Determination of optimal tracheal stent size using measurements derived from computed tomography

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2026-04-10

Objective: To devise a reliable method of predicting postplacement tracheal stent length using measurements from CT and to compare predicted versus actual stent length in a cohort of dogs undergoing stent placement for tracheal collapse grades I to III. Animals: Retrospective analysis of 11 dogs undergoing tracheal stenting for tracheal collapse grades I to III. Methods: Measurements of tracheal diameter were determined from stored CT images. Tracheal diameter was calculated from the square root of the product of the major and minor axes at 4 locations: 1 cm caudal to the larynx, the thoracic inlet, the midthoracic trachea, and 1 cm cranial to the carina. Values were averaged to determine predicted stent diameter in situ. The predicted length of the stent placed in each dog was calculated with regression formulas derived from the manufacturer's information regarding stent diameter and length. Actual stent length following deployment was determined from stored fluoroscopic images. Predicted stent lengths were compared to actual stent lengths, and the percent error was determined for each patient. Results: Appropriate images were available for 11 dogs. Differences in predicted length ranged from 0% to 5.5%, with a median of 2.32%. In 10 of 11 dogs, the error was < 5%. Clinical Relevance: Tracheal diameter can be reliably determined from CT imaging with the use of 4 specific locations in dogs with tracheal collapse grades I to III, allowing for accurate prediction of stent length after placement. This study will assist with appropriate stent size selection for dogs with tracheal collapse and is expected to improve procedural efficiency and efficacy.

Pet Ownership is Associated with Durable Viral Suppression but Presents Healthcare Access Challenges for People with HIV

AIDS and Behavior · 2026-01-12

Human-animal interaction (HAI; e.g., pet ownership) may contribute to enhanced health and well-being among individuals managing chronic conditions like HIV; however, responsibilities associated with pet ownership may also prevent owners from accessing timely healthcare. This study investigates the relationship between pet ownership, pet-related barriers to healthcare (PRBH), and comfort derived from pets with durable HIV viral suppression among people with HIV (PWH) in Florida. We tested three hypotheses using survey data from the Florida Cohort Study linked with Florida Department of Health HIV surveillance data, which included 623 participants recruited through HIV care providers and community health clinics. First, we hypothesized that pet owners would exhibit a higher likelihood of durable viral suppression compared to non-owners. While initial findings suggested that pet owners were more likely to be durably virally suppressed (OR = 1.82, p < 0.01), this association weakened, though remained marginally significant, after adjusting for covariates (OR = 1.55, p = 0.06). Second, we hypothesized that, among the pet-owning subset (n = 221), both experienced and anticipated PRBH would be negatively associated with viral suppression among pet owners. Our results confirmed that previously experienced PRBH were significantly associated with lower rates of viral suppression (OR = 0.22, p = 0.02), while anticipated barriers were not (OR = 0.44, p = 0.12). Lastly, we hypothesized that comfort from pets would be associated with better viral suppression; however, this was not supported (OR = 1.00, p = 0.98). These findings suggest that integrating pet-related support into HIV management strategies (e.g., providing pet sitting for patients receiving HIV care) could be supportive of HIV patient health by enabling owners to access timely care while maintaining the human-animal bond. Future research should assess the efficacy of collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and veterinary services in addressing the PRBH faced by pet-owning PWH to promote HIV management while supporting pet ownership in this population.

The effect of chronic, latent <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection on human behavior: Testing the parasite manipulation hypothesis in humans

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2026-03-20

Abstract Parasitism is one of the key, structural, interspecific interactions in ecology. One remarkable parasitic strategy that has been documented in multiple systems is the behavioral manipulation of hosts to increase parasite fitness. While not yet documented in humans, we propose that a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite – Toxoplasma gondii – may change human behavior to favor the parasite by increasing the fitness of the parasite’s definitive host - cats. Specifically, we assess the possibility that human behavioral changes resulting from chronic, latent T. gondii infection lead to measurable changes in attitudes, actions and dopaminergic responses towards cats that function to increase domestic cat fitness. We assessed the potential role of humans in the T. gondii lifecycle by identifying and testing behavioral changes in humans that benefit the parasite; specifically, human affection for cats. We assessed T. gondii infection status in 68 participants using T. gondii serum antibody testing, and assessed their attitudes towards cats in three ways: i) surveys, ii) participant behavior in the presence of domestic cats, and iii) participant oxytocin levels before and after interactions with cats to assess dopaminergic changes. Only 2 of 68 participants were positive for T. gondii antibodies, limiting statistical power. However, our results indicated that T. gondii -positive participants both reported a greater affection for cats in surveys, and spent more time engaged with cats during behavioral trials than T. gondii -negative participants (87% of study time engaging with cats vs 75%). Oxytocin results were inconclusive.

The impact of pet care challenges on medical decision making and healthcare utilization among hospitalized pet owners: a prospective study

medRxiv · 2026-01-18

ABSTRACT Background Little is known about the scope of challenges faced by hospitalized pet owners and their impact on medical decision-making and utilization of health services. Objectives To assess challenges associated with pet care (PC) among hospitalized pet owners and characterize associations between reported challenges, patient characteristics, and adherence to treatment. Methods Pet owners in inpatient or ED settings were surveyed about PC challenges experienced during current and prior hospitalizations, and social support for PC. Electronic medical records were followed prospectively. Bivariate tests and logistic/multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between survey responses, diagnoses, and healthcare utilization. Results Among 352 respondents (71 ED, 281 inpatient), younger age (p&lt;0.001), less social support (p&lt;0.01), and higher comorbidity (p=0.03) were associated with more PC challenges. Twenty-five ED patients (35%) reported challenges, of whom 46% endorsed likely deferral of hospital admission if recommended (p&lt;0.0001). N=67 inpatients (24%) endorsed PC challenges during their current hospitalization. Prior challenges predicted current challenges (r=0.34, p&lt;0.001). Increased social support reduced the odds of PC challenges (OR:0.80, p&lt;0.01). Conclusions Pet care challenges are common among pet owners, who report substantial impact on medical decision-making and healthcare utilization. Those with reduced social support and prior challenges are particularly vulnerable.

Profiles and predictors of access to human and veterinary healthcare in multispecies households

One Health · 2025-01-29 · 3 citations

0.001). These findings emphasize the need for policies addressing factors such as economic inequality and discrimination to improve healthcare and veterinary care access and utilization. Tailored interventions at individual and systemic levels are also suggested (i.e., the Colorado "Peticaid" proposal and the Seattle One Health Clinic) to mitigate disparities and enhance healthcare and veterinary care access for vulnerable populations.

How Does Access to Veterinary Care Relate to Animal Welfare?

Advances in Small Animal Care · 2025-07-30 · 6 citations

Access to veterinary care is a critical issue affecting companion animal welfare. Clients depend on veterinarians for prevention and treatment of physical and behavioral health problems, information on animal care, avoidance of pet relinquishment, and aid with end-of-life decision-making. However, when clients face obstacles to accessing veterinary services, such as economic hardship, securing transportation, and obtaining social support, the risks to animal welfare escalate. These may be compounded by factors such as finding affordable, pet-inclusive housing. This article discusses various ways in which access to veterinary care may affect animal welfare and evaluates potential solutions to improve both.

Identifying Home Safety Concerns Among Older Adults Aging With Pets

OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research · 2025-06-18

Assessing risks in pet owners’ home environment may help develop strategies to enhance safety and well-being. The objective of this study is to uncover key themes informing the development of a home safety assessment tool for older adults with pets. A literature review and focus group interviews informed understanding of the safety concerns of older adults caring for pets. Participants were primary caregivers of a dog and/or cat ( N = 30). Qualitative coding and analysis were guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. None of the six included articles identified a tool for detecting pet care safety concerns. Focus group findings indicate pet behavior, care needs, and caregiving activities impact home safety, potentially affecting safely aging in place. This study highlights the need to address home safety with pets and identifies factors for increasing safety. Findings will inform tool development; further research is needed to refine and validate.

Pet-Related Barriers to Healthcare Index

PsycTESTS Dataset · 2025-01-01

Barriers to finding and maintaining pet-inclusive affordable housing: Tenant experiences in Houston, Texas

Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2024-10-28 · 3 citations

The city of Houston, Texas has a growing deficit of available and affordable rental units for low-income residents. Due to pet policies, the shortage of affordable housing potentially puts renters who own pets at greater risk of housing insecurity. In this qualitative study, we use a community-engaged approach to document the lived experiences of finding and maintaining affordable housing among 24 current, former, and aspiring pet owners. The majority of the participants identified as female, were aged 44-60 years, identified as Black, had a high school education, and were employed full-time or on disability or government assistance. Many expressed having experienced homelessness in the past and/or having lived in several different types of affordable housing over their lifetime. Participants highlighted challenges in finding pet-inclusive affordable housing, emphasized its importance, and discussed issues faced, such as high pet charges, size and breed restrictions, and confusion surrounding pet policies. Landlord relationships and living conditions varied, with safety concerns prevalent. Having one's pet designated as an Emotional Support Animal made tenants feel safe and secure, knowing they could not be refused, evicted, or otherwise charged extra. Participants shared what is working well and what could be improved. This study concludes with recommendations for fair application and awareness of pet policies in affordable housing, drawing on participating tenants' experiences and existing efforts for policy and practice improvements.

Correction: The impact of pet ownership on healthcare access and utilization among people with HIV

PLoS ONE · 2024-02-23

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292658.].