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Appendix 1 . Stress scoring plan . Courtesy of Lydia Barry , BSc ( Hons ), RVN , Cert VNECC , PGCert Vet Ed . ( Continues on page 45 )
Score |
Dog ' s behaviour and appearance |
Environmental modification |
Pharmaceutical intervention |
0 Extremely friendly , outgoing , enjoys attention
1 Calm , relaxed , seemingly unmoved
2 Alert , calm and cooperative
3 Tense , but cooperative
Panting slowly , not very relaxed
Still easily led on lead but may need encouragement
In all cases :
• Ensure dogs are not facing other dogs
• Allow time for dogs to work for food , for example , in a Kong toy .
• Play classical music or audiobook
• Minimise noise from staff and alarms
• Ensure pheromone plug-in is switched on
• Use low-stress handling and restraint
All of the above , plus :
• Consider pheromone bandana
• Consider putting blanket over door
• Walk / carry outside , where possible
• Use food / treats to encourage cooperation
• Consider alternative to buster collar
• One-to-one attention and grooming
Should not need pharmaceuticals , but if a dog becomes anxious , consider
Acepromazine : 0.005 – 0.01 mg / kg IV ( or 0.5 – 1 mg / kg PO ) up to TID
( Contradictions include anaemia and cardiovascular instability )
or Trazodone : 5 mg / kg PO up to TID
( Note : trazodone is relatively contraindicated in seizure patients , and some clinicians are wary of its use in patients with liver and cardiac disease . Beware if a dog is already on any anxiolytic medications , including fluoxetine , cabergoline , tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors )
These patients are more likely to require pharmaceutical anxiolytics . Consider
Acepromazine : 0.005 – 0.01 mg / kg IV ( or 0.5 – 1 mg / kg PO ) up to TID
and / or Trazodone : 10 mg / kg PO up to TID and / or Gabapentin : 10 – 20 mg / kg PO up to TID
44 Veterinary Nursing Journal