The Use of Psychoactive Agents in Veterinary Medicine
Author(s): Simpson Barbara S
Issue: Mar/Apr 2001 - Compounding for Animals
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Page(s): 86-88
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Abstract: Psychotropic drugs are used by veterinary behavior specialists and general veterinary practitioners to treat behavior problems of companion animals. Dogs, cats, pet birds, horses, and zoo animals benefit from this type of therapy. However, many drugs used to treat anxiety or depression in animals were designed for use in human patients. Compounding is a critical step in adapting those medications for use in different species. Formulations that improve palatability or facilitate administration can often determine the success or failure of therapy in veterinary patients, and compounding is often necessary to ensure accurate dosing when medications designed for adult humans are adapted for use in very small animals.
Related Keywords: animals, azaperones, benzodiazepines, birds, cats, dogs, MAOI, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pet behavior, pets, phenothiazines, psychoactive agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRI, TCA, tricyclic antidepressants, veterinary compounding, veterinary medicine, veterinary patients