Animal assisted interventions (AAI) are widely recognized for their benefits to humans, but what about the welfare and stress experienced by the animals involved? Although interest in this subject is increasing, the existing literature reveals inconsistencies, particularly between physiological indicators and observed behavioral responses. In this survey, which examines the opinions of 52 handlers, we explore the occurrence of acute stress and the potential for burnout in AAI, as well as the associated behavioural patterns. The results indicate that handlers possess skills in recognizing stress, and training should continue to provide tools for stress identification and ways to reduce stressful situations or remove animals from the setting. Acute stress appears to occur most frequently during AAA sessions with children, where unexpected events often trigger stress responses such as changes in posture, heightened alertness, and facial expressions.
{"title":"Stress and burnout in dogs involved in animal assisted interventions: A survey of Italian handlers’ opinion","authors":"Beatrice Chiara Cortesi , Clara Palestrini , Debra Buttram , Silvia Mazzola , Simona Cannas","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animal assisted interventions (AAI) are widely recognized for their benefits to humans, but what about the welfare and stress experienced by the animals involved? Although interest in this subject is increasing, the existing literature reveals inconsistencies, particularly between physiological indicators and observed behavioral responses. In this survey, which examines the opinions of 52 handlers, we explore the occurrence of acute stress and the potential for burnout in AAI, as well as the associated behavioural patterns. The results indicate that handlers possess skills in recognizing stress, and training should continue to provide tools for stress identification and ways to reduce stressful situations or remove animals from the setting. Acute stress appears to occur most frequently during AAA sessions with children, where unexpected events often trigger stress responses such as changes in posture, heightened alertness, and facial expressions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 63-69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009
Francisco José Fornari Sousa , Saulo Henrique Weber , Bianca Barbosa , Ruan Rolnei Daros , Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa , Pedro Vicente Michelotto
There is limited research on the profile and care of horses used in equine-assisted services (EAS), as well as the underlying causes of health issues in these animals. An online survey was sent to all 369 equine therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine Therapy between September and December 2022. The survey included questions on the EAS program (10), horse health management (10), and horse demographics (6). A total of 65 centers (17.6%) responded, representing 393 horses (6.0 ± 5.1 per center): 65.4% were castrated males, 32.8% mares, and 1.8% stallions, aged 6.3–22.5 years. The most common breeds were saddle horses (60%), Quarter Horses (31%), draft horses (4%), ponies (3%), and Thoroughbreds (2%). Of the horses, 43% were purchased for EAS, 41% were donated, and 15.4% were rented. Respondents reported moderate to weak correlations between back pain and front (P < 0.01, r = 0.511) and hind limb lameness (P < 0.01, r = 0.411), hoof abscess (P = 0.020, r = 0.256), hoof cracks (P = 0.033, r = 0.229), and mean age (P = 0.014, r = 0.271). A weak negative correlation was observed between back pain and the frequency of odontological care (P = 0.018, r = −0.261). This survey provides initial insights into the health and management of EAS horses in Brazil, identifying key areas for further investigation to improve welfare and practices.
关于马辅助服务（EAS）中使用的马的概况和护理以及这些动物健康问题的潜在原因的研究有限。在2022年9月至12月期间，向巴西马治疗协会附属的所有369个马治疗中心发送了一份在线调查。调查包括EAS计划（10）、马健康管理（10）和马人口统计(6)等问题。共有65个中心（17.6%）回应，代表393匹马（每中心6.0±5.1匹）：65.4%是阉割的公马，32.8%是母马，1.8%是种马，年龄在6.3-22.5岁之间。最常见的品种是马鞍马（60%），四分之一马（31%），牵马（4%），小马（3%）和纯种马（2%）。在马匹中，43%为EAS购买，41%为捐赠，15.4%为租用。受访者报告背部疼痛和前部疼痛之间存在中度至弱相关性(P <；0.01, r = 0.511)和后肢跛行(P <；0.01, r = 0.411)、蹄脓肿（P = 0.020, r = 0.256）、蹄裂（P = 0.033, r = 0.229）、平均年龄（P = 0.014, r = 0.271）。背部疼痛与牙科护理频率呈弱负相关（P = 0.018, r = - 0.261）。这项调查提供了对巴西EAS马的健康和管理的初步见解，确定了进一步调查的关键领域，以改善福利和做法。
{"title":"Exploring the profile, management, and care of horses in equine-assisted services in Brazil","authors":"Francisco José Fornari Sousa , Saulo Henrique Weber , Bianca Barbosa , Ruan Rolnei Daros , Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa , Pedro Vicente Michelotto","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is limited research on the profile and care of horses used in equine-assisted services (EAS), as well as the underlying causes of health issues in these animals. An online survey was sent to all 369 equine therapy centers affiliated with the Brazilian Association of Equine Therapy between September and December 2022. The survey included questions on the EAS program (10), horse health management (10), and horse demographics (6). A total of 65 centers (17.6%) responded, representing 393 horses (6.0 ± 5.1 per center): 65.4% were castrated males, 32.8% mares, and 1.8% stallions, aged 6.3–22.5 years. The most common breeds were saddle horses (60%), Quarter Horses (31%), draft horses (4%), ponies (3%), and Thoroughbreds (2%). Of the horses, 43% were purchased for EAS, 41% were donated, and 15.4% were rented. Respondents reported moderate to weak correlations between back pain and front (P < 0.01, r = 0.511) and hind limb lameness (P < 0.01, r = 0.411), hoof abscess (P = 0.020, r = 0.256), hoof cracks (P = 0.033, r = 0.229), and mean age (P = 0.014, r = 0.271). A weak negative correlation was observed between back pain and the frequency of odontological care (P = 0.018, r = −0.261). This survey provides initial insights into the health and management of EAS horses in Brazil, identifying key areas for further investigation to improve welfare and practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 70-77"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.03.001
Fiia Jokela
<div><div>A 29.5 kg, 2.25 year old, neutered, male, Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed dog presented for excessive spinning and tail chasing. These behaviors occurred exclusively indoors, only when people were present, with 4 different adopters, and in at least 6 different housing situations. The repetitive behaviors ranged from invariant spinning with no apparent function to more goal-directed tail chasing, the latter being the predominant behavior. Approximately 50% of the time, there was a notable trigger, but the other 50% of the time, the behavior appeared to start spontaneously without a discernable trigger.</div><div>Physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. A minimum diagnostic database, including a complete blood count, chemistry profile, total thyroxine level, and common tick-borne disease serology, did not reveal any abnormalities. Further diagnostic testing was recommended to rule out potential medical causes or contributors to the abnormal repetitive behavior (ARB). Additional testing recommendations included spinal and tail radiographs, a pain medication trial, and referral to a veterinary neurologist for advanced diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The clients declined further testing due to financial constraints.</div><div>The patient was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive/compulsive disorder (OCD/CD). Pharmaceutical options included pain and anxiolytic medication trials. The clients elected to initially treat the OCD/CD with anxiolytic medication, with a plan to add a pain medication trial if the response was minimal. Trazodone was chosen for its profile of fast calming and/or mildly sedative effects. Reducing the duration and frequency of the behavior quickly was important as the clients indicated they were contemplating rehoming or euthanizing the patient if improvement could not be promptly demonstrated. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is often used as a hypnotic and atypical anxiolytic medication. Two weeks after initiating trazodone, the clients reported a 25% reduction in the ARB frequency and intensity, with minimal to no sedation. The selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, was added because of its anti-anxiety and anti-obsessional/compulsive/anxiety effects.</div><div>Behavioral management strategies were also implemented, including avoiding aversive interactions, minimizing identified triggers of the behavior, and enhancing environmental enrichment to improve overall welfare. Behavior modification using treats and food toys was used to counter-condition the dog to triggers such as noises or stressful situations. The clients were advised to preempt the behavior by redirecting the dog to alternate, incompatible activities for which he was rewarded. If the behavior had already begun, the clients were instructed to ignore the behavior and calmly leave the room. If the dog stopped spinning or foll
{"title":"Reduction of repetitive tail chasing in a mixed breed dog using multimodal therapy","authors":"Fiia Jokela","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A 29.5 kg, 2.25 year old, neutered, male, Rhodesian Ridgeback crossbreed dog presented for excessive spinning and tail chasing. These behaviors occurred exclusively indoors, only when people were present, with 4 different adopters, and in at least 6 different housing situations. The repetitive behaviors ranged from invariant spinning with no apparent function to more goal-directed tail chasing, the latter being the predominant behavior. Approximately 50% of the time, there was a notable trigger, but the other 50% of the time, the behavior appeared to start spontaneously without a discernable trigger.</div><div>Physical and neurological examinations were unremarkable. A minimum diagnostic database, including a complete blood count, chemistry profile, total thyroxine level, and common tick-borne disease serology, did not reveal any abnormalities. Further diagnostic testing was recommended to rule out potential medical causes or contributors to the abnormal repetitive behavior (ARB). Additional testing recommendations included spinal and tail radiographs, a pain medication trial, and referral to a veterinary neurologist for advanced diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The clients declined further testing due to financial constraints.</div><div>The patient was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive/compulsive disorder (OCD/CD). Pharmaceutical options included pain and anxiolytic medication trials. The clients elected to initially treat the OCD/CD with anxiolytic medication, with a plan to add a pain medication trial if the response was minimal. Trazodone was chosen for its profile of fast calming and/or mildly sedative effects. Reducing the duration and frequency of the behavior quickly was important as the clients indicated they were contemplating rehoming or euthanizing the patient if improvement could not be promptly demonstrated. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is often used as a hypnotic and atypical anxiolytic medication. Two weeks after initiating trazodone, the clients reported a 25% reduction in the ARB frequency and intensity, with minimal to no sedation. The selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, was added because of its anti-anxiety and anti-obsessional/compulsive/anxiety effects.</div><div>Behavioral management strategies were also implemented, including avoiding aversive interactions, minimizing identified triggers of the behavior, and enhancing environmental enrichment to improve overall welfare. Behavior modification using treats and food toys was used to counter-condition the dog to triggers such as noises or stressful situations. The clients were advised to preempt the behavior by redirecting the dog to alternate, incompatible activities for which he was rewarded. If the behavior had already begun, the clients were instructed to ignore the behavior and calmly leave the room. If the dog stopped spinning or foll","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 106-112"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/S1558-7878(25)00033-4
{"title":"Editorial Board/Table of Contents","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1558-7878(25)00033-4","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1558-7878(25)00033-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages ii-iii"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143927643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001
Maíra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank , Maria João Ramos Pereira , Stela Maris de Jezus Castro , Kevin Gomes , Flávia Pereira Tirelli
Domestic cats (Felis catus) living indoors need a series of resources that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a similar way to how they would in the wild environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the routine of many people and their pets, which can affect the environment and well-being of domestic cats and generate changes in their behavior and Body Condition Score (BCS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown and social interaction between cats and their owners on the environment, behavior, BCS and welfare of domestic cats and compare these variables in three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (pre-pandemic - confinement - post-confinement). To this end, a questionnaire was developed for cat caregivers and information was collected from 1064 cats, following the pandemic, of which 873 met the selection criteria and were included in the analyses. Three scores were used to assess the cats' environment, behavior and body condition (the Environment Score, Behavior Score and Body Condition Score [BCS]), the first two of which were developed during this study. As expected, the cats' environment varied between the three periods, indicating an improvement in the Environmental Score over time. We also found variations in the Behavioral Score, which was higher in the period before the pandemic when compared to the following two periods, indicating an increase in the frequency of some behavioral problems, such as restlessness. We observed a reduction in overweighted cats (BCS 4 or 5) associated to free access to the outdoors and more physical activities. During confinement, cats spent more time with their owners, which was the main change in routine observed in our study. However, cats that spent more time alone had lower Environmental Score. We also observed an increase in the cats’ BCS (number of overweight cats) during and after confinement, as well as an increase in attention-seeking behavior. In summary, we found variations in the environment, routine and some behaviors exhibited by cats, as well as in their BCS, when comparing the three periods. Our study adds new insights into how changes in routine and the increased presence of caregivers can affect the environment, behavior and body condition of cats, and shows how a population of cats responded to these changes arising from the three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
{"title":"Before, during and after the pandemic: Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on the welfare, behavior and body condition of domestic cats (Felis catus)","authors":"Maíra Ingrit Gestrich-Frank , Maria João Ramos Pereira , Stela Maris de Jezus Castro , Kevin Gomes , Flávia Pereira Tirelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) living indoors need a series of resources that allow them to express their natural behaviors in a similar way to how they would in the wild environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the routine of many people and their pets, which can affect the environment and well-being of domestic cats and generate changes in their behavior and Body Condition Score (BCS). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the lockdown and social interaction between cats and their owners on the environment, behavior, BCS and welfare of domestic cats and compare these variables in three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil (pre-pandemic - confinement - post-confinement). To this end, a questionnaire was developed for cat caregivers and information was collected from 1064 cats, following the pandemic, of which 873 met the selection criteria and were included in the analyses. Three scores were used to assess the cats' environment, behavior and body condition (the Environment Score, Behavior Score and Body Condition Score [BCS]), the first two of which were developed during this study. As expected, the cats' environment varied between the three periods, indicating an improvement in the Environmental Score over time. We also found variations in the Behavioral Score, which was higher in the period before the pandemic when compared to the following two periods, indicating an increase in the frequency of some behavioral problems, such as restlessness. We observed a reduction in overweighted cats (BCS 4 or 5) associated to free access to the outdoors and more physical activities. During confinement, cats spent more time with their owners, which was the main change in routine observed in our study. However, cats that spent more time alone had lower Environmental Score. We also observed an increase in the cats’ BCS (number of overweight cats) during and after confinement, as well as an increase in attention-seeking behavior. In summary, we found variations in the environment, routine and some behaviors exhibited by cats, as well as in their BCS, when comparing the three periods. Our study adds new insights into how changes in routine and the increased presence of caregivers can affect the environment, behavior and body condition of cats, and shows how a population of cats responded to these changes arising from the three periods related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 45-56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.003
Karen L. Overall
{"title":"When things are not as they seem: Behavioral presentations of medical issues and temperament measures","authors":"Karen L. Overall","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Page A1"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143927644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a lower urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of our study was to detect potential associations between behavioral parameters and recurrence rates in cats diagnosed with FIC. Our main hypothesis was that anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. For this retrospective study, we recruited cats diagnosed with FIC who presented to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) from March 2019 to February 2022. Cats with concurrent systemic diseases or with any other condition that could explain the urinary signs were excluded. Cat owners were sent an online survey to collect data on their cat’s behavioral parameters, potential recurrences, and whether they complied or not with provided environmental recommendations. Thirty-three surveys from 23 neutered male and 10 spayed female feline patients were received and analyzed. We found a significant association between fear of unfamiliar people and recurrence of FIC: 94% of cats who had recurrences were reported by their owners to show fear of strangers had recurrences compared to 59% of cats in the single episode group (P=0.04). Cats with reported fearful behavior in the presence of familiar people also tended to be overrepresented in the group with recurrences (P=0.08). Factors that did not differ between the two groups include displaying aggression towards humans and other animals, being a victim of aggression, displaying urine marking, owner compliance with the prescribed environmental modifications (P>0.05). Identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed.
{"title":"Association between behavioral factors and recurrence rate in cats with feline \"idiopathic\" cystitis","authors":"Marianne Caudron , Pascale Laroche , Isabelle Bazin , Marion Desmarchelier","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is a lower urinary tract disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of our study was to detect potential associations between behavioral parameters and recurrence rates in cats diagnosed with FIC. Our main hypothesis was that anxiety-related behaviors could be overrepresented in cats that will experience a recurrence, compared to cats with a single episode. For this retrospective study, we recruited cats diagnosed with FIC who presented to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV) from March 2019 to February 2022. Cats with concurrent systemic diseases or with any other condition that could explain the urinary signs were excluded. Cat owners were sent an online survey to collect data on their cat’s behavioral parameters, potential recurrences, and whether they complied or not with provided environmental recommendations. Thirty-three surveys from 23 neutered male and 10 spayed female feline patients were received and analyzed. We found a significant association between fear of unfamiliar people and recurrence of FIC: 94% of cats who had recurrences were reported by their owners to show fear of strangers had recurrences compared to 59% of cats in the single episode group (P=0.04). Cats with reported fearful behavior in the presence of familiar people also tended to be overrepresented in the group with recurrences (P=0.08). Factors that did not differ between the two groups include displaying aggression towards humans and other animals, being a victim of aggression, displaying urine marking, owner compliance with the prescribed environmental modifications (P>0.05). Identifying cats with fear and anxiety-related problems and treating them may help decrease the recurrence rate of FIC and may decrease associated mortality. Further larger scale prospective studies are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 90-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143548358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.010
Kuan Hua Khor , Kuan Siew Khor , Chun Hoong Choong , Hor Yan Chee , Norhidayah Noordin
Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an incurable, progressive disease and requires long-term medical attention. However, factors that affect owners’ intention to treat their pets are unknown. This study conducted a quantitative survey to determine cat owners' awareness of CKD, and barriers they experienced in seeking treatment. It also investigated the predictors of cat owners’ intention to treat if their cats are diagnosed with CKD. Based on the theory of planned behavior, an online questionnaire was generated and distributed via a convenient sampling approach, using social media platforms, and sending invitations via e-mail to cat owners. A total of 300 respondents were recruited. Most respondents (86.3 %) were aware that cats are susceptible to CKD, and the main barrier in seeking treatment for CKD was cost-related (70.4 %). All three significant TPB items, namely attitude (β = 0.379, p < 0.01), subjective norms (β = 0.147, p < 0.05), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.348, p < 0.01) of the cat owners are significant predictors towards intention to treat cats with CKD. Additionally, the results showed that anticipated regret (β = 0.522, p < 0.01) and empathic concern (β = 0.125, p < 0.05) positively influence cat owners' attitudes toward treatment. This study also identified that the veterinarian plays a vital role, as 98 % of the respondents agreed that approval from a veterinarian is essential when seeking treatment for their cats. Therefore, improved veterinarian-client communication would provide better motivational support towards the intention to treat, aiming to improve the quality of life in affected cats. However, further study is necessary to investigate factors affecting the manifestation of the intention into behavior, i.e. deciding to treat.
{"title":"Cat owners’ perception towards feline chronic kidney disease: A behavioral study","authors":"Kuan Hua Khor , Kuan Siew Khor , Chun Hoong Choong , Hor Yan Chee , Norhidayah Noordin","doi":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an incurable, progressive disease and requires long-term medical attention. However, factors that affect owners’ intention to treat their pets are unknown. This study conducted a quantitative survey to determine cat owners' awareness of CKD, and barriers they experienced in seeking treatment. It also investigated the predictors of cat owners’ intention to treat if their cats are diagnosed with CKD. Based on the theory of planned behavior, an online questionnaire was generated and distributed via a convenient sampling approach, using social media platforms, and sending invitations via e-mail to cat owners. A total of 300 respondents were recruited. Most respondents (86.3 %) were aware that cats are susceptible to CKD, and the main barrier in seeking treatment for CKD was cost-related (70.4 %). All three significant TPB items, namely attitude (β = 0.379, p < 0.01), subjective norms (β = 0.147, p < 0.05), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.348, p < 0.01) of the cat owners are significant predictors towards intention to treat cats with CKD. Additionally, the results showed that anticipated regret (β = 0.522, p < 0.01) and empathic concern (β = 0.125, p < 0.05) positively influence cat owners' attitudes toward treatment. This study also identified that the veterinarian plays a vital role, as 98 % of the respondents agreed that approval from a veterinarian is essential when seeking treatment for their cats. Therefore, improved veterinarian-client communication would provide better motivational support towards the intention to treat, aiming to improve the quality of life in affected cats. However, further study is necessary to investigate factors affecting the manifestation of the intention into behavior, i.e. deciding to treat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17567,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Behavior-clinical Applications and Research","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 97-105"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143563649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.011
Anne Dorthe Nygaard Sødal Tygesen , Björn Forkman , Peer Berg
The aim of this study is to describe personality traits in eight dog breeds using the Behaviour and Personality Description in Dogs (BPH) test, and subsequently to assess their heritability. The study population comprises 7425 individual dogs across eight different breeds. Factor analysis was used to identify five fundamental behavioral traits: 1) Playful behavior; 2) Flight and distancing behavior; 3) Sociality; 4) Socially threatening and fearful behavior; 5) Submissive behavior. The genetic analysis used the five identified phenotypic behavioral traits and the pedigree data recorded in the Swedish Kennel Club’s database for each of the eight breeds. Complete pedigree information was available for between 1514 and 8916 individuals. A mixed linear model was used to calculate the heritability estimates of the traits for each of the breeds. The research explores breed differences, revealing unique profiles for each breed while emphasising substantial within-breed variability. Behavioral genetics analysis indicates low to intermediate heritabilities, suggesting a genetic influence on these traits. In addition, the study highlights the effect of environmental factors—particularly test day—on canine behavior. There was a general lack of pattern in heritability estimates within each of the breed groups and when considering the breeds individually. High heritability values were found for factors 2 and 3 (Flight/distancing behavior and Sociality) in some breeds, but factor 3 was also associated with some of the lowest values. The most consistent trait was factor 2 (Flight and distancing behavior), hence it has the highest average estimate. Heritability can offer useful insights into the breeding potential for desired traits, such as sociability, playfulness and reduced aggression in animals. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of canine behavior, offering valuable implications for breeding practices, training and understanding the diverse behavioral landscapes within and between dog breeds.
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This study examines the behavioral adaptations of Gaddi goats (Capra hircus) managed under transhumant pastoralism in the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Seasonal migrations by Gaddi pastoralists align with reproductive cycles and forage availability. The objective was to explore how seasonal migrations and traditional pastoral decisions align with key reproductive stages—mid-pregnancy (MP), post-kidding (PK), and mid-lactation (ML)—to optimize resource utilization and ensure goat welfare. Behavioral patterns were documented across three altitudinal zones: high hills (>1800 m), mid hills (651–1800 m), and low hills (350–650 m). Observations were conducted on four flocks (n=248±15.1) along two migratory routes, documenting behaviors over 8-h grazing periods using focal sampling and video recordings. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in SPSS. Results showed total feeding time was highest (P<0.05) during ML (58.77%) compared to PK (56.33%) and MP (54.58%). Browsing time peaked during ML (45.87%), while grazing was most prominent during MP (46.18%). Standing time was significantly higher (P<0.05) at MP and PK compared to ML, with no significant differences in walking, ruminating, or lying. Bipedal stance and object grooming were highest during ML, while self-grooming was most frequent post-kidding. The findings highlight how pastoral decisions align with the physiological needs of Gaddi goats, enhancing their adaptability, resource utilization, and welfare. Behavioral observations validate traditional transhumant practices and suggest pathways for optimizing livestock management in mountainous terrains.n
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