Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5799149 | The Veterinary Journal | 2013 | 5 Pages |
Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience inappetence and vomiting and might benefit from the administration of mirtazapine, a medication with appetite stimulant and anti-nausea properties. The aim of this placebo-controlled, double-masked crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of mirtazapine on bodyweight, appetite and vomiting in cats with CKD. Eleven cats with stable CKD were randomized to receive 1.88Â mg mirtazapine or placebo orally every other day for 3Â weeks. After a 4Â day washout period, each cat crossed over to the alternate treatment for 3Â weeks. Physical examinations and serum biochemistry profiles were performed before and after each treatment period and owners kept daily logs of appetite, activity, behavior, and vomiting episodes.Compared to placebo, mirtazapine administration resulted in a statistically significant increase in appetite (PÂ =Â 0.02) and activity (PÂ =Â 0.02) and a statistically significant decrease in vomiting (PÂ =Â 0.047), as determined by Wilcoxon matched pairs analysis. Cats treated with mirtazapine also gained significant bodyweight compared with placebo-treated cats (PÂ =Â 0.002) as determined by linear mixed model analysis. Median weight gain during mirtazapine administration was 0.18Â kg (range 0-0.45Â kg). Median weight loss during placebo administration was 0.07Â kg (range 0-0.34Â kg). Mirtazapine is an effective appetite stimulant and anti-emetic for cats with CKD and could be a useful adjunct to the nutritional management of these cases.