Effect of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride on the Biochemistry Profile and Complete Blood Bount in Healthy Dogs

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of fluoxetine on any hematological and biochemical parameter that could, in turn, affect the physiology and the behavior of the dog. Methods: Thirteen healthy dogs without medical or behavioral problems were included in the study. All of them received 1 mg/kg q24 h of fluoxetine for 45 days (induction period), and then 1 mg/Kg q 48 h for 15 more days (withdrawal period). Blood was collected on Days 0, 46 and 61. A complete blood count and complete the biochemistry profile were performed. Results: Regarding the complete blood count, the most important results that were obtained were related to HCT, MCV, MCHC and Mono. HCT and MCV increased during the withdrawal period, whereas MCHC and Mono decreased during the same period. In relation to the biochemistry panel, statistical differences were found in the ALT, AST, and GGT decreased during some of the periods. Cl decreased during induction period, whereas Na increased during the same period. The differences between Gluc and Fruc are noteworthy. Glu decreased during the induction period. In contrast, Fruc increased during the induction period. CK increased during induction period, and the same occurred with prothrombin time. TGlob increased during the withdrawal period, α1-glob decreased during the induction period, whereas α2-glob increased during the withdrawal period. Finally there was a sex-treatment interaction in γ-Glob, so that in female dogs it decreased during induction period and remained low at the end of the study. Most of the parameters remained within the physiological limits during all the study. Conclusions: Regarding the analyzed parameters, we can conclude that the use of fluoxetine in dogs is safe, and does not seem to change any parameter that could affect the behavior of the animal. Received date: 19/06/2015 Accepted date: 14/08/2015 Published date: 17/08/2015