Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Canine Compulsive Disorder Gene Identified

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which people often undertake repetitive, time consuming behaviours. There is a canine equivalent which seems to target certain breeds. Scientists have recently found the chromosome that provides a high risk of susceptibility to compulsive disorder.

Examples of CCD behaviours in dogs can include:
  • Incessant or rhythmic barking
  • Compulsive uncontrolled licking
  • Excessive and uncontrollable self grooming
  • Tail chasing
  • Fly snapping
  • Freezing and staring
  • Flank sucking
  • Sucking, chewing or licking on objects or others (including owners)
  • Tonguing or licking the air
  • Pacing
  • Circling
  • Compulsive digging
  • Chewing on themselves
  • Or any other behaviour done repetitively and to excess including excessive drinking.
The behaviours are repetitive, excessive and hinder normal activities and in some cases cause actual self harm. They are behaviours that are normal but are done way too much.

But if you can stop and redirect the behavior without the dog constantly returning to it then it is not likely to be a compulsion. It can be a normal reaction to stresses because any repetitive behaviour (like rocking in a child) releases feel good hormones into the system. It could also be a learnt behaviour as many people laugh at the puppy that chases its tail and some dogs take that laughter and interaction as a big reinforcement and will repeat and ramp up their efforts.

However dogs who do have this disorder usually have a genetic predisposition that is triggered by some sort of environmental stress including apparently chaotic homes or an underlying medical issues (short or long term).

Some of the breeds more prone to particular Compulsive Disorders include:
  • Acral Lick Dermatitis (licking the skin to inflammation and infection point) - German Shepherd Dog, Great Dane, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, Dobermann, Irish Setters.
  • Light or shadow chasing - Old English Sheepdogs, West Highland White Terriers, Wirehaired Fox Terriers, Rottweilers.
  • Fly snapping - German Shepherd Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Norwich Terrier, Miniature Schnauzers.
  • Compulsive drinking - Boxers.
  • Tail chasing - German Shepherd Dog, Bull Terrier.
  • Nursing (sucking) - Dachshund, Dobermann.
  • Barking/howling - hounds in general, Beagles in particular, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Dobermann.
  • Digging - Northern breeds, terriers.
  • Coprophagia (poo eating) - Retrievers.
  • Chasing things - Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler.
And yes it seems more prevalent amongst larger breeds for some reason but mixed breeds can also develop this disorder.

Treatments include:
  • Predictable daily routines.
  • Reward based training approaches shaping desirable behaviours.
  • Avoiding the use of rewards except when desirable behaviour is exhibited – so no attention while performing the undesirable behaviour (if safe to ignore).
  • Regular social interaction – with people and other dogs if appropriate.
  • Environmental enrichment and the use of puzzle toys and other stimulating objects to reinforce frequent calm times between social interactions.
  • If required medication.
  • And treatment for any injuries sustained.
But most importantly if you suspect this is happening to your dog see a vet – your vet and/or a veterinary behaviourist.

And for those who are breeding dogs it seems the genetic link is pretty strong so please seriously consider not breeding from dogs who have displayed CCD.

References:
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