Exploring Pet Owner Preferences in Order to Assess the Role of Cost and Quality of Life in Anti-Pruritic Treatment Plan Selection for Dog Owners

Abstract

A web-based quantitative survey tested pet owners' preferences and willingness-to-pay for canine anti-pruritus therapies, and for improvements in pruritus-related quality of life. This survey was designed using findings from recent research into quality of life in pruritus, interviews with pet owners and veterinarians, and clinical and cost data. The survey was completed by 251 dog owners in the United Kingdom. A total of 46-47% were willing to pay to improve individual concepts of pruritus-related quality of life, including comfort, scratching behavior, and appearance. Instituting treatment to manage pruritus and the investigation of pruritus causes were considered important actions; safety and effectiveness were the most important attributes of therapy. Comparing the administration, effectiveness, safety, and costs of (unbranded) therapy profiles, on average, 63% preferred hypothetical tablet or injectable therapies (with higher cost and improved safety) over corticosteroid treatment for acute pruritus (p < 0.05). Over 50% of respondents preferred the hypothetical therapies in all tested subgroups, and results were similar for chronic pruritus. This research highlighted that many pet owners are willing to pay to improve their pet's quality of life, and to receive comparably effective, yet safer therapies for the management of acute canine pruritus, regardless of insurance status. Veterinarians should consider discussing and offering newly available therapies for acute and chronic pruritus with pet owners where medically appropriate.

Keywords: canine pruritus; outcomes research; quality of life; treatment preference; willingness-to-pay.

Figure 1

Flow chart of qualitative and quantitative research activities within this study.

Figure 2

(a) Relative importance of actions taken to manage pruritus (b) Relative importance of therapy attributes (mean values; 1 being not at all important and 7 being very important) in a quantitative survey of pet owners.

Figure 3

Preferences for canine pruritus therapy profiles, in direct comparisons, in a quantitative survey of pet owners. * Significantly preferred with p < 0.005 by chi-squared testing. † Costs in acute pruritus (per course): corticosteroid treatment (dexamethasone and prednisone/prednisolone) was GBP 28 (USD 38, EUR 31); tablet A was GBP 93.50 (USD 127, EUR 105); injection B was GBP 110 (USD 149, EUR 123). ‡ Costs in chronic pruritus (per month): corticosteroid treatment (dexamethasone and prednisone/prednisolone) was GBP 28 (USD 38, EUR 31); tablet A was GBP 100 (USD 135, EUR 112); injection B was GBP 110 (USD 149, EUR 123). Chi-squared testing results in detail: In acute pruritus, no costs: 92% preferred tablet A, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 174.03; p < 0.005. In acute pruritus, no costs: 89% preferred injection B, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 151.49; p < 0.005. In acute pruritus, with associated costs: 66% preferred tablet A, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 24.86; p < 0.005. In acute pruritus, with associated costs: 61% preferred injection B, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 12.94; p < 0.005. In chronic pruritus, with associated costs: 61% preferred tablet A, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 11.19; p < 0.005. In chronic pruritus, with associated costs: 63% preferred injection B, chi-squared (1 degree of freedom; n = 251) = 16.83; p < 0.005.