Upper and lower respiratory airway complaints among female veterinary staff.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health. April 2022;95(3):665-675.

F Hoffmeyer¹, A Beine², A Lotz³, O Kleinmüller⁴, C Nöllenheidt⁵, E Zahradnik⁶, A Nienhaus⁷, M Raulf⁸

¹ Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany. hoffmeyer@ipa-dguv.de.; ² Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.; ³ Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.; ⁴ Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Center for Epidemiology and Heath Service Research in Nursing (CVcare), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.; ⁵ Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.; ⁶ Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.; ⁷ Institute for Health Service Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), Center for Epidemiology and Heath Service Research in Nursing (CVcare), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.; ⁸ Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:Working with animals is characterized by exposure to particulate, biological or chemical matter, and respiratory complaints are common. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diagnoses among veterinary staff.

METHODS:Participants working in veterinary practices were examined and a detailed questionnaire was used to collect data. IgE tests to common and animal allergens were performed to specify sensitization. Associations with respiratory outcomes were analysed using logistic regression models while controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS:Atopy was seen in 31% of the 109 female participants. Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis were the most frequent complaints (n = 92; 84%). In 18% the diagnosis was confirmed by physicians. Symptoms of upper and lower airways were highly correlated and an asthma diagnosis was confirmed in 11% of participants. Modelling revealed that sensitization against cats/dogs was a significant risk factor for respiratory symptoms of upper [odds ratio (OR) 4.61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-18.81] and lower airways (OR 5.14; 95% CI 1.25-21.13), physician-confirmed rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 13.43; 95% CI 1.69-106.5) and asthma (OR 9.02; 95% CI 1.16-70.39) in assistant staff of small-animal practices.

CONCLUSIONS:In several cases, rhinoconjunctivitis worsened after entering the profession. Atopy and specific sensitization to cats/dogs were risk factors for health impairments. Thus, to implement preventive measures, veterinary practice staff should be educated that upper respiratory tract symptoms are not harmless and should be diagnosed and treated early.

Keywords

Asthma; Atopy; Occupational health; Rhinitis; Risk factor; Sensitization; Veterinary staff;

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

'Brave Enough': A Qualitative Study of Veterinary Decisions to Withhold or Delay Antimicrobial Treatment in Pets.
The use of antimicrobials by companion animal veterinarians in the absence of a clear indication is often powerfully driven by behavioural beliefs, chiefly, fears of clinical deterioration and of failing to meet client expectations.

Bone Marrow Aspiration in Dogs: Indications and a Step-by-Step Tutorial
In dogs, bone marrow aspirates are often collected from the proximal humerus or ilium. A special 14- to 18-gauge needle with stylet is placed into the bone marrow cavity, and cells are subsequently aspirated. These needles are designed to penetrate cortical bone without becoming obstructed. Other sites in dogs include the sternum, ribs, and proximal femur. Aspiration from the pelvis and femur is challenging, if the region contains abundant adipose tissue.

Role of autopsy imaging in veterinary forensic medicine: experiences in 39 cases.
Among the 39 cases, 28, 6, 3, 1, and 1 involved cats, dogs, rabbits, a ferret, and a pigeon, respectively. The major autopsy imaging (Ai) findings included skull and rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, diaphragmatic hernia, and abdominal rupture. The leading causes of death, determined comprehensively via Ai and pathological reports and drug test results, included traumatic impact, blood loss, poisoning, suffocation, tension pneumothorax, starvation, and drowning, all of which have been strongly suspected to indicate animal abuse by humans.

Antimicrobial use in the surgical treatment of canine pyometra: A questionnaire survey of Arizona-licensed veterinarians.
Overall, 76% of veterinarians stated they always use preoperative and perioperative antibiotics, and 74% stated they always use postoperative antibiotics. A total of 16 different antibiotics were reported. Twelve percent of respondents regularly submitted a culture. Culture submission was impacted by cost, prior experience, poor owner compliance, result turnaround time, and anticipated results.

Head Trauma Management in Small Animals
This article reviews the pathophysiology of head trauma, patient assessment, diagnostic testing, treatment recommendations, monitoring, and prognosis.