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Šlapeta J, Ward MP. Embedding research and enquiry in Australian DVM curriculum. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:324-328. [PMID: 38653562 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Research and enquiry (R&E) is an integral part of veterinary training. It is a foundation of evidence-based practice. In the University of Sydney Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree R&E culminates in a cap-stone experience in Year 3: a 'professionally focused project', a student-driven and academic supported individual research project. The project provides an authentic experience within a veterinary discipline. Students work with an academic advisor who provides guidance for developing and achieving meaningful educational and professional goals. Successful advising depends upon a shared understanding of, and commitment to, the advising process by students, advisors and the university. The R&E mission can be broadly defined as - veterinarians recognise that evidence-based approach to practice, which is based on the scientific method, leads to the generation of new knowledge that underpins the veterinary medical profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Navas L, Di Palma C, Pasolini MP, Montano C, de Chiara M, Lamagna F, Uccello V, Micieli F, Amalfitano C, Paciello O, Lamagna B. Outcomes of Treatment of Eyelids and Third Eyelid Tumours in Dogs Using High-Frequency Radiowave Surgery. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2105. [PMID: 37443903 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132105] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In human ophthalmology, the benefits of using high-frequency radiowave (HFR) electrocautery for surgical procedures were demonstrated and include effective haemostasis, shorter surgery times, and rapid recovery. In canine eyelid surgery, intraoperative bleeding is a common feature that may obscure the surgical field view and lead to the increased swelling of adjacent tissues, bruising, and pain. To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of HFR electrocautery in canine eyelid and third eyelid surgery, the medical records of 48 surgical excisions of eyelid tumours (involving up to one-third of the eyelid length) and 4 third eyelid excisions were reviewed. The information was collected including the breed, age, clinical signs, HFR power setting and mode of the surgical unit, electrode used for the surgery, intraoperative complications, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative outcomes. Surgical techniques were performed using the Surgitron Dual 3.8 MHz Frequency RF device (Ellman International, Oceanside, NY, USA). Intraoperative bleeding was recorded as absent or very mild, and the surgical procedures were very fast. No complications occurred during the procedures. Healing within 10 days was observed in all the dogs. No tumour recurrences were recorded at the 12-month follow-up. HFR electrosurgery proved to be a safe, effective, and easy-to-perform technique for the removal of eyelid and third eyelid tumours in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Navas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Palma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Pasolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Montano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariaelena de Chiara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Lamagna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Uccello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Micieli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Lamagna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
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Kotnik T. Quality of Life of Allergic Dogs Treated with Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy-A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020072. [PMID: 36851376 PMCID: PMC9965114 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020072] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of life (QoL) of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) was studied to determine whether the QoL of dogs treated with ASIT (AG) improved compared with dogs not treated with ASIT (CG). METHODS The power of the study was calculated in advance assuming that the AG would assess QoL 20% better than the CG. The CG consisted of 21 dogs with CAD and the AG of 46 dogs with CAD. Validated QoL1 (pre-treatment) and QoL2 (post-treatment) questionnaires were emailed to owners. RESULTS AG dogs were significantly less disturbed during mealtimes (i.e., had better appetites and scratched less during mealtimes) and caused significantly less physical discomfort to their owners (due to unpleasant odor, the impression of a dirty apartment) than CG dogs. Owners of dogs treated with ASIT were able to significantly improve their daily activities (leisure, vacation, walks, work, hunting), significantly reduce their expenses (treatment costs, veterinary costs), feel significantly less emotional distress (less guilt, powerlessness, sadness, regret, fear, anger, disgust, rage, frustration), and experience less influence on relationships with family members and friends compared to owners of dogs not treated with ASIT. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, the quality of life of dogs treated with ASIT and their owners seemed to improve significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kotnik
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Taylor S, Chan DL, Villaverde C, Ryan L, Peron F, Quimby J, O’Brien C, Chalhoub S. 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:614-640. [PMID: 35775307 PMCID: PMC11107985 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221106353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Inappetence may have many origins and, as a presenting sign or observation in the hospitalised patient, is common in feline practice. Nutritional assessment of every patient is encouraged, to identify the need for, and appropriate type of, intervention indicated. The impact of malnutrition may be significant on the feline patient, perpetuating illness, delaying recovery, slowing wound healing and negatively impacting gut health and immunity. Delayed intervention may result in the cat's deterioration; hence prompt control of contributing factors such as the underlying illness, pain, nausea, ileus and stress is vital to optimise voluntary food intake. Management is multimodal, comprising reduction of stress, medications and assisted nutrition in the form of tube feeding or parenteral nutrition. Use of antiemetic, analgesic, prokinetic and appetite stimulant medications may restore appetite, but placement of feeding tubes should not be delayed. Feeding tubes are generally well tolerated and allow provision of food, water and medication with minimal stress, although clinicians must be aware of complications such as stoma site infections and refeeding syndrome. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Cats are vulnerable to malnutrition owing to their unique metabolism and specific nutritional requirements. Moreover, their nature as a species means they are susceptible to stress in the hospital environment, which may result in reduced food intake; previous negative experiences may compound the problem. In particular, an inappropriate clinic environment and/or handling may cause or exacerbate inappetence in hospitalised patients, with negative impacts on recovery. Postponing interventions such as feeding tube placement to await improvement, owing to clinician or caregiver apprehension, may hinder recovery and worsen nutritional deficits. EVIDENCE BASE The 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat have been created by a panel of experts brought together by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members' experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Daniel L Chan
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Linda Ryan
- Inspiring Pet Teaching, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, UK
| | | | - Jessica Quimby
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carolyn O’Brien
- Melbourne Cat Vets, 157 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Serge Chalhoub
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Riemer S, Heritier C, Windschnurer I, Pratsch L, Arhant C, Affenzeller N. A Review on Mitigating Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats in a Veterinary Setting. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010158. [PMID: 33445559 PMCID: PMC7826566 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The majority of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, and some individuals may show aggression as a result. We review ways to avoid negative experiences and promote positive emotions in animals visiting the veterinarian. Whenever an animal is in the practice, the veterinary team should endeavour to make the visit as pleasant as possible, by using non-threatening body language and by creating positive associations. High-value food (unless an animal needs to be fasted) or toys should be used generously throughout the visit. In the interaction with the animals, low-stress handling methods, brief pauses and adjusting the procedure based on the animal’s body language help them to feel secure. Distractions can be used to minimise perceived pain such as from injections. If a known painful area needs to be treated, pain killers are advised. For animals that are very fearful, several medication options are available that can be given prior to the veterinary visit to help them with their fears. With reward-based training, animals can learn to accept veterinary procedures. A stress-free veterinary visit benefits all involved parties—the animals, their owners, as well as the veterinary team. Abstract A high proportion of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, which in some cases may escalate into aggression. Here, we discuss factors that contribute to negative emotions in a veterinary setting and how these can be addressed. We briefly summarise the available evidence for the interventions discussed. The set-up of the waiting area (e.g., spatial dividers; elevated places for cat carriers), tailoring the examination and the treatment to the individual, considerate handling (minimal restraint when possible, avoiding leaning over or cornering animals) and offering high-value food or toys throughout the visit can promote security and, ideally, positive associations. Desensitisation and counterconditioning are highly recommended, both to prevent and address existing negative emotions. Short-term pain from injections can be minimised by using tactile and cognitive distractions and topical analgesics, which are also indicated for painful procedures such as ear cleanings. Recommendations for handling fearful animals to minimise aggressive responses are discussed. However, anxiolytics or sedation should be used whenever there is a risk of traumatising an animal or for safety reasons. Stress-reducing measures can decrease fear and stress in patients and consequently their owners, thus strengthening the relationship with the clients as well as increasing the professional satisfaction of veterinary staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Riemer
- Companion Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ines Windschnurer
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (I.W.); (C.A.)
| | - Lydia Pratsch
- Veterinary Behaviour Consultant, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Christine Arhant
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (I.W.); (C.A.)
| | - Nadja Affenzeller
- Department of Companion Animals, Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Rusbridge C. Neurobehavioral Disorders: The Corticolimbic System in Health and Disease. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1157-1181. [PMID: 32680665 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The corticolimbic system (prefrontal cortices, amygdala, and hippocampus) integrates emotion with cognition and produces a behavioral output that is flexible based on the environmental circumstances. It also modulates pain, being implicated in pathophysiology of maladaptive pain. Because of the anatomic and function overlap between corticolimbic circuitry for pain and emotion, the pathophysiology for maladaptive pain conditions is extremely complex. Addressing environmental needs and underlying triggers is more important than pharmacotherapy when dealing with feline orofacial pain syndrome or feline hyperesthesia syndrome. By contrast, autoimmune limbic encephalitis requires prompt diagnosis and management with immunosuppression and seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals, Godalming, Surrey GU7 2QQ, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK.
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