Thesis supervisor: Viktor Jurkovich
co-supervisor: Orsolya Korbacska-Kutasi
Location of studies (in Hungarian): University of Veterinary Medicine Abbreviation of location of studies: ATE
Description of the research topic:
Animal assisted interventions (AAT) are recently facing an increasing popularity both in human mental and orthopedic rehabilitation procedures. Animals taking part in these therapies have important role in the human healthcare system, It is essential to keep these carefully selected and trained animals mentally and physically healthy so they should be able to spend a long productive life in the national health care system.
Based on the international literature data (Haubenhofer et al., 2006) animals taking part in AAT can be exposed to significant stress.
Our aim is to develop an objective stress assessment potocol which reliably could be used both in horses and dogs to evaluate animal welfare and stress related to AAT.
We would critically evaluate methods like cortisol measurements, heart-rate variability analysis and behavioural and human-animal interaction questionnaires, previously used by other authors (innen hiányzik a referencia). Since literature data shows controversy in the topic, before using these methods in our own population studies, validity, repeatability and sensitivity of each method has to established.
Comparing stress reactions and tolerability of the two sepcies (dogs and horses) in certain therapy situations would help to establish a better rehabilitation protocol by selecting the right species for the specific task. These stress measurements would also help in selecting the appropiate individuals for training and also could be used to follow up efficiency.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: diploma in veterinary medicine
skills and routine in the field of the topic (animal wellbeing, stress measurements)
clinical practical skills with horses or dogs
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