Description and development of compulsive tail chasing in terriers and response to clomipramine treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors associated with onset and continued elicitation of tail chasing in Bull Terriers and other terriers and to determine response to treatment with clomipramine hydrochloride, a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
18 tail-chasing terriers (15 Bull Terriers, 1 Miniature Bull Terrier, 1 American Staffordshire Terrier, 1 Jack Russell Terrier).


METHODS
5 dogs were evaluated for tail chasing by a veterinarian at the behavior clinic of the veterinary teaching hospital and 13 dogs were evaluated by the owner's local veterinarian, who confirmed the diagnosis and treated the dog. It was recommended that all dogs in the study be given clomipramine orally at a dosage of 1 to 2 mg/kg (0.5 to 0.9 mg/lb) of body weight, every 12 hours.


RESULTS
Of the 18 dogs, 15 were treated with clomipramine within the recommended dosage range, and 3 dogs required treatment at a slightly higher dosage range to control tail chasing. After 1 to 12 weeks of treatment, 9 of 12 (75%) dogs were reported to have a 75% or greater improvement (reduction) in tail chasing.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this study may aid in recognition and treatment of compulsive tail chasing. In conjunction with appropriate management changes, clomipramine administration appears to be an effective treatment for this otherwise refractory condition.
Moon-Fanelli
A A
AA
Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Dodman
N H
NH
D017668:Age of Onset; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001947:Breeding; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004285:Dogs / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002997:Clomipramine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors