Posted on 02/25/2008 10:58:09 AM PST by Esther Ruth
Suicidal pets get anti-depressants
By staff writers
February 25, 2008 02:19pm
PETS at risk of self-harm are increasingly being prescribed anti-depressants because they cannot discuss problems in their lives with others, a leading veterinarian says.
Zoo and wildlife medicine specialist with the UK’s Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Romain Pizzi, told the Telegraph that more pets were being prescribed Prozac.
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“Firstly, we will change the environment of the animal and make sure it has more stimulation and toys,” Mr Pizzi told the newspaper.
"When we have ruled out underlying medical problems, we try to break the cycle by using Prozac… (which) is given to the parrots in liquid form.
"It doesn't cure all animals, but around two-thirds respond to the treatment. In a small number of cases things will go well until we wean them off Prozac and the problems return."
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"Typically if people go out to work all day their parrot will get very bored and frustrated and eventually develop depression,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
My dog is an emo. What should I do? I fear he’ll turn in to a cutter.
Okayy... I do know fish become depressed when another in the tank dies, just happened in our home, but there is absolutely NO way I’d buy an animal those type of drugs.
Just so long as it isn’t a government program!!
You ever see that?
Next thing you know, they'll be shooting up malls and schools.
I give it about ten more years before you won't be able to walk down the street without seeing everyone with spinning pinwheels where their eyes used to be and streams of multi-colored cuckoo pills dribbling out of their mouths.
ROFL The fish is fine as long as it can see and hear us, but after the other one died two weeks ago, we thought this one would die of loneliness.
When I put the box of fish food with the fish photo next to his tank Saturday, he just stared at it like it was another fish. (he’s doing it now) THAT made me cry. (goofy, huh?)
I should get a job as a fish psychologist. LOL
Hmmm....suddenly I see things differently.
We found our fish outside the bowl. We always figured the cat finally flipped him out.
Maybe he jumped.
I suppose drug therapy for depressed dogs is a lot more practical than talk therapy, at least until a canine-human mind meld can be developed.
There’s not much you can do if they’re pining for the fjords.
LOL
That cat looks like one of those Islamist suicider bomber pets I read about this morning! Headscarf and all!
You’re right, I’ve been a bad owner. Now I’ll have to steal some of Rover’s antidepressants.
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