Regis Philbin
Feb 25th, 2008, 05:01 PM
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23271578-5005961,00.html
Suicidal pets get anti-depressants
By staff writers
February 25, 2008 02:19pm
PETS at risk of self-harm are increasingly being prescribed anti-depressants because they cannot discuss problems in their lives with others, a leading veterinarian says.
Zoo and wildlife medicine specialist with the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Romain Pizzi, told the Telegraph that more pets were being prescribed Prozac.
Tropical birds such as parrots seemed to have been the most affected by depression, Mr Pizzi told the newspaper.
But Mr Pizzi said anti-depressants were only used in the most extreme of cases.
“Firstly, we will change the environment of the animal and make sure it has more stimulation and toys,” Mr Pizzi told the newspaper.
"When we have ruled out underlying medical problems, we try to break the cycle by using Prozac… (which) is given to the parrots in liquid form.
"It doesn't cure all animals, but around two-thirds respond to the treatment. In a small number of cases things will go well until we wean them off Prozac and the problems return."
Suicidal pets get anti-depressants
By staff writers
February 25, 2008 02:19pm
PETS at risk of self-harm are increasingly being prescribed anti-depressants because they cannot discuss problems in their lives with others, a leading veterinarian says.
Zoo and wildlife medicine specialist with the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Romain Pizzi, told the Telegraph that more pets were being prescribed Prozac.
Tropical birds such as parrots seemed to have been the most affected by depression, Mr Pizzi told the newspaper.
But Mr Pizzi said anti-depressants were only used in the most extreme of cases.
“Firstly, we will change the environment of the animal and make sure it has more stimulation and toys,” Mr Pizzi told the newspaper.
"When we have ruled out underlying medical problems, we try to break the cycle by using Prozac… (which) is given to the parrots in liquid form.
"It doesn't cure all animals, but around two-thirds respond to the treatment. In a small number of cases things will go well until we wean them off Prozac and the problems return."