Peter W. Hellyer’s research while affiliated with Colorado State University and other places

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Publications (118)


Participants' reported before and after concern levels about changes in behavior for three scenarios
Participants' reported before and after veterinary-related decisions about changes in behavior for three scenarios
Participants' reported usefulness of the Feline Acute Pain Scale in identifying their cat's pain, determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian and describing their cat's pain to the veterinarian
Participants' reported usefulness of the Feline Acute Pain Scale in identifying their cat's pain by participants' level of confidence in detecting pain in their cat (n = 362)
Behaviors suggestive of pain: the perceptions and veterinary-related decisions of cat guardians in the USA
  • Article
  • Full-text available

October 2024

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59 Reads

Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery

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Peter Hellyer

Objectives The aim of the study was to assess cat guardians’ concern levels and veterinary care decisions pertaining to behaviors that might signify pain before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information. The secondary aims were to evaluate cat guardians’ perceptions of the usefulness of a modified version of the Colorado State University Feline Acute Pain Scale (CSU-FAPS) in identifying their cat’s pain level, determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian and describing their cat’s pain to their veterinarian. Methods Participants were recruited through Prolific. An electronic survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed via a link offered in Prolific. Results A total of 362 surveys were completed by participants who resided in the USA and were the primary caretaker of at least one cat. Significant differences between participants’ concern levels before and after pain-related educational information were found for two of the three scenarios. Significant differences were found between participants’ veterinary-related behavior choices before and after pain-related educational information for all three scenarios. The most common reasons for not seeking immediate veterinary care included elements related to cost and stress for guardian and cat during veterinary visits. The majority of participants reported finding the CSU-FAPS useful for identifying their cat’s pain level (90%), determining if they should take their cat to the veterinarian (86%) and describing their cat’s pain to their veterinarian (92%). Conclusions and relevance Guardians’ interpretations of and subsequent actions to behaviors that might suggest pain carry great implications for feline health and wellbeing. After exposure to brief pain-related educational material, guardians in our study reported significant increases in stated concern related to their cat’s change in behavior and intention to seek veterinary care. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on cat guardians’ perceptions of feline behavior changes and increase the possibility they obtain appropriate veterinary care.

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Participants' reported concern levels about changes in behavior for 3 scenarios before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information.
Participants' reported veterinary-related decisions about changes in behavior for 3 scenarios before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information.
Dog owners’ perceptions and veterinary-related decisions pertaining to changes in their dog’s behavior that could indicate pain

July 2024

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63 Reads

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1 Citation

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

OBJECTIVE Assess dog owners’ concern levels and veterinary care decisions pertaining to behaviors that might signify pain before and after receiving brief pain-related educational information. Additionally, evaluate dog owners’ perceptions of a modified version of the Colorado State University Canine Acute Pain Scale to identify their dog’s pain level, determine whether they should take their dog to the veterinarian, and describe their dog’s pain to their veterinarian. SAMPLE 367 survey respondents who resided in the US and were the primary caretaker of at least 1 dog. METHODS An electronic survey was created in Qualtrics and distributed via Prolific. Data were analyzed. RESULTS When assessing differences between participants’ concern levels before and after educational pain-related information, significant differences were found for 2 of the 3 scenarios. Significant differences were also found between participants’ veterinary-related behaviors before and after educational pain-related information for all 3 scenarios. The most common reasons for not seeking immediate veterinary care included elements related to cost, convenience, and dog-related stress during veterinary visits. Most participants reported finding the Canine Acute Pain Scale useful for identifying their dog’s pain level (89%), determining whether they should take their dog to the veterinarian (84%), and describing their dog’s pain to their veterinarian (89%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Owners’ interpretations of and subsequent actions (or inactions) to behaviors that might suggest pain carry great implications for companion animals’ overall well-being. Following exposure to brief educational material about signs and symptoms of canine pain, owners in our study reported significant increases in stated concern related to their dog’s change in behavior and intention to seek veterinary care. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on owners’ perceptions of canine behavioral changes and increase the possibility that they will seek veterinary care.


Anesthetic and analgesic techniques used for cats undergoing ovariohysterectomies in general practice in the United States

May 2023

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67 Reads

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Objective: To better document anesthetic and analgesic protocols used by veterinarians in general practice within the United States (US) when performing elective ovariohysterectomy in cats. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Population: Veterinary practitioners in the US who are members of the Veterinary Information Network Inc. (VIN). Methods: An online anonymous survey was distributed to VIN members. The survey included questions pertaining to preanesthetic evaluation, premedication, induction, monitoring and maintenance protocols, and postoperative analgesia and sedation protocols when performing ovariohysterectomy in cats. Results: A total of 1324 veterinarians completed the survey. Respondents (number; %) reported performing preanesthetic laboratory tests [packed cell volume (256; 19.3%), complete blood cell count (893; 67.4%) and biochemistry panels (1101; 83.2%)] and preanesthetic examinations (1186; 89.6%) on the morning of surgery. The most frequently administered drugs for premedication were dexmedetomidine (353; 26.7%) and buprenorphine (424; 32.0%). The most frequently administered induction agent was propofol (451; 61.3%), and isoflurane (668; 50.4%) was the most common agent for maintenance of anesthesia. The majority of respondents reported placing intravenous catheters (885; 66.8%), administering crystalloid fluids (689; 52.0%) and providing heat support (1142; 86.3%). Participants reported using perioperative and postoperative analgesia including opioids (791; 59.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; 697; 52.6%) and NSAIDs dispensed for home use (665; 50.2%). Cats were commonly released home on the day of surgery (1150; 86.9%), and most participants reported contacting owners for follow-up within 1-2 days (989; 74.7%). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Anesthetic protocols and management techniques for routine feline ovariohysterectomy differ widely among US veterinarians who are VIN members, and results from this study may be of use to evaluate anesthetic practices from this population of veterinarians.


Anesthetic and analgesic techniques used for dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies in general practice in the United States

August 2022

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87 Reads

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2 Citations

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

Objective To acquire information about anesthesia and analgesia protocols used by United States (US) veterinarians in primary care practices when performing routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Population Primary care veterinarians in the US. Methods An online anonymous survey, originally created in New Zealand, was modified with permission and made available to Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members. The survey asked questions about performing ovariohysterectomy in healthy adolescent dogs in the categories of preanesthetic evaluation, premedication and induction protocols, maintenance protocols and monitoring equipment, and postoperative analgesic and sedation protocols and pain assessments. Results A total of 1213 US veterinarians completed the survey. Respondents (number; %) reported performing preoperative laboratory tests [packed cell volume (135; 11%), complete blood cell count (889; 73%) and biochemistry panels (1057; 87%)] and preanesthetic examinations on the morning of surgery (1083; 90%). The most commonly administered drugs for premedication were acepromazine (512; 42%), hydromorphone (475; 39%) or butorphanol (463; 38%), with propofol (637; 67%) for induction of anesthesia and isoflurane (882; 73%) for maintenance of anesthesia. Most veterinarians reported placing intravenous catheters (945; 78%), administering electrolyte solutions (747; 67%) and providing heat support (1160; 96%). Perioperative and postoperative analgesia included local anesthetics (545; 45%), opioids (844; 70%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (953; 79%); NSAIDs were dispensed for home use (985; 81%). Dogs were most frequently discharged on the day of surgery (1068; 88%) and the owners were contacted (914; 75%) for follow-up within 1–2 days. Conclusions and clinical relevance Anesthetic management for routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs varies among US veterinary VIN members. Information from this study is useful for all veterinarians for comparison with their practice management and for teachers of veterinary anesthesia to continue to emphasize options for analgesia.


Univariate Analysis of Variance test results assessing the association between the Negative Aspects of Caretaking Scale and LAPS, Worry and Anxiety Scale, Positive Aspects of Caretaking Scale, Caretaker Support Scale and workplace.
Univariate Analysis of Variance test results assessing the association between Positive Aspects of Caretaking Scale and LAPS, Negative Aspects of Caretaking Scale, and Caretaking Support Scale.
Canine Caregivers: Paradoxical Challenges and Rewards

April 2022

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142 Reads

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14 Citations

Animals

Companion dogs are increasingly popular, 38.4% of households in the United States include at least one dog. There are numerous benefits to sharing one’s home with a dog, but because they age more rapidly than people and have shorter lifespans, acquiring a dog often includes caring for it during its senior years. Caring for an elderly dog can be physically and emotionally challenging, yet the impact on guardians’ lives when caring for an aging dog has received minimal scientific attention. This study was designed to better understand dog guardians’ experiences and perceptions related to caring for their aging dog. Utilizing an exploratory mixed methods design, this study asked dog guardians to complete an online anonymous survey. From a total of 284 participants, we found that the impact on guardians when caring for an aging dog appears to share many similarities with caregivers of human family members. Our quantitative and qualitative results suggest that, for many guardians, caring for an aging dog is a complex dynamic with both positive and negative factors that offers an opportunity to deepen the human-animal bond and create positive, rewarding experiences and memories.


On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships

October 2021

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167 Reads

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14 Citations

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Patrick Carney

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Mark Rishniw

Objective: To assess the impact of on-call duties on veterinarians' job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Sample: The sample was obtained from Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members in private practice within the United States. Procedures: A link to an anonymous online survey was distributed via an email invitation to all Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members with access from August 15, 2017 to October 21, 2017. Results: A total of 1,945 responses were recorded. The majority of those who reported having on-call duties were female associates. Composite scales were created to assess the impact of on-call shifts on job satisfaction and well-being. Multiple linear regression was conducted and found that gender (p = 0.0311), associate status (p < 0.0001), and age (p = 0.0293) were all significantly associated with on-call related job satisfaction. Additionally, multiple linear regression found that gender (p = 0.0039), associate status (p < 0.0057), and age (p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with on-call related well-being. On-call shifts were reported by many to have a negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being; this was especially pronounced for female associates. Females had on-call related job satisfaction scores that were, on average, 1.27 points lower than that of males (lower scores equates to lower job satisfaction). Further, females' average on-call related well-being scores were 1.15 points higher than that of males (lower scores equates to higher well-being). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that on-call shifts have a negative impact on veterinarian job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships. The negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being is greatest for female associates. Veterinary medicine has been identified as a stressful occupation that can lead to psychological distress. It is therefore important to critically assess current practices that appear to increase stress and reduce emotional well-being. For this reason, it is suggested that veterinary hospitals explore alternative options to traditional on-call shifts.


American and Canadian veterinarians' perceptions on dog and cat core vaccination rates and the impact of the human medicine anti-vaxx movement on veterinary medicine

March 2021

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33 Reads

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19 Citations

The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue veterinaire canadienne

An electronic survey was distributed to assess American and Canadian veterinarians' perceptions on dog and cat vaccination rates. The top veterinarian concerns for vaccinating a healthy adult dog were anaphylaxis, soreness at the injection site, and lethargy; for cats, these concerns included vaccine-associated sarcoma, lethargy, and soreness at injection site. Veterinarians reported that the most common concerns mentioned by reluctant or resistant clients to vaccinating their dogs or cats were beliefs that vaccinations are costly and unnecessary or may lead to chronic or severe illness. There was a positive correlation between an organized anti-vaxx movement against mandatory vaccination for children in their community and the number of vaccine resistant or concerned clients. That the number of resistant clients was associated with the presence of an organized anti-vaxx movement implies that the human anti-vaxx movement is impacting pet owners' views on companion animal vaccinations.


Controlled substances distribution by weight (A,D) and morphine equivalents (B,C), by year in US veterinary teaching institutions as reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration's Automation of Reports and Consolidated Ordering System. The peak year is shown in parentheses in A and D. “Other” includes meperidine and oxymorphone in C.
Assessment of Controlled Substance Distribution to U.S. Veterinary Teaching Institutions From 2006 to 2019

December 2020

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72 Reads

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21 Citations

Objective: To evaluate the changing pattern of distribution of Schedule II and III opioids, barbiturates, and stimulants to veterinary educational institutions in the United States. Design: Longitudinal study. Sample: Veterinary teaching institutions that use Schedule II and III drugs. Procedures: Distribution of controlled substances to veterinary teaching institutions was obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Automated Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) for opioids (e.g., methadone, fentanyl, codeine), barbiturates (pentobarbital, butalbital), and stimulants (amphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) from 2006–2019. Opioids were converted to their morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for evaluation over time. Results: Controlled substance distribution to veterinary schools exhibited dynamic, and agent specific, changes. The total MME for 11 opioids peaked in 2013 and decreased by 17.3% in 2019. Methadone accounted for two-fifths (42.3%) and fentanyl over one-third (35.4%) of the total MME in 2019. Pentobarbital distribution was greatest by weight of all substances studied and peaked in 2011 at 69.4 kg. Stimulants underwent a pronounced decline and were very modest by 2014. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Opioids by total MME in veterinary teaching practice have undergone more modest changes than opioids used with humans. Hydrocodone, codeine and recently fentanyl use have declined while methadone increased. Stimulant distribution decreased to become negligible. Together, this pattern of findings warrant continued monitoring.



Assessment of Controlled Substance Distribution to U.S. Veterinary Teaching Institutions from 2006 to 2019

October 2020

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21 Reads

Objective: To evaluate the changing pattern of distribution of Schedule II and III opioids, barbiturates, and stimulants to veterinary educational institutions in the United States. Design: Longitudinal study. Sample: Veterinary teaching institutions that use Schedule II and III drugs. Procedures: Distribution of controlled substances to veterinary teaching institutions was obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automated Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) for opioids (e.g. methadone, fentanyl, codeine), barbiturates (pentobarbital, butalbital), and stimulants (amphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) from 2006 - 2019. Opioids were converted to their morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for evaluation over time. Results: Controlled substance distribution to veterinary schools exhibited dynamic, and agent specific, changes. The total MME for eleven opioids peaked in 2013 and decreased by 17.3% in 2019. Methadone accounted for two-fifths (42.3%) and fentanyl over one-third (35.4%) of the total MME in 2019. Pentobarbital distribution was greatest by weight of all substances studied and peaked in 2011 at 69.4 kg. Stimulants underwent a pronounced decline and were very modest by 2014. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Opioids by total MME in veterinary teaching practice have undergone more modest changes than opioids used with humans. Hydrocodone, codeine and recently fentanyl use have declined while methadone increased. Stimulant distribution decreased to become negligible. Together, this pattern of findings warrant continued monitoring.


Citations (77)


... Helping owners understand the connection between their pet's quality of life and the topics they expressed less interest in learning about (eg, routine diagnostic tests, ear and nail care, and weight issues) could help owners make better healthcare decisions for their pets. A recent study 27 has suggested that, supplied with minimal educational information, pet owners are more likely to be concerned and seek veterinary care when their pet displays behaviors that might indicate pain, which suggests that pet owners care about their pet's health, 10 see the value of veterinary care, and want to do right by their pet, but often lack the needed knowledge. It is imperative that veterinarians help owners understand the importance of PHC topics. ...

Reference:

Dog owners and preventative healthcare: knowledge level, interest, and impact on perceptions of veterinarians’ trustworthiness and empathy
Dog owners’ perceptions and veterinary-related decisions pertaining to changes in their dog’s behavior that could indicate pain

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

... The survey utilized for this study included both dogs and cats, but this paper includes only information about cats. Results pertaining to commonly used anesthetic and analgesic protocols for ovariohysterectomies in dogs have been previously reported (Kramer et al. 2022). The objective of this study was to document currently used protocols for ovariohysterectomy in cats in general practice. ...

Anesthetic and analgesic techniques used for dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomies in general practice in the United States
  • Citing Article
  • August 2022

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

... Pets in the United States are quite popular; 70% of US homes include at least one [1,2], and the vast majority of pet owners (85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners) consider their pets to be family members [3]. Pets are often an integral part of the family structure [3][4][5][6][7][8], and many people view their pets as children and think of themselves as "pet parents" [9][10][11][12]. ...

Canine Caregivers: Paradoxical Challenges and Rewards

Animals

... The themes align with previous studies that identified financial insecurity, longer working hours, heavier after-hours burden, increased physical and mental health risks, limited access to services such as healthcare and childcare, and unrealistic client expectations as either unique or greater challenges for veterinarians working in rural and regional areas [35][36][37][38][39][40]. An Australia-wide survey revealed that rural veterinarians were concerned about the low rate of remuneration relative to hours worked, lack of opportunities for career diversification, lack of social activities, and lack of opportunities for family members, such as employment opportunities for spouses and school opportunities for children [18]. ...

On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships

... 15,17 Indeed, some initial evidence points to declining pet vaccination rates over time. 18,19 Analogous to its human counterpart, vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is cause for alarm because of its implications for pet and public health 16,18,19 and the impact on veterinarians, other care providers, 16,18,19 and pet owners themselves. 20,21 Gaining a better understanding of pet owners' attitudes toward vaccination is crucial to better identify vaccine hesitancy as well as to develop and implement potential interventions in order to augment vaccine uptake. ...

American and Canadian veterinarians' perceptions on dog and cat core vaccination rates and the impact of the human medicine anti-vaxx movement on veterinary medicine
  • Citing Article
  • March 2021

The Canadian veterinary journal. La revue veterinaire canadienne

... 9,10 In veterinary medicine, opioid use is highly monitored and regulated given the potential for human abuse. 11,12 With controlled medications, manufacturers and distributors are required to track and report relevant information to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. 11 Therefore, noncontrolled medications are easier to obtain and use in smaller veterinary practices. ...

Assessment of Controlled Substance Distribution to U.S. Veterinary Teaching Institutions From 2006 to 2019

... Asimismo, los resultados de la absorción gastrointestinal mostraron una gran mejoría cuando se administró el aceite de CBD junto a alimentos. Este resultado se obtuvo en la especie humana, pero perfectamente podría extrapolarse a la especie canina, ya que el alimento impide que el cannabidiol sufra tanta degradación gastrointestinal (Taylor et al., 2018;Wallace et al., 2020;Yu & Rupasinghe, 2021). ...

Motivations and expectations for using cannabis products to treat pain in humans and dogs: a mixed methods study

Journal of Cannabis Research

... Gender, a known risk factor for IS in nursing (Villwock et al., 2016;Kogan et al., 2020), is particularly relevant due to the profession's female-dominated nature (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2023). However, female leadership (Feenstra et al., 2020) may mitigate this effect. ...

Veterinarians and impostor syndrome: an exploratory study
  • Citing Article
  • June 2020

The Veterinary record

... The presence of burnout has been researched throughout the veterinary profession with one study citing that 58.6% of veterinary technicians surveyed scored above the burnout threshold (6). Burnout occurs when there is prolonged workplace stress and is often accompanied by emotional exhaustion (7). ...

Veterinary Technicians and Occupational Burnout

... Así mismo, el más destacado es la cantidad limitada de información, falta de estudios científicos y recursos disponibles para su prescripción en perros, generando así desconfianza tanto por parte de la comunidad veterinaria como los propietarios de los animales de compañía. No obstante, muchos tenedores están cada vez más dispuestos a probar productos con base al CBD para ayudarles en una amplia gama de problemas médicos y de comportamientos, siendo los más relevantes la osteoartritis (OA), reducción del dolor, ansiedad y ataques epilépticos, convirtiéndose en un tratamiento alternativo a los medicamentos tradicionales y que tienen efectos secundarios potenciales, especialmente en pacientes geriátricos (Kogan et al., 2020). ...

The Use of Cannabidiol-Rich Hemp Oil Extract to Treat Canine Osteoarthritis-Related Pain: A Pilot Study