Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
When veterinarians treat plus-sized pets: Insights for veterinary practice.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Fraser-Celin, Valli-Laurente et al.
- Affiliation:
- Ontario Veterinary College · Canada
Plain-English summary
Veterinarians in Canada are noticing that more cats and dogs are becoming overweight, which is creating challenges in their care. This study looked at how treating obese pets affects the well-being of veterinarians, revealing that many feel frustrated and sad about the situation. It also found that pet owners often don't fully understand the serious health risks of obesity, which can lead to difficult decisions like early euthanasia. Additionally, some pet owners struggle to follow through with treatment plans. Overall, the study highlights that the increasing rates of pet obesity are not only a concern for pets but also for the veterinarians who care for them, and it suggests that improving communication and support in veterinary practices could help.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obesity of companion animals in Canada is becoming a problem in veterinary practice. Cats and dogs, in particular, are increasingly overweight. However, prevention and treatment present challenges. Challenges in treating pet obesity, such as client nonadherence and animal welfare issues arising from obesity, also affect the well-being of veterinarians - especially given the coincident high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue experienced in the profession. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated how practicing veterinarians perceive the treatment of overweight companion animals and how treating obese pets affects well-being of veterinarians. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: We recruited veterinarians who routinely treat companion animals in private practice to participate in focus group interviews. We also interviewed veterinarians who could not attend the focus group sessions, yet still wished to contribute. Through thematic data analysis, we generated key themes that illustrated how treating obese pets negatively affects veterinarian well-being. RESULTS: Eighteen companion animal veterinarians contributed to this study. We generated 3 themes from the analysis that illustrate negative effects of treating obese pets on veterinarian well-being: i) negative feelings such as frustration and sadness associated with treating obese pets; ii) owners' lack of comprehension of the effects of obesity on pets, including early euthanasia; and iii) client nonadherence regarding treatment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study contributes to the veterinary literature on companion animal obesity by focusing on how treating pet obesity affects veterinarian well-being, especially given high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue in the profession. As pet obesity increases in society, obesity prevention and treatment is becoming central to companion animal veterinary practice. Our findings suggest that veterinarian well-being is negatively affected in connection with companion animal obesity. We recommend relationship-centered communication, increased nutritional expertise, and a focus on wellness in the workplace to improve veterinarian well-being while treating pet obesity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39219604/