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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Use of the measure of patient-centered communication to analyze euthanasia discussions in companion animal practice.

Objective: To characterize veterinarian-client communication with undisclosed standardized clients (USCs) during discussions regarding euthanasia of a pet.

Design: Descriptive study.

Sample Population: 32 companion animal veterinarians (16 males and 16 females) in southern Ontario.

Morbidity of insured Swedish cats during 1999-2006 by age, breed, sex, and diagnosis.

The aim of the study was to describe patterns of morbidity, as reflected by reimbursed claims for veterinary care among cats covered by a Swedish insurance company during 1999-2006. The annual incidence rates of having at least one veterinary care event were calculated overall and stratified by sex, age, breed, diagnosis and urban/other location. The total rate was 875 (95% CI 858-892) cats with claims per 10,000 cat-years at risk.

Occurrence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in healthy dogs and cats presented to private veterinary hospitals in southern Ontario: A preliminary study.

The prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial susceptibility of fecal Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., extended beta-lactamase producing E. coli (ESBL-E.

Validation of computerized diagnostic information in a clinical database from a national equine clinic network.

Background: Computerized diagnostic information offers potential for epidemiological research; however data accuracy must be addressed. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness and correctness of diagnostic information in a computerized equine clinical database compared to corresponding hand written veterinary clinical records, used as gold standard, and to assess factors related to correctness. Further, the aim was to investigate completeness (epidemiologic sensitivity), correctness (positive predictive value), specificity and prevalence for diagnoses for four body systems and correctness for affected limb information for four joint diseases.

Insurance data for research in companion animals: benefits and limitations.

The primary aim of this article is to review the use of animal health insurance data in the scientific literature, especially in regard to morbidity or mortality in companion animals and horses. Methods and results were compared among studies on similar health conditions from different nations and years. A further objective was to critically evaluate benefits and limitations of such databases, to suggest ways to maximize their utility and to discuss the future use of animal insurance data for research purposes.

Association between radiographic assessment of hip status and subsequent incidence of veterinary care and mortality related to hip dysplasia in insured Swedish dogs.

Our objective was to evaluate the association between grading of hip status as assessed by radiographic examination (hip screening) and subsequent incidence of veterinary care and mortality related to hip dysplasia (HD) in five breeds of insured dogs in Sweden. Screening results for hip status from the Swedish Kennel Club and data on veterinary care and mortality from the insurance company Agria were merged based on the registration number of the dog. Dogs of five breeds (Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers) screened during 1995-2004 and covered by an insurance plan for veterinary care or life at the time of screening were included.

Prevalence and nature of cost discussions during clinical appointments in companion animal practice.

Objective: To determine prevalence and nature of cost discussions between veterinarians and pet owners during clinical appointments in companion animal practice.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

Sample Population: 20 veterinarians in companion animal practice in eastern Ontario and 350 clients and their pets.

Veterinarian-client-patient communication during wellness appointments versus appointments related to a health problem in companion animal practice.

Objective: To compare the clinical interview process, content of the medical dialog, and emotional tone of the veterinarian-client-patient interaction during wellness appointments and appointments related to a health problem in companion animal practice.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.

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

A focus group study of veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of veterinarian-client communication in companion animal practice.

Objective: To compare veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of client expectations with respect to veterinarian-client communication and to identify related barriers and challenges to communication.

Design: Qualitative study based on focus group interviews.

Participants: 6 pet owner focus groups (32 owners) and 4 veterinarian focus groups (24 companion animal veterinarians).

A focus group study of veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of the monetary aspects of veterinary care.

Objective: To compare veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of client expectations with respect to the monetary aspects of veterinary care and identify challenges encountered by veterinarians in dealing with pet owners' expectations.

Design: Qualitative study based on focus group interviews.

Participants: 6 pet owner focus groups (32 owners) and 4 veterinarian focus groups (24 companion animal veterinarians).

Veterinary-care events and costs over a 5-year follow-up period for warmblooded riding horses with or without previously recorded locomotor problems in Sweden.

Our objective was to determine the amount, type and cost of veterinary care during a 5-year follow-up period, in Swedish warmblooded riding horses with and without locomotor problems as recorded in 1997. The study population comprised horses with complete insurance both for veterinary care and life during 1997. The horses were followed from the beginning of January 1998 to the end of December 2002.

Validation of computerized Swedish horse insurance data against veterinary clinical records.

The aim was to evaluate the agreement between computerized insurance data in a large Swedish horse insurance database and the information in the corresponding clinical records (CR). A random sample of 400 veterinary care and 140 life claims was included. Information on name of the horse, breed and gender, year of birth, specific diagnosis and system diagnosis (e.

Heart disease as a cause of death in insured Swedish dogs younger than 10 years of age.

Background: Population-based information on disease occurrence is paramount in clinical decision making and in designing preventative measures, but such information is scarce.

Hypothesis: The risk of cardiac death is higher in certain breeds and mortality varies by age and sex. DOGS: Dogs that were life insured by an animal insurance company between 1995 and 2002.