An Interdisciplinary Approach for Compulsive Behavior in Dogs: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Behavior Medicine
• Animal Psychology

Background:

• Compulsive disorders manifest as intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors in both humans and animals.
• Tail chasing is a prevalent compulsive behavior observed in domestic dogs.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old German Shepherd mixed-breed dog presented with a history of tail chasing, including self-inflicted injuries.
• The dog's condition was evaluated by a veterinary behaviorist and a dog instructor.

Findings:

• A treatment regimen combining fluoxetine and α-s1 casozepine with a behavioral recovery program was implemented.
• Following three months of treatment, the owner reported a marked decrease in the intensity and frequency of compulsive tail chasing.
• Over the subsequent three months, the dog exhibited no further tail chasing episodes.

Implications:

• This case highlights the efficacy of a multimodal approach in managing compulsive disorders in canines.
• Early intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial for improving the quality of life for affected animals.
• Further research into pharmacological and behavioral interventions for canine compulsive disorders is warranted.