The 50 most-cited articles in Veterinary Record, 2022

This focus article has been prepared by Marco Falchieri, Scott M. Reid, Craig S. Ross, Joe James, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Madalina Zamfir, Ian H. Brown and Ashley C. Banyard of the APHA; Glen Tyler and Emma Philip of NatureScot; and Will Miles of Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews.

BACKGROUND: Veterinary healthcare can be a complex process and may lead to unwanted, potentially harmful patient safety incidents as a consequence, negatively impacting both the practice team and client satisfaction. The aim of this study was to identify how such incidents impact cats and dogs by analysing reports gathered in a large-scale voluntary incident reporting system. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analysis was used to study a total of 2155 incident reports, submitted by 130 practices on mainland Europe. RESULTS: Incidents caused harm in more than 40% of reports. Medication-related incidents were the most frequent type of incident recorded (40%). Treatment-related incidents were the most common type of incident causing patient harm (55%). Anaesthesia-related incidents were the most severe type of incident, resulting in patient death in 18% of these reports. Most incidents were reported from hospital wards, and a significantly higher proportion of cats were harmed by incidents compared to dogs. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients are regularly harmed by…

BACKGROUND: Exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIE) has been found to be associated with negative mental health outcomes. Veterinary professionals (VPs) often experience challenging workplace events, but whether they experience PMIEs and the impact of exposure on their wellbeing is poorly understood. The objective of the study was to explore UK VPs experiences of PMIEs, the impact of PMIEs on VPs' wellbeing and beliefs about factors that influence VPs' exposure to PMIEs. METHODS: Ten VPs were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: VPs were found to experience PMIEs, including transgressive acts of commission or omission (e.g., being involved in or witnessing convenience euthanasia) or betrayal by trusted colleagues (e.g., bullying). Experiences of PMIEs evoked considerable psychological distress, including guilt, shame and loss of confidence in one's abilities. Several risk factors for experiencing psychological distress following a PMIE were described. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some of…

BACKGROUND: UK veterinary practitioners are reported to be fearful of client complaints, but their experiences have not been formally captured. Understanding how complaints impact veterinary practitioners is key to mitigating detrimental consequences. METHODS: A qualitative exploration of how UK veterinary practitioners experience and respond to adverse events was conducted. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, which were transcribed and simultaneously analysed. Coding and theme development were inductive rather than restricted by preconceived theories. RESULTS: Twelve focus groups and 15 individual interviews took place. One theme identified focused on the impact of client complaints. Practitioners experienced unintentional distraction and disengagement from clinical work, as well as employing defensive strategies as a direct result of complaints. The vexatious nature of some complainants was highlighted, along with concerns about practice and regulatory complaint management, lack of appropriate support, discriminatory behaviours and the influence of 'trial by…

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, atrophy of the bursa has been found among vaccinated chickens with high antibody titres against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in Fujian, China, suggesting poor vaccine efficacy against circulating IBDV strains. METHODS: Novel IBDV strains were isolated, and vp2 and vp1 genes were sequenced and used to carry out phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity was investigated using 21-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. In addition, the effectiveness of current commercial vaccines used in China was evaluated against the isolated novel IBDV strains. RESULTS: Six IBDV isolates were successfully obtained, which formed an independent cluster and belonged to genotype A2dB1, based on phylogenetic analysis of the vp2 and vp1 genes. The pathogenicity of the novel IBDV FJ2019-01 isolate in 21-day-old SPF chickens was characterised by severe atrophy of the bursa and a largely decreased number of lymphocytes, atrophy of the follicle and broadening of mesenchyme in the bursa 3-23 days after infection. Unfortunately, all vaccinated chickens with high antibody…

BACKGROUND: Since 2013, badger culling has been part of the UK Government's strategy for controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) within a high-risk area (HRA) in England. Government surveillance data now enables an examination of bTB herd incidence and prevalence, its headline indicators, within and outside cull areas over the period 2009-2020. METHODS: Analysis compared herd incidence and prevalence data from within and outside badger culling areas. A range of models (GLMs, GLMMs, GAMs and GAMMs) were used to analyse incidence and prevalence in culled and unculled areas using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Change in incidence across ten county areas within the HRA for the period 2010-2020 was also compared. RESULTS: Analyses based on Defra published data using a variety of statistical methodologies did not suggest that badger culling affected herd bTB incidence or prevalence over the study period. In 9 of 10 counties, bTB incidence peaked and began to fall before badger culling commenced. LIMITATIONS: There are limitations around the data available on culling location, temporal…

BACKGROUND: The popularity of brachycephalic dogs continues to increase despite inherent breed health problems. Increased education of current and potential brachycephalic dog owners could reduce the desirability of severely affected dogs. METHODS: Members of the general public were prospectively recruited to assess their understanding and opinions of brachycephalic breed-related health problems, before and after an educational intervention on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). RESULTS: A total of 587 people participated. Before the intervention most participants considered characteristics of BOAS to be normal for brachycephalic dogs. Following the intervention this was moderately reduced. Responses highlighted that defining 'normal' for a breed is difficult. Referring to a trait as 'normal', even in a negative context results in normalisation. 99.7% of participants had an improved understanding of BOAS following the intervention. However, only 53.0% of the total participants and 29.3% of brachycephalic dog owning participants had their opinion of brachycephalic dogs…

BACKGROUND: Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) is increasing globally, and farmers are encouraged to adopt sustainable control measures. Haemonchus contortus is increasingly reported in the UK, potentially complicating effective GIN control. METHODS: Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were conducted on 13 farms in north Devon, England, UK in 2016. Relative abundance of H. contortus was quantified using peanut agglutinin staining and used to estimate faecal egg count reduction percentages (FECR%) using the eggCounts R package. RESULTS: On average, farms had GIN resistance to three anthelmintic classes. No farms had susceptibility to all anthelmintics tested. AR was more prevalent in 2016 than on the same farms in 2013. H. contortus was present on 85% of the farms tested and comprised on average 6% (0%-52%) of GIN eggs before treatment. Resistance or suspected resistance to all anthelmintics tested was observed in this species on different farms. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate diversity of AR profiles on farms, apparent progression of AR within…

BACKGROUND: Workplace incivility is a workplace stressor with varying effects according to the status of the target and instigator. This study sought to examine veterinary staff's experiences of incivility from clients, co-workers and senior colleagues. METHOD: An online mixed-measures survey gathered data from UK veterinary staff (n = 252, primarily veterinarians and nurses). Quantitative scales were used to collect data on incivility frequency, burnout, mental health, job satisfaction, turnover intention and key coping responses. Qualitative data expanded on preferred coping strategies. RESULTS: The impact of uncivil behaviour varied according to the source of the incivility and the status of the target. Senior colleague incivility predicted veterinarian turnover intention, whereas client incivility predicted burnout. Similarly, senior colleague incivility predicted job satisfaction for veterinary nurses. Seeking support was the most frequently reported coping strategy. The qualitative data illustrated strategies focused on calming the situation and management of self.…

BACKGROUND: The extent to which preventive hoof trimming is implemented on Great Britain's (GB) dairy farms is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine common practices and capture producers' input on key areas that require further research. METHODS: An online survey was conducted over a 4-week period from March to April 2017. RESULTS: A total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p < 0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over-arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing,…

BACKGROUND: Sow mortality has become a growing concern in the pig production industry over the past decade. Therefore, we aimed to describe sow mortality and associated factors in a production system in the midwestern USA. METHODS: Mortality records from 2009 to 2018 for four farrow-to-wean farms were described. Environmental, farm- and individual-level factors associated with weekly mortality and individual risk of dying throughout a sow's lifetime were assessed. RESULTS: Deaths occurred at a median of 116 days from last service, or 26 days postpartum. The median parity upon death was two. Overall, the main reasons for death were locomotion (27%) and reproduction (24%). A higher weekly number of deaths was associated with spring (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.27, compared to winter). Sows had a higher mortality when they were exposed to at least one porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak during their lifetime (IRR 1.55) and when housed in groups (pens) during gestation (IRR 1.32). Conversely, they had a lower mortality when housed in filtered farms (IRR 0.76),…

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial stewardship is a cornerstone of efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated the impact of a formal discussion of antimicrobial stewardship for dogs and cats on systemic antimicrobial prescribing behaviours among companion animal veterinarians. METHODS: Electronic health records including information about the prescription of antimicrobials were collected from a multisite UK veterinary practice between 2017 and 2020. We undertook interrupted time series analysis using a quasi-Poisson model to compare the pre- and postintervention change in level and slope for multiple outcomes. RESULTS: After the intervention, there were sustained reductions in the prescription rate of cefovecin to cats and metronidazole to dogs and increases in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid prescribing. There was no evidence for an immediate change in overall prescribing rates in either species, although rates increased over the 12 months after the intervention. There was a transient increase in the proportion of dogs who had their weight recorded at the time of prescription.…

BACKGROUND: Toxocarosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease, but sources of infection are not well documented over large geographical scales. To determine levels of environmental contamination, soil from 142 parks and recreational areas across the UK and Ireland was assessed for the presence of Toxocara. METHODS: Toxocara ova (eggs) were isolated from soil samples by sieving and flotation and then enumerated. Individual eggs were isolated and imaged, and a subset was characterised by species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Characteristic Toxocara-type eggs were found in 86.6% of parks, with an average of 2.1 eggs per 50 g of topsoil. Representative eggs were confirmed as Toxocara canis by Sanger sequencing, with many eggs containing developed larvae, hence being viable and potentially infective. Positive samples were more common, and egg density was higher, in parks with greater perceived levels of dog fouling. LIMITATIONS: Samples were collected at a single timepoint and with limited spatial mapping within parks. Further study is needed to discern spatiotemporal…

BACKGROUND: Septic peritonitis (SP) is a common life-threatening condition. The aims of this study were to describe the aetiology, clinicopathological abnormalities, complications, treatment, outcome and prognosis of dogs with SP. METHODS: Records of 113 dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for SP between 2004 and 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall survival rate was 74.3%. Parameters at presentation that were significantly associated with mortality were lateral recumbency (p = 0.001) and elevated respiratory rate (p = 0.045). Hypotension during or after surgery (p < 0.001), liver injury (p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (p < 0.001) were also more common in non-survivors. The source of contamination, number of surgeries or the location of perforation in cases of gastrointestinal tract perforation were not associated with mortality. Delta glucose (serum vs. abdominal) was available in 36 out of 113 dogs and the difference was more than 20 mg/dl in only 22 of out 36 (61.1%) cases. CONCLUSION: Liver and kidney injuries play a role in mortality, and early diagnosis and intervention…

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of veterinarians graduated between 2009 and 2019 in the Netherlands leaving practice, their reasons for leaving and the relative importance of these reasons. METHODS: Study 1 (focus group sessions, n = 14) of this project was aimed at defining the reasons Dutch veterinarians have for leaving veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. In study 2, the frequency of veterinarians leaving veterinary practice and the relative importance of the reasons for leaving identified in study 1 were investigated through a cross-sectional digital survey. A career in veterinary practice was defined as working in first- or second-line veterinary practice. Leaving practice was defined as ending employment in veterinary practice. RESULTS: The results of study 1 yielded 20 reasons given by veterinarians to leave veterinary practice within 10 years of graduation. One of the reasons obtained by this study was not mentioned in literature before: leaving veterinary practice as a pre-planned career path. Study 2 demonstrated that the mean…

BACKGROUND: Health insurance offers many benefits to clients and veterinarians, such as the ability to perform necessary and possibly cost-intensive medical interventions without financial constraints, or to potentially prevent euthanasia based on financial challenges. However, concerns about negative consequences, such as the overuse of diagnostic tests or overtreatment, have also been raised. METHODS: Using an online questionnaire distributed via e-mail, which included a section on health insurance, we investigated the relative number of insured dogs and cats treated by Austrian, Danish and UK veterinarians (N = 636) and the attitudes of those veterinarians toward health insurance. Further, using a case vignette, we examined whether coverage by health insurance may influence treatment suggestions. RESULTS: Even though veterinarians in all three countries believe that health insurance reduces stress since clients' financial resources will be less important, we found that Austrian veterinarians are more likely to agree that health insurance is unnecessary compared to Danish and UK…

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing provision of veterinary telemedicine consultations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, little evidence currently exists examining these remote consultations. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore veterinary and cat owner experiences of telemedicine consultations during the pandemic. METHODS: Two questionnaires, one aimed at veterinary professionals and one at cat owners, were launched in September 2020. Questions explored the type of consultation conducted remotely, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine, and the role of telemedicine in the future of veterinary practice. RESULTS: Responses were received from 242 veterinary professionals and 98 owners with experience of telemedicine. Monitoring and advice consultations were felt to be most suited to telemedicine. Reduced stress for owners/cats was seen as an advantage of telemedicine, while lack of clinical examination and risk of misdiagnosis were viewed as disadvantages. Most respondents (85.7% [n = 84/98] of owners; 67.4% [n = 163/242] of…

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are popular pets, but research into their welfare is limited. This study analysed the potential association(s) between the provision of suitable housing and owner demographic factors. METHODS: Data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report surveys gave a sample of 1333 UK rabbit owners. Whether the rabbit housing was adequate or inadequate was ascertained by asking owners to indicate images of hutch and run size or indoor environment type that were similar to their own. The owner demographic factors collected included gender, education, household income and deprivation. Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate factors associated with adequate/inadequate housing. RESULTS: One-third (31.2%) of rabbits lived in inadequate housing and half were housed alone (51.4%). Male owners were more likely to report providing inadequate housing than females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.319-2.441, p < 0.001). Compared to owners over 55 years old, those aged 25-34 years…

BACKGROUND: Although burnout is often discussed as 'present' or 'not-present', the conceptual framework of an engagement-burnout continuum is more accurate and useful. Recognition of individuals' transitional states of burnout also allows for earlier detection of issues and tailored interventions to address the full burnout spectrum. METHODS: Previously reported Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Scale (MBI-HSS) data from a 2017 national survey of 1272 veterinarians across Canada were re-analysed using a latent profile analysis to classify individuals along the engagement-burnout continuum. RESULTS: Four clusters were identified: engaged (10.8%), ineffective (18.9%), overextended (29.6%) and burnout (40.7%). These results indicate that most participants (89.2%) had one, or a combination, of high exhaustion, high depersonalisation and low professional efficacy. LIMITATIONS: This cross-sectional study represents data from one point in time and may be subject to response bias. CONCLUSION: We discuss strategies-particularly long-term, organisational-level interventions-to promote…

BACKGROUND: End-of-life decisions for companion animals can be stressful for veterinarians and owners, and when delayed result in poor animal welfare. Delayed euthanasia has been identified as a particularly prominent issue for horses. This scoping review aimed to identify the available literature on veterinary decision-making models, which can support end-of-life planning. METHODS: A protocol was preregistered, and a structured literature search was performed on six electronic databases. Publications were reviewed against specifically developed eligibility criteria. Data from original studies and narrative-type reviews were extracted separately, and the components of each model were charted. RESULTS: A total of 2211 publications were identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Eight were original research studies and 15 were narrative reviews or similar. Publications were not indexed uniformly, increasing the difficulty of discovering relevant sources. The end-of-life decision-making process comprised three stages: (1) making the decision, (2)…

BACKGROUND: Interest in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is growing in veterinary medicine. However, research on MGD in dogs is lacking. The aims of this study were to compare the interferometry grades, tear meniscus height (TMH) and non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) grades between dogs with and without MGD. METHODS: Routine ophthalmic examination, interferometry, NIBUT assessment, TMH measurement and meibography were performed. Age and Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1) results were compared between the control and MGD groups using Student's t-test. Interferometry grades, NIBUT grades and TMH were compared between the two groups using Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age between the two groups (p = 0.279). STT-1 (p = 0.024), interferometry (p = 0.004) and NIBUT grades (p = 0.012) were significantly lower in the MGD group than in the control group. No significant difference in TMH values (p = 0.587) was observed between the two groups. While the control group included 18 and seven eyes in meiboscore 0 and 1, in MGD group, 12, eight, five and…

BACKGROUND: End-of-life decision making for animals happens daily in veterinary practice. However, access to such discussions as they happen is difficult, in view of the highly emotional circumstances of end-of-life consultations. Despite the expanding literature on euthanasia, few studies have explored the circumstances of euthanasia disagreement or delay. METHODS: To explore euthanasia discussions in veterinary practice, consultations recorded in electronic health records in a UK veterinary surveillance database (SAVSNET) were examined. From a sample of 2000 identified consultations, 69 canine and 76 feline consultations were purposively sampled for detailed thematic analysis. Specifically, consultations were selected if they involved a decision to delay euthanasia, including disagreement about the timing of euthanasia. RESULTS: Reasons identified for euthanasia refusal or delay included client-related factors (e.g., allowing other family members to say goodbye, differing opinions on the quality of life) and veterinary surgeon-related factors (eg, the wish to carry out further…

BACKGROUND: This study explored dog owners' concerns and experiences related to accessing veterinary healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data were obtained through two cross-sectional owner-completed surveys conducted in May (first nationwide lockdown) and October 2020 and owner-completed diaries (April-November 2020). Diaries and relevant open-ended survey questions were analysed qualitatively to identify themes. Survey responses concerning veterinary healthcare access were summarised and compared using chi-square tests. RESULTS: During the initial months of the pandemic, veterinary healthcare availability worried 32.4% (n = 1431/4922) of respondents. However, between 23 March and 4 November 2020, 99.5% (n = 1794/1843) of those needing to contact a veterinarian managed to do so. Delays/cancellations of procedures affected 28.0% (n = 82/293) of dogs that owners planned to neuter and 34.2% (n = 460/1346) of dogs that owners intended to vaccinate. Qualitative themes included COVID-19 safety precautions, availability of veterinary healthcare and the veterinarian-client…

BACKGROUND: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections before vaccination in 3-week-old piglets and to gain information about infection dynamics. METHODS: In 13 German and three Austrian farms with a known history of enzootic pneumonia, 790 piglets and 158 sows were sampled (blood samples, tracheobronchial swabs [TBS] [piglets], laryngeal swabs [LS] [sows]), and 525 pen-based oral fluids (OFs) were collected in growing and fattening pigs. Laboratory diagnostics included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. RESULTS: Antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae were present in 87.5 per cent of all herds. Seroprevalence ranged from 0.0 to 100.0 per cent and 0.0 to 88.0 per cent in sows and piglets, respectively. M. hyopneumoniae-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was present in 3.8 and 0.4 per cent of LS and TBS, respectively. Gilts had a 10.9 times higher chance being M. hyopneumoniae PCR-positive than older sows. In 75.0 per cent of all farms, M. hyopneumoniae-DNA was present in OFs.…

BACKGROUND: Recruitment and retention of farm veterinarians have been the focus of recent research. Previous work suggests that a feeling of 'fit' is important for students to consider a farm career. The aim of this study was to identify whether students feel that they 'fit' in farm practice and reasons for their answer. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to students at all British and Irish veterinary schools. A mixed methods approach was considered, with thematic analysis on free text answers and regression analysis on demographic variables. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified six themes: career opportunities, nature of farm veterinary work, relationships and interactions, individual experiences, expectations and perceptions, and no perceived barriers. Females, marginalised ethnic groups and those from an urban/suburban background were all identified as having significantly (p < 0.05) less agreement with the statement 'I feel able to pursue a career in farm practice'. LIMITATIONS: Survey limitations include those with a clear bias being likely to respond. However,…

BACKGROUND: After changes in European Union biocide legislation, the Dutch Poisons Information Center observed a strong increase in information requests concerning dogs and cats exposed to α-chloralose. To investigate whether α-chloralose-based rodenticides are safe for non-professional use, additional information regarding poisoning scenarios and clinical course was collected. METHODS: Veterinarians reporting α-chloralose exposure over a 2.5-year period were contacted by mail for follow-up information concerning exposure scenario, product formulation, clinical course and treatment, and outcome. In total, information was collected for 96 dogs and 41 cats. RESULTS: Fifty-three of 96 dogs and 17 of 19 cats known to have been exposed to α-chloralose-based rodenticides developed signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression or sensory-induced CNS excitation. Mortality in dogs and cats following exposure was 1% and 18%, respectively. An additional 22 cats presented with clinical signs suggestive of α-chloralose poisoning, with a mortality of 5%. LIMITATIONS: Exposure to α-chloralose…

BACKGROUND: Recruitment and retention have been identified as contributing factors to workforce shortages in the veterinary team. METHODS: Results from veterinary nurses to an online questionnaire regarding recruitment and retention were analysed. RESULTS: Veterinary nurses had few job changes (median 2); however, 53.8% (n = 1060) reported they were likely or very likely to leave their employment within 2 years. Respondents who were recently qualified (p < 0.001) and on lower salaries (p < 0.001) were significantly more likely to plan to leave. The most frequently chosen reasons to stay in a position were team, location and working hours, while reasons to leave were salary, management and work-life balance. Respondents most disliked 'dealing with people', remuneration and work-life balance and would like to change the salary, management and team aspects. Employers reported difficulty in employing an experienced veterinary nurse. LIMITATIONS: A questionnaire simplifies the nature of retention. Also, a comparatively low number of responses was received, with overrepresentation of some…

BACKGROUND: Medical errors have an impact on veterinary patient safety. Studies in human medicine suggest that students can help prevent medical errors. However, there are no studies that address the role of veterinary students in patient safety. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to incoming final-year (IFY) and outgoing final-year (OFY) students at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Response data were compared between class year groups with a Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The response rate was 26.8% (70/261). Most respondents (85.7%) reported being present during a medical error, and 60% reported causing a medical error. The OFY group indicated lower agreement with documenting an error in the patient record and whether all errors should be disclosed. The IFY group felt more distress surrounding potential errors and sequential career implications. Compared with the IFY group, the OFY group agreed more that errors occur frequently in veterinary medicine and disagreed more that hospital staffing is adequate to ensure…

BACKGROUND: Dacryocystitis has been suggested to be a relatively common condition in pet rabbits and is often associated with concurrent disease. The aim of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with dacryocystitis in a pet rabbit population. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from all rabbit cases evaluated at a single first opinion/referral UK exotics clinic between 2015 and 2018 was performed. RESULTS: Dacryocystitis was identified in 55 of 821 rabbits (6.70%) examined over the study period. Of those rabbits with dacryocystitis, dental disease was found in 24 rabbits (45%), respiratory disease in 20 rabbits (38%), aural disease in seven rabbits (13%) and concurrent ocular disorders in 15 rabbits (23%). Breed status was found to be a significant risk factor, with Lionhead/Lionhead cross and Dwarf Lop/Dwarf Lop cross rabbits being more likely to have dacryocystitis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a breed predisposition for dacryocystitis may exist, particularly for the popular Lionhead and Dwarf Lop rabbits, and veterinarians should…

BACKGROUND: Advances in technology enable new educational resources geared towards situated learning and leading students to a more active education. Self-directed learning methodologies used along with simulators may represent a good alternative to traditional teaching methods. The aims of this study were to analyse veterinary students' degree of acceptance of self-directed learning using the PhysioEx simulator in physiology, and to evaluate self-directed learning outcomes using different approaches (individual vs. collaborative). METHODS: The study was carried out over three academic years. Students conducted different activities on the PhysioEx simulator, either in an individual or cooperative mode. Once the activities were finished, students voluntarily participated in an opinion survey regarding self-directed learning methodology. Finally, an evaluation of learning outcomes was made through Kahoot!. RESULTS: Students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with this self-directed learning method, with the combination of self-directed learning and gamification being scored the…

Veterinary professionals (VPs) are often the first source of advice for clients struggling with their dog's behaviour, and pulling on the lead is a commonplace undesirable behaviour VPs will encounter regularly in practice. Excluding bites, being pulled over while walking on a lead is the leading cause of non-fatal dog-related injuries in the UK. This narrative review investigates lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs, highlighting aspects of the literature of particular interest to VPs. Lead pulling could negatively affect walk quality, frequency and duration, causing weight gain, while decreased environmental enrichment could trigger other undesirable behaviours. Aversive equipment to prevent lead pulling can cause pain, distress and injury, but even equipment considered humane can have welfare consequences. Punitive training methods could cause dogs stress, fear and anxiety and trigger aggressive behaviour. While these lead pulling outcomes are welfare concerns in themselves, they could also weaken dog-owner attachment, a risk factor in pet dog relinquishment. Given lead…

BACKGROUND: Twice daily low trilostane doses have proven to be effective to manage canine Cushing's syndrome. However, survival and prognostic factors in dogs treated with this protocol have not been evaluated. The aim of the study was to evaluate survival and prognostic factors, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) at diagnosis, in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) treated with low trilostane doses. METHODS: Medical records of 91 dogs newly diagnosed with PDH initially treated with 0.2-1.1 mg/kg of trilostane twice daily were retrospectively included. Survival times were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall, median survival was 998 days (range 26-1832 days, 95% confidence interval = 755-1241 days). In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.337, p < 0.001), presence of calcinosis cutis (HR = 5.271, p < 0.001), body condition score (BCS) ≤3/9 (HR = 8.100, p < 0.001) and higher platelet count (HR = 1.002, p = 0.022)…

BACKGROUND: Plastic pollution is of growing concern in marine ecosystems worldwide. Specifically, microplastics (<5 mm) may interact with a variety of biota with the potential to cause harm to organism health. Studies investigating microplastics are increasing, yet their occurrence within free-ranging and living marine mammals remains largely unexplored. METHODS: By using a protocol involving enzymatic digestion, filtration and microscopic identification, faecal samples collected from a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) haul-out site in the North Sea were investigated for microplastic presence. RESULTS: Altogether, 71 suspected microplastic particles, consisting of both fibres and fragments in a variety of colours and sizes, were identified across 66 analysed faecal subsamples. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that marine mammals are ingesting microplastics and that faecal material can be used to indirectly and non-invasively record microplastic uptake data in pinnipeds. Since the current paper is the first to document potential microplastic exposure among wild, living and…

BACKGROUND: Orogastric decompression is regularly recommended as a part of both medical and pre-surgical treatment for small intestinal obstruction in rabbits. However, guidelines as to when orogastric decompression is indicated are sparse. METHODS: The medical records of 35 rabbits diagnosed with gastrointestinal obstruction over a 3-year period were examined. Differences in presentation, clinicopathological and radiographic examination findings, treatments and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 49% of the cases evaluated were considered to have non-life-threatening disease, while 51% were considered to have life-threatening disease. The severity of gastric obstruction was correlated with the severity of hyperglycaemia (average 25.7 mmol/L; 463 mg/dl) and corresponding hyponatraemia (Na < 138 mmol/L; 138 mEq/L). These patients were treated with orogastric decompression and medical management only. LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study and there are inherent limitations involving the quality of the data and data collection. Additional studies should be completed…

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine veterinarians' experiences of treating cases of nonaccidental injury and other forms of animal abuse and to assess their support needs and barriers to reporting cases. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by 215 veterinarians. The survey included items on demographics and veterinary experience, experience of nonaccidental injuries during the last 12 months, case studies, perceptions of the roles of veterinarians in identifying and reporting cases, and barriers to reporting. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent reported treating cases and 9% reported suspected cases of abuse in the last 12 months. Experience of abuse in the last 12 months did not vary in terms of veterinarians' age, sex or number of years in practice. The most commonly affected animals were dogs, cats and rabbits, and the most common forms of abuse were neglect and physical abuse. Case studies focused on physical abuse cases, but neglect cases more often resulted in death. Veterinarians showed high concern about animal abuse but varied in their confidence to intervene and…

BACKGROUND: The treatment of canine adrenal insufficiency consists of hormone substitution and requires high owner compliance and intense human-dog interaction. This might affect the quality of life (QoL) of owners and their pets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of hypoadrenocorticism and its treatment on the QoL of dogs and their owners. METHODS: Owners completed a web-based survey that contained items concerning signalment, owner QoL, dog QoL and long-term therapy. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-two owners participated. Most owners feared an adrenal crisis. Approximately half of the participants reported that the bond between them and their pet increased after diagnosis. Although many participants felt that their own QoL was not affected by their dog's disease, worries about costs and leaving their dog unsupervised were frequently reported. Half of the study participants increased their dog's glucocorticoid doses when a stressful situation was foreseeable ('boosting' of therapy). Some administered hydrocortisone, mostly switched from prednisolone, resulting in a…

BACKGROUND: As they have been seldomly described in the veterinary literature, the aims of this retrospective study were to describe the clinical presentation, MRI findings and long-term outcome after medical or surgical treatment of dogs presenting with foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations. METHODS: Retrospective multicentre study of dogs diagnosed with foraminal and far lateral thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations between 2009 and 2020 in seven referral hospitals. RESULTS: Thirty-seven dogs were included. Dachshunds and mixed breeds were most affected. Median age at presentation and duration of clinical signs were 6 years and 14 days, respectively. Pain was the most frequent clinical finding (92%), particularly on spinal palpation and/or hip manipulation, followed by pelvic limb lameness (71%). Eighty-seven percent of herniations occurred at L5-L6 or L6-L7. A good to excellent outcome was seen in 95% of surgically and 90% of medically treated dogs. CONCLUSION: Although much less frequently recognised than herniation affecting the…

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between (sub)clinical mastitis (CM) in the first 30 days in milk (DIM) and the presence of sole ulcers (SU) later in lactation. METHODS: Holstein cows and heifers were examined for presence of sole haemorrhage and SU before calving, in the first 14 days postcalving and in early lactation (after 30 DIM). CM episodes and somatic cell counts (SCC) measurements were obtained from farm records. Multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Odds of SU in early lactation were 2.44 times greater (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-5.54) in cows that had CM in the first 30 DIM compared to cows that did not have CM in the first 30 DIM. When cows that had SU precalving or at the calving check were excluded from the dataset, an association of CM in the first 30 DIM with later presence of SU was no longer statistically significant but the same numeric trend still existed (odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% CI 0.81-5.34). The odds of SU in early lactation were 1.70 times greater in cows that had high SCC…

BACKGROUND: Reviewing patient health parameter trends can strengthen veterinarian-client-patient relationships. The objective of this study is to identify characteristics associated with veterinarians' communication of health parameter trends to companion animal clients. METHODS: Using a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, independent pet owner (n = 27) and veterinarian (n = 24) focus groups were conducted and analysed via content analysis to assess perceptions of how health parameter trends are communicated by veterinarians. Subsequently, a quantitative assessment of video recorded veterinary appointments (n = 917) compared characteristics identified in focus groups with health parameter trend discussions in practice. A mixed logistic model was used to assess characteristics associated with the occurrence of weight trend discussions. RESULTS: Fifteen characteristics relating to veterinarians' use of health parameter trends were identified across focus groups. Veterinarians discussed 77 health parameter trends in relation to bodyweight (57/77), blood work (15/77) and other…

BACKGROUND: Pet obesity is commonly encountered by veterinary professionals, yet little is known about their perception of communicating about pet weight. The objective of this study was to explore veterinary professionals' perception of discussing pet obesity with clients. METHODS: An online survey targeting veterinary professionals was distributed via social media and veterinary organisation newsletters. Topics included respondents' perceptions of weight-related communication, factors related to approaching weight conversations and implicit weight bias. RESULTS: A total of 102 respondents to the survey were included in the final analysis. Avoidance of discussing pet obesity with certain clients was common (53.9%; 55/102). The most endorsed term for describing pets with excess weight to clients was 'overweight' (97.1%; 99/102). The pet's body condition score was rated the most important factor to consider when deciding how to approach a weight discussion with clients. Although only 29 participants completed the implicit association test (IAT), most of these participants were…

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic generalised tremor syndrome (IGTS) causes tremor and often vestibulocerebellar signs. Previous publications on IGTS in dogs are restricted to case reports or lack exclusion of structural causes. METHODS: Medical records of 75 dogs diagnosed with IGTS that had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Crossbreeds were affected most commonly (41.3%), followed by West Highland white terriers (14.7%) and cocker spaniels (10.7%). A higher proportion of females were affected than males (68.0%). Median age of the affected dogs was 17 months (range 6-121 months), and median bodyweight was 9.15 kg (range 2.9-26 kg). All dogs presented with tremors and most experienced concomitant neurological signs (93.3%). Seventeen (22.7%) were hyperthermic and 31 (41.3%) had gastrointestinal signs. MRI of the brain was normal in most of the cases, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis frequently revealed mild pleocytosis. All animals were treated with prednisolone, and 39 (51.3%) also received diazepam. Median follow-up time was 13…

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common chronic neurological condition in dogs, and can be associated with interictal (between seizure) anxiety (IIA). It is unclear how owners manage their pet's IIA, including how much veterinary support they receive for it. METHODS: An international online questionnaire collected data on IIA prevalence, management of IIA and perceived levels of veterinary support for IIA from owners of dogs diagnosed with IE. RESULTS: Valid responses were available from n = 220 owners. IIA was reported by 83.6% of owners. Common management strategies were behavioural or training techniques, reported by 90.4% of owners, whilst 34.4% reported use of behavioural products. Only 28.5% of owners felt fully supported by their vet in managing IIA. Owners who felt unsupported were less likely to have received advice on behavioural management or training from their vet (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Access to veterinary support for the management of IIA is needed for owners of dogs with IE.

BACKGROUND: Owner behaviour change in relation to management is critical for successful pet weight loss. The stages of change (SOC) can be used to conceptualise the process of intentional behaviour change. Clients may be more likely to make successful changes when practitioners use communication techniques appropriate for a client's current stage. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess pet owners' SOC in relation to managing the weight of their overweight or obese pet. METHODS: An online questionnaire targeting dog and cat owners was distributed via snowball sampling. A total of 532 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of these, 153 participants (28.8%) self-identified their pet's body condition score (BCS) as greater than 5 (on a nine-point scale). An adapted University of Rhode Island Change Assessment scale was completed by 119 of these participants (77.8%) to assess their readiness to change related to managing their overweight or obese pet. RESULTS: Most participants were scored in the precontemplation (52.1%) and contemplation (42%) stages, where…

BACKGROUND: Vaccines are commonly used in sheep farming. However, compliance with vaccination protocols and subsequent suboptimal vaccination techniques are concerns in the industry. METHODS: An online survey containing 31 questions encompassing vaccination storage, technique and training was distributed to UK sheep farmers. Respondents were asked to mark on a sheep diagram where they would administer intramuscular (IM), intradermal, and subcutaneous (SC) vaccines. RESULTS: Of 370 respondents, only 26.1% identified the correct location for SC, 38.0% for intradermal, and 7.7% for IM vaccination. Almost half (45.5%) stored their vaccines in a fridge specific to veterinary medicines, only 33.9% used a temperature logger, and 6.4% checked their fridge temperature daily. Almost half (45.5%) kept their vaccines 48 hours or longer after broaching, and 11.1% kept them until the next time. Significantly more respondents who had received training correctly identified the location for IM vaccination (p < 0.01). However, training had no significant influence on the the correct identification of…

BACKGROUND: Colostrum-derived antibodies are crucial for the protection of newborn lambs from infectious diseases. Several colostrum replacer products that contain bovine antibodies are on the market. We investigated the absorption and persistence of bovine antibodies from a powdered colostrum replacer in newborn lambs. METHODS: We tested a lamb colostrum replacer containing bovine serum in lambs that were separated from their dams at birth. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) uptake was analysed by ELISA, and the persistence of antigen-specific antibodies was analysed by parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3) neutralisation assay. RESULTS: Serum antibody ELISA performed on days 1 and 14 revealed IgG levels of 17.9 ± 2.8 and 27.5 ± 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. PI-3 antibodies derived from the colostrum replacer were present for 86.3 ± 10.6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies derived from bovine serum protein delivered to lambs via a commercial colostrum replacer are readily absorbed and persist for months, suggesting that these products may offer adequate protection.

BACKGROUND: The canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a contagious cancer spread by the direct transfer of living cancer cells. CTVT usually spreads during mating, manifesting as genital tumours. However, oronasal CTVT is also occasionally observed, and presumably arises through oronasal contact with genital CTVT tumours during sniffing and licking. METHODS: Given that sniffing and licking transmission behaviours may differ between sexes, we investigated whether oronasal CTVT shows sex disparity. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 32 (84%) primary oronasal tumours in a CTVT tumour database occurred in males. In addition, 53 of 65 (82%) primary oronasal CTVT tumours reported in the published literature involved male hosts. These findings suggest that male dogs are at four to five times greater risk of developing primary oronasal CTVT than females. This disparity may be due to sex differences in licking and sniffing activity, perhaps also influenced by sex differences in CTVT accessibility for these behaviours. CONCLUSION: Although oronasal CTVT is rare, it should be considered as a…

BACKGROUND: While most cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom are stunned before slaughter, non-stun methods are permitted to supply meat to specific consumers. This study aimed to identify the existing literature that compared animal welfare indicators during stun and non-stun slaughter, using a scoping review framework. METHOD: Following a structured search strategy, including the establishment of a PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) question, a comprehensive literature search of the CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, was conducted. A total of 962 papers were identified, of which 16 were selected for data extraction. RESULTS: Fourteen papers concluded that welfare at slaughter was negatively impacted at non-stun slaughter in comparison to stun slaughter; two papers were inconclusive. Welfare indicators identified included biochemical parameters, brain activity and visual signs of consciousness. Limitations regarding inconsistent restraint method, neck cut position and non-standardised measures of welfare at slaughter are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS:…

BACKGROUND: Genomic selection enables bulls with desirable characteristics to be identified at a young age, but sperm quality can be poor in the ejaculates of young bulls. Few studies have been done on post-thaw sperm quality in bulls less than 10 months old. The objective of this study was to determine the age at which post-thaw sperm quality was acceptable for artificial insemination. METHODS: Semen was collected by artificial vagina; samples containing 100-500 million spermatozoa/ml were frozen for this study. Post-thaw analyses of membrane integrity (MI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), chromatin integrity, morphology, production of reactive oxygen species and sperm kinematics were made. RESULTS: The age at which ejaculates exceeded the breeding company's thresholds of acceptance varied considerably among individuals, with 285 days being the earliest. Morphology (p < 0.003), MI (p = 0.0096), high MMP (p = 0.043) and superoxide production (p = 0.0084) increased between the first and last ejaculates but reached acceptable levels at different ages for individual bulls.…