Number 4/April 2012 Behavior Service - University of Minnesota ...

Volume 1 / Number 4 / April 2012Case of the MonthBehavior ServiceSignalment and historyA 6-year-old neutered male longhaired dachshund presented for aggression to family members,aggression to unfamiliar people, and reactivity to everyday objects and noises. The doghad been obtained from a rescue organization four years prior to presentation. In that time,the dog had bitten family members approximately 20 times, with many additional aggressiveincidents that did not result in bites. Seven bites broke skin, including two where thedog lunged and bit the 15-year-old daughter in the face. Aggression occurred in the followingcircumstances: when the dog was approached when he was resting on the couch, bed, orfloor; when the owners verbally reprimanded him (pointing and scolding), rolled him overon his back in an “alpha roll,” or tried to take something away from him; and when he wasbrushed or hugged. He would sit on the back of the couch, and if someone sat down, hewould approach, stare, and then bite the person on the shoulder. He barked aggressively atvisitors and had bitten one non-family member who turned his back on the dog. The dog was taken to obediencetraining and bit the trainer, who then said the dog was dominant. The family hired a different trainer, who came to thehouse to help them, but the trainer seemed afraid of the dog and did not return phone calls to set up further appointments.The dog was described as timid overall. He would bark at anything unfamiliar— new people or dogs, newinanimate objects in his environment, and sounds from the outside.ExaminationThe dog showed many stress signals, such as panting, visual scanning, anxious facial expression, and hiding. He ran tothe exam room door, barking at noises from outside the room. He was muzzled during physical exam, which wasunremarkable.DiagnosticsA complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, and free T4 test were performed to rule out medical contributors to thedog’s behavior and to establish a normal baseline prior to starting psychotropic medication. All results were normal.AssessmentThe dog was diagnosed with fear and conflict-related aggression to family members, fear and territorial aggressiontoward unfamiliar people, and generalized anxiety.Treatment and treatment options/plansManagement: The owners were instructed to avoid scolding or confronting the dog. The dog was no longer allowed onthe furniture. The owners were to call the dog to them, rather than approaching it directly, and were not to hug or kissthe dog. The owners were taught to read canine stress signals so that they could recognize and either withdraw themselvesor withdraw the dog from problem situations before a bite occurred. The dog was to be on-leash and undercontrol whenever non-family members were in the house.

Volume 1 / Number 4 / April 2012Treatment and treatment options/plans (continued)Behavior modification: The dog was conditioned to be relaxed in a Gentle Leader and a basket muzzle, and these wereto be used during training sessions, which were the only time the dog was allowed to be in proximity to non-familymembers. Reward-based training was used to teach the dog to respond to simple tasks such as touching a target hand,following and staying focused on the target, sit, stay, and come. These tasks were then used in daily communicationswith the dog, for example to come away from the couch or bed on cue. The dog was also taught to trade stolen items fora treat. The dog was asked to perform the known, rewarded tasks in conjunction with incremental exposure to unfamiliarpeople so that it learned to respond more calmly. The clients were referred to a qualified trainer who helped themcontinue to develop their skills.Medication: Medication was indicated to address generalized anxiety. Options included selective serotonin reuptakeinhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, or the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) clomipramine oramitriptyline. SSRIs tend to have an improved side effect profile compared to TCAs. The SSRI fluoxetine 1 mg/kg POq24 hr was prescribed to decrease anxiety, arousal, and the impulsive or “Jekyll and Hyde” aspect of the dog’s behavior.Situational anxiolytic drugs including trazodone or clonidine might have been considered prior to the arrival of visitorshad the dog not responded adequately to other treatment. Benzodiazepines were not considered because of their potentialto disinhibit aggression.Follow-upThe dog’s behavior improved dramatically within three to four months of beginning this treatment plan, and has continuedto improve in the subsequent two years. The dog is now far more relaxed and affectionate with family members. Heis allowed on the couch and bed again, is not aggressive there, and gets off again willingly when asked. The dog has“made friends” with several non-family members who visit regularly, and barks only briefly before ignoring others.Aggressive incidents are rare and have occurred only when family members have forgotten to trade for stolen objects,avoid physical reprimands, or not kept him under control with multiple unfamiliar people in the house. He will bemaintained on fluoxetine 1 mg/kg once daily, with consistent management.Salient points1. True dominance aggression is rarely seen in dogs. Fear-related aggression, or aggressive response to conflict, is farmore common.2. Attempts to scold or correct dogs for misbehaviors often lead to fear or conflict-related aggression.3. Generalized anxiety contributes to many forms of aggression in dogs.4. Behavior modification can change the way a dog responds, making management easier to accomplish. But ownersshould not become complacent. Careful, lifelong management to decrease exposure to problem situations is usuallynecessary.5. Psychotropic medications can help anxious dogs respond to behavior management and training, but do not replace theneed for careful management.Thank you for your support of the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center and the Behavior Service. Pleasecall any time with questions at the following numbers:• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: 612-626-VETS (8387)• Monday through Friday, 5 p.m.-8 a.m., weekends, and holidays: 612-625-9711Sincerely,Faculty: Margaret M. Duxbury, DVM, DACVBResident: Lorna Reichl, DVM, RK Anderson and Ruth Foster Fellowship in Animal Behavior