Owner Satisfaction Research Articles

Manejo do felino na clínica veterinária

Cats have won more and more space in modern society, becoming the largest population of companion animals in several countries, and with continued growth in Brazil. The cat has particularities that need differentiated management, which can contribute to time saving and a more accurate clinical examination, as well as to animal welfare and owner satisfaction. Reducing fear and anxiety in this species and a good relationship with the owner are fundamental to quality care and patient follow-up. This literature review intends to improve clinical care of the species, by addressing the physiological and behavioral characteristics of the cat, as well as strategic measures to be taken into consideration during handling and clinical care.

An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs

There is a growing interest in veterinary medicine toward the use of alternative treatments including nutraceuticals. This open-label trial evaluated the use of the nutraceutical l-theanine (Anxitane, Virbac Animal Health, Fort Worth, TX) (N-ethyl-l-glutamine) in client-owned dogs with a history of storm sensitivity. Dogs had to be between 1 and 8 years and were recruited from general practices in the study area. All enrolled dogs were healthy based on physical examination and laboratory analysis and not currently being treated for any chronic medical or behavioral disorder. Owners completed a questionnaire for the initial storm. Then, after starting the test article, owners completed the same questionnaire for each of 5 subsequent storms. Questionnaires evaluated 11 individual behavior manifestations of storm sensitivity using a 0-5 Likert scale. Storm severity was also rated on a 0-5 Likert scale. At the end of each storm, owners evaluated time to return to the patient's normal baseline behavioral state. Owners were given a standardized protocol of environment and behavior management, but no other behavior modification was prescribed. Eighteen dogs completed the trial and were available for statistical analysis. There was a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in global anxiety scores from baseline to exit evaluation. Additionally, time to return to baseline normal scores demonstrated a significant decrease (P = 0.0063) from baseline storm to last storm evaluated. Treatment success was achieved for the behaviors of drooling (83.33%), following people (75%), panting (76.47%), pacing (78.57%), and hiding (78.57%). Owner satisfaction with treatment was 94% (17 of 18). This study suggests that l-theanine can be an effective treatment for storm sensitivity, decreasing severity of the dog's overall response, time for the dog to return to baseline after storm ends, and diminishing drooling, following people, pacing, panting, and hiding.

Evaluation of the predictive validity of the Behavioural Assessment for Re-homing K9's (B.A.R.K.) protocol and owner satisfaction with adopted dogs

It is common practice for animal shelters and rescue organisations to conduct behaviour assessments on the dogs in their care. The information obtained is used to identify dogs suitable for re-homing and also assist with matching dogs to appropriate homes. Although the aim of these assessments is to provide a snapshot of the behavioural characteristics of individual dogs, research to determine whether such tools are effective and accurate in predicting the behaviour of dogs post adoption is currently lacking. In the present study, we investigated the predictive validity of a standardised protocol called the Behavioural Assessment for Re-homing K9's (B.A.R.K.). We used the B.A.R.K. protocol to assess 74 dogs housed in an animal shelter, prior to their adoption. All dogs were at least 1 year of age (mean=2.86 years, SD=2.02). New owners of these dogs took part in a post adoption survey 2–8 months (mean=4) after they adopted their dog. The survey aimed to establish the degree to which the behavioural tendencies identified by the B.A.R.K. protocol carried through to the adoptive home. The predictive validity of the B.A.R.K. protocol was relatively poor. Multiple regression analyses revealed that fear, measured by the B.A.R.K. protocol, significantly predicted ‘fearful/inappropriate toileting’ behaviours post adoption (β=0.36, P<0.05), as did anxiety (β=−0.31, P<0.05). However problem behaviours more generally and aggression post adoption were not predicted by the B.A.R.K. protocol. Almost 25% of adopters reported that their new dog had ‘growled, snapped at, or attempted to bite a person’ and nearly 75% indicated that their dog exhibited behaviour they would change if they could. Despite this, just over half (56.8%) of the new owners said they were very satisfied with the behaviour of their newly adopted dog and 71.2% said their adopted dog had met their expectations. Our results suggest that additional research is urgently needed to evaluate the predictive validity of in-field behaviour assessments and whether a more holistic, or alternative, approach to assessing shelter dog behaviour, such as longer-term foster care programmes, is required to safeguard the welfare of dogs in the shelter system and the community at large.

STOCHASTIC QUALITY-COST OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM HYBRIDIZING MULTI-OBJECTIVE GENETIC ALGORITHM AND QUALITY FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT

This paper introduces an automated tool, the stochastic quality-cost optimization (SQCO) system, that hybridizes multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The system identifies the optimal trade-off between a construction owner’s satisfaction and a contractor’s satisfaction. It is important to reconcile the project participants’ conflicting interests because the construction owner aims to maximize the quality of construction while the contractor aims to minimize the cost of construction. MOGA is used to optimize resource allocation when owner satisfaction and contractor satisfaction are pursued at the same time under a limited budget. Multi-objective optimization is integrated with simulation to effectively deal with the uncertainties of the QFD input and the variability of the QFD output. This study is of value to practitioners because SQCO allows for the establishment of a quality plan that satisfies all of the multi project participants. The study is also of relevance to researchers in that it allows researchers to expeditiously identify an optimal design alternative of construction methods and operations. A test case implemented with a curtain-wall unit verifies the usability and validity of the system in practice.

Long-term outcome of physiologic VDD pacing versus non-physiologic VVI pacing in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block

ObjectiveTo compare the long-term outcome associated with physiologic VDD and non-physiologic VVI or VVIR pacing in dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block. AnimalsForty-nine paced dogs with high-grade atrioventricular block were included. MethodsRetrospective review of medical records, thoracic radiographs and echocardiograms for all dogs. Patient owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for survival times and a satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to the owners. Survival times, complication rates, resolution of clinical signs, and owner satisfaction were compared between the pacing modalities. ResultsA single lead VDD pacemaker was implanted in 19 dogs (39%) whereas 30 dogs (61%) were treated with VVI pacing. The median survival time for all dogs post-pacemaker implantation was 24.5 months. Survival time was significantly decreased in dogs that were older at the time of presentation or that presented with ventricular tachycardia or reduced left ventricular fractional shortening. Median survival times after implantation were not significantly different between pacing modalities (P = 0.29). Major complication rates were 11% within the VDD group and 20% within the VVI group and were not significantly different (P = 0.46). Minor complications were significantly higher within the VDD group than within the VVI group (47% versus 7% respectively; P < 0.01) due to a higher number of dogs in the VDD group experiencing transient ventricular premature contractions in the immediate post-implantation time period. Resolution of clinical signs, owner satisfaction, and quality of life perception were considered excellent in both groups. ConclusionsNo long-term clinical benefit of VDD over VVI pacing could be identified in the present study.

Farewell to Fido: Pet Owners’ Commitment and Relinquishment of Companion Animals

The current research predicts commitment and relinquishment of companion animals by applying psychological theory on close relationships. In this novel application to pet owners in general (Study 1) and dog owners specifically (Study 2), commitment and relinquishment intentions were predicted to be a function of owner satisfaction, investment size, and quality of alternative animals. In both studies, pet owners reported their commitment to their animal, satisfaction, investment size, quality of alternative animals, as well as relinquishment intentions. Study 1 revealed that commitment was related to satisfaction and investment size, but not quality of alternative animals. Study 2 revealed that dog owners’ commitment and relinquishment intentions were related to satisfaction, investment size, and quality of alternatives. Implications for animal welfare are discussed.

EVALUATION OF THE CLINICAL EFFICACY OF THREE MEDICATIONS USED FOR TREATMENT OF EARMITE-INDUCED OTITIS EXTERNA IN CATS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of three different medications (ivermectin injection, canaural eardrops and frontline combo) in treatment of ear mite infestation accompanied by otitis externa in cats using a randomized trial. Cases presented to the Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University for investigating signs of ear mite infestation and/or otitis externa were recruited (n=17) and randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups for evaluation of response to treatment over a period of 30 days. Cases that did not respond to treatment within 2 weeks of treatment were changed to one of the other two medication. A simple questionnaire was designed to evaluate owner satisfaction of the medication price, ease of administration, cat tolerance and improvement of signs. Recruited cases were either brought to the clinic for re-evaluation or the owner was contacted by phone to evaluate progress of each case. In the ivermectin-treated group (Group 1; n=7), 75% of cases recovered from ear mite infestation based on signs resolving and disappearance of presenting signs. Only 60% of cases treated with frontline (Group 2) showed an improvement of signs (n=5). All cases treated with Canaural (Group 3) showed complete recovery with complete absence of presenting signs and signs of otitis externa (n=5). Average age of cats in all groups ranged from two to 72 months (mean= 17.33, median=6.5). Statistically there were no significant difference between the three medications (p>0.5), but according to the clinical findings, we can suggest that Canaural is the most suitable when otitis externa is present along with ear mite infestation. Frontline Combo is not as effective as the two other medications used in this study

Complications and outcome of a new modified Maquet technique for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in 82 dogs.

To describe the complications, short and long-term outcome and owner satisfaction of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a recently described new osteotomy for the modified Maquet technique (N-MMT). Medical records and radiographs of 82 dogs (84 stifles) were reviewed. Details regarding short-term outcome and complications were recorded from the medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview. Historical data and complications were statistically analysed. Major complications occurred in 34/84 stifles. Intra-operative complications occurred in 26/84 stifles, all of which were fissures or fractures of the cortical hinge. Twenty-one of these fractures or fissures were repaired with a figure-of-eight wire. The second most common major complication was late meniscal tears in 3/84 stifles. One dog sustained a complete tibial fracture. Non-displaced fracture of the cortical hinge was the most common postoperative minor complication, which occurred in 5/84 stifles. The median preoperative lameness score was 3 out of 6. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function was available in 58 dogs. The median lameness score at that time was 0 out of 6. Development of osteotomy related complications was not associated with a significant change in the postoperative lameness score. Subjectively assessed clinical outcome with the N-MMT was good to excellent in this cohort of dogs. However, a high rate of intra- and postoperative complications of the N-MMT procedure was also present in these dogs.

Long-term outcome after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs. Comparison of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and extra-articular stifle stabilization.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the most frequently occurring disease of the canine stifle. After introduction of corrective osteotomies of the proximal tibia as surgical treatment option in medium, large and giant breeds, the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) evolved into one of the favorite procedures. In the past small breed dogs have usually been treated by extra-articular stabilization techniques. TPLO has recently become an accepted treatment method in these breeds as well as, and is nowadays used with increasing frequency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of TPLO compared to an extra-articular stabilization technique in small breed dogs. A total of 40 stifles of 30 small breed dogs weighing ≤15kg were treated for cranial cruciate ligament rupture with either TPLO (n=23) or a lateral capsular-fascial imbrication technique (CFI; n=17). Dogs were clinically examined before and at least 6months after surgery by treadmill analysis and radiography. Moreover a questionnaire was provided to the owners to assess postoperative function and overall satisfaction. Twenty-one of 23 operated limbs (91.3%) treated with TPLO and five of 17 (29.4%) treated with the CFI showed absolute values comparable to healthy dogs when evaluated by peak vertical force, vertical impulse and its symmetry index during objective gait analysis. Both groups showed mild, but continuous progression of osteoarthritis. TPLO led to a significantly faster recovery and a higher degree of owner satisfaction. Based on clinical examination and objective gait analysis TPLO yielded excellent long-term results and a high degree of owner satisfaction in small breed dogs ≤ 15kg treated for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. TPLO seems to be superior to CFI treatment of small breed dogs in this study, although CFI should be considered as treatment option under certain circumstances.

Surgical repair of humeral condylar fractures in New Zealand working farm dogs – long-term outcome and owner satisfaction

AIM: To report the long-term outcome, return to work and owner satisfaction, for working farm dogs in New Zealand following surgical repair of humeral condylar fractures.METHODS: A retrospective study of working dogs that had undergone surgical repair of one or more condylar fractures of the humerus was undertaken by searching the medical records of two referral veterinary clinics. The inclusion criteria were working dogs that had undergone open surgical reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of one or both humeral condyles. The ability of the dog to work after surgery, persistence of lameness and the owners' degree of satisfaction with the outcome were assessed from answers to a questionnaire.RESULTS: Sixteen dogs met the inclusion criteria and had owner questionnaires completed at a median follow-up interval of 54 (min 3, max 121) months. Fifteen were working farm dogs (13 Heading dogs, including Border Collies, and two New Zealand Huntaways) and one dog was a cross-breed used for pig hunting. Four dogs had two fractures on separate occasions, of which three underwent surgery on both elbows at a median interval of 19 months. Of the 20 humeral fractures, 10 were lateral condylar, one was a medial condylar fracture and nine were dicondylar fractures. Of the 16 repairs with follow-up data, seven (44%) dogs could perform all expected duties following surgical repair, whilst a further eight (50%) could perform most duties although some allowances had to be made for some limitation of their performance. Of the 15 owners responding, 13 (87%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome of surgery and felt the surgery was worth the expense. Post-operative complications requiring a second surgery occurred in 7/20 (35%) dogs, and all six dogs that received appropriate surgical revision returned to work.CONCLUSIONS: In this small case series, surgical repair of humeral condylar fractures in working dogs had a good prognosis with 15/16 of treated dogs returning to full or substantial levels of work.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data provide veterinarians with relevant information regarding the outcome and prognosis of surgery for clients whose working dogs have fractured a humeral condyle.

Consultation length in first opinion small animal practice

CONSULTATIONS are the cornerstone of veterinary practice, and while the length scheduled for consultations varies, 10 minute appointments are a frequent feature in first opinion practice. Previous research has suggested...

Post-operative complications and owner satisfaction following partial caudectomies: 22 cases (2008 to 2013).

To report complications and owner satisfaction for dogs and cats following partial caudectomy. Medical records of dogs and cats (n = 22) that underwent partial caudectomy between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, reason for amputation, level of amputation, and complications were recorded. Owners were contacted via telephone to obtain follow-up data. The most common reason for partial caudectomy was tail wounds (16 of 22; 72 · 7%). Complications were typically minor incisional crusting (4 of 20; 20%). Major complications (3 of 20; 15%) included prolonged healing after partial incisional dehiscence, continued self-trauma requiring revision surgery, and severe inflammation with ulceration requiring revision surgery. The majority of owners surveyed (10 of 12; 83 · 3%) were satisfied with the post-operative outcome and would recommend this procedure if warranted. Partial caudectomy is well tolerated in both dogs and cats with no loss of function. Pet owners did not perceive any behavioural changes following partial caudectomy. However, in cases of continued self-mutilation and/or incisional dehiscence, revision procedures may be required.

RETRACTED: Real-world based approach for optimal management of electric vehicles in an intelligent parking lot considering simultaneous satisfaction of vehicle owners and parking operator

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article was retracted at the request of the Editor in Chief. The authors have plagiarized part of two papers that had been previously published: Energy (Volume 65 pages 572–579, 2014; doi:10.1016/j.energy.2013.11.045). Journal of the Franklin Institute (Volume 352, Issue 2, Pages 449–467, 2015; doi:10.1016/j.jfranklin.2014.01.019). One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original and has not appeared in a publication elsewhere. Re-use of any data should be appropriately cited. As such this article represents a severe abuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

Heartworm ‘lack of effectiveness’ claims in the Mississippi delta: Computerized analysis of owner compliance – 2004–2011

A retrospective medical record review was conducted to identify factors from veterinary clinic medical records that may have contributed to suspected ineffectiveness of a heartworm preventive product. Patient records of 271 dogs, comprising 301 instances of positive heartworm antigen test results while the dogs were receiving heartworm preventive were evaluated. Nineteen veterinary practices in 17 counties and parishes in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee participated in the study. Records were selected by the veterinary clinics as representative of cases of suspected lack of effectiveness for a heartworm preventive, and for which an owner satisfaction claim had been filed with the manufacturer. Medical record data were entered into a software program, and a graphic representation was created to facilitate analysis of whether pet owners had purchased sufficient heartworm preventive for the dog to be compliant during the period when infection with Dirofilaria immitis could have led to the positive heartworm antigen test result for that patient (“window of infection”). In 243 (80.7%) cases, there was insufficient heartworm preventive purchased, leading to a gap in protection during the “window of infection”. In only five cases (1.7%) there were no purchase lapses or extenuating circumstances (underdosing of medication, multiple purchase gaps outside the established window of infection, or dogs have been diagnosed with heartworm infection more than once during the period studied). Half the cases were from multiple-dog households, and in many of these households, sharing of product between pets was acknowledged. In another 28% of the cases from multiple-dog households, more product was purchased than was needed for one dog, suggesting that the product was being shared between more than one pet. In most cases, there was at least one reason that a dog did not receive sufficient heartworm preventive product, placing the dog at risk of developing an infection with mature heartworms. Several actions were identified that veterinary clinics can take to improve heartworm disease prevention in their patients.

Integrated scheduling of renewable generation and electric vehicles parking lot in a smart microgrid

Integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) into the electric power system may bring up many technical issues. The power system may put at risk the security and reliability of operation due to intermittent nature of renewable generation and uncontrolled charging/discharging procedure of EVs. In this paper, an energy resources management model for a microgrid (MG) is proposed. The proposed method considers practical constraints, renewable power forecasting errors, spinning reserve requirements and EVs owner satisfaction. A case study with a typical MG including 200 EVs is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed energy resource scheduling method satisfies financial and technical goals of parking lot as well as the security and economic issues of MG. Moreover, EV owners could earn profit by discharging their vehicles’ batteries or providing the reserve capacity and finally have desired State Of Charge (SOC) in the departure time.

Owner experiences in treating dogs and cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in the United States.

The objective of this study was to report owner experiences and satisfaction in treating a pet with diabetes mellitus using a descriptive report from an Internet-based survey. Descriptive analysis of results was performed, χ(2) tests were used to detect differences in responses between dog and cat owners, and correlations were assessed using the nonparametric Spearman rank correlation. A total of 834 owners participated in the survey. More diabetic dogs (97%) than cats (82%) were treated with insulin injections. Insulin was administered twice daily in 87% of dogs and 73% of cats. Porcine lente and neutral protamine Hagedorn were the most commonly administered insulins in dogs. In cats, glargine and protamine zinc insulin were the most commonly used insulins. Most pets were not fed a prescribed diabetes diet. More cat (66%) than dog (50%) owners were satisfied with the diabetic control achieved. Cat owners were more likely to use home blood glucose monitoring. Treatment was considered expensive by the majority of owners. Few published reports follow diabetic pets after diagnosis or report owner satisfaction. The results of this study provide useful information that may help veterinarians better educate owners and set expectations regarding diabetes treatment and quality of life for diabetic pets.

Two-step surgery combining standing laparoscopy with recumbent ventral median celiotomy for removal of enlarged pathologic ovaries in 20 mares.

To report a combination of standing laparoscopic technique for intra-abdominal dissection of the mesovarial pedicle followed by a limited ventral median celiotomy under general anesthesia for removal of enlarged ovaries in mares. Case series. Mares (n = 20) aged 3-22 years with unilateral enlarged ovaries. Enlarged ovaries were confirmed by transrectal palpation and ultrasonography. After sedation, 3 laparoscopic portals were made in the paralumbar fossa. The mesovarium was desensitized and dissected using a vessel sealing device, and the ovary was left free in the abdomen. Then under general anesthesia, the mare was positioned in dorsal recumbency and an 8 cm ventral median celiotomy made for ovary retrieval in a specimen bag. This 2-step procedure was successfully used for removal enlarged ovaries (12-50 cm) in 17 mares and for management of behavioral problems in 3 mares. No operative or postoperative complications occurred. Owner satisfaction and cosmesis were considered excellent. Standing laparoscopy combined with a limited median celiotomy is a safe technique for ovariectomy in mares. This technique mitigates most of the disadvantages of standing flank ovariectomy and a conventional open ventral median approach.

Use of a motorized morcellator for elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing equids: 30 cases (2007-2013).

To describe the use of a motorized morcellator for elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in standing equids and to evaluate long-term outcome. Retrospective case series. 30 equids (20 horses, 9 mules, and 1 pony). Medical records of equids undergoing elective bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy from 2007 to 2013 were evaluated. Cases were selected on the basis of use of a motorized morcellator for ovary extraction. Data collected included age, breed, reason for surgery, surgery date, surgical approach, intraoperative complications, surgery and morcellation times, postoperative complications, and duration of hospitalization. Long-term follow-up was obtained by telephone interview with owners, and included effectiveness at resolving original reason for surgery, time to return to usual activity, incision site appearance, signs of estrus after surgery, and overall owner satisfaction. 30 equids underwent laparoscopic bilateral ovariectomy with the morcellator technique. Median surgery time was 102 minutes (range, 47 to 150 minutes). Median single ovary morcellation time was 3.5 minutes (range, 2 to 8 minutes). Intraoperative complications occurred in 2 of 30 cases and included iatrogenic organ damage (uterus; 1) and persistent hemorrhage (1). Nineteen of 20 mares for which long-term follow-up was available returned to their previous use at a median of 60 days after surgery (range, 21 to 180 days). Results of the present study indicated that use of a mechanical morcellator with a 2-portal technique for bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy in clinically normal equids eliminated the need for a larger laparotomy incision as well as a third portal. Few complications occurred, and clients were satisfied with the procedure. The morcellator technique may offer advantages over other techniques but should only be used by experienced laparoscopic surgeons following adequate training.

Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Dogs Following Surgical Correction of a Persistent Right Aortic Arch

This study reports the survival to discharge, postdischarge survival, and long-term outcome of dogs following surgical correction of a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Information for 52 dogs, 28 dogs, and 23 dogs was available for analysis of survival to discharge, postdischarge survival, and long-term outcome, respectively. Ninety-two percent of dogs survived to the time of discharge and 18% of dogs surviving to discharge were euthanized within 2 mo of surgery. Breed, age at the time of presentation, and gender were not correlated with increased odds of death prior to discharge from the hospital. Long-term outcome for dogs was excellent in 30%, good in 57%, and poor in 13% of dogs. Although this study shows a relatively high mortality rate prior to discharge from the hospital and within 2 mo of surgical treatment, the long-term outcome is good or excellent in 87% of survivors. Dogs frequently display either residual clinical signs or require dietary modification long-term, but owner satisfaction is high.

Use of a GnRH agonist implant as alternative for surgical neutering in pet ferrets

In the current study, the duration of effectiveness, owner satisfaction and side effects of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone-agonist (deslorelin) implant were investigated during a two-year follow-up study in which 61...