Owner perspectives on the impact of veterinary surgeons upon their decision making in the management of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Background:

Idiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent canine condition that can
be challenging to manage. A positive vet–owner relationship contributes tosatisfaction and compliance, but its impact on management is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate owner perspectives about the impact of veterinary surgeons on decision making andmanagement.
Methods:

Qualitative methods were utilised, and semi-structured interviews
were completed with 21 owners of dogs with epilepsy who lived in England. Transcripts were thematically analysed, and this study discusses the theme ‘influences of the veterinary surgeon’.
Results: Many owners felt that more precise expectations could have
improved interactions with their veterinary surgeon(s), and their experiences of caring for their dog. Most owners referred to a specialist reported a positive experience, often due to specialists being perceived to have greater experience or knowledge. Owners who reported predominantly negative experiences were often less trusting of the veterinary profession, and more likely to performself-directed research.
Limitations:

These results represent the experiences of a small subset of
owners, and larger scale studies are required to support these findings. Conclusion: Owners appear to value the formation of partnerships of care with their veterinary surgeon, and greater availability of educational resources could further improve owner satisfaction.