Imepitoin in firework related reactivity (FRR); a prospective open label field trial

There is data available on the anxiolytic effects of imepitoin (Pexion®) ^1,2,3 in laboratory models and it is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of anxiety related problems⁴. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of imepitoin on FRR in dogs.

Dogs were treated with imepitoin 15 mg/kg twice daily (n=55) for > 5 days before New Year’s Eve, or 30 mg/kg twice daily (n=17) for 2 days before New Year’s Eve. The owners received information on general management measures to reduce FRR. A C-BARQ5 score on nonsocial fear evaluating the dog’s anxiety pre- and posttreatment was performed. Inclusion criteria: history of FRR, bodyweight > 5kg. Exclusion criteria: hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, severe renal, cardiovascular or hepatic disorders, history of good response to other FRR treatment.

The average anxiety score after imepitoin treatment (1,98) for FRR was significantly lower (p< 0,0001) than without Imepitoin treatment (3,6). 84% of the owners reported an improvement ,10% reported no difference and 6% reported a worsening of FRR. No difference in anxiety scores between the group treated with 10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg were found (p = 0.51 pretreatment, p = 0,36 post treatment and difference before and after treatment p = 0.23). The 30 mg/kg and the 15 mg/kg subgroups both showed a significant improvement (30 mg/kg group p< 0.0074, 15 mg/kg group p < 0.0001).

The use of imepitoin in combination with management advice resulted in a significant reduction of owner reported levels of FRR. Whether the reduction was due to imepitoin, placebo effect, management advice or a combination of factors is unclear. Imepitoin in combination with management advice may offer a novel therapeutic option for dogs with FRR. A Randomized double blind placebo controlled study is indicated to prove this.

Acknowledgement

The author thanks Dr Valerie Jonckheer-Sheehy (VJS) for critical evaluation of the study (post-study) and constructive comments on the formulation of this abstract and Edith Voortman for collecting the patient data.

References

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