Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Caretakers treating sows under veterinary supervision: Veterinarians' perceptions of medication safety risks.
- Journal:
- Preventive veterinary medicine
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Tuomola, Kati et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Production Animal Medicine
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how Finnish veterinarians view the safety risks of medications used for sows, which are female pigs. The researchers interviewed 15 veterinarians who regularly visit farms to provide health care for these animals. They found several key concerns, including that caretakers might rely too much on their own skills without enough guidance from vets, poor communication about medication, and issues with how medicines are stored and used. Other risks included not properly examining sick sows, pain from injections, and overall farm management challenges. By understanding these risks, veterinarians can better help ensure the health and welfare of sows through safer medication practices.
Abstract
This study investigated Finnish veterinarians' perceptions of medication safety risks in sows, an area with limited research in veterinary medicine. Understanding these risks is essential for enhancing sow medication safety, health and welfare. This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured, thematic individual interviews with 15 veterinarians who provide herd health visit services to sow farms. The interviews employed open-ended questions to elicit in-depth information from participants. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews was conducted using the ATLAS.ti software to identify key medication safety risks. The analysis identified eight key risk themes: (1) overreliance on caretakers' competence; (2) insufficient veterinary guidance; (3) communication and information barriers; (4) challenges with medicine logistics and availability; (5) unhygienic and inappropriate medication practices; (6) insufficient sick sow examination and follow-up; (7) injection-related pain and insufficient pain management; and (8) challenges in farm conditions and management. Recognizing medication safety risks is vital for veterinarians to effectively guide and monitor medicine use, ensuring optimal care for sows. This study offers new perspectives into these risks within veterinary medicine, particularly concerning animals used for food production. By identifying key risks that can jeopardize medication safety, this study provides valuable information for producers, veterinarians, policymakers, and regulatory bodies. Understanding these mechanisms enables stakeholders to develop targeted systems-based protocols that enhance sow health and welfare while promoting safer and more responsible medication practices.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41865580/