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Trauma and the veterinarian.
J Landercasper1, T H Cogbill, P J Strutt
1Department of Surgery, Gundersen Clinic/La Crosse Lutheran Hospital, WI 54601.
The Journal of Trauma
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Veterinarians frequently suffer animal-related injuries, with over 64% experiencing major harm. Hand injuries are most common, often requiring surgical treatment and leading to lost workdays, highlighting significant occupational risks in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Veterinary Medicine
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- Veterinary professionals face unique occupational hazards during animal treatment.
- Understanding the incidence and nature of these injuries is crucial for improving safety protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the types and frequency of injuries sustained by veterinarians from animal patients.
- To identify common mechanisms of injury and the animals most frequently involved.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to American Veterinary Medical Association members in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- 995 respondents provided data on their career-related animal-induced injuries.
Main Results:
- 64.6% of surveyed veterinarians reported major animal-related injuries, with hand injuries being the most prevalent (52.6%).
- Common injury mechanisms included kicks (35.5%) and bites (34%), primarily from bovine and canine patients.
- Hospitalization and surgical procedures were frequently required, and lost workdays averaged 8.5 days per career.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary practice involves a high risk of significant, often surgically treated, animal-related injuries.
- Preventive measures and enhanced safety practices are essential to mitigate these occupational hazards.