Page 100 - BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice

6 | Physical methods used to alleviate pain: nursing considerations

VetBooks.ir compared with cats with lower stress levels. studies have examined the e ects of certain
scents in both cats and dogs in the rescue
Stress has been associated with
shelter setting. In dogs, lavender resulted in
gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea and
vomiting. Stress can alter the integrity of the more behaviours suggestive of relaxation with
intestinal mucosa, predispose cats to feline less time spent moving and more time resting,
interstitial cystitis and reactivate dormant feline as well as reduction in barking behaviours. In
herpesvirus. Atopic dermatitis, acral licks and another example, cats interact signi cantly
perpetuation of pruritus are a ected by stress. more with catnip than with lavender, the scent
Extreme or chronic stress can lead to from a domestic rabbit or a control; 7 of
compulsive behaviours such as feline cats exhibit a positive response to catnip. An
hyperaesthesia syndrome (FHS), psychogenic extensive review by Frank et al. 1 of the
alopecia and pica (Amat et al., 16 . use of synthetic pheromone therapy found
Core territory is of particular importance in that, while synthetic pheromone application is
feline patients but too often cannot be worthwhile in some scenarios, there is no
incorporated in the hospital setting. Cats also evidence of e cacy in veterinary hospital
need to be able to perch, to hide, and be wards. Some animals use their own
elevated, to feel safe and to reduce anxiety, and pheromones to establish an area in which they
these very helpful provisions need not be feel control and reassurance. Often, kennels
expensive. The cat’s carrier, if appropriate are cleaned daily using strong-smelling
igure 6.1 , or a cardboard box is an ideal disinfectants and new bedding is put in, and
‘hiding place’. Cats prefer to use edges for facial this may hugely in uence behaviour and
marking, so this should be an important anxiety in some inpatients. Anxiety is su ering,
consideration when investing in ‘furniture’ for and carers must acknowledge it as a negative
their environment. Keeping cats separate from outcome and address this as part of the
dogs has been shown to reduce stress levels patient experience. If good practices of
and has led to the development of feline- infection prevention and control exist and any
speci c waiting areas, wards and intensive care evident soiling is removed in a timely manner,
units at many veterinary hospitals. the need for daily cleaning and disinfection is
Cats and dogs have a high degree of
olfactory acuity. The use of odours for reduced for some patients, thus reducing their
anxiety levels.
psychological well being is well documented Mental or physical distraction is an
in humans and some captive animals. Recent
essential technique to incorporate in both
inpatient care and for outpatients where
owners need assistance. Literature supports
the use of music and music therapy. Well et al.
demonstrated that dogs display
behaviours suggestive of relaxation in
response to classical music. Pop music and
talk radio did not have the same e ect. In a
study by Snowden et al. 1 , cats expressed
a preference for species-appropriate music
over music composed for humans. This is not
surprising as many species are sensitive to
di erent fre uency ranges and tempos.
Auditory communication varies between
species, so while auditory enrichment can be
A timid cat using its own cat carrier base
as a secure space. Blankets inside are useful, music needs to be selected carefully. It
from the cat’s home environment so will have familiar is insu cient to ust turn on the radio or play
pheromones. standard classical music.

95

Ch06a Pain Management.indd 95 19/12/2018 10:37