Separation anxiety and noise aversions are 2 of the most common welfare issues affecting pet dogs. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, many affected dogs do not receive treatment. Separation anxiety, noise aversions, and confinement distress may be comorbid with each other and with other behavioral issues. A behavioral history and video can help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment with psychopharmaceuticals and behavior modification is recommended to improve the affected dog’s welfare.
Outline:
- Introduction: Terminology; Signs of fear in dogs; Separation Anxiety; Confinement Distress; Noise Aversions; Comorbidity
- The Behavioral History
- Differential Diagnoses
- Physical Examination and Diagnostics
- Treatment Goals
- Pharmacologic Strategies & Drugs
- Nonpharmaceutical Treatments: Behavioral Management
- Follow-up
- Treatment Adjustments
- Summary
- References
KEY POINTS
Recent findings focusing on such drugs as trazodone, clonidine, and gabapentin have revolutionized how clinicians handle and treat dogs and cats.
The results of these studies should be applied in the clinical setting with caution and with a full understanding of the potential pros and cons of using these medications.
Despite promising results, additional research is desperately needed regarding pharmacokinetics, frequent and infrequent side effects, long-term behavioral impact, and the most clinically appropriate and effective use of these drugs.
KEY POINTS
Dogs and cats can present to a veterinary hospital because they manifest anxieties, fears, and phobias.
These conditions can be so severe to negatively affect the patient’s quality of life and the human-animal bond because some patients can become aggressive, destructive, and vocal and even hurt themselves.
The clinician has several available tools to help the affected patient; the most implemented tools in veterinary behavioral medicine are systematic desensitization and counterconditioning.
The goal of any desensitization and counterconditioning plan should be to make patients less or not reactive toward one or more specific triggers by learning new and more acceptable responses in their presence.
KEY POINTS
The relationship between pet and owner has changed significantly in recent years.
The perception of pets as thinking, feeling beings has allowed a transition in training and care from one of poor and inadequate behavioral welfare to an approach that may allow seeing the full potential of patients.
Veterinary professionals need to develop a solid understanding of evidence-based tech- niques for training and behavior modification.
Veterinary professionals also need to begin to work with trainers and other behavior professionals who have the same mindset and goals and refer to a qualified professional if they do not have adequate knowledge.
PREVALENCE OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
Potential Causes of Behavioral Changes in Geriatric Cats
Investigation of Behavioral Changes in Geriatric Cats
Mobility and Cognitive Dysfunction Questionnaire
Behavioral Changes That Can Be Seen in Geriatric Cats and May Be Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Environmental Management and Dietary Modification
Environmental Adjustments for Aging Cats
Management of Severe Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Potential Drug Therapies
References
Introduction
PREPARING THE CHALLENGING CAT FOR A VETERINARY VISIT
Step 1: Desensitize and Countercondition to the Carrier and Travel
Step 2: Utilize Adjunctive Tools for Calming Cats
Step 3: Block Visual Access
Step 4: Consider the Use of Sedatives and Fast-Acting Antianxiety Medications Prior to the Veterinary Visit
MINIMIZING STRESS ON ARRIVAL AT THE VETERINARY PRACTICE
Get the Cat into a Quiet Area Immediately
Preparing the Kennel Area
PERFORMING THE EXAMINATION AND PROCEDURES
Getting the Cat Out of the Carrier
Removing Difficult Cats from Carriers
Towel-Wrap Techniques
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGIC MANAGEMENT
MONITORING THE SEDATED CAT
SENDING THE CHALLENGING CAT HOME
SCHEDULING TECHNICIAN SESSIONS FOR DESENSITIZATION AND COUNTERCONDITIONING
CHARTING/RECORDING INFORMATION IN THE RECORD
CONCLUSION
References
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