VETgirl April 2024 Beat e-Magazine

QUARTERLY BEAT / APRIL 2024

dogs, injectable sedation or anesthesia protocols (given intramuscularly) are reliable and can be used if the pet can be safely restrained, preferably with a muzzle. A second choice would be to have a large E-collar on the pet. For tips on how to inject a dog that cannot be restrained watch the videos created by Mele Tong, CVT, VTS Anesthesia & Analgesia (see resources, p. 13). Injectable techniques are also reliable in cats if they are safely enclosed in a carrier. The best carriers for difficult cats are constructed with soft-sided and mesh inserts, as you can inject through these. If the cat can be coaxed or transferred into a community cat trap, injection is easily performed just as it’s done in community (feral) cat clinics. For recommendations on cat equipment (see resources, p. 13). Assess each situation and create plan A as your goal; be sure to have plans B and C in place as a backup - and know when to switch plans. If things become dangerous, it may be necessary to abort and reschedule. In these situations, identify the trigger that caused the escalation and devise another plan. If the pet cannot be safely restrained for an injection, pre-visit drugs will be necessary. Dogs and cats with behavioral problems will often respond to drugs very differently compared to mentally healthy patients. Functional MRI studies demonstrate abnormal brain circuitry in anxious dogs. 3 They are “wired’ differently and when aroused, seem to be able to “fight” the sedative effects of many drugs, likely due to high sympathetic nervous system activity and circulating catecholamines. It is important to inform owners that you have a plan, but that their pet’s behavior makes things less predictable.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SEDATING FEARFUL AND FRACTIOUS DOGS AND CATS

SHEILAH A. ROBERTSON BVMS (Hons), CertVA, PhD, DACVAA, DECVAA, DACAW, DECAWBM (AWSEL), FRCVS Senior Medical Director, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Courtesy Professor (University of Florida) In this VETgirl Real-Life Rounds “Drug Protocols for Fractious Dogs and Cats” on February 7, 2024, Dr. Sheilah A. Robertson reviews the pharmacologic approach to sedating and anesthetizing fractious dogs and cats, including pre-hospital visit drugs. Tune in to get a clinical update on managing these challenging patients! Check it out HERE!

pet’s behavior, this is for their safety, their pet’s safety, and your safety. Ask the owner if they can safely transport the pet to your hospital and have it restrained or can they use an escape-proof carrier. If this is not possible, or they feel it will be extremely stressful for their pet, you may want to refer them to a veterinarian who performs in-home visits.

INTRODUCTION Dogs and cats with fearful and aggressive behaviors can be challenging to deal with during veterinary visits. This often results in clinical examinations and required procedures not being performed and owners becoming reluctant to return due to the stress associated with the journey and visit for them and their pet. However, there are many ways to approach these situations and clear communication between all stakeholders is the key to a desired outcome. There is emerging data to show that the COVID-19 pandemic strongly impacted the behavioral development of dogs and we are now seeing more dogs with fearful and aggressive behaviors in adulthood. 1,2 The Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom is conducting a survey on “pandemic puppies” that began in 2020: www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/research-projects- and-opportunities/projects/rvc-pandemic-puppies-survey. COMMUNICATION It is essential to gather as much information as possible about the dog or cat before the appointment. If pre-visit drugs are necessary (dispensed or prescribed), then a veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) must be established, if one is not already in place. It is important that you gain the owner’s trust and that they provide truthful information about their

DRUGS P re - visit drugs ( often referred to as pre - visit pharmaceuticals or PVP s )

RECOGNIZING FEAR, ANXIETY, AND STRESS

Using PVPs can render patients calm and relaxed, and can be used for any pet, regardless of their behavior. For fearful and aggressive dog and cat appointments, PVPs are a key step in the process and there are several options for oral administration. PVPs may be given the night before (as a priming dose) and on the day of the appointment. In many cases a single drug will not be sufficient, and combinations must be carefully selected to suit the specific situation. The goal of pre-visit drugs is to decrease anxiety and fear and slow the patient down to facilitate handling, targeting the mind and the body.

Recognizing dog and cat behaviors and reading their body language quickly are superpowers we must develop to avoid being injured. We have to know when to back off and use plan B or C because once things escalate, it is hard to regroup. There are several options for individual and team training to enable us to collaborate with difficult patients, including but not limited to Fear Free® training and cat friendly programs offered by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (see resources, p. 13). PLANNING, STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES, AND TRAINING It is essential that you feel safe and confident during these appointments with reactive animals, and this requires pre-planning with the owners and the veterinary team. In

WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS

VETGIRL BEAT EMAGAZINE | VETGIRLONTHERUN.COM

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker