Abstract
BackgroundReferral of cases is becoming more and more frequent in companion animal practice. The Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit (IDIU) admits first opinion, second opinion and referred patients with a confirmed infectious disease (ID) or a clinically suspected ID that is awaiting laboratory diagnosis. The primary aims of this study were to describe the annual number and characteristics of patients referred to the IDIU and identify the most frequent IDs in referred dogs and cats. A secondary aim was to investigate possible differences in the length of the hospitalisation and the clinical outcome among referred cases and those admitted to the IDIU after first and second opinion appointments.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out on patients hospitalised at the unit over 5 years from 9th October 2013 to 31st December 2018.ResultsThe study population consisted of 365 dogs and 515 cats to give a total of 880 patients hospitalised at the IDIU from October 2013 to December 2018. Among the 96 referred dogs, parvovirosis (37.7%) and leptospirosis (31.1%) were the most frequent IDs. Feline upper respiratory tract infection (38.2%) and feline leukaemia virus infections (36.4%) were the main causes in the 80 referred cats. Worrying noncompliance rates of dog (51.0%) and cat (52.5%) vaccination schedules were identified. The analysis of the length of hospitalisation in the three groups of patients was not statistically different. In both animal species there were statistically significant higher clinical discharge rates on the first opinion patients’ group in comparison to referred patients and the second opinion group.ConclusionsParvovirosis and leptospirosis in dogs and upper respiratory disease and feline leukaemia virus infection in cats were the most common diagnoses for patients admitted to the IDIU, reinforcing the need for accurate vaccination. Discharge rates results pinpoint the need for timely accurate reference.
Highlights
Referral of cases is becoming more and more frequent in companion animal practice
A complex interplay between patients, animal health care workers and microorganisms occurs in the hospital environment, facilitating the transmission of infectious agents and Abbreviations: ABCD, European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases; FeLV, feline leukaemia virus; FIP, feline infectious peritonitis; FIV, feline immunodeficiency virus; HEPA, high efficiency particulate air; ID, infectious disease; Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit (IDIU), infectious disease isolation unit; IU, isolation units; MDR, multidrug-resistant; PPE, personal protective equipment; SOP, standard operating procedures; (feline) upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), upper respiratory tract infection; VTH, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; WSAVA, World Small Animal Veterinary Association creating a threat to both animal and public health.[1]
FIGURE Clinical presentations of feline patients referred to the IDIU in the period 2013–2018 Abbreviations: Other ID, other infectious disease; URTI, Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infection; MDR bacteria, multidrug resistant bacteria
Summary
Referral of cases is becoming more and more frequent in companion animal practice. The Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit (IDIU) admits first opinion, second opinion and referred patients with a confirmed infectious disease (ID) or a clinically suspected ID that is awaiting laboratory diagnosis. A secondary aim was to investigate possible differences in the length of the hospitalisation and the clinical outcome among referred cases and those admitted to the IDIU after first and second opinion appointments. Among the 96 referred dogs, parvovirosis (37.7%) and leptospirosis (31.1%) were the most frequent IDs. Feline upper respiratory tract infection (38.2%) and feline leukaemia virus infections (36.4%) were the main causes in the 80 referred cats. The analysis of the length of hospitalisation in the three groups of patients was not statistically different In both animal species there were statistically significant higher clinical discharge rates on the first opinion patients’ group in comparison to referred patients and the second opinion group. Conclusions: Parvovirosis and leptospirosis in dogs and upper respiratory disease and feline leukaemia virus infection in cats were the most common diagnoses for patients admitted to the IDIU, reinforcing the need for accurate vaccination.
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