Veterinary Medicine - April 2008 - (Page 200)

Repetitive licking PEER-REVIEWED Ask owners to keep a record of behavior problems At the ﬁrst sign of a behavior problem, such as excessive licking of objects and surfaces, encourage clients to keep a journal of their dogs’ behavior. They should note the frequency of the behavior, the length of the licking bouts, any stimuli that lead to the licking behavior, and any stimuli or distraction that can interrupt the behavior. Quantifying the time spent licking, both before and after treatment, will improve the owners’ ability to recognize when and what form of treatment is decreasing the licking behavior. In addition, identifying external stimuli that provoke the licking behavior is important so owners can try to remove the stimuli when possible. a behavior problem. In addition, note any changes in the environment or owners’ schedules since such changes can also contribute to behavior problems. Finally, nausea is a common cause of excessive licking of surfaces, so a detailed history should include questions about the dog’s diet (type, amount, and frequency fed), treats, and table scraps and any medications or supplements the dog is receiving. Do not assume that since you have not prescribed any medications lately, the dog is not receiving anything that would make it nauseated. It is increasingly common for owners to give their pets supplements, table scraps, raw meat, or bones and not think it is important enough to mention to you. If medications have been prescribed recently, be aware of which ones are likely to cause nausea, especially when given on an empty stomach. Many oral medications, such as nonsteroidal antiin ammatory drugs, metronidazole, and griseofulvin, can lead to nausea. In addition, many oral antibiotics, such as cephalosporins, penicillins, tetracycline, and erythromycin, can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially if given on an empty stomach. Always ask clients whether they are giving these medications with food. • Diseases that cause nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g. liver disease, exocrine pancreatic insufciency, in ammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphosarcoma) • Dental or oropharyngeal pain or discomfort • Adrenal disorders (hypoadrenocorticism or hyperadrenocorticism may cause excessive licking because of nausea, electrolyte disturbances, or polyphagia) • Appetitive behavior (possibly as a result of mild polyphagia) • Primary central nervous system disturbances (e.g. hydrocephalus, brain neoplasia, partial motor seizures) • Attention-seeking behavior • Anxiety • Con ict- or frustration-induced displacement behavior • Compulsive disorders • Canine cognitive dysfunction. Initial examination and diagnostic tests Perform a physical examination, including a neurologic examination, in all dogs presented for excessive licking. In addition, perform a complete blood count, serum chemistry pro le, fecal examination, and urinalysis. NARROWING THE LIST OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES Differential diagnoses for excessive surface and object licking include2 Additional diagnostic tests If the results of the initial examinations and tests are normal but you still suspect liver disease, measure fasting 200 April 2008 VETERINARY MEDICINE http://www.comfortis4dogs.com http://www.comfortis4dogs.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - April 2008

Veterinary Medicine - April 2008 Contents Letters Leading Off The Veterinary Medicine Interview: Dr. Barrak Pressler Idea Exchange Help! My Dog Licks Everything An Update on Anaplasmosis in Dogs CE Form Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - April 2008

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