Main description:

Every day veterinarians in practice are asked to treat pets exhibiting problem behaviors. In the last several years pharmacologic treatments of behavior have made significant advances and can serve as a critical part of therapy.

Veterinary Pscyhopharmacology is a complete source of current knowledge on the subject of pharmacologic behavior modification that veterinarians can turn to for the answers they need.

Classification of disorders is eschewed in favor of in-depth explanations of pharmacologic options in inducing behavior changes. Special emphasis is given to explaining the underlying mechanism of pharmacologic agents used in therapy; thus, veterinarians will know not only which drugs to prescribe but why they should be prescribed and how they work.

Veterinary behaviorists, their students and residents, veterinary practitioners of all levels, and veterinary students will find this book invaluable in providing information about their patients' behavior problems and the psychoactive medications that might help them.

Contents:

Contributors ix

Acknowledgments xi

Preface xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction 3

Chapter 2 Amino Acid Neurotransmitters: Glutamate, GABA, and the Pharmacology of Benzodiazepines 25

Chapter 3 Benzodiazepines 34

Chapter 4 Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitters: Serotonin 72

Chapter 5 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors 80

Chapter 6 Azapirones 111

Chapter 7 Biogenic Amine Transmitters: Acetylcholine, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine 119

Chapter 8 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors 134

Chapter 9 Antipsychotics 148

Chapter 10 CNS Stimulants 166

Chapter 11 Tricyclic Antidepressants 179

Chapter 12 Endogenous Opioid Peptides 207

Chapter 13 Opioids and Opioid Antagonists 212

Chapter 14 Hormones 224

Chapter 15 Combinations 234

Appendix 241

Index 261