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  1. Article ; Online: The effect of piling behavior on the production and mortality of free-range laying hens

    Armstrong, David / Asher, Lucy / Rayner, Ann / Ngidda, Halima / Sharma, Bryony / Gray, Helen

    Poultry Science. 2023 Oct., v. 102, no. 10, p. 102989

    2023  , Page(s) 102989

    Abstract: Piling, a dense cluster of hens, is a behavior of major concern to the cage-free egg industry. It can cause large numbers of mortalities at which point it is considered smothering. The aim of this study was to quantify whether piling can also have ... ...

    Abstract Piling, a dense cluster of hens, is a behavior of major concern to the cage-free egg industry. It can cause large numbers of mortalities at which point it is considered smothering. The aim of this study was to quantify whether piling can also have consequences on production and non-smothering mortalities, which haven't previously been described. Additionally, we aimed to describe characteristics of piling behavior useful for management. Video footage from 12 flocks of laying hens was analysed for piling behavior across 3 weeks. Production and mortality data was accessed using an integrated online management system. Bayesian linear mixed-effect models were used for formal statistical testing of the relationships between piling and production. Accounting for some missing data, a total of 252 days amounting to approximately 15,624 hours were analysed for the presence or absence of piling behavior, which we believe constitutes the largest analysis of piling behavior in the scientific literature to date. All flocks observed exhibited piling behavior even if they had no history of smothering. On average, flocks piled more than 4 times per day for around 44 minutes per event and the peak piling time occurred between 1300-1359. We found that the number of piling events was associated with a reduction in the number of eggs produced the next day; based on the average of 4 piles per day this amounted to 7.35 fewer eggs per 1000 birds per day. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found total piling duration per day was positively associated with fewer Grade B eggs, with a decrease of 0.74 Grade B eggs for every hour of piling per day. No relationship was observed between piling and mortality not attributed to smothering. We discuss possible causes and explanations for these results including birds’ response to stress, crowd dynamics, and daily rhythms. Here we show the potential for piling behavior to have sub-lethal consequences on production even in the absence of smothering-related deaths.
    Keywords Bayesian theory ; egg industry ; management systems ; mortality ; poultry science ; stress response ; smothering ; chicken ; crowding ; welfare ; egg
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2023-0805
    Size p. 102989
    Publishing place Elsevier Inc.
    Document type Article ; Online
    Note Pre-press version
    ZDB-ID 242586-5
    ISSN 1525-3171 ; 0032-5791
    ISSN (online) 1525-3171
    ISSN 0032-5791
    DOI 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102989
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  2. Article ; Online: The effect of piling behavior on the production and mortality of free-range laying hens.

    Armstrong, David / Asher, Lucy / Rayner, Ann / Ngidda, Halima / Sharma, Bryony / Gray, Helen

    Poultry science

    2023  Volume 102, Issue 10, Page(s) 102989

    Abstract: Piling, a dense cluster of hens, is a behavior of major concern to the cage-free egg industry. It can cause large numbers of mortalities at which point it is considered smothering. The aim of this study was to quantify whether piling can also have ... ...

    Abstract Piling, a dense cluster of hens, is a behavior of major concern to the cage-free egg industry. It can cause large numbers of mortalities at which point it is considered smothering. The aim of this study was to quantify whether piling can also have consequences on production and non-smothering mortalities, which have not previously been described. Additionally, we aimed to describe characteristics of piling behavior relevant to for management. Video footage from 12 flocks of laying hens was analyzed for piling behavior across 3 wks. Production and mortality data were accessed using an integrated online management system. Bayesian linear mixed-effect models were used for formal statistical testing of the relationships between piling and production. Accounting for some missing data, a total of 252 d amounting to approximately 15,624 h were analyzed for the presence or absence of piling behavior, which we believe constitutes the largest analysis of piling behavior in the scientific literature to date. All flocks observed exhibited piling behavior even if they had no history of smothering. On average, flocks piled more than 4 times per day for around 44 min per event and the peak piling time occurred between 1300 and 1359. We found that the number of piling events was associated with a reduction in the number of eggs produced the next day; based on the average of 4 piles per day this amounted to 7.35 fewer eggs per 1,000 birds per day. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found total piling duration per day was positively associated with fewer Grade B eggs, with a decrease of 0.74 Grade B eggs for every hour of piling per day. No relationship was observed between piling and mortality not attributed to smothering. We discuss possible causes and explanations for these results including birds' response to stress, crowd dynamics, and daily rhythms. Here we show the potential for piling behavior to have sublethal consequences on production even in the absence of smothering-related deaths.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Female ; Chickens/physiology ; Bayes Theorem ; Housing, Animal ; Ovum ; Crowding ; Animal Husbandry/methods
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-08-05
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 242586-5
    ISSN 1525-3171 ; 0032-5791
    ISSN (online) 1525-3171
    ISSN 0032-5791
    DOI 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102989
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  3. Article: The effect of supplementary ultraviolet wavelengths on the performance of broiler chickens

    James, Charlotte / Wiseman, Julian / Asher, Lucy

    Poultry science. 2020 Nov., v. 99, no. 11

    2020  

    Abstract: Qualities of the light environment, such as the spectral composition of light, have been shown to impact growth and performance of broiler chickens. UVA light is visible to broiler chickens, whereas UVB wavelengths promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis, ...

    Abstract Qualities of the light environment, such as the spectral composition of light, have been shown to impact growth and performance of broiler chickens. UVA light is visible to broiler chickens, whereas UVB wavelengths promote endogenous vitamin D synthesis, which could support their rapid development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impacts of supplementary UVA and UVB wavelengths on performance indicators of broiler chickens.Day-old Ross 308 chicks (n = 638), reared to a target stocking density of 33 kg/m², were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 lighting treatments: A) White light emitting diode (LED) and supplementary UVA LED lighting (18-h photoperiod); B) White LED with supplementary UVA and UVB fluorescent lighting providing 30 μW/cm² UVB at bird level (lights on for 8 h of the total photoperiod to avoid overexposure of UVB); and C) White LED control group, representative of farm conditions (18-h photoperiod).Mortality was recorded, and broiler chickens were individually weighed at 8, 15, 22, 27, and 34 D of age. Generalized linear models and nonlinear mixed effects models (Gompertz curve) were fitted to determine the effects of UV wavelengths on broiler mortality and growth performance.UV did not impact breast or leg weight of broiler chickens but was associated with differences in mortality, growth, and end weight. Broiler chickens provided with UVA for the full 18-h photoperiod had slower initial growth than control broilers and a reduction in mortality. Results from male broilers reared with supplementary UVA + UVB for 8 h indicated they could reach finishing weights sooner than controls, which supports the potential for UVA + B to improve the growth performance of males.Results suggest that the provision of supplementary UVA + UVB wavelengths may improve the performance of male broiler chickens. The reduction in mortality in the UVA only treatment may warrant further investigation. The inclusion of UV wavelengths within poultry lighting regimes represents a promising area of further study.
    Keywords animal performance ; breasts ; broiler chickens ; chicks ; farms ; finishing ; fluorescent lighting ; growth performance ; light emitting diodes ; linear models ; males ; mortality ; nonlinear mixed effects models ; rearing ; stocking rate ; ultraviolet radiation ; vitamin D ; wavelengths ; white light
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-11
    Size p. 5517-5525.
    Publishing place Elsevier Inc.
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 242586-5
    ISSN 1525-3171 ; 0032-5791
    ISSN (online) 1525-3171
    ISSN 0032-5791
    DOI 10.1016/j.psj.2020.07.018
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  4. Article: Slower, shorter, sadder: a qualitative study exploring how dog walks change when the canine participant develops osteoarthritis

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    BMC veterinary research. 2020 Dec., v. 16, no. 1

    2020  

    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs ... ...

    Abstract BACKGROUND: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. The current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of canine osteoarthritis on dog walking activity. METHODS: Owners of dogs with osteoarthritis living in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices for semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Participants were asked to reflect on walks that they had taken with their dog before he/she developed osteoarthritis, and to describe how those walks had changed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. RESULTS: Forty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Prior to their dog’s development of osteoarthritis, dog walking distance, speed and location were usually decided by the owner to satisfy the needs and enjoyment of dog and walker. A diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis led to both dogs and their owners altering the walks undertaken. Walks were typically slower, shorter and limited to locations where physical infrastructure, underfoot surface and gradients were perceived by the owner to be navigable by their dog. Most owners did not go on additional walks without their dog due to feelings of guilt and because walking without a dog was less enjoyable. Many owners described negative effects on their own physical health and diminished enjoyment of walking as a result of their dog’s condition. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that osteoarthritic dogs may reduce the walking exercise their owners are able or willing to undertake. Since osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, this is an important finding for those advocating dog ownership as a positive public health intervention. Strategies may be needed to ensure that owners of dogs that develop physical incapacities can continue to enjoy the health benefits they previously associated with dog walking. Future studies investigating dog walking activity should ensure that the health status of the dog has been considered.
    Keywords animal health ; dogs ; exercise ; human-animal relations ; interviews ; mental health ; osteoarthritis ; pet ownership ; physical health ; walking ; United Kingdom
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-12
    Size p. 85.
    Publishing place BioMed Central
    Document type Article
    Note golden set
    ISSN 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-020-02293-8
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  5. Article: “You can be blind because of loving them so much”: the impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    BMC veterinary research. 2020 Dec., v. 16, no. 1

    2020  

    Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner’s quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis ...

    Abstract BACKGROUND: There is growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner’s quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis is known to negatively affect the welfare of many dogs in the United Kingdom, but its consequences for their owners has not previously been described. The aim of this study was to use a qualitative methodology to explore the impacts on a dog owner that occur following their dog’s diagnosis with osteoarthritis. Owners of osteoarthritic dogs based in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices to participate in semi-structured interview about life with their dog. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. This publication describes the theme that focused on the impact(s) that the dog’s condition had had on the life of their owner. RESULTS: Forty owners of 35 dogs of a range of breeds and ages were interviewed. A wide range of negative impacts on the physical, mental and financial health of owners were described. Few had any prior experience of canine osteoarthritis, and owners of young dogs appeared to be particularly affected by the diagnosis. Owners detailed increasing worry over time about their pet’s condition, frequently combined with a growing need to physically assist their dog. Sometimes this led them to seek information about, and purchase, adjunctive therapies and products. The dog’s reduced mobility and need for medications progressively limited their own lifestyles and ability to have time away from their pet. Owners typically described a strong bond with their dog as a motivator to provide ongoing care. CONCLUSIONS: The negative impacts on owners of caring for an osteoarthritic dog appear multi-faceted and may be sustained over many years, particularly if the dog is young at diagnosis. Owners may be highly motivated to improve their dog’s mobility and to reduce the impact the condition has on their own lives, yet they may be unsure how to achieve this. Veterinary professionals should inform and support these owners as much as possible.
    Keywords breeds ; dogs ; information ; interviews ; lifestyle ; orthopedics ; osteoarthritis ; pet ownership ; pets ; professionals ; psychological stress ; quality of life ; research ; veterinary clinics ; United Kingdom
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-12
    Size p. 190.
    Publishing place BioMed Central
    Document type Article
    Note NAL-light
    ISSN 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-020-02404-5
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  6. Article: Slower, shorter, sadder: a qualitative study exploring how dog walks change when the canine participant develops osteoarthritis

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    BMC veterinary research. 2020 Dec., v. 16, no. 1

    2020  

    Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs ... ...

    Abstract BACKGROUND: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. The current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of canine osteoarthritis on dog walking activity. METHODS: Owners of dogs with osteoarthritis living in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices for semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Participants were asked to reflect on walks that they had taken with their dog before he/she developed osteoarthritis, and to describe how those walks had changed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. RESULTS: Forty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Prior to their dog’s development of osteoarthritis, dog walking distance, speed and location were usually decided by the owner to satisfy the needs and enjoyment of dog and walker. A diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis led to both dogs and their owners altering the walks undertaken. Walks were typically slower, shorter and limited to locations where physical infrastructure, underfoot surface and gradients were perceived by the owner to be navigable by their dog. Most owners did not go on additional walks without their dog due to feelings of guilt and because walking without a dog was less enjoyable. Many owners described negative effects on their own physical health and diminished enjoyment of walking as a result of their dog’s condition. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that osteoarthritic dogs may reduce the walking exercise their owners are able or willing to undertake. Since osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, this is an important finding for those advocating dog ownership as a positive public health intervention. Strategies may be needed to ensure that owners of dogs that develop physical incapacities can continue to enjoy the health benefits they previously associated with dog walking. Future studies investigating dog walking activity should ensure that the health status of the dog has been considered.
    Keywords dogs ; exercise ; health status ; infrastructure ; interviews ; mental health ; osteoarthritis ; pet ownership ; public health ; veterinary clinics ; walking ; United Kingdom
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-12
    Size p. 85.
    Publishing place BioMed Central
    Document type Article
    ISSN 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-020-02293-8
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  7. Article: Could it be osteoarthritis? How dog owners and veterinary surgeons describe identifying canine osteoarthritis in a general practice setting

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    Preventive veterinary medicine. 2020 Dec., v. 185

    2020  

    Abstract: Canine osteoarthritis is a common, painful condition that is typically managed in a general practice setting. Osteoarthritis may have significant negative impacts on the welfare of both dogs and their owners. Anticipated early clinical signs of canine ... ...

    Abstract Canine osteoarthritis is a common, painful condition that is typically managed in a general practice setting. Osteoarthritis may have significant negative impacts on the welfare of both dogs and their owners. Anticipated early clinical signs of canine osteoarthritis and the preferred route to its diagnosis are well described by veterinary subject experts in published literature. However, little is known about changes owners first recognise in a dog ultimately diagnosed with osteoarthritis, how they make decisions about when to present that dog to a general practitioner, or whether the described diagnostic pathways are followed by general practitioners. The aim of this research was to investigate how dog owners and veterinary surgeons describe identifying and diagnosing canine osteoarthritis.Owners of osteoarthritic dogs were recruited for semi-structured interview, and veterinary surgeons working in general practice were invited to take part in practice-based focus groups. Transcripts from both datasets were thematically analysed using a contextualist epistemology with an ontology based on critical realism to construct convergent themes from latent and semantic codes. Thirty-two interviews were completed with 40 owners from 32 households who discussed 35 dogs with osteoarthritis, and 26 veterinary surgeons engaged in four practice-based focus groups.Owners described identifying a wide range of acute and chronic, typically subtle and intermittent, behavioural and demeanour changes prior to their dogs’ osteoarthritis diagnosis. Few attributed these changes to canine osteoarthritis, and some waited many months before presenting their dog to a veterinary practice. Veterinary surgeons described a consistent ‘typical osteoarthritis’ presentation that they recognised through history taking and clinical examination. Their diagnostic work-up rarely followed that advocated by subject experts for reasons including lack of time and perceptions that it would not change the outcome. Many veterinary surgeons described frustration that some owners did not accept their recommendations to provide analgesia for affected dogs. Short consultation lengths, poor awareness of owner knowledge levels, and lack of recognition of the importance of owners’ prior knowledge, beliefs and assumptions may contribute to these consultations being perceived as challenging by some veterinary surgeons and owners.This research demonstrates that veterinary surgeons and owners want dogs with clinical signs of osteoarthritis to be happy and comfortable, but that ineffective communication and lack of trust in the consulting room may be a barrier. Our data identifies many new avenues for future research and improved communication strategies that could facilitate earlier identification and treatment of canine osteoarthritis in general practice.
    Keywords analgesia ; clinical examination ; decision making ; dogs ; experts ; focus groups ; general practitioners ; households ; interviews ; osteoarthritis ; pet ownership ; signs and symptoms (animals and humans) ; veterinarians ; veterinary clinics
    Language English
    Dates of publication 2020-12
    Publishing place Elsevier B.V.
    Document type Article
    ZDB-ID 43399-8
    ISSN 1873-1716 ; 0167-5877
    ISSN (online) 1873-1716
    ISSN 0167-5877
    DOI 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105198
    Database NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

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  8. Article: Doing nothing and what it looks like: inactivity in fattening cattle.

    Hintze, Sara / Maulbetsch, Freija / Asher, Lucy / Winckler, Christoph

    PeerJ

    2020  Volume 8, Page(s) e9395

    Abstract: Background: Animals kept in barren environments often show increased levels of inactivity and first studies indicate that inactive behaviour may reflect boredom or depression-like states. However, to date, knowledge of what inactivity looks like in ... ...

    Abstract Background: Animals kept in barren environments often show increased levels of inactivity and first studies indicate that inactive behaviour may reflect boredom or depression-like states. However, to date, knowledge of what inactivity looks like in different species is scarce and methods to precisely describe and analyse inactive behaviour are thus warranted.
    Methods: We developed an Inactivity Ethogram including detailed information on the postures of different body parts (Standing/Lying, Head, Ears, Eyes, Tail) for fattening cattle, a farm animal category often kept in barren environments. The Inactivity Ethogram was applied to Austrian Fleckvieh heifers kept in intensive, semi-intensive and pasture-based husbandry systems to record inactive behaviour in a range of different contexts. Three farms per husbandry system were visited twice; once in the morning and once in the afternoon to cover most of the daylight hours. During each visit, 16 focal animals were continuously observed for 15 minutes each (96 heifers per husbandry system, 288 in total). Moreover, the focal animals' groups were video recorded to later determine inactivity on the group level. Since our study was explorative in nature, we refrained from statistical hypothesis testing, but analysed both the individual- and group-level data descriptively. Moreover, simultaneous occurrences of postures of different body parts (Standing/Lying, Head, Ears and Eyes) were analysed using the machine learning algorithm cspade to provide insight into co-occurring postures of inactivity.
    Results: Inspection of graphs indicated that with increasing intensity of the husbandry system, more animals were inactive (group-level data) and the time the focal animals were inactive increased (individual-level data). Frequently co-occurring postures were generally similar between husbandry systems, but with subtle differences. The most frequently observed combination on farms with intensive and semi-intensive systems was lying with head up, ears backwards and eyes open whereas on pasture it was standing with head up, ears forwards and eyes open.
    Conclusion: Our study is the first to explore inactive behaviour in cattle by applying a detailed description of postures from an Inactivity Ethogram and by using the machine learning algorithm cspade to identify frequently co-occurring posture combinations. Both the ethogram created in this study and the cspade algorithm may be valuable tools in future studies aiming to better understand different forms of inactivity and how they are associated with different affective states.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-07-21
    Publishing country United States
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2703241-3
    ISSN 2167-8359
    ISSN 2167-8359
    DOI 10.7717/peerj.9395
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  9. Article ; Online: Slower, shorter, sadder: a qualitative study exploring how dog walks change when the canine participant develops osteoarthritis.

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    BMC veterinary research

    2020  Volume 16, Issue 1, Page(s) 85

    Abstract: Background: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs ... ...

    Abstract Background: Dog walking may have multiple physical and mental health advantages, but not all dog owners appear to benefit. Dog health is a described barrier to dog walking activity, but specific causes and impacts of reduced exercise in owners of dogs with health problems have not previously been reported. The current study used a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of canine osteoarthritis on dog walking activity.
    Methods: Owners of dogs with osteoarthritis living in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices for semi-structured interview about life with an osteoarthritic dog. Participants were asked to reflect on walks that they had taken with their dog before he/she developed osteoarthritis, and to describe how those walks had changed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes.
    Results: Forty owners of 35 osteoarthritic dogs were interviewed. Prior to their dog's development of osteoarthritis, dog walking distance, speed and location were usually decided by the owner to satisfy the needs and enjoyment of dog and walker. A diagnosis of canine osteoarthritis led to both dogs and their owners altering the walks undertaken. Walks were typically slower, shorter and limited to locations where physical infrastructure, underfoot surface and gradients were perceived by the owner to be navigable by their dog. Most owners did not go on additional walks without their dog due to feelings of guilt and because walking without a dog was less enjoyable. Many owners described negative effects on their own physical health and diminished enjoyment of walking as a result of their dog's condition.
    Conclusion: Our research suggests that osteoarthritic dogs may reduce the walking exercise their owners are able or willing to undertake. Since osteoarthritis is a common condition in older dogs, this is an important finding for those advocating dog ownership as a positive public health intervention. Strategies may be needed to ensure that owners of dogs that develop physical incapacities can continue to enjoy the health benefits they previously associated with dog walking. Future studies investigating dog walking activity should ensure that the health status of the dog has been considered.
    MeSH term(s) Animals ; Bonding, Human-Pet ; Dog Diseases ; Dogs ; Female ; Focus Groups ; Humans ; Leisure Activities ; Male ; Osteoarthritis/veterinary ; Ownership ; Pets/psychology ; Qualitative Research ; United Kingdom ; Walking/psychology ; Walking/statistics & numerical data
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-03-10
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 1746-6148
    ISSN (online) 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-020-02293-8
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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  10. Article ; Online: "You can be blind because of loving them so much": the impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis.

    Belshaw, Zoe / Dean, Rachel / Asher, Lucy

    BMC veterinary research

    2020  Volume 16, Issue 1, Page(s) 190

    Abstract: Background: There is growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner's quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine ... ...

    Abstract Background: There is growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner's quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis is known to negatively affect the welfare of many dogs in the United Kingdom, but its consequences for their owners has not previously been described. The aim of this study was to use a qualitative methodology to explore the impacts on a dog owner that occur following their dog's diagnosis with osteoarthritis. Owners of osteoarthritic dogs based in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices to participate in semi-structured interview about life with their dog. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. This publication describes the theme that focused on the impact(s) that the dog's condition had had on the life of their owner.
    Results: Forty owners of 35 dogs of a range of breeds and ages were interviewed. A wide range of negative impacts on the physical, mental and financial health of owners were described. Few had any prior experience of canine osteoarthritis, and owners of young dogs appeared to be particularly affected by the diagnosis. Owners detailed increasing worry over time about their pet's condition, frequently combined with a growing need to physically assist their dog. Sometimes this led them to seek information about, and purchase, adjunctive therapies and products. The dog's reduced mobility and need for medications progressively limited their own lifestyles and ability to have time away from their pet. Owners typically described a strong bond with their dog as a motivator to provide ongoing care.
    Conclusions: The negative impacts on owners of caring for an osteoarthritic dog appear multi-faceted and may be sustained over many years, particularly if the dog is young at diagnosis. Owners may be highly motivated to improve their dog's mobility and to reduce the impact the condition has on their own lives, yet they may be unsure how to achieve this. Veterinary professionals should inform and support these owners as much as possible.
    MeSH term(s) Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Dog Diseases ; Dogs ; Female ; Human-Animal Bond ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mobility Limitation ; Osteoarthritis/economics ; Osteoarthritis/veterinary ; Pets/psychology ; Qualitative Research ; Quality of Life ; United Kingdom
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-06-11
    Publishing country England
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2191675-5
    ISSN 1746-6148 ; 1746-6148
    ISSN (online) 1746-6148
    ISSN 1746-6148
    DOI 10.1186/s12917-020-02404-5
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

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