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Separation anxiety is a behavioral
disorder that occurs when a dog
experiences anxiety related to its
separation (even for short periods) from
family members to whom they have bonded.
As a result, the pet engages in
problematic behaviors which can include
signs such as destruction, vocalization,
inappropriate elimination, behavioral
depression and others. The degree of
anxiety (and the resultant behaviors)
depends on the individual patient, but
the end result can be very stressful to
the affected pet and may significantly
impact relationships with their human
family members.
Reconcile
(Fluoxetine)
for Dogs
Veterinarians estimate that separation
anxiety may affect up to 17% of dogs in
the United States. Of those cases,
nearly 60% go undiagnosed. A critical
factor in many cases appears to be a
high degree of attachment (termed
hyperattachment) between the dog and a
family member. The dog becomes
emotionally dependent on the company of
this individual and shows anxiety when
they are absent. Signs that may be
associated with separation anxiety
include:
-
Destruction
-
Inappropriate
elimination
-
Vocalization, both
loud and or soft
-
Licking
-
Salivation, with &
without staining
-
Anorexia
-
Pacing
-
Withdrawal
Although some signs, such as
destruction, are easy to recognize,
others are much more difficult. A pet
owner is unlikely to know a pet spends
the day pacing unless the dog’s activity
area is videotaped. Also, signs commonly
seen with separation anxiety can be
observed with other problems too, such
as puppy chewing, submissive excitement
and fear responses. A thorough history
and medical work up may be needed to
rule out other conditions and arrive at
a final diagnosis of separation anxiety.
As
with many humans, it is believed many
behavior problems in the dog stem from
disorders in brain function. Recognition
of such disorders and the neurochemicals
that determine behavioral patterns has
led to the development of strategic
approaches to treatment that involve a
combination of pharmacotherapy with
behavior modification training. These
more specific pharmacologic
interventions can accelerate and enhance
the benefits of behavior modification by
targeting specific neurotransmitters of
the central nervous system.
Now
there is a new tool to help dogs with
separation anxiety. Eli Lilly and
Company has recently introduced
Reconcile ™ (fluoxetine hydrochloride),
the first selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) approved by the FDA for
treatment of canine separation anxiety
in conjunction with a behavior
modification program.
In a
clinical field trial, 73 percent of dogs
receiving Reconcile ™ showed significant
improvement within eight weeks, compared
to behavior modification training alone
(51%), and 42 percent of dogs receiving
Reconcile™ showed significant
improvement within eight weeks, compared
to behavior modification training alone
(18%). The once daily, chewable,
flavored tablet is available in four
weight specific tablets strengths for
dogs. Reconcile™ reduces inappropriate
behaviors, minimizes the pet’s distress
and increases receptivity to the BOND ™
at-home behavior modification training
program.
The
BOND™ behavior modification program is
an easy-to-implement, at home training
plan developed by Lilly and a team of
veterinary behaviorist as well as
veterinarians. The simple plan allows
pet owners to take an active role in the
treatment of their dog’s separation
anxiety. Dog owners whose dogs have been
prescribed Reconcile™ receive
educational materials to enable them to
follow an easy four-step training plan
to reinforced positive pet behavior with
helps to reduce or eliminate
inappropriate responses to anxiety.
Components include a take-home DVE,
printed materials and in-home reminders
so the whole family can reinforce
behavior modification training for the
dog.
The
most common adverse reactions recorded
during clinical trials where calm or
lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting,
shaking, diarrhea, restlessness,
excessive vocalization, aggression and,
in infrequent case, seizures.
Factors Associated With an Increased
Risk of Separation Anxiety:
-
Traumatic separation
-
Previous inexperience
with isolation
-
Excessive greetings
or prolonged owner departures
-
Abrupt changes to the
owner’s routines
-
Relocation to a new
home exposure to a new pet sitter
-
Death in the family
References
1.
Lilly Market Research
with Veterinarians and Veterinary
Technicians, February 2006
2.
Schwartz, S. 2003.
Separation Anxiety Syndrome in Dogs and
Cats, JAVMA, 222:1526-1532
3.
Overall, KL. 2001.
Dealing with Dogs Affected by Separation
Anxiety, Veterinary Forum, Dec:40-53 |