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Interdog household aggression: 38 cases (2006-2007) 

K Wrubel, A Moon-Fanelli, L Maranda, N Dodman. JAVMA, 2011; 238:791-740 

Cases were reviewed retrospectively and examined for factors associated with this diagnosis and positive treatment outcomes. Seventy-nine percent of cases involved same-sex pairs with 68% involving at least one female. Most instigators of aggression were younger or newly adopted. Some aggressors had predisposing factors such as adoption from a shelter, adoption after 3 months of age and a history of rehoming. Common triggers included: food, excitement, owner attention, and stolen items. 

Clinical implication:  Based on the risk factors outlined in this study and others published previously, veterinarians can counsel owners on how to avoid dog fights when they adopt a new dog hopefully avoiding a very difficult behavior problem to successfully treat.  

Behavioral changes in dogs associated with the development of idiopathic epilepsy.    

Shihab N, Bowen J, Volk HA.

Researchers interviewed 80 owners of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy through a written, previously-validated, owner completed questionnaire. Behavioral data points were compared before and after the development of epilepsy. Pre-treatment with anticonvulsant medication, dogs showed increased fear, anxiety, defensive aggression and abnormal perception. In dogs that were treated with anticonvulsant medication, the only factor which was decreased was defensive aggression. Dogs which were resistant to treatment with anticonvulsant medication were more likely to display other types of aggression when compared to dogs who responded to these drugs.  

Clinical implication: Historically, many behavioral disorders such as tail chasing and fly biting have been considered by some to be partial seizures. In addition, there is published evidence that these types of behaviors can be responsive to anticonvulsants.  In this study, there is additional evidence that early behavioral changes including aggression may precede the development of epilepsy in some dogs. Alternatively, these results could be interpreted as indicating a predisposition to epilepsy in some dogs with preexisting behavior problems. More investigation is certainly necessary, however when behavior problems present acutely, medical investigation is warranted.  

Neutricks™ (Quincy Animal Health)

Neutricks contains apoaequorin, a natural calcium-binding protein.  The company claims that this product replaces the loss of calcium binding proteins which are lost in the aging process. In a study of elderly Beagles, apoaequorin was found to improve cognitive function in learning tests.  

Harmonese™ (VPL)

This relatively new supplement contains Phellodendron amurense and Magnolia officinalis. In a five day trial (n=10), one of he active ingredients in this product reduced problem behaviors including licking, spinning and cowering. When the final product was tested on research dogs (not client owned, n=10), problem behaviors were again reduced in 70% of the dogs within 6 days.   

Note: Rigorous studies have yet to be done on either of these products. In addition, in the Harmonese studies, multiple diagnoses were combined for the trial making objective measurement of improvement difficult. However, both show promise as helpful treatments for behavior problems in cats and dogs.   

Behavioral Options for Post Op Care  

Veterinarians commonly recommend that owners keep dogs quiet after surgery. Whether it be the young, rambunctious Labrador Retriever or the older, Maltese who has never been crated cage rest can be a challenge.   Acepromazine has long been prescribed for sedation after surgery. This medication gives variable levels of sedation. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that it relieves anxiety, however there is evidence that it increases noise sensitivity. Fortunately, there are behavioral recommendations which can help owners keep dogs calm while they recuperate.

Quiet the mind

There are various medications and supplements available which can be used to help relieve anxiety in dogs during post op recuperation.

Trazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor/5HT2A antagonist which can be used up to every 8 hours to relieve anxiety and cause mild sedation in dogs and cats. This medication works within 1-1 1/2 hours and generally yields about 4-6 hours of effect. Do not use this medication with any medications which alter serotonin.

Long acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam, clonazepam and clorazepate offer varying levels of sedation and anxiety relief. It is best to start at the low end of the dosing range and slowly titrate up to avoid negative side effects like paradoxical excitement.

Clomicalm is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is approved for use in dogs for separation anxiety. Tricyclic antidepressants have antihistaminic properties. At higher dosages, Clomicalm can be used for sedation and anxiety relief on a PRN basis.

Melatonin is hormone secreted by the pineal gland which has been shown to cause mild sedation and reduce psychomotor vigilance. Owners should be instructed not to purchase extended release melatonin.

Anxitane is an L-theonine supplement marketed by Virbac. Generally, positive results can be expected in 2-4 weeks. If the patient is coming in for routine surgery, the client can start this supplement about 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery date.In the clinician's experience, this medication can be given at higher dosages to achieve a more rapid effect.  

Read the full drug monograph before prescribing medications.

Keep them busy

Puzzle toys such as Kong and Busy Buddy toys can be used to keep dogs occupied while confined. Owners should start by putting 1/2 of the dog's food in the toy and then slowly increase the amount of food until the dog is eating all of his food out of the food toys.  Additional toys should be added to the confinement area as well to keep the dog occupied. Toys should be rotated daily (3 toys/dog/day) and kept out of rotation for 5 days to keep the dog's interest for them high.

Leash walking

Many adult dogs pull their owners. Owners of dogs who are difficult to leash walk may find it more difficult to be compliant with this recommendation. Collars and harnesses such as the Gentle Leader, Comfort trainer, Halti and Easy walk can help owners control their pets on walks while they are recuperating.