USE OF FLUOXETINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN THE DOMESTIC RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Fear and anxiety are among the main responses individuals exhibit to potentially threatening stimuli, which may trigger avoidance or confrontation behaviors. Avoidance occurs when an individual withdraws from an interaction, whereas confrontation occurs when the animal engages with or responds to the interaction. These behaviors are associated with behavioral regulation mediated by different neural circuits in the central nervous system. Therefore, investigating neural circuits such as the periaqueductal gray matter, the amygdala, and the dorsal raphe nucleus, as well as their modulation and behavioral manifestations, is highly relevant to understanding the clinical presentation of animals. Thus, this study aims to report the clinical and behavioral progression of a domestic rat (Rattus norvegicus) exhibiting behavioral manifestations potentially associated with fear and anxiety, including episodes of intense agitation, respiratory changes, and aggressive behaviors. A descriptive study in the form of a clinical case report was conducted based on information provided by the owner and behavioral assessments throughout treatment, including changes observed following the administration of fluoxetine. According to (Heesbeen et al. 2024), fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug. This case report contributes to the discussion of the clinical assessment of behavioral changes in domestic rats and the use of fluoxetine as a therapeutic alternative. Over a one-year period, behavioral improvement was assessed, including attempts to reduce the medication dosage and the duration of administration.