Joseph R Frame, Nolan V Chalifoux, James M Fudge, Rebecka S Hess, Deborah C Silverstein
{"title":"Safe use of intraoperative intraperitoneal crystalloid fluid administration in management of late-term pregnant queens undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.","authors":"Joseph R Frame, Nolan V Chalifoux, James M Fudge, Rebecka S Hess, Deborah C Silverstein","doi":"10.2460/javma.24.12.0769","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.12.0769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative IP crystalloid fluid administration for the prevention of hypotension and perfusion deficits, as well as the impact of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), following removal of the gravid uterus in late-term pregnant queens undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective, randomized, case-control study. Pregnant queens presenting to a high-volume spay-and-neuter clinic for elective ovariohysterectomy between March 2021 and May 2023 were included and randomly assigned into intraoperative IP versus postoperative SC fluid control groups. The volume of IP fluids administered was equivalent to 25% of the gravid uterus weight, while the volume of SC fluid was 22 mL/kg. Perfusion parameters and IAP measurements were collected preoperatively, during abdominal closure, and 10 minutes after surgery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No difference was detected between pre- and postoperative perfusion parameters in the 50 pregnant queens (blood pressure, lactate, and IAP) between the IP and control groups. However, increased uterus weight was associated with a higher blood pressure and IAP preoperatively. No adverse effects found within the IP fluids group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>No adverse effects or significant differences were found between IP fluid administration and control groups in 50 late-term pregnant queens. However, IP fluid administration may still be a viable option for fluid administration in shelter settings. Further veterinary studies are warranted.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Traditional fluid administration via the IV route is not always feasible in high-volume shelter settings. Studies evaluating the use of the IP fluid route and effects on perfusion parameters are important to determine its effectiveness in veterinary patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144025352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The cardiovascular effects of shechita in cattle: a systematic review shows the fallacies that vertebral artery will preserve cerebral blood flow and false aneurysms occur in severed carotid arteries.","authors":"Simon W Rabkin","doi":"10.2460/javma.24.08.0534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.08.0534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the hypotheses that (1) the Jewish practice of animal slaughter called shechita leaves meaningful cerebral blood flow through the vertebral arteries in cattle and (2) false aneurysms occur in carotid arteries that impair blood loss from hemorrhaging.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature review and calculations from existing data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The shechita ventral-neck incision produces an immediate cessation of blood flow through the carotid arterial system, a dramatic fall in systemic arterial blood pressure (BP), and a more rapid fall in vertebral BP. Calculated cerebral blood flow is < 5% of normal within 10 seconds, a level that likely cannot sustain brain function or viability, a finding consistent with evidence that ligation of the vertebral arteries prior to ventral-neck incision does not alter brain function. None of the published histologic data are consistent with the definition of a false aneurysm. Data suggest the presence of fibrin or parts of blood clots inside or a hematoma around the severed carotid artery. None show significant intravascular thrombosis. There are no experimental data linking a false aneurysm with blood loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Shechita produces a rapid fall in BP that reduces cerebral blood flow to < 5% within a few seconds, demonstrating the inadequacy of vertebral circulation to maintain cerebral blood flow. The label of false aneurysm is a misnomer, and the data do not convincingly link it to blood loss.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Clinicians should not be concerned that shechita in cattle will leave meaningful cerebral blood flow through vertebral arteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144035659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Devynn M Volding, Patricia Flores-Ahlschwede, Megan J Cramer, Kerstin K Landrock, Kira C Sayre, Thomas H Welsh, Angela I Bordin, Julie Piccione, Noah D Cohen
{"title":"Transfusion of rhodococcal hyperimmune plasma to newborn foals does not markedly alter serum electrolyte or protein concentrations.","authors":"Devynn M Volding, Patricia Flores-Ahlschwede, Megan J Cramer, Kerstin K Landrock, Kira C Sayre, Thomas H Welsh, Angela I Bordin, Julie Piccione, Noah D Cohen","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.02.0115","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0115","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the effects of transfusion of Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) on serum electrolyte and protein concentrations in neonatal foals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective observational study of 355 privately owned Thoroughbred foals from 13 farms in New York and cross-sectional study of REHIP samples. Blood was collected immediately before and after transfusion of either 1 or 2 L of REHIP to foals, and serum samples were separated and frozen until tested for concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), total protein (TP), albumin, and globulins. Samples (n = 90) of REHIP were tested for concentrations of Na, K, Cl, TP, albumin, and globulins by the same methodology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>REHIP transfusion resulted in small but significant increases in serum Na, albumin, globulins, and TP concentrations and small but significant decreases in serum Cl and K concentrations. Serum protein concentrations were significantly greater in foals transfused with 2 L than with 1 L. No adverse effects of transfusion were noted in any foals. In REHIP, concentrations of Na were above the serum reference interval.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Magnitudes of changes in serum electrolyte and protein concentrations were small. Although changes were greater for foals transfused with 2 L compared to 1 L, no foals developed marked derangements in measured parameters. Concentrations of measured parameters in REHIP did not vary greatly among manufactured lots or years.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Transfusion of REHIP to foals does not appear to have marked effects on serum concentrations of electrolytes or proteins despite the relatively high Na concentration in REHIP.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144019218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melinda Larson, Rochelle Low, Jennifer A Adler, Lisen Schortz, Scott P Shaw, Kathrine Blackie, Kristi Grace, Yea-Jen Hsu, Albert M Wu
{"title":"Patient safety events cause harm across a variety of veterinary care settings: a global retrospective analysis.","authors":"Melinda Larson, Rochelle Low, Jennifer A Adler, Lisen Schortz, Scott P Shaw, Kathrine Blackie, Kristi Grace, Yea-Jen Hsu, Albert M Wu","doi":"10.2460/javma.24.08.0523","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.08.0523","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the characteristics of voluntarily reported patient safety events (PSEs) in primary care, specialty, and emergency veterinary facilities in the US and Europe.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an observational study that retrospectively analyzed PSE data reported electronically from 2,284 veterinary facilities across 5 veterinary multisite practice networks between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. We reported PSE rates/1,000 patient visits with 95% CIs and used χ2 tests to examine differences in incident type, patient outcomes, and species between primary care and/or emergency practices. Using data from one of the networks, we compared event reporting rates, as well as major-harm and death rates, among species relative to patient visits, reporting incidence rate ratios and 95% CIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 64,404 PSEs were included in the analysis. Sixty-five percent were submitted by primary care facilities, and 30% were submitted by specialty and/or emergency facilities. Most reported events were classified as causing no harm or were \"near misses\" (73%; n = 47,040), whereas 6.1% (3,925) of all incidents were deemed to cause major harm or patient death. Patient care and handling and medication-related incidents were the most common categories of reported events, whereas anesthesia/sedation events were most common among those resulting in either major harm or death of a patient. Compared to dogs, cats had significantly more reported events relative to the overall patient visit population. Both cats and exotic species, including small mammalian companion species, birds, and reptiles, were more likely to experience events resulting in death or major harm compared to dogs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patient safety events occur in a variety of veterinary care settings. Patient safety events having a higher impact on patients, including those resulting in major harm or patient death, make up a small percentage of all reported events. The most common PSEs reported were related to medication use and patient care and handling. Cats may be at increased risk of experiencing PSEs, and cats and exotic species may suffer more severe harm when they occur.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Errors in veterinary healthcare occurred at a predictable rate. Veterinary practices of all types should collect data on the PSEs occurring in their facilities to identify opportunities to improve the safety of their patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of 27- and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of canine rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.","authors":"Yasuyoshi Umeda, Gaku Yoshida, Naoyuki Watanabe","doi":"10.2460/javma.24.12.0809","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.12.0809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the intraoperative and postoperative findings of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with those of 25-gauge PPV for the treatment of canine rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Dogs that underwent 27- or 25-gauge PPV for the treatment of RRD were included. The surgical procedure was divided into 4 sections (1, trocar placement; 2, vitrectomy and retinal reattachment; 3, silicone oil injection; and 4, scleral suturing). We compared intraoperative findings, anatomical and visual success rates, and postoperative complications between the 2 groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>19 eyes (18 dogs) that underwent 27-gauge PPV and 20 eyes (19 dogs) that underwent 25-gauge PPV were included. Section 1 was significantly shorter with 27-gauge PPV than with 25-gauge PPV (4.1 ± 0.9 minutes vs 8.9 ± 2.0 minutes), but the overall surgical time was not significantly different. As for intraoperative findings, in section 2, 27-gauge PPV had significantly more incidents (5 eyes vs 0 eyes). The anatomical success rate was 100% in both groups, and the visual success rate was 78.9% for 27-gauge PPV and 85.0% for 25-gauge PPV, with no significant difference. There was no significant difference in the incidence of each postoperative complication between the 2 groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>27-gauge PPV was associated with shorter operative time in section 1 and more incidents in section 2 compared with 25-gauge PPV, but there were no significant differences in overall operative time or surgical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>27-gauge PPV may be considered as a treatment option for canine RRD.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143965194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fluoroscopic-assisted transesophageal retrograde nasopharyngoscopy in dogs and cats.","authors":"Audrey K Cook, Genna F Atiee","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.02.0094","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To devise a safe and effective method for accessing the nasopharynx (NP) in dogs and cats with complex or challenging disorders such as choanal tumors or entrapped foreign material.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Dogs and cats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The patient is placed under general anesthesia and positioned in right lateral recumbency; the left cervical region over the proximal esophagus is then clipped and aseptically prepared. A guidewire is directed via the nostril into the oropharynx. The tip of the wire is retrieved and secured with a surgical clamp, which is then advanced into the proximal esophagus. A sterile assistant makes a small incision over the clamp, allowing the wire to be pulled out through the neck. A 20F or 26F peel-away sheath with introducer is directed over the wire into the NP. The introducer is removed, and a flexible endoscope is directed through the sheath into the NP. At the end of the intervention, a 14F or 18F feeding tube is placed through the esophageal stoma to promote healing and reduce the risk of abscessation; the feeding tube is removed after 2 weeks.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fluoroscopic-assisted retrograde transesophageal nasopharyngoscopy provides superior visualization and access to the NP.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>The method described here provides excellent access to the NP and is a useful option for the management of complex or challenging NP or choanal disease in companion animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143971793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kara A Brown, Julie B Engiles, Cristobal Navas de Solis, Kathryn W Bills, Amy L Johnson, Elizabeth J Davidson
{"title":"A dorsal ultrasound-guided approach to perineural injection of the sixth and seventh cervical spinal nerves in horses is accurate and does not result in epidural placement.","authors":"Kara A Brown, Julie B Engiles, Cristobal Navas de Solis, Kathryn W Bills, Amy L Johnson, Elizabeth J Davidson","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.02.0101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the accuracy of a dorsal ultrasound-guided approach for perineural injection of the sixth and seventh cervical spinal nerves (CSNs) with the use of a clinically relevant volume of injectate (2 mL). We hypothesized that the majority of injections would result in identification of contrast solution in the intervertebral foramen (IVF) on CT and corresponding methylene blue dye staining of the CSN on postmortem evaluation, and distribution of injectate into the epidural space would not occur.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>7 horses donated to the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center for euthanasia were utilized. A dorsal ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the right and left sixth and seventh CSNs with the use of methylene blue and iohexol (2-mL volume) was performed. Postmortem CT of C5-C7 was performed and evaluated for presence of contrast within the IVF and epidural space. The cervical region was frozen at -20 °C prior to performing serial transverse band saw sections to evaluate for presence of methylene blue in contact with or surrounding the sixth and seventh CSNs and epidural space.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Contrast was identified on CT in the IVF in 22 of 24 injections (92%). Methylene blue was adjacent to or surrounding the sixth and seventh CSNs in 22 of 24 injections (92%). No dye or contrast was noted within the epidural space.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This ultrasound-guided approach to caudal CSN perineural injection is highly accurate without high risk for epidural penetration.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>This approach should be considered for injection of the sixth and seventh CSNs for conservative management of cervical radiculopathy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abigayle J Partington, Katja A Sutherland, Katie M Clow, Sarah K Abood, Jason B Coe
{"title":"Implicit weight bias exists among veterinary professionals.","authors":"Abigayle J Partington, Katja A Sutherland, Katie M Clow, Sarah K Abood, Jason B Coe","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.02.0073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore implicit weight bias and weight stigma by association within a sample of veterinary professionals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An electronic survey was administered in person to veterinary professionals. Participants were presented with 1 of 8 possible scenarios including silhouettes of pets (4 cats, 4 dogs) and clients with varying combinations of weight statuses. Participants were asked questions rating their perception of the clients' capacity as pet caregivers. Participants completed the validated Implicit Association Test for weight. Logistic regression was conducted to detect differences in veterinary professionals' perceptions of the pets and clients based on displayed weight status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>138 veterinary professionals participated; the majority (56.0%) were registered veterinary technicians. Most participants (70.3%) reported having pet-weight-related conversations with clients either daily or multiple times a week. Participants rated owners of overweight dogs as less effective caregivers than owners of lean dogs (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.77). Participants rated owners of overweight cats as more caring than owners of lean cats (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.02 to 8.16). The Implicit Association Test indicated that the majority (90.6%) of participants had some level of unconscious preference for people who were lean over people who were overweight.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Veterinary professionals' perceptions of dog and cat owners based on their pet's weight may differ across species. Findings potentially represent implicit weight bias among veterinary professionals that warrants further research.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>When interacting with clients owning an overweight or obese pet, veterinary professionals should be aware that they may hold a weight bias.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aseptic technique for blood culture collection in the field to diagnose Salmonella Dublin in calves.","authors":"Elisha Frye, Carol Jennings, Kaitlyn Kremer","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.02.0116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.02.0116","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To demonstrate an aseptic technique for blood culture collection on a Salmonella Dublin-suspect dairy calf in the field setting with the use of minimal restraint and basic supplies.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>A neonatal Holstein heifer calf presenting with a fever of 41 °C (105 °F) and increased respiratory effort from a Salmonella Dublin-endemic dairy farm.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Appropriate supplies needed for the procedure are shown. The calf is lightly restrained by on-farm personnel, and the left side of the neck is clipped. A surgical preparation is performed. Wearing sterile gloves, the veterinarian draws blood from the left jugular vein. The top of the blood culture vial is disinfected with an alcohol wipe, and a new needle replaces the old one on the syringe. While changing the needle, the alcohol evaporates and the rubber stopper has time to dry. The blood culture media is inoculated with 2 to 3 mL of blood and inverted a few times. The blood culture vial is packaged in bubble wrap and surrounded by room-temperature ice packs for overnight delivery to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An aseptic blood culture sample is properly collected under field conditions without contamination of the blood culture media.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>Salmonella Dublin is the host-adapted Salmonella serovar in cattle and causes high morbidity and mortality in young dairy calves. It is also multidrug resistant and zoonotic. A blood culture is currently the gold standard to diagnose Salmonella Dublin in live bovine neonates presenting with clinical signs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143971759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Myron Kebus, Thomas P Loch, Matthew Smith, Nicholas B D Phelps
{"title":"Opportunities for veterinary engagement to improve aquaculture production and the health of farmed fish in the North Central Region of the United States.","authors":"Myron Kebus, Thomas P Loch, Matthew Smith, Nicholas B D Phelps","doi":"10.2460/javma.25.01.0037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.01.0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To elucidate fish farmer perspectives on the use of veterinary services and preventative fish health measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A semistructured interview questionnaire was developed to better understand veterinary opportunities and the fish health needs of fish farmers in the North Central Region (NCR) of the US. From April to October 2023, we conducted 24 interviews with fish farmers, representing the diversity of production sectors in the region. Data from this observational study were organized and analyzed with the use of descriptive and qualitative approaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among interviewed fish farmers, regulatory fish health inspections were the most common fish health activity in the NCR, with 67% of farmers reporting the need to perform inspections annually. Although fish health inspections are a leading reason for engagement with fish health professionals, only 46% of farmers reported having an existing relationship with a local fish veterinarian. Voluntary, nonregulatory production medicine practices were relatively low, with only 29% of farmers reporting the use of written biosecurity plans, 13% vaccinating fish, and 4% using veterinary feed directives for antibiotic use.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We found engagement between fish health professionals and fish farmers to be low compared to other animal production industries. Most fish health activities in the NCR involving fish health professionals has been a consequence of regulatory inspections for select pathogens for fish movement, with less than half of the interviewed producers consulting with a fish health professional for nonregulatory support.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>There are many fish farmers in the NCR who underutilize or do not use veterinary services, presenting an opportunity for veterinary engagement to improve the production and health of farmed fish. The results of this study provide insight into the needs and perspectives of fish farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":14658,"journal":{"name":"Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}