Clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 126 cases (1989-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
103 dogs and 23 cats.


METHODS
Records of patients with OCD were analyzed for clinical features, medication used, extent of behavior modification, and outcome.


RESULTS
Most dogs affected with OCD had been obtained from breeders. Male dogs significantly outnumbered females (2:1). Female cats outnumbered male cats by 2:1 in a small sample. Most affected dogs lived in households with 2 or more humans and other dogs or cats, and had some formal training. Client compliance with behavior modification was high. A combination of behavior modification and medication resulted in a large decrease in intensity and frequency of OCD in most animals. Clomipramine was significantly more efficacious for treatment in dogs than was amitriptyline. Only 1 dog and 1 cat were euthanatized because of OCD during the study.


CONCLUSIONS
OCD in dogs does not appear to be associated with lack of training, lack of household stimulation, or social confinement. In cats, OCD may be associated with environmental and social stress. Obsessive-compulsive disorder appears at the time of social maturity and may have sporadic and heritable forms. With appropriate treatment (consistent behavior modification and treatment with clomipramine), frequency and intensity of clinical signs in most dogs and cats may decrease by > 50%. Success appears to depend on client understanding and compliance and the reasonable expectation that OCD cannot be cured, but can be well controlled.
Overall
Karen L
KL
Center for Neurobiology and Genetics-Psychiatry Department, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Dunham
Arthur E
AE
D017668:Age of Onset; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D001947:Breeding; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000639:Amitriptyline; D002997:Clomipramine