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This summary presents findings from a 2003 study conducted among Colorado-based veterinarians regarding non-accidental injury (NAI) in dogs and cats. Out of 1109 distributed surveys, 214 valid responses were received. The study revealed 100% belief in the existence of NAI, with 65.4% of respondents having experienced it. The most commonly maltreated breeds were Pit Bulls and Labradors. Results underscore the need for definitive guidelines and awareness in recognizing NAI in animals, highlighting the importance of reporting and intervention.
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A Summary of the Results of a 2003 Study of Colorado-Based Veterinarians on Non-Accidental Injury in Dogs and Cats This work was supported by the Animal Assistance Foundation, by the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association and by American Humane
Background • 1999 Munro/Thursfield study • Non-accidental injury (NAI) in animals follows same patterns of diagnostic features as child abuse • CVMA/AAF connection • Colorado-based study of veterinarians’ beliefs and experiences with NAI • 1109 surveys distributed • 214 valid, unduplicated responses received (19%) • Luncheon at AH 125th anniversary in 2002 • CVMA members attended
Belief and NAI Experience Questions • Do you believe NAI exists? • Yes: 100% • Have you experienced NAI? • Yes: 65.4% • No: 33.6%
Animal Age and Gender of Maltreated Animals • Dogs • 58.9% were males • 63.8% of the males were intact • 7.4% were under 12 weeks old • 22.8% were 3-6 months • 33.1% were aged 7 months – 2 years • 30.1% were over 2 years old • Cats • 41.7% were males • 38.9% were females • 15.3% were under 12 weeks old • 22.2% were aged 3-6 months • 33.3% were aged 7 months – 2 years • 20.8% were over 2 years old
Most Common Dog Breeds with NAI • Pit Bulls and Labs • 15 cases each • Mixed breeds • 9 cases • Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds • 7 cases each • German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels • 6 cases each
“What made you suspect or allowed you to recognize NAI?” • A particular person was implicated • Family member (60% of dogs; 61.4% of cats) • Dogs: 41.5% husbands/boyfriends; 18.5% children • Cats: 36.4% husbands/boyfriends; 25% children • Features in history • History provided did not match injuries • Witness to act of violence • Knowledge of violence in home • Previous death/injury involving another animal in home • Story changed over time or from person to person • Person said they had no idea how injury occurred.
“What made you suspect or allowed you to recognize NAI?” • Reporting agency involvement • Animal control, police, neighbors, strangers • Behavior of the owner or animal • Injuries • Type of injury • Repetitive injury • Sexual injury • Old injuries • Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Outcomes • Dogs • 67.6% survived • 10.3% died due to injuries • 13.2% euthanized • Cats • 66.7% survived • 19.4% died due to injuries • 2.8% euthanized
Next Steps • Development of definitive guidelines for veterinarians on how to recognize NAI in animals • Develop case sheets for reporting suspected NAI • National-level prospective study needed • Future: annual report with data from each state (like NCANDS for animals) • Anyone who has not yet participated can still participate