Veterinary Psychopharmacology

The stress response affects the central nervous system and multiple other systems in the body. Chronic mental and behavioral pathologies are associated with inflammation, dysfunctions in the immune response and an increased risk for other chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Psychiatric treatments alleviate fear, stress and anxiety, increase the qualify of life and lifespan for dogs and cats. Multiple safe psychoactive medications that can be used in association are available to help veterinary patients. Clinicians should understand the function of neurotransmitters and hormones on emotional processing, cognition and behavior, and drug mechanism of action so medication selection is appropriate for each individual patient.

Automated summary

The stress response has a significant impact on the central nervous system and other systems in the body, contributing to chronic mental and behavioral pathologies as well as increasing the risk for other chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Psychiatric treatments play a role in alleviating fear, stress, and anxiety and improving the quality of life and lifespan for dogs and cats. The availability of safe psychoactive medications allows for effective treatment options in veterinary patients. Clinicians should have a good understanding of the role neurotransmitters and hormones play in emotional processing, cognition, and behavior, as well as the mechanism of action of drugs to ensure appropriate medication selection for each individual patient.