PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - MASSIMO ORLANDI AU - KARINA TRANGELED AU - ANDREA MAMBRINI AU - MAURO TAGLIANI AU - ADA FERRARINI AU - LIANA ZANETTI AU - ROBERTA TARTARINI AU - PAOLA PACETTI AU - MAURIZIO CANTORE TI - Pet Therapy Effects on Oncological Day Hospital Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Treatment DP - 2007 Nov 01 TA - Anticancer Research PG - 4301--4303 VI - 27 IP - 6C 4099 - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/27/6C/4301.short 4100 - http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/27/6C/4301.full SO - Anticancer Res2007 Nov 01; 27 AB - Background: Pet therapy is utilised to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases. The impact of AAA (animal-assisted activities), a kind of pet therapy, on oncological patients submitted to chemotherapy was evaluated. Patients and Methods: Two groups of patients receiving chemotherapy with (experimental group) or without AAA (control group) were compared. The 2 participating dogs have been trained by a cynophilist behaviourist and examined by a veterinarian. Before and after chemotherapy both groups of patients were asked to fill out a A.De.Ss.O. test questionnaire, a simplified Italian version of Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were recorded. Results: Depression improved only in the AAA group (p=0.01). Arterial oxygen saturation increased in the experimental group (p=0.004), while it decreased in the controls. Conclusion: AAA during chemotherapy reduces depression of patients and increases their arterial oxygen saturation. Copyright© 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved