The potential role of veterinary technicians in promoting antimicrobial stewardship.

BACKGROUND: A core principle of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in veterinary settings is the need for engagement of all stakeholders; however, no studies have addressed the role of veterinary technicians in AMS specifically. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess knowledge, opinions, and practices related to AMS among technicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 veterinary technicians with varied backgrounds, experience and roles. Interviews centered on participants work experience and interactions with their employer, perceptions of antimicrobial resistance and overuse in veterinary medicine, observed application of AMS principles, opinions on potential opportunities for technicians to contribute to AMS and concomitant potential barriers to these opportunities. Transcripts of interviews were coded thematically by two authors, then organized into a hierarchical framework, and the characterization of codes was compared across different categories of respondents. RESULTS: Most veterinary technicians were knowledgeable about antimicrobial drugs but could not provide a complete definition of antimicrobial resistance or AMS. Most veterinary technicians could identify examples of antimicrobial misuse. Participants identified areas of client education and discussion with veterinarians as potential areas to contribute to AMS. Barriers identified included hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time-constraints. Most participants expressed a personal interest in participating in AMS. CONCLUSIONS: There is a possible appetite among some veterinary technicians to participate in AMS and they already play applicable roles in practices. Barriers such as educational needs, hierarchical structures of veterinary practices and time constraints will need to be addressed if technicians are included in AMS efforts.

Increased incidence and shift in the location of gunshot wound injuries in dogs and cats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence and patterns of gunshot wound trauma in patients that were presented to an urban level 1 veterinary trauma center before and after the start of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. ANIMALS: 24 dogs and 1 cat. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients presenting with gunshot wound injuries between March 2018 and February 2020 (prepandemic) and March 2020 and February 2022 (pandemic). The total number of patients presented to the hospital during those same time periods was also obtained. Patient data were collected including species, breed, age, sex, location of injury, trauma score (if available), surgical procedures performed, length of hospitalization, and case outcome. RESULTS: In the prepandemic period, 9 patients were presented for gunshot wound injuries, whereas there were 16 patients evaluated for gunshot wound injuries during the pandemic period. The total number of gunshot wound cases increased by 77.8% in the pandemic period. The total number of hospital patient visits, however, decreased by 12.2% in the pandemic period as compared to the prepandemic period: 65,168 versus 74,262 patients, respectively. Injuries were predominantly localized to the extremities (55%) in the prepandemic period versus maxillofacial (56%) in the pandemic period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There was an increased number of gunshot wound injuries in companion animals presenting to an urban level 1 veterinary trauma center during the COVID-19 pandemic. A shift in the predominant location of injury was also identified during the pandemic period. This study highlights the ramifications that societal dynamics can have on animal health and welfare.