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Stillo T, Norgard RJ, Stefanovski D, Siracusa C, Reinhard CL, Watson B. The effects of Solliquin administration on the activity and fecal cortisol production of shelter dogs. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Titeux E, Padilla S, Paragon BM, Gilbert C. Effects of a new dietary supplement on behavioural responses of dogs exposed to mild stressors. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1469-1482. [PMID: 34236774 PMCID: PMC8464231 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Objectives The effectiveness of a new dietary supplement (derived from fish hydrolysate and melon juice concentrate rich in superoxide dismutase) in reducing fear and stress‐related behaviours in pet dogs was examined in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study. Methods 39 dogs were recruited after the owners had filled out a fear susceptibility index questionnaire. Over a 30‐day period, one group of dogs received the supplement, and another group a placebo. Twelve behavioural variables were recorded in a series of four subtests (ST1‐ST4) on days 0, 15 and 30. Saliva cortisol levels were measured before and after each set of STs. Results The dogs rated as more fearful displayed significantly higher cortisol values before the day 0 test session, were less active, spent less time playing with the experimenter, and approached the unfamiliar object less frequently. The owners did not correctly guess whether their dog had received the supplement or not. Behaviours of dogs were significantly different across the three sessions, with significant increases of stress‐related behaviours (time spent in the door zone, number of interactions with the door, of whining, and of lip‐licking). Conversely time spent with the experimenter increased, interactions and curiosity for the novel object and play with the experimenter decreased, presumably due to a habituation process. This suggests that the design of the four subtests session was relevant to test for mild stressors situations. Moreover, supplemented and placebo dogs responded differently to the three test sessions, indicating a supplement effect on dogs' behaviours and their adaptation to mild stressors situations. Conclusion The trial results suggested that the supplement facilitates activity and curiosity in a familiar environment, promotes dog‐human interactions with an increased human familiarity, and tends to reduce subtle stress behaviours. Our results suggest that the supplement was effective in the context of mild stressors and habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Titeux
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France
| | | | - Caroline Gilbert
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Service Ethologie, Maisons-Alfort, Paris, France.,Laboratoire MECADEV, UMR 7179, CNRS/MNHN, Brunoy, Paris, France
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Overall KL. Pharmacotherapeutics in clinical ethology: treatment efficacy, clinical pathology and outcome. BEHAVIOUR 2021. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The use of psychopharmaceutical agents is a core aspect of treatment in veterinary behavioural medicine. Psychotropic medication use has shifted the focus of treatment from purely behavioural and environmental interventions to a multi-modal approach. Objective measures of efficacy are required for the licensing of medication. Pharmacotherapeutics have come to encompass supplements and diets, in addition to prescription medications. The first part of this paper examines the efficacy of medications, supplements and diets used in behavioural medicine. Foci include the role of evolution in the types of behavioural concerns reported, the importance of defining abnormal or pathological behaviour, use of terminology that supports stratified mechanistic diagnoses aid in understanding presentation and response clusters, and rational use of medication to relieve emotional, mental and behavioural suffering, given these diagnoses and clusters. The second part of this paper examines the extent to which variation in patient response to medication can enlighten us about mechanisms and outcomes of distress using a series of 3 patient populations who are the focus of studies on separation anxiety and noise reactivity. This response surface approach can be useful for understanding differences in populations in susceptibility to behavioural pathology and in medication response, and may suggest new avenues for drug development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Overall
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3
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Morris EM, Kitts-Morgan SE, Spangler DM, McLeod KR, Costa JHC, Harmon DL. The Impact of Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD) Containing Treats on Canine Response to a Noise-Induced Fear Response Test. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:569565. [PMID: 33195551 PMCID: PMC7537661 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.569565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Interest is increasing regarding use of Cannabidiol (CBD) in companion animals due to anecdotal evidence of beneficial behavioral and health effects. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of CBD on behavioral responses to fear-inducing stimuli in dogs. Sixteen dogs (18.1 ± 0.2 kg) were utilized in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, consisting of control, 25 mg CBD, trazodone (100 mg for 10–20 kg BW, 200 mg for 20.1–40 kg BW), and the combination of CBD and trazodone. A fireworks model of noise-induced fear was used to assess CBD effectiveness after 7 d of supplementation. Each test lasted a total of 6 min and consisted of a 3 min environmental habituation phase with no noise and a 3 min noise phase with a fireworks track. Plasma was collected 1 h before, immediately after, and 1 h following testing for cortisol analysis. Behaviors in each 3 min block were video recorded, and heart rate (HR) sensors were fitted for collection of HR and HR variability parameters. Research personnel administering treats and analyzing behavioral data were blinded as to the treatments administered. Data were tested for normality using the UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS, then differences examined using the MIXED procedure with fixed effects of treatment, period, time, and treatment x time interaction. Inactivity duration and HR increased during the first minute of the fireworks track compared with 1 min prior (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively), indicating the fireworks model successfully generated a fear response. Trazodone lowered plasma cortisol (P < 0.001), which was unaffected by CBD (P = 0.104) or the combination with CBD (P = 0.238). Neither CBD nor trazodone affected the duration of inactivity (P = 0.918 and 0.329, respectively). Trazodone increased time spent with tail relaxed (P = 0.001). CBD tended to increase HR (P = 0.093) and decreased the peak of low- and high-frequency bands (LF and HF, P = 0.011 and 0.022, respectively). These results do not support an anxiolytic effect of CBD in dogs given 1.4 mg CBD/kg BW/d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Morris
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Susanna E Kitts-Morgan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, United States
| | - Dawn M Spangler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, United States
| | - Kyle R McLeod
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Joao H C Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - David L Harmon
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Dramard V, Kern L, Hofmans J, Rème CA, Nicolas CS, Chala V, Navarro C. Effect of l-theanine tablets in reducing stress-related emotional signs in cats: an open-label field study. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:21. [PMID: 30338056 PMCID: PMC6178259 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0130-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background L-theanine is an aminoacid found in tea leaves which has relaxing effects in humans and animals. It is a structural analogue of glutamate which can bind glutamate receptors. Although the relaxing action of L-theanine has been shown in humans, laboratory animals and dogs, it has never been published in cats. The goal of this open-label, multicentre and prospective trial was to determine whether an L-theanine based oral supplement (Anxitane®, Virbac, France) could attenuate manifestations of stress in cats under field conditions. Case presentation Thirty-three privately owned cats presenting signs associated with stress or fear (inappropriate urination/defecation, fear-induced aggressiveness, hypervigilance/tenseness or physical/functional manifestations of stress) for at least 1 month, were included in the study. They were given L-theanine (Anxitane®, 25 mg twice a day) for 30 days and 20 stress-related parameters were scored at Days 0, 15 and 30. The evolution of some parameters was also rated relative to Day 0. All median scores of the 20 parameters were significantly reduced at D30, and 30/33 cats (91%) had a reduced global score at the end of the study, including 21/33 with ≥50% score reduction. The median (IQR) global scores went from 18 (13-23) at D0 to 11 (8-13) at D15 and 5 (3-12) at D30 (p < 0.0001; Friedman test; significant reduction starting from D15). All the stress-related signs were significantly improved compared to D0, according to the owners, especially inappropriate elimination. Tablet palatability was judged good or very good in 94% of cases with spontaneous intake by cats when given by hand or in food. Tolerance was satisfactory as well, and no side effects were reported, so that most owners (27/33; 82%) were satisfied with the product. Conclusions Despite the lack of a placebo group, it can be concluded that L-theanine (Anxitane®) helped to improve the undesirable manifestations of stress in cats in as soon as 15 days, though better results could be seen after 30 days of administration. These encouraging results show that L-theanine can help manage stress-related behaviour, but additional trials with a placebo group should be run to confirm this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Dramard
- Referral Behaviour Veterinary Clinic, 16 rue Jeanne d'Arc, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - L Kern
- Referral Behaviour Veterinary Clinic, 6 place Léon Deubel, 75016 Paris, France
| | - J Hofmans
- Veterinary Clinic, Avenue des Martyrs 173, 4620 Fléron, Belgium
| | - C A Rème
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - C S Nicolas
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - V Chala
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
| | - C Navarro
- 4Medical Department, Virbac, 13ème rue, LID, 06511 Carros, France
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Polo G, Calderón N, Clothier S, Garcia RDCM. Understanding dog aggression: Epidemiologic aspects. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Assessment of noise-induced fear and anxiety in dogs: Modification by a novel fish hydrolysate supplemented diet. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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An open-label prospective study of the use of l-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Arhant C, Troxler J. Approach behaviour of shelter dogs and its relationships with the attitudes of shelter staff to dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Bennett
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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Araujo JA, de Rivera C, Landsberg GM, Adams PE, Milgram NW. Development and validation of a novel laboratory model of sound-induced fear and anxiety in Beagle dogs. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Overall KL. Why science relies on measurement, not assertion. J Vet Behav 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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