Author(s): J. C. Alves1,2,3,4 , A. Santos1 , Nieves Pastor Sirvent5 , P. Jorge1 , T. Mendonça2
Overview
The study purpose was to evaluate if transcranial photobiomodulation (tcPBM) could improve behaviors in working dogs
36 large breed working dogs were selected and divided into a no-intervention group (CG, n = 12) and two photobiomodulation groups (TG808 and TG1064, n = 12 for each).
Dogs received tcPBM twice weekly for 8 weeks.
The Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ), Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS), Lincoln Canine Adaptability Resilience Scale (L-CARS), and Positive and Negative Activation Scale (PANAS) were the selected outcome measures. They were collected on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, and 90 after the initial treatment.
The animals in the sample had a mean age of 4.4 ± 2.0 years, with 24 males and 12 females. Three breeds were represented: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n = 23), Dutch Shepherd Dog (n = 8), and German Shepherd Dogs (n = 5).
Changes in the CFQ, L-CARS, and components were mainly driven by improvements in TG1064, with a large effect size.
With the DIAS, changes were observed in TG808, with a large effect size.
With the PANAS, changes were observed in both treatment groups.
Results
Significant differences in some behavioral scores were observed between CG and PBM treatment groups. Improvements were observed in groups treated with both wavelengths, depending on the score considered. In some cases, both treatment groups improved. These findings may be related to differences in how the two wavelengths penetrate the brain and reach regions associated with different behaviors.
Conclusions
This study showed that the described photobiomodulation protocols can improve behaviors in dogs, as evaluated with these behavioral scales. They can have a variety of applications that range from behavioral medicine for well-being to the management of hospital or clinical visits.
1 Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana, Lisbon, Portugal
2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
3 I-MVET, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbona, Portugal
4 Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
5 Department of Animal Medicine, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
Corresponding Author: J. C. Alves alves.jca@gnr.pt
Keyword: Photobiomodulation, laser therapy, dogs, behavior, anxiety, brain, transcranial, neurology