FACTORS AFFECTING TREATMENT DECISIONS AND SATISFACTION OF OWNERS OF CATS WITH CANCER

Cancer in cats is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Euthanasi a or an active intervention such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, o r surgery are treatment choices for the owner at diagnosis of the cat' s disease, In this study, 2 interviews with cat. owners, one soon afte r diagnosis of cancer in the cat and one 6 months later, were used to identify owner characteristics associated with a decision of euthanasi a or intervention, to identify factors associated with an owner's sati sfaction with euthanasia or intervention, and to evaluate inappropriat e expectations of the owners who selected an intervention. The study i ncluded 89 owners from 3 referral hospitals, In logistic regression an alysis, significant factors were not found that affected the owner's d ecision to euthanatize the cat versus intervene. Satisfaction with the decision to euthanatize the cat was associated with the ability of th e cat to groom itself, eat, and play at the first interview. Among own ers who selected an intervention, 4 combinations of factors were assoc iated with being satisfied. The first combination was clinic of origin (CLIN), having a live cat at the 6-month follow-up interview (LIVE), and understanding the number of return visits required for the interve ntion. The second was CLIN, LIVE, and type and frequency of adverse ef fects from the intervention al the 6-month interview. The third was CL IN, LIVE, and feeling guilty at the 6-month interview. The fourth was CLIN, LIVE, and whether the cat had a good or excellent quality of lif e at the first interview. Thirty percent (21/69) of the owners tended to overestimate their cats' life expectancy. Owners also felt they had reasonably accurate estimations of adverse effects of treatment and n umber of return visits, but underestimated the costs required for an i ntervention. For owners who elect an intervention, a reminder from the veterinarian that emotional upheavals may develop even after the deci sion has been made is important. To provide optimal patient care and c lient education, veterinarians must find a middle ground between being knowledgeable, practical, and informed, and being compassionate and a pproachable.