Caregiver burden in owners of dogs and cats undergoing anticancer therapy in a referral hospital in Hong Kong.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with increased caregiver burden among owners of dogs and cats undergoing anti-cancer therapy in Hong Kong.

Materials and methods: Clients of the oncology service of a large veterinary hospital in Hong Kong completed an online survey during real-time consultations. Caregiver burden was based on an adapted and abbreviated Zarit Burden Interview score (seven questions; up to 28 points with cut-off of ≥9 points for increased burden). Client and patient demographics, along with oncological treatment data, were collected. Data were analysed using the chi-square (χ²) test and odds ratios, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Of the 54 responses, 70.4% of caregivers reported increased burden. Caregivers not working in the human medical field experienced an increased burden compared to those working in the field (P = 0.03, χ² = 4.26, odds ratio = 7.54). Increased burden was associated with caregivers' concerns about the cost of treatment (P = 0.01, χ² = 11.96, odds ratio = 2.30) and its potential side effects (P = 0.03, χ² = 10.27, odds ratio = 12.24). Caregivers reported an increased burden with prolonged treatment durations (P = 0.01, χ² = 14.17, odds ratio = 2.39). The burden level was not significantly different between cat and dog caregivers (P = 0.27).

Clinical significance: Caregiver burden is observed in owners of dogs and cats undergoing anticancer therapy affecting their psychosocial well-being. Recognising factors associated with increased burden enables veterinarians to provide better support to caregivers and improve veterinarian-client relationships.