Managing examination stress in minimally socialised beagles: dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel versus Aptus Relax food supplement
A comparison study
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / EGMT2173
Lena Olsén, RVN, PhD
ENVELOPE lena. olsen @ slu. se
Lena is a veterinary nurse and associate professor. She has a PhD in veterinary pharmacology and is a senior lecturer at the Department of Clinical Sciences; Anesthesiology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences( Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet( SLU)).
Julia Samuelsson, BSc, RVN – Julia graduated with a BSc in veterinary nursing in 2019 and now works at Anicura Bohusläns Djursjukhus. Her interests include anaesthesia and emergency care.
Therése Brodin, BSc, RVN – Therese graduated with a BSc in veterinary nursing in 2019 and now works at Anicura Veterinärkliniken Bromölla and Anicura Djursjukhuset Hässleholm. She particularly enjoys working on cat wards.
Jonna Ljungström, RVN – Jonna has a BSc in veterinary nursing from SLU and now practises as a veterinary nurse in Sweden.
Anna Olsén, BSc – Anna graduated with a BSc in physical geography in 1991. Her interests include animal welfare and statistical modelling.
Fanny Sandqvist, BSc, RVN – Fanny obtained her BSc in veterinary nursing in 2019 and now works at Anicura Jägarvallens Djursjukhus. She works mainly in anaesthesia.
ABSTRACT Stress in dogs visiting veterinary clinics can complicate examinations, diagnosis and treatments, and is also a risk for injuries.
Dexmedetomidine is a potent sedative substance. In low doses, it reduces anxiety without a sedative effect. It is prescribed as an oromucosal gel( Sileo, Orion Pharma Animal Health; DEXO) to dogs in preparation for loud noises such as fireworks. The food supplement Aptus Relax( Orion Pharma Animal Health; FSAR), which contains the amino acids L-theanine and tryptophan, is marketed as contributing to calm and balanced behaviour.
Theoretically, these preparations could ease stress associated with veterinary visits. The clinical effects of DEXO and FSAR were examined in a single-blinded crossover study with six newly imported and easily stressed beagles. Placebo, DEXO or FSAR were
administered to the dogs, and their respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature were evaluated by veterinary nurses( VNs) blinded to the treatment, during a simulated, standardised clinical examination.
Behavioural analyses of video-recorded interactions between the dogs and VNs were performed, evaluating the dogs ' interest in seeking contact and whether they voluntarily entered the room and / or got up on to the examination table.
Analysis of the physiological parameters indicated a general calming effect from DEXO. The dogs ' willingness to seek contact on the examination table was not affected by treatment with either DEXO or FSAR.
Keywords Sileo, clinical examination, animal welfare, veterinary visit, pre-visit pharmaceutical
18 Veterinary Nursing Journal