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42 Albuterol Toxicosis

that worsens with the sedative effects of dog find that the dog improves simply Prevention
the medication. For some dogs who are because it is no longer being constantly • Humane training methods teach clients to
VetBooks.ir tion alprazolam (0.02-0.04 mg/kg PO q • Understanding that the dog has a problem that leads to early detection of problematic
globally anxious, the panicolytic medica-
read and understand dog signaling, a skill
stimulated to react.
behavior.
4-6h prn) may help calm reactivity while
anxiety can alter client expectations. Through
helping the dogs focus more on cognitive
possible to raise even the most rambunctious
canine behaviors, if clients avoid specific
aspects of behavior modification. some complex interaction of human and • Head collars and no-pull harnesses make it
○ Gabapentin (10-20 mg/kg PO q 8-12h) triggers for the dog, the dog can improve dog to be relatively calm. All puppies should
affects regions of the GABA receptor and sufficiently for many clients. be fitted with these at their first appointment
may dampen aggressive outbursts. • Clients who are afraid of the dog often instead of neck collars.
have trouble with treatment (behavior
Nutrition/Diet modification). Technician Tips
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (1200-1500 mg/DOG • Clients with chaotic households have trouble Technicians should calmly assess dogs’ arousal
PO q 24h) may aid neurochemical recovery protecting the dog and preventing the dog levels beginning in puppyhood by emphasizing
from aggressive events. from being a risk to others. early skills (calm, settle, sit) and flag any early
• Clients who commit to treating the dog for reactivity as requiring monitoring/treatment.
Drug Interactions the dog’s sake typically see improvement,
SSRIs and TCAs should not be used with regardless of the diagnosis or level of Client Education
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, aggression. • Consistency is key because it makes the world
selegiline) due to enhancement of shared side • With appropriate treatment (often including a more predictable place. Predictability
effects (e.g., sedation, serotonin syndrome) medication, perhaps lifelong), the vast lessens anxiety in a dog.
(p. 1281). majority of these dogs improve to the extent • Forceful training, training by compulsion,
that it is hard to tell they had a behavior and training that involves physical restraint
Possible Complications problem. Early intervention is easiest and has no place in modern treatments of aggres-
Failure to improve can be due to overly rapid best. sion. The Pet Professional Guild (www.
behavior modifications, discordant approaches • Many dogs benefit from lifelong restriction petprofessionalguild.com) can direct clients
in the household, or history of choke chain, to certain physical or social situations. to trainers who are trained and skilled in
pinch collar, electronic/e-collar “corrections” using only positive methods that enhance
(dog perceives clients as a threat). Forceful PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS learning.
corrections of any kind (including those shown • With respect to impulse-control aggression,
on popular TV dog training shows) should Comments clients must understand that struggling with
never be used with aggressive dogs; these types • Shock collars have no place in the treatment the dog will make the dog more dangerous.
of corrections make the dog worse and put the of any behavioral condition. They always Treating these dogs is not about being their
client at risk. exacerbate anxiety, even if they may suppress master; it is about treating their anxiety.
some behavioral signs. Their determined use • With respect to interdog aggression, clients
Recommended Monitoring by clients with aggressive dogs should prompt must understand that the dog they see being
• Frequent (weekly) contact with clients the suspicion of physical abuse (animal or overtly aggressive may not have been the
• All instructions, including warnings, must human) in the household. instigator. This is a complicated diagnosis.
be in writing and understood by the clients. • The widely held belief that pathologic Quick fixes that are implied by simplistic
aggression in dogs stems from abusive recommendations (“reinforce the alpha dog”)
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME handling in the past is entirely unsubstanti- almost always worsen the condition.
ated. Abused dogs may also have problem
• The best prognosticators for canine aggression aggressions, but aggression in response to SUGGESTED READING
are 1) the client’s determination to help the abuse is sufficiently contextual that new Arata S, et al: “Reactivity to Stimuli” is a tempera-
dog and 2) his/her ability to provide a environments may improve the lives of most mental factor contributing to canine aggression.
predictable environment in which the dog abused dogs. PLoS One 9:e100767, 2014.
can improve. • Early deprivation in commercially bred dogs AUTHOR & EDITOR: Karen L. Overall, VMD, MA, PhD,
• Clients who accept that the dog has a can lead to heightened reactivity that worsens DACVB
problem anxiety and choose to protect the aggression.

Albuterol Toxicosis Client Education
Sheet

BASIC INFORMATION Synonyms GENETICS, BREED PREDISPOSITION
Salbutamol; common brand names: Proventil Greyhounds may be more susceptible to severe
Definition (Merck); Ventolin (GSK), Combivent Respimat cardiac arrhythmias compared with other dog
Albuterol is a primarily beta-2 adrenergic (Boehringer Ingelheim) in combination with breeds.
receptor agonist bronchodilator used for the anticholinergic ipratropium
treating acute asthma and bronchospasm in Epidemiology RISK FACTORS
humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Toxicosis can • Pre-existing cardiac disease, systemic
occur from inappropriate overdosing or pets SPECIES, AGE, SEX hypertension
chewing/biting into inhalers or vials used for All species, ages, breeds, and both sexes are • Patients taking tricyclic antidepressants or
nebulization. susceptible. Dogs are more commonly exposed. monoamine oxidase inhibitors

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