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To investigate the validity of remote consultation for treatment of canine separation anxiety, this study compared the efficacy of 2 types of behavioral services offered by Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (TCSVM): (a) "PetFax," a remote consultation service in which dog caregivers (owners) and a certified applied animal behaviorist correspond via fax or email and (b) in-person clinic consultation, which requires that owners bring their dogs to the Animal Behavior Clinic at TCSVM to consult with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, a veterinary behavior resident, or a certified applied animal behaviorist. The study tested 4 variables for significant differences between PetFax users and clinic visitors: (a) pre- and posttreatment anxiety scores; (b) owner-reported improvement; (c) percentage of rehomed dogs, dogs relinquished or euthanized because of separation anxiety; and (d) clarity of communication with owners. The study found no significant differences between the groups. Difference scores and owner reports demonstrated substantial reduction in separation anxiety in both groups. Results indicate remote consultation is a valid way for behavioral professionals to share behavior modification advice with owners regarding canine separation anxiety.

Objective—To evaluate blanket and flank sucking and any association with pica in Doberman Pinschers. Design—Survey and case-control study. Animals—153 Doberman Pinschers (77 dogs with blanket or flank sucking and 76 unaffected dogs). Procedures—Owners of Doberman Pinschers with blanket sucking, flank sucking, or both were surveyed regarding the age of onset, triggers, frequency, duration, interruptability, and associated medical and behavioral consequences. A putative association of blanket sucking and flank sucking with pica was examined by comparison of affected dogs with unaffected dogs. Results—Apart from the difference in the object of oral activity between blanket and flank suckers, age of onset was the only variable that differed between dogs with the 2 conditions. Dogs with blanket or flank sucking had a higher prevalence of pica than the unaffected population. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Blanket and flank sucking are apparently related conditions that can occur with sufficient intensity to cause medical sequelae. These nonnutritive suckling behaviors share similarities with other canine compulsive disorders and are associated with pica. Veterinarians should advise owners that flank and blanket sucking are abnormal, potentially harmful behaviors in dogs. Treatment should be considered for severely affected dogs or when flank or blanket sucking is associated with medical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case of a cat which was evaluated for episodes of severe, unprovoked owner-directed aggression. Medical reasons for the cat's aggressive episodes; Administration of phenobarbital to treat presumed behavioral seizures; Reduction in the frequency of the cat's aggressive episodes.

Evaluates dogs for episodic bouts of bizarre behavior termed glugging and snoofing by their respective owners. Case history; Physical examination findings; Laboratory results; Diagnosis; Treatment plans for both dogs.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on role of veterinary profession in promoting animal welfare, published in the previous issue.