Use of trazodone as an adjunctive agent in the treatment of canine anxiety disorders: 56 cases (1995-2007).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of trazodone hydrochloride as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders as well as treatment protocol, dose range, concurrent drug use, adverse events, and therapeutic response in dogs unresponsive to other pharmacologic agents.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
56 dogs with anxiety disorders treated at a referral veterinary behavior clinic.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs with anxiety disorders adjunctively treated with trazodone were retrospectively evaluated with respect to signalment, primary and secondary behavioral diagnoses, physical examination results, hematologic data (CBC and serum biochemical panel), pharmacologic management, and outcome.


RESULTS
Overall, trazodone, used as an adjunctive agent in combination with other behavioral drugs, was well tolerated over a wide dose range and enhanced behavioral calming when administered on a daily or as-needed basis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further controlled studies of dose range, efficacy, and safety are needed, trazodone may provide an additional therapeutic option for use in dogs that are unresponsive to conventional treatment.
Gruen
Margaret E
ME
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Sherman
Barbara L
BL
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004285:Dogs / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D014196:Trazodone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D014196:Trazodone