Efficacy of clomipramine in the treatment of canine compulsive disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of clomipramine for treatment of canine compulsive disorder (CCD).


METHODS
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced AB-BA crossover clinical study.


METHODS
51 dogs with CCD.


METHODS
Dogs were given clomipramine (3 mg/kg [1.3 mg/lb] of body weight, PO, q 12 h) for 4 weeks and placebo for 4 weeks. At the end of each treatment each owner rated the severity of their dog's behavior, using 2 validated rating scales. Statistical analysis was made by ordinal regression. Compliance, adverse effects, and the effectiveness of masking were also assessed. Each dog's behavior was reevaluated 1 to 2 years after completing the study.


RESULTS
Behaviors included spinning (n = 17) and self-mutilation by licking (acral lick dermatitis, 12). Both rating scales demonstrated a treatment effect. Compliance was satisfactory, and masking was effective. Sedation and reduced appetite were reported more commonly when dogs were given clomipramine than when they were given placebo. Forty-five dogs available for follow-up evaluation still had their behaviors; 6 dogs were lost to follow-up evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that clomipramine was effective in dogs with CCD and was not associated with serious adverse effects. However, treatment for 4 weeks was not curative. Behavior modification is likely to be necessary to manage CCD.
Hewson
C J
CJ
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Canada.
Luescher
U A
UA
Parent
J M
JM
Conlon
P D
PD
Ball
R O
RO
D000818:Animals; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D002997:Clomipramine