Search Results (36)

The path to becoming a veterinarian often begins well before university education, so understanding students’ career choices is essential. This study aimed to identify motivational characteristics of Hungarian high school students interested in veterinary medicine. Between December 2022 and March 2023, a questionnaire was distributed during high school career days, university open days, and via online platforms to collect data on students’ backgrounds, motivations, childhood animal exposure, and alternative career options. Recursive conditional Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models were used to identify motivational characteristics predicting veterinary career intentions. Among 428 respondents (74.1% female; mean age 17.8 years), a fondness for animals emerged as the predominant motivational factor; 97.4% had childhood pets, most commonly dogs. Human medicine was the main alternative career, followed by agriculture and veterinary nursing. Most students were interested in small animal medicine, while horse-related experience strongly predicted interest in equine practice. Interest in agriculture predicted preference for farm animal care. Students inclined toward non-clinical roles showed stronger interest in natural sciences and decided on a veterinary career later in life. These findings suggest that many students commit to veterinary medicine before age 12, highlighting the need for early engagement through competitions, camps, and extracurricular activities. Full article

Toxocariasis, a geohelminthiasis caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati nematodes, has an estimated 19% seroprevalence worldwide. Although children have been considered more prone to infection, adults and the elderly may also be considered at risk. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the associated risk factors for Toxocara spp. seropositivity in a population of 290 individuals over 50 years old, attended by the Public Health System in western São Paulo state. Socioepidemiological information was obtained by a semi-structured questionnaire, a blood (serum) sample, and a neurocognitive function assessment by the 10-point cognitive screener (10-CS). Overall, 89/290 (30.7%; 95% CI: 25.7–36.2%) individuals presented anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies by ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals raising both dogs and cats were 3-fold more likely to be seropositive than the ones without any pet (p = 0.002), while educational level resulted in an associated protective factor (p = 0.001). No seropositivity influence was observed for the other evaluated variables, including age, gender, monthly income, consumption of drinkable water or raw/undercooked meat, having a dirty floor at home, contact with soil, washing vegetables and hands before meals, and onychophagy. Although seropositivity was not statistically associated with dementia (p = 0.198) and neuropsychiatric disorder (p = 0.440), results herein indicated toxocariasis as a likely under-reported and neglected infection in the older human population. As an immunosenescence risk group that should be continuously monitored, elderly pet owners may be at risk and should be extra careful with self-hygiene and pet deworming, particularly when owning multiple pet species, to reduce the risk of toxocariasis infection. Full article

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a frequent and distressing concern among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, often exerting a profound impact on psychological well-being, daily functioning, and treatment adherence. While several clinical and sociodemographic factors have been linked to FCR, the potential role of pet companionship has not been systematically investigated in this population. This cross-sectional study included 167 patients with CRC, assessing FCR with the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory–Short Form (FCRI-SF), psychological distress with the DASS-21, and quality of life with the FACT-G. More than half of the participants (62.3%) met the threshold for high FCR. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that female sex, higher educational attainment, and increased depressive and anxiety symptoms were independently associated with greater odds of high FCR. Conversely, better overall quality of life was linked to lower FCR, with each additional FACT-G point reducing the likelihood of high fear by 5%. Notably, pet ownership emerged as a robust protective factor: pet owners demonstrated approximately one-quarter the odds of high FCR compared with non-owners. Subgroup analyses suggested that this protective effect was particularly evident among women and patients with fewer children, groups potentially more vulnerable to social isolation. These findings highlight pet ownership as a novel factor associated with reduced FCR in CRC patients and suggest potential directions for supportive interventions integrating companion animals into survivorship care. Full article

Skin tumors are among the most common neoplasms in dogs and cats, sharing biological and environmental risk factors with human cancers. Owners play a critical role in early detection, yet little is known about their knowledge and attitudes. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of Portuguese pet owners regarding skin tumors in companion animals. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 420 respondents. Overall, awareness of risk factors such as sun exposure and age was relatively high, but most owners were unable to identify specific tumor types or locations. Only one-quarter believed skin tumors are curable, while the majority expressed uncertainty. Women, those with multiple or long-term pet ownership, and individuals with family or personal experience of cancer showed greater knowledge and more proactive behaviors. However, a gap between knowledge and practice still remains. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational strategies to enhance owners’ health literacy, facilitate early detection, and promote timely veterinary care. Full article

Odontogenic abscesses are a frequent and challenging clinical issue in pet rabbits, often requiring a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. This review collates current evidence on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of rabbit odontogenic abscesses, with a focus on imaging advances, microbial diversity, and local antimicrobial therapies. Predisposing factors include congenital conformation, inappropriate diet (insufficient abrasiveness, calcium or Vit D deficiencies, etc.), trauma, and neoplasia. Imaging techniques such as CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) enable early detection and surgical planning, while traditional radiography remains useful in general practice. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, surgical curettage, and the use of localized delivery systems such as antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (AIPMMA) beads. Adjunctive therapies like Manuka honey are also discussed. Two original heatmaps summarize bacterial prevalence and antimicrobial resistance from six peer-reviewed studies. These visualizations highlight the polymicrobial nature of these infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Preventive strategies focus on optimal diet, regular dental checks, and owner education. The review also identifies key gaps in the literature, including the underreporting of anaerobes and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This article aims to support veterinary professionals in delivering evidence-based, individualized care to improve outcomes in rabbits with odontogenic abscesses. Full article

Zoonotic diseases are a persistent public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge and perceptions of 132 high school students (70 public and 62 private) in Goiânia, Brazil, regarding zoonoses, using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses (Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between public and private school students in knowledge levels, pet care practices, and the awareness of zoonotic risks. While pet ownership was common in both groups, only 53% of private and 21% of public school students correctly defined “zoonosis.” Rabies, taeniasis, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, cysticercosis, cutaneous larva migrans, and leishmaniasis were the most frequently cited diseases, with private school students demonstrating greater recognition across all categories. However, most participants lacked detailed knowledge about transmission routes and prevention. Misconceptions—such as zoonoses affecting only low-income populations—were also identified. Preventive actions like sanitation, public education, and vaccination were commonly suggested but not consistently linked to zoonoses. These findings highlight critical educational gaps and emphasize the need to incorporate One Health principles into school curricula to improve youth understanding and support public health strategies for zoonosis prevention. Full article

As societal perceptions of pet ownership shift, an increasing number of individuals are choosing to keep pets, leading to various challenges. In Taiwan, the growing population of stray dogs and cats is largely attributed to insufficient education and inadequate management practices among pet owners, posing public health and safety concerns. This issue primarily stems from a lack of understanding regarding proper pet care. In response, awareness of animal protection and life education has been gaining traction, drawing attention to these concerns. To address this, this study introduces an augmented reality (AR) pet care teaching system aimed at enhancing pet care knowledge through smartphones or tablets. Utilizing interactive AR technology, students are able to meet learning objectives related to pet care and foundational knowledge. This study adopts a quasi-experimental design and incorporates questionnaire surveys involving 61 college students and 8 teachers. The findings indicate that while both AR and traditional teaching methods are effective, the AR group exhibited superior learning outcomes. Furthermore, teacher feedback emphasized that the AR system fosters greater student engagement and significantly improves learning effectiveness. Full article

Behavioural problems in dogs are a major welfare concern for both dogs and owners, which can lead to relinquishment or euthanasia. As such, it is important to find ways to minimize the risk of development or severity of problematic behaviour. Such interventions should ideally occur early in the dog’s development and need to be widely and easily accessible. One way to implement such interventions, given modern smart phone use, is via an educational application (app). Here, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study where we sought to estimate associations between use of the Zigzag dog-training app (Zigzag Pet Care Services Ltd.) and the development and severity of problematic behaviours. We focused on a subset of the survey population (n = 367) who did no training at all (n = 194) or only used the app (did not attend formal classes or in person training; n = 173). Proportional odds ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for a range of behaviours as a function of percentage completion of the first four chapters of the app while controlling for age, sex, health, and where the puppy was from. While sample sizes were relatively small and confidence intervals wide, 19 out of 21 odds ratio point estimates were in favour of severity being lower with increasing Zigzag app completion (the remaining 2 were marginally above 1). There was no good evidence that Zigzag increased the severity of any behaviours. On the contrary, there was reasonable evidence against the null hypothesis of no association in favour of Zigzag reducing the severity of familiar aggression, house soiling, chewing, barking, escaping, and noise fear. While causal effects cannot be claimed, overall, the reported associations are favourable and suggest that further study is warranted. Full article

Advances in neuro-oncology have transformed the diagnosis and management of brain tumors, which are among the most challenging malignancies due to their high mortality rates and complex neurological effects. Despite advancements in surgery and chemoradiotherapy, the prognosis for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and brain metastases remains poor, underscoring the need for innovative diagnostic strategies. This review highlights recent advancements in imaging techniques, liquid biopsies, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications addressing current diagnostic challenges. Advanced imaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), improve the differentiation of tumor progression from treatment-related changes. Additionally, novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, such as ¹⁸F-fluoropivalate, ¹⁸F-fluoroethyltyrosine, and ¹⁸F-fluluciclovine, facilitate metabolic profiling of high-grade gliomas. Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive technique, enables real-time monitoring of biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), enhancing diagnostic precision. AI-driven algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks, integrate diagnostic tools to improve accuracy, reduce interobserver variability, and accelerate clinical decision-making. These innovations advance personalized neuro-oncological care, offering new opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with central nervous system tumors. We advocate for future research integrating these tools into clinical workflows, addressing accessibility challenges, and standardizing methodologies to ensure broad applicability in neuro-oncology. Full article

The health of adult dogs and cats is affected positively or negatively by their development in utero and throughout postnatal growth. Preventive veterinary care is particularly important when animals are physiologically immature and sensitive to modifiable environmental factors. Veterinary nurses/technicians are often at the forefront of promoting healthy development, reinforcing the work of veterinarians and using their knowledge, experience, and passion to lead initiatives with breeders and pet guardians. This opinion article considers the role of qualified veterinary nurses/technicians in the care of puppies and kittens throughout their developmental life stages—gestation, the suckling period, growth post-weaning to puberty or neutering, and late growth to adulthood. Much of their influence is through the education of pet carers; they provide trustworthy information relevant to the individual pet and focused on the practicalities of best husbandry practices. These include practical advice on recognizing dystocia, neonatal care, weaning, introduction to the new home, the prevention and management of infectious diseases, socialization with conspecifics and humans, habituation to potential environmental stresses, nutrition, oral hygiene, and grooming. The veterinary nurse’s goal is not only to see young pets develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults but also to see pet guardians developing sustainable human–animal bonds. Full article

Background: Socioeconomic deprivation has been associated with higher lung cancer risk and mortality in non-Veteran populations. However, the impact of socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in an integrated and equal-access healthcare system, such as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), remains unclear. Hence, we investigated the impact of area-level socioeconomic deprivation on access to care and postoperative outcomes for early-stage NSCLC in United States Veterans. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with clinical stage I NSCLC receiving surgical treatment in the VHA between 1 October 2006 and 30 September 2016. A total of 9704 Veterans were included in the study and assigned an area deprivation index (ADI) score, a measure of socioeconomic deprivation incorporating multiple poverty, education, housing, and employment indicators. We used multivariable analyses to evaluate the relationship between ADI and postoperative outcomes as well as adherence to guideline-concordant care quality measures (QMs) for stage I NSCLC in the preoperative (positron emission tomography [PET] imaging, appropriate smoking management, pulmonary function testing [PFT], and timely surgery [≤12 weeks after diagnosis]) and postoperative periods (appropriate surveillance imaging, smoking management, and oncology referral). Results: Compared to Veterans with low socioeconomic deprivation (ADI ≤ 50), those residing in areas with high socioeconomic deprivation (ADI > 75) were less likely to have timely surgery (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.832, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.732–0.945) and receive PET imaging (aOR 0.592, 95% CI 0.502–0.698) and PFT (aOR 0.816, 95% CI 0.694–0.959) prior to surgery. In the postoperative period, Veterans with high socioeconomic deprivation had an increased risk of 30-day readmission (aOR 1.380, 95% CI 1.103–1.726) and decreased odds of meeting all postoperative care QMs (aOR 0.856, 95% CI 0.750–0.978) compared to those with low socioeconomic deprivation. There was no association between ADI and overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.984, 95% CI 0.911–1.062) or cumulative incidence of cancer recurrence (aHR 1.047, 95% CI 0.930–1.179). Conclusions: Our results suggest that Veterans with high socioeconomic deprivation have suboptimal adherence to care QMs for stage I NSCLC yet do not have inferior long-term outcomes after curative-intent resection. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of an integrated, equal-access healthcare system in mitigating disparities in lung cancer survival that are frequently present in other populations. Future VHA policies should continue to target increasing adherence to QMs and reducing postoperative readmission for socioeconomically disadvantaged Veterans with early-stage NSCLC. Full article

Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, have increasingly been recognized as moral subjects and valued as family members by European citizens. This new role encourages policy makers to face the many companion animals’ welfare issues not yet covered by the EU legislation. The main gaps in the protection of dog and cat welfare during their all lifespan have been identified: unhealthy and unethical breeding practices, irresponsible sale and ownership, transport for commercial and non-commercial purposes, training methods, working dog conditions and rights, regulation of dog and cat shows and competitions, the therapeutic neglect, dog and cat end-of-life care, shelter management legislation and the free-ranging cat and dog population rights. The EU legislation framework is still very weak and far from establishing a harmonized approach, promoting a high standard of care and protection across Member States. We conclude that education and awareness regarding responsible pet ownership and the need for a One Welfare approach have a high value in finding adequate solutions, especially when poor human social welfare affects companion animal welfare. Given the link between human and companion animal welfare, the use of stakeholders’ involvement strategies and a transdisciplinary approach appear crucial for the development of an EU legal framework for the well-being of dogs and cats. Full article

Veterinary telemedicine is used to provide animal health care information, education, and care remotely. Digital transformation of veterinary clinics is a fundamental process for the evolution of telemedicine and is changing the way veterinary care and animal health services are delivered. This study aimed to evaluate the current televeterinary market and to assess the knowledge of animal owners and clinic managers. The goals of this study were met by conducting an analysis of the current televeterinary market through a pet owner (n = 200) survey as well as clinic owner (n = 5) interviews. In contrast to other countries, only 1.85% of Lithuanian veterinary clinics offered a paid veterinary remote consultation service on their websites. In addition, more than half of animal owners who participated in the survey did not even know that remote veterinary consultations existed. The most important established factors for the success of digital transformation of veterinary telemedicine were investments in the marketing of the services, management leadership, the competencies and experience of veterinarians, convenient working hours for the client, faster service availability, and lower price. It is recommended to involve marketing and information technology company professionals and to invest in the specialty, digital, and communication skills of veterinarians. Full article

We investigated the evolving landscape of reptile pet ownership in Hong Kong. Employing a quantitative approach, a self-administered survey was distributed and over 200 reptile pet owners residing in Hong Kong responded. The survey instrument captured demographic data on pet ownership history, species preferences, husbandry practices, and veterinary care utilization. The findings revealed a strong interest in pet reptiles, with lizards being particularly popular (67%) among new owners. Turtles remain common (35%), likely due to cultural factors and perceived ease of care. However, a gap was noted between the awareness and the implementation of proper husbandry practices, with 51% of respondents expressing concerns about enrichment and 21% uncertain about appropriate enclosure size. Veterinary care utilization also showed a disconnect, with 50% of the respondents reporting no regular check-ups were performed, despite acknowledging its importance. Reptile behavior served as a well-being indicator. Over 90% of the respondents observed normal behaviors like locomotion and breathing. Interestingly, a positive correlation emerged between reptile behavior scores and duration of ownership (r = 0.200, p < 0.01), suggesting improved well-being for reptiles that were in long-term care. These findings emphasize the need for educational initiatives promoting responsible pet ownership practices and fostering collaboration between reptile owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations. By addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting a collaborative approach, our results aim to contribute to enhanced reptile welfare in the context of Hong Kong’s evolving pet ownership trends. Full article

Compassion fatigue (CF) refers to the exhaustion and distress caused by the demands of caring for others. CF occurs in a variety of helping professions, including physicians, nurses, educators, social workers and animal caregivers, and is known to adversely impact both caregivers’ quality of life and the care they provide. This study assessed the prevalence, risk and protective factors, coping strategies and support programs for CF in chimpanzee caregivers (N = 123) at accredited sanctuaries and zoos in the United States. Online survey results revealed that 91.06% of chimpanzee caregivers experienced CF at some point in their careers. Common CF symptoms were exhaustion, frustration, anxiety, depression, and apathy. Perceived factors influencing CF included being understaffed, lacking resources and training, poor relationships with coworkers and supervisors, and financial insecurity. Commonly reported coping strategies were talking to someone, having pets, self-care, and getting away from work. 20.33% of caregivers reported having institutional support programs available to them, however they were rarely viewed as helpful and 32.52% of respondents were unsure about program availability. Overall, our findings suggest that, like other caregiving professionals, chimpanzee caregivers are susceptible to CF and may benefit from new or updated support programs that continue to build a ‘culture of care’ that meets employee, animal, and facility needs. Full article