Helping Rabbits Cope with Veterinary Acts and Vaccine-Related Stress: The Effects of the Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone
Pietro Asproni1, Elisa Codecasa2, Miriam Marcet-Rius2
1Tissue Biology and Chemical Communication Department, IRSEA, Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology, 84400 Apt, France.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Continuous exposure to the rabbit appeasing pheromone (RAP) significantly reduced stress in rabbits during veterinary visits. RAP-treated rabbits showed less agitation and better coping behaviors, suggesting its potential as a calming aid.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Rabbits experience stress during veterinary procedures.
- Pheromone use has previously aided other pets in managing procedural stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of continuous rabbit appeasing pheromone (RAP) exposure in mitigating stress in rabbits during routine veterinary consultations and vaccinations.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four rabbits were divided into two groups: one receiving continuous RAP treatment and the other a placebo.
- Behavioral assessments were conducted weekly using visual analogic scales (VASs) and video analysis.
- Vaccinations were administered during the study period.
Main Results:
- RAP-treated rabbits exhibited less inhibition and more positive interactions with handlers during vaccinations (p < 0.05).
- Video analysis revealed specific ear position differences between groups during vaccinations (p = 0.003).
- VAS analysis indicated significantly reduced agitation in RAP-treated rabbits (p = 0.02) and improved rabbit state and reactivity during consultations (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Continuous exposure to rabbit appeasing pheromone (RAP) appears to be a promising strategy for improving rabbit welfare during veterinary procedures.
- RAP may help rabbits cope more effectively with the stress associated with clinical visits and vaccinations.
