Those in the veterinary field are dedicated to improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals, and therefore many veterinary professionals experience mental health issues, more specifically, compassion fatigue. With veterinarians having one of the highest rates of suicide, its…
Those in the veterinary field are dedicated to improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals, and therefore many veterinary professionals experience mental health issues, more specifically, compassion fatigue. With veterinarians having one of the highest rates of suicide, its imperative to understand what factors in the veterinary profession contribute to the decline of emotional wellbeing in the field. This paper explores the causes, impacts and possible solutions for compassion fatigue on veterinary professionals. In order to closely assess these factors, an extensive literature review and a small online survey was conducted to determine how veterinary professionals viewed their mental health in regards to their work. This literature review covers topics of mental health, and specifically compassion fatigue in veterinary workers and animal shelter workers. While compassion fatigue is the primary focus, factors such as burnout, depression, anxiety and work-life balance are examined in the survey, providing a more holistic perspective and understanding of mental health in the veterinary workplace. Additionally, this paper investigates potential methods to mitigate compassion fatigue and promote resilience among veterinary professionals. Through analyzing current literature alongside the research performed, it was found that compassion fatigue is almost inevitable in the veterinary profession, and is more prevalent in those who are newer to the field. Compassion fatigue is exacerbated by lack of resources from management, while feeling overworked and underpaid. It's suggested that veterinary companies provide therapeutic resources that specialize in compassion fatigue, while also interacting with their employees more, such as monthly check-ins or more team bonding activities.
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The use of genetic management in conservation has sparked much debate around the ethical and environmental impacts of the plans. A case study on the conservation of leopard frogs in Arizona was analyzed to better understand the benefits and issues…
The use of genetic management in conservation has sparked much debate around the ethical and environmental impacts of the plans. A case study on the conservation of leopard frogs in Arizona was analyzed to better understand the benefits and issues surrounding genetic management plans. The first part of the case focuses on the recent management plan for Chiricahua Leopard Frogs implemented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The goal of the plan is to better understand the genetic dynamics of the established Chiricahua Leopard Frog populations to develop a more effective management plan. The second part of the case focuses on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s management of the Northern Leopard Frog. There was little success with the initial breed and release program of the native species, however a nonnative subspecies of Northern Leopard Frog was able to establish a thriving population. This case study exemplifies the many complications with genetic management plans and the importance of careful assessment of options when deciding on a genetic management plan. Despite the complexity of genetic management plans, it is an important method to consider when discussing the conservation of a species.
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Wild horses have roamed the Salt River in Mesa, Arizona since the early 1800s and contribute to the great diversity of the region. Conservation of the herd has been a primary focus for many years and a current focus is…
Wild horses have roamed the Salt River in Mesa, Arizona since the early 1800s and contribute to the great diversity of the region. Conservation of the herd has been a primary focus for many years and a current focus is population stabilization, but little is known about their virome. Circoviridae, Genomoviridae, and Smacoviridae are the three Cressdnaviricota viruses that have been identified in horses to date. Smacoviridae is classified by the rolling circle replication-associated proteins (Rep) and has a small (2.3-2.9kb), circular, single-stranded genome. The goal of this study was to identify DNA viruses within the fecal samples of the Salt River horses. Samples were collected along the lower Salt River and analyzed in the lab using a metagenomics approach. There were 422 full novel genomes of smacoviruses detected across all samples that were grouped into 144 species based on the similarity of the pairwise identity. Phylogenetic analysis shows the smacoviruses from this study fall into 3 classified genera and the rest cluster into 11 new clades. These results expand the viral diversity associated with wild horses and Smacoviridae, and further studies are needed to determine the host of these viruses.
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A rise in what veterinary professionals refer to as ‘BEG’ diets, or boutique, grain free, and exotic diets, have veterinarians and nutritionists concerned about how many of these diets are actually backed in scientific research, and how they may affect…
A rise in what veterinary professionals refer to as ‘BEG’ diets, or boutique, grain free, and exotic diets, have veterinarians and nutritionists concerned about how many of these diets are actually backed in scientific research, and how they may affect the overall health of companion animals. Due to the exponential rise in media claims and marketing of BEG diets, recalls of different diets manufactured by major companion animal diet companies, and a growing awareness of the role that diet plays in the health of companion animals, owners have been drawn to BEG diets more so than before. There is significant concern regarding the companion animal diet industry due to the lack of a regulatory or governing agency that oversees manufacturing and production, and the lack of legal definitions of terms often used in marketing, such as ‘natural’, ‘organic’, and ‘human grade’. However, the link between diet and heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), has become a primary concern of veterinary professionals and owners alike. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement stating that by September 2020, over 1,100 cases of DCM had been reported in canines, prompting ongoing research into the possible correlation between diets with high volumes of legumes, lentils, pulses, and potatoes, characteristic of grain free diets, and the development of significant heart disease.
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Spaying and neutering your pets can contribute a positive change to the overall health of the animal. Many owners are worried that removing their reproductive organs will change their animal’s personality, behavior, make them more susceptible to problems and diseases.…
Spaying and neutering your pets can contribute a positive change to the overall health of the animal. Many owners are worried that removing their reproductive organs will change their animal’s personality, behavior, make them more susceptible to problems and diseases. With spaying and neutering generally there are no lasting issues to behavior, personality, yes there could possibly be short term symptoms of mild behavior changes, sleepier, etc., but that is mainly due to being under anesthesia and try to recover from surgery. It in fact increases your pet’s overall affection level, playfulness, reduces diseases, and reduces unwanted behavior. Like any surgery there are some drawbacks of spaying and neutering, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in my opinion because these possible drawbacks can be managed with a responsible owner. With that said this paper will explore the importance of spaying or neutering pets by reviewing ethical and societal implications pertaining to overpopulation. Sterilization options will be discussed to reduce overpopulation which should have a corollary impact in the reduction of euthanized animals and animals that are abandoned to the streets to fends for themselves. Finally, a discussion on breeders will review how excessive breeding contributes to euthanasia, the dumping or neglect of animals that fail to meet criteria that would allow the animal to be sold at a premium price. Responsible pet owners choose to have their dog or cat sterilized to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens. Spaying and neutering are humane, ethical, and responsible ways to prevent unwanted litters, help protect against health problems, and may reduce behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct.
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This thesis investigates the transmission of Covid-19 from humans to animals. Within the article, one will learn the inner workings of the background, history, and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection seen worldwide. In addition, the research proposal/study focuses on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 observed from humans to minks.
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Many Americans are sentimental about horses and believe that American horses deserve special treatment under the law for their important roles in American culture and history. In 2006, the House of Representatives passed a bill, known as H.R. 503, to…
Many Americans are sentimental about horses and believe that American horses deserve special treatment under the law for their important roles in American culture and history. In 2006, the House of Representatives passed a bill, known as H.R. 503, to end horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S., and the following year in 2007, the horse slaughter ban began in the U.S. In this paper, the ineffectiveness of the horse slaughter ban to protect unwanted horses in the U.S. is demonstrated. More horses have been transported to less-humane slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada, and more horses have been abandoned, abused, and neglected in the U.S. since the horse slaughter ban began. It is important to consider how American sentiments about horses contributed to H.R. 503 to better understand the ineffectiveness of the horse slaughter ban. People who were in favor of H.R. 503 relied on animal rights arguments, which tend to be more emotional than animal welfare arguments, by appealing to American sentiments about horses. The public increasingly believes that animals have rights. If animal rights activists do not find ways to protect unwanted animals, their ideas can infringe on animal welfare.
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The Salt River wild horses are a historic population of unbranded, unclaimed, wild and free-roaming horses, that were born in the wild and merit protection within our National Forest and protection of the Wild Horse and Burro act of 1970.…
The Salt River wild horses are a historic population of unbranded, unclaimed, wild and free-roaming horses, that were born in the wild and merit protection within our National Forest and protection of the Wild Horse and Burro act of 1970. Terms like undomesticated or feral are thrown around in place of “wild”. The past couple of decades or so, there has been an ongoing debate about the current state of the horses on the range. The horses that are along the Salt River, are considered to be state protected and not federally protected, which has sparked a vast discussion on the social, ethical and moral aspects. There has been an overabundance of horses on the range and are causing potential issues to the environment and other farmland. According to the BLM, wild horse and burro populations have a demonstrated ability to grow at 18-20 percent per year. With the widespread and overabundance that is occurring with the horses and burros, it has been said to have a great ecological cost on the rangeland ecosystem by overgrazing native plants, exacerbating invasive establishment and out-competing other ungulates like cattle. Overabundant free-roaming horse and burro populations have large and growing economic and ecological costs for the American public. Without effective management actions, horse and burro populations will double within the next 4-5 years. In this project, with the help of Dr. Julie Murphree, the Salt River Horse Management group and Arizona’s State Liaison for the Department of Agriculture, I conducted various ride-a-longs and conducted my own literature study to further solidify the knowledge I gained when navigating through the Salt River Wild Horse Management group. I can use their data as well as my own observations in the field to catalog their behaviors and look for any signs that would give reason to why this method of population control may or may not be used. I was able to note the horses in their “natural state” which would give me the opportunity to see any behavior changes in various population groups (or otherwise known as Bands). The main objective of this paper is to understand PZP as a population control tool and the effect it has on the Salt River Horses in Arizona.
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The purpose of this thesis is to create a better understanding of chronic renal disease (CRD) within felines and dive into the main nutritional aspects of treatment and prevention. Over the course of our research, we also decided to include…
The purpose of this thesis is to create a better understanding of chronic renal disease (CRD) within felines and dive into the main nutritional aspects of treatment and prevention. Over the course of our research, we also decided to include a section on cat nutrition in an effort to assist cat owners whose cats are not suffering from CRD. This research will primarily include literary research and field surveys from cat owners. This information will be gathered to produce a website that will contain credible information that could be used to help better inform cat owners about their cat’s health and diet. Renal diseases are very common in cats, especially as they get older. Chronic renal disease is the loss of kidney function over time. The amount of function left in the kidney is dependent on the extent of damage from the disease. Diving into nutrition, this thesis will look into the components of food that work well and do not work well with chronic renal disease patients and foods that should be avoided to ensure the healthiness of cats without renal disease. Our research showed that limiting both phosphorus and protein intake was key to managing CRD. Cats that ate a diet specifically tailored to managing CRD by lowering the amount of phosphorus and protein were shown to, on average, live longer than those cats that did not change their diets. For general cat nutrition, our survey showed that Purina and Hills Science Diet were both the most popular brands and also had the best reasoning behind why owners chose it; mainly vet recommendations and treating health problems. The website we have put together, catcrdinfo.org, contains a wealth of information on both CRD in felines and general cat nutrition.
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The purpose of this thesis is to create a better understanding of chronic renal disease (CRD) within felines and dive into the main nutritional aspects of treatment and prevention. Over the course of our research, we also decided to include…
The purpose of this thesis is to create a better understanding of chronic renal disease (CRD) within felines and dive into the main nutritional aspects of treatment and prevention. Over the course of our research, we also decided to include a section on cat nutrition in an effort to assist cat owners whose cats are not suffering from CRD. This research will primarily include literary research and field surveys from cat owners. This information will be gathered to produce a website that will contain credible information that could be used to help better inform cat owners about their cat’s health and diet. Renal diseases are very common in cats, especially as they get older. Chronic renal disease is the loss of kidney function over time. The amount of function left in the kidney is dependent on the extent of damage from the disease. Diving into nutrition, this thesis will look into the components of food that work well and do not work well with chronic renal disease patients and foods that should be avoided to ensure the healthiness of cats without renal disease. Our research showed that limiting both phosphorus and protein intake was key to managing CRD. Cats that ate a diet specifically tailored to managing CRD by lowering the amount of phosphorus and protein were shown to, on average, live longer than those cats that did not change their diets. For general cat nutrition, our survey showed that Purina and Hills Science Diet were both the most popular brands and also had the best reasoning behind why owners chose it; mainly vet recommendations and treating health problems. The website we have put together, catcrdinfo.org, contains a wealth of information on both CRD in felines and general cat nutrition.
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