Drugs are not a new aspect of veterinary behavioral medicine, but coming more into the forefront. Most of the drugs used in
behavioral medicine are used in an extra-label fashion, under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994. If
there is a medication that is licensed for animals for a specific purpose, theoretically the use of extra-label medications
is unnecessary. However, economic reasons, side effects profile, and lack of medications licensed for the specific diagnosis
are reasons to use medications in an extra-label fashion.
The veterinary extra-label use of human medications should follow these guidelines: there is a diagnosis established, with
a need for pharmacological treatment; the medications are prescribed with a written or oral prescription, keeping all records;
there is a specific rationale for choosing this medication, and its use accepted under prevailing medical conditions; and
the medication is appropriately labeled.
It is imperative that a diagnosis is made before you start to treat any animal with a medication to treat a behavior problem.
There needs to be a behavior modification plan in place that the owner is following. One should discuss with the owners that
medications are not a quick fix, but usually just facilitate the overall behavioral approach. For example, treating a dog
with severe separation anxiety with medication only, that is, without any behavior modification, while perhaps alleviating
the worst aspects of the problem is likely to result in the animal reverting to the previous behaviors when the medication
is discontinued.
We are exposed to many advertisements concerning medications, both human and animal, and pet owners are now asking for the
medications they see advertised. Clients are also exposed to the Internet, and can read articles and testimonials from many
sources about how a drug, such as Prozac, has helped their pets. Owners generally do not have knowledge of pharmacology and
behavioral medicine, and they may come in with a diagnosis, often in human terms (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and may
have preconceived notions as to what drug is appropriate for their pet. They may be personally familiar with these medications
from their own use.
This topic in extensively covered in two chapters in Hart, Hart and Bain,
Canine and Feline Behavior Therapy
, 2nd edition, 2006, Blackwell Press.
Issues in Prescribing Medications
There are no medications licensed for the use of controlling aggression in animals. Neither is one available to treat aggressive
people (otherwise imagine how empty our prisons would be!). Drug companies have no desire to undertake the liability of having
a medication licensed for this purpose. Remember that most aggression is a normal response to a stimulus. It is the owner's
perception of the aggression that presents the problem and the perceived need for medication.
Use of Psychotherapeutic Agents for Problem Behaviors
There are indications where behavioral approaches alone are often ineffective and drug treatment valuable. One is truly abnormal
behavior, such as compulsive tail chasing, fly snapping, and flank sucking in dogs that is not a function of attention-seeking
behavior. Another set of such problems are wool chewing and psychogenic alopecia in cats and acral lick dermatitis in dogs.
Geriatric cognitive dysfunction in dogs also falls into this category.
There are indications where behavioral approaches are effective but medications facilitate treatment. A primary use is in
urine marking in cats. Separation anxiety in dogs is an indication where the psychotropic medication may facilitate a behavior
modification program.
Psychotropic Medications for Problem Behaviors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's)
As indicated, these drugs block the reuptake of serotonin. In humans it may take 3 to 4 weeks to see the full effects; in
dogs and cats, effects are often apparent in a week or two. Generally there is no evidence of dependence or side effects.
Uses include, feline urine marking, anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Although gradual withdrawal of medication is recommended
the value has not been demonstrated. Examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac®), paroxetine (Paxil®) and sertraline (Zoloft®).
Tricyclic antianxiety-antidepressant medications (TCA's)
These include comipramine (Clomicalm®, licensed for dogs for separation anxiety) and amitriptyline (Elavil®). These drugs
block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, and dopamine to a lesser extent. Clomipramine is effective on urine marking
in cats and separation anxiety in dogs.
