Inappropriate Urination Research Articles

Effect of dogs characteristics on aggressive behaviour towards humans and other animals in English Cocker Spaniels

Aggression is a rising issue in many dog breeds and is an obstacle in proper dog-human interactions. However, the aggressive behaviour can also disturb the welfare of the dog. Aggression is particularly common in English Cocker Spaniels. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine factor associated with aggression of English Cocker Spaniels using an owner-completed survey. Information on aggressive behaviour was collected from 503 dogs by electronic surveys distributed and collected in November 2022 in Poland. We investigated whether the occurrence of aggression towards people and animals was affected by age, sex, adoption from a shelter, contact with children and other animals, whether the dog has a pedigree or by other behavioural disorders (jumping on people, pulling on leash, digging holes, destroying objects, disobedience, vagrancy, inappropriate urination and defecation, begging for food). We have showed that the dogs aggressive towards other animals are significantly more likely to be aggressive towards humans. Also the age of a dog, a pedigree and inappropriate urination and defecation, significantly affect which type of the animals the dog will be aggressive towards. The logistic regression was used to test the effect of different factors on aggression towards human and animals. Our results showed that aggressive behaviour toward humans is particularly exhibited by males and it increased with age. Also, dogs that do not have an official pedigree showed aggression much more frequently toward people and other animals. In addition, dogs adopted from a shelter were often more aggressive towards people. It was also found that dogs that jump on people are significantly more likely to be aggressive toward a human. Other behavioural disorders had no effect on the occurrence of aggression. Analysis of collected data provides knowledge on the factors that affect the occurrence of undesirable behaviour in English Cocker Spaniel dogs. Understanding the causes of aggression can significantly improve the relationship between owner and dog. Our findings should not necessarily preclude people from wanting to own an English Cocker Spaniels breed, rather to be prepared for a need of a proper training.

Work‐Related Stress and Behavioural Correlates of Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Profiles in Female Nurses: A Latent Class Analysis Based on the Nurse Urinary Related Health Study

Aims: This study aimed to identify symptom clusters in a population‐based sample of female nurses who reported experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and examine distinct risk factor profiles within each symptom cluster, with an emphasis on modifiable lifestyle and work‐related factors.Materials and Methods: This study included 6735 female nurses who reported experiencing at least one LUTS. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify symptom clusters by jointly modelling 11 symptoms. Analysis of variance, chi‐square tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine distinct risk factor profiles within each symptom cluster.Results: On average, female nurses experienced 2.2 symptoms. Four clusters were identified: the multiple severe symptoms (n = 546, 8%), incontinence symptoms (n = 2089, 31%), urgency–hesitancy symptoms (n = 3357, 50%) and nocturia symptoms (n = 743, 11%). Unique profiles of female nurses were associated with each symptom cluster and demonstrated the influential role of work‐related factors in the development of LUTS. These factors included a demanding workload, heightened levels of perceived stress, extended work hours, engagement in night shifts, infrequent and delayed voiding behaviours and restriction of fluid intake.Conclusions: Our findings substantiate the vulnerability of female nurses to LUTS, which is attributable to their demanding work environments. LUTS among female nurses should be recognised as an occupational hazard and remains an understood topic in the workplace, warranting attention and tailoring of intervention strategies.Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers should be aware that LUTS represent an occupational hazard for nurses and that high‐stress work environments and inappropriate urination behaviours adversely affect nurses’ bladder health. Addressing LUTS‐related issues requires increased staffing levels along with a fundamental shift in workplace culture. Fostering a culture of self‐care with an emphasis on bladder health promotion is imperative for nursing professionals and employed women.

Manifestation of oculorenal syndrome in a dog chronically receiving zonisamide

AbstractTubulointerstitial nephropathy and uveitis, otherwise more broadly known as oculorenal syndrome in human medicine, is a condition that has, to the authors’ knowledge, not been described in veterinary medicine. This report describes an 8‐year‐old, male, neutered, mixed breed dog with a 6‐year history of idiopathic epilepsy, chronically receiving zonisamide, who was presented for sub‐acute and recurrent episodes of severe generalised weakness, altered mentation and inappropriate urination. Throughout the dog's hospital visits, recurrent anterior uveitis, progressive severe metabolic acidosis, proteinuria, persistent granular casts and severe renal tubular acidosis, which progressed to renal insufficiency, were evident. Due to a poor prognosis and perceived poor quality of life, the dog was humanely euthanased. Postmortem examination and histopathology revealed tubulointerstitial nephropathy. In conjunction with clinical uveitis, this presentation reflects similarities with the human oculorenal syndrome, here referred to as canine oculorenal syndrome suspected secondary to chronic zonisamide administration.

Companion Rabbits: A Case Study Concerning Sudden-Onset Inappropriate Urination

Abstract Despite their domestication some 1500 years ago, the behavioural repertoire of companion rabbits barely differs from that of wild rabbits. When presented with a companion rabbit behaviour issue, it is, therefore, necessary to consider their management in relation to the habitat, biology and behaviour of wild rabbits. Health factors may also be implicated; although as a prey species, rabbits naturally hide signs of disease or injury. This can complicate a health diagnosis. This case study concerns an elderly spayed female indoor rabbit, Meg, who shared a positive relationship with her caregiver. Meg had experienced degenerative musculoskeletal changes for which treatment was on-going, and had previously had treatment for dental spurs and pododermatitis. Prior to Meg’s behaviour assessment, her caregiver sought advice from their Veterinary Surgeon due to Meg’s recent-onset urination outside her litter-trays overnight and occasionally during the day. The Veterinary Surgeon referred Meg to a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) for a behaviour assessment which was conducted remotely using a questionnaire, home-layout diagram, photographs, video-footage and video-conference software. A behaviour diagnosis was made regarding Meg’s emotional and motivational state, and additional stressors were identified. Due to likely health and behaviour overlap, the CCAB further liaised with the referring Veterinary Surgeon. A treatment plan was devised, which Meg’s caregiver diligently implemented. Meg responded well to her treatment plan and over the course of 3 weeks, inappropriate urination ceased. In turn, the welfare of Meg and her caregiver significantly improved. Information © The Author 2023

Paraparesis, inappropriate urination and defecation in a 13-year-old Persian cat.

Paraparesis, inappropriate urination and defecation in a 13-year-old Persian cat.

Successful Treatment of Urolith in a Neutered Persian Cat: A Case Report

Introduction: Uroliths or calculi are the formations of stones in the bladder. The formation of stones is influenced by specific metabolic conditions such as nutritional factors (e.g., protein-rich diet), hydration (lack of water), pH modification, low urine volume, hypercalcemia, or hypophosphatemia. In pet medicine, urolithiasis is common, particularly in cats.
 Case report: In October 2022, a 2-year-old neutered male Persian cat with a weight of 4 kg was referred to Ardebili Veterinary Pet Clinic (Mashhad, Iran) due to urinating outside the litter box, painful urination, and blood in the urine. A physical examination, ultrasonography, and blood analysis were performed. The physical examination included an assessment of the cat’s body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, mental state, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, cardiopulmonary auscultation, and abdominal palpation. The cat appeared to be in good general health. No abnormalities were detected during the palpation of the bladder. Ultrasonography was performed using a real-time scanner with a 7.5-10 MHz broadband curvilinear probe, and the kidney parenchyma was examined. During the examination, a urolith with a size of 1 mm was observed. According to history and ultrasonography, and physical examination, the diagnosis was urolithiasis. To treat intermittent bladder pain, a spasmolytic drug (Prazosin) was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg for 7 days. By the second day, the symptoms of pain had subsided.
 Additionally, ciprofloxacin at 20 mg/kg was used to combat infections. Fluoxetine at a 1 mg/kg dose was also administered to control inappropriate urination outside the litter box. After 3 days, the owner reported that the pet’s health improved, and most clinical signs disappeared.
 Conclusion: Administering appropriate medication (spasmolytic drug, antibiotic, and antidepressant in case of depressed animal and behavioral problems) can alleviate the calculi crystals in a cat’s urinary bladder and prevent future recurrences. In this instance, fluoxetine was discovered to be a successful option for managing pain and solving behavioral problems.

Локальная гормональная терапия генитоуринарного менопаузального синдрома

Aim: To justify the viability and safety of local hormonal therapy with oestrogens in genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Key points. The overall ageing of the population results in an increased number of women who have problems during menopause associated with gradual reduction and switching-off of ovarian function and cessation of oestrogen generation by ovaries. Local changes at the pelvic level (urethra, bladder, vagina) are described as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The most effective therapies for the syndrome include local hormonal therapy with oestrogens, including oestriol which is of interest due to its specific targeted action and lack of proliferative effect on endometrium and mammary glands. The use of oestriol eliminates a number of problems caused by oestrogen insufficiency: it minimises or eliminates dyspareunea, dryness and itching in vagina and lower section of the urogenital tract, inappropriate urination, enuresis, and recurring vulvovaginitis and cystitis. Conclusion. It has been proven that the local use of oestriol is efficient and safe for the management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The selection of a specific medicinal product should be evidence-based and should take into account the route of administration and pharmacological properties, including preparation of the active ingredient, and excipients contributing to the overall efficiency and safety. Keywords: genitourinary syndrome, menopause, estriol, micronization.

No adverse consequences associated with targeting clinical signs to initiate antimicrobial treatment of postoperative subclinical bacteriuria in dogs following surgical decompression of Hansen type I thoracolumbar disk herniation.

To describe the prevalence of postoperative bacteriuria, clinical course of subclinical bacteriuria in the absence of antimicrobial intervention, clinical signs of bacteriuria that trigger antimicrobial treatment, and outcomes for dogs with subclinical bacteriuria following surgical decompression of acute intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) Hansen type I. Twenty client-owned dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy for acute (≤ 6 days) IVDH Hansen type I affecting the thoracolumbar spinal cord segments between August 2018 and January 2019. In this prospective study, dogs were serially evaluated at presentation, hospital discharge, 2 weeks postoperatively, and between 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Dogs were monitored for clinical signs of bacteriuria, underwent laboratory monitoring (CBC, biochemical analyses, urinalysis, urine bacterial culture), and were scored for neurologic and urinary status. In the absence of clinical signs, bacteriuria was not treated with antimicrobials. Four of the 18 dogs developed bacteriuria without clinical signs 4 days to 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. In all 4 dogs, bacteriuria resulted in lower urinary tract signs 13 to 26 weeks postoperatively. No dogs had evidence of systemic illness despite delaying antimicrobial treatment until clinical signs developed. New-onset incontinence was the only clinical sign in 3 dogs. All bacterial isolates had wide antimicrobial susceptibility. Bacteriuria and clinical signs resolved with beta-lactam antimicrobial treatment. Postoperative bacteriuria occurs in some dogs with IVDH Hansen type I and, when present, may lead to clinical signs over time. Clinical signs of bacteriuria may be limited to new-onset urinary incontinence, inappropriate urination, or both. Delaying antimicrobial treatment until clinical signs of bacteriuria developed did not result in adverse consequences or systemic illness.

Современные методы коррекции гиперактивного мочевого пузыря у пациентов с позвоночно-спинномозговой травмой

Objective of the Review: To analyse the modern methods of overactive bladder correction in patients with spine traumas. Key Points. A review of publications on the modern methods of overactive bladder correction in patients with spine traumas is presented. Information on the therapy efficacy and possible complications are discussed. Conclusion. Complex correction of overactive bladder plays a vital role in urine retention mechanism, prevents secondary infections, kidney and upper urinary tract transformations, and facilitates social rehabilitation and improved quality of life of patients. Keywords: neurogenic bladder, detrusor overactivity, spine trauma, correction of inappropriate urination.

Micção inapropriada em um gato doméstico: tratamento bem sucedido com fluoxetina

Inappropriate urination in feline medicine embraces the behavior of domestic cats to urinate for no specific reason in undesirable places for their guardians. Cats with behavioral problems are two to six times more likely to be abandoned and many animals are euthanized. The aim of this paper is to report a case of inappropriate urination in a domestic cat, from which a satisfactory response was observed in pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine hydrochlorid. A male domestic breed, male, sterilized at six months of age, four years old, was taken for clinical care. The tutor's complaint focused on the elimination of urine in undesirable places, such as dog’s bed, sofa. Through history and anamnesis, it was found that the feline at the time of the consultation had a strictly domiciled habit of living and that such behavior of Inappropriate urination had started after moving to a new apartment. The owner used to live in a larger home where cats had peridomiciliated habits. Clinical examination, laboratory tests (blood count and serum biochemistry), blood glucose, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibody testing and feline abdominal ultrasound did not result in changes. Noteworthy. Thus, through the diagnosis of elimination related to primary environmental / social factors, environmental enrichment measures were adopted that did not result in a satisfactory response. Consequently, the pharmacological therapy was prescribed with fluoxetine hydrochloride at a dose of 0.5 mg / kg orally every 24 hours until further recommendations. The animal presented improvement during the first 10 days after the start of drug treatment and 12 months after it remained without signs of periuria. There was no side effect associated with the therapy adopted. The factors that trigger the inappropriate elimination disorder are not necessarily those that maintain them, therefore justifying the non-response only to the environmental management adopted. Such a report may contribute to a better understanding and adoption of treatment techniques for inadvertent urination disorder in cats, which may help to reduce the tutor's dissatisfaction with felines that exhibit such behavior and consequently reduce the number of animals abandoned and euthanized because of this disorder.

The environmental needs of many Australian pet cats are not being met.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether Australian cat owners are effectively meeting their cats' environmental needs and to identify areas of deficiency that may have an impact on the cats' health and welfare. An online survey investigating lifestyle factors and provision of environmental resources was distributed to Australian cat owners. In total, 12,010 respondents, representing cat-owning households, completed the survey. Altogether, 45.5% were single-cat households and 54.5% were multi-cat households, with a mean number of two cats per household. In total, 46.3% of households contained indoor cats, 51.8% contained indoor-outdoor cats and 1.8% had mostly outdoor cats. Dry food was the predominant food type in 59% of households and few respondents fed their cats in a manner that stimulates natural predatory behaviours. Altogether, 17.1% of households reported cats with urinary problems such as haematuria or urethral obstruction, and 19.8% reported inappropriate urination outside of the litter tray. The incidence of urinary problems was found to be significantly increased in multi-cat households, those with a low number of litter trays, less frequent cleaning of the trays of faeces and the use of crystal type litter. The veterinary clinic was the most common place to obtain advice about feeding and toileting management. An increased number of Australian households now contain multiple cats that live restricted or indoor lifestyles. Despite the majority of respondents claiming to have a lot of knowledge about cats and obtaining veterinary advice, deficiencies were identified in toileting facilities and feeding practices, which raises significant welfare concerns. Urinary tract disorders are an important cause of morbidity, mortality and relinquishment and its presence was associated with inadequate toileting facilities. Ongoing education of cat owners and an increased effort by veterinarians to include basic husbandry in preventative care consultations is critical to improving the welfare of pet cats.

Comparison of veterinarian and standardized client perceptions of communication during euthanasia discussions.

To describe client and veterinarian perceptions of client-centeredness during euthanasia discussions and assess agreement between measures of these perceptions. Descriptive study. Stratified random sample of 32 companion animal veterinarians in southern Ontario. 2 case scenarios (a geriatric dog with worsening arthritis and a cat with inappropriate urination) designed to initiate euthanasia discussions were presented by 2 different undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) to study veterinarian communication during clinical visits. At the end of appointments, the USC's identity was disclosed, and questionnaires to measure veterinarian and client perceptions of client-centeredness were completed. Agreement was assessed by statistical methods. Data were analyzed from 60 appointments (30/scenario). Of 10 questions, significant agreement was found between veterinarians and USCs for only 1 (extent to which relevant personal and family issues were discussed; κ = 0.43) for the dog scenario and 3 (extent of discussion of respective roles [κ = 0.43], better preparedness of the USC to make a euthanasia decision [κ = 0.42], and discussion of relevant personal and family issues [κ = 0.25]) for the cat scenario. When the USC and veterinarian disagreed, the veterinarian perceived that the client-centeredness components were addressed more thoroughly than did the USC. Lack of agreement was found between USC and veterinarian perceptions, with USCs perceiving less client-centeredness in euthanasia discussions. This communication gap suggested the need for training of veterinarians in eliciting client perspectives and assessing lifestyle-social information, including client social support systems.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA IN THE BLADDER APEX OF A PET RABBIT (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)

A 6-year-old, 1.9-kg female spayed lop-eared European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated for acute hematuria and inappropriate urination and defecation of less than 12-hours duration. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a suspected bladder mass. Ultrasound-guided cystocentesis was performed and the results of the urinalysis were unremarkable. An abdominal exploratory surgery revealed a nodular cystic mass at the cranial ventral apex of the bladder wall which measured 0.5cm × 0.5cm. Based on histopathologic evaluation, excision of the neoplasm was complete and the mass was diagnosed as transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. This case suggests that urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma should be considered in pet rabbits presenting with similar clinical signs.

Common bile duct duplication: A case report

A 9-year-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a history of polyphagia, weight loss and inappropriate urination. Clinical examination revealed jaundice and a mid-cranial abdominal mass. Further investigations revealed a large extra-hepatic cyst originating from the biliary tract (choledochal cyst). Concurrent chronic, active neutrophilic cholangitis and chronic lymphoplasmacytic pancreatitis were also noted. Surgical drainage, subtotal resection and omentalisation of the cyst, along with supportive medical management, were successful in relieving the clinical signs.

Clinical, Biochemical and Ultrasonographic Investigation in Chronic Cystitis in Dromedary Camels

This study pointed to explore clinical, biochemical, bacteriological and ultrasonographic changes in camels with chronic cystitis (n=15) and control animals (n=15). Blood and urine samples from these camels were submitted to laboratory investigations. The camels with chronic cystitis showed pollakiuria, dysuria, stranguria, haematuria, and inappropriate urination. The urine analysis revealed haematuria and pyuria. The isolated bacteria were E. coli (n=15), Corynebacterium renale (n=13) and mixed bacterial culture (n=2). The laboratory analysis of blood samples revealed leukocytosis and neutrophilia in diseased camels when compared with healthy ones. There was significant increase in the levels of globulin and fibrinogen with significant decrease in the albumin levels in diseased camels when compared to healthy ones. There was non-significant changes in triglyceride, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in diseased camels when compared with healthy ones. The trans-rectal ultrasonographic examination in camels with chronic cystitis showed a narrow bladder lumen with severely thickened and corrugated bladder wall. Treatment trials failed in all cases under investigation.

Severe dementia: diagnosis, patient management, prevention of complications

Timely diagnosis and the early start of therapy for cognitive impairments (CI) are extremely important. Unfortunately, there is a serious problem of belated CI diagnosis (it is often diagnosed only at the stage of severe dementia). The article discusses the current CI classification by the severity level. Special attention is paid to clinical symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and the basic principles of managing dementia patients. The differences in the severity levels of dementia are discussed in detail; special attention is given to severe dementia. It is noted that the presence of severe dementia in the patient is indicated by permanent dependence on physical assistance. The demand for structuring the clinical assessment of the state of cognitive functions and of the CI influence on daily activity is emphasized. For this purpose, it is recommended that special clinical scales listing cognitive symptoms that are most typical of various stages of cognitive deficit are used. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale is one of the well-proved scales. The main approaches for managing patients with severe dementia, including modern drugs for correction of CI and behavioral disorders, are discussed. The possibility and advisability are discussed for treating severe dementia with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and/or a competitive blocker of the NMDA-receptor, memantine. Special attention is paid to behavioral disorders in patients with severe dementia. These disorders require both the medication correction and psychological support from relatives. The critical significance is emphasized for the proper patient care and for the correction of associated disorders, including pelvic disorders. Neurogenic inappropriate urination often accompanies the manifestations of CI and other neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with severe dementia. The main groups of medications that are used for drug therapy of this condition, as well as possibilities for using modern absorbents and care agents, are discussed.

Feline idiopathic cystitis – the role of the nurse

ABSTRACT:Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term used to encompass a number of conditions which affect the bladder and urethra and which may be associated with inappropriate urination. FLUTD is most common in young and middle-aged cats. There are several important medical causes of FLUTD but idiopathic FLUTD – also known as feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) – is the most common by far. Successful treatment depends upon addressing sources of stress and encouraging affected cats to produce more dilute urine.

Bladder inversion and secondary hematuria in a 6-month-old domestic shorthair cat

A 6-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was admitted for evaluation of intermittent clinical signs of hematuria and inappropriate urination for the past 2 months. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a multilayered mass in the urinary bladder apex consistent with full-thickness invagination of the bladder wall. Exploratory surgery was performed, and partial inversion of the urinary bladder was confirmed. The invaginated bladder apex was manually reduced, and partial cystectomy was performed to remove the invaginated section of bladder wall. Histologic findings were consistent with vascular congestion and edema secondary to partial invagination. Bacterial culture of a section of the bladder mucosa demonstrated concurrent bacterial urinary tract infection. Clinical signs resolved following surgical resection of the bladder apex and antimicrobial treatment for the concurrent urinary tract infection. Partial invagination of the urinary bladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cats with clinical signs of hematuria, stranguria, and inappropriate urination. A diagnosis may be made on the basis of detection of invaginated tissue in the bladder apex during abdominal ultrasonography.

Adverse events in 50 cats with allergic dermatitis receiving ciclosporin

Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug that has been used to treat allergies and other immune-mediated diseases in cats, dogs and humans. Information about the adverse effects of ciclosporin in cats has been limited to smaller studies and case reports. Adverse effects in dogs are mainly gastrointestinal in nature, but humans can also experience hypertension and altered renal function. The aim of this retrospective case series study was to document the occurrence and clinical appearance of adverse events in cats receiving ciclosporin to treat allergic skin disease. The medical records of 50 cats with allergic dermatitis treated with oral ciclosporin (1.9-7.3 mg/kg/day) were reviewed. Adverse events occurred in 66% (33 cats). Adverse events likely to be associated with ciclosporin included the following: vomiting or diarrhoea within 1-8 weeks of receiving ciclosporin (24%), weight loss (16%), anorexia and subsequent hepatic lipidosis (2%) and gingival hyperplasia (2%). Other adverse events less likely to be associated with ciclosporin therapy included the following: weight gain (14%), dental tartar and gingivitis (10%), otitis (4%), chronic diarrhoea (4%), inflammatory bowel disease with indolent gastrointestinal lymphoma (2%), urinary tract infection (2%), cataract (2%), elevated liver enzymes (2%), hyperthyroidism and renal failure (2%) and transient inappropriate urination (2%). Some cats experienced multiple adverse events. Case-control studies are needed to prove cause and effect of ciclosporin with regard to these adverse events.

Use of the measure of patient-centered communication to analyze euthanasia discussions in companion animal practice

To characterize veterinarian-client communication with undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) during discussions regarding euthanasia of a pet. Descriptive study. 32 companion animal veterinarians (16 males and 16 females) in southern Ontario. During 2 clinic visits, 2 cases (a geriatric dog with worsening arthritis and a cat with inappropriate urination) designed to stimulate discussion regarding euthanasia of a pet were presented by different USCs (individuals trained to consistently present a particular case to veterinarians without disclosing their identity). Discussions were audio recorded and analyzed by use of the measure of patient-centered communication (MPCC [a tool to assess and score physician communication behaviors]). Veterinarian and client statements were classified by means of 3 patient-centered components: exploring both the disease and the illness experience, understanding the whole person, and finding common ground. 60 usable recorded discussions were obtained (31 veterinarians; 30 discussions/case). Overall, MPCC scores were significantly lower for the geriatric dog case. For both cases, veterinarians scored highest on finding common ground and lowest on exploring both the disease and the illness experience. Lack of exploration of client feelings, ideas, and expectations and the effect of the illness on the animal's function resulted in low scores among veterinarians. Results indicated that the use of USCs and the MPCC are feasible methods for analysis of veterinarian-client communication during companion animal euthanasia discussions. Findings suggested that some veterinarians do not fully explore client concerns or facilitate client involvement in euthanasia decision making.