Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Owner-Directed Aggression in a Golden Retriever Male – A Case Study
- Journal:
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Cases
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Pooley, Roz
- Affiliation:
- Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors Ltd, 50 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RJ, UK · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A male Golden Retriever was showing aggressive behavior towards his owner, like growling and baring his teeth, and sometimes avoiding him at home. Blood tests and X-rays didn’t show any problems, and an initial pain relief trial didn’t help either. After gathering more information, the team suspected that the dog might be uncomfortable due to stomach issues, frustration, or stress from not eating well and being tired. They found a parasite in his stool that was treated, which improved his appetite, but the dog still showed signs of pain when his back foot was touched. A different pain relief medication was tried, and while he was on it, the aggressive behavior stopped; however, it returned when the medication was finished. The treatment with pain relief continued, leading to another improvement in his behavior, even though no specific health issue was diagnosed.
Abstract
Abstract A Golden Retriever male was exhibiting owner-directed aggression (growling, snarling and baring teeth) and occasional avoidance behaviour of the male owner within the home environment. Blood tests and X-rays prior to assessment were unremarkable in addition to an unsuccessful analgesic trial. Extensive information gathering was undertaken during the assessment and in the months that followed. Potential motivating factors identified, including gastro-intestinal discomfort, frustration, physical stress (lack of appetite and lack of rest) and defensive behaviour, proved challenging to isolate. A multi-modal approach to behaviour modification was applied, including further exploration of the dog’s health to rule out undiagnosed pain. giardiasis antigen was identified during a faecal screen and treated, resulting in an improved appetite. Potential gait abnormalities were observed leading to examination by a hydro therapist and registered physiotherapist, both of whom could not identify any concern. Following the owner reporting a potential pain response to the dog’s hind-foot being touched, the referring veterinarian opted to prescribe a second analgesic trial using a different medication. Aggressive incidents ceased to occur while the dog was on pain relief, and the aggressive behaviour returned once the trial was completed. This led to the continued use of analgesia and a further cessation of aggressive behaviour, despite no formal health diagnosis being made by the referring veterinarian to date. Information © The Author 2024
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1079/abwcases.2024.0014