Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

the dog may be sitting quietly and suddenly starts to bite at imaginary flies.
These dogs can usually be distracted and never lose consciousness. Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels are one breed in which this behavior is seen.
In the tail biting/spinning sequence, the dog is intent on trying to catch
her tail and spins rapidly. These dogs may become so intent that it is difficult
to break their concentration. Bull Terriers and German Shepherd Dogs may
have an inherited component to this behavior.
Treatment: For dogs with these disorders, veterinary behaviorists work
with a variety of behavior-modulating drugs, along with behavior modification.
These are off-label uses of these drugs, so you need to work closely with
your veterinarian and do not give your dog any of these medications without
veterinary guidance. Clomipramine and fluoxetine are two drugs that are
sometimes prescribed; clomipramine is approved for use in dogs.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS
Some syndromes in dogs, such as rage syndrome and sudden-onset aggression,
may have a physiological basis such as seizures or a metabolic disturbance in
serotonin levels. These dogs may suddenly switch from acting normally to
viciously attacking whomever or whatever is nearest. Minutes later, the dogs
often act as if nothing happened.
English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels may have an inherited predisposition
to these problems. Aggressive behavior has also been associated
with hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and
Shetland Sheepdogs. Thyroid levels should be checked in any dog with newly
appearing aggressive behavior.
Treatment: Whether this is truly a physical problem or a behavioral one
has not been fully determined. Any dog showing these signs should be worked
up for a physical problem and also seen by a veterinary behaviorist. Using
behavior modification and behavior modifying medications, some of these
dogs can become relatively safe pets. If there is an underlying physical problem
that can be treated, it should be.
Coma
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM • 371
Coma is a depressed level of consciousness. It begins with confusion, progresses
through stupor, and ends up with complete loss of consciousness. A
dog in a coma is insensitive to pain and cannot be awakened. Coma occurs
with oxygen deprivation, brain swelling, brain tumor, encephalitis, and poisoning.
Many diseases that cause seizures progress to coma. Following a head
injury with cerebral concussion, coma can occur without progressing through
the earlier stages.