Can pets exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviour?
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as
stereotypic behaviour or stereotypy, is characterized by
acts that are repetitive, constant and appear to serve no
obvious purpose. Stereotypy can be manifested in many
forms. The most common stereotypy in small-breed dogs
appears to be compulsive chewing of the front paws and
nails. Biting at the air or tail chasing are other
examples of stereotypy in dogs. In larger dogs, lick
granulomas (i.e. self-trauma caused by chewing) are seen
most frequently.
Stereotypic behaviour may be the result of
physiological causes, such as genetics or localized
pyoderma (i.e. skin infection), or it may be due to
aversive experiences and/or conditioned behaviour, such
as conflict or fear. It can also be due to stress,
boredom or anxiety. There appears to be strong evidence
that some species, breeds and lines of animals may be
more predisposed or more sensitive to certain
stereotypies.
Treatment of stereotypies, whatever the manifestation,
requires patience and understanding. Simply applying a
foul-tasting topical cream to an area that is being
licked compulsively does not really address the problem
and is usually ineffective.
The first step must be to rule out any medical
problems via a thorough physical examination and
appropriate tests by a veterinarian. If no medical basis
can be found, one should then try to identify the cause
of the aberrant behaviour and remove or correct it (e.g.
if anxious, remove the cause of the anxiety). Punishment
should never be used, since in some situations, it may
already be a contributing factor.
Despite these measures, if the stereotypy persists, a
veterinarian with experience in behavioural problems
should be consulted. Usually, he or she will suggest drug
therapy along with physical prevention (if possible). In
some cases, behaviour modification using the techniques
of desensitisation and counter conditioning may prove
helpful.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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