Retrospective Evaluation of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Use in Horses: 95 Cases (2010-2019).
Authors: Fontenot Robin L, Mochal-King Cathleen A, Sprinkle Saybl B, Wills Robert W, Calder Christine D
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fluoxetine Use in Equine Practice Between 2010 and 2019, a veterinary teaching hospital prescribed oral fluoxetine hydrochloride to 95 horses, with dosages ranging from 0.15–0.54 mg/kg (mean 0.25 mg/kg); researchers subsequently gathered owner feedback via standardised questionnaire to assess perceived efficacy and practical tolerability. Two distinct clinical applications emerged: 68 horses received fluoxetine to manage behaviour during enforced stall rest (Group A), whilst 27 were treated for pre-existing behavioural problems (Group B). Of the 66 owners who completed follow-up questionnaires, 71% (47 owners) reported perceived behavioural improvement, with notably consistent responses between groups—71% in Group A and 72% in Group B—and 88% of respondents found the medication straightforward to administer. Whilst these results suggest fluoxetine may offer practical value as an adjunct during rehabilitation or confinement periods, the evidence base remains largely anecdotal; the study's retrospective design and reliance on owner perception rather than objective behavioural measures limit definitive conclusions about efficacy for primary behavioural disorders. Practitioners should recognise fluoxetine as a potentially useful management tool for stall rest scenarios, though rigorous controlled trials assessing specific equine behavioural pathologies remain essential before recommending the drug as first-line treatment for behavioural problems in clinical practice.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Fluoxetine at 0.15–0.54 mg/kg may help manage horse anxiety during enforced stall rest, with roughly 7 in 10 owners reporting improvements
- •The drug appears well-tolerated and easy to administer orally, making it a practical option for owners managing confined horses
- •While owner perception of efficacy is positive, this retrospective study lacks objective behavioral measures or control groups, so clinical expectations should remain cautious until controlled trials are available
Key Findings
- •95 horses received fluoxetine (mean dose 0.25 mg/kg) prescribed for stall rest facilitation (n=68) or behavior problems (n=27)
- •71% of owners (47/66 respondents) reported perceived behavioral improvement, with similar rates in stall rest group (71%) and behavior problem group (72%)
- •88% of owners (58 owners) reported the medication was easy to administer
- •Authors conclude fluoxetine appears efficacious for facilitating stall confinement but acknowledge need for controlled behavioral studies