Efficacy of clomipramine in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs: clinical trial

This clinical trial compares the efficacy and the tolerability of 4 dose ra tes of clomipramine - 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg, 0.51 to 1 mg/kg, 1.1 to 2 mg/kg an d 2.1 to 4 mg/kg administered twice a day - vs. a placebo in the treatment of separation anxiety. Behavioural therapy was given to all groups. Dogs we ighing over 5 kg, of various breeds, age and sex were included. The efficac y was assessed after evaluation by the owner and the veterinarian at day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60, based on the disturbances (destruction, urination, bar king) caused by the dog, the relationship between the dog and the owner, an d generalized anxiety symptoms. All these efficacy criteria clearly demonst rated that a daily dose of 2 to 4mg/kg (l-2mg/kg b.i.d) of clomipramine was the most effective dose : the cure rate was 70% with clomipramine at this dose vs. 20 to 30% in the other groups. Treatment was well tolerated at all doses of clomipramine.