Lean on me: the use of therapy animals

Osteochondrodysplasia in the Scottish Fold cats is the genetic disease, inherited according to the autosomal-dominant type; it is manifested by the deformation of bones and cartilages of the skeleton in the form of unhealthy bone growths in the region of the wrist, metacarpal, fetlock, mesopodial and phalanx joints of breast and pelvic extremities, and also tailed vertebrae. Purpose of research. To assess the effectiveness of radiation therapy in the treatment of Scottish fold cats with osteochondrodysplasia. Materials and methods. 10 Scottish Fold cats (3 males, 7 females; age ― from 5 months to 10 years) with osteochondrodysplasia were treated from 2013 to 2017. All patients had clinical signs of disease in the form of skeletal growths in the wrist, metacarpus, finger bones, lumbar, sacral or tail spine. Most of them (9 of 10) were lame. All patients were examined clinically and radiologically before the treatment. Radiation therapy was carried out on gamma therapy unit «AGAT-R» with inclusion of the affected limbs to the middle of the shoulder or thigh. Immobilization was achieved either by general anesthesia or by means of physical restraint. Fraction doses used were 1.5 Gy up to total doses of 15.0 Gy, 2 to 3 fractions per week. Results. In 9 of 10 cases (90 %) there is a subjective improvement in mobility and regression of lameness after 6 months and furthermore after treatment. Two patients in the group died within 8 and 12 months from extraneous causes, others are alive and well for the time being with no need for pain relief. In three cases a radiological control of skeletal growths was performed, with no signs of progression 6.15 and 71 months after treatment. The maximum observation period is 2196 days, the observation median is 705 days. We used a questionnaire to improve the objectiveness of cat’s mobility and pain assessment before and after treatment. Based on animal owners’ answers the score for each symptom was assigned from 0 (severe dysfunction) to 2 (function not impaired). Scores from individual cases were summed, and the averaged total results were compared. Generally, after radiation therapy, animals’ mobility improved significantly (the averaged mobility score in the group imcreased from 3.0 to 6.5). Conclusion. The radiation therapy is an effective pathogenetic and symptomatic method of treatment of Scottish fold cats with osteochondrodysplasia: in most cases it leads to pain relief and increased mobility of the animal. According to clinical and radiological (in three cases) criteria, it can also be assumed that radiation therapy leads to suppression of the skeletal growths enlargement. The effect of treatment develops within 6 months after its completion and is persistent (lasts for many months and years). The technique involves the use of small total doses, so it does not cause complications and is practically safe for the patient.

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Considerations for the Retirement of Therapy Animals

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9121100 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zenithson Y. Ng ◽

Aubrey H. Fine

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Working Life ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

Human Participants

With the growth of animal-assisted interventions, the number of animals designated to work as therapy animals continues to increase. These animals participate in this work in varying capacities during life, but there will be a point in time when the animal can no longer engage in these activities. The concept of retirement, or withdrawing the animal from its working life, is an important phase of life that every therapy animal will inevitably face. Retirement is typically regarded as a well-deserved reward earned after a lifetime of work, but this termination of an animal’s career has potential positive and negative implications for animal, handler, and human participants in these interventions. The question of precisely when and how to appropriately retire an animal is usually answered at the discretion of the handler; however, the validity of this question remains largely unanswered without scientific evidence. The purpose of this review is to describe the implications of therapy animal retirement for the handler, participant, and animal and to discuss the challenges in determining when to retire a therapy animal.

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Antibiotics and Steroids in the Treatment of Acquired Subglottic Stenosis

Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology ◽

10.1177/000348948309200417 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 92 (4) ◽

pp. 377-382 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

John S. Supance

Keyword(s):

Animal Model ◽

Subglottic Stenosis ◽

Control Group ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Procaine Penicillin ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Medical Regimens ◽

And Control ◽

Systemic Antibiotics

The efficacy of a combination of systemic antibiotics and a steroid in the prevention of acquired subglottic stenosis (ASGS) was evaluated employing a previously developed canine animal model. Thirty-five healthy, postweanling mongrel puppies aged 5 weeks were each intubated for 14 days with an uncuffed polyvinyl endotracheal tube. Twenty puppies received intramuscular dexamethasone (1 mg) daily, and procaine penicillin (100,000 IU) and dihydrostreptomycin (0.125 g) in two divided doses on the day of intubation and each day thereafter until the completion of the study. The remaining 15 puppies served as a control group and received no medical therapy. Animals from both groups were killed at 5, 7, 12, 15, 20, 30, and 56 days following intubation. Comparative examinations of the laryngotracheal complexes of treated and control dogs showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the ultimate degree of ASGS attained, as determined by intraluminal cross-sectional area analysis, or in the extent of the lesion as documented by gross and microscopic histology. This investigation showed that the specific systemic combination of two antibiotics and a steroid used in the study was not efficacious in the prevention of ASGS in a canine animal model; for this reason we question the benefit of analogous medical regimens employed to prevent ASGS in infants and children who require long-term endotracheal intubation.

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160. Reduction in the Spread of Hospital-Associated Infections Among Pediatric Oncology Patients in an Animal-Assisted Intervention Program from a Canine Decolonization Procedure

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofy209.030 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S14-S14 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kathryn Dalton ◽

Kathy Ruble ◽

Alexandra DeLone ◽

Pam Frankenfield ◽

Destiny Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Vital Statistics ◽

Hospital Environment ◽

Future Research ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Therapy Dogs ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

Hospital Associated Infections

Abstract Background Animal-assisted interventions (AAI), the use of animals as a complementary therapy in holistic patient care, has shown many positive outcomes. However, therapy animals can serve as mechanical vectors of hospital-associated infections (HAI), e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This pilot study assessed for transmission of HAIs among therapy animals, patients, and the hospital environment. We tested the effectiveness of a novel decolonization protocol for therapy dogs to reduce the risk of transmission of HAIs and enhance AAI program sustainability. Our hypothesis was that HAI transmission occurs from positive child to child, with the dog as an intermediary fomite. Methods Before and after child–animal interaction, we sampled patients, dogs, and the environment, and collected vital statistics and survey data from patients. MRSA was detected in samples by culture and molecular testing. Therapy dog handlers performed normal pre-visit practices for 2 control visits, then switched to a decolonization protocol (chlorhexidine-based shampoo prior to the visit, and chlorhexidine wipes on the fur during the visit) for 2 intervention visits. Results We evaluated 45 children and 4 therapy dogs over 13 visits. Children had decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and reported improved mental health scores post visit. MRSA conversion was identified from 10.2% of the children and 38.5% of the dogs, while 93% of the environmental samples were MRSA positive both pre and post. Patients that interacted closely with the dog had 8.01 times higher odds (95% CI 1.1–15.2) of MRSA conversion compared with patients who barely interacted with the dog. When stratified by intervention group, the MRSA conversation odds ratio of close interaction was 0.93 (95% CI 0.1–10.8) when the dog was decolonized versus 9.72 (0.9–99) when not decolonized. Conclusion This study showed the potential for AAI visits to improve physiological and mental health of pediatric outpatients. A risk of HAI exposure to patients from interaction with the dog was found, but this effect was nullified by the decolonization procedure. Future research is needed to increase the safety of this valuable alternative therapy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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Comparative effectiveness of different therapeutic methods for calves with abomazoenteritis

Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology ◽

10.32718/nvlvet9404 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (94) ◽

pp. 20-24

Author(s):

L. G. Slivinska ◽

S. K. Demydjuk ◽

B. O. Lukashchuk ◽

H. O. Zinko

Keyword(s):

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Diet Therapy ◽

Black And White ◽

Treatment Regimens ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

White Breed ◽

And Control ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Medium Weight

The article presents the results of the comparative effectivness of different treatment regimens of calves with abomazoenteritis. Three groups of black-and-white-breed calves of the age of 1–1.5 months were formed for 5 animals in each of the 1st and 2nd experimental (patients with abomazoenteritis) and control – clinically healthy animals. Treatment of sick calves in experimental groups was performed using diet therapy, antimicrobial and rehydration therapy. Animals of the second experimental group, in addition, used detoxification means and Sel-Plex. It was found that calving treatment with the use of diet, antimicrobial, detoxication, rehydration therapy helped to eliminate the main clinical symptoms of the disease. Positive changes were established during laboratory blood tests: the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, hemoglobin, total protein and hematocrit was normalized. In animals with abomazoenteritis, during treatment decreased the activity of transaminases decreased, the content of TBA-active products and medium-weight molecules. The treatment was effective and contributed to a reduction in the duration of their clinical recovery, but the normalization of biochemical parameters was more pronounced in animals of the second experimental group. Application together with antimicrobial and rehydration means of Sel-Plex and detoxification drugs accelerated the restoration of basic biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, TBK-active products and medium-weight molecules) to normal, and therefore reduced the metabolic intoxication of the animals organism.

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Enteral fluid therapy administered in continuous flow by naso-ruminal route using three maintenance electrolyte solutions: effects on physiological biomarkers and the hemogram of bovines

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20180217 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 48 (8) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pedro Ancelmo Nunes Ermita ◽

José Dantas Ribeiro Filho ◽

Rinaldo Batista Viana ◽

Micheline Ozana da Silva ◽

Samuel Rodrigues Alves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propylene Glycol ◽

Fluid Therapy ◽

Continuous Flow ◽

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Electrolyte Solutions ◽

Calcium Acetate ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

All Solutions ◽

Maintenance Fluid Therapy ◽

Calcium Propionate

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three enteral electrolyte solutions, each with different energy sources, administrated as continuous flow on the physiological parameters and blood count of healthy Holstein heifers. Six Holstein heifers were used in a crossover design. All animals received all three treatments: solution with calcium propionate, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, and 10g of calcium propionate diluted in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 299mOsm/L); solution with glycerol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 10mL of glycerol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 287mOsm/L); solution with propylene glycol, 4g of NaCl, 0.5g of KCl, 0.3g of MgCl2, 1g of calcium acetate, and 15mL of propylene glycol in 1000mL of water (measured osmolarity: 378mOsm/L). Physical evaluations and blood samples were collected immediately before the initiation of fluid therapy, at 3-hour intervals over the 12-hour period of fluid therapy, and 12 hours after the end of fluid therapy. Animals presented no signs of stress or discomfort. All solutions resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit, without affecting the leukogram. Enteral fluid therapy administered as continuous flow via the naso-ruminal route was well-tolerated by animals with minimal effects on animal welfare, even when administered for 12 hours. This technique is indicated as an alternative route for parenteral maintenance fluid therapy. Electrolyte solutions proposed here were able to significantly expand blood volume.

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817. Exploring Microbial Community Alterations during Hospital Animal-Assisted Intervention Programs

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S450-S451

Author(s):

Kathryn R Dalton ◽

Karen C Carroll ◽

Elizabeth A Grice ◽

Meghan F Davis

Keyword(s):

Microbial Community ◽

Group Therapy ◽

Alpha Diversity ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Therapy Dogs ◽

Microbial Composition ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Therapy Dog ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

Before And After

Abstract Background Animal-assisted interventions, or pet therapy, is increasingly used by healthcare facilities given the numerous benefits in various settings. However, therapy animals may serve as vectors of hospital-associated pathogens. Yet, both pathogenic and protective commensal microbes could be transferred between patients and therapy animals. This pilot study aims to quantify the microbial sharing between patients and therapy dogs, and determine if contact level and a decolonization intervention modifies this sharing. Methods We collected pediatric patient and therapy dog nasal samples before and after each group therapy visit. Contact level was based on interaction time and key behaviors. Therapy dog handlers performed normal practices for two control visits, then switched to a decolonization protocol (chlorhexidine shampoo prior to the visit, and chlorhexidine wipes during the visit) for two intervention visits. Sample DNA was sequenced for the 16S rRNA gene V1-3 region to assess microbiota composition and diversity. Results We collected 105 samples (79 from patients and 26 from dogs) over 13 study visits. There was an increase in within-sample (alpha) diversity levels after the visits in patients and dogs in control visits, and an overall decrease in intervention visits. Patients were more similar in their microbial composition (beta diversity) to other patients and to dogs after visits. Patients with higher dog contact were more similar to other patients in control and intervention visits using the unweighted metric, but only in control visits for the weighted metric. Conclusion These findings indicate that microbes are shared between patients and therapy dogs during animal-assisted interventions, shown by the increase in alpha diversity levels and microbial community shifts. High contact increased interactions in all pathways, resulting in greater microbial sharing. With the dog pathway blocked, the intervention reduced spread of unique dog taxa, but sharing still occurred in high contact patients. This shows that, while there is potential for the dog to be a vector, other potential pathways are important for microbial sharing during group therapy visits. Infection control efforts should reflect all possible pathways of microbial transmission. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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The finals stretch: exams week library outreach surveyed

Reference Services Review ◽

10.1108/rsr-03-2015-0019 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 510-532 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Coleen Meyers-Martin ◽

Laurie Borchard

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Academic Library ◽

Arts And Crafts ◽

Content Type ◽

Staff Members ◽

Therapy Animals ◽

Final Exams ◽

The Usa ◽

Survey Results

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the outreach programming and support services offered at academic libraries during final exams week. The article discusses the need to provide this specialized programming, and its impact on the role of the librarian, and the use of library space. Design/methodology/approach – A 21-question online survey was sent to nine library listservs. Respondents were asked about their library’s planning, implementation and assessment of their programming. Participants described their library’s final exams week outreach activities and offerings. Findings – The survey garnered 279 responses. Nearly 40 per cent of respondents collaborate with campus and non-campus partners to provide programming. Most common offerings include extended library hours; therapy animals; as well as games; and arts and crafts. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents reported utilizing virtual media outlets for communication of final exams week events. Most common challenges included lack of funding and staffing issues. Practical implications – The survey results reflect the efforts of librarians and library staff members who are addressing the study break needs of students during the most stressful time in the semester. Originality/value – This paper provides an overview of academic library final exams week outreach initiatives and activities at institutions located in the USA and Canada.

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