Combining α-s1 Casozepine and Fluoxetine Treatment with a Behavioral Therapy Improves Symptoms in an Aggressive Dog: An Italian Case Report

Abstract

Simple Summary Aggressiveness in dogs is referred to as any threatening or harmful behavior toward other animals or humans. It can be triggered by several factors, including illness, anxiety, pain, frustration, fear, genetics, and social and homely settings. Patients affected by aggressive behavior generally experience this kind of psychiatric disorder via different actions, namely positioning the body in a dominant stance, showing teeth, barking, growling, lunging, snapping, snarling, or even biting. Here, we examined the case study of a pure-bred Lagotto Romagnolo, a 4-year-old neutered male dog, who repeatedly attacked one of two family owners (the oldest woman). We documented the beneficial effect of an alternative therapeutic approach based on the combination of the nutraceutical compound α-s1 casozepine as an add on to the conventional calming drug, fluoxetine, together with a specific rehabilitation program. Abstract Behavioral dysfunctions in dogs represent a critical issue of the human–animal relationship. In particular, aggression can make interspecific coexistence quite complicated within family units, thus exposing all members to greater health risks. In this present study, we documented multiple aggression episodes against one of the two family members caused by a 4-year-old neutered male pure breed Lagotto Romagnolo dog. To minimize impulsivity and anxiety-like behaviors of the patient as much as possible and improve his relationship with the adopting family, we used an interdisciplinary approach, employing specific skilled personnel, including a veterinary behaviorist and a rehabilitating dog instructor. Nine months after fluoxetine treatment (0.8 mg/kg, SID), in combination with oral α-s1 casozepine administration, and behavioral rehabilitation, the owners reported a significant reduction in aggressive events in terms of intensity and frequency. Collectively, our promising data pave the way toward a more detailed characterization of α-s1-casozepine to better evaluate the potential involvement of such a compound in the modulation of aggressive behaviors in dogs affected by relational dysfunctions.