A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the use of Pet Remedy in the reduction of stress and anxiety related indicators in horses prior to exercise

Abstract

Several potential situations could be deemed stressful to any horse; transport, competition, separation or herd changes. Stressful situations may contribute to performance and health concerns, highlighting the need for effective treatment. There are currently a broad range of stress treatments available for horses but no published evidence into their efficacy. I have therefore investigated the efficacy of one valerian-based product (pet remedy) in the treatment of stress in horses prior to exercise. To ensure accurate conclusions, a range of physiological and behavioural indicators were monitored. Baseline data was collected when horses were at rest to allow comparison to pre-exercise data. A double-blind placebo method was used with horses being treated topically with either water or pet remedy.

Cortisol concentrations were monitored using salivary swabs and heart rates, (HR), were monitored by measuring cardiac beat to beat intervals. In addition, eye temperature was recorded using infrared technology (IRT) and behaviours were continuously monitored. 30 horses were used in this study, 10 mares and 20 castrated males. Stress and anxiety behaviours were rarely seen when the horses were at rest, 0.77% of the total time observed were stress behaviours seen by comparison, 7.9% was observed after application of pet remedy and 9.1% for the water placebo. In addition, rest and maintenance related behaviours were more commonly seen after the application of pet remedy. Chi square data analysis found a significant association between the bottle used and behaviours seen. There were statistical associations between eye temperature and age of horse as well as exercise levels. Eye temperature results did not correlate with other data sets questioning the efficacy of the methodology used. Mean heart rates were lowest at rest (30.46), pet remedy mean heart rates (32.3) were lower than that of the water placebo (35.66). In addition, there was a statistical variance found between the heart rate at rest and water placebo, evidencing the product keeps the heart rate close to at rest levels. Cortisol analysis found statistical association between cortisol concentration and sex of horses. Statistical tests found no variance between at rest data and either bottle of treatment.

This study has found pet remedy to be effective in the treatment of stress in horses prior to exercise. Limitations of the study include sample size; it is also recommended to focus data collection on a particular sex of horse as well as life stage. Other recommendations could also include adjustments to the methodology when using IRT to ensure accuracy of results.