Hi everyone,
Here are Dr. Sackman's responses to unanswered questions from the webcast.
@Katie Butler asked:
We are wanting to put together new behavior medication protocols. For situations like dogs that are new to the shelter, dogs before and after stressor events like vet visits or fights, etc… Do you know the book 'Veterinary psychiatry of the dog'? Would it be a good place for our vet to start? She is very interested in increasing her knowledge of dog behavioral medication etc. Will definitely share what I have learnt tonight with her :-)
Reply from Dr. Sackman: Yes, this is a good book. If just starting, I usually recommend the 5 Minute Veterinary Consult as an Excellent quick reference and as a first book in treating behavior cases. @Megan Alexander asked:Do you differentiate in treatment plans between a dog presenting with a genetic link to behavior issues (Mom Dog has the same known issues) verses an developed behaviors due to situational or environmental experiences potentially creating them?
Reply from Dr. Sackman: I don't generally differentiate treatment plans between genetics and environment in the behaviors I see. All dog behaviors have significant input from both (genetics and environment - both good and bad behaviors).
Genetics are the template on which the environment interacts with and leads to the behaviors - Environment often does have significant impact on behaviors - such as exposure to known triggers - or use of punishment/ aversives that make behaviors worse - so I do address these separately. @Emilia GordonI have seen a few shelter dogs recently who don't seem to have a presentation fully consistent with all of the HSHA syndrome descriptors you mentioned, but they do have what I'd maybe describe as situational hyperarousal- ie in some contexts. They can otherwise relax and focus in other contexts, such as when they are in their kennel, or throughout the day in a foster home including outdoors. The shelter environment seems to make them much worse- ie jumpy/mouthy behaviour. Some of them do seem to also have generalized anxiety, but others do not. I am curious what your recommendations are for these types of dogs.
Reply from Dr. Sackman: Totally agree that frustration and anxiety are huge in shelter dogs. I like to get these dogs into fosters / homes to reduce the environmental triggers for them. Many of the dogs will also benefit from short term anti-anxiety medication while they are in the shelter. Also- anything that can be done to provide enrichment and manage sounds, provide some simple R+ training as enrichment can be very helpful.
Question:
Do you have a professional paper that explains the use/dosing of Clonidine to provide to our vets to have the discussion about adding this? I have dogs already on Fluoxetine already
Response from Dr. Sackman pending
Sarah Tarver (Guest) 12:51 PM
We are an animal rescue organization that pulls at-risk dogs from shelters. A large majority of these dogs have some behavioral challenges, including hyperarousal. What is the recommended initial dose of fluoxetine?
Reply from Dr. Sackman: Fluoxetine starting dose is 0.5 mg /kg every 24 hrs for 10-14 days, then increase to 1 mg/kg every 24 hrs.
Question from Margie Garrett DVM, CVA, CVC, CVTP, CCRP...
If medicating, how often are you doing blood monitoring with the SSRI with clonidine? Upregulating the p450 pathway in the liver, I would also be concerned with liver stress. Any other concerns that you have seen?
Reply from Dr. Sackman: I have a baseline chem panel and CBC and recommend an annual wellness panel after that. Some SSRIs have greater Cyt p450 metabolism than others and if you are concurrently giving drugs that are metabolized through this route you will need to adjust dosing (phenobarb is one). Otherwise - they are a very safe family of drugs.
Reply from Dr. Sackman: Under/ poorly socialized dogs are almost always fearful, timid, or externally reactive (bark and back away from scary things, or bark and lunge at scary things)
@Jessica Calloway asks:
Do you believe that starvation in a dog's early development puppy -1 year old collates with severe hyperarousal? I've seen it twice in dogs that were the most severe cases in my 11 years as an animal control officer
Reply from Dr. Sackman: It is possible! I don't think that we have enough data to say for sure - I am pretty convinced that poor early maternal care, or early separation from maternal care plays a role in the development of HSHA.
Thanks for all the great questions!
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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Community Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2024 02:51 PM
From: Sheila Segurson (she/her)
Subject: Assessment and Treatment of Hyperarousal Behaviors in Dogs: April 2024 Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection
Hi,
Does your organization sometimes struggle with excitable or mouthy dogs? Register for Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection. During our next webcast on April 25th at noon PT/3 pm ET, we'll learn about Assessing and Treating Hyperarousal Behaviors in Dogs with board-certified veterinary behaviorist, @Dr Jill Sackman. Learn more about the session on our event page and be sure to join our Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection group by clicking on the 'Join Community' button on the right side of the group home page so that you receive messages about upcoming webcasts!
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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Community Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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