Evaluation of clinical examination location on stress in cats: a randomized crossover trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of owner separation and physical examination location on fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) behavioral indicators in cats.

Methods

The study was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized, two-period, two-treatment crossover trial. Healthy adult cats presenting for wellness or dental evaluations at a single veterinary teaching hospital received three physical examinations: a baseline assessment (owner present) followed by physical examinations in both a treatment area (owner absent [TAOA]) and an examination room (owner present [EROP]). The physical examination sequence order was randomized. Low-stress handling techniques were used for all examinations. The primary endpoints were heart rate (HR; beats per min [bpm])

SUBMITTER: Griffin FC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10812216 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature