Abstract
Objective
To assess pre-operative behavioral and physiological characteristics of healthy dogs
hospitalized for elective surgery.
Study design
Open clinical observational study.
Animals
Forty-one bitches hospitalized for elective ovariohysterectomy.
Methods
While undisturbed in a hospital cage, the behavior of the dog was recorded using a
video camera and recorder. From the video recordings, various behavioral variables
were registered. Simultaneous measurements were made on heart rates and heart rate
variability (HRV) by use of an ambulatory electrocardiogram. In addition, the dog's
response to human approach was noted.
Results
Different behavioral patterns were found in the dogs studied. Thirteen individuals
were regarded as highly active, and were seen to bark or howl, manipulate the environment
or attempt to flee vigorously. In 13 dogs (passive dogs) none of these activities
occurred. Panting and displacement behaviors, such as snout licking, were observed
in nearly all the animals monitored. In general, heart rates were higher and HRV lower
with the most active individuals; however, the presence of physiological arousal could
not be excluded in two animals with passive behaviors. To some extent, the behavior
of the dog while undisturbed in the cage was reflected in the responses to a person
entering the cage.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
The different individual responses detected in this study raise an important question
concerning their role and existence throughout the entire peri-operative period, especially
during the post-anesthetic recovery phase when behavioral characteristics are commonly
used to assess patient welfare. The results also emphasize the need for further investigations
to explore the effects of pre-operative stressors on canine surgical patients, and
the factors contributing to them.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 27,
2003
Received:
April 4,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
