Diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in dogs: A cross-sectional online survey among Flemish veterinary practitioners.

Background: Diagnosis as well as management of arrhythmias in dogs can be challenging for veterinary practitioners. The aim was to describe ECG availability and use, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences and preferences of Flemish veterinarians regarding cardiac arrhythmias in dogs. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey among veterinarians in Flanders (Belgium). Results: An ECG device was available for 55 out of 102 respondents (54%) and 41 (43%) claimed to use it in case of arrhythmia suspicion. Insufficient knowledge about ECG interpretation and immediate patient referral upon detection of an abnormal heart rhythm were the most important reasons for not having, or not using, an ECG. About half of the respondents (56%) had never used anti-arrhythmic drugs in dogs, although only a few reported having had a negative experience. Frequently provided reasons for not using anti-arrhythmic drugs included insufficient knowledge and a low number of dogs with arrhythmias. Conclusion: Most veterinarians reported having little or no expertise with arrhythmias in dogs. Electrocardiogram availability and use among respondents was moderate and too often restricted by insufficient ECG interpretation skills. Continued efforts are needed to increase the confidence and knowledge of veterinarians about arrhythmias in dogs.

Gender differences in developmental pathways on self-evaluation from adolescence into adulthood: the Flanders longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to look for possible gender differences in self-evaluation in adolescence, young adulthood, and full adulthood. Subjects were interviewed at three stages: in adolescence, 8 years, and 15 years later. Hypotheses were: (a) The connection between self-evaluation in adolescence and in adulthood is stronger in girls than in boys. However, for both boys and girls there is a strong connection between young adulthood and full adulthood ("the self-evaluation-triad" hypothesis); (b) The "schooling" factor has a different effect on the self-evaluation triad for boys and girls. Results showed that different psychosocial developmental pathways apply to boys and girls. Also, working girls with a negative self-evaluation in adolescence were more vulnerable to negative self-evaluation in adulthood.