Caregiver burden of dogs and cats undergoing anticancer therapy in a referral hospital in Hong Kong: preliminary results

Introduction
Caregiver burden impacts the client's psychosocial well-being, causes burnout in veterinarians through burden transfer, and compromises the veterinarian-client relationship.

Objectives
To examine the prevalence of caregiver burden and explore potential predictors of increased burden among caregivers of pets undergoing anticancer therapy.

Methods
An online survey (24 questions) was used to determine the prevalence of caregiver burden (n = 35) in the oncology service of a large veterinary hospital in Hong Kong. Caregiver burden was based on an adapted and abbreviated Zarit Burden Interview score (7 questions; up to 28 points with cut-off of ≥ 9 points for increased burden). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of caregiver burden between increased versus normal burden groups (P ≤ 0.05). Predictors include demographic, cancer, and anticancer data.

Results
A total of 65.7% of owners presented increased caregiver burden. Owners (%) agreed that cost (71%) and side effects (74%) of anticancer therapy are significant concerns. First-time pet owners were 4.58 times more likely to experience greater burden than non-first-time owners [95% CI (0.95-22.230; P=0.05)]. The duration, type, and treatment response of anti-cancer therapy were not significant predictors.

Conclusion
Caregiver burden is experienced by the majority of clients when their dogs and cats undergo anticancer therapy, potentially impacting their psychosocial well-being. Veterinarians should be aware of increased burden in first-time pet owners. Communication should focus on the cost and potential side effects of anticancer therapy as they were perceived as important concerns.