The animal keeping culture and the motivation of animal keepers in Hungary

Background: In the past few decades the animal keeping culture and habits have changed a lot internationally, some animals have become family members. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation in the world, including Hungary. In many places, the quarantine period was associated with Isolation and, therefore, an increase in the number of companion animals. Objectives: Our aims were to (1) survey the animal keeping culture and habits, (2) examine the motivation of the owners and (3) explore the attitudes about adoption, neutering, breeding and the use of livestock animals in Hungary. Materials and Methods: Specialized surveys were conducted among 843 persons through social media and personal interviews from 20 June to 30 August 2021 by using a questionnaire including 16 questions. The chosen groups were compared with Fisher's Exact test and Chi-square test. Results and Discussion: 97.0% of the respondents regard their dog as a family member. Nearly 25% of the respondents do not wish to neuter their dogs, because they want to breed the dogs or they find it unnecessary. The primary reason for cat keepers not to neuter their pet is the financial issue. Animal keepers and women are significantly more likely to consider their animal as a family member (p < 0.001). Men, the elderly, people who live in the countryside and those who have only elementary education think that neutering is of less importance (p < 0.001). Non-animal keepers, elderly people and men think more negatively about adoption. Buying an animal from a breeder is more important to the younger age groups (p < 0.001) arid those who live in Budapest (p < 0.01). 42.3% of the respondents gave the lowest evaluation scores to the assessment of the livestock units. Women, people from younger age groups (p < 0.05) and those who have higher education (p < 0.001) think more negatively about the use of farm animals. Non-animal keepers, the elderly and people of lower education consider the livestock animals' emotional intelligence lower (p < 0.05). Men (p < 0.001), people over 65 years of age (p < 0.001) and of lower education (p < 0:01), and also non-animal keepers (p < 0.001) accept significantly easier the use of livestock animals.

Guillain-Barre and Miller Fisher Overlap Syndrome: A Masked Neurological Consequence of COVID-19

Objective: This case is presented to help clinicians recognize the potentially deadly association of COVID-19 and GBS/MFS overlap. Background: The neurologic sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are becoming better known, though much still needs elucidated. Growing reports demonstrate an association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), including Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) variant. Design/Methods: A 64-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension and obesity developed nonspecific viral symptoms in January 2021, which abated after a few days without treatment. Two weeks later, he presented to the ED with left facial droop and numbness, diplopia, bilateral leg weakness, and bilateral numbness and paresthesias of lower extremities ascending to the upper extremities. Physical exam showed left facial droop with impaired left eye closure, and abnormal finger-to-nose testing bilaterally. A stocking-and-glove pattern of decreased sensation in the hands and feet, 4/5 strength in both arms and legs, and absent lower extremity deep tendon reflexes was noted. MRI brain showed bilateral facial nerve meatal segments and facial ganglion enhancement. Labs showed CSF albuminocytologic dissociation and a positive nasopharyngeal PCR COVID-19 test, with a negative viral meningitis panel, VDRL, Lyme, and oligoclonal bands. Results: The patient was treated with 5 days of remdesivir and 10 days of corticosteroids for hypoxia due to COVID-19. Prednisone and acyclovir for initial Bell's palsy diagnosis demonstrated minimal improvement. After lumbar puncture, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 related GBS/MFS overlap. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered for 5 days, leading to stabilization and gradual improvement of his neurologic symptoms. He was discharged to a skilled nursing facility with a walker. At 1-month outpatient follow up, he had minimal residual weakness and numbness in his proximal arms, legs, and bilateral hands. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of postCOVID-19 complications, such as GBS. Diagnosis of this syndrome is critical for improved patient outcomes.