Use of naltrexone for treatment of psychogenically induced dermatoses in five zoo animals
Kenny, D.E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 205(7): 1021-1023
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7852157 Document Number: 423852
Naltrexone was used successfully to control self mutilation in 3 zoo animals, a 1.3 year-old male leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), a 9-month-old clouded leopard (P. nebulosa), and a 2-year-old male tricoloured squirrel (Callosciuius prevostii). The doses given were 25 and 50 mg/day for the leopard (estimated body weight of 36 kg), 1.6 mg/kg/day for the clouded leopard, and 1.0 mg/kg/day for the squirrel. The drug had no effect on controlling self mutilation in a 4-year-old Artic wolf (Canis lupus hudsonicus) or in a 32-year-old female polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus). The wolf was treated with 1 mg/kg/day and the bear with 1.2 mg/kg/day. Possible adverse effects were discussed.