Clomicalm

tsukitsunetsukitsune
edited September 2008 in Food, Nutrition, & Health
We took Hachi for some blood work and a urinalysis which all came back normal to sort of rule out any medical issue for her sporadic fear-ness.
We spoke at length with the vet after the results came back and he really feels she would benefit from taking Clomicalm, 20mg daily for at least 2 months. I didn't yet get the medication, but I'm keeping the option open.

This weekend we have a trainer (read: can't find a behaviorist yet, next best option I guess?) come to the house this weekend to see what she can suggest us and/or John do around her, what we might be able to accomplish with her.
I'm hoping doing a little formal-non-classroom obedience might improve John and her relationship.

Anyway, so the Clomicalm. Is there any benefit or harm in considering it for Hachi on a trial to long term basis?
(website: http://www.clomicalm.novartis.us/)

Comments

  • NekopanNekopan
    edited November -1
    Clomipramine (the active ingredient in Clomicalm) hasn't been studied in long term trials, so that would make me a bit leery of using it for more than 3 months. The other thing to note is that it lowers the convulsion threshold (read: makes seizures easier) so if you have any concerns about that, I would avoid it altogether. Otherwise it is a decent anti-depressant/anti-obsessive medication.
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited September 2008
    Thank you Kyla for the great info! I didn't know that it lowers the convulsion threshold. That is in direct contradiction to her epileptic episodes. This is why I'm just not keen on regular vets. They should have told me this, but because she doesn't have a diagnosis they discount that as relevant?
    Anyway, I didn't buy it yesterday and I probably won't.. we aren't at the point of last resort, which I think this will be. We'll see..

    Incidentally, we've decided to let her out of the pen and into our living space while we are home but closing our bedroom door so she can't hide under the bed, and besides being ever-ready to bolt, she's not doing half bad. Only one cowering pee incident tonight (my fault, dropped a notebook!). That's a record.
  • lindsaytlindsayt
    edited November -1
    There are some good natural products that are safe to give dogs for stress and anxiety. I like Rescue Remedy, which comes in drops. It is made with "relaxing herbs" but it does have a very minute amount of alcohol in it. The dogs seem to respond well to it anyways and I like it better than giving antidepressants. I think melatonin is also helpful in regulating mood and inducing a sense of calm (for people and dogs).
  • JessicaRabbitJessicaRabbit
    edited November -1
    thry now make rescue remedy for dogs that is alcohol free.
  • TeamLaikaTeamLaika
    edited November -1
    Clomicalm should also be used with caution in dogs with heart disease since it can potentially cause bradycardia and AV block at high doses. Incidentally, the Center for Veterinary Medicine publishes the "Freedom of Information Summaries" for every approved drug. The FOI lists the clinical trials that were conducted for target animal safety and effectiveness. It will also provide any side-effects observed during the trials.

    http://www.fda.gov/cvm/FOI/foiabst2.html

    Clomicalm's NADA number is 141-120

    To find a drug's NADA number, look in the "Green Book" at http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Green_Book/elecgbook.html
    It is easiest to find the NADA number in the pdf list of Tradenames (alphabetical)

    Happy sleuthing.
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