scholarly journals Investigating risk factors that predict a dog’s fear during veterinary visits

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra T. Edwards ◽  
Susan J. Hazel ◽  
Matthew Browne ◽  
James Serpell ◽  
Michelle L. McArthur ◽  
...  

AbstractAttending the veterinary clinic is an integral part of the physical welfare of every companion dog. However, some dogs experience their veterinary visits negatively, which poses a risk of injury to the veterinary staff, their guardian (owner) and themselves during veterinary examinations. It may also influence the regularity of non-urgent veterinary appointments. To date there has been conflicting data on the proportion of dogs that are fearful during their veterinary visits. In this study, we explored the risk factors associated with fear during veterinary examination and in novel situations (including first time at the veterinary clinic) from 26,555 responses in the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire database. According to their guardians, over half (55%) of companion dogs displayed some form of fearful behaviour (mild-extreme) when examined by a veterinarian, while 14% of dogs exhibited severe or extreme fear. A similar trend was observed with dogs responding fearfully in unfamiliar situations, including the dog’s first time at the veterinary clinic. Chi-squared tests showed every bivariate relationship was significant (p < 0.05). The most important predictors of fear in a veterinary examination were, in order: the dog’s breed group (27.1%), their history of roles or activities (16.7%), where they were sourced (15.2%), their weight (12%), the age of other dogs in the household (9.5%) and dog owner experience (6.3%). However, these risk factors accumulate to explain a total of 7% of variance of fear observed during veterinary examination. Results demonstrate that fear of veterinary visits is common in dogs, but that other factors (including the environment or human-animal interactions) are likely to contribute more to prevalence and severity of this problem than the demographic factors measured here. Finally, we highlight opportunities for future research aimed at facilitating less stressful veterinary visits for dogs and their guardians.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Wahrenberg ◽  
P Magnusson ◽  
R Kuja-Halkola ◽  
H Habel ◽  
K Hambraeus ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite recent advances in secondary prevention, recurrent cardiovascular events are common after a myocardial infarction (MI). It has been reported that genetic risk scores may predict the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Although patient-derived family history is a composite of both genetic and environmental heritability of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), it is an easily accessible information compared to genetically based risk models but the association with recurrent events is unknown. Purpose To evaluate whether a register-verified family history of ASCVD is associated with recurrent cardiovascular events (rASCVD) in patients after a first-time MI. Methods We included patients with a first-time MI during 2005 – 2014, registered in the SWEDEHEART SEPHIA registry and without prior ASCVD. Follow-up was available until Dec 31st, 2018. Data on relatives, diagnoses and prescriptions were extracted from national registers. A family history of ASCVD was defined as a register-verified hospitalisation due to MI, angina with coronary revascularization procedures, stroke or cardiovascular death in any parent. Early history was defined as such an event before the age of 55 years in fathers and 65 years in mothers. The association between family history and a composite outcome including recurrent MI, angina requiring acute revascularization, ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular death during follow-up was studied with Cox proportional hazard regression with time from SEPHIA registry completion as underlying time-scale, adjusted for age with splines, gender and year of SEPHIA registry. Regression models were then further adjusted for hypertension, diabetes, smoking and for a subset of patients, LDL-cholesterol (LDL_C) at time of first event. Results Of 25,615 patients, 2.5% and 32.1% had an early and ever-occurring family history of ASCVD, respectively. Patients with early family history were significantly younger than other patients and were more likely to be current smokers and have a higher LDL-C (Median (IQR) 3.5 (1.1) vs 3.3 (1.1) mmol/L). In total, 3,971 (15.5%) patients experienced the outcome. Early family history of ASCVD was significantly associated with rASCVD (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.87), and the effect was sustained when adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20–1.83) and LDL-C (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04–1.74). Ever-occurring family history was weakly associated with ASCVD (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 – 1.17) and the association remained unchanged with adjustments for risk factors. Conclusions Early family history of cardiovascular disease is a potent risk factor for recurrent cardiovascular events in a secondary prevention setting, independent of traditional risk factors including LDL-C. This is a novel finding and these patients may potentially benefit from intensified secondary preventive measures after a first-time MI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): This work was funded by grants from The Swedish Heart and Lung Association


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 4-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Sylvén ◽  
T.P. Thomopoulos ◽  
N. Kollia ◽  
M. Jonsson ◽  
A. Skalkidou

AbstractBackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is a common disorder after childbirth. The strongest known predictors are a history of depression and/or a history of PPD. However, for a significant proportion of women, PPD constitutes their first depressive episode. This study aimed to gain further insight into the risk factors for PPD in first time mothers without previous psychiatric contact.MethodsWomen delivering in Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, from May 2006 to June 2007, were asked to participate and filled out questionnaires five days and six weeks postpartum, containing inter alia the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Univariate logistic regression models, as well as a path analysis, were performed to unveil the complex interplay between the study variables.ResultsOf the 653 participating primiparas, 10.3% and 6.4% reported depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 12 points) five days and six weeks postpartum, respectively. In the path analysis, a positive association between anxiety proneness and depressive symptoms at five days and six weeks postpartum was identified. For depressive symptoms six weeks after delivery, additional risk factors were detected, namely depressive symptoms five days postpartum and subjective experience of problems with the baby. Caesarean section and assisted vaginal delivery were associated with fewer depressive symptoms at 6 six weeks postpartum.ConclusionsIdentification of anxiety proneness, delivery mode and problems with the baby as risk factors for self-reported depressive symptoms postpartum in this group of primiparas can be important in helping health care professionals identify women at increased risk of affective disorders in the perinatal period, and provide a base for early intervention.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (18) ◽  
pp. 1081-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brady Green ◽  
Matthew N Bourne ◽  
Nicol van Dyk ◽  
Tania Pizzari

ObjectiveTo systematically review risk factors for hamstring strain injury (HSI).DesignSystematic review update.Data sourcesDatabase searches: (1) inception to 2011 (original), and (2) 2011 to December 2018 (update). Citation tracking, manual reference and ahead of press searches.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies presenting prospective data evaluating factors associated with the risk of index and/or recurrent HSI.MethodSearch result screening and risk of bias assessment. A best evidence synthesis for each factor and meta-analysis, where possible, to determine the association with risk of HSI.ResultsThe 78 studies captured 8,319 total HSIs, including 967 recurrences, in 71,324 athletes. Older age (standardised mean difference=1.6, p=0.002), any history of HSI (risk ratio (RR)=2.7, p<0.001), a recent HSI (RR=4.8, p<0.001), previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (RR=1.7, p=0.002) and previous calf strain injury (RR=1.5, p<0.001) were significant risk factors for HSI. From the best evidence synthesis, factors relating to sports performance and match play, running and hamstring strength were most consistently associated with HSI risk. The risk of recurrent HSI is best evaluated using clinical data and not the MRI characteristics of the index injury.Summary/conclusionOlder age and a history of HSI are the strongest risk factors for HSI. Future research may be directed towards exploring the interaction of risk factors and how these relationships fluctuate over time given the occurrence of index and recurrent HSI in sport is multifactorial.


2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arielle Pechette Markley ◽  
Abigail B. Shoben ◽  
Nina R. Kieves

Objective: To describe risk factors associated with training and competition in relation to frequency and severity of injuries experienced by agility dogs.Procedures: An internet-based survey collected data on competition level variables and training level variables. The primary outcome was history of any injury and a secondary outcome considered history of severe injury (injury lasting &gt; 3 months). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations and final models were obtained via backward selection to identify the strongest associations within variables.Results: There were 4,197 dogs included in this analysis. Injury was reported for 1,737 (41.4%) dogs and severe injury was reported for 629 (15.0%). In the model with competition level factors, jumping 4” (OR: 1.50) or 2–4” (OR: 1.31) over shoulder height compared to jumping 0–2” lower and competing at national events was associated with increased injury risk, while competing 6+ times on rubber matting was associated with lower risk (OR: 0.62). Training level variables associated with injury risk were age starting jump, teeter, and weave training, with the highest risk observed for dogs starting jump training between 3 and 18 months but starting weave and teeter training after 18 months of age.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Many variables thought to be associated with injury risk were not significant in the final model. Starting jump training at an earlier age was associated with greater risk of injury relative to starting after 18 months. It is possible that the high impact of jump training before skeletal maturity may increase the risk of injuries or musculoskeletal conditions. The increased risk of injury in dogs that jump 2–4, or 4+ inches higher than shoulder height may be due to increased biomechanical forces during takeoff and landing. Faster dogs may be at higher risk of injury; handlers planning competition around big events or competing at the national level are likely to have faster dogs, and may be less likely to compete on rubber matting. These data provide valuable current insight into the possible effects that training and competition variables may have on injury risk in agility dogs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-343
Author(s):  
H. A. Al Hosani ◽  
J. Brebner ◽  
A. B. Bener ◽  
J. N. Norman

We investigated the association of biological, sociocultural and economic risk factors with child mortality in Abu Dhabi from 1 January-31 December 1997. With McNemar chi-squared test, most selected biological risk factors were statistically associated with child mortality, although maternal age older than 40 years and history of fetal death were not positively correlated with neonate, infant or age under 5 mortality. Among sociocultural and economic risk factors, maternal lack of formal education and low monthly income were significantly associated with child death. Consanguinity was significantly associated with under 5 and infant but not neonatal mortality. Gestation <37 weeks was highly associated with mortality among all ages. Strengthening health care programmes and emphasizing the need to identify high risk groups should be priorities


Author(s):  
Claudia Tamponi ◽  
Fabio Scarpa ◽  
Silvia Carta ◽  
Stephane Knoll ◽  
Daria Sanna ◽  
...  

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a widespread, vector-borne parasitosis causing clinical manifestations in animals and in humans. In dogs, Canine Leishmaniasis has been reported in as much as 50 countries and the Mediterranean basin is known to be one of the most affected zones. Within these areas, the Island of Sardinia (Italy) has long been considered endemic for leishmaniasis and the presence of two arthropod vectors has recently been reported there. Nevertheless, to date, no epidemiological surveys regarding CanL have been carried out on the island. Hence, for the first time, the seroprevalence and the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples, as well as clinical and general information from 1.147 dogs, were collected and analyzed. Dogs consisted of two distinct populations, namely “owned dogs” and “kennel dogs.” Anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected using IFAT and samples were scored as positive at a cut-off dilution of 1:80. Data was analyzed using a Chi-squared test and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Overall, 15.4% of dogs were found to be infected with CanL while only 44.1% of these animals exhibited clinical signs. Owned dogs (27.2%) were found to be infected more often than kennel dogs (10.6%); male dogs were found to be more frequently infected than female dogs and the number of infected animals increases with age. The present survey confirmed the endemic nature of leishmaniasis in Sardinia with a similar seroprevalence as mainland Italy. The results obtained serve as validation for the hypothesis that, in endemic areas, clinical CanL representations constitute only a fraction of the leishmaniasis cases.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 862
Author(s):  
Raphaela Santos do Nascimento ◽  
Andreza Rodrigues Silva ◽  
Ana Márcia Tenório de Souza Cavalcanti ◽  
Ednaldo Cavalcante de Araujo ◽  
Antônia Maria da Silva Santos ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective: to contribute to the early identification of risk factors, treatment, and/or support for female users of a Psychosocial Attention Center (CAPS), in Recife city. Method: this is a descriptive, exploratory, retrospective study of quantitative approach. Data were systematically collected from 350 questionnaires completed, resulting in a sample of 34 women, from 2002 to 2005, who showed symptoms of developing some type of psychological change over the postpartum period. Results: they showed that being pregnant for the first time, the presence of a family history of mental problems, and lack of support from the father were significantly present in women that showed some type of postpartum psychological problem, which could be addressed during prenatal consultations, facilitating the early identification of at-risk women and the realization of adequate treatment.  Contrary to the literature, this study showed that the majority of afflicted users had family support and no personal history of mental problems. Conclusion: in summary, we believe that making health professionals aware to the investigation and identification of risk factors to the development of postpartum psychosis in prenatal appointments could prevent and/or alleviate the damage resulting from this problem, both for mother and baby, through early intervention. Descriptors: mental problems; psychosis; postpartum, risk factors.RESUMOObjetivo: contribuir para a identificação precoce dos fatores de risco, tratamento e/ou apoio a usuárias de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial na cidade de Recife (PE). Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo, de natureza quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados de forma sistemática a partir de 350 questionários, resultando na amostra de 34 mulheres, de 2002 a 2005, que apresentavam sintomas e/ou transtorno emocional no período pós-parto. Resultados: estar grávida pela primeira vez, apresentar um histórico familiar de problemas mentais e a falta de apoio do pai tiveram uma presença significativa nas mulheres que apresentaram algum tipo de problema psicológico no pós-parto, estes fatores podem ser abordados durante as consultas pré-natal, facilitando a identificação precoce de mulheres em situação de risco e a realização de tratamento adequado. Ao contrário da literatura, este estudo mostrou que a maioria das usuárias afetadas teve o apoio da família e não possuía história pessoal de problemas mentais. Conclusão: os profissionais de saúde necessitam se conscientizar da necessidade de investigar e identificar os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de sofrimento psíquico no pós-parto durante as consultas pré-natal, podendo prevenir e/ou diminuir os danos causados ​​por este problema, tanto para a mãe como para o bebê, pela intervenção precoce. Descritores: problemas mentais; pós-parto, os fatores de risco; psicose. RESUMENObjetivo: contribuir a la identificación temprana de los factores de riesgo, tratamiento y/o apoyo a las mujeres de un Centro de Atención Psicosocial (CAPS) en la ciudad de Recife (PE). Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, retrospectivo y cuantitativo. Los datos fueron recogidos de forma sistemática a partir de 350 cuestionarios, lo que resulta en una muestra de 34 mujeres entre 2002 y 2005, que mostraron los síntomas y/o trastornos emocionales en el posparto. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que estar embarazada por primera vez, la presencia de antecedentes familiares de problemas mentales y la falta de apoyo de los padres estaban presentes en las mujeres que tenían algún tipo de problema psicológico en el período posparto y que estos factores pueden ser abordados durante las visitas prenatales, lo que facilita la identificación temprana de las mujeres en situación de riesgo y la aplicación de un tratamiento adecuado. Contrariamente a la literatura, este estudio demostró que la mayoría de las usuarias afectadas han contado con el apoyo de la familia y no tenía antecedentes de problemas mentales. Conclusión: en resumen, creemos que los profesionales de la salud deben ser conscientes de la necesidad de investigación e identificación de los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de los trastornos psicológicos en el período posparto durante las visitas prenatales, lo que puede prevenir o mitigar los daños causados ​​por este problema, tanto para la madre y el bebé a través de la intervención temprana. Descriptores: enfermedad mental, después del parto, los factores de riesgo; psicosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Rod ◽  
Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios ◽  
Javier Cortes-Ramirez

The World Health Organization has emphasized that one of the most important questions to address regarding the covid-19 pandemic is to understand risk factors for disease severity. We conducted a brief review that synthesizes the available evidence and provides a judgment on the consistency of the association between risk factors and a composite end-point of severe-fatal covid-19. Additionally, we also conducted a comparability analysis of risk factors across 17 studies. We found evidence supporting a total of 60 predictors for disease severity, of which seven were deemed of high consistency, 40 of medium and 13 of low. Among the factors with high consistency of association, we found age, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, albumin, body temperature, SOFA score and diabetes. The results suggest that diabetes might be the most consistent comorbidity predicting disease severity and that future research should carefully consider the comparability of reporting cases, factors, and outcomes along the different stages of the natural history of covid-19.


Author(s):  
Tim J. Hartung ◽  
Ida Rask Moustsen ◽  
Signe Benzon Larsen ◽  
Elisabeth A. Wreford Andersen ◽  
Nis P. Suppli ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To estimate the risk of first-time antidepressant prescriptions as a proxy for depression or anxiety and associated risk factors in patients with prostate cancer and their female partners. Methods We followed all men (n = 25,126) and their female cohabiting partners (n = 8785) without a history of cancer or antidepressants from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort from 1997 to 2014 or 2010, respectively. We estimated the cumulative incidence of first-time antidepressant prescriptions in men with prostate cancer compared with cancer-free men and their respective female partners, using the Danish National Prescription Registry. Sociodemographic, lifestyle-related, and clinical risk factors were assessed using Cox regression models. Results A total of 1828 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer of whom 15% received antidepressants. The unadjusted hazard ratio of antidepressant prescription was 2.18 (95%CI, 1.92, 2.48) for men with prostate cancer and 1.27 (95%CI, 0.87, 1.85) for their partners, compared with cancer-free men and their partners, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle-related, and comorbidity factors, this risk was 2-fold to 4-fold increased among patients, but not significantly increased among partners. Significant risk factors among patients were curative and palliative treatment (vs. active surveillance and watchful waiting), nonlocalized disease, and short education. Conclusions Men with prostate cancer have a higher risk of receiving antidepressant medication than cancer-free men. Clinical characteristics can help clinicians in identifying patients at a high risk of depression or anxiety. Implications for Cancer Survivors Men with prostate cancer who experience symptoms of depression or anxiety should seek professional help early on. Patient education could aid in raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental disorders.


1999 ◽  
Vol 175 (5) ◽  
pp. 410-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Brodaty ◽  
Perminder Sachdev ◽  
Noelene Rose ◽  
Kylie Rylands ◽  
Leanne Prenter

BackgroundSchizophrenia occurring for the first time in late life may be a distinct entity or part of a continuum.AimsCan late-onset schizophrenia (LOS) and early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) be differentiated by their phenomenology and risk factors to their development?MethodConvenience samples of 27 DSM–III–R defined LOS subjects, 30 EOS subjects and 34 control subjects were systematically assessed.ResultsPremorbidly, both groups of subjects with schizophrenia had personality traits that were different from controls but not from each other. The EOS subjects had more family members with a history of psychiatric illness or schizophrenia and less hearing impairment than the other two groups, which did not differ from each other. Clinically, LOS and EOS subjects were similar, except that EOS subjects had more negative symptom scores, tended to have more delusions of guilt/sin and of being controlled and more formal thought disorder, and had significantly poorer instrumental activities of daily living.ConclusionsPhenomenology and risk factors do not distinguish discrete LOS.


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