Occupational stress and burnout are prevalent concerns within the UK veterinary profession. Within the job demands-resources (JD-R) framework, occupational stress represents a job demand linked to emotional exhaustion (EE), while transformational leadership (TL) may function as an organisational resource. However, the role of managerial TL behaviours in relation to occupational stress and EE in veterinary professionals remains underexplored. This exploratory cross-sectional online survey included registered UK veterinary surgeons and nurses. Participants completed validated measures of TL, perceived occupational stress (POS) and work-related EE. Data were analysed using correlation, regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). POS was strongly positively correlated with EE (r = 0.70, p < 0.001), while TL was moderately negatively correlated with EE (r = -0.34, p < 0.001). Regression showed a non-significant direct effect of TL on EE (p = 0.068), while SEM confirmed a significant indirect effect via POS (β = -0.33, p < 0.001). The cross-sectional design and unmeasured potential confounding variables limit causal inference and generalisability. TL may represent an organisational resource associated with lower EE, potentially via an indirect association with POS.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only aetiological treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Pullulan, a polysaccharide with immunomodulatory properties, may enhance AIT outcomes when combined with allergens such as recombinant Dermatophagoides farinae 2 (Der f 2). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Pullulan-adjuvanted AIT using recombinant Der f 2 or D. farinae (DF) extracts compared with conventional DF extract immunotherapy. In this prospective, randomised study, 30 client-owned CAD dogs sensitised to DF were assigned to receive either subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with DF, SCIT with DF plus Pullulan (pSCIT) or Allermmune HDM (Pullulan-recombinant Der f 2). Treatments were administered over 14 weeks. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI), pruritus visual analogue scale (pVAS) and medication score (MS). Safety was evaluated based on reported adverse events. Four dogs were excluded for reasons unrelated to treatment, leaving 26 dogs for analysis. Baseline CADESI, pVAS and MS did not differ significantly between groups. CADESI scores decreased significantly in the Allermmune and pSCIT groups compared with SCIT, whereas MS and pVAS showed no significant intergroup differences. Age and sex had no significant effect. Limitations include the small sample size, absence of a placebo control group, short follow-up period and lack of blinded outcome assessment. Larger controlled studies with extended follow-up and blinded evaluation are warranted to confirm these findings. Pullulan may enhance AIT efficacy in CAD, supporting its potential role as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant independent of allergen source.

BackgroundRegistered veterinary technologists/technicians (RVTs) are experiencing high rates of burnout, alongside reports of feeling underutilised and underappreciated, raising concerns regarding retention. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a 5‐day professional skills and knowledge training programme on RVTs’ clinical communication confidence.MethodsElectronic surveys measured communication self‐confidence prior to the professional skills and knowledge training, immediately after training and 2 months post‐training. Open‐ended questions asked participants’ experience regarding the training programme. Communication self‐confidence scores were compared using Friedman's test or repeated‐measures ANOVA. Open‐ended questions were analysed using manifest content analysis.ResultsOut of 38 individuals enrolled, 29 (76.3%) completed all three surveys. Participants’ communication self‐confidence scores significantly increased by the 2‐month follow‐up survey compared to pre‐programme and post‐programme. Open‐ended questions found: (1) positive perceptions of the programme immediately after training, and (2) differences in participants’ perception of their job at 2 months post‐training, based on opportunity to implement training upon returning to work.LimitationsThis study may have been prone to selection bias and may not be representative of all RVTs.ConclusionDedicated professional skills and knowledge training can increase RVT communication self‐confidence. A plan for implementation after returning to practice is important. Further research is needed to examine the impact of engaging RVTs in professional skills and knowledge training on professional and clinical outcomes.

Several studies have documented veterinarians' use of pet-directed speech (PDS). The aims of this study were to assess the use of PDS during clinic visits and the impact of PDS on pet owners' opinions about their veterinarians. An online survey of pet owners' experience with, and attitudes to, PDS was conducted using snowball sampling. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on quantitative data, and a thematic analysis was performed on free-text responses. Of the 400 respondents, almost 80% reported veterinarians using PDS. Most characterised the use of PDS as very or extremely important, and nearly 90% would more likely choose to see again a veterinarian who employed PDS. Four themes were identified from the free-text analysis: 'pet at the centre', 'not just words', 'include the owner' and 'impressions of the veterinarian'. The limitations of the study include the potential for bias and lack of randomisation with snowball sampling, and the relatively small study sample. PDS is widely employed by veterinarians during veterinary consultations and is valued by pet owners. Further research could help confirm the impact of PDS on the veterinarian‒client‒patient relationship and its potential for integration in veterinary communication training.

Determining serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations is critical for the assessment of passive immune status in lambs. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the Brix refractometer for the determination of passive immune status in lambs. Blood samples were collected from 417 randomly selected healthy 1‒7-day-old lambs from nine farms in western Türkiye. Digital Brix refractometry was used as the index test to determine the lambs' serum IgG concentrations, and the radial immunodiffusion (RID) technique was used as the reference test. A strong correlation was detected between the serum RID‒IgG and Brix percentages (r = 0.86). The prevalence of lambs with serum IgG concentrations less than 6 g/L, 6 to less than 10 g/L, 10 to less than 15 g/L, 15 to less than 20 g/L, 20 to less than 25 g/L, 25 to less than 30 g/L, 30 to less than 35 g/L, 35 to less than 40 g/L and 40g/L or more were 13.4%, 10.3%, 8.6%, 16.8%, 15.1%, 14.2%, 8.4%, 4.1% and 9.1%, respectively. The optimum thresholds determined for the digital Brix refractometer to detect lambs with serum IgG concentrations less than 6, less than 10, less than 15, less than 20, less than 25, less than 30, less than 35 and less than 40g/L were 8.2 or less, 8.4 or less, 8.4 or less, 8.8 or less, 9.1 or less, 9.3 or less, 9.7 or less and 9.9 or less, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity at each IgG threshold were 80% or above. Production type was not taken into consideration, which may influence serum Brix thresholds to determine passive immunity. Data are clustered by farm and analysis has not taken this into account; thus, prevalence estimates may not be reliable with regards to the true prevalence of inadequate transfer of passive immunity. This study demonstrated that the digital Brix refractometer could be used as an accurate tool for the determination of passive immune status in lambs.