Literature reviews

AVMA's science-based, peer-reviewed literature reviews are written by AVMA professional staff in response to a demonstrated need for summary information. They are not AVMA policy and generally do not draw conclusions. They simply report what we know from the literature or other verifiable data about a given topic. In addition to scientific information, they may address the issue's legislative, legal, economic, ethical, and social components, as well as implications for veterinary practice.

How are AVMA literature reviews developed?

Peer review is similar to that used for articles in scientific journals. Reviewers are recognized experts in their field, and are identified after reviewing related peer-reviewed publications and seeking input from those working on the topic. We attempt to represent a broad variety of backgrounds and perspectives in the peer review process.

We welcome new information that will improve the content of these literature reviews. Please literature_reviewsavma [dot] org (share any comments or suggestions with us) by email, including supporting documentation such as scientific articles and verifiable data.

All literature reviews

• Dog Bite Risk and Prevention: The Role of Breed
• Dogs Traveling in Truck Beds
• Welfare Implications of Beak Trimming
• Welfare Implications of Canine Devocalization
• Welfare Implications of Castration of Cattle
• Welfare Implications of Declawing of Domestic Cats
• Welfare Implications of Deer Velvet
• Welfare Implications of Dehorning and Disbudding Cattle
• Welfare Implications of Ear Cropping-Dogs
• Welfare Implications of Electroimmobilization
• Welfare Implications of Elephant Training
• Welfare Implications of Foie Gras Production
• Welfare Implications of Gestation Sow Housing
• Welfare Implications of Horse Tail Modifications
• Welfare Implications of Hot-Iron Branding and Its Alternatives
• Welfare Implications of Induced Molting of Layer Chickens
• Welfare Implications of Laying Hen Housing
• Welfare Implications of Leghold Trap Use in Conservation and Research
• Welfare Implications of Ovariectomy in Cattle
• Welfare Implications of Socialization of Puppies and Kittens
• Welfare Implications of Swine Castration
• Welfare Implications of Tail Docking of Cattle
• Welfare Implications of Tail Docking of Lambs
• Welfare Implications of Tail Docking-Dogs
• Welfare Implications of Teeth Clipping, Tail Docking and Permanent Identification of Piglets
• Welfare Implications of the Use of β-Adrenoreceptor Agonists
• Welfare Implications of Thoracic Compression
• Welfare Implications of Veal Calf Husbandry