Tools for the management of behavioural cases Flashcards
What are the 2 main aims of altering neurochemistry?
- Promote biogenic amines e.g. catecholamines (dopamine, noradrenaline) and serotonin
- Promote inhibitory neurotransmitters e.g. GABA
What are the 3 methods to alter neurochemistry?
Medication
Nutraceuticals
Diet
In what cases is medication approapriate?
Where emotional state is inhibiting learning
- high arousal
- negative emotions
- compulsive responses
Selection criteria for cases for drug therapy include..?
- Behavioural diagnosis and underlying emotional state
- Duration of the problem
- Severity of symptoms
- Risk of euthanasia/rehoming
- Threat to the animals welfare
Name the licenced tricyclic antidepressant for dogs
Clomipramine
What action do TCAs have?
Serotonergic
Noradrenergic
- increase levels of serotonin and noradrenaline by inhibiting re-uptake transporter
What must you consider if prescribing a TCA for behavioural modification?
Lag time to effect - won’t see overt effect for 4-6 weeks => require O compliance
Do not administer with Monoamine oxidase B inhibitor
Give an example of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
- Fluoextine - dogs & cats
- Sertraline - dogs
What must you consider if prescribing a SSRI for behavioural modification?
Lag time to effect- won’t see overt effect for 4-6 weeks => require O compliance
Do not administer with MAOBIs
Same as TCAs, but as SSRIs are serotonin-specific there are fewer side effects
Give an example of a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
In what situations is it commonly used?
Trazodone
- Situational anxiety
Give an example of a Monoamine oxidase B inhibitor (MAOBI).
Selegiline hydrochloride
What is the action of Monoamine oxidase B inhibitor (MAOBI)?
Primarily dopaminergic action, also affects serotonin and noradrenaline
Give an example of a benzodiazepine used for behavioural modification
Diazepam
Midazolam
In which cases are benzodiazepines indicated for use?
- memory blocking
- if an animal has a negative emotional response to something you can’t avoid exposure to, blocking memory will prevent learning behaviours through association
- sedation
- disrupted sleep
Which drugs can be given in cases requiring anxiolytic and sedative action but no amnesic action?
Micro-dose of dexmedetomidine
e.g. in situations of unavoidable exposure to fear inducing stimuli - fireworks
What beta-blocker is used in behavioural modification?
When is it indicated?
Propranolol
- situational anxiety
- administer one hour before desired effect
Give examples of anti-epileptics used in behavioural modification and when they are indicated
Pexion - sound related fears
Topiramate - compulsive mutilation disorders
Give an example of a female hormone that can cause behavioural issues.
What can be given to counteract this?
Prolactin
- increases anxiety and resource defence
- influences interactions between bitches
Can give cabergoline (galastop), which inhibits prolactin release
Give an example of a male hormone that can cause behavioural issues.
What can be given to counteract this?
Testosterone - lust-motivated behaviours
Can give deslorelin (suprelorin)
- chemical castration
What is the sedation protocol for cats when it is prepared at home before the vets visit?
- Gabapentin 2-3 hours before putting cat in cat carrier
- Produces sedation and possible ataxia
- Lasts for 6-8 hours
What is the sedation protocol for dogs when it is prepared at home before the vets visit?
Benzodiazepines – alprazolam given one hour before appointment
Give some examples of drugs that can be used for situational anxiety
- Benzodiazepines
- Dexmedetomidine
- Beta blockers
- Gabapentin
- serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (Trazodone)
Give some examples of drugs that can be used for generalised anxiety
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Serotonin agonist reuptake inhibitor
- Anti-epileptics
Name a drug that could be used for compulsive disorders.
SSRI – fluoxetine
