Differentials and Differentiating Repetitive Behaviour Problems

Bizarre repetitive behaviour may be quite common, with estimates in people and dogs of a prevalence of up to 8%. However, they are not frequently presented for treatment, perhaps because many do not greatly interfere with the quality of life of their owner. Indeed many owners view these behaviours as “quirky” or even amusing features of their pet (1). Nonetheless they are potentially an important welfare problem, and clients need to be educated about this. Owners may present an animal who is performing a particular behaviour which is unacceptable to them for many reasons or because of a particular belief about the behaviour, however, it is the clinician’s responsibility to evaluate the available evidence as objectively as possible in order to determine, which of a range of possible explanations for the behaviour is the most likely and what can be done to treat it. It is important to recognise that the aim of the diagnostic process is not to look for evidence that is consistent with a given suspicion, but rather to objectively identify evidence which helps to differentiate between meaningful differentials, which might impact on treatment recommendations.

For example, the following differentials might be considered for a dog who chases its tail:
• Seizure possibly a primary partial seizure or secondary to a lesion in the brain such as damage to the vestibular system
• Inner ear infection
• Play
• Pain in the tail or lower back due to damage to the nerves (neuralgia), bones or soft tissues
• Pain around the region of the tail including skin inflammation and infections, impacted or infected anal sacs or trauma
• A learned response aimed at attracting owner attention.
• Acute conflict
• Compulsive Disorder
• Stereotypy
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