Behavior Considerations for the General Practitioner: Low-Stress Handling, Veterinary Visit Anxiolytics, and Preventative Care

This lecture will address behavioral considerations for veterinary appointments. We will first delve into creating a calming, low-stimulation clinic environment. Next, there will be a discussion involving an up-to-date literature review on the behavioral effects of spaying and neutering, or lack thereof, in our companion animals. Afterwards, we will touch on crucial, sound advice to provide to new puppy and kitten owners with behavioral ontogeny in mind. Finally, we will comprehensively address the importance of low-stress handling, starting with restraining methods with visuals, in an effort to provide a humane experience for patients while keeping staff safe. We will conclude with a thorough overview on the options for oral anxiolytics and injectable sedative protocols, as well as when they are indicated.

• 1. What adjustments can easily be made to the hospital or clinic environment in an effort of minimizing sensory overload when considering the highly developed senses of smell and hearing in our veterinary patients?
• 2. In the literature, spaying and castration correlates with resolution of which problematic behaviors?
• a. In the literature, spaying and castration correlates with the onset, or worsening of, which problematic behaviors?
• b. The literature points to equivocal effects from spaying and neutering on which problematic behaviors?

• 3. During which ages, in both cats and dogs, does the surrounding environment have a profound effect on the expression or silencing of the neural pathways coding for a patient’s behavior?
• 4. What are the steps for a “half burrito wrap” when restraining a cat?
• a. What are the steps for a “scarf wrap” when restraining a cat?
• 5. What are some recommended oral anxiolytics that can be administered prior to appointments, when taking into consideration timing of administration, dosing, and potential medical contraindications?
• a. What injectable sedative protocols should be considered for a patient that is painful?
• b. What injectable sedative protocols should be considered for a patient with advanced cardiovascular disease?