lakota – Dec 27, 2001 12:00 AM

Part 4 in the discussion with the vet's concerning Lakota's situation. Option 3 During the pond construction, the Center¹s veterinarian recommended the use of Chlomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, to help reduce the anxiety associated with the large, invasive project in the enclosure. The wolves were started on a 75-mg dose for 14 days during the most intense portion of the project. This dosage was very successful in keeping the wolves calm during a project that involved the use of heavy equipment, a large number of construction workers, loud noises and concrete trucks pouring the pond well past midnight, floodlights and all. Further research and consultation (including Dr. Nicholas Dodman at Tufts University) led to the possibility of Chlomipramine as a behavioral modifier for the yearling's intensive mobbing of Lakota. Chlomipramine works as a neuro-blocker, blocking the uptake of Serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. With increased Serotonin, the animals confidence increases, where they "feel more comfortable in their own skin" in theory, causing them less need to assert their dominance over the omega or asserting their position with less intensity. Over the last several weeks, there as been a noticeable intensity, bordering on obsession to keep Lakota confined to the den or a small area in front of the exhibit. If Chlomipramine keeps the yearlings calmer and more confident, maybe there wouldn¹t be such an obsessive need to keep Lakota so submissive. The drawback of this option is that limited data is available on the use of Chlomipramine in wolves. The decision was attempt to modify the current pack dynamics to reduce the focus on Lakota by use of 75 mg of Chlomipramine once daily to both Shadow and Malik, beginning on 12-27-01. This information is not meant to be an endorsement for the use of Chlomipramine, any decision to use medication in animals should be based on the consultation of a veterinarian.