Riemer Stefanie, Heritier Carmen, Windschnurer Ines, Pratsch Lydia, Arhant Christine, Affenzeller Nadja
Companion Animal Behaviour Group, Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Independent Researcher, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany.
Animals (Basel). 2021 Jan 12;11(1):158. doi: 10.3390/ani11010158.
A high proportion of dogs and cats are fearful during veterinary visits, which in some cases may escalate into aggression. Here, we discuss factors that contribute to negative emotions in a veterinary setting and how these can be addressed. We briefly summarise the available evidence for the interventions discussed. The set-up of the waiting area (e.g., spatial dividers; elevated places for cat carriers), tailoring the examination and the treatment to the individual, considerate handling (minimal restraint when possible, avoiding leaning over or cornering animals) and offering high-value food or toys throughout the visit can promote security and, ideally, positive associations. Desensitisation and counterconditioning are highly recommended, both to prevent and address existing negative emotions. Short-term pain from injections can be minimised by using tactile and cognitive distractions and topical analgesics, which are also indicated for painful procedures such as ear cleanings. Recommendations for handling fearful animals to minimise aggressive responses are discussed. However, anxiolytics or sedation should be used whenever there is a risk of traumatising an animal or for safety reasons. Stress-reducing measures can decrease fear and stress in patients and consequently their owners, thus strengthening the relationship with the clients as well as increasing the professional satisfaction of veterinary staff.
很大比例的犬猫在兽医诊疗过程中会感到恐惧，在某些情况下这种恐惧可能会升级为攻击行为。在此，我们讨论在兽医环境中导致负面情绪的因素以及如何应对这些因素。我们简要总结所讨论干预措施的现有证据。候诊区的设置（例如，空间分隔物；猫笼的高架放置处）、根据个体情况调整检查和治疗、体贴的处理方式（尽可能减少约束，避免俯身或逼动物到角落）以及在整个诊疗过程中提供高价值食物或玩具，都可以增强安全感，理想情况下还能建立积极的联想。强烈推荐脱敏和对抗条件作用，以预防和处理现有的负面情绪。通过使用触觉和认知分散注意力的方法以及局部镇痛药，可以将注射带来的短期疼痛降至最低，这些方法也适用于耳部清洁等疼痛操作。文中讨论了处理恐惧动物以尽量减少攻击反应的建议。然而，每当存在使动物受创伤的风险或出于安全原因时，应使用抗焦虑药或镇静剂。减轻压力的措施可以减少患者及其主人的恐惧和压力，从而加强与客户的关系，同时提高兽医工作人员的职业满意度。
