Has any one had any experience with using amitriptyline as part of a behaviour modificaiton plan to counteract aggression?
I took Tristan to the vets today just to rule out any possible health problems because there are still incidents of aggression directed at him by both Bear and Lion, although Lion is usually the secondary aggressor. After examining Tristan and taking a thorough behaviour history, the vet agrees that it is not health intiated but strictly a behaviour issue. Interestingly, he has just gone through this himself with his four cats when a roaming tomcat sprayed the window where they were and three of them broke out fighting with each other. His problem is actually worse - the cats also sprayed back! At least mine haven't sprayed!
He is still working on the spraying but found that separation and behaviour modification supported with amitripyline has suceeded in stopping the between housemates aggression. He has given me a prescription for both Lion and Bear as they are the aggressors. The dosage is the maximum which does concern me as I don't know how well cats tolerate it. He says that sedation is the most likely sign of an overdose and we would cut back then. It will take about a week before there are any noticeable results, apparently.
So, I am wondering if anyone here has used this and what their experiences have been.
Kathryn
I took Tristan to the vets today just to rule out any possible health problems because there are still incidents of aggression directed at him by both Bear and Lion, although Lion is usually the secondary aggressor. After examining Tristan and taking a thorough behaviour history, the vet agrees that it is not health intiated but strictly a behaviour issue. Interestingly, he has just gone through this himself with his four cats when a roaming tomcat sprayed the window where they were and three of them broke out fighting with each other. His problem is actually worse - the cats also sprayed back! At least mine haven't sprayed!
He is still working on the spraying but found that separation and behaviour modification supported with amitripyline has suceeded in stopping the between housemates aggression. He has given me a prescription for both Lion and Bear as they are the aggressors. The dosage is the maximum which does concern me as I don't know how well cats tolerate it. He says that sedation is the most likely sign of an overdose and we would cut back then. It will take about a week before there are any noticeable results, apparently.
So, I am wondering if anyone here has used this and what their experiences have been.
Kathryn