Cumulative trauma disorders among California veterinarians

Background: The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) in veterinarians has not been adequately studied. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 2,000 California veterinarians in 1997; the return rate was 73% (n=1,415). Results: Ninety-six percent (1,353) of the respondents were professionally active and were included in the analyses. Sixty-four percent were male and 90% were working full-time. One-fourth of the respondents reported a CTD during their career that required treatment or restricted usual activities. Two-thirds of those reporting CTDs reported chronic or residual problems. In a multivariate regression analysis female sex, working full-time, rectal palpations, and large animal practice were significant risk factors for CTDs. Conclusions: Being in large animal practice increased the CTD risk for both women and men whether they worked full or part-time. CTD risk was highest in women working full-time and doing 80% rectal palpations. Preventive methods to attenuate the risk of CTDs especially in large animal practice should be investigated.