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Long M, Grimm H, Jenner F, Cavalleri JMV, Springer S. "How long is life worth living for the horse?" A focus group study on how Austrian equine stakeholders assess quality of life for chronically ill or old horses. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:347. [PMID: 39107791 PMCID: PMC11302025 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL) provides a comprehensive concept underpinning veterinary decision-making that encompasses factors beyond physical health. It becomes particularly pertinent when seeking responsible choices for chronically ill or old horses that emphasise their well-being and a good QoL over the extension of life. How different stakeholders use the concept of QoL is highly relevant when considering the complexity of these decisions in real-life situations. METHODS Seven focus group discussions (N = 39) were conducted to gain insights into how stakeholders assess and use equine QoL in veterinary care decisions for chronically ill and/or old horses. The discussions included horse owners (n = 17), equine veterinarians (n = 7), veterinary officers (n = 6), farriers (n = 4), and horse caregivers (n = 5). The combination of deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis of the group discussions focused on identifying both similarities and differences in the views of these groups regarding QoL for old and/or chronically ill horses. RESULTS Findings show agreement about two issues: the importance of the individuality of the horse for assessing QoL and the relevance of QoL in making decisions about veterinary interventions. We identified differences between the groups with respect to three issues: the time required to assess QoL, stakeholders' contributions to QoL assessments, and challenges resulting from those contributions. While owners and caregivers of horses emphasised their knowledge of a horse and the relevance of the time they spend with their horse, the veterinarians in the study focused on the differences between their own QoL assessments and those of horse owners. In response to challenges regarding QoL assessments and decision-making, stakeholders described different strategies such as drawing comparisons to human experiences. CONCLUSIONS Differences between stakeholders regarding equine QoL assessments contribute to challenges when making decisions about the care of chronically ill or old horses. The results of this study suggest that individual and collaborative reflection about a horse's QoL should be encouraged, for example by developing practicable QoL assessment tools that support relevant stakeholders in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariessa Long
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Herwig Grimm
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florien Jenner
- Equine Surgery Unit, Clinical Centre for Equine Health and Research, Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jessika-M V Cavalleri
- Equine Internal Medicine Unit, Clinical Centre for Equine Health and Research, Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Svenja Springer
- Messerli Research Institute, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Laura L, Arapović M, Duvnjak S, Arapović J. Empathy and mental health in veterinary medicine. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1991-1997. [PMID: 38668804 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
In veterinary medicine, the relationship between empathy and mental health presents a complex and important aspect of professional well-being. Veterinarians are frequently exposed to numerous work-related stressors and are therefore more likely to experience mental health disorders and commit suicide. Due to the specific nature of the profession, veterinarians deal with negative patient outcomes, inform owners of unfavourable news, handle heavy workloads, and professional isolation. Psychological stress is a result of all these factors coming together, and it can lead to anxiety, depression, burnout, and even frequently reported suicide. Animal euthanasia has been recognised as a unique professional risk factor that can have harmful psychological effects on veterinary professionals.This paper explores the role of empathy in the mental health of veterinarians and other veterinary staff, and how this might contribute to their vulnerability to psychological stress and suicidal ideation. Empathy plays an important role in interpersonal interactions, while also influencing human-animal relationships, which adds a whole new level of complexity to the doctor-patient dynamic in this field. Veterinarians are responsible for providing compassionate care for both the animals they treat and their owners. They must manage the emotionally demanding work while preserving their mental health by balancing between providing empathetic care and sustaining their own emotional boundaries. To alleviate the negative effects of psychological stress, veterinary professionals require interventions such as peer support groups, stress management training, and mental health support programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Laura
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Maja Arapović
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Jurica Arapović
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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3
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Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Oxley JA, Tulloch JSP. Welsh hospital admissions due to dog bites and strikes (2014-2022). Public Health 2024; 233:83-89. [PMID: 38861778 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence and victim demographics of Welsh hospital admissions due to dog bites and strikes from 2014 to 2022. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive analysis of Welsh hospital admissions data. METHODS Residents of Wales admitted to a Welsh National Health Service (NHS) hospital for a dog bite or strike, were identified using ICD-10 codes. The annual incidence of dog bite and strike admissions between 2014 and 2022 was calculated and stratified by child-adult status, sex, and Local Health Boards. Trends over time were analysed using the Chi-square test for trends. RESULTS Hospital admissions due to dog bites and strikes have significantly increased from 16.3 per 100,000 to 23.7 per 100,000 population in 2022. This was driven by an increase in non-geriatric adults and an increase in three Local Health Boards. The Swansea Bay area has the highest incidence in Wales (56.1 admissions per 100,000). CONCLUSIONS Wales has a higher incidence of dog bites and strikes than England or the Republic of Ireland. Work in the communities where incidence is exceptionally high is needed to understand the reasons behind having the highest incidence of dog bites in the British Isles and to establish the most efficacious methods for bite prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J A Oxley
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - J S P Tulloch
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Eriksen T, Gögenur I. Interprofessional clinical reasoning education. Diagnosis (Berl) 2024; 0:dx-2024-0059. [PMID: 38963081 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2024-0059] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Clinical reasoning is considered one of the most important competencies but is not included in most healthcare curricula. The number and diversity of patient encounters are the decisive factors in the development of clinical reasoning competence. Physical real patient encounters are considered optimal, but virtual patient cases also promote clinical reasoning. A high-volume, low-fidelity virtual patient library thus can support clinical reasoning training in a safe environment and can be tailored to the needs of learners from different health care professions. It may also stimulate interprofessional understanding and team shared decisions. Implementation will be challenged by tradition, the lack of educator competence and prior experience as well as the high-density curricula at medical and veterinary schools and will need explicit address from curriculum managers and education leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eriksen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, University Hospital for Companion Animals, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Ismaïl Gögenur
- Department of Surgery, Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Imenez Silva PH, Pepin M, Figurek A, Gutiérrez-Jiménez E, Bobot M, Iervolino A, Mattace-Raso F, Hoorn EJ, Bailey MA, Hénaut L, Nielsen R, Frische S, Trepiccione F, Hafez G, Altunkaynak HO, Endlich N, Unwin R, Capasso G, Pesic V, Massy Z, Wagner CA. Animal models to study cognitive impairment of chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F894-F916. [PMID: 38634137 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00338.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its prevalence increases with progressive loss of kidney function. MCI is characterized by a decline in cognitive performance greater than expected for an individual age and education level but with minimal impairment of instrumental activities of daily living. Deterioration can affect one or several cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive functions, language, and perceptual motor or social cognition). Given the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, more and more people with CKD will also develop MCI causing an enormous disease burden for these individuals, their relatives, and society. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are poorly understood, and current therapies mostly aim at supporting patients in their daily lives. This illustrates the urgent need to elucidate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets and test novel therapies in appropriate preclinical models. Here, we will outline the necessary criteria for experimental modeling of cognitive disorders in CKD. We discuss the use of mice, rats, and zebrafish as model systems and present valuable techniques through which kidney function and cognitive impairment can be assessed in this setting. Our objective is to enable researchers to overcome hurdles and accelerate preclinical research aimed at improving the therapy of people with CKD and MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H Imenez Silva
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Pepin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U-1018 Centre de Recherche en Épidémiologie et Santé des Population, Équipe 5, Paris-Saclay University, Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, Villejuif, France
- Department of Geriatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Andreja Figurek
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Gutiérrez-Jiménez
- Center for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mickaël Bobot
- Centre de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, and INSERM 1263, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique 1260, C2VN, Aix-Marseille Universitaire, Marseille, France
| | - Anna Iervolino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Mattace-Raso
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ewout J Hoorn
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew A Bailey
- Edinburgh Kidney, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lucie Hénaut
- UR UPJV 7517, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Rikke Nielsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Francesco Trepiccione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
| | - Gaye Hafez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hande O Altunkaynak
- Department of Pharmacology, Gulhane Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nicole Endlich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robert Unwin
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giovambattista Capasso
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,' Naples, Italy
- Biogem Research Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Vesna Pesic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ziad Massy
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, INSERM UMRS 1018, Clinical Epidemiology Team, University Paris-Saclay, University Versailles-Saint Quentin, Villejuif, France
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Carsten A Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rannaud-Bartaire P, Demeneix BA, Fini JB. Pressures of the urban environment on the endocrine system: Adverse effects and adaptation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 583:112125. [PMID: 38147952 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing collective awareness of the rapid environmental changes, questions and theories regarding the adaptability of organisms are emerging. Global warming as well as chemical and non-chemical pollution have been identified as triggers of these adaptative changes, but can we link different kinds of stressors to certain phenotypic traits? The physiological adaptation, and particularly endocrine system adaptation, of living beings to urban environments is a fascinating way of studying urban endocrinology, which has emerged as a research field in 2007. In this paper, we stress how endocrine disruption in humans and environment can be studied in the urban environment by measuring the levels of pollution, endocrine activities or adversity. We broaden the focus to include not only exposure to the chemicals that have invaded our private spheres and their effects on wild and domestic species but also non-chemical effectors such as light, noise and climate change. We argue that taking into account the various urban stress factors and their effects on the endocrine system would enable the adoption of new approaches to protect living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rannaud-Bartaire
- PhyMa Unit, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, F-75005, Paris, France; Université Catholique de Lille, l'hôpital Saint-Vincent-De-Paul, Boulevard de Belfort, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Barbara A Demeneix
- PhyMa Unit, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Fini
- PhyMa Unit, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, F-75005, Paris, France.
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Hawkins RD, Kuo CH, Robinson C. Young adults' views on the mechanisms underpinning the impact of pets on symptoms of anxiety and depression. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1355317. [PMID: 38425998 PMCID: PMC10902138 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emerging adulthood is considered a peak age for the onset of mental health difficulties with approximately 75% of mental health disorders being diagnosed during this developmental period. Companion animals confer both risk and benefits to mental health yet the potential underpinning mechanisms which explain such impacts are not fully understood. This study aimed to gather an in-depth understanding of young adults' lived experience of how their companion dogs and cats may impact their mental health symptoms and the perceived mechanisms which explain their effects. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 young adults aged 18-26 years, from the United Kingdom, who either had a companion dog, cat, or both. All participants had difficulties with anxiety and or depression, and 12 had received a formal diagnosis of an affective disorder. Results Five overarching themes and one subtheme were identified through reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive approach: Theme 1: Pet impact on generalized anxiety and panic, Subtheme 1A: Pet impact on social anxiety and loneliness; Theme 2: Pet impact on low mood, depression, and stress; Theme 3: Pet impact on severe mental health and suicide prevention; Theme 4: Staying well; Theme 5: Positive outlook and successful futures. Several perceived mechanisms underpinning the impacts of pets for mental health were also identified. Discussion These findings have relevance for the development and evaluation of mental health interventions and treatment protocols aimed at young adults with mental health difficulties, where companion animals may prove to be effective for symptom management and improvements in positive wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne D. Hawkins
- Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chih-Hsin Kuo
- Psychology Division, The University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Oliveira PA. Commentary: Do people really care less about their cats than about their dogs? A comparative study in three European countries. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1332301. [PMID: 38384956 PMCID: PMC10879585 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB-Inov4Agro), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health &Science, Almada, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associated Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB-Inov4Agro), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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Adamaκopoulou C, Benedetti B, Zappaterra M, Felici M, Masebo NT, Previti A, Passantino A, Padalino B. Cats' and dogs' welfare: text mining and topics modeling analysis of the scientific literature. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1268821. [PMID: 37901113 PMCID: PMC10601470 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1268821] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a field with increasing significance and has been raising huge concerns of the public and the political stage. Cats and dogs possess an important role in human life, but their welfare is not always secured from a legal aspect. This review aimed to describe the evolution and geographical distribution of "cats and dogs" and "puppies and kittens" welfare literature over the last 40 years, distinguish the main research topics studied and highlight gaps in knowledge. A search using Scopus® was performed with different search strings and predetermined filters as time range, language, and subject area. A total of 2,725 scientific literature records were retrieved but only the ones that referred to cats and dogs' welfare aspects were retained. The final 1,775 records were processed through descriptive statistics, and text mining and topic analysis procedures were performed on their titles and abstracts. The results showed that the number of studies has been increasing, especially in Europe and North America. "Shelter" was the most frequent word, followed by "behavior," "owner" and "adopt." The nine topics that emerged from the analysis were breeding, stress and housing conditions, welfare and pain assessment, public health, shelter management and euthanasia, behavioral problems, health issues and management, human-animal interaction, and owners' and veterinarians' perceptions. While stress and housing conditions, public health, and owners' and veterinarians' perceptions were the most studied topics, human-animal interaction was the least studied. This review confirmed the increasing research and interest in cats' and dogs' welfare and showed gaps in knowledge where further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysa Adamaκopoulou
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benedetti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Zappaterra
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Felici
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Naod Thomas Masebo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Previti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Padalino
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Sreeramaraju V, Babu VS, Sharma MK, Jha MK, Bhattacharya S. A Retrospective Observational Study of Facial Dog Bite Injuries and Its Management in a Tertiary Care Center. Indian J Plast Surg 2023; 56:367-372. [PMID: 37705817 PMCID: PMC10497327 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1771516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background : Facial dog bite injuries result in significant emotional, psychological, and physical trauma to the victims involved and should be considered a significant health issue. The purpose of this study is to share our experience in the management and to add to the existing medical literature regarding the epidemiological patterns of facial dog bite injuries. Materials and Methods : This is a single-center retrospective observational study conducted at Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi, from January 2021 to January 2022. A total of 105 patients were included. The wounds were managed according to the recommendations made by the national rabies control program and surgical intervention was performed in the form of primary suturing or flap cover. Results : Children of age group 0 to 10 years are most commonly affected. Pet dogs are the cause in 61% of cases and 57.1% of bites were provoked. Midface is most commonly affected and modified Lackmann's class 3A and 3B are the most common wounds. Conclusion : In view of raising incidence of dog bites with pet dogs, the general public needs to be educated regarding the practices to prevent these injuries. Postexposure prophylaxis should be given to all affected individuals irrespective of the vaccination status of the dog. Immediate surgical intervention gives better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vulchi Sreeramaraju
- Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Vaddi Suman Babu
- Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Sharma
- Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Jha
- Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameek Bhattacharya
- Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, ABVIMS and Dr. RML Hospital, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India
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Pardo MC. Legal Personhood for Animals: Has Science Made Its Case? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 37508116 PMCID: PMC10376032 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142339] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of Latin in identifying an organism's genus and species is likely familiar to scientists and zoological professionals, but a traditional legal doctrine, known as habeas corpus (meaning "you have the body") may not have obvious applicability to nonhumans in the animal kingdom. In recent years, animal rights organizations have utilized the habeas corpus doctrine as a basis to bring legal challenges on behalf of nonhuman animals to expand "legal personhood" to them. These lawsuits, which have focused on species such as nonhuman primates and elephants, seek to challenge the "confinement" of animals in zoological institutions and by private owners, much like a prisoner or other detainee. The small but vocal animal legal personhood movement bases its argument on the fact that elephants and nonhuman primates are highly sentient and have complex cognitive characteristics. Proponents of legal personhood for animals have argued that the common law has progressed and expanded over the years as societal norms and conditions have changed and, much like the law has expanded to afford women and persons of color legal rights and protections, so should the law expand to treat animals the same as humans. Despite these efforts, to date, no court in the United States has accepted this invitation. This article summarizes key legal challenges and decisions to date in the United States, examines how science and societal conditions have influenced the law, and analyzes the reasons why legal personhood for animals so far has been viewed as a "bridge too far" in the American legal system.
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Takagi S, Koyasu H, Hattori M, Nagasawa T, Maejima M, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T, Saito A. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behavioural Tendencies of Cats and Dogs in Japan. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2217. [PMID: 37444015 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical and mental effects stemming from COVID-19 have impacted not only people's lives but also the lives of their pets, which in recent years are often seen as members of the family. This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan on pets and their owners. Participants reported changes in physical activity and mental health, as well as working conditions and frequency of interaction with pets, before and after behavioural restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also asked about their pets' behaviours using the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ) and the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). This study showed that most cat and dog owners spent more time at home due to the COVID-19 behavioural restrictions and that the frequency of contact interaction with their pets increased. However, this study showed higher stress-related behaviours (e.g., cats: excessive grooming; dogs: aggression towards owners) among pets whose owners increased contact interaction. Furthermore, owners' low mental health was correlated with high stress-related behaviours (e.g., touch sensitivity) in pets. The results of this study indicate that the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan may have affected not only the lives of owners but also the interaction between owners and their pets, and consequently their pets' behaviours. Therefore, there is also concern that changes in lifestyle patterns caused by pandemics could form a negative feedback loop between the health status of both owners and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saho Takagi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Kojimachi Business Center Building, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - Hikari Koyasu
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Madoka Hattori
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan
| | - Takumi Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako 1737, Atsugi 243-0034, Japan
| | - Michiro Maejima
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
- Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
| | - Atsuko Saito
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
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13
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Mota-Rojas D, Domínguez-Oliva A, Martínez-Burnes J, Casas-Alvarado A, Hernández-Ávalos I. Euthanasia and Pain in Canine Patients with Terminal and Chronic-Degenerative Diseases: Ethical and Legal Aspects. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071265. [PMID: 37048521 PMCID: PMC10093422 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071265] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Euthanasia is commonly performed in veterinary medicine to humanely induce the death of an animal when its quality of life is affected by pain or chronic degenerative diseases. The choice of euthanasia is a bilateral decision that represents a challenge for both the veterinarian and the owner of the animal due to the close emotional human-animal bond. Currently, there is legislation that can orient veterinarians concerning euthanasia and the causes that would justify this resolution. However, it is still controversial, and deciding it as the last available resort requires considering it from a medical, legal, and moral perspective. Therefore, this review aims to explore the ethical and legal implications of euthanasia in canine patients. It will analyze the reason that can justify euthanasia in animals with pain or terminal and chronic degenerative diseases, highlighting the importance of effective communication, ethical knowledge, and consideration of euthanasia as a multimodal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
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14
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McDowall S, Hazel SJ, Chittleborough C, Hamilton-Bruce A, Stuckey R, Howell TJ. The Impact of the Social Determinants of Human Health on Companion Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061113. [PMID: 36978653 PMCID: PMC10044303 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061113] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The social determinants of health (SDH) focus on the social, physical and economic factors that impact human health. Studies have revealed that animal guardians face a range of challenges in attaining positive welfare outcomes for their companion animals, which can be influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Despite this, there is a lack of research specifically exploring the relationship between SDH and animal welfare outcomes. Given that the SDH impact on humans, which in turn directly impacts on their companion animal, it is important to adapt an SDH framework for companion animal welfare by characterising the impact of the SDH on companion animal guardians in their attempts to care for their animals and, by extension, the associated welfare outcomes. This paper explores how these human health determinants may impact animal welfare and the possible challenges that may arise for the guardian when attempting to meet their companion animal's welfare needs. By integrating the SDH with other key frameworks, including the five domains model of animal welfare, through multidisciplinary collaboration, this framework can be used to inform future programs aiming to improve animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya McDowall
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia
| | - Susan J Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Catherine Chittleborough
- School of Public Health, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anne Hamilton-Bruce
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia
| | - Tiffani J Howell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
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15
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Puppies Raised during the COVID-19 Lockdown Showed Fearful and Aggressive Behaviors in Adulthood: An Italian Survey. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030198. [PMID: 36977237 PMCID: PMC10059587 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister’s decree issued by the Italian government on 9 March 2020, known as “#Iorestoacasa” (I stay at home), required everyone to stay indoors, with a few exceptions, from 11 March to 3 May 2020. This decree had a substantial impact on the mental health of both people and dogs. We carried out a national survey to compare the personalities of adult dogs who were puppies in lockdown (from March to May 2020) with those of adult dogs born after that time (from June 2020 to February 2021). Our results highlighted a significant increase in personality traits related to fear and aggression in dogs who experienced lockdown restrictions during their socialization period, further confirming that the COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted the behavioral development of dogs. Therefore, it may be advantageous for these dogs to be closely monitored by veterinary behaviorists and receive specialized behavioral rehabilitation therapy to lower the risk of episodes of aggression and fearfulness as well as to increase the wellbeing of dogs raised under social restrictions.
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16
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Corsato Alvarenga I, Panickar KS, Hess H, McGrath S. Scientific Validation of Cannabidiol for Management of Dog and Cat Diseases. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2023; 11:227-246. [PMID: 36790884 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-081122-070236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid of the plant Cannabis sativa L. CBD is increasingly being explored as an alternative to conventional therapies to treat health disorders in dogs and cats. Mechanisms of action of CBD have been investigated mostly in rodents and in vitro and include modulation of CB1, CB2, 5-HT, GPR, and opioid receptors. In companion animals, CBD appears to have good bioavailability and safety profile with few side effects at physiological doses. Some dog studies have found CBD to improve clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis, pruritus, and epilepsy. However, further studies are needed to conclude a therapeutic action of CBD for each of these conditions, as well as for decreasing anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. Herein, we summarize the available scientific evidence associated with the mechanisms of action of CBD, including pharmacokinetics, safety, regulation, and efficacy in ameliorating various health conditions in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Corsato Alvarenga
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;
| | - Kiran S Panickar
- Science & Technology Center, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, Kansas, USA
| | - Hannah Hess
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;
| | - Stephanie McGrath
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;
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17
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Hunt ABG, Flint HE, Logan DW, King T. A single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) positively influences measures of stress in dogs during separation and car travel. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1112604. [PMID: 36908527 PMCID: PMC9992179 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Many dogs experience stress when separated from their caregivers, as well as when traveling in vehicles. Pet owners employ various approaches to managing these issues, from training, to giving medications and supplements, often with mixed results. Cannabidiol (CBD) can alleviate stress and anxiety in humans but the effect it has on canine stress is less well-documented. The present study aimed to understand the impact of being left alone and traveling in a car on measures of canine stress, and establish whether a single dose of a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-free CBD distillate could positively influence any measures of stress. In a blinded, parallel design study, a population of dogs were either left alone in a familiar room (n = 21) or underwent a short car journey (n = 19). A range of physiological and behavioral measures were collected pre, during and post-test. Significant changes in several stress-related measures (serum cortisol, mean ear temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, whining and a stressed/anxious behavioral factor) were observed from baseline to test, with the car journey test paradigm eliciting a more pronounced stress response overall. The mitigating effect of CBD treatment varied by measure and test, with some indicating a significant reduction in canine stress compared to the placebo group. Additional research is required to fully understand the complex effect of CBD on canine wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysia B G Hunt
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah E Flint
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Darren W Logan
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
| | - Tammie King
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, United Kingdom
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18
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Kiprotich SS, Aldrich CG. A review of food additives to control the proliferation and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms with emphasis on applications to raw meat-based diets for companion animals. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1049731. [DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1049731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) or sometimes described as biologically appropriate raw food (BARFs) are gaining in popularity amongst dog and cat owners. These pet guardians prefer their animals to eat minimally processed and more “natural” foods instead of highly heat-processed diets manufactured with synthetic preservatives. The market for RMBDs for dogs and cats is estimated at $33 million in the United States. This figure is likely underestimated because some pet owners feed their animals raw diets prepared at home. Despite their increasing demand, RMBDs have been plagued with numerous recalls because of contamination from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter. Existing literature regarding mitigation strategies in RMBD's for dogs/cats are very limited. Thus, a comprehensive search for published research was conducted regarding technologies used in meat and poultry processing and raw materials tangential to this trade (e.g., meats and poultry). In this review paper, we explored multiple non-thermal processes and GRAS approved food additives that can be used as potential antimicrobials alone or in combinations to assert multiple stressors that impede microbial growth, ultimately leading to pathogen inactivation through hurdle technology. This review focuses on use of high-pressure pasteurization, organic acidulants, essential oils, and bacteriophages as possible approaches to commercially pasteurize RMBDs effectively at a relatively low cost. A summary of the different ways these technologies have been used in the past to control foodborne pathogens in meat and poultry related products and how they can be applied successfully to impede growth of enteric pathogens in commercially produced raw diets for companion animals is provided.
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19
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Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12212904. [PMID: 36359029 PMCID: PMC9658478 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Previous studies have identified that people are poor at recognising fear and pain in horses, consequently leading to one of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom. Given that equine behaviourists are uniquely placed to understand how horse caregivers perceive fear and anxiety in their horses, this study examined the experiences of registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom, together with tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. Abstract One of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom is lack of recognition of fear in horses. This study aimed to gain an understanding of how well horse care givers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses by interviewing equine behaviourists (who interact with large numbers of horse care givers and talk to them about this topic routinely). The experiences of Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)-registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers were examined, including the ability of clients to recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, how clients respond when discussing fear as the reason for their horse’s behaviour, and what explanations the participants use to explain fear and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis before being written up to reflect the discussion points. When asked how well horse caregivers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. These key themes recurred throughout several other interview questions. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom as well as tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. Such synthesis of experience and techniques across the equine behaviour sector, together with the information gained regarding perception of equine caregivers, could be a valuable approach to improve the effectiveness of behaviour consultations and welfare initiatives.
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20
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Prato-Previde E, Basso Ricci E, Colombo ES. The Complexity of the Human–Animal Bond: Empathy, Attachment and Anthropomorphism in Human–Animal Relationships and Animal Hoarding. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202835. [PMID: 36290219 PMCID: PMC9597799 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The relationship between humans and animals may have positive effects for both parties, but there are situations in which it has poor or even negative effects for animals or for both humans and animals. Several studies reported the positive effects of this relationship in which both humans and animals obtain physical and psychological benefits from living together in a reciprocated interaction. There is also clear evidence that human–animal relationships may be characterized by different forms and levels of discomfort and suffering for animals and, in some cases, also for people. This work depicts the complex and multifaceted nature of the human–animal relationship; describes the role of empathy, attachment and anthropomorphism in the human–animal bond; shows how these psychological processes are involved in a dysfunctional way in animal hoarding, with highly detrimental effects on animal well-being. Abstract The human–animal relationship is ancient, complex and multifaceted. It may have either positive effects on humans and animals or poor or even negative and detrimental effects on animals or both humans and animals. A large body of literature has investigated the beneficial effects of this relationship in which both human and animals appear to gain physical and psychological benefits from living together in a reciprocated interaction. However, analyzing the literature with a different perspective it clearly emerges that not rarely are human–animal relationships characterized by different forms and levels of discomfort and suffering for animals and, in some cases, also for people. The negative physical and psychological consequences on animals’ well-being may be very nuanced and concealed, but there are situations in which the negative consequences are clear and striking, as in the case of animal violence, abuse or neglect. Empathy, attachment and anthropomorphism are human psychological mechanisms that are considered relevant for positive and healthy relationships with animals, but when dysfunctional or pathological determine physical or psychological suffering, or both, in animals as occurs in animal hoarding. The current work reviews some of the literature on the multifaceted nature of the human–animal relationship; describes the key role of empathy, attachment and anthropomorphism in human–animal relationships; seeks to depict how these psychological processes are distorted and dysfunctional in animal hoarding, with highly detrimental effects on both animal and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Prato-Previde
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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21
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Zhou S, Wang Y. How negative anthropomorphic message framing and nostalgia enhance pro-environmental behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: An SEM-NCA approach. Front Psychol 2022; 13:977381. [PMID: 36072047 PMCID: PMC9441880 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.977381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although extensive research has been conducted on promoting pro-environmental behaviors among consumers, little is known about whether and how negative anthropomorphic message framing (NAMF) and nostalgia affect pro-environmental behavior. To provide a framework for explaining pro-environmental behavior, this study integrates protection motivation theory, the stimulus-organism-response model, and message framing. To create the model of the influences on pro-environmental behavior, NAMF was employed as the external stimulus; the sense of environmental responsibility, environmental empathy, perceived threat, and perceived vulnerability as the psychological and cognitive response factors; pro-environmental behavior as the final decision of consumers; and nostalgia as the moderating variable. An online questionnaire was distributed and 380 usable questionnaires were collected using convenience sampling and analyzed using two complementary approaches: partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA). PLS-SEM results showed that pro-environmental behavior was significantly affected by NAMF (β = 0.313, t-value = 5.583), environmental responsibility (β = 0.207, t-value = 3.994), and perceived threats (β = 0.252, t-value = 4.889). Meanwhile, an increase in nostalgia increased the effect of NAMF and environmental responsibility on pro-environmental behavior. The NCA results revealed that NAMF (d = 0.108, p < 0.001) and perceived threat (d = 0.209, p < 0.001) were key factors of pro-environmental behavior. In addition, for high level of pro-environmental behavior (>80%), NAMF (12.1%) and perceived threat (39.6%) are required. Finally, we offer several suggestions based on the results of our empirical research. For example, marketing and service offerings should be tailored to the needs of masses with different nostalgic tendencies to enhance their pro-environmental behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhou
- School of Economics and Management, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
- Asia Europe Institute, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Shuai Zhou
| | - Yibo Wang
- School of Economics and Management, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, China
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22
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Mota-Rojas D, Monsalve S, Lezama-García K, Mora-Medina P, Domínguez-Oliva A, Ramírez-Necoechea R, Garcia RDCM. Animal Abuse as an Indicator of Domestic Violence: One Health, One Welfare Approach. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080977. [PMID: 35454224 PMCID: PMC9024712 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For years now, the importance of animal cruelty has been gaining recognition in the industrialized cities of the West. Animal cruelty encompasses any act that causes a non-human animal unnecessary pain or suffering, including negligence, abandonment, abuse, torture, bestiality, and even theriocide. This represents a red flag for society as a whole because people who commit such acts can escalate violence and direct it to other individuals. Animal cruelty and interpersonal violence—as well as other socially undesirable conduct such as bullying, antisocial personality disorder, rape, and serial murder—are closely related, so timely diagnoses of either one can help prevent acts of aggression. It is necessary, therefore, to analyze and try to understand whether there are early indicators that may help identify potentially violent individuals. It is well known that kids from homes with actual violence in their homes show a high tendency to reproduce such behaviors with both animals and other people. In conclusion, much research and rethinking of the importance of the veterinarian in detecting animal abuse and cruelty is needed to help detect and prevent cases of interpersonal violence that may arise over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
- Correspondence: (D.M.-R.); (R.d.C.M.G.)
| | - Stefany Monsalve
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Programa de Especialización en Bienestar Animal y Etología, Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia, Calle 170 No 54 A 10, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Fundación Universitaria San Martín, Carrera 18 No 80 45, Bogotá 110221, Colombia
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Animal Welfare and Behavior Center, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 54714, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Ramiro Ramírez-Necoechea
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (K.L.-G.); (A.D.-O.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Rita de Cassia Maria Garcia
- Veterinary Medicine of the Collective and Veterinary Social Work, Legal Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80060-000, Brazil
- Correspondence: (D.M.-R.); (R.d.C.M.G.)
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23
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Coria-Avila GA, Pfaus JG, Orihuela A, Domínguez-Oliva A, José-Pérez N, Hernández LA, Mota-Rojas D. The Neurobiology of Behavior and Its Applicability for Animal Welfare: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070928. [PMID: 35405916 PMCID: PMC8997080 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animal welfare is the result of physical and psychological well-being and is expected to occur if animals are free: (1) from hunger, thirst and malnutrition, (2) from discomfort, (3) from pain, (4) to express normal behavior, and (5) from fear and distress. Nevertheless, well-being is not a constant state but rather the result of certain brain dynamics underlying innate motivated behaviors and learned responses. Thus, by understanding the foundations of the neurobiology of behavior we fathom how emotions and well-being occur in the brain. Herein, we discuss the potential applicability of this approach for animal welfare. First, we provide a general view of the basic responses coordinated by the central nervous system from the processing of internal and external stimuli. Then, we discuss how those stimuli mediate activity in seven neurobiological systems that evoke innate emotional and behavioral responses that directly influence well-being and biological fitness. Finally, we discuss the basic mechanisms of learning and how it affects motivated responses and welfare. Abstract Understanding the foundations of the neurobiology of behavior and well-being can help us better achieve animal welfare. Behavior is the expression of several physiological, endocrine, motor and emotional responses that are coordinated by the central nervous system from the processing of internal and external stimuli. In mammals, seven basic emotional systems have been described that when activated by the right stimuli evoke positive or negative innate responses that evolved to facilitate biological fitness. This review describes the process of how those neurobiological systems can directly influence animal welfare. We also describe examples of the interaction between primary (innate) and secondary (learned) processes that influence behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro A. Coria-Avila
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Avenida Luis Castelazo S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa 91190, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (G.A.C.-A.); (D.M.-R.)
| | - James G. Pfaus
- Instituto de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Avenida Luis Castelazo S/N, Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa 91190, Mexico;
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Czech National Institute of Mental Health, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.-O.); (N.J.-P.); (L.A.H.)
| | - Nancy José-Pérez
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.-O.); (N.J.-P.); (L.A.H.)
| | - Laura Astrid Hernández
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.-O.); (N.J.-P.); (L.A.H.)
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.D.-O.); (N.J.-P.); (L.A.H.)
- Correspondence: (G.A.C.-A.); (D.M.-R.)
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Mota-Rojas D, Marcet-Rius M, Ogi A, Hernández-Ávalos I, Mariti C, Martínez-Burnes J, Mora-Medina P, Casas A, Domínguez A, Reyes B, Gazzano A. Current Advances in Assessment of Dog's Emotions, Facial Expressions, and Their Use for Clinical Recognition of Pain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3334. [PMID: 34828066 PMCID: PMC8614696 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals' facial expressions are involuntary responses that serve to communicate the emotions that individuals feel. Due to their close co-existence with humans, broad attention has been given to identifying these expressions in certain species, especially dogs. This review aims to analyze and discuss the advances in identifying the facial expressions of domestic dogs and their clinical utility in recognizing pain as a method to improve daily practice and, in an accessible and effective way, assess the health outcome of dogs. This study focuses on aspects related to the anatomy and physiology of facial expressions in dogs, their emotions, and evaluations of their eyebrows, eyes, lips, and ear positions as changes that reflect pain or nociception. In this regard, research has found that dogs have anatomical configurations that allow them to generate changes in their expressions that similar canids-wolves, for example-cannot produce. Additionally, dogs can perceive emotions similar to those of their human tutors due to close human-animal interaction. This phenomenon-called "emotional contagion"-is triggered precisely by the dog's capacity to identify their owners' gestures and then react by emitting responses with either similar or opposed expressions that correspond to positive or negative stimuli, respectively. In conclusion, facial expressions are essential to maintaining social interaction between dogs and other species, as in their bond with humans. Moreover, this provides valuable information on emotions and the perception of pain, so in dogs, they can serve as valuable elements for recognizing and evaluating pain in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.C.); (A.D.); (B.R.)
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anaesthesia, FESC, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico;
| | - Chiara Mariti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Department of Livestock Science, FESC, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Casas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.C.); (A.D.); (B.R.)
| | - Adriana Domínguez
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.C.); (A.D.); (B.R.)
| | - Brenda Reyes
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.C.); (A.D.); (B.R.)
| | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.O.); (C.M.); (A.G.)
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