Behaviour Modification in Stereotypical Behaviour Problems

Stereotypical behaviour problems describe a range of repetitive relatively invariant behaviours which appear to be non-functional. They take many forms and can arise for many reasons. However, many texts treat them as if they have a single causal mechanism, and so it is not surprising that practical treatment for many individuals is unreliable, as it is often inappropriate or too generic because a proper diagnosis has not been established. The prevalence of these problems is quite high, with estimates in people and dogs of up to 8%, but they are not so readily presented for treatment, as they may not interfere with the client’s quality of life, and so cause them a “problem”. Many owners simply view these behaviours as “quirky” or even amusing features of their pet. By contrast, many of these behaviours are often considered important indicators of mental health in people. The range of repetitive behaviour conditions seen in companion animals is also much more diverse than that seen in humans and there may be both genetic and environmental reasons for this. Within our own referral caseload, they represent around 5% of the cases seen. The most common presenting complaint are light / shadow fixations and some form of spinning/ tail chasing, cases in cats are rarely presented at the clinic but include selfmutilation and fabric eating; it is not uncommon for these complaints to be accompanied by some form of aggressive behaviour, which may or may not be the primary reason for seeking assistance. [...]