Comparative evaluation of cyproheptadine and mirtazapine in enhancing post-surgical appetite in rabbits following ovariohysterectomy

Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is a fundamental surgical procedure for companion animal population control and the prevention of life-threatening reproductive diseases, significantly improving animal welfare. Despite its routine nature, post-operative anorexia is a common complication that can impede recovery, prolong convalescence, and negatively impact overall health outcomes. This study aimed to rigorously evaluate and compare the efficacy of two widely used appetite stimulants, cyproheptadine and mirtazapine, in enhancing feed intake of healthy female rabbits during the critical post-OHE period. Sixty healthy rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three oral treatment groups following surgery: cyproheptadine (5 mg/kg), mirtazapine (1.88 mg/kg), and a placebo. Feed consumption was meticulously monitored and statistically analyzed. The results compellingly demonstrated that cyproheptadine administration led to a statistically significant increase in cumulative feed consumption when compared to the placebo group (p = 0.017). Although the difference in feed intake between the cyproheptadine and mirtazapine groups did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.056), cyproheptadine consistently exhibited a more pronounced and potent appetite-stimulating effect. Mirtazapine demonstrated a moderate ability to increase feed intake. Crucially, both medications were well tolerated by the rabbits, with no adverse effects noted, confirming their safety profiles for short-term post-operative application. Cyproheptadine was thus identified as the more effective appetite stimulant in this post-surgical rabbit model, a finding that aligns with its known antihistaminic and serotonin-antagonistic pharmacological mechanisms. While these findings are promising for managing post-OHE anorexia, further research is essential. Broader applications of these drugs in veterinary medicine to improve post-surgical well-being are warranted.