Selegiline for dogs: Everything you need to know about its use for behavioral and age-related complaints

What is Selegiline?

Selegiline is an MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat behavioral problems and cognitive dysfunction in dogs. As a medication, it primarily helps dogs with separation anxiety, anxiety disorders and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Selegiline plays an important role in animal behavioral medicine and is approved as Selgian® for the treatment of "behavioral disorders of emotional origin" in dogs. In this article, we look at the mode of action, areas of application, possible side effects and precautions of selegiline in dogs.

What does Selegiline do?

MAO inhibitors block monoamine oxidase(MAO), causing biogenic amines such as dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and histamine to be broken down more slowly and remain available for longer. These effects lead to an increase in these amines. Selegiline is a and is used in dogs with canine cushing syndrome, cognitive disorders and behavioral problems.

Effects on neurotransmitters

Selegiline increases dopamine synthesis and release in the brain and can thus positively influence behavior and mood. Its metabolites, amphetamine and metamphetamine, also promote the release of noradrenaline and dopamine, which can also increase the dog's activity and mood.

Neuroprotective effect

Independent of MAO inhibition, selegiline has a neuroprotective effect, as it activates enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, which bind free radicals and thus reduce neuronal damage. Selegiline can therefore help to slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and support the dog's cognitive abilities.

Use in canine Cushing's syndrome

Older dogs often have a dopamine deficiency, which leads to an increase in the hormone ACTH and increases the risk of canine Cushing's syndrome. Selegiline increases dopamine production and can therefore slow down the excessive release of ACTH, but only around 20% of dogs respond positively to this treatment.

Regulation of growth hormones

Selegiline also regulates excessive growth hormone levels. However, it is not used for acromegaly, as this does not result in successful therapy.

Indications for use

Selegiline can be used to treat various behavioral disorders in dogs, including

• Separation anxiety
• Aggression due to fear
• Anxiety states up to and including phobias and panic attacks
• Anxiety reactions manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation or licking dermatitis
• Stereotypical behaviors such as tail chasing
• Psychosomatic symptoms such as accelerated heartbeat, nervous panting and urination

When should Selegiline not be used?

Due to MAO inhibition and possible dopaminergic effects, selegiline should not be used in pregnant or lactating bitches as it may cause reduced prolactin production.

Does selegiline work immediately?

Yes, but the clinical effects are only noticeable after a few weeks. It should be expected to take up to 3 months for the maximum effect to be achieved

Side effects and toxicity

Side effects with selegiline are rare and include diarrhea, vomiting, salivation and anorexia. In individual cases, restlessness may occur. Other rare effects include increased or new aggression in some dogs. In order to be able to react quickly and ensure efficient therapy, the advice of a behavioral medicine specialist is therefore always necessary.

Interactions

Selegiline must not be administered together with tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine, centrally depressant drugs, sympathomimetics or prolactin inhibitors, as this could increase the risk of side effects.

Conclusion on selegiline in dogs

MAO inhibitors such as selegiline are used in veterinary medicine primarily for behavioral problems and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. They can alleviate behavioral disorders and cognitive impairments, but only provide symptomatic support and require accompanying behavioral therapy. Both selegiline and clomipramine (which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin) only take effect after a longer latency period and must not be combined.