Understanding and differentiating emotional states

1.acute stress - normal physiological response

Definition: Transient, adaptive response to a stressful event.

Mechanism: Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (adrenalin, cortisol).

Clinical signs: 

Hypervigilance, dilated pupils

Tachycardia, gasping

Avoidance or startle behaviors

Rapid return to a basal state once the stimulus has disappeared

In cats: inhibition

Support:

Aromatherapy and diffusers (e.g. aromatherapy, phytotherapy, pheromones)

Reducing stressful stimuli

Stress management tips

Stress management and well-being improvement procedures

2. Chronic stress - Between adaptation and pathology

Definition: Repeated or prolonged exposure to stressors without complete return to equilibrium.

Mechanism: Imbalance of the HPA axis, excess cortisol, hyperactivation of the amygdala, reduced neuroplasticity.

Clinical signs:

Persistent hypervigilance

Fatigue, sleep disorders

Digestive disorders (diarrhea, vomiting)

Repeated appeasement behaviors (yawning, excessive licking, bulimia)

In cats: increased marking and excessive grooming

Support:

Aromatherapy and diffusers

Complementary foods

Behavioral therapy advice + ecological measures (e.g. land-use advice for cats)

3. Anxiety state - Pathological state

Definition: Excessive and persistent emotional imbalance that no longer allows a return to a normal state.

Mechanism: Overactivation of the limbic system, reduced prefrontal regulation, desensitization to stress inhibitors: brain function is altered in the regulation of neurotransmitters, medical treatment is required to restore normal function.

Clinical signs: 

Multiple fears for no reason (noises, the slightest new situation)

Disproportionate reactions, panic attacks 

Constant hypervigilance and anticipation

Irritability, more frequent and violent aggression

Compulsive disorders (stereotypies, self-mutilation)

In cats: increasingly frequent aggression for no apparent reason and Rolling Skin Syndrome (RSS).

Support:

Drug treatments

Prescribed during a consultation, behavioral follow-up must include behavioral therapy.

You can contact Mrs Albin Emilie at 0633564862 who is a canine behaviorist educator.

Reactive state = physiological:

The reaction is adapted to the situation in which it occurs

Reversible: disappears when the stimulus disappears

Suffering-free (for both animals and humans)

Pathological condition:

Loss of adaptability: reaction is disproportionate or inappropriate

Spontaneously irreversible: the state persists after the stimulus has disappeared and sometimes begins before it appears.

Generates suffering