Does treatment with clomipramine reduce cat psychogenic alopecia?

TL;DR

This paper examines whether clomipramine reduces overgrooming in cats with psychogenic alopecia, finding limited evidence of its effectiveness.

Contribution

The study evaluates clomipramine's efficacy in treating cat psychogenic alopecia using a pseudo-randomized controlled trial.

Findings

Clomipramine alone showed no significant reduction in grooming episodes or alopecia.

Further randomized controlled trials are needed to assess clomipramine's effectiveness.

Current evidence is weak and inconclusive regarding clomipramine's impact on hair regrowth.

Abstract

PICO question

In cats with psychogenic alopecia, is overgrooming reduced by the use of clomipramine compared to untreated cats?

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

One pseudo-randomised controlled study

Strength of evidence

Weak

Outcomes reported

Effect of clomipramine using owner report of number, intensity, and / or duration of grooming episodes, owner reported clinical improvement, and veterinary measured alopecia, extent of tissue damage, and hair regrowth

Conclusion

The only controlled study found no evidence that clomipramine alone is effective in reducing grooming episodes, alopecia, or improved hair regrowth. Further research with randomised, double blind controlled trials and limitation of confounding factors is required to determine the efficacy of clomipramine alone or in addition to behavioural / environmental therapies