Does treatment with clomipramine reduce cat psychogenic alopecia?

Published:

2022-06-29

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v7i2.573

Abstract

PICO question

In cats with psychogenic alopecia, is overgrooming reduced by the use of clomipramine compared to untreated cats?

 

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

One pseudo-randomised controlled study

Strength of evidence

Weak

Outcomes reported

Effect of clomipramine using owner report of number, intensity, and / or duration of grooming episodes, owner reported clinical improvement, and veterinary measured alopecia, extent of tissue damage, and hair regrowth

Conclusion

The only controlled study found no evidence that clomipramine alone is effective in reducing grooming episodes, alopecia, or improved hair regrowth. Further research with randomised, double blind controlled trials and limitation of confounding factors is required to determine the efficacy of clomipramine alone or in addition to behavioural / environmental therapies

 

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

 

Open Access Peer Reviewed

References

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Additional Files

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2022): The second issue of 2022

Section: Knowledge Summaries

Categories :  Small Animal  /  Dogs  /  Cats  /  Rabbits  /  Production Animal  /  Cattle  /  Sheep  /  Pig  /  Equine  /  Exotics  /