The Term White Coat Syndrome, Defined In Human Medicine As

The term white coat syndrome, defined in human medicine as a patient's blood pressure spike in the doctor's office, may be being misused in the veterinary profession. No fewer than 3 veterinary clinicians in a recent large veterinary CE conference referred to this syndrome and stated it was due to the white coat doctors usually wear. However I read about a study done at a veterinary school in which they examined dogs in the veterinary clinic and in their homes wearing the same attire, white coats or not white coats, and the published finding was that the increase in blood pressure (and anxiety) had nothing to do with the doctor attire but rather on the location of the doctor visit. However, now I can't find the study again and hooped someone might know. Thank you. Jane M. Lindsey, DVM