Align-ju SCIENCE SHORTS
Role of mirtazapine in treating anxiety , fear and aggression in dogs
USER-ALT Claudia Richter and Kenneth M . Martin , Pacific Veterinary Behavior Consulting , Burnaby , British Columbia , Canada
The anxiolytic mirtazapine is used in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) in human psychiatric patients to achieve faster behavioural changes and to reduce side effects . There are no previously published studies into the effects of mirtazapine and SSRIs in treating canine behavioural problems . The authors investigated the use of this agent in combination with fluoxetine or paroxetine in dogs with anxiety , fear or aggression disorders . Their findings show that adding mirtazapine to either primary treatment was effective and well tolerated . Giving this agent in combination with paroxetine may reduce the incidence of some of the adverse effects seen with fluoxetine treatment , such as depressed appetite , vomiting and lethargy .
Journal of Veterinary Behaviour https :// doi . org / 10.1016 / j . jveb . 2023.12.002
Effectiveness of psyllium husk in treating constipation in cats
USER-ALT Emeline Keller and others , Royal Canin , Occitaine , France
Constipation may occur in cats as a result of gut dysfunction or some other systemic disease , or as a side effect of medication . The authors examined the effects of psyllium husk – prepared by grinding the seeds of a shrub , Plantago ovata – on constipation in cats . Psyllium is a lowfermentable fibre , with soluble and insoluble components and water-holding properties . A group of nine healthy cats received a diet containing 6 % psyllium for 3 days and their bowel movements were compared with those of controls given a diet containing 6 % cellulose . The treatment group had a greater number of bowel movements and their stools were softer due to a higher water content . These findings support the use of psyllium husk powder in managing cats with constipation .
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery https :// doi . org / 10.1177 / 1098612X241234151
Complications and infection rates when using Penrose drains in hospitalised dogs
USER-ALT Tim Charlesworth and Erica Sampaio , Eastcott Referrals , Swindon , UK
Penrose drains are widely used in veterinary surgery to manage the dead space created by trauma or surgical resections . Passive drains can be associated with a risk of life-threatening ascending bacterial infections . The authors conducted a retrospective examination of the records from 208 canine surgical cases in which Penrose drains were used . They found an overall complication rate of 40.9 % and an infection rate of 16.9 %, but these were mostly minor issues . The dogs discharged home with the drain in situ within 24 hours of surgery had similar complication and infection rates to dogs kept hospitalised for drain care and dogs kept hospitalised for more than 24 hours but discharged with the drain in situ .
Journal of Small Animal Practice https :// doi . org / 10.1111 / jsap . 13678
Volume 39 ( 5 ) • October 2024
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