Veterinarian's perceptions of animal euthanasia and the relation to their own mental health / Percepções do médico veterinário a respeito da eutanásia animal e a relação com sua saúde mental

ABSTRACT: Ethical and moral issues surround the practice of animal euthanasia, which often damages the veterinarian's mental health, leading to psychological problems and even suicide. This study aimed to evaluate veterinarians' perceptions about euthanasia and the possible implications of the practice for their mental health and seek to identify gaps in the training of these professionals. Data collection occurred by applying an online questionnaire sent to veterinarians working in the Brazilian territory. Among the 243 participants, 78% said they did not have classes that broadly addressed the practice of animal euthanasia and dysthanasia during undergraduate disciplines; in addition, 71% claimed that they did not address subjects such as medical ethics, psychology, mental health, and verbal communication. The vast majority (90%) considered not trained to deal with patient death, and 67% have already questioned whether the procedure was the best alternative. The presence of sadness after performing euthanasia was frequent among participants. Small animal clinicians were more susceptible to the presence of this feeling when compared to a veterinarian from other areas. Most veterinarians (86%) believed that the practice of animal euthanasia poses risks to the performer's mental health, and 89% claimed that it influences their mental health. 17% of the participants were using controlled medications during the research period. So, given these findings, it is evident that animal euthanasia negatively affects the mental health of those who perform it. Measures are needed to minimize the impacts arising from the practice, aiming to improve this population's health and well-being.

RESUMO: A prática da eutanásia animal é circundada por questões éticas e morais, o que resulta, muitas vezes, em prejuízo à saúde mental do veterinário, podendo levar ao desenvolvimento de problemas psíquicos e mesmo ao suicídio. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as percepções do médico veterinário a respeito da eutanásia e as possíveis implicações da prática à sua saúde mental, além de buscar identificar lacunas acerca do tema na formação destes profissionais. A coleta dos dados ocorreu mediante aplicação de questionário online encaminhado a médicos veterinários atuantes no território brasileiro. Dentre os 243 participantes, 78% afirmaram não ter tido durante a graduação disciplinas que abordassem de forma ampla a prática da eutanásia e distanásia animal; além disso, 71% alegaram que conteúdos como ética médica, psicologia, saúde mental e comunicação verbal não foram tratados. A grande maioria (90%) considera não ter sido preparado para lidar com a morte de seus pacientes e 67% já questionaram se o procedimento era o melhor a se fazer naquele momento. Á presença de tristeza após realização de uma eutanásia apresentou-se de forma frequente entre os participantes. Os clínicos de pequenos animais mostraram-se mais suscetível à presença deste sentimento quando comparados aos veterinários de outras áreas. A maior parte dos médicos veterinários (86%) acredita que a prática da eutanásia animal pode oferecer riscos a saúde mental do realizador e 89% afirmam que a mesma pode ter influencia sobre sua saúde mental. Sendo que, 17% dos participantes estavam fazendo uso de medicamentos controlados durante o período da pesquisa. Diante desses achados, evidencia-se que a prática da eutanásia animal repercute negativamente na saúde mental de quem a executa, sendo necessárias medidas que minimizem os impactos advindos da prática, visando melhoria na saúde e bem-estar desta população.

Veterinarian's perceptions of animal euthanasia and the relation to their own mental health / Percepções do médico veterinário a respeito da eutanásia animal e a relação com sua saúde mental

Ethical and moral issues surround the practice of animal euthanasia, which often damages the veterinarian's mental health, leading to psychological problems and even suicide. This study aimed to evaluate veterinarians' perceptions about euthanasia and the possible implications of the practice for their mental health and seek to identify gaps in the training of these professionals. Data collection occurred by applying an online questionnaire sent to veterinarians working in the Brazilian territory. Among the 243 participants, 78% said they did not have classes that broadly addressed the practice of animal euthanasia and dysthanasia during undergraduate disciplines; in addition, 71% claimed that they did not address subjects such as medical ethics, psychology, mental health, and verbal communication. The vast majority (90%) considered not trained to deal with patient death, and 67% have already questioned whether the procedure was the best alternative. The presence of sadness after performing euthanasia was frequent among participants. Small animal clinicians were more susceptible to the presence of this feeling when compared to a veterinarian from other areas. Most veterinarians (86%) believed that the practice of animal euthanasia poses risks to the performer's mental health, and 89% claimed that it influences their mental health. 17% of the participants were using controlled medications during the research period. So, given these findings, it is evident that animal euthanasia negatively affects the mental health of those who perform it. Measures are needed to minimize the impacts arising from the practice, aiming to improve this population's health and well-being.

A prática da eutanásia animal é circundada por questões éticas e morais, o que resulta, muitas vezes, em prejuízo à saúde mental do veterinário, podendo levar ao desenvolvimento de problemas psíquicos e mesmo ao suicídio. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as percepções do médico veterinário a respeito da eutanásia e as possíveis implicações da prática à sua saúde mental, além de buscar identificar lacunas acerca do tema na formação destes profissionais. A coleta dos dados ocorreu mediante aplicação de questionário online encaminhado a médicos veterinários atuantes no território brasileiro. Dentre os 243 participantes, 78% afirmaram não ter tido durante a graduação disciplinas que abordassem de forma ampla a prática da eutanásia e distanásia animal; além disso, 71% alegaram que conteúdos como ética médica, psicologia, saúde mental e comunicação verbal não foram tratados. A grande maioria (90%) considera não ter sido preparado para lidar com a morte de seus pacientes e 67% já questionaram se o procedimento era o melhor a se fazer naquele momento. Á presença de tristeza após realização de uma eutanásia apresentou-se de forma frequente entre os participantes. Os clínicos de pequenos animais mostraram-se mais suscetível à presença deste sentimento quando comparados aos veterinários de outras áreas. A maior parte dos médicos veterinários (86%) acredita que a prática da eutanásia animal pode oferecer riscos a saúde mental do realizador e 89% afirmam que a mesma pode ter influencia sobre sua saúde mental. Sendo que, 17% dos participantes estavam fazendo uso de medicamentos controlados durante o período da pesquisa. Diante desses achados, evidencia-se que a prática da eutanásia animal repercute negativamente na saúde mental de quem a executa, sendo necessárias medidas que minimizem os impactos advindos da prática, visando melhoria na saúde e bem-estar desta população.

Daily intake of a homeopathic agent by dogs modulates white cell defenses and reduces bacterial counts in feces.

Motivated by conventional medicines' ineffectiveness and the appearance of bacterial resistance, homeopathic medicines are being increasingly demanded by the veterinary market. Dog feces contain high bacterial and pathogenic loads, which can cause diseases in animals and facilitate zoonotic transmission. Adequate animal immunity contributes to the elimination of potential pathogens. This work's objective was to evaluate the effects of using a homeopathic medication on blood cell counts, serum protein levels, and fecal bacterial counts in dogs. Two groups were used, each including five 19-month-old Beagle dogs. The homeopathic product Orgainfecto® was sprayed on the two daily meals in the treated group (T), at 0.5 mL/animal/day for 60 days; the group that did not receive the homeopathic was considered the control (C), who were fed only the vehicle used in the production of the homeopathic as a placebo. On days 1, 30, and 60, individual stool samples were collected for bacterial counts in the stool, blood samples for blood counts, and serum for biochemical tests. Total bacterial counts in feces were lower in group T on days 30 and 60 of the experiment, while total coliforms and E coli. were lower in this group on day 60. Total leukocyte counts were lower on day 60 in group T, unlike the neutrophil count, higher in group T on day 30, and eosinophils on day 60. However, the lymphocyte count was lower in group T on days 30 and 60. There was an increase in globulin and total protein in group T on day 60. We conclude that the tested homeopathic causes neutrophils and eosinophils' stimulation and increases globulins levels even with reduced lymphocytes. The daily consumption of homeopathic by dogs decreases the intestinal bacterial load, resulting in less environmental contamination and animal and human colibacillosis risks.

The effect of four commercial broiler hybrids and the season on occurrence of broiler condemnations in the abattoirs / O efeito de quatro linhagens comerciais de frangos de corte e a estação do ano na ocorrência de condenações no abatedouro

Condemnations in the broilers abattoirs can represent an overview farms health and effectiveness of welfare programs, as well as predisposition between hybrids. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of condemnation among four commercial broiler hybrids and the oscillation of condemnations in different seasons in a poultry abattoir. Data from condemnations of the Federal Inspection Service of a slaughterhouse were analyzed during one year, in which a total of 12.81% of partial condemnations were observed and total condemnations represented 0.41% of slaughtered broiler. There was a difference in total and partial condemnation among the hybrids evaluated, with Hubbard hybrid being the one with the highest number of condemnations (0.67% - 17.71%), followed by Ross 95 (0.42% - 14.21%), Cobb (0.30% - 10.03%); and Cobb Fast (0.26% - 9.29%). The analysis between the seasons showed a higher conviction rate in winter and a lower rate in autumn for both total and partial condemnation. Hubbard had the highest rates and Cobb Fast the lowest for most causes of condemnation. We concluded that the metabolic cause led to higher losses by total condemnation, while contamination or technopathies represented the highest rates in partial losses. The broiler hybrid and the time of year may influence the causes of condemnation in the abattoir. This information should be considered by the abattoir and the farms in sanitary planning, considering the financial impact due to losses by condemnations of carcasses.(AU)

As condenações no abatedouro de frangos podem representar uma visão geral da saúde das granjas e da eficácia dos programas de bem-estar, bem como revelar diferenças fenotípicas entre linhagens. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de condenação entre quatro híbridos comerciais de frangos de corte e a oscilação de condenações em diferentes épocas em um frigorífico de aves. Os dados das condenações do Serviço Federal de Inspeção de um abatedouro foram analisados durante um ano, no qual foram observadas 12,81% de condenações parciais e 0,41% de condenações totais. Houve diferença na condenação total e parcial entre os híbridos avaliados, sendo o híbrido Hubbard o com maior número de condenações (0,67% - 17,71%), seguido por Ross 95 (0,42% - 14,21%), Cobb (0,30%). - 10,03%); e Cobb Fast (0,26% - 9,29%). A análise entre as estações do ano demonstrou uma maior taxa de condenação no inverno e menor taxa no outono para condenação total e parcial. Hubbard apresentou as maiores taxas e Cobb Fast as mais baixas para a maioria das causas de condenações. Concluímos que a causa metabólica resultou em mais perdas por condenação total, enquanto a contaminação ou tecnopatias representaram as maiores taxas em perdas parciais. A linhagem de frango de corte e a época do ano podem influenciar nas causas de condenação no abatedouro. Essas informações devem ser consideradas pela indústria e pelas granjas no planejamento sanitário, considerando o impacto financeiro devido às perdas por condenações de carcaças.(AU)

The effect of four commercial broiler hybrids and the season on occurrence of broiler condemnations in the abattoirs / O efeito de quatro linhagens comerciais de frangos de corte e a estação do ano na ocorrência de condenações no abatedouro

ABSTRACT: Condemnations in the broilers abattoirs can represent an overview farms health and effectiveness of welfare programs, as well as predisposition between hybrids. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of condemnation among four commercial broiler hybrids and the oscillation of condemnations in different seasons in a poultry abattoir. Data from condemnations of the Federal Inspection Service of a slaughterhouse were analyzed during one year, in which a total of 12.81% of partial condemnations were observed and total condemnations represented 0.41% of slaughtered broiler. There was a difference in total and partial condemnation among the hybrids evaluated, with Hubbard hybrid being the one with the highest number of condemnations (0.67% - 17.71%), followed by Ross 95 (0.42% - 14.21%), Cobb (0.30% - 10.03%); and Cobb Fast (0.26% - 9.29%). The analysis between the seasons showed a higher conviction rate in winter and a lower rate in autumn for both total and partial condemnation. Hubbard had the highest rates and Cobb Fast the lowest for most causes of condemnation. We concluded that the metabolic cause led to higher losses by total condemnation, while contamination or technopathies represented the highest rates in partial losses. The broiler hybrid and the time of year may influence the causes of condemnation in the abattoir. This information should be considered by the abattoir and the farms in sanitary planning, considering the financial impact due to losses by condemnations of carcasses.

RESUMO: As condenações no abatedouro de frangos podem representar uma visão geral da saúde das granjas e da eficácia dos programas de bem-estar, bem como revelar diferenças fenotípicas entre linhagens. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de condenação entre quatro híbridos comerciais de frangos de corte e a oscilação de condenações em diferentes épocas em um frigorífico de aves. Os dados das condenações do Serviço Federal de Inspeção de um abatedouro foram analisados durante um ano, no qual foram observadas 12,81% de condenações parciais e 0,41% de condenações totais. Houve diferença na condenação total e parcial entre os híbridos avaliados, sendo o híbrido Hubbard o com maior número de condenações (0,67% - 17,71%), seguido por Ross 95 (0,42% - 14,21%), Cobb (0,30%). - 10,03%); e Cobb Fast (0,26% - 9,29%). A análise entre as estações do ano demonstrou uma maior taxa de condenação no inverno e menor taxa no outono para condenação total e parcial. Hubbard apresentou as maiores taxas e Cobb Fast as mais baixas para a maioria das causas de condenações. Concluímos que a causa metabólica resultou em mais perdas por condenação total, enquanto a contaminação ou tecnopatias representaram as maiores taxas em perdas parciais. A linhagem de frango de corte e a época do ano podem influenciar nas causas de condenação no abatedouro. Essas informações devem ser consideradas pela indústria e pelas granjas no planejamento sanitário, considerando o impacto financeiro devido às perdas por condenações de carcaças.

Addition of curcumin in dairy sheep diet in the control of subclinical mastitis

Background: Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been successfully used in animals and humans due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, a study demonstrated that curcumin ointment reduced pain, mammary tension and erythema in humans with mastitis 72 h after the treatment. Mastitis in sheep is an important problem due to restrictions associated to the use of antibiotics, affecting milk production and becoming a public health issue. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of six female sheep with subclinical mastitis could have curative efficacy and benefits to animal health.Cases: Six Lacaune sheep with subclinical mastitis that persisted for more than thirty days after the parturition were used. The animals received feed containing the curcumin (60 mg/animal/day) during 10 days. On days 0 and 10 of the experiment, total blood was collected to perform the hemogram and serum biochemistry (triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea), as well as individual milk samples for centesimal composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Total leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as hemoglobin content, were obtained using the hematological counter CELM-CC-550. Blood smears were stained by the Romanowsky method and used for leukocytes differentiation. After ten days of treatment, five sheep were negative in the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Total erythrocytes increased, while total leukocytes decreased after the treatment. Seric levels of AST, triglycerides, cholesterol and globulins decreased, while seric levels of albumin and urea increased after ten days of treatment. No differences were observed regarding milk production and composition, as well as for SCC and TBC on days 0 and 10 post-treatment.[...]

Addition of curcumin in dairy sheep diet in the control of subclinical mastitis

Background: Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been successfully used in animals and humans due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, a study demonstrated that curcumin ointment reduced pain, mammary tension and erythema in humans with mastitis 72 h after the treatment. Mastitis in sheep is an important problem due to restrictions associated to the use of antibiotics, affecting milk production and becoming a public health issue. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of six female sheep with subclinical mastitis could have curative efficacy and benefits to animal health.Cases: Six Lacaune sheep with subclinical mastitis that persisted for more than thirty days after the parturition were used. The animals received feed containing the curcumin (60 mg/animal/day) during 10 days. On days 0 and 10 of the experiment, total blood was collected to perform the hemogram and serum biochemistry (triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea), as well as individual milk samples for centesimal composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). Total leukocytes and erythrocytes, as well as hemoglobin content, were obtained using the hematological counter CELM-CC-550. Blood smears were stained by the Romanowsky method and used for leukocytes differentiation. After ten days of treatment, five sheep were negative in the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Total erythrocytes increased, while total leukocytes decreased after the treatment. Seric levels of AST, triglycerides, cholesterol and globulins decreased, while seric levels of albumin and urea increased after ten days of treatment. No differences were observed regarding milk production and composition, as well as for SCC and TBC on days 0 and 10 post-treatment.[...](AU)