Anxiety and Pain in Horses Measured by Heart Rate Variability and Behavior

This study examined the effect of anxiety (social isolation) on the behavior and heart rate variability (HRV) indices associated with mild somatic pain in a cohort of Standardbred mares. Using a randomized block design six adult Standardbred mares (12 ±1 years old) were exposed to 4 stimuli (1) Baseline: Control; (2) Anxiety; (3) Pain; and (4) Anxiety-pain while loose in a 15 x 15 m yard.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research