Perceptions Of Veterinarians Research Articles

Perceptions of veterinarians in bovine practice and producers with beef cow-calf operations enrolled in the US Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program concerning economic losses associated with Johne's disease

This study compares the perceptions of producers and veterinarians on the economic impacts of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in cow-calf herds. Questionnaires were mailed to beef producers through the Designated Johne's Coordinators and to veterinarians belonging to a nationwide professional organization. Important components of losses associated with MAP infected cows were used to estimate total loss per infected cow-year using an iterative approach based on collected survey data. Veterinarians were more likely to perceive a lower calving percentage in MAP infected cows compared to producers (P=0.02). Income lost due to the presence of Johne's disease (JD) in an infected cattle herd was perceived to be higher by veterinarians (P<0.01). Compared to veterinarians without JD certification, seedstock producers were more likely to perceive genetic losses due to culling cows positive for MAP (P<0.01). There were mixed opinions regarding the magnitude of lowered weaning weight in calves from infected cows and perceived differences in risk of other diseases or conditions in infected cows. An annual loss of $235 (95% CR: $89–$457) for each infected animal was estimated based on information from the producer survey. The analogous estimate using information inputs from veterinarians was $250 ($82–$486). Mean annual loss due to JD in a 100 cow herd with a 7% true prevalence was $1644 ($625–$3250) based on information provided by producers. Similarly, mean annual loss based on information collected from veterinarians was $1747 ($575–$3375).

Hazard perception of Dutch farmers and veterinarians related to dairy young stock rearing

A group of 110 dairy farmers and 26 bovine veterinarians participated in a web-based questionnaire using the adaptive conjoint analysis technique to rank their perception regarding several hazards during 6 subsequent periods of the process of dairy young stock rearing. The method applied only involved selected respondents with a high consistency in their answering (correlation >30%). For the ranking, answers were first transformed into a utility score (US) for each hazard. The final ranking for each of the 6 periods was based on the US per hazard separately for farmers and veterinarians. Besides the ranking, the absolute values and the US itself were also compared between farmers and veterinarians to determine any statistically significant differences between the levels of the score despite the ranking. The overall conclusion is that, for almost every designated period, the ranking of the hazards differed between farmers and veterinarians. Only 1 period was observed (period IV, Pregnancy period until 4 weeks before calving) where veterinarians and farmers had the same top 3 ranking of the hazards, namely “Mastitis,” “Abortion,” and “Poor growth rate of the pregnant heifer.” Major differences between farmers and veterinarians were seen during period II (feeding milk until weaning) for the hazard “Diarrhea in older calf,” which was considered less important by farmers compared to veterinarians, and period number III (weaning until insemination) for “Over-condition,” which, again, was seen as the most important hazard by veterinarians, but only ranked as number 5 by farmers. Besides the ranking, significant differences in absolute US values between veterinarians and farmers were seen in “Infection with Johne's disease” (14.5 vs. 7.8), “Diarrhea in newborn calf” (18.2 vs. 12.2), and “Insufficient feed intake” (16.2 vs. 8.4) in period I (colostrum until transition to milk replacer). Lameness represented the most important significant difference in absolute values in period III (weaning until insemination; 6.3 vs. 14.3), which was again significant in period V (4 wks before calving until calving; 7.4 vs. 12.1). The outcome of this study shows that hazard perception of veterinarians and farmers differs for most rearing periods (in ranking and absolute values). The outcome of this study can be used for 2 purposes: first, to improve communication between farmers and their consulting veterinarian about hazards and hazard perception in young stock rearing; and second, the US scores can be used to select top priority hazards which should at least be integrated into management advisory programs to improve dairy young stock rearing.

Canine angiostrongylosis in Italy: occurrence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs with compatible clinical pictures

This study evaluated the perception of veterinarians in including the emerging metastrongyloid Angiostrongylus vasorum in the differential diagnosis for dogs referred with appropriate signs. Veterinarians at teaching hospitals, private practices or kennels collected faecal samples from 606 symptomatic dogs in six different areas of Italy. The samples were examined with the Baermann technique. Fourteen dogs scored positive for A. vasorum, all showing different clinical pictures, with the most common reason for inclusion in the study being a combination of respiratory signs along with general signs. The most reported sign was cough, followed by aspecific distresses. Other respiratory signs were dyspnoea, tachypnoea and breathing sounds, while bleeding diathesis occurred in one dog. Gastrointestinal disorders were diarrhoea and vomitus, while no neurological signs were detected. Four key cases are herein described, with a special focus on their clinical description, findings at the collateral diagnostic imaging and therapeutic options with moxidectin. This survey provides new data on distribution of A. vasorum in Europe and on the clinical impact of the disease. The results confirm that clinical angiostrongylosis overlaps a series of other conditions of dogs. Awareness among vet practitioners is discussed along with the importance of including A. vasorum on the list of differential diagnoses in canine clinical practice and of performing appropriate diagnostic methods.

Attitudes towards perception and management of pain in rabbits and guinea pigs by a sample of veterinarians in New Zealand

AIMS: To determine the perceptions of a sample of veterinarians in New Zealand regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to all members of the Companion Animal Society, part of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. The questionnaire gathered information on the demographics of respondents, obtained an assessment by veterinarians of the level of pain associated with clinical procedures for rabbits and guinea pigs, established the willingness of respondents to perform these, obtained information on the anaesthetics and analgesics used during these procedures, and the factors associated with selecting different types of drug. The level of knowledge of respondents and interest in continuing education regarding pain recognition and management in these species was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 155/610 (25.4%) responses were obtained. Rodents and lagomorphs accounted for 0–5% of the total caseload in the practices of most (133/155; 86%) respondents. Anticipated pain scores differed for different procedures (p<0.001) but did not differ between male and female respondents or between species of animal. There were also differences between procedures in the respondents willingness to perform them (p<0.001). Selection of anaesthetics and analgesics was mainly determined by the amount of information available for the species, and ketamine was the drug most commonly used. Many veterinarians felt their level of knowledge regarding the recognition and treatment of pain in rabbits and guinea pigs was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Rabbits and guinea pigs represented a small percentage of the caseload of veterinarians in this study. From an animal welfare perspective this may be of concern as, anecdotally, these species are common pets. However, further study regarding the actual number of these animals kept as pets in New Zealand is required for validation. Veterinary perception of anticipated pain, and willingness to perform procedures, varied between procedures, but was not influenced by gender of veterinarian. Many respondents felt their knowledge of issues relating to pain recognition, anaesthesia and analgesia in rabbits and guinea pigs was inadequate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding how veterinarians choose to provide analgesia or when they decline to perform surgeries for rabbits and guinea pigs may provide significant information for targeting professional development, and improving animal welfare.

Perceptions of clients and veterinarians on what attributes constitute ‘a good vet’

The perceptions of veterinarians and small animal (SA) clients on what attributes constitute ‘a good veterinarian’ were examined by a questionnaire survey. The respondents were asked to record how important...

Perceptions of veterinarians and clients to expressions of clinical uncertainty

The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes of veterinarians and clients towards expressions of clinical uncertainty. Questionnaires that assessed the respondent's attitudes towards expressions of clinical uncertainty were completed by clients at six small animal practices. In addition, questionnaires that evaluated what veterinarians thought their client's attitudes would be towards expressions of clinical uncertainty were completed by veterinarians. The responses from clients and veterinarians were statistically compared. Veterinarians significantly underestimated the desire of clients to be told about uncertainties in treatment and significantly overestimated how the expression of uncertainty would generally reduce client confidence. Veterinarians significantly overestimated the loss of client confidence resulting from saying "I am not sure about this" and from asking a nurse for advice. Both clients and veterinarians considered that verbal expressions of uncertainty would lead to a greater reduction in client confidence than behavioural expressions of uncertainty. This study suggests that most clients want to be told about their veterinarian's clinical uncertainties, and how this uncertainty is expressed can markedly influence client confidence.

Broadening the Public Perception of Veterinarians: Can We Keep What We've Got While Transforming Ourselves?

Before becoming Dean, I thought I had a special insight: I would like to broaden the public’s perception of veterinary medicine, to get media attention focused on the roles veterinarians play, including support for research and agriculture. In early January, when I first attended the annual deans’ meeting of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), I found that this is the explicit goal of the deans, and, indeed, of the AAVMC as an organization. Appropriately humbled to discover that my deep insight was old news, I was also happy to see that the profession is widely engaged in increasing our influence. The deans believe that—in our position within the human–animal bond that includes all caretakers and users of domestic animals for research, agriculture, work, and entertainment—we are the most sensitive detectors of emerging infectious diseases and of some vitally important societal changes in the relationship between man and beast. We are therefore frustrated to be omitted from high-profile media coverage and, more importantly, from federal bodies focused on the future of research and management of infectious-disease and bioterrorism threats. But who must do something about this, ‘‘them’’ or ‘‘us’’?

Snake envenomation in dogs in New South Wales

To obtain baseline data on the prevalence of elapid snake envenomation in dogs presented to veterinary practices in New South Wales and to assess attitudes of veterinarians to this clinical entity. A mailed questionnaire, sent to all veterinary clinics within New South Wales, was utilised to collect epidemiological information regarding elapid snake envenomation in dogs. A response rate of 68% was obtained and a yearly prevalence of snake envenomation in dogs across New South Wales veterinary clinics was estimated as 0.31%. The most common species reported to be responsible for envenomation within NSW was the Red Bellied Black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) followed by the Brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) and then Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus). The reported envenomation syndromes caused by these common snake species were perceived to be similar for Brown and Tiger snakes but differed for Red Bellied Black snakes. Diagnosis of snake envenomation was based predominantly on the recognition of clinical signs. Specific diagnostic tests, such as venom detection kits, were used infrequently. The most common treatment was reported to be a combination of intravenous fluid therapy and antivenom, and monitoring of response to this treatment was usually through assessment of clinical signs. Survival after antivenom administration was reported to be highest for Red Bellied Black snake species. Survival was perceived to be associated with time between envenomation and presentation to the veterinary clinic and with antivenom administration. Current attitudes and perceptions of veterinarians have been defined. Diagnosis of species-specific snake envenomation is shown to be made on the basis of clinical signs which are, however, reported as similar for each species. Clearer definition of these envenomation syndromes and identification of accessible diagnostic testing procedures are needed.

Promotion of private veterinary practice in Ghana: perceptions of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

A study was designed to identify factors perceived by veterinarians and veterinary technicians as likely to promote private veterinary practice in Ghana. The participatory appraisal approach was used. The response rates were 88% (n = 90), 100% (n = 9) and 86% (n = 200) for government field veterinarians, private veterinarians and government veterinary technicians, respectively. Significant proportions of government field veterinarians (67%, n = 79), and veterinary technicians (64%, n = 167) were willing to go into private practice if the necessary push was given. Factors perceived as likely to motivate them to go into private practice included availability of capital to cover start-up costs; provision of a vehicle; prospect of higher income; availability of loans with low interest rates; availability of credit facilities from suppliers; stable macroeconomic environment with low interest and inflation rates; high pet, poultry and livestock populations at locations earmarked for private practice; leasing of vacant government premises for use as clinic and for accommodation; and enforcement of legislation on private practice, especially that against moonlighting by government veterinarians and technicians. These should be considered and used in the promotion of private veterinary practice in Ghana.

Perceptions of veterinarians regarding privatization of veterinary services delivery in Ghana and Jamaica

There are on-going reforms in the delivery of veterinary services in many developing countries, with privatization of certain veterinary activities as one of the approaches. In Jamaica, with the support of veterinarians, clinical aspects of veterinary services were privatized in 1992. In contrast, Ghanaian veterinarians are generally wary of the government's on-going privatization process. The objective of this study was to find out if perceptions of the veterinarians from these two countries on certain issues of privatization were sufficiently different to explain the willingness or reluctance to go into private practice. The response proportions for predominantly self-administered questionnaires were 83% (121/145) and 92% (35/38) for Ghana and Jamaica, respectively. There was a very good (92%) agreement in the perceptions of veterinarians in Ghana and Jamaica on a battery of 24 responses pertaining to privatization of veterinary services. Generally, the perceptions of the veterinarians in Ghana and Jamaica were similar even though the predominant delivery systems for animal health services were different. Therefore, reasons other than those examined in this study may explain the differences in willingness to go into private practice. The need to account for these other reasons is discussed.

Systematic Approach to Improve Productivity and Profitability of Beef Cattle Ranches

Small producers of beef cattle are being taken over by large corporations that market the majority of cattle by contracting with feedlots and packers in vertical harmony.1 To survive and prosper under this transition, the food animal practitioner must adapt to the transformation.2 The public's perception of the veterinary medical profession must also change. To facilitate this change, the veterinarian must become a valuable asset to the producer by providing services beyond the scope of traditional veterinary care.&#x0D; A recent national survey found that livestock producers perceived their veterinarian's knowledge of agribusiness/economics to be 19.4% less than that of producers', and 9% below that of Extension Agents'.3 The traditional veterinary educational process furnishes the new graduate with little training in economics, production, or management. In fact, training in the management of disease, the forte of the veterinary profession, is inadequate at most schools because it overwhelmingly concentrates on individuals rather than populations of animals.&#x0D; To gain knowledge in agribusiness/economics, the veterinarian must rely upon extensive graduate work or gradually obtain the knowledge over a longer period of time through an "on-the-job" training process. If the veterinarian has the expertise to furnish producers with valuable information, the producers' perception of veterinarians will be favorably altered, and the veterinarian's area of specialization expanded so that the veterinarian can become actively involved in decisions that affect beef cattle production and profitability.