A review of the latest literature
Pet Remedy is a natural product for use in all species, as an anxiolytic and calming agent. It contains extract of Valerian, from the root of the Valerianan officinalis plant.
Pet Remedy also contains an essential oil blend of vetiver, basil and sage in a water-based formulation, suitable for application to hands before handling as well as on blankets and bedding. A plug-in diffuser enables use without direct contact with the pet, which may be preferable in the case of companion birds and reptiles, and when handling may cause further stress.
Valerian extract has been found to have anxiolytic effects on both rodents and humans, with valerenic acid acting on the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and reduces neuronal excitability. One suggested mode of action of valerenic acid is by inhibition of GABA transaminase, thus preventing the breakdown of GABA and enhancing the anxiolytic effect.
One concern regarding the use of valerian is the mode of action. It is extremely important that anxiety relief and not simply sedation causes the effects seen. Sedation alone could be potentially distressing and risks further sensitizing the animal to the situation.
For example, if a rabbit felt sedated yet unable to escape the stressful situation, then repeat handling in the future would exacerbate fearful behaviour. With an effective anxiolytic agent, repeat handling should become a less upsetting experience for the rabbit, which is the ultimate aim.
Until now, studies assessing the efficacy of valerian have used human and rodent subjects. This study, carried out at the Bristol Veterinary School, is the first randomized control trial to assess the effect of Pet Remedy on domestic rabbits.
Fifty rabbits were involved in the study, sourced from two rehoming centres.
This study was approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Board of the University of Bristol.
Both the introduction into a novel environment and restraint are known stressors in rabbits, and assessment of physiological changes and behaviour in these situations were used to compare Pet Remedy and placebo. All rabbits were only handled appropriately and when necessary and any known to show aggression towards handlers or with pre-existing injury or illness were excluded from the study.
The study was conducted over three days. Baseline values of respiration and heart rate were taken during handling on Day 1 from each rabbit to be used to compare results after both placebo and Pet Remedy exposure. Individual variation in behaviour and parameters are then taken into account when interpreting response. The rabbits were then handled the following two consecutive days, (Days 2 and 3) and measurements repeated. They were also assessed each day in a novel arena, one day in the presence of Pet Remedy in the environment, and one day with placebo.
Trained handlers and observers used scented masks and nose clips to prevent the odour of the Pet Remedy causing any bias when recording observations.
In addition to heart and respiratory rates, general behaviour was monitored. Fearful behaviour observed in rabbits include freezing with ears held against the back, crouching, running away and aggression towards handlers- thumping of hind legs, biting and kicking. Positive behaviour is considered to be expression of normal activity and curiosity- exploring, rearing, grooming and relaxing.
Treatment with Pet Remedy was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate during handling and with an increase in positive behaviour in a novel environment (P<0.05)
These behaviours included movement around the area, rearing, exploring, grooming and lying down. In particular, this increase in positive behaviour supports the idea that Pet Remedy has a calming rather than sedative effect.
This study suggests that Pet Remedy has indications for use in periods of acute stress, such as veterinary visits and travel. Further studies of this kind are needed to determine whether use of Pet Remedy can be associated with desensitization over time and repeated exposure. This study has significant implications for improving rabbit welfare in the veterinary clinic and in the home, as well as directing further research in this area.
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Postdate: 29th April 2020