1st International Symposium On Chemical Communication Among Living Beings

Pheromones: an exciting opportunity to unravel a universal language The Pherosynthese Research Institute held its first International Symposium on Chemical Communication among Living Beings from 18th to 20th November in Apt (France). The event, of which Ceva Animal Health was the main sponsor, was attended by some 200 participants from a variety of fields, including veterinary surgeons and behaviourists. Highlights follow. Pheromone communication: a feature common to all species Pheromones are chemicals that convey information between animals of the same species and affect the behaviour of the animal perceiving them. They have been found in all species of the animal kingdom, as seen in the sheer range of species, including mammals, birds and arthropods, addressed at the symposium. The identification of pheromone molecules makes it possible to use chemical messages to elicit predictable behavioural response, stressed Patrick Pageat (veterinary surgeon, Research and Development Director at Pherosynthese). The use of pheromone products for the welfare of wild animals at zoos has yielded promising results in elephants, tigers and wolves, Pageat explained. In his talk, Xavier Manteca (veterinary surgeon, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain), noted that in farm animals, too, ‘pheromones can be extremely useful to solve welfare and, ultimately, economic problems that might otherwise be hard to solve’. Canine olfactory communication and socialisation All canine bodily secretions (saliva, urine, skin gland and vulvar secretions, etc.) contain chemical signals with the potential for olfactory communication, whether for direct (face-to-face) transmission or to leave in the environment. Indeed, each dog has a particular chemical profile containing compounds that reflect its emotional state, i.e. pheromones. ‘Pheromones are behaviour modulators that interact with other factors such as social context or prior experience’, explained Jaume Fatjó (Veterinary Surgeon, Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain). ‘It is during the sensitive period (2.5 to 12 weeks) that puppies can be socialised with other dogs and species and habituated to a new environment’, noted Gary Landsberg (Veterinary Behaviourist, North Toronto Animal Clinic, Canada). Insufficient socialisation and habituation leads to fearful and aggressive dogs unable to cope with new stimuli. Landsberg presented a study in which the use of a DAP® collar in puppy classes significantly reduced the animals’ fear and anxiety, while at the same time improving both puppy learning and owner satisfaction compared to classes where placebos were used. Feline social communication and welfare Contrary to humans, for whom retreat and solitude are seen as symptoms of discontent, ‘cats have a fundamental need to be in control, and their social relationships are largely limited to relatives’, noted Sarah Heath (Veterinary Surgeon, Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice, UK). A multi-cat household can thus lead to social incompatibilities and, ultimately, to anxiety or even physical ailments, such as skin conditions or cystitis. According to Heath, feline pheromones can be used both to decrease signs of social tension and as a preventive measure, for example, when introducing a new kitten to a home. Prolonged emotional states associated with environmental changes can also lead to anxiety and frustration in cats, stressed Rachel Casey (Veterinary Surgeon, University of Bristol, UK). Controlling cats’ olfactory environment through the use of a familiar scent or allowing them to exhibit normal behaviours (e.g. predatory behaviour or the avoidance of eye contact) can help to increase their welfare. In this context, Casey concluded, synthetic pheromones have proven to have a positive impact on how animals respond to a new environment. Behavioural medicine and the use of pheromones ‘Behavioural problems are common in dogs and cats, and they are the number one reason for euthanasia of pets’, stressed Kersti Seksel (Veterinary Surgeon, behavioural referral veterinary practice, Australia). Anxiety-related disorders are the most common cause of behavioural problems, and studies have shown that 1 in 6 or 7 dogs is affected by this kind of disorder. The numbers are thought to be similar in cats. ‘Pheromone analogues, when used in combination with behaviour modification, can make a difference in those disorders’, she said. ‘Pheromones are an easy intervention that trigger a fairly quick response’, reported Debra F. Horwitz (Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Behaviour Consultations, USA). These compounds have been used in dogs to manage anxiety-related disorders (fear of noise and storms, separation anxiety) and in cats to manage urine spraying, scratching behaviour and stressful situations (e.g. moving or travel). Pheromones could also be useful in potentially anxiety-related recurrent medical problems, such as recurrent feline cystitis of unknown origin. ‘In addition to classical drug interventions, other strategies can be considered’, Horwitz concluded. Ranieri Verin, a Veterinary Surgeon at the University of Pisa (Italy) presented the results of a potentially groundbreaking study in cats showing that some behaviour disorders may be linked to certain pathologies that impair the organ responsible for pheromone detection. The different talks given at the symposium were indicative of the as-yet untapped potential of pheromone applications. They also highlighted the fact that the view of scientists working in controlled settings has to be complemented by the more practical approach taken by clinical experts, who emphasised the need to take other factors into account, such as prior experience or social context. The combination of these perspectives will ensure a broad-based approach able to optimise pheromone therapy.

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