texts are silent on the use of antacids in the early management of zinc ingestion in dogs. A series of experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that the degree to which zinc dissolution is pH dependent is likely to be of clinical importance and that the use of antacids will be of benefit in preventing zinc poisoning in dogs that had ingested metallic zinc. Zinc dissolution was strongly dependent on pH in an exponential manner, indicating that clinically achievable upward adjustment of gastric pH using antacids is likely to have significant effects on the rate of zinc absorption in dogs. These data clearly support the use of antacids during the initial treatment of metallic zinc ingestion in dogs.     

Antimicrobial use Guidelines for Treatment of Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs and Cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases

Respiratory tract disease can be associated with primary or secondary bacterial infections in dogs and cats and is a common reason for use and potential misuse, improper use, and overuse of antimicrobials. There is a lack of comprehensive treatment guidelines such as those that are available for human medicine. Accordingly, the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases convened a Working Group of clinical microbiologists, pharmacologists, and internists to share experiences, examine scientific data, review clinical trials, and develop these guidelines to assist veterinarians in making antimicrobial treatment choices for use in the management of bacterial respiratory diseases in dogs and cats.     

Attitudes and concerns of French veterinarians towards pain and analgesia in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare the attitudes of French veterinarians to pain, and their provision of analgesia to animals, with that reported from other countries. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological study. METHODS: In June 1999, 379 French veterinarians were surveyed to ascertain their views on pain evaluation and control in dogs and cats, and their use of analgesics in daily practice. Survey results are expressed as a percentage of responses. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 189 veterinarians (49.9%). The response rate was influenced by age (younger veterinarians were more likely to respond) but not gender. A majority (99.5%) expressed moderate to extreme concern over pain in their patients. Pain evaluation was based on the animal's attitude (88.3% dogs, 82.5% cats), interaction with the caregiver, response to palpation of the painful area (66.5% dogs, 62.7% cats) and inappetence (29.3% dogs, 46.3% cats, p < 0.001). Only 14.3% of respondents considered their knowledge of pain recognition to be inadequate. Many (58.8%) considered their methods of pain quantification and control (47% dogs, 59% cats) to be inadequate. Difficulties in recognizing pain (58.3%), a lack of knowledge in the appropriate use of analgesics (41.7%) and fear of drug side effects (30%) were used to explain inadequate provision of analgesia. Only 16.1 and 8.1% used opioids in dogs and cats, respectively. This low level of use resulted from the imposition of French narcotic legislation (79.9%) and lack of knowledge of opioid pharmacology (73.7%). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids were the most commonly used analgesics in both species (100% (dogs) and 96.7% (cats)). The most popular NSAID used in France was tolfenamic acid, followed by meloxicam (dogs), ketoprofen, nimesulide (cats) and carprofen (dogs). The type of surgery performed influenced the use of analgesics, from 17.2% for castration to 83.7% for orthopaedic procedures. Nonsurgical conditions believed to warrant analgesia included osteoarthritis (97.8%), trauma (97.3%) and bone neoplasia (93.4%). Female veterinarians were more likely than males to evaluate pain and provide analgesia. CONCLUSION: French practitioners demonstrate a level of interest in analgesia, which appears to be at least equivalent to that reported from English-speaking countries. The signs used to indicate the presence of pain do not, in general, appear to differ. Excessive confidence in their ability to recognize pain (despite a general ignorance of the subject), the minor role of animal health technicians in pain management and misconceptions about analgesics (mainly opioids) are French pecularities.