Exploration of veterinary shortages in the wake of the Veterinary Feed Directive

Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals

BACKGROUND

Goats are increasingly popular as both production animals and pets. The frequency of and factors associated with periparturient reproductive complications in goats are largely unreported.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To report the frequency of periparturient reproductive complications in does presented to university veterinary hospitals and (2) to identify factors associated with uterine tears in the study population.

ANIMALS

A total of 198 periparturient does presented to 9 university veterinary hospitals from October 2021 to June 2022.

METHODS

Multicenter, cross-sectional study, with data collected from questionnaires completed by attending veterinarians. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diagnosis of uterine tears.

RESULTS

Ninety-three (47%) does had at least 1 periparturient reproductive complication. Periparturient complications included retained fetal membranes (n = 38, 26%), vaginal or perineal trauma (n = 33, 19%), uterine tears (n = 32, 18%), metritis (n = 22, 13%), uterine or vaginal hemorrhage (n = 8, 5%), Cesarean section complications (n = 8, 8%), and uterine prolapse (n = 1, 0.5%). A positive interaction effect was found between small breeds (Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy) and manipulation on the farm by a layperson upon diagnosis of uterine tears (odd ratios [OR], 5.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41, 21.25; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Periparturient reproductive complications were common. Small breed combined with manipulation on the farm by layperson was associated with diagnosis of uterine tears. Clients should be educated that in the event of dystocia, small breed does are at greater risk of uterine tears and prompt veterinary intervention is critical.

Assessment of veterinarians' engagement with backyard poultry and small-scale livestock operations in four western states

OBJECTIVE

To assess veterinarian engagement with owners of poultry and livestock in urban and peri-urban areas (UPAs) of 4 western states, to evaluate the knowledge and experience of veterinarians in UPAs for treating domestic poultry and livestock, and to identify barriers to the provision of veterinary services to backyard poultry and small-scale livestock operations.

SAMPLE

880 veterinarians in UPAs.

PROCEDURES

2,400 members of the veterinary medical associations of California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington who worked in metropolitan areas with a population > 5,000 people were randomly selected and invited to participate in a needs assessment survey. Response data were analyzed with univariable logistic regression and multiple correspondence analysis.

RESULTS

880 (37%) invitees completed or partially completed the survey. Most respondents self-reported working in UPAs (686/825 [83%]) and companion animal only (n = 551) or predominant (211) practices. Although most (656/863 [76%]) respondents perceived an increase in backyard poultry and livestock in their practice areas, few were actively treating such animals primarily because of a lack of facilities, interest, or experience. Most respondents believed veterinarians have an important role in ensuring public health and preventing zoonotic disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Backyard poultry and livestock are increasing in popularity in UPAs of 4 western states, and veterinarians are needed to provide services to such animals. Further research and continuing education are necessary to encourage practitioners in UPAs to engage with owners of backyard poultry and livestock to ensure the health and welfare of those animals and guard public health. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020;257:196-209).