Trazodone Drug Combinations for TPLO

Taly Reyes, BS, LVMT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) , University of Tennessee

Carrie Davis, DVM, DACVAA, University of Tennessee

Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS, University of Tennessee

ArticleLast Updated June 20181 min readPeer Reviewed
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Sirius, a 9-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever, is presented for surgical management of a right cranial cruciate ligament rupture. He has had previously identified episodes of anorexia, nausea, and anxiety. In addition, he has been treated with oral acepromazine for storm phobia intermittently for the past 2 years and currently receives oral amitriptyline for separation anxiety. He also has a history of atopic dermatitis, for which he receives hydroxyzine. He is currently on monthly heartworm and flea prevention. Physical examination is within normal limits except for right stifle swelling and pain. Thoracic radiography, CBC, serum chemistry profile, and urinalysis findings are within normal limits. Sirius will undergo anesthetic induction for tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy. The surgeon has prescribed trazodone during the procedure, and drug administration will be continued at home to facilitate exercise restriction and decrease anxiety.

5-HT = 5-hydroxytryptamine, CYP3A = cytochrome P450 3A, GABA = γ-aminobutyric acid, MAOI = monoamine oxidase inhibitor

Editor's note: This article was originally published in June 2018 as "Which Drugs Can Be Used Concurrently with Trazodone During & After Tibial Plateau-Leveling Osteotomy?"