Stress-induced self-
trauma is a major cause of mortality among captive
cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus). Six subadult female
cane rats were injected with a long-acting
neuroleptic drug (
pipothiazine palmitate 25 mg/kg), and an equal number were injected with isotonic saline. Their behaviour and reactions to stimuli were recorded daily. After 5 weeks, treated animals continued to display significantly less stress-related behaviour than the control group. In addition, two abbreviated studies were conducted. Eleven subadult males were treated identically to the females. Their behaviour was recorded for 1 week. Subsequently, 11 indocile animals on a commercial
cane rat farm were tested for calmness, treated with
pipothiazine and retested after 2.5 weeks. The results of these studies were similar to those in the female study. A significant taming effect was seen 30 days after a single treatment for all invasive or aggressive tests in treated
cane rats, and no extrapyramidal effects were noted.
Pipothiazine affected neither their alertness nor
weight gain. However, substantial behavioural alteration requires the exposure of the animal to stressful stimuli during the treatment period.
Pipothiazine palmitate decreases the stress experienced by
cane rats, eases their transition to a new environment, makes them easier to handle and less likely to injure themselves.