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Paz BF, Ferreira MGPA, Martins KR, Uccella L, Barboza de Nardi A. Practical Principles of Palliative Care in Veterinary Oncology: Alleviating the Suffering of the Animal, Owner, and Veterinarian. Vet Med Int 2024; 2024:5565837. [PMID: 39035852 PMCID: PMC11260215 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5565837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative care for pets is a developing area that encompasses animals with cancer and other chronic and degenerative diseases. Objectives To elucidate the guiding principles of palliative care in veterinary oncology. Methods This article was structured from an extensive literature review and addresses the growing need for improved palliative care in veterinary medicine. Methods of quality of life assessment in animals with cancer, owner education, and the importance of an interdisciplinary team approach are discussed. Results Palliative care aims to improve the animal's quality of life, alleviating its physical, emotional, and social suffering. Through attentive communication, palliative care also seeks to alleviate owners suffering from the moment of diagnosis to mourning the patient's death. Conclusions The importance of offering palliative care alongside anticancer techniques and treatments should not be underestimated and should ideally use a multidisciplinary team approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz F. Paz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências VeterináriasFaculdade de Ciências VeterináriasUniversidade Estadual Paulista, 14.883-000, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marília G. P. A. Ferreira
- Hospital Veterinário Universitário da Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, 56.340-000, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Ketlyn R. Martins
- Faculdade de Ciências VeterináriasUniversidade Estadual Paulista, 14.883-000, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Uccella
- Faculdade de Ciências VeterináriasUniversidade Estadual Paulista, 14.883-000, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrigo Barboza de Nardi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências VeterináriasFaculdade de Ciências VeterináriasUniversidade Estadual Paulista, 14.883-000, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
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Taylor TL, Smith BP, Hazel SJ. Guardians' perceptions of caring for a dog with canine cognitive dysfunction. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e3266. [PMID: 37503693 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to diagnose, as its clinical signs are similar to those of other age-related conditions. The experience of caring for a senior dog with or without CCD is not well described. METHODS Data were collected via an online survey. Using a mixed methods design, the level of CCD and burden of care were measured using validated tools, and open-ended questions gathered qualitative data. A general linear model showed the factors associated with guardian burden of care. RESULTS Sixteen percent of guardians experienced a clinically significant burden of care. Factors associated with burden of care included severity of CCD, sleep location, guardian employment, household size, dog age, guardian age and the dog taking medication. Few dogs with CCD were prescribed CCD medications to ameliorate clinical signs. Euthanasia, strong attachment mitigating burden and the complexities of caregiving were themes presented by guardians. LIMITATIONS Measures are based on self-reports and as such the usual limitations apply. CONCLUSIONS The burden of caring for an older dog is greater if they have CCD. More attention to the treatment of senior dogs, including medications to reduce clinical signs of CCD, could improve the welfare of older dogs and decrease the clinical burden experienced by guardians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey L Taylor
- Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bradley P Smith
- College of Psychology, School of Human Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University Australia, Wayville, South Australia, Australia
| | - Susan J Hazel
- Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Silva PTRF, Coura FM, Costa-Val AP. Caregiver Burden in Small Animal Clinics: A Comparative Analysis of Dermatological and Oncological Cases. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:276. [PMID: 38254445 PMCID: PMC10812608 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Caregiver burden, a response to the challenges faced by those caring for sick loved ones, combines objective caregiving aspects with subjective experiences. This study aimed to describe the caregiver burden in guardians of ailing animals with dermatological and oncological pathologies. Additionally, this study aimed to correlate the degree of caregiver burden with the duration of the animal's treatment, disease stability, family income, owner's age, and the number of people living in the same household responsible for the animal's treatment. Using a cross-sectional approach, questionnaires were administered to guardians at a veterinary hospital. Out of 182 valid responses, 50.55% related to oncological patients and 49.45% to dermatological patients. Notably, 36.9% of oncological and 37.8% of dermatological guardians exhibited a clinically significant burden, with no statistical differences between the groups. Of the respondents, 84.6% were dog guardians, with 34.4% showing a significant burden. Feline guardians (15.4% of respondents) exhibited a higher burden (53.5%) compared to dog guardians (p = 0.02). Disease stability, time since diagnosis, and guardian age significantly influenced the burden, while household composition, income, and treatment duration showed no substantial impact. These findings underscore the psychosocial impact of caring for animals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the caregiver's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pollyana T. R. F. Silva
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 30123-970, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda M. Coura
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais Campus Bambuí, IFMG, Faz. Varginha, Rodovia Bambuí/Medeiros, Km 05, Caixa-Postal 05, Zona Rural, Bambuí 38900-000, Brazil;
| | - Adriane P. Costa-Val
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 30123-970, Brazil;
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Spitznagel MB, Gober MW, Patrick K. Caregiver burden in cat owners: a cross-sectional observational study. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X221145835. [PMID: 36705958 PMCID: PMC10812038 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221145835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregiver burden has been found in owners of seriously ill pets; however, research to date has been heavily represented by dog owners. Prior caregiver burden work has neither intentionally focused on cat owners nor been appropriately powered to examine differences in owners of cats relative to owners of dogs. We expected that owners of an ill cat would exhibit greater caregiver burden than owners of a healthy cat but lower burden than owners of an ill dog. METHODS A cross-sectional online assessment of caregiver burden was completed by 1085 pet owners through a pet demographic audience platform, including 333 owners reporting on a cat with current illness, 492 owners of a healthy cat and 260 owners of dogs with a current illness. RESULTS Owners of an ill cat, examined across all illnesses represented, had greater burden (P <0.001) than the owners of a healthy cat and somewhat lower burden (P = 0.013) than owners of an ill dog. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Caregiver burden is present in owners of an ill cat and may differ from that of dog owners. Future work is needed to determine the reasons underlying this difference between species. Given that restricted sample sizes precluded examination across specific conditions, it will also be important to determine whether particular diseases yield greater burden in cat owners relative to dog owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karlee Patrick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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Duxbury S, Sorah E, Tolbert MK. Evaluation of proton pump inhibitor administration in hospitalized dogs in a tertiary referral hospital. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1622-1627. [PMID: 35866265 PMCID: PMC9511098 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly administered to hospitalized dogs, prescribing patterns and appropriateness of use require continued investigation. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE Describe prescription patterns and appropriateness of use associated with PPIs in hospitalized dogs at a single tertiary care facility. We hypothesized that the majority of prescriptions would not comply with current guidelines for the rational use of acid suppressants. ANIMALS Two hundred randomly selected hospitalized dogs. METHODS Retrospective evaluation of the medical records associated with a randomly selected sample of hospitalized dogs that received PPIs between January 2013 and December 2018. RESULTS A total of 12 610 dogs were admitted for first-time hospitalization between January 2013 and December 2018. Forty percent of these dogs (5062/12610) were prescribed a PPI PO or IV. Of the 200 randomly selected records, an adequate indication for use was identified in 27% of dogs (54/200). Of the dogs surviving to discharge, 54% (95/175) were discharged with a PPI and 51.6% (49/95) of those were prescribed an inadequate dose. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE Our findings support other studies in which the majority of PPI prescriptions for hospitalized dogs at a tertiary care hospital lacked an appropriate indication. Furthermore, analysis of the prescribing patterns of dispensed PPIs identified a frequent occurrence of dosages considered inadequate, raising concern for ineffective treatment even with appropriate indications of use. With growing concern of adverse effects associated with PPI and other acid suppressant administration in human and veterinary medicine, rational use of these medications following consensus guidelines should be emphasized and treatment should be reserved for dogs with historical, physical examination, clinicopathologic, and imaging findings supportive of an appropriate indication for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Duxbury
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Sorah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Katherine Tolbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Campigli M, Strizzolo G, Furlanello T, Uccheddu S. Pet owners' feedback on psychological support service in an Italian veterinary hospital. Acta Vet Hung 2022. [PMID: 35895488 DOI: 10.1556/004.2022.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The emotional stress experienced by pet caregivers, induced by negative diagnoses, clinical problems, and/or long-term therapies should be taken into serious consideration by the veterinarians to prevent these individuals from the risk of experiencing incapability of dealing with the great burden and the eventual reduction of compliance. Understanding the client's affective state may enhance the veterinarian's empathic response and effective communication. To understand better the unmet needs of clients, we collected data on service requests at the clinic and emotions that caregivers felt in the veterinarian setting. Understanding these difficulties may represent a first step to initiate the development of a psychological intervention targeting problems experienced by the caregivers. Assuming these difficulties according to the service requested for the pet, the owners might be interested in psychological support provided directly by the veterinary hospital. Our survey showed that a large percentage of owners expressed feelings related to caregiving in the veterinary setting, irrespective of the type of assistance needed, including apparently easy procedures. At the same time, they expressed a strong intention to receive a professional support. However, the crucial role of the psychological support is still difficult to accept even when it can be perceived as a right choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Campigli
- 1 San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, via dell'Industria 3 Veggiano, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Furlanello
- 1 San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, via dell'Industria 3 Veggiano, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Uccheddu
- 1 San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, via dell'Industria 3 Veggiano, Padova, Italy
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Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Furtado T, Graham TM, Lloyd I, Singleton DA, Wallis L, Westgarth C. Impacts of COVID-19 on Owner's Veterinary Healthcare Seeking Behavior for Dogs With Chronic Conditions: An Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study With a Convenience Sample. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:902219. [PMID: 35720842 PMCID: PMC9204258 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.902219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This mixed-method study explored the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on owners' veterinary healthcare seeking, with particular focus on dogs with chronic conditions. A convenience sample of 719 UK dog owners completed an online survey (December 2020-January 2021). Differences in treatment provision and respondents' decisions to seek care across acute, preventative, chronic conditions and for end-of-life care were explored. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with seeking care for any health issue compared to deciding against it, and urgency to seek care given symptom that could indicate chronic conditions. Open-ended questions were analyzed by thematic analysis. Significant (p-value < 0.05) differences in care seeking decisions were identified regarding access to veterinary care and the way treatment was provided across all health issues. The top reasons for not seeking care across all health issues were a lack of access to a veterinarian (30%, n = 56/187) and a reluctance for a dog to go to the clinic unaccompanied (20%, n = 38/187). Variables related to stronger dog-owner relationship, higher confidence in seeking care, perception of: benefits of veterinary care, dog's high susceptibility to illness and high severity of dog's condition, increased the odds of seeking, and urgency to seek, care. A dog's chronic illness diagnosis reduced the odds of seeking care during the pandemic, reportedly due to difficulties in accessing care for non-urgent issues. Qualitative analysis showed that limited access to routine consultations, delays in test results and restricted access to complementary treatments, led some owners of dogs with chronic conditions to believe that their dog's welfare had deteriorated during the pandemic. Pandemic control measures necessitated changes to how consultations were run. These changes were often viewed favorably, but dog-client separation during consultations were considered problematic, sometimes delaying veterinary advice-seeking, including for euthanasia. Separating owners from their dogs during veterinary consultations should be avoided wherever possible due to impacts on dogs, owners and healthcare seeking. Interventions to improve veterinary healthcare seeking could target attitudes toward benefits of seeking care, improve owners' self-efficacy and capitalize on the dog-owner bond. Such interventions should be implemented alongside interventions aimed at removing structural barriers to accessing healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Owczarczak-Garstecka
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Tamzin Furtado
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Taryn M Graham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Imogen Lloyd
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - David A Singleton
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Wallis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
| | - Carri Westgarth
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, United Kingdom
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8
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McDonald SE, Tomlinson CA, Applebaum JW, Moyer SW, Brown SM, Carter S, Kinser PA. Human-Animal Interaction and Perinatal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Selected Literature and Call for Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10114. [PMID: 34639416 PMCID: PMC8508333 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of research exploring how relationships with household pets may impact maternal mental health. We are unaware of any study to date that has examined associations between individuals' relationships with their pets and psychological adjustment in the perinatal period. Using a biobehavioral lens, this paper provides a narrative overview of the literature on perinatal mental health and human-animal interaction (HAI). We focus on the role of social relationships, stress, and stress reduction in relation to perinatal mental health; the role of HAI in perceptions of social support, stressors, and stress reduction; and gaps in empirical knowledge concerning the role of HAI in perinatal mental health. Finally, we integrate contemporary biobehavioral models of perinatal mental health and HAI (i.e., Comprehensive Model of Mental Health during the Perinatal Period and the HAI-HPA Transactional Model) to propose a new conceptual framework that depicts ways in which HAI during the perinatal period may influence maternal and child health and wellbeing. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to consider the role of HAI in biobehavioral responses and mental health during the perinatal period. We conclude with recommendations for future research and improved perinatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby E. McDonald
- Children, Families, and Animals Research (CFAR) Group, LLC, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Camie A. Tomlinson
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Applebaum
- Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Sara W. Moyer
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (S.W.M.); (P.A.K.)
| | - Samantha M. Brown
- School of Social Work, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Sue Carter
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA;
| | - Patricia A. Kinser
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (S.W.M.); (P.A.K.)
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Chibuk J, Flory A, Kruglyak KM, Leibman N, Nahama A, Dharajiya N, van den Boom D, Jensen TJ, Friedman JS, Shen MR, Clemente-Vicario F, Chorny I, Tynan JA, Lytle KM, Holtvoigt LE, Murtaza M, Diaz LA, Tsui DWY, Grosu DS. Horizons in Veterinary Precision Oncology: Fundamentals of Cancer Genomics and Applications of Liquid Biopsy for the Detection, Characterization, and Management of Cancer in Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:664718. [PMID: 33834049 PMCID: PMC8021921 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.664718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, in part because many cases are identified at an advanced stage when clinical signs have developed, and prognosis is poor. Increased understanding of cancer as a disease of the genome has led to the introduction of liquid biopsy testing, allowing for detection of genomic alterations in cell-free DNA fragments in blood to facilitate earlier detection, characterization, and management of cancer through non-invasive means. Recent discoveries in the areas of genomics and oncology have provided a deeper understanding of the molecular origins and evolution of cancer, and of the "one health" similarities between humans and dogs that underlie the field of comparative oncology. These discoveries, combined with technological advances in DNA profiling, are shifting the paradigm for cancer diagnosis toward earlier detection with the goal of improving outcomes. Liquid biopsy testing has already revolutionized the way cancer is managed in human medicine - and it is poised to make a similar impact in veterinary medicine. Multiple clinical use cases for liquid biopsy are emerging, including screening, aid in diagnosis, targeted treatment selection, treatment response monitoring, minimal residual disease detection, and recurrence monitoring. This review article highlights key scientific advances in genomics and their relevance for veterinary oncology, with the goal of providing a foundational introduction to this important topic for veterinarians. As these technologies migrate from human medicine into veterinary medicine, improved awareness and understanding will facilitate their rapid adoption, for the benefit of veterinary patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nicole Leibman
- The Cancer Institute, Animal Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M. Richard Shen
- RS Technology Ventures LLC., Rancho Santa Fe, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Muhammed Murtaza
- Department of Surgery and Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Luis A. Diaz
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
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Shaevitz MH, Tullius JA, Callahan RT, Fulkerson CM, Spitznagel MB. Early caregiver burden in owners of pets with suspected cancer: Owner psychosocial outcomes, communication behavior, and treatment factors. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2636-2644. [PMID: 32969546 PMCID: PMC7694845 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owners of companion animals with serious illnesses are likely to experience "caregiver burden." This topic has not been fully evaluated in veterinary oncology. OBJECTIVES To examine owners of a dog or cat with suspected cancer for relationships between early caregiver burden and (a) psychosocial factors: depression, stress, and quality of life; (b) owner communication behavior; and (c) specific pet treatment plan factors. ANIMALS None. METHODS This cross-sectional, observational study recruited 164 owners of a cat or dog presenting for evaluation by a veterinary oncology service at a single referral institution. Measures of caregiver burden, psychosocial function, treatment plan elements, and demographics were collected online via owner self-report. Medical records were reviewed to identify factors including diagnosis, medications, treatment schedules, and owner communications. RESULTS Caregiver burden correlated with higher stress (rs = 0.40, P < .001), greater symptoms of depression (rs = 0.50, P < .001), and lower quality of life (rs = 0.39, P < .001). Pet treatment plan factors related to caregiver burden included changes in care routines, perception that compliance with new routines was challenging, and difficulty adhering to medication routines. There was low correlation between caregiver burden and owner-driven communications (rs = 0.15, P = .07). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Findings suggest caregiver burden is similar in owners of pets with cancer and owners of pets with other diseases. Caregiver burden is present in the earliest stages of disease. Major correlates of burden including life-disruptive treatments and schedules provide key areas for potential intervention by veterinary teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marejka H Shaevitz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeri A Tullius
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert T Callahan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Christopher M Fulkerson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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