Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Means and standard deviations for the physiological measurements are presented in Figure 2.
Floor interaction is shown in Figure 3.
DEXO significantly lowered the combined physiological measurements compared with placebo( p = 0.0074, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).
FSAR did not significantly lower the combined physiological measurements compared with placebo( p = 0.195, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).
The two placebo baselines did not differ significantly( p = 0.2054, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), indicating no general habituation effect.
RR values were excluded for two dogs, identified by their collars as‘ black’ and‘ brown’, because reliable
measurements could not be obtained owing to excessive panting or movement. The remaining RR data should therefore be interpreted with caution.
Most dogs behaved consistently across the placebo, DEXO and FSAR treatments. During the table interaction, two dogs,‘ pink’ and‘ yellow’, did not seek contact with the VN regardless of treatment, whereas the other four dogs consistently sought contact. The behavioural comparison was not pursued further because pairing was not sufficiently effective.
Discussion
This study showed a physiological effect of DEXO compared with placebo. The assessed effect of DEXO was in line with previous studies in which DEXO was used successfully for relieving signs of temporary stress.
Figure 2. Means and standard deviations of parameters measured during physical examination of the dogs after they received DEXO( green), FSAR( black) or placebo( blue). HR, heart rate; MAP, mean arterial pressure; RR, respiratory rate; Temp, body temperature.
Figure 3. Floor interaction categories for each dog after receiving DEXO, FSAR or placebo. Categories denote behaviours indicative of increasing stress behaviours, where 1 =‘ Enters the examination room without hesitation, seeks contact, gets on to the examination table voluntarily’ and 5 =‘ Enters the examination room with invitation, does not seek contact, needs lifting on to the examination table’.
Volume 41( 4) • August 2026
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