The dog owner's perspective

Presented by Dr. Beatriz Monteiro, DVM, PhD, PgDip, ISFMAdvCertFB, Dr. Zoe Belshaw, MA, VetMB, CertSAM, Dipl. ECVIM-CA, PhD, MRCVS

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

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Questions

1. What are some burdens pet owners might face when caring for a dog with osteoarthritis (OA)? *

Adjusting the perspective of their future life with that dog and navigation of a closer relationship with a veterinarian

Changes to the daily routine (i.e., administering medications, supplements, exercise and environmental modifications)

Feelings of grief or guilt, especially with a diagnosis in young dogs

All of the above

2. Dog ownership has been associated with improved cardiovascular health in people. Which of the following statements is false with respect to the impact on human physical health when a dog is diagnosed with OA? *

There is a decrease in leisure/spontaneous walks which lead to slower, shorter walks or no walks at all

Dog owners feel they cannot go for a walk without their pet, leading to decreased exercise overall

Owners will walk more when it requires more in-depth planning

For owners of large arthritic dogs, taking them outdoors can be physically challenging, with risk of injury from carrying their dog

3. In terms of caregiver burden, 4 broad owner groups have been proposed. Which of the 4 groups is characterized by owners whose life is dominated by thoughts of the pet’s eventual death and what life will be like without them? *

Owners with high caregiver burden and high anticipatory grief

Owners with a higher resilience, despite having severely affected dogs

Owners with low caregiver burden and low anticipatory grief

Owners with impaired quality of life by another stressor

4. True or False. With the rising cost of veterinary care and cost of living, we should take into consideration both finances (i.e., what a pet owner can afford) and mental budget (i.e., how much a pet owner thinks is appropriate to spend on a dog). *

True

False

5. What is not a typical reason for presentation to the vet for a dog that is ultimately diagnosed with OA? *

Acute pain and deterioration

Pet owner perceives the dog is starting to “show their age”

Owner has previously owned a dog with OA and recognizes possible early signs in their dog

Routine appointment (e.g., vaccination) where a change in behaviour is mentioned

6. True or False. Pet owners have a good understanding of what OA is, how to recognize the signs, and how this disease can be managed. *

True

False

7. What are pet owners looking for to better understand OA and management of the condition? *

What chronic pain looks like, how to recognize it, and when to come in for a recheck

Guidance on modifying their own and their dog’s lifestyle to meet their needs

What different treatment options are available and how they will benefit their dog

All of the above

8. What is an information prescription? *

Instructions on how to write a prescription

A medication that improves cognitive ability

Written direction to a verified website or resource that pet owners can visit to learn more about a disease condition in addition to discussion with veterinarian

None of the above

9. Dog owners play a critical role in monitoring a pet’s response to treatment and quality of life at home. How do we as veterinary professionals best empower pet owners to do this? *

Use of validated pain scores and teaching pet owners how to use them regularly

Discounting recheck office visits

Explaining to pet owners what they can expect from a treatment modality, especially when adding something new

A + C

10. True or False. Spreading awareness about chronic disease such as OA is critical to improving owner compliance and comfort in presenting to their veterinarian, especially when there is pet owner doubt of an actual issue or fear of judgment. *

True

False