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Interdog household aggression: 38 cases (2006-2007).
- Source :
-
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association . 3/15/2011, Vol. 238 Issue 6, p731-740. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Objective-To analyze factors associated with interdog household aggression and deter- mine treatment outcomes. Design-Retrospective case series and survey. Animals-38 pairs of dogs with interdog household aggression. Each pair of dogs was considered 1 case. Procedures-Records of dogs with interdog household aggression that were examined during initial or follow-up consultations at a veterinary teaching hospital from December 5, 2006, to December 5, 2007, were analyzed for clinical features. Data regarding outcome, owner compliance, and efficacy of recommended treatments obtained by use of a follow- up survey were evaluated. Results-Most cases (30/38 [79%]) of interdog household aggression involved same-sex pairs; 26 of 38 (68%) cases involved 1 female or a pair of females. Instigators and recipients of aggression were clearly identified in 27 of 38 (71%) cases; most instigators were the younger of the pair (20/27 (74%]) or were newer additions to the household (19/27 [70%]). Fight-eliciting triggers included owner attention, food, excitement, and found items. Some dogs had risk factors for behavior problems such as a history of living in multiple households (21/51 [41%]), adoption after 12 weeks of age (20/51 [39%]), or being acquired from a shelter (17/51 [33%]). Effective treatment recommendations included implementing a so-called nothing-in-life-is-free program, giving 1 dog priority access to resources, and administering psychotropic medication. Frequency and severity of fighting were significantly reduced after consultation. Owners reported a 69% overall improvement following treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Most treatment strategies were considered effective. Consistency and predictability of social interactions are essential in resolving interdog household aggression. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011 ;238:731-740) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *PET behavior
*PET owners
*DOG owners
*HOUSEHOLDS
*PSYCHIATRIC drugs
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00031488
- Volume :
- 238
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 59667622
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.238.6.731