posted September 04, 2006 12:12 AM         

Best,

posted September 06, 2006 11:12 AM         

Phenobarbitol IS a psychiatric, or what they call psychotropic medication- it is one drug of the group barbiturates, which are the older hypnotics/sleeping pills, and due to their potent sedative effects and the high death rates of barbiturates overdose, they have long been replaced by a newer group of drugs called benzodiazepines/BZDs- many of the medicines we are familiar with belong to this latter group- Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Klonopin etc. Barbiturates are now rarely in use and are only prescribed for epilepsy most of the time. And many of the anticonvulsants (medications treating epilepsy) have been used for treating various psychiatric illnesses as well- Depakote (valproate), Tegretol (carbamazepine), Lamictal (lamotrigine) are only some of them to begin with. Hence they are "psychiatric".

I am, however, saddened and rather stunned to hear that pets/animals also need psychotropic medications... I guess I've been somewhat ignorant. It's sad enough to see people being treated with these, in my view, hideous drugs, especially the antidepressants IMO, although at the same time I'm a staunch advocate of psychopharmacotherapy (I'm been under psychiatric pharmacotreatment for nearly 8 years), but it's even sadder for me to hear that our animal friends also need these horrid drugs. Really.

posted September 07, 2006 03:34 AM         

Sorry, I knew I still didn't answer your question- I had no clue at all about animal pets' psychotropic medications before; I'm going to check and search for information, and ask around. I hope I will come up with something helpful for you.

Love, peace of mind and white light to your beloved animal pet(s)

posted October 20, 2006 12:30 AM         

I am doing very well. My new job keeps me busy. I went to Seattle for the first time last week for work and it was sunny and warm.
There are a lot of trees and hills. I got to visit with a customer and his family at their lakefront house. What a life some people have

As for the psychiatric meds, I was doing research because my cat often gets agitated and over stimulated and it looks uncomfortable from a mood standpoint for him.

Anyhow, a few days ago I thought, what if something outside of him could engage him so he wouldn't wail as much at night? May be classical music played very softly? For the past 2 - 3 nights, I've been leaving the radio on (in the kitchen where he hangs out) on the Classical music station playing all night. So far, so good. The music has helped cut down the wailing by about 2/3 thirds in the middle of the night.

I recall in Star Signs that Linda was a big proponent on the benefits of listening to classical music.

Life is good. How are you doing?

Cheers,

posted October 20, 2006 12:36 PM         

that is so synchronistic, because I recently started listening to classical music in my car, on the way to and from school. I am SO STRESSED from TRAFFIC it is so terrible, especially driving home from school every day. So I listen to that and these other soothing music CD's.

I am just really, really busy with school.......but on a good note, I am earning 2 degrees this Fall, and another degree in the Spring. I will graduate from COM in the Spring and then go to Sonoma State next Fall. I am really happy. I will have a graduation party at the end of May so I'll invite you!

posted November 15, 2006 10:10 AM         

I was glad to read about your pets getting better by listening to classical music. I feel rather guilty for not having fulfilled my promise- I asked someone, got the location of an animal hospital and went there- it was quite a large one, but it was passed the afternoon outpatient service time, and I have yet to return there to consult with the staff there, but I hope I will do soon.

It's puzzling to me but also interesting that classical music seems to have beneficial effects for growing crops (better than those listening to rock music while growing, or so I've heard) and now proven to have certain healing effects as well!

posted December 07, 2006 07:16 AM         

I hope I will do it tomorrow or as late as the beginning of next week. Some shite happened the past couple of days, my eyes are very sore, and I might need a break from the Internet, reading and LL I'm afraid- so perhaps I can use my time off for investigating the vet hospital.

However I'm beginning to have doubts on psychiatry, including psyhchopharmacotherapy. Basically I think those psych drugs are just sickening. I'm about to question the very foundation of the whole lucrative (as a knowflake put a while back) and nasty business of psychiatric medicine.

Sorry about the rant.

Instinctively, I'd say it's even sicker to put so many children (there's a thread about this in Labors of Love) and even our animal friends on those hideous medications, in many cases this isn't even necessary

posted May 16, 2007 06:27 AM         

This is a much, much postponed, late reply- it was not nice of me to not keep my word in time. Aphrodite, the following might be not so necessary any longer, since you've mentioned that you had been doing research. I believe you have found valuable information. I truly hope your animal friend will not need those meds at all and enjoy excellent health. Again, it's always a good idea to turn to classical music. Animal or human, or even plants- classical music has long been referred to as therapeutic.

I hope all of you are doing fine, as well as your beloved animal companions.

Anyway, here it is:

Quick Reference To Veterinary Medicine

Third Edition

By William R. Fenner
ISBN 0-397-51608-8
Copyright 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Aphrodite, because your animal companion is a cat, I will, instead of following the order of the contents of the book, copy the part about cats in the concerning chapter in the book first (although I must say that, I have never had any first hand experience, because I have never owned a cat or dog)

Page 30

Table 3-2 Drugs Used to Manage Feline Behavior Problems

Diazepam (Valium)
Class: Benzodiazepine
Uses: Urine spraying, anxiety states

Buspirone
(BuSpar)
Class: Azaperone
Uses: Urine spraying, "pariah" behavior

Amitriptyline
(Elavil)
Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant
Uses: FIE*, urine spraying, aggression, stereotypies

Clomipramine
(Clomicalm)
Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant
Uses: Urine spraying, stereotypic behaviors, stereotypies

Fluoxetine
(Prozac)
Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Uses: Urine spraying, aggression, stereotypies

Paraxotine
(Paxil)
Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Uses: Urine spraying, aggression, stereotypies

Selegiline
(Anipryl)
Class: Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitor
Uses: Feline cognitive dysfunction

*FIE, feline inappropriate elimination of urine

Contrary to some here at LL who think it's best to include all related/relevant information in the same one post, I personally feel that at times this might make the post look lengthy and make an impression on certain readers as time-consuming or energy-consuming to view. Therefore, I will continue to post the rest of the relevant subject matter a few more times, meaning I will split the whole information into several posts. To those who may find this way uncomfortable, I am sorry.

Lake

posted May 16, 2007 06:38 AM         

The same book

Page 29

Table 3-1 Drugs Used to Manage Canine Behavior Problems

Diazepam
(Valium)
Class: Benzodiazepine
Uses: Noise phobia, anxieties

Alprazolam
(Xanax)
Class: Benzodiazepine
Uses: Noise phobia, separation anxiety

Chlorazepate
(Tranxene)
Class: Benzodiazepine
Uses: Noise phobia, separation anxiety

Buspirone
(BuSpar)
Class: Azaperone
Uses: Anxiety states; not effective for phobias

Amitriptyline
(Elavil)
Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant
Uses: Generalized anxiety, aggression; arousal

Clomipramine
(Clomicalm)
Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant
Uses: Separation anxiety*, stereotypies

Imipramine
(Tofranil)
Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant
Uses: Excitation or submissive urination, anxiety states

Fluoxetine
(Prozac)
Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Uses: Dominance-related aggression, separation anxiety, stereotypies

Paroxetine
(Paxil)
Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Uses: Generalized anxiety or fearfulness

Selegiline
(Anipryl)
Class: Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitor
Uses: Canine cognitive dysfunction*

*= Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use.

posted May 16, 2007 06:52 AM         

Page 40

Common Behavioral Problems of Cats

Elimination Behavior Problems

Feline Inappropriate Elimination (FIE) of Urine

D. Pharmacotherapy: Not usually indicated. In cases of stress-related inappropriate urination, amitriptyline, buspirone, or diazepam may be helpful.

Page 41

Urine Marking: Spraying

D. Pharmacotherapy:

Diazepam, alprazolam, amitriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine have been used with success in some cases.

Page 41

Defecation Outside the Litter Box

B. Pharmacotherapy: Not usually indicated. If middening is suspected, treat as for urine marking.

Page 42

Aggression

Predatory or Play Aggression

Pharmacotherapy: Not usually indicated.

Page 42

Redirected Aggression

D. Pharmacotherapy: Fluoxetine, paroxetine, amitriptyline.

Page 43

Aggression Between Cats in a Household

D. Pharmacotherapy to the aggressor: Amitriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, megestrol acetate in refractory cases.

E. Pharmacotherapy to the victim: buspirone.

Page 43:

Feline Psychogenic Alopecia

D. Pharmacotherapy: Fluoxetine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, paroxetine.

Page 44

Wool Ingestion, Fabric Chewing

D. Pharmacotherapy: Amitriptyline, clomipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine.

Page 44

Vocalization Problems

D. Pharmacotherapy: amitriptyline, diazepam at bedtime

Lake

posted May 16, 2007 07:21 AM         

Page 31

Common Behavioral Problems of Dogs

Aggression

3. Treatment objectives

B. Euthanasia: Euthanasia should be recommended for all dogs that inflict significant human injury or that live in high-risk households. A note to that effect should be made in the patient's record. Dogs over 18kg are at higher risk for euthanasia than smaller dogs due to increased risk of injury.

(Lake's note: I am only outlining the contents of the book, and I am not making a clinical judgment whatsoever, as I am not a practicing veterinarian. I am sorry about bringing up such an uncomfortable and controversial issue as this)

Page 32

Aggression Related to Dominance

5) Pharmacotherapy: Fluoxetine, amitriptyline. Megestrol acetate may be useful in cases refractory to other agents.

Page 33

Aggression Related to Fear

5. Pharmacotherapy: Amitriptyline, fluoxetine, paroxetine. Benzodiazepines should be avoided or used with extreme care in cases of fear-related aggression. If aggression is a manifestation of underlying fear or anxiety, benzodiazepines may reduce aggression. However, aggression that is being restrained by fear or anxiety may be disinhibited by benzodiazepines, increasing aggression. Since these states may be difficult to differentiate, the use of benzodiazepines is not recommended for dogs whose aggression is related to fear.

Page 33

Aggression Among Dogs Within a Household

E. Pharmacotherapy: Usually not indicated. Amitriptyline may decrease arousal, and fluoxetine may be administered to the more dominant dog.

Page 34

Aggression Related to Territoriality

D. Pharmacotherapy: Generally not effective. Amitriptyline can reduce arousal and help the owner advance with the counterconditioning program.

Page 35

Urine Elimination Behavior Problems

A. Male urine marking

d) Pharmacotherapy: Progestins may attenuate the behavior, but side effects may contraindicate them.

Page 36

B. Excitement urination

d) Pharmacotherapy: Imipramine, amitriptyline.

Page 36

C. Submissive urination

d) Pharmacotherapy: Imipramine, amitriptyline

Page 36

D. Inadequate house-training

c) Pharmacotherapy: Not indicated.

Page 37

Fearfulness

Noise Phobias

D. Pharmacotherapy: Give a benzodiazepine, such as chlorazepate or alprazolam, at the first sign of anxiety. During periods of repeated exposure, such as thunderstorm season, a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline, imipramine, or clomipramine may be given daily and the benzodiazepine added as needed.

Page 37

Separation Anxiety

D. Pharmacotherapy: Clomipramine (Clomicalm) is the only drug the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for this problem. Other drugs that have been used include amitriptyline, imipramine, and fluoxetine. In treatment-resistant cases, a benzodiazepine such as alprazolam or chlorazepate may be added to a tricyclic antidepressant, such as clomipramine.

Page 38

Ingestive Behavior Problems

Pica

D. Pharmacotherapy: Not indicated.

Page 39

Coprophagia

D. Pharmacotherapy: Not indicated.

Page 39

Stereotypic Behaviors

D. Pharmacotherapy: Clomipramine, fluoxetine

Page 39

Cognitive Dysfunction

D. Pharmacotherapy: Selegiline (Anipryl) is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this problem.

Lake

posted May 16, 2007 07:30 AM         

Quick Reference To Veterinary Medicine

Third Edition

By William R. Fenner

ISBN 0-397-51608-8

(Page IV)

The publisher is not responsible (as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise) for any injury resulting from any material contained herein. This publication contains information relating to general principles of medical care which should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. Manufacturers' product information and package inserts should be reviewed for current information, including contraindications, dosages, and precautions.

posted May 16, 2007 07:47 AM         

Page 44

Suggested Reading

Askew HR. Treatment of Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats, Blackwell Science, 1996.

American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information. Bethesda, MD, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 2000.

Beaver AV: Feline Behavior: a Guide for Veterinarians. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1992.

Beaver BV: Canine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 1999.

Borchelt PL, Voith VL, eds.: Readings in Companion Animal Behavior. Trenton, NJ: VLS, 1996.

Dodman NH, Shuster L. Psychopharmacology of Animal Behavior Disorders. Oxford: Blackwell Science, 1998.

Houpt KA. Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists, 3rd ed. Ames: Iowa State University, 1998.

Houpt KA, Reisner IR. Behavior disorders. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds.: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 4th ed. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1995; 179-187.

Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L: Handbook of Behaviour Problems of the Dog and Cat. Boston, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1997.

Parker AJ, Behavioral signs of organic disease. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds.: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 1995; 175-178.

Reisner I: The pathophysiologic basis of behavior problems. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 21: 207-224, 1991.

Simpson BS, Simpson DM. Behavioral pharmacotherapy: 1. Antipsychotics and antidepressants. Compendium for Continuing Education 18: 1067-1081, 1996.

Simpson BS, Simpson DM. Behavioral pharmacotherapy: 2. Anxiolytics and mood stabilizers. Compendium for continuing Education 18: 1203-1213, 1996.

Lake

posted May 16, 2007 08:17 AM         

Here's another title that I've come across with, although I can't really say I'm making a recommendation, as I have not read the entire book myself.

"Psychoactive Herbs In Veterinary Behavior Medicine"

By Stefanie Schwartz

ISBN 0-8138-2299-8

2005 Dr Stefanie Schwartz Blackwell Publishing Professional

There has been said to be some "alternative" veterinary medicine options for animals:

Diet therapy
Nutritional supplements
Homeopathy
Herbal medicine
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Manual healing

I personally would not like to recommend the following book in which the next paragraph's contents have been found, because I personally find the book having somewhat dubious connotations. However, there is a part of this title which is pretty useful and uplifting, I must admit. It seems to be self-contradictory as I am referring to the book's contents and yet stating I'm not making a recommendation. Due to this concern, I will only give you its ISBN instead of its title, for those who are interested to be able to search for the title themselves with the ISBN, as I personally would decline to recommend this book:

ISBN 13: 978-1-4160-2986-1
ISBN 10: 1-4160-2986-9

The People-Pet Spiritual Connection

As you are reading this, you are very likely to have your pet right by your side. There's nothing quite like a cat or a dog curled up beside you to help you read. And isn't it amazing how your pet always knows where you are and chooses to spend time with you? Yet it's easy to take the presence of pets for granted; they share the sofa, the bed, the car, meals- and it's easy to forget just who's looking after whom!

To be healthy, both emotionally and mentally, all human beings need contact with living things, and animal companions make the perfect stress relievers. Research into the human-animal companion bond is an exciting new science that has shown that merely sharing your home with a pet can protect your health from such threats as heart disease and hypertension. A pet can increase your life expectancy an d also can protect you from physical and mental conditions that loneliness and isolation can bring.

Dogs and cats really are a vitamin in a fur coat. Simply stroking them or even just being with them can reduce and undo the stress that today's busy lives generate. The intimacy experienced in connecting with a pet cat or dog, in which expression of feelings or affection, indeed love, is possible, is very much a protective armor against the pain sometimes experienced in life. For many people, the unconditional love they share with pets helps them to reach their full potential:

Sylvia, a woman in her thirties, gets up every morning to feed and care for Jasper, a beautiful brown Burmese cat. Their extraordinary relationship is essentially a love affair of grand proportions. What is out of the ordinary for Sylvia is her depression disorder, which means that Jasper is the only reason she gets out of bed each day. His dependence on her for his needs gives Sylvia a reason to live and to face each day. In return, Jasper jumps on her lap, "pedals" and purrs, and reminds her that she is loved and needed.

Sam is a 6-year-old boy who is partially deaf, and for his short life he was without a close playmate. Then along came Paddy, a gorgeous Golden Retriever, who plays fun games, lies beside Sam on the floor- and even gently nudges Sam out of harm's way. Paddy has become Sam's best friend and confidante and helps to bring Sam out of his shell when kids flock to Paddy at the park. Suddenly Sam isn't so alone anymore.

Geoff is in his late 70s, widowed for 4 years. His constant companion is Frida, a 7-year-old Fox Terrier cross, who lets him know when someone is at the door and has an uncanny sense of time, especially around the dinner hour. She is Geoff's reason for walking every day and meeting neighbors and other dog walkers. Frida is not a health nut herself, preferring the comfort of the recliner and the TV, but she too enjoys her outings and all the dogs and people she meets.