Anesthetic and analgesic techniques used for dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies in general practice in the United States

ObjectiveTo acquire information about anesthesia and analgesia protocols used by United States (US) veterinarians in primary care practices when performing routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs.Study designCross-sectional survey.PopulationPrimary care veterinarians in the US.MethodsAn online anonymous survey, originally created in New Zealand, was modified with permission and made available to Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members. The survey asked questions about performing ovariohysterectomy in healthy adolescent dogs in the categories of preanesthetic evaluation, premedication and induction protocols, maintenance protocols and monitoring equipment, and postoperative analgesic and sedation protocols and pain assessments.ResultsA total of 1213 US veterinarians completed the survey. Respondents (n; %) reported performing preoperative laboratory tests [packed cell volume (135; 11%), complete blood cell count (889; 73%) and biochemistry panels (1057; 87%)] and preanesthetic examinations on the morning of surgery (1083; 90%). The most commonly administered drugs for premedication were acepromazine (512; 42%), hydromorphone (475; 39%) or butorphanol (463; 38%), with propofol (637; 67%) for induction of anesthesia and isoflurane (882; 73%) for maintenance of anesthesia. Most veterinarians reported placing intravenous catheters (945; 78%), administering electrolyte solutions (747; 67%) and providing heat support (1160; 96%). Perioperative and postoperative analgesia included local anesthetics (545; 45%), opioids (844; 70%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (953; 79%); NSAIDs were dispensed for home use (985; 81%). Dogs were most frequently discharged on the day of surgery (1068; 88%) and the owners were contacted (914; 75%) for follow-up within 1–2 days.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAnesthetic management for routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs varies among US veterinary VIN members. Information from this study is useful for all veterinarians for comparison with their practice management and for teachers of veterinary anesthesia to continue to emphasize options for analgesia.     

Development and implementation of veterinary anesthesia medical quality standards for primary care

ObjectiveThe provision of general anesthesia is common in veterinary hospitals and procedures include some level of risk, up to and including mortality. A quality initiative was introduced with a focus on reducing canine and feline anesthesia mortality. This paper describes the development and implementation of risk-based medical quality standards (MQS) and resultant impacts on anesthesia mortality.Study designThis was a qualitative observational study. MQS focused on the provision of anesthesia were researched, developed and implemented. Anesthesia mortality rates, captured via an automated process based on the electronic medical record, were recorded before and after implementation. Compliance to standards was determined via hospital auditing.AnimalsClient-owned dogs and cats presenting to Banfield Pet Hospital (a national network of primary care hospitals) for elective and nonelective general anesthesia procedures. Over the course of the study, 2,038,318 dogs and 350,410 cats had a general anesthesia event.MethodsLiterature reviews and analysis of veterinary patient medical records identified risk factors associated with anesthesia mortality. Risk factors informed the development of MQS. Evidence-based standards focused on the provision of general anesthesia were written, reviewed, evaluated and edited. Implementation occurred over 6 months via a robust communication plan. Anesthesia mortality rates were continuously monitored before, during and after the introduction of standards. Compliance with all quality standards was assessed via hospital-based auditing performed on an annual basis.ResultsPrior to quality standards implementation, anesthesia mortality rates for dogs and cats combined was 7.4 deaths/10,000 procedures. At 6 months after implementation, the mortality rate was 6.24 deaths/10,000 procedures, representing a 16% decrease. Compliance with standards improved over time with continued focus and education.Conclusions and clinical relevanceDevelopment, implementation and continued focus on MQS can improve anesthetic safety and reduce anesthesia mortality in primary care veterinary hospitals.     

Cross-sectional survey of pet ownership,veterinary service utilisation,and pet-related expenditures in New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Aims: To describe the demographics of and predictors for pet ownership, reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure in pet owners in New Zealand.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 18–22 June 2015 using a permission-based panel of New Zealand residents aged ≥18 years. Questions included demographics of respondents, number of pets and reasons for owning or not owning pets, number of visits and reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure.

Results: Of the 1,572 respondents who completed the survey, 1,013 (64.4%) owned ≥1 pet. Of these, 443 owned dogs, 696 cats, 32 horses, 103 birds, 55 rabbits, and 159 owned fish. Companionship was the most common reason for getting dogs, cats, and birds; horses were mostly owned as a hobby, rabbits to provide fun for children, and fish as a source of relaxation. The majority of dog, cat, and rabbit owners considered their pets to be family members; horse owners almost equally considered their horses a hobby or a family member. The odds of pet ownership increased for respondents from a rural region, having a higher household income, having children and being female. Overall, 711/1,013 (70.2%) pet-owning respondents had taken ≥1 animal to the veterinarian in the previous year, with the most common reasons being for vaccination or annual check-ups or health issues. Respondents who considered their pets trusted companions, had a higher income, and owned dogs or cats compared with other species, were most likely to have taken their pet to a veterinarian. The greatest pet-related expenditure for all species was food. The median yearly veterinary expenditure was $200–499 by dog owners, $100–199 by cat owners, and <$100 by horse, bird, rabbit, and fish owners. The best source of information for pet-related issues was considered to be veterinarians by 724/1,001 (72.3%) owners, and the internet by 509/1,001 (50.8%) owners.

Conclusions: Among survey respondents, pet ownership was common and pets filled a variety of roles in the household. Pet owners reported spending considerable amounts of money on their pets each year, but some of them may be underutilising veterinary services despite veterinarians being considered as valuable sources of information about pet-related issues.     

The impact of COVID-19 on access to canine integrative medical care in Michigan,USA, and Ontario and British Columbia,Canada

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of the COVID-19 associated restrictions on the ability of owners in Michigan (MI), USA versus Ontario (ON) and British Columbia (BC), Canada, to obtain care for their chronically painful dogs.Study designCross-sectional survey.PopulationA total of 90 owners met the inclusion criteria for the study.MethodsAn anonymous electronic survey was distributed to owners at four veterinary integrative medicine (IM) clinics during July and August 2020. Two clinics in MI and one each in ON and BC were recruited. Owners were asked about availability of IM care preceding and during COVID-19 restrictions and their opinions of the impact of COVID-19 on their dog’s health. The survey asked where owners sought care for their dogs, types of chronic conditions treated, therapeutic modalities used, and if owners had a medical background. Comparisons were made within and between groups. Thematic analysis, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square analyses, McNemar’s and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for paired comparisons were performed (p < 0.05).ResultsDuring COVID-19 restrictions, access to IM care was better for dogs in ON and BC than in MI (p < 0.001). The negative effect of the pandemic restrictions to IM care on quality of life was perceived greater by owners in MI than those in ON and BC (p < 0.001). The owners’ medical backgrounds had no effect on attempts to access care during this time (p = 0.76).Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe results suggest that a widespread disease in humans had an adverse impact on animal welfare. Providers of veterinary care should use this experience to establish protocols to ensure continuity of care for chronically painful animals in the event of a similar situation in the future.     

Survey of women veterinarians in New Zealand. Part I: patterns of work

A survey was undertaken to ascertain the extent to which women veterinarians in New Zealand were employing their veterinary skills, and to identify some of the factors which affect women;s ability or choice to work full-time in their profession. Replies were received from 115 of 140 women registered by the New Zealand Veterinary Surgeons Board. Women in full-time veterinary employment at the time of the survey made up 63% of the sample, 19% were employed part-time, and 18% were not working. Women with children on average had worked as veterinary surgeons proportionately less time since qualification than either single women or women with no children. Women with children worked in their profession for a significantly greater proportion of time if they had both emotional and physical support in the home. Women who employed paid household help were in a minority in the sample. The distribution of women in different fields of veterinary employment was similar to that of a similar sized sample of men. The main reasons women gave for reducing their work level were pregnancy and lactation, difficulties in combining professional work with family commitments, a desire to spend time with children at home, and difficulty in finding a suitable position.     

Chelonian reproductive disorders.

The study of reproductive diseases of chelonians has become increasingly sophisticated in the last decade. Widespread captive breeding has increased the number of reproductive problems presented to veterinarians. Advances in the level of veterinary care have encouraged chelonians owners to seek solutions to problems that may have previously been considered unsolvable. Improved diagnostic imaging, particularly radiography, ultrasonography and endoscopy, have made visualization and diagnosis of reproductive disease easier. Better quality veterinary care has made treatment of chelonian diseases more sophisticated which has lead to improved methods of anesthesia, surgery, and medicine. Concerns over rapidly diminishing chelonian populations and habitat have made the need for study of reproduction a higher priority; veterinary medicine has gained from this research.     

Genetic Parameters of Fertility Disorders and Mastitis in the Swedish Friesian Breed

Abstract

Genetic parameters of fertility disorders and mastitis in the Swedish Friesian breed (SLB) were estimated from 9516 observations, using a restricted multiple trait maximum likelihood method. Information on individual cow diagnosis for fertility disorders and mastitis was obtained from registered veterinary treatments matched with AI data and data from the milk-recording scheme, including culling reasons. Heritability estimates for fertility disorders and mastitis using only veterinary treatments as sources of information were 0.008±0.011 and 0.018±0.015, respectively. Including culling reasons gave a significant increase in heritability estimate for mastitis (0.083±0.030), but not for fertility disorders (0.001±0.003). Increased incidence of fertility disorders and decreased incidence of mastitis were found for SLB cows with a high proportion of imported Holstein Friesian genes. Estimates of heterosis effects were small and not significant. Estimated recombination effects were negative for fertility disorders and positive for mastitis.     

Training satisfaction and well-being among veterinary anaesthesia residents: time for action

ObjectiveTo explore the satisfaction and well-being experienced by anaesthesia residents during their training, and to investigate factors that may have influenced their experiences.Study designCross-sectional online anonymous voluntary survey.Sample populationA total of 150 (of approximately 600 canvassed) former veterinary anaesthesia residents.MethodsParticipants were invited to complete an internet-based survey regarding the satisfaction and well-being experienced during their residency. Multiple choice, categorical, dichotomous, Likert-type rating scales and slider questions were used to investigate five domains (demographic, working conditions, educational environment, training satisfaction, well-being). Sampling adequacy, questionnaire reliability and participant responses were investigated by Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) indices, Cronbach’s α and standard statistical techniques, respectively (p < 0.05).ResultsThe questionnaire demonstrated good sampling adequacy (median KMO index 0.74; range 0.51–0.89) and high item ‘reliability’ (α = 0.82–0.94). Of the 150 responders, (25% participation rate) 62% were satisfied, 14% were neutral and 24% were dissatisfied with their residency training; 60.6% would do the residency again, 39.3% would not or were unsure. Sex and age did not correlate with training satisfaction (p > 0.05). Salary/stipend was considered inadequate by 70% of responders; 66% received no on-call supplement. Greater supervisory input, a good working environment and extra income when on-call were positively correlated with training satisfaction (p < 0.01). The majority (94.6%) of trainees suffered from at least one medical condition during their residency, with fatigue, sleep disturbance or anxiety reported by > 62%.ConclusionsAlthough a quarter of responders were dissatisfied with their residency, several modifiable factors were identified, particularly with respect to supervisors’ input, working environment and pay, which could inform improvements for future residency programmes. Most trainees experienced negative health impacts; however, this parallels the general situation in both the medical and veterinary professions, which requires greater attention from the supervisors, trainees and colleges.     

Virtual international experiences in veterinary medicine: an evaluation of students' attitudes toward computer-based learning

While many studies have evaluated whether or not factual information can be effectively communicated using computer-aided tools, none has focused on establishing and changing students' attitudes toward international animal-health issues. The study reported here was designed to assess whether educational modules on an interactive computer CD elicited a change in veterinary students' interest in and attitudes toward international animal-health issues. Volunteer veterinary students at seven universities (first-year students at three universities, second-year at one, third-year at one, and fourth-year at two) were given by random assignment either an International Animal Health (IAH) CD or a control CD, ParasitoLog (PL). Participants completed a pre-CD survey to establish baseline information on interest and attitudes toward both computers and international animal-health issues. Four weeks later, a post-CD questionnaire was distributed. On the initial survey, most students expressed an interest in working in the field of veterinary medicine in another country. Responses to the three pre-CD questions relating to attitudes toward the globalization of veterinary medicine, interest in foreign animal disease, and inclusion of a core course on international health issues in the veterinary curriculum were all positive, with average values above 3 (on a five-point scale where 5 represented strong agreement or interest). Almost all students considered it beneficial to learn about animal-health issues in other countries. After students reviewed the IAH CD, we found a decrease at four universities, an increase at one university, and no change at the remaining two universities in students' interest in working in some area of international veterinary medicine. However, none of the differences was statistically significant.     

Measuring the impact of different veterinary service programs on dairy herd health and milk production

This paper presents estimates of the relative impacts on reproductive status, the incidence of mastitis, and milk production of different types of veterinary service programs. The effects of veterinary services, categorized as emergency, scheduled and mixed, were modeled as a recursive system in which services affect herd health and health affects milk output. Veterinary services also affect milk output directly. Estimates are based on a small sample of dairies from the Tulare milkshed of California, and attention is concentrated on obtaining accurate data and addressing conceptual problems in modeling the effects of veterinary services.The data were pooled over dairies and months. Multiple regression was used to estimate production or yield functions for measures of herd reproductive health, under health, and milk. The data were corrected for autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity in the regression residuals. Student's t-statistic was used for test of significance. The estimated yield equations were used to calculate changes in health and milk output from changes in veterinary services.Currently available measures of herd reproductive status may not be valid for measuring reproductive health, because they confound management decisions with health status. Available data on udder health are satisfactory. The relative effects of different veterinary service programs were found to differ according to the aspects of herd performance being examined, and it may be important to account for indirect effects of scheduled services that are manifested through management.     

What is the definition of intraoperative hypotension in dogs? Results from a survey of diplomates of the ACVAA and ECVAA

ObjectiveDetermine arterial blood pressure range that diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) and European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) use to define intraoperative hypotension in dogs and identify the threshold values used for intervention.Study designSurvey of veterinary anesthesia specialists.PopulationDiplomates of the ACVAA and ECVAA.MethodsACVAA and ECVAA diplomates (n=313) were invited to participate in an Internet-based survey regarding anesthetized healthy dogs undergoing two types of procedures (diagnostic or surgical).ResultsThere were 151 respondents to the survey; 70.2% were ACVAA diplomates and 29.8% were ECVAA diplomates. The majority of the respondents (70.9%) worked in academia while the others were in private practice (19.2%), or research, diagnostic or pharmaceutical fields (9.9%). Hypotension was defined (mean ± SD) by the respondents as systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) <87 ± 8 mmHg for surgical cases and <87 ± 6 mmHg for diagnostic cases, or mean arterial pressure (MAP) <62 ± 4 mmHg for both types of cases. Arterial pressures reported to prompt treatment were SAP 85 ± 13 mmHg or MAP 61 ± 4 mmHg in surgical cases, and SAP 84 ± 11 mmHg or MAP 63 ± 8 mmHg in diagnostic cases.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThere was agreement between ACVAA and ECVAA diplomates on the definition of intraoperative hypotension in dogs during anesthesia. The blood pressures used to define hypotension were similar to the pressures that would prompt diplomates to start treatment. Readers could infer that diplomates define hypotension as a clinical condition that requires treatment at the time of diagnosis.     

Economic aspects of common health and fertility problems for the individual pig producer: An overview

Summary

The income margin in modern pig farming is generally narrow. Controlling the cost of production, therefore, is of great importance. Improving health and fertility can play a major role in this context. In this paper three interrelated issues are discussed from a farm management point of view: (1) the financial losses of common health and fertility problems, (2) the costs and benefits of disease control, and (3) the decision to replace individual sows in case of poor health and/or reduced productive performance. Priorities for further research in the field of animal health economics are also discussed.     

Evaluation of prescribing practices for gabapentin as an analgesic among veterinary professionals

ObjectiveTo describe the prescribing practices for gabapentin as an analgesic within the veterinary community.Study designAnonymous online voluntary survey.PopulationA total of 718 veterinarians within the United States and Canada, including general practitioners and diplomates of the American Colleges of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, Emergency and Critical Care, Surgery and Internal Medicine.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was used to gather information about individual prescribing practices for gabapentin including frequency of use, reasons for prescribing and procedures for authorizing refill requests. Questions specific to gabapentin covered mechanisms of action, perceptions of efficacy and the potential for abuse in people. Dunn’s test for multiple comparisons and pairwise Mann–Whitney U test were used to evaluate relationships between veterinary specialty and survey responses.ResultsA total of 718 veterinarians responded to the survey, 528 (73.5%) answered all questions of the survey to completion. Frequency of prescribing was high with 365/529 (69.0%) of respondents prescribing gabapentin as an analgesic on a daily or weekly basis. Surgeons and general practitioners used gabapentin significantly more frequently than other groups, with surgeons more likely to prescribe gabapentin for postoperative pain. The most common reason [254/517 (49.1%)] survey respondents prescribed gabapentin as an analgesic was because administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication was contraindicated for that animal. The majority of survey respondents [362/527 (68.7%)] considered the abuse potential of gabapentin to be low in people.Conclusions and clinical relevanceVeterinary prescribing practices for gabapentin closely mirrored that of human physicians, with gabapentin being prescribed frequently and for uses largely unrelated to its labeled indication. The perception of the potential for abuse of gabapentin is low within the veterinary community.     

Mortality related to general anaesthesia and sedation in dogs under UK primary veterinary care

ObjectivesTo quantify and explore risk factors in dogs seen at primary care UK veterinary clinics for general anaesthetic (GA)/sedative-related death overall, in addition to neuter-specific procedures.Study designA nested case-control study within UK primary care veterinary electronic patient record surveillance programme, VetCompass, including over 300 UK veterinary practices.AnimalsA total of 157,318 dogs undergoing GA/sedative events.MethodsCases included dogs undergoing GA/sedative events between January 2010 and December 2013 with GA/sedative-related death recorded within 48 hours or 2 weeks of the event. Controls were randomly selected from dogs undergoing GA/sedation that did not die within these time periods. Risks of GA/sedative-related death for all surgeries and neuter-specific surgeries were estimated. Demographic and clinical associations with GA/sedative-related death were reported as odds ratios following multivariable logistic regression modelling. Statistical significance was set at 5%.ResultsFrom 157,318 dogs with a GA/sedative event, there were 159 (0.10%) within 48 hours and 219 (0.14%) GA/sedative-related deaths within 2 weeks. Within 89,852 dogs that underwent a neuter surgery, there were eight GA/sedative related (0.009%). Greater age, poorer American Society of Anaesthesiologists health status scores and more urgent procedures were associated with greater odds of death. Compared with mixed breeds, Rottweilers and West Highland White Terriers had greater odds and Cocker Spaniels had lower odds of GA/sedative-related death.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe overall risk for GA/sedative related death was relatively low, particularly among the subset of dogs undergoing castration or ovariohysterectomy surgery. Associations and risk estimates may assist shared decision-making in clinical practice and provide benchmarks for audit.     

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.     

Cross-sectional survey of sleep,fatigue and mental health in veterinary anaesthesia personnel

ObjectiveTo evaluate the sleep quality, prevalence of fatigue and depressive symptoms in veterinary anaesthesia personnel.Study designAnonymous online voluntary survey.MethodsSleep quality, fatigue, depressive symptoms and self-perceived burnout were scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and single-item burnout measure, respectively. Demographic data and questions about work-related fatigue, out-of-hours duty, transport and rest periods were included. PSQI, FSS and PHQ-9 scores were compared using Spearman rank correlation tests.ResultsResponses from 393 participants were obtained from an estimated population of 1374 including diplomates of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary An(a)esthesia and Analgesia (43.9%), residency-trained veterinarians (15.6%), residents-in-training (13.8%) and veterinary technicians and nurses (12.0%), from 32 countries. Most were employed in clinical university teaching hospitals (54.2%) or clinical private practice (41.5%).PSQI scores > 5 were reported by 71.2% of respondents, with 52.4% reporting insufficient sleep to meet their job demands. Many showed high or borderline fatigue (56.4%), and 74.7% reported mistakes due to work-related fatigue. Major depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) were found in 42.7%, with 19.2% reporting they had thought about suicide or self-harm in the previous 2 weeks. Over half (54.8%) met the criteria for burnout and more veterinary nurses and technicians suffered from burnout than other roles, with 79.6% of this group affected (p < 0.001).Scores for PSQI and FSS [r (388) = 0.40, p < 0.001]; PSQI and PHQ-9 [r (389) = 0.23, p < 0.001]; and FSS and PHQ-9 [r (387) = 0.24, p < 0.001] were all positively correlated.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis survey demonstrates a high prevalence of poor sleep, fatigue, depressive symptoms and burnout in veterinary anaesthesia personnel, and more should be done to improve the health of those in the profession.     

Husbandry, working practices and field performance when using draught oxen in land preparation in Shambat, Nile Valley, Sudan

Little quantitative information is available on animal power in the Nile Valley in Sudan, despite that it is being used in the area for centuries and playing an important role in agriculture in the present day. A survey was conducted to assess draught oxen management and its association with field capacity and efficiency at the farm level and to identify potential areas for intervention. A sample of 50 farmers was selected for this purpose using the systematic random sampling technique. The main management parameters discussed were animal health, feeding, housing, work strategy and care for yoke and plough. The results showed that most of the farmers poorly manage their animals, and this was reflected in low working speeds and field efficiencies. The main dimensions of poor management were in veterinary care (78 % did not take their animals to the veterinary centre), feeding (66 % feed their animals shortly before work) and care for yoke (80 % did not follow daily care measures for their yokes) and plough (74 % did not follow plough care measure before and after work). Low working speeds (0.90–2.0 km/h) were recorded by the majority of the farmers (64 %). The majority of the farmers (70 %) recorded field capacities between 0.06 and 0.10 ha/h, while all of them worked at high field efficiencies of >86 %. The only parameter that significantly affected field capacity was the yoke-related wounds (p?=?0.019). Extension advice and capacity building in husbandry and working practices were identified as principal entry points for intervention.     

Recommendations on vaccination for Latin American small animal practitioners: a report of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines Group has produced global guidelines for small companion animal practitioners on best practice in canine and feline vaccination. Recognising that there are unique aspects of veterinary practice in certain geographical regions of the world, the Vaccination Guidelines Group undertook a regional project in Latin America between 2016 and 2019, culminating in the present document. The Vaccination Guidelines Group gathered scientific and demographic data during visits to Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, by discussion with national key opinion leaders, visiting veterinary practices and review of the scientific literature. A questionnaire survey was completed by 1390 veterinarians in five Latin American countries and the Vaccination Guidelines Group delivered continuing education at seven events attended by over 3500 veterinarians. The Vaccination Guidelines Group recognised numerous challenges in Latin America, for example: (1) lack of national oversight of the veterinary profession, (2) extraordinary growth in private veterinary schools of undetermined quality, (3) socioeconomic constraints on client engagement with preventive health care, (4) high regional prevalence of some key infectious diseases (e.g. feline leukaemia virus infection, canine visceral leishmaniosis), (5) almost complete lack of minimal antigen vaccine products as available in other markets, (6) relative lack of vaccine products with extended duration of immunity as available in other markets, (7) availability of vaccine products withdrawn from other markets (e.g. Giardia vaccine) or unique to Latin America (e.g. some Leishmania vaccines), (8) accessibility of vaccines directly by pet owners or breeders such that vaccination is not delivered under veterinary supervision, (9) limited availability of continuing education in veterinary vaccinology and lack of compulsion for continuing professional development and (10) limited peer-reviewed published scientific data on small companion animal infectious diseases (with the exception of leishmaniosis) and lack of support for such academic research. In this document, the Vaccination Guidelines Group summarises the findings of this project and assesses in evidence-based fashion the scientific literature pertaining to companion animal vaccine-preventable diseases in Latin America. The Vaccination Guidelines Group makes some recommendations on undergraduate and postgraduate education and academic research. Recognising that current product availability in Latin America does not permit veterinarians in these countries to vaccinate according to the global World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines, the Vaccination Guidelines Group makes a series of “pragmatic” recommendations as to what might be currently achievable, and a series of “aspirational” recommendations as to what might be desirable for the future. The concept of “vaccine husbandry” is addressed via some simple guidelines for the management of vaccine products in the practice. Finally, the Vaccination Guidelines Group emphasises the global trend towards delivery of vaccination as one part of an “annual health check” or “health care plan” that reviews holistically the preventive health care needs of the individual pet animal. Latin American practitioners should transition towards these important new practices that are now well embedded in more developed veterinary markets. The document also includes 70 frequently asked questions and their answers; these were posed to the Vaccination Guidelines Group during our continuing education events and small group discussions and should address many of the issues surrounding delivery of vaccination in the Latin American countries. Spanish and Portuguese translations of this document will be made freely available from the on-line resource pages of the Vaccination Guidelines Group.