NEWS ON THE USE OF TRAZODONE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
Dragos CRICLEVIȚ[1], Gheorghe SOLCAN[2], Alin
CIOBĪCĂ[3], Luminita Diana
HRITCU[4]
Abstract. Trazodone is the main anxiolytic used in
veterinary medicine because it reduces physiological stress in cats and dogs
which can be significant. In this case, the animals are prone to illness due to
the body's decreased immunity. Four drugs from four different classes can be
used to relieve acute situational fear and anxiety in dogs and cats, including
trazodone, gabapentin, alprazolam and dexmedetomidine taken orally. Doses differ according to behavioral and medical
conditions. In anxiety the dose in dogs is: 1.9-16.5 mg/kg q24h for daily
medication or 1.7-19.5 mg/kg q24h combined daily and as needed administration
or 2.2-14 mg/kg q24h (as needed administration) for general anxiety 4-12 mg/kg
q24h for 1.5 h before a veterinary visit. In cats the dose is 7.7-15.2 mg/kg q
24h for 1-1.5h before a visit to the veterinarian. Preoperatively and postoperatively in cats no dose
studies have been reported. In dogs preoperatively 5-7 mg/kg administered 2 h
before surgery combined with an opioid (Tramadol, Bupaq/Alvegesic) as
premedication for anesthesia and orthopedic surgery. Postoperatively give 1-3.5
mg kg/kg in combination with tramadol for 3 days and then 7 mg kg-1q 12 h or
7-10 mg kg-1q 8 h as needed for 4-12 weeks for orthopaedic surgery. Trazodone
has a much higher risk of adverse reactions in geriatric patients including:
callus, vomiting, colitis, colitis, sedation, increased appetite, paradoxical
excitement hypersalivation.
Keywords: Trazodone,
behavioral stress, anxiety, preoperative, postoperative
DOI 10.56082/annalsarsciagr.2024.2.70
