Use of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate use of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia in dogs.


METHODS
Prospective open clinical trial.


METHODS
40 dogs with storm phobia.


METHODS
Dogs received clomipramine at a dosage of 2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 3 months; then 1 mg/kg (0.45 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 2 weeks; then 0.5 mg/kg (0.23 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours for 2 weeks. Alprazolam was given at a dosage of 0.02 mg/kg (0.009 mg/lb), PO, as needed 1 hour before anticipated storms and every 4 hours as needed. Desensitization and counter-conditioning were conducted at home by the caregiver with an audio simulation of storm sounds that had induced a fear response during evaluation.


RESULTS
30 of the 32 dogs that completed the study had a degree of improvement, as measured by caregivers' global assessment. Two caregivers considered the storm phobia to be resolved. Panting, pacing, trembling, remaining near the caregiver, hiding, excessive salivation, destructiveness, excessive vocalization, self-trauma, and inappropriate elimination all decreased significantly during treatment. Improvement was greater during true storms (rain, thunder, and lightning) than during rain only. Response to audio simulation did not change during treatment. Four months after the study, improvement was maintained.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of clomipramine, alprazolam, and behavior modification can be effective in decreasing or eliminating storm phobia. Improvement could not be evaluated by use of audio simulation of a storm.
Crowell-Davis
Sharon L
SL
Department of Anatomy and Radiology College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Seibert
Lynne M
LM
Sung
Wailani
W
Parthasarathy
Valli
V
Curtis
Terry M
TM
D000525:Alprazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D002997:Clomipramine; D000525:Alprazolam