For which equine patients should pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) be considered?

Pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) are specifically beneficial for equine patients with a documented history of travel-related anxiety. This is because such horses are more likely to experience significant stress during transport or visits to the veterinary clinic, which can negatively impact their well-being and complicate care. By administering PVPs to these patients, veterinarians can help reduce anxiety, making the experience less traumatic for both the horse and the veterinarian.

In contrast, patients with no prior episodes of stress may not need PVPs since they have demonstrated the ability to handle situations without significant anxiety. Young, training horses may also benefit from careful management strategies, but their stress levels can vary widely based on their individual experiences and training backgrounds. Lastly, while all equine patients could theoretically receive PVPs, it is most effective and targeted to use them for those with a known history of stress to optimize care and outcomes. Therefore, focusing on those with a history of travel-related anxiety ensures a more judicious and effective approach to using pre-visit pharmaceuticals.