Penile self-mutilation as an unusual sign of a separation-related problem in a crossbreed dog

A two-year-old, male, crossbreed dog was presented for evaluation of licking, biting and severe self-mutilation of its penis, which resulted in ulcers and haemorrhagic preputial discharge. History revealed signs of separation anxiety such as active greeting behaviour, excessive vocalisation and intermittent episodes of licking of the penis when the dog was left alone. The owner reported that he had been hospitalised after a car accident, and he had no chance of seeing the dog. During that time, the behaviour progressed to frequent episodes of licking and biting of the penis. Three weeks of treatment with clomipramine in addition to the presence of the dog's brother, who was brought into the dog's living environment, appeared to produce a considerable degree of improvement. The purpose of this report is to contribute to an increased awareness within veterinary practice of unusual signs of separation anxiety such as penile self-mutilation.