ABSTRACT: This questionnaire-based study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of compliance to treatment plans and the communication between the owners of diabetic dogs and veterinary staff. The results revealed that the frequency of communication did not affect the compliance score. Of the six factors analysed, one influenced compliance and four influenced the frequency of communication.

The study concluded that financial constraints and poor education are contributing factors to the underutilisation of veterinary services. The requirement for practices to improve client education was exposed as a crucial step to improving patient care in dogs.

Author

Lydia M. Barry BSc (Hons) RVN

Lydia is a RVN living and working in West Yorkshire. She graduated in 2017 from Edinburgh Napier University with a first-class BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree. Her personal interests include feline medicine, medical nursing and clinical coaching. She is passionate about improving the welfare of animals, particularly in Asia.

Email: lydsbarry@hotmail.co.uk

Keywords: diabetes; compliance; communication; owner

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 33 (02) • February 2018 pp52-55

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