Prices for veterinary care of dogs, cats and horses in selected countries in Europe.

Introduction: In recent years, prices for veterinary care have received considerable attention in mainstream media, yet scientific literature has not delved into actual figures. This study aims to elucidate veterinary care costs for dogs, cats, and horses across five countries [Sweden (SE), Norway (NO), Denmark (DK), United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland (IR, with limited data)] through web searches.

Methods: Utilising online business directories, we located URLs featuring veterinary care prices in autumn 2022, and repeated tri-monthly five times.

Critical fluctuations in liquid-liquid extraction organic phases controlled by extractant and diluent molecular structure.

Extractant aggregation in liquid-liquid extraction organic phases impacts extraction energetics and is related to the deleterious efficiency-limiting liquid-liquid phase transition known as third phase formation. Using small angle X-ray scattering, we find that structural heterogeneities across a wide range of compositions in binary mixtures of malonamide extractants and alkane diluents are well described by Ornstein-Zernike scattering. This suggests that structure in these simplified organic phases originates from the critical point associated with the liquid-liquid phase transition.

Morbidity of insured Swedish cats between 2011 and 2016: Comparing disease risk in domestic crosses and purebreds.

Background: Sources of population-based cat health information are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine disease frequency in cats using pet insurance data to inform health promotion efforts.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of cats insured with Agria Pet Insurance in Sweden (2011-2016) was performed.

Mechanistic Investigations into and Control of Anisotropic Metal-Organic Framework Growth.

The porphyrinic metal-organic framework, PCN-222, exhibits anisotropic growth behavior to form nanorods and microrods with aspect ratios 3 < < 94. Control of microrod aspect ratios has been demonstrated through the identification of several factors that dictate crystal growth, particularly the concentrations of a ligand, a modulator, and an exogenous base. An increase in the local concentration of a deprotonated ligand, which is proportional to the nucleation rate, is associated with smaller crystals, while increased modulator concentration leads to longer microrods.

The epidemiology of stifle joint disease in an insured Swedish dog population.

Background: Stifle joint diseases (SJD) are common in dogs and include a variety of diagnoses. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of SJD in insured dogs.

Methods: An historical single cohort study of dogs insured in Agria Pet Insurance (2011-2016) in Sweden was performed.

Comparison of veterinarian and standardized client perceptions of communication during euthanasia discussions.

Objective: To describe client and veterinarian perceptions of client-centeredness during euthanasia discussions and assess agreement between measures of these perceptions.

Design: Descriptive study.

Sample: Stratified random sample of 32 companion animal veterinarians in southern Ontario.

Breeding policies and management of pedigree dogs in 15 national kennel clubs.

To improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, national kennel clubs (KCs) are key players in the governance and regulation of dog breeding. In a survey conducted to investigate differences between KCs in breeding policies and management of pedigree dogs, a questionnaire was completed by 15 KCs from 11 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom) and four non-European countries (Australia, Mexico, Uruguay and the USA). The most important concerns reported by KCs were exaggerated morphological features and inherited disorders.

Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 3rd International Dog Health Workshop, Paris in April 2017.

Background: Breed-related health problems in dogs have received increased focus over the last decade. Responsibility for causing and/or solving these problems has been variously directed towards dog breeders and kennel clubs, the veterinary profession, welfare scientists, owners, regulators, insurance companies and the media. In reality, all these stakeholders are likely to share some responsibility and optimal progress on resolving these challenges requires all key stakeholders to work together.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations as a Tool for Accurate Determination of Surfactant Micelle Properties.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to characterize the equilibrium size, shape, hydration, and self-assembly of dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) and dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) micelles. We show that DPC molecules self-assemble to form micelles with sizes within the range reported in the experimental literature. The equilibrium shape of DPC and DDM micelles as well as associated micellar radii are in agreement with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments and theoretical packing parameters.

Naturally Occurring Adrenocortical Insufficiency--An Epidemiological Study Based on a Swedish-Insured Dog Population of 525,028 Dogs.

Background: Naturally occurring adrenocortical insufficiency (NOAI) in dogs is considered an uncommon disease with good prognosis with hormonal replacement treatment. However, there are no epidemiological studies with estimates for the general dog population.

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of NOAI in a large population of insured dogs.

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in Insured Swedish Cats in Relation to Age, Breed and Sex.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in cats. Most affected cats suffer from a type of diabetes similar to type 2 diabetes in humans. An increasing prevalence has been described in cats, as in humans, related to obesity and other lifestyle factors.

Disease patterns and incidence of immune-mediated disease in insured Swedish Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.

In this study, morbidity in insured Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR) dogs from Sweden was investigated and compared with all other breeds and other retriever breeds. In addition to describing common morbidities in NSDTRs, the hypotheses that NSDTRs are predisposed to lymphoma, immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) and steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) were tested. Included in the study were 445,336 dogs; of which, 2890 were NSDTRs that had been covered by veterinary insurance from the Agria Insurance Company (Stockholm, Sweden) at some point during the years 1995-2006.

Disease patterns in 32,486 insured German shepherd dogs in Sweden: 1995-2006.

The aims of this retrospective study were to describe the morbidity and mortality in German shepherd dogs (GSD) in Sweden, based on insurance data, and to test the hypothesis that GSDs are predisposed to immune-related diseases. Morbidity was defined as incidence rates and based on veterinary care events. Mortality was defined as mortality rates and based on life insurance data.

Gender differences in veterinarian-client-patient communication in companion animal practice.

Objective: To describe the relationship between veterinarian and client genders and veterinarian-client-patient communication.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Sample: Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario and a convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets.

Veterinarian satisfaction with companion animal visits.

Objective: To measure veterinarian satisfaction with companion animal visits through an adaptation of a previously validated physician visit satisfaction scale and to identify demographic, personality, appointment, and communication factors that contribute to veterinarian visit satisfaction.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Sample: Random sample of 50 companion animal practitioners in southern Ontario, Canada, and convenience sample of 300 clients and their pets.

Current status of canine cancer registration - report from an international workshop.

This is a report from a workshop on canine cancer registration hosted at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science in Oslo in August 2010. The aim is to present a summary of the current efforts to gather data on canine (and feline) cancer based on information from participants at the workshop. A definition and classification of cancer registries is provided together with an inventory of the databases presented.

Integrating databases for research on health and performance in small animals and horses in the Nordic countries.

In a world of limited resources, using existing databases in research is a potentially cost-effective way to increase knowledge, given that correct and meaningful results are gained.Nordic examples of the use of secondary small animal and equine databases include studies based on data from tumour registries, breeding registries, young horse quality contest results, competition data, insurance databases, clinic data, prescription data and hunting ability tests. In spite of this extensive use of secondary databases, integration between databases is less common.

International and collaborative strategies to enhance genetic health in purebred dogs.

Health problems in pedigree dogs have recently been highlighted in the media worldwide and verified internationally by cynological organisations. Collaborative actions are now needed to deal with both existing and future issues. In this article, potential roles for various stakeholders are discussed and the value of national and international platforms for collaborations is stressed.

Lifestyle risk factors for progesterone-related diabetes mellitus in elkhounds - a case-control study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate lifestyle risk factors for the development of progesterone-related diabetes mellitus in female elkhounds.

Methods: Owners of 48 diabetic elkhounds and 58 healthy elkhounds were interviewed by phone concerning lifetime diet and exercise routines. A logistic model was developed to assess the impact of diet and exercise on diabetes diagnosis.