Document type : Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine awarded by VetAgro Sup and the University Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Author: Inès Mahiaoui
Preview : This research addresses the question of welfare and examines how stress in domestic dogs under the medical care of CHUVAC, the university hospital centre for companion animals at VetAgro Sup, is taken into account. The first part examines existing theoretical knowledge of the concept of welfare in dogs and discusses evaluation tools currently available in the veterinary medical system. Part two is an observational study of current practices within the CHUVAC, assessing the environmental parameters of the kennelling provided, the organisation of hospitalisation cages, external access for toilet needs, and the handling of the dogs. The results show that the dogs experience high exposure to stressful stimuli, that training in "pet-friendly" practices is needed for staff, and that there is a lack of standardised procedures across departments. These results provide the basis, in Part three, for recommendations that take into account the particular circumstances at the CHUVAC. Accordingly, posters and advice sheets have been developed for each department. In addition, several teaching aids have been developed to train staff members, for example, procedures for checking environmental parameters and the comfort of the dogs, information on the typical organisation of a hospital cage, methods to handle the various interactions with the dogs, and recognition of stress levels and decision aids for stress status for use by those carrying out technical interventions. These tools will enable stress-free care to be carried out, ensuring the animals' welfare.
