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Erger CG, Gerras AL, Conley AJ, Gilor C, Burns DeMarle K, Refsal KR, Fleming JM, Sledge DG, Langlois DK. Case report: Androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors in eight cats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1158142. [PMID: 37383353 PMCID: PMC10293747 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1158142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Urine marking, aggression, and other behavioral concerns are common reasons for cat owners to seek veterinary care. Empiric treatment for lower urinary tract disease or primary behavior disorders are commonly pursued, especially in those cases with normal routine laboratory evaluations. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic findings in eight sexually altered cats that were diagnosed with androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors. Nearly all cats (n = 7) initially were evaluated for inappropriate urination and pungent urine, with additional behavioral concerns including aggression (n = 3) and excess vocalization (n = 4) commonly reported. Penile barbs (n = 5) were identified in all five male cats, and an enlarged clitoris was observed in one female cat. Testing of serum androgen concentrations revealed abnormally high androstenedione (n = 1) or testosterone (n = 7) concentrations. In the five cases with available adrenal tissue, histopathologic evaluation identified either an adrenocortical adenoma (n = 3) or adrenocortical carcinoma (n = 2). Hormonal abnormalities resolved and clinical signs improved in the four cats that underwent surgical adrenalectomy, with each of these cats surviving >1 year. However, clinical signs were minimally impacted with medical treatments, including one cat in which trilostane treatment failed to improve clinical signs or testosterone concentrations. This collection of cases underscores the importance of a detailed physical examination as well as the consideration of endocrine disturbances in cats undergoing evaluation for inappropriate urination or aggression. Furthermore, this report adds to the growing body of evidence that sex-hormone secreting adrenal tumors in cats may be an under-recognized syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caylen G. Erger
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Allison L. Gerras
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alan J. Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Chen Gilor
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Karah Burns DeMarle
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Kent R. Refsal
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Dodd G. Sledge
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Daniel K. Langlois
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Ethical Challenges Posed by Advanced Veterinary Care in Companion Animal Veterinary Practice. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113010. [PMID: 34827742 PMCID: PMC8614270 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Veterinary care of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, continues to advance, with some companion animals receiving a standard of care equal to or exceeding that of human patients. While this has the potential to improve animal welfare and benefit other stakeholders, including animal owners and veterinary team members, it also poses ethical challenges. We discuss key ethical challenges associated with AVC, including its relationship to standards of veterinary care, its potential to perpetuate poor quality of life and suffering, cost and accessibility of veterinary care, conflicts of interest, and concerns about experimentation without appropriate ethical review. We conclude by suggesting some strategies for veterinary teams and other stakeholders, such as professional bodies and regulators, to address these concerns. Abstract Advanced veterinary care (AVC) of companion animals may yield improved clinical outcomes, improved animal welfare, improved satisfaction of veterinary clients, improved satisfaction of veterinary team members, and increased practice profitability. However, it also raises ethical challenges. Yet, what counts as AVC is difficult to pinpoint due to continuing advancements. We discuss some of the challenges in defining advanced veterinary care (AVC), particularly in relation to a standard of care (SOC). We then review key ethical challenges associated with AVC that have been identified in the veterinary ethics literature, including poor quality of life, dysthanasia and caregiver burden, financial cost and accessibility of veterinary care, conflicts of interest, and the absence of ethical review for some patients undergoing AVC. We suggest some strategies to address these concerns, including prospective ethical review utilising ethical frameworks and decision-making tools, the setting of humane end points, the role of regulatory bodies in limiting acceptable procedures, and the normalisation of quality-of-life scoring. We also suggest a role for retrospective ethical review in the form of ethics rounds and clinical auditing. Our discussion reenforces the need for a spectrum of veterinary care for companion animals.
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Lilly ML, Gonçalves Arruda A, Proudfoot KL, Herron ME. Evaluation of companion animal behavior knowledge among first-year veterinary students before and after an introductory animal behavior course. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 256:1153-1163. [PMID: 32364461 DOI: 10.2460/javma.256.10.1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To survey first-year veterinary students' knowledge of companion animal (dog, cat, and horse) behavior and popular-culture (ie, pop-culture) behavior myths related to animal body language, motivations, and learning prior to participation in an introductory animal behavior course; evaluate potential associations between sources of prior behavior knowledge and knowledge on the preclass survey; and determine whether postclass scores on the same survey were predictive of final examination score for the behavior class. SAMPLE 156 first-year veterinary students. PROCEDURES Students were invited to participate in an anonymous electronic survey before and after a semester-long, 2-credit introductory animal behavior course. Demographic features, self-assessed animal behavior knowledge, and sources of prior behavior knowledge were evaluated as predictors of preclass survey knowledge scores. Postclass survey knowledge scores were evaluated for association with final examination scores as a measure of validity. RESULTS Preclass knowledge scores were low (mean ± SD, 49 ± 12.7%; n = 152). Reporting peer-reviewed journal articles as a source of incoming knowledge predicted 9% higher scores, whereas reporting magazines or online pop-culture articles as a source of incoming knowledge predicted 7.6% lower scores for preclass behavior knowledge, compared with scores for students not citing those respective sources. Companion animal ownership was not associated with preclass survey knowledge scores. Postclass knowledge scores were substantially improved (mean ± SD, 84.3 ± 8%) and predictive of final examination scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated a profound deficit of behavior knowledge among veterinary students at the start of their curriculum. Students graduating from veterinary institutions without a comprehensive behavior course may be at a disadvantage for day 1 competency in addressing animal behavior problems.
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Niemiec B, Gawor J, Nemec A, Clarke D, McLeod K, Tutt C, Gioso M, Steagall PV, Chandler M, Morgenegg G, Jouppi R. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 61:E36-E161. [PMID: 32715504 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases are some of the most common problems in small animal veterinary practice. These conditions create significant pain as well as localized and potentially systemic infection. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) believes that un- and under treated oral and dental diseases pose a significant animal welfare concern. Dentistry is an area of veterinary medicine which is still widely ignored and is subject to many myths and misconceptions. Effective teaching of veterinary dentistry in the veterinary school is the key to progression in this field of veterinary medicine, and to the improvement of welfare for all our patients globally. These guidelines were developed to provide veterinarians with the information required to understand best practices for dental therapy and create realistic minimum standards of care. Using the three-tiered continuing education system of WSAVA, the guidelines make global equipment and therapeutic recommendations and highlight the anaesthetic and welfare requirements for small animal patients. This document contains information on common oral and dental pathologies, diagnostic procedures (an easily implementable and repeatable scoring system for dental health, dental radiography and radiology) and treatments (periodontal therapy, extractions). Further, there are sections on anaesthesia and pain management for dental procedures, home dental care, nutritional information, and recommendations on the role of the universities in improving veterinary dentistry. A discussion of the deleterious effects of anaesthesia free dentistry (AFD) is included, as this procedure is ineffective at best and damaging at worst. Throughout the document the negative effects of undiagnosed and/or treated dental disease on the health and well-being of our patients, and how this equates to an animal welfare issue, is discussed.
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Mwacalimba KK, Contadini FM, Spofford N, Lopez K, Hunt A, Wright A, Lund EM, Minicucci L. Owner and Veterinarian Perceptions About Use of a Canine Quality of Life Survey in Primary Care Settings. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:89. [PMID: 32175338 PMCID: PMC7057240 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes dog owner and veterinarian perceptions around the use of a validated canine quality of life (QOL) survey to facilitate wellness conversations in two clinical settings: a veterinary teaching hospital (pilot, Phase 1) and five corporate general practice hospitals (Phase 2). Phase 1 results showed that dog owners felt the survey was valuable for understanding their dog's QOL, with 81% of owners expressing interest in learning more about canine QOL. Phase 2 reinforced owner perceptions about the survey conveyed during the pilot phase, and veterinarians reported that the survey facilitated client communication related to preventive care without increasing consultation time. These results demonstrate that beyond using QOL assessments to track patient health, the use of a QOL survey during veterinary visits could improve owner-veterinarian discussions around QOL, wellness, services and preventive care. To fully realize these benefits in clinical settings, veterinary staff preparation may be needed to communicate the purpose of QOL assessments to clients and thus facilitate deeper conversations about client needs and concerns. Key tools for achieving these could therefore include (1) sufficient veterinary team training to understand the QOL assessment and its purpose (2) training in how to communicate QOL to clients, and (3) reflexive use of QOL assessment results to engage clients in preventive care discussions. The veterinarian and client can then discuss the pros and cons of the various aspects of QOL and preventive care to arrive at a cooperative decision.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca M Contadini
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Nathaniel Spofford
- Veterinary Analytics, Banfield Pet Hospital, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Karen Lopez
- Delaware Department of Agriculture, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Aimee Hunt
- Veterinary Public Health, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Andrea Wright
- Outcomes Research, Zoetis Petcare, Parsippany, NJ, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Lund
- Veterinary Informatics, Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Larissa Minicucci
- Veterinary Public Health, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul, MN, United States
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Thompson JL, Koh P, Meredith AL, Brown H. Preliminary investigations into the use of the five-point body condition scale (Size-O-Meter) and its use in pet owner education. J Exot Pet Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Matte AR, Khosa DK, Coe JB, Meehan MP. Impacts of the process and decision-making around companion animal euthanasia on veterinary wellbeing. Vet Rec 2019; 185:480. [PMID: 31409747 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A qualitative study using group and individual interviews involving 10 veterinary hospitals in Wellington County, Ontario, explored how the practices involved in euthanasia-related care impacts the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. Thematic analysis indicated two major outcomes: the goal and desire of veterinary professionals was to facilitate a 'good death' for the companion animal and navigating the euthanasia decision process was more challenging than the actual event of performing euthanasia. When successful in achieving a 'good death' and navigating euthanasia decisions, participants reported feeling that their own sense of wellbeing and the veterinary client's sense of wellbeing were improved. When unsuccessful, participants reported experiencing a reduced sense of wellbeing, reduced job satisfaction, increased emotional strain and feeling that the client was also detrimentally impacted. For many participants, navigating euthanasia decision-making consultations was seen as a greater challenge and a greater contributor to a reduced sense of wellbeing than the act of euthanasia itself. These findings suggest that there is a need for greater attention and support for veterinary professionals, particularly when navigating euthanasia decision-making consultations. Additional training and resources on navigating euthanasia consultations may assist in improving the wellbeing for veterinary professionals and the companion animals and owners under their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha R Matte
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deep K Khosa
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason B Coe
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael P Meehan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Stephens T. The Use of Chemotherapy to Prolong the Life of Dogs Suffering from Cancer: The Ethical Dilemma. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E441. [PMID: 31337112 PMCID: PMC6681408 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the emergence some years ago of oncology as a veterinary specialty, there has been very little in the way of ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in dogs. The purpose of this article is to undertake an ethical analysis to critically examine the use of chemotherapy to prolong the life of dogs suffering from cancer. If dogs have no concept of the future and are likely to suffer at least some adverse effects with such treatments, consideration should be given as to whether it is ethical and in the animal's best interests to use chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic drugs are mutagenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and may be irritant. Furthermore, chemotherapy may involve multiple trips to the veterinarian, multiple procedures and periods in isolation. Cancer-associated pain has been shown to be under-diagnosed and pet owners overestimate the effects of chemotherapy on treatment survival time. Of additional concern is the public health risks associated with chemotherapeutic drugs. As chemotherapy is not generally considered curative, it is in effect palliative care. However, palliative care may not be in the best interests of a terminally ill animal. As the specialty of veterinary oncology continues to grow and as the use of chemotherapy becomes more commonplace in the treatment of animals with cancer, it is imperative that there is an ongoing ethical debate on the use of chemotherapy in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Stephens
- Haberfield Veterinary Hospital, Haberfield, NSW 2045, Australia.
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Matte AR, Khosa DK, Meehan MP, Coe JB, Niel L. An Exploratory Study of Veterinary Professionals' Self-Reported Support of Bereaved Clients Before, During, and After Companion Animal Euthanasia in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2019; 83:352-370. [PMID: 31161959 DOI: 10.1177/0030222819853924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary professionals are recognized as an important source of support for many veterinary clients, particularly during companion animal euthanasia and end-of-life care. While many veterinary professionals recognize the importance of their role, many also report feeling unsure about what methods of support are most effective. Furthermore, few evidence-based guidelines currently exist to inform veterinary professionals on the support of grieving clients. To begin bridging this gap, this study qualitatively explored how veterinary professionals currently report supporting grieving clients before, during, and after companion animal euthanasia. Findings suggest that veterinary participants in this study strive to be meaningful sources of support for grieving clients and employ an array of support practice to do so. However, opportunities exist for veterinary professionals to better explore clients' needs, expectations, and feelings as they relate to companion animal euthanasia, including offering more grief-related resources and access to professional counseling services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha R Matte
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deep K Khosa
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael P Meehan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason B Coe
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Newsome JT, Clemmons EA, Fitzhugh DC, Gluckman TL, Creamer-Hente MA, Tambrallo LJ, Wilder-Kofie T. Compassion Fatigue, Euthanasia Stress, and Their Management in Laboratory Animal Research. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2019; 58:289-292. [PMID: 31014414 PMCID: PMC6526492 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-18-000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This review is designed to assist both individuals and organizations involved in animal-based research to understand and appreciate the importance and potential risks of compassion fatigue and euthanasia stress. We reviewed current literature regarding compassion fatigue and euthanasia stress as they relate to the laboratory animal science community. Definitions, recognition, and mitigation steps are clarified. We offer educational and mitigation advice and present needs for future research on these topics that is related directly to the laboratory animal science community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Newsome
- Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ;,
| | - Elizabeth A Clemmons
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dawn C Fitzhugh
- Veterinary Service Directorate, Office of the Surgeon General (HQDA), Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Tracy L Gluckman
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Laura J Tambrallo
- Missouri Research Center, Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, Fulton, Missouri
| | - Temeri Wilder-Kofie
- National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Comparative Medicine Branch, Bethesda, Maryland
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Fearful Fido: Investigating dog experience in the veterinary context in an effort to reduce distress. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Comfort at the crossroads: Service, therapy and emotional support animals in the intensive care unit and at the end-of-life. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019. [PMID: 29521800 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000001877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sedative and physiological effects of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution in healthy cats. Vet Anaesth Analg 2017; 44:1091-1100. [PMID: 28865952 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution on sedation, heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (fR), rectal temperature (RT) and noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) in healthy cats. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, blinded crossover study, with 1 week washout between treatments. ANIMALS Six healthy purpose-bred cats. METHODS Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1% (one or two drops; 58.6 ± 3.3 μg per drop) or a control solution (artificial tear solution) was administered to six healthy cats. Behavioural observations and measurements of HR, fR, RT and MAP were recorded before and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 minutes after topical administration. Behavioural scores were analysed using Friedman's test for repeated measures to evaluate the time effect in each treatment and treatment effect at each time point. Physiological variables (HR, fR, RT and MAP) were analysed using two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures to evaluate the time and treatment effects. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Dose-dependent behavioural and physiological responses were noted. A dose of two drops of brimonidine resulted in sedation in the cats and decreased HR and MAP. Significant sedative effects occurred between 30 and 120 minutes and for physiological responses up to 360 minutes. The most frequent adverse reaction was vomiting, occurring within 40 minutes in all six cats administered two drops and five of the six cats administered one drop of brimonidine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The results demonstrated that ocular administration of brimonidine 0.1% ophthalmic solution induced sedation in cats and some cardiovascular effects usually associated with α2-adrenoceptor agonists. Further studies should be performed to determine clinical applications for this agent in cats.
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Calder CD, Albright JD, Koch C. Evaluating graduating veterinary students' perception of preparedness in clinical veterinary behavior for “Day-1” of practice and the factors which influence that perception: A questionnaire-based survey. J Vet Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Knesl O, Hart BL, Fine AH, Cooper L, Patterson-Kane E, Houlihan KE, Anthony R. Veterinarians and Humane Endings: When Is It the Right Time to Euthanize a Companion Animal? Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:45. [PMID: 28470002 PMCID: PMC5395644 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current advances in technologies and treatments provide pet owners and veterinarians with more options for prolonging the life of beloved pets, but can simultaneously lead to ethical dilemmas relating to what is best for both animal and owner. Key tools for improving end-of-life outcomes include (1) sufficient training to understand the valid ethical approaches to determining when euthanasia is appropriate, (2) regular training in client communication skills, and (3) a standard end-of-life protocol that includes the use of quality of life assessment tools, euthanasia consent forms, and pet owner resources for coping with the loss of a pet. Using these tools will improve outcomes for animals and their owners and reduce the heavy burden of stress and burnout currently being experienced by the veterinary profession.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin L Hart
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Aubrey H Fine
- College of Education and Integrative Studies, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA
| | | | - Emily Patterson-Kane
- Animal Welfare Division, American Veterinary Medical Association, Schaumburg, IL, USA
| | | | - Raymond Anthony
- Department of Philosophy, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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