Veterinary Record最新文献

Background: Miscarriage, infertility and assisted fertility (MIAF) can profoundly impact physical and mental health. The aims of this study were to investigate how veterinary professionals' work environments and employers impacted their experiences of MIAF and to identify how workplace experiences of MIAF could be improved.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey collected anonymous responses from UK-based veterinary professionals of any gender who had experienced MIAF. The quantitative data were statistically analysed, and the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Results: Five hundred twenty-five veterinary professionals described 671 self-defined MIAF experiences. Over one-fifth (22.2%) left or considered leaving their job due to their workplace's management of their MIAF. Undergoing assisted fertility and informing management of MIAF were significantly associated with intent to leave; conversely, any workplace support received improved retention. Key challenges identified by thematic analysis included taking time off from work, aspects of the clinical caseload and reactions of colleagues. The respondents recommended better workplace policies, more paid leave and improved education on MIAF impacts.

Limitations: Few men participated, so their experiences are underrepresented.

Conclusions: Workplace management of MIAF experiences can negatively impact veterinary professionals' mental health and careers. We identify several potential routes for improvement.

Background: Laparoscopic intrauterine artificial insemination (Lap-AI) is used in sheep genetic improvement programmes. However, the lambing rate (LR) (i.e., the proportion of inseminated ewes that lamb) following Lap-AI is variable. Previously, one small UK study investigated factors associated with LR, but it did not adjust for dependencies or confounding in the data.

Methods: Data were collected from 11,493 Lap-AIs carried out commercially in Southwest England and Wales between 1995 and 2005. Multilevel multivariable analyses were then used to identify factors associated with LR.

Results: The mean unadjusted average LR was 71%. However, ewes inseminated with fresh semen on days when the maximum ambient temperature (MAT°C) was lower than 25°C had a higher LR (adjusted LR ∼78%; OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30-1.77) than ewes inseminated with frozen semen (adjusted LR ~70%). LRs were lower on days when MAT°C was ≥25°C (adjusted LRs: fresh ~64%; frozen ~65%). LR decreased as the time between sponge removal and insemination increased (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01‒0.87) and varied between months and years.

Limitations: Due to the design of the study, individual ewe- and ram-level factors could not be investigated. Furthermore, some breeds were less well represented, which hindered breed-level analysis.

Conclusion: Keeping ewes and rams cool on the day of insemination and inseminating ewes earlier after sponge removal may improve LR.

Background: This study aimed to characterise the normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the feline eye and establish reference ranges.

Methods: Medical records of cats that underwent MRI of the head between 2022 and 2023 were reviewed. Patients with any ocular and/or orbital abnormalities were excluded. Measurements were performed from the T1-weighted volumetric sequence.

Results: Forty-six cats (89 eyes) were included, with a mean age at presentation of 7.5 years. Domestic shorthair was overrepresented (82%). Median axial globe length was 2.13 cm and median equatorial globe width was 2.01 cm. Median anterior chamber depth and mean vitreous chamber depth were 0.47 and 0.79 cm (±0.05 cm), respectively. Median axial lens length was 0.86 cm and median equatorial lens width was 1.33 cm. The median width of the optic nerve was 0.16 cm and the mean width of the entire optic nerve sheath was 0.45 cm (±0.05 cm). Weak positive relationships were statistically noted between skull width and axial globe length, equatorial globe width and anterior chamber depth. No associations were found between all parameters and age, weight or sex.

Limitations: Main limitations include retrospective nature, single observer and overrepresentation of domestic shorthair cats.

Conclusion: This study establishes normative values of feline ocular structures on T1-weighted volumetric MRI sequence. Some measurements of globe dimensions vary with skull size.